Fleet industry highlights
The UK fleet landscape continues to evolve, bringing with it new opportunities for fleet operators, including a new £1billion fund for zero emission vans and trucks, and a government consultation on minimum emissions standards.
Our Consultancy team have broken down this month’s key stories and what they mean for you and your fleet.
Market growth
UK leasing fleet surpasses two million vehicles
For the first time, the UK leasing fleet has reached over two million vehicles, with a year-on-year growth of 12.9%. This growth is driven by the rise in business contract hire (BCH) and salary sacrifice schemes, as well as driver attitudes towards battery electric vehicles.
Government consultation on new minimum emission vehicle standards
Latest from Westminster
The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a new consultation regarding updating the minimum emission for light and heavy-duty vehicles.
Currently, the UK’s standards are in line with the Euro 6 emission standard, and the Government are proposing they are updated to align with the EU’s Euro 7 emission standard.
For fleet managers, this could have implications for vehicle procurement strategies, compliance planning, and whole-life costs, particularly for fleets operating diesel or petrol vehicles over the medium term, while also influencing the transition towards lower-emission and zero-emission vehicles.
The consultation period will run until Monday 25 May, if you’d like to submit a response.
Submit a response£1billion boost for zero emission vans and trucks
Sustainability grants
The Government has announced a £1billion funding package to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vans and HGVs, alongside expanded support for depot charging infrastructure.
The funding aims to tackle two of the industry’s major barriers: high upfront costs and large-scale charging availability.
This support could significantly improve the commercial viability of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, reducing capital expenditure and easing concerns around operational readiness.
Vehicle grants
- Up to £81,000 per vehicle for the heaviest zero-emission trucks.
- Up to £5,000 per electric van.
Charging infrastructure support
- £170million has been pledged to the expansion of the Depot Charging Scheme, with potential savings of up to £1million per site.
UK petrol and diesel prices continue to rise
Middle East conflict
Although an increase in fuel prices was anticipated, the costs have now become unpredictable. Diesel prices are more affected than petrol prices due to continued demand from commercial activity and logistics.
| Diesel prices | Unleaded petrol prices | |
|---|---|---|
| 10 March 2026 | 155.12 pence per litre | 138.96 pence per litre |
| 8 April 2026 | 190.62 pence per litre | 157.71 pence per litre |
| Difference | +35.5pence per litre | +18.75 pence per litre |
