Business leader Tim Albertsen of Ayvens highlights the growing demand for decarbonized fleet solutions among their consumer base.

The market for electric vehicles (EVs) is experiencing a significant push, driven by government incentives and support. This trend is not limited to passenger cars, as the electrification of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) is also gaining traction.

In a recent development, Tim Albertsen, CEO of Ayvens, announced his retirement effective from December 1st. He plans to take a long-awaited vacation, improve his tennis skills, and spend more time with his family. However, before stepping down, Albertsen expressed concerns about the residual values of electric cars in the UK due to the lack of tariffs and an influx of cheap EVs from Chinese manufacturers.

The landscape of company cars is undergoing changes in various European countries. For instance, in France, it is more expensive for employers to provide a company car. Similarly, in the Netherlands, France, and Italy, significant benefit-in-kind tax changes have made company cars more expensive.

In contrast, the UK has seen a shift away from traditional company cars, with salary sacrifice programs becoming more common. This trend could be a response to concerns about the residual values of EVs, as Albertsen suggested.

The Q2 2025 results of Ayvens showed an increase in revenues and pre-tax profits, perhaps indicating a positive outlook for the EV market despite the challenges.

The electrification of LCVs is more common in companies with a depot for charging installation. This is a crucial factor considering that the electric LCV market is approximately three to four years behind passenger cars in terms of electrification. Some fleet decisions have been stalled due to the need for revisions in car policies and employee awareness of changes.

Despite these challenges, many large corporate clients are electrifying their fleets as part of their strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agendas. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are expected to have higher depreciation due to their initial high cost and rapid technological evolution.

The integration of ALD and LeasePlan is progressing, with the legal merger already taking place in the Netherlands and data migration to one platform expected in 2026. This merger could potentially streamline the EV market, making it more efficient and accessible.

Europe is actively advancing the electrification of commercial vehicle fleets. Plans are in place to establish over 1,000 electric truck charging points across key transport corridors by the end of 2025. Major manufacturers like MAN, Volvo, Daimler, and Scania are involved in production and deployment, while infrastructure development is supported by collaborations with energy providers and EU funding.

Countries with a high EV penetration, such as Nordic countries and Norway, have a well-established charging infrastructure. In Southern Europe, the penetration of EVs is low, but over the next five years, mainland Europe could resemble the UK in this regard.

In an exclusive interview with Fleet Europe, CEO Tim Albertsen discussed the results of Ayvens and the current state of the EV market. As the electrification of commercial vehicle fleets continues to progress, it will be interesting to see how the market evolves and how challenges such as residual values and infrastructure are addressed.

Business leader Tim Albertsen of Ayvens highlights the growing demand for decarbonized fleet solutions among their consumer base.