UK Takes Lead in Electric Fleets as AutoTrader Unveils Sustainability Ratings for Cars

UK-based companies are stepping up as global front-runners in the shift to electric fleets, according to the Climate Group’s latest annual update on the EV100 initiative. Alongside this update, the organisation has also fine-tuned its guidance for members setting fleet electrification goals.

First launched in 2017, EV100 is a global platform that encourages businesses to switch their vehicle fleets to zero-emission alternatives. It also provides a platform for companies to advocate for stronger EV policies and share insights across various industries.

So far, more than 120 companies have joined the initiative. Together, they operate over 700,000 zero-emission vehicles, the majority of which are electric. And while the group spans multiple regions, UK-based firms are proving especially ambitious. Major players like BT Group, Aviva, GlaxoSmithKline, and Heathrow Airport are all paving the way.

Globally, the UK is in good company. Longtime leaders Norway and China continue to set the pace, while newer entries like Singapore, South Korea, and Ethiopia have made significant strides in recent years. However, other regions, including parts of Latin America and Asia, such as Japan, are lagging. Limited infrastructure and policy support remain major hurdles in these areas.

To accommodate these regional disparities, EV100 is adjusting its expectations. Rather than requiring all members to hit a blanket 2030 deadline for converting light-duty vehicles, the initiative will now implement deadlines tailored to specific regions.

In a nod to companies that are still testing the waters, the Climate Group has also launched the EV100 Pledge Network. This new track offers businesses the opportunity to explore EV adoption at their own pace without immediately committing to the complete EV100 requirements.

One facet has been made more stringent; EV100 will cease accepting pledges for businesses to adopt plug-in hybrids. It stated that while these vehicles were broadly considered “bridging technology in the early stages of the transition”, zero-emission vehicles are more accessible now due to factors such as better charging infrastructure.

Commenting on the changes, New AutoMotive CEO Ben Nelmes said: “Companies operating in markets with the most comprehensive and supportive policies will unlock a productivity boost. Companies operating in markets that are still getting ready for electrification should be reassured that progress is possible and likely as governments increasingly put in place support for charging infrastructure and incentives to support commercial fleets to go electric.”

On a related note, AutoTrader, one of the UK’s most significant car marketplaces, is rolling out a sustainability score as part of its vehicle reviews. The new rating, introduced during the company’s recent Drivers’ Choice Awards in London, will be available starting in autumn 2025.

These scores will be evaluated alongside traditional review factors, including safety, fuel efficiency, comfort, and reliability. Vehicles can earn up to five sustainability stars. Two of those will reflect the manufacturer’s broader environmental efforts. At the same time, the other three will focus on the specific car model.

To determine brand-level ratings, AutoTrader will draw from respected sources like the World Benchmarking Alliance’s Automotive and Transportation Manufacturers Benchmark. This covers everything from emissions reduction and R&D to supply chain ethics and workforce management. AutoTrader will also align its presentation of green credentials with the UK’s Green Claims Code, ensuring that environmental claims are clear, accurate, and backed by data.

AutoTrader’s editorial director Erin Baker said: “Our scheme aims to be data-driven, transparent, fair and honest, whilst rooted in editorial expertise at both brand and model levels based on Autotrader’s decades-long working relationships with car brands.

“The new ratings will help car owners better understand the carbon footprint of these vehicles over the duration of ownership, as well as arming them with unique insights about how sustainable the supply chain is, including raw materials, so they can make an informed decision on their next car purchase with sustainability in mind.”