Fleet management in 2025 is poised to undergo transformation driven by advancements in technology, evolving regulatory landscapes, and changing business needs.
Looking at what this may mean from a tyre management perspective for fleets, with an increasing number of electric cars present, ensuring the most economical and reliable EV tyres are utilised will be a significant consideration for transport managers in 2025.
As of mid-2024*, for fleets and businesses, data showed demand for electrified vehicles rose, with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) recording the highest growth of all powertrains, up 31.5% to reach an 8.0% market share, and hybrids (HEVs) rising 9.6%, maintaining their status as the third most popular fuel type after petrol and battery electric at 13.2% of the market.
Image: Davanti Tyres
As EVs have become increasingly more common, questions have been raised about the durability of tyres when fitted on EVs. Peter Cross, Davanti Tyres General Manager, advises: “As a tyre manufacturer, we are well aware of how the weight distribution in EVs puts different pressure on tyres, and it is something our team of engineers is focusing on more when producing new products which potentially may be fitted to electric cars. We know customers are looking for tyres that are both reliable and provide great strength, considering the extra force on the tyre.”
With such a clear movement towards EVs for fleets and businesses, it is important tyre manufacturers react accordingly. Peter adds: “The trends we see across the automotive sector, and the clear uptake of EVs within fleets, helps guide the team about the next generation of tyres we develop. With every tyre we research and manufacture, durability, safety and reliability in different conditions and terrains are always thoroughly examined – including tyres we create with EVs in mind.
“Davanti’s DX440 light commercial van tyre is a great example of something we created with EV requirements considered – it is the perfect product for fleets, offering an all-purpose tyre that is a popular choice for delivery drivers and tradesmen driving traditional electric vehicles. The DX440 was always designed to be versatile, and extensive testing highlights it maintains the quality and reliable performance transport operators need – we are also proud that it is the 100% OE tyre for the electric VN5 van from LEVC.”
Peter continues: “For fleet managers, as EVs are added to the list of vehicles they are responsible for, it is essential as a tyre manufacturer that we communicate the importance of having the right tyre on cars, including tyres suitable for EVs. As more and more businesses look to transition to EV, this education is something that as a brand, we have a responsibility to help with.”
*https://www.smmt.co.uk/2024/06/new-car-market-holds-steady-as-fleets-drive-growth/
