2026 Global Fleet and Mobility Barometer from Element, Arval and SMAS Highlights Shift from EV Ambition to Cost and Infrastructure Execution

Executive Summary

• Element Fleet Management, together with Arval and SMAS, released the 2026 Global Fleet and Mobility Barometer covering EV adoption, charging infrastructure, total cost of ownership (TCO) challenges, and employee mobility trends.
• The survey of 10,157 fleet decision‑makers across 33 countries shows a shift from electrification ambition to disciplined execution, with 66% planning or using EVs within three years and 99% implementing or planning charging policies.
• TCO is now the top fleet challenge (31% of respondents), while predictive analytics, real‑time visibility, and integrated mobility platforms are gaining priority.

Key Details

• Survey Scope: 10,157 fleet decision makers; 33 countries.
• EV Adoption:
• 66 % of companies use or plan to deploy EVs within three years.
• 46 % already operate electrified vehicle technologies.
• 68 % cite lack of charging points as a barrier for passenger vehicles; 67 % for light commercial vehicles.
• Charging Policy: 99 % have implemented or intend to implement a charging policy; >50 % are deploying/on‑site charging solutions.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Ranked top fleet challenge by 31 % of respondents (higher in North America & Asia‑Pacific).
• Data‑Driven Management Priorities:
• Predictive maintenance and automated vehicle monitoring.
• Real‑time visibility into vehicles, drivers, routes.
• Centralized platforms integrating cost, sustainability, and mobility data.
• Decarbonization Planning: 26 % of companies plan to formalize decarbonization objectives within three years.
• Employee Mobility Expansion: 94 % have implemented or plan at least one mobility solution (e.g., budgets, car‑sharing, reimbursements); up five points YoY.
• Human Resources Influence: 43 % cite HR priorities as a key driver for mobility strategies.

Notable Quotes

• “Fleet transformation is now defined by execution,” – David Madrigal, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Element Fleet Management.
• “Operational performance has become the primary transformation driver for fleets worldwide,” – Bart Beckers, CCO, Arval.
• “Intelligent mobility platforms and disciplined execution define success,” – Yoshiaki Kageyama, Representative Director & EVP, SMAS.