Corporate Mobility in Action

By Duncan Green, Commercial Operations Director at Drivalia

The corporate mobility landscape is undergoing a rapid amount of change, with significant implications for fleet managers tasked with balancing operational efficiency, cost control and sustainability. In 2025, the resurgence of return-to-work mandates has driven a significant increase in employer-issued vehicles. HMRC data highlights this trend, with company car benefit recipients rising to 840,000, a year-on-year increase of 80,000. Outside of this, company car drivers continue to drive the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), aided by evolving tax regimes that continue to stimulate the sector.

Against this backdrop, fleet managers are presented with a pivotal opportunity to reassess their own workplace mobility strategy to optimise both cost-efficiency and operational adaptability. One high-potential solution is long-term rental agreements.

Financial Certainty and Control

One of the most compelling benefits of long-term car rentals for fleet managers lies in their ability to turn unpredictable fleet expenses into fixed, manageable costs. Unlike vehicle ownership, which ties businesses to fluctuating residual values, rental agreements stabilise expenses by converting variable costs into fixed, manageable outlays through contract hire operating leases.

A key financial advantage for fleet operators is the ability to seamlessly integrate maintenance costs into the rental agreement. For businesses with large fleets or heavy operational reliance on vehicles, this provides crucial protection against unforeseen repair expenses. With maintenance included, companies can shield themselves from the operational and financial disruptions caused by vehicle downtime.

Key takeaway? Long-term rentals turn fleet management into a predictable, controllable cost centre while providing opportunities for tax optimisation, particularly as businesses transition to greener fleets.

Simplified Operations and Risk Reduction

From an operational perspective, long-term rentals can simplify operations by integrating essential functions such as acquisition, maintenance, and compliance into one seamless, user-friendly solution. This consolidation reduces the admin burden, freeing up resources to focus on higher-value initiatives.

More importantly, long-term rentals provide comprehensive safety oversight that protects both the business and its employees. This includes essential measures such as scheduled vehicle maintenance and regular driving license checks, to ensure regulatory compliance and protect business from liability. By mitigating these operational risks, organisations can safeguard their employees and sustain productivity.

Key takeaway? By simplifying fleet oversight and embedding risk management into mobility strategies, companies can achieve higher productivity and reduce exposure to financial and reputational risks.

Adapting to Mobility Trends

Unlike traditional ownership models, long-term rentals are inherently scalable. Businesses can adjust the size and composition of their fleets in response to fluctuating demands, whether due to seasonal changes, shifts in workforce size, or broader market trends. This scalability ensures companies can maintain operational efficiency without overcommitting to assets.

As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of corporate strategy, long-term rentals provide a low-risk pathway to transition to EV fleets. This is why at Drivalia we are committed to having over 50% of our fleet be fully electric by 2026 and are planning to have installed 2,500 charging stations across Europe by the same time to support our network.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, EV registrations recently reached a 48.5% market share highlighting their growing presence. By utilising rentals, companies can test and scale EV integration incrementally, reducing exposure to upfront costs while ensuring readiness for regulatory and market demands. There are also many tax advantages further enhancing the financial case for long-term rentals.

Key Takeaway? Long-term rentals provide scalable, cost-efficient solutions that adapt to market trends, including the transition to greener operations.

Steering Towards Smarter

As the mobility sector continues to evolve, the balance between cost efficiency, sustainability, and operational flexibility becomes increasingly critical. For those in-charge of managing corporate fleets, this is less about day-to-day management and more about aligning mobility strategies with enterprise-wide objectives. The right approach can enhance not only cost control but also long-term resilience and employee satisfaction, key assets in building a competitive edge.

At Drivalia, we are equipped to help businesses of all sizes navigate this journey. To explore our diverse range of EVs, discover the convenience of charging infrastructure, and find the perfect solution for sustainable and flexible mobility, click here.