UK fleets choose eco-friendly tyres over EVs for sustainability goals

Switching to electric vehicles is among the most uncommon sustainability objectives for UK fleets, according to a new report from Goodyear.

Goodyear’s ‘Sustainability Reality’ survey analysed the specific actions transport companies and truck fleets have taken to help reduce carbon emissions.

However, some of the most popular sustainability solutions consisted of fuel-efficient tyres, telematics solutions to monitor and reduce fuel consumption and fuel consumption objectives for drivers or implementation of driver training.

Alternative drivetrains, such as hybrid and electric, were among some of the least popular solutions, however, along with retreated tyres and the deployment of higher capacity vehicles or duo trailers.

Despite this, the report found that 61% of UK fleets have set formalized sustainability objectives, with a further 27% expected to introduce similar plans this year.

Maciej Szymanski, director of marketing for Commercial Business Europe at Goodyear, said: “It’s heartening to see that fleets are responding so positively to the challenge of climate change. For such a large number to not only be taking action, but to be putting plans in place out of a genuine concern for environment, as opposed to simply to appeal to new customers, is incredibly encouraging.

“The challenge facing the industry now is meeting those objectives, as well as stressing their importance to those fleets that haven’t yet taken action.”

The report also examined obstacles preventing fleets from operating more sustainably, with cost being the most prevalent, with 52% of respondents citing this as the biggest barrier. In addition, 36% of participants listed the complexity of switching to an electric fleet as the biggest challenge.

The survey, which consisted of 92 fleets throughout the UK, also found that 75% said financial incentives would encourage them to improve their sustainability goals, with 48% calling for easier solutions to follow.

In terms of the motivation to implement sustainability objectives, the majority (63%) cited concern for the environment or corporate values.

Szymanski added: “Making the industry more sustainable is going to take time, and of course, there are still hurdles for fleets to overcome. As the industry moves towards a greener future, we’re seeing a clear need for solutions that will help meet those sustainability goals. It’s critical that suppliers rise to that challenge, and provide straightforward solutions that can be easily implemented, in order to help them on their journey.”