Public sector fleets have a critical role to play in the UK’s progress toward net zero. That was the clear message from our recent webinar, Driving change: decarbonising public sector fleets.
Transport continues to represent over a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, and public sector leadership is needed now more than ever.
We were joined by speakers from across the sector, who each shared practical insights for accelerating action.
Here are some of the key takeaways.
The urgency to act is growing
The fleet decisions made today will still be felt in 2030 and beyond, so delaying action risks locking in emissions and higher lifetime costs.
As Laura Atkinson from here at Energy Saving Trust outlined, electrification is now an operationally and commercially viable route for a significant share of fleet vehicles.
Key insights included:
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EV technology has matured with increased range and capability.
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There is now greater availability of models that meet public sector operational needs.
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Whole-life savings are real due to reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
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Grid engagement must begin early to avoid future bottlenecks.
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Data-driven fleet analysis enables informed and confident planning.
Laura emphasised that the coming 12–24 months are critical for keeping on track with net zero timelines:
The message was clear: the transition is no longer just possible, it is necessary and increasingly cost-effective.
Collaboration in Scotland is accelerating progress
Scotland provides a strong example of what coordinated leadership can achieve. Gordon Manson discussed how information-sharing and standardised support are removing barriers and enabling faster progress.
Central to Scotland’s success is:
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Consistent regional data insight.
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A Fleet Decarbonisation Forum for shared problem-solving and confidence-building.
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Collaboration between local bodies and national policy teams.
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A focus on achievable, well-sequenced transitions.
Authorities do not need to solve the same challenges independently. By learning from peers, efforts can scale quickly while reducing project risk.
Check out our fleet decarbonisation toolkit.
Decarbonisation is also about people and behaviour
Technology enables electrification, but people make it work. Adrian Hampton from Wiltshire Council provided relatable, practical lessons from a real fleet transition underway today.
Top learnings included:
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Start with the easy wins: early vehicles were those already suited to electrification.
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Depot charging is sufficient for the majority of current use cases.
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Staff engagement is essential to overcome hesitation and build confidence.
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Demonstrator vehicles help change perceptions through direct experience.
Fleet transformation is not only procedural, it is cultural.
Authorities must take their workforce with them to ensure maximum operational success.
Read about Wiltshire Council’s fleet success with Energy Saving Trust.
Practical progress through flexible solutions
Ryan Bushell, Head of Public Sector at Enterprise Mobility, highlighted the importance of taking practical steps even when budgets are tight and uncertainty is high.
Quoting Voltaire — “don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good” — he stressed that meaningful progress begins by starting somewhere and building on real-world learning.
Examples from their partners demonstrate success through flexibility:
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HMRC shifting to car-club usage to reduce delivery miles and CO₂.
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Jigsaw Housing piloting EV vans to inform future investment.
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National Highways adopting an EV-first rental policy to increase cultural acceptance.
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A Wiltshire housing organisation removing 370,000 delivery miles from operations.
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Dundee City Council trialling EVs to learn daily operational needs.
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Shetland Islands enabling shared EV use for residents and service providers.
Ryan’s message centred on:
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Starting small to build evidence
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Focusing on wider organisational benefits
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Avoiding lock-in during rapid technological change
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Using supply chain partnerships to accelerate action
Every second counts; the climate challenge does not wait.