Are electric vehicles the only answer to fleet emissions?
Not quite. While electric vehicles (EVs) are a powerful tool in the journey toward fleet decarbonisation, they’re not always the most practical solution – at least not yet.
High upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, and operational restrictions in remote areas mean the transition to EVs isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. In fact, some governments have even started to relax EV mandates, buying organisations more time to explore alternative approaches to emissions reductions.
But that doesn’t mean doing nothing. Instead of going all in on EVs, there are still plenty of impactful ways to reduce your fleet’s environmental footprint - all using the vehicles and resources you already have. Here’s how.
1. Switch to a shared transport model
Reducing kilometres travelled is one of the fastest ways to lower fleet emissions. A shared-use model improves utilisation and reduces the need for an oversized fleet.
Adopt a pooled fleet: Reassigning vehicles from individual use to a centralised pool instantly boosts efficiency. One vehicle can now meet multiple journey requirements.
Encourage ride sharing, where possible
Promote the use of public transport, walking, or e-bikes for short-distance travel
Utilise a third-party such as Uber to satisfy peak demand periods
2. Plan tasks and journeys more efficiently
Smarter planning = fewer emissions. With modern trip planning tools, you can cut down on unnecessary kilometres and idle time.
Use trip planning and route optimisation software to make data-informed decisions that reduce time on the road
Leverage telematics to analyse productivity across trips and teams. Identify where schedules are inefficient or vehicles are underutilised
Batch jobs geographically to reduce back-and-forth driving
3. Prioritise preventative maintenance
A well-maintained vehicle runs cleaner, safer, and more efficiently.
Target 80% scheduled to 20% unscheduled maintenance as a best-pracitce benchmark
Maintain tyre pressures and wheel alignment regularly
Replace dirty air filters and resolve engine faults quickly.
Reduce vehicle weight by removing unnecessary items from inside and outside the vehicle
Adopt predictive maintenance tools that help detect issues before they impact fuel efficiency
4. Choose the right vehicle for the job
Vehicle selection has a major impact on emissions, even among ICE models.
Audit your current vehicle usage: Are you deploying large utes or SUVs where a smaller vehicle would do?
Challenge traditional vehicle allocations: Many departments stick with off-road vehicles due to tradition, not need.
Where EVs aren’t viable, consider more efficient petrol or hybrid models
“You need to break down the actual use case – number of passengers, luggage, the need for four-wheel drive or off-road capabilities – and decide if the vehicle is really needed or if another option like car share, taxis, or even e-bikes would do.” Rich Mitchell, Aurecon Group
5. Monitor and promote eco-friendly driving habits
Driver behaviour has a direct impact on your fleet’s fuel consumption and emissions profile.
Provide eco-driving training to teach smooth acceleration, maintain steady speeds, minimise unnecessary braking, and efficient gear use
Use telematics to track behaviour such as harsh braking, execsivve idling, or speeding
Idling is one of the simplest yet most avoidable emissions sources.
Enforce anti-idling rules for all fleet vehicles, particularly in loading zones or during deliveries.
Encourage engine shut-off during long stops or roadworks
Adjust route planning to minimise traffic congestion and wait times
Final thoughts
Reducing fleet emissions doesn't have to mean an immediate transition to EVs. Many of the most effective emissions reductions strategies are about smarter management, and behavioural change, not expensive new technologies.
By reframing the challenge around efficiency and productivity, fleet managers can take meaningful action to reduce emissions today - without waiting for EVs to be the perfect fit.
