Fleet & Fuel Roundup 14 November 2025

Your weekly insight into the developments shaping UK fuel prices, fleet costs, and transport policy.

EV Mileage Tax Proposal Takes Shape

More detail has emerged this week around the Government's proposed road tax on electric vehicles. The plan is for a 3p-per-mile charge on EVs from April 2028, with plug-in hybrids paying less and battery-electric vans potentially exempt.

Fleet and leasing associations have warned this could delay EV decision-making across high-mileage sectors. The Association of Fleet Professionals called for urgent clarity, warning some operators may revert to diesel procurement until cost forecasts are clearer.

What this means for your fleet:

• Rework long-term cost models for electric cars and vans
• Build scenario plans for procurement cycles covering 2026-2029
• Watch for formal Budget announcements in the coming weeks

The uncertainty around tax policy is now a material factor in fleet planning. Operators who wait for clarity risk being caught unprepared when rates are confirmed.

Congestion Charge Hike Targets EVs Too

From January 2026, London's Congestion Charge will rise to £18, with electric vehicles no longer exempt. EV cars will pay £13.50, while EV vans and HGVs will pay £9.

City Hall says the move reflects the maturity of the EV market. Fleet bodies say it penalises early adopters and sends the wrong signal.

Actions to consider:

• Review routing options for drivers operating within the charging zone
• Model new costs into route plans and client pricing
• Update operational budgets for London-based or city-centre fleets
• Explore alternative delivery windows or depot locations where feasible

If your drivers operate within or near the charging zone, the time to act is now.

Battery Tech Breakthrough Promises Faster Charging

UK-based firm Hydrohertz this week unveiled a thermal management system that could revolutionise EV charging. In trials, their "Dectravalve" design enabled 10-80% charges in just 10 minutes on a 350 kW charger, a near 70% improvement over typical performance.

The system also improved range per charge by around 10% by keeping battery temperatures lower, with the added benefit of greater energy efficiency and longevity.

Why this matters for fleets:

• Faster turnaround times for vehicles on shift work
• Reduced downtime and greater operational flexibility
• Lower lifetime battery degradation and replacement costs
• Enhanced viability for high-utilisation routes

As this technology moves from trials to production, it could shift the economics of electric fleet adoption significantly.

EV in Action: Heavy-Duty Trials Impress

Salford City Council's trial of the Mercedes-Benz eEconic electric refuse truck delivered a full 1,200-bin collection round with up to 60% battery left.

Drivers praised its performance and comfort compared to diesel equivalents, noting reduced fatigue and lower noise. The trial demonstrated that heavy-duty EVs can now handle demanding, real-world municipal operations without compromising on productivity.

For fleets operating in the public sector, last-mile, or logistics sectors, trials like these show how far EV capability has come in real-world conditions.

Biofuel & HVO Availability Still Patchy

Several operators reported regional patchiness in HVO and biodiesel availability this week, particularly outside major trunk routes. While demand for cleaner drop-in fuels continues to grow, limited access and inconsistent pricing are still barriers.

If you're considering lower-emission diesel alternatives, it may be worth reviewing route coverage and cost forecasts for the remainder of Q4. In many cases, traditional diesel still remains the more practical choice, especially for multi-site fleets without consistent supplier support.