Return-to-home fleets are under more pressure than ever. Energy prices are volatile, charging is happening at all the wrong times, and 2026 reporting requirements are edging closer by the day. But with the right data and the right approach, fleets can turn these challenges into commercial advantage.

Based on insights shared by fleet, energy and sustainability industry experts, here are the five biggest things every fleet leader should consider as they plan for the next phase of electrification and where connected technology can make a mesarurable difference. 

1. Automated intelligent charging decisions can reduce costs immediately

Across the UK, thousands of fleet drivers plug in the moment they get home, often right at the evening peak. That behaviour alone is costing businesses millions in unnecessary energy spend.

By shifting charging to cheaper, greener windows, fleets can unlock instant savings. The technology exists today to automate these decisions for drivers, shifting their charging schedules to align with cheaper charging opportunities. The best part, this can be achieved without drivers needing to change anything, all via an intelligent app.

The message is clear: vehicles are always charged and costs can be reduced, via a simple software switch.

2. Connected data is essential for accurate carbon reporting

Many fleets still rely on fragmented data from home, depot and public charging. That lack of visibility makes it difficult to understand real consumption patterns, track emissions or prepare for audits, especially with 2026 Sustainability Disclosure Requirements approaching.

Bringing charging and energy data into one platform enables real-time accuracy, clear insights into emissions and smooth, audit-ready reporting. It also helps fleets identify inefficiencies sooner and make confident decisions.

Unified data turns carbon reporting from a manual headache into a dependable, repeatable process.

3. Parked EVs are a new revenue stream waiting to be unlocked

A major theme from the discussion was flexibility. When EVs sit idle, especially overnight at drivers’ homes, they represent an untapped asset that can help support the grid at peak times and generate income for the fleet.

With the right permissions and intelligent controls, fleets can participate in flexibility markets without compromising vehicle readiness or driver experience. Early adopters are already seeing meaningful returns.

EVs aren’t just a cost, they’re a new class of energy assets capable of creating recurring revenue.

4. Automation removes admin for managers and drivers

Manual admin continues to slow down fleet operations, from reimbursement to charging analysis to carbon reporting. Automation was highlighted as one of the biggest opportunities to remove friction and improve accuracy.

Automated data flows, verified charging records, and AI-driven insights reduce the burden on both managers and drivers. Drivers avoid being out of pocket; managers gain clarity; reporting becomes simpler and more reliable.

Automation frees fleets from time-consuming, error-prone processes and turns data into clarity. 

5. A connected energy-vehicle ecosystem is the new competitive advantage

The fleets getting ahead are the ones connecting their charging patterns, tariffs, vehicle needs and operational processes into a single, coherent system.

With everything working together, fleets can:

• Reduce charging costs through intelligent scheduling
• Strengthen ESG reporting with audit-ready data
• Improve driver experience and behavioural consistency
• Unlock revenue through flexibility
• Make faster, more confident decisions

Final thought

The fleets that succeed over the next two years won’t be the ones adding more systems or creating more admin but they’ll be the ones connecting what they already have, charging data, driver behaviour, tariffs and reporting, into one intelligent ecosystem that reduces cost, simplifies compliance and unlocks new value from electrification.

This is exactly what our Energy Operating System is designed to enable: automated smart charging, unified carbon reporting, meaningful flexibility revenue and simpler day-to-day operations for both managers and drivers.

Listen to the full discussion and explore the insights in more depth by watching our webinar Reducing Fleet Costs, Cutting Carbon and Unlocking Flexibility Revenue on demand.

Or reach out if you want to have a personalised view on what we can do for your fleet.