Fueling tomorrow’s fleet: the path to a sustainable future

Let’s be honest – change is here whether we’re ready or not. Diesel has been the workhorse of commercial transport for decades and still remains essential for many fleets today. However, with rising costs, tightening emissions rules, and Net Zero commitments becoming central to business strategies, it’s time to consider how we fuel our fleets in the future.

This isn’t about chasing trends or reacting to the latest headline – it’s about finding what’s practical, scalable, and fits the needs of real-world operations. Let’s have a look at the options.

Still running on diesel? You’re not alone

Diesel has been – and still is – the backbone of commercial transport. It offers the range, torque and reliability that heavy-duty vehicles require, especially in long-haul and high-load applications.

That said, it’s also clear that diesel is under more scrutiny than ever. Low-emission zones, evolving regulations, and public and stakeholder pressure are pushing fleets to consider cleaner alternatives or at least cleaner blends. While political landscapes and some emissions targets may evolve, the shift towards greener solutions remains a clear, long-term trend.

The takeaway? Diesel isn’t disappearing overnight, but being proactive about transitioning your fleet is key to staying ahead.

The real alternatives: what’s gaining ground

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)

These are the poster child for fleet electrification—and for good reason. They’re clean, quiet, and increasingly practical.

• Best fit: Last-mile delivery, urban ops, depot-based fleets
• Pros: Zero tailpipe emissions, far fewer moving parts to maintain, and  governments likes them – so there are often grants or tax perks
• Cons: Public charging infrastructure is still not sufficient. You’ll need to think seriously about depot charging and route planning.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) & hybrids

A stepping stone for fleets not quite ready to go full electric.

• Best fit: Fleets doing a bit of everything – city, suburb, some motorway
• Pros:  Short electric-only range for clean zones, but the engine kicks in when needed. Familiar tech for drivers
• Cons: You’re still using fossil fuel, and the real-world efficiency depends on how they’re driven and charged

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

This one’s gaining momentum – especially for HGVs – but it’s still at the early stages.

• Best fit: Long-haul, high-mileage, heavy-duty vehicles
• Pros:  Refuels like diesel (in minutes), great range, and zero tailpipe emissions
• Cons: Infrastructure is thin on the ground, and making truly green hydrogen is still a work in progress

Biofuels (biodiesel, renewable diesel)

If you want a greener footprint without overhauling your fleet, biofuels are worth checking out.

• Best fit: Operators looking for near-term carbon reductions with existing diesel engines
• Pros: Minimal vehicle modification required – just check compatibility
• Cons: Availability can vary regionally, and it’s worth checking the sustainability credentials of your source

CNG/LNG (compressed or liquefied natural gas)

These fuels are already being used in waste, bus, and regional logistics fleets.

• Best fit: Vehicles with predictable routes and centralized refueling access
• Pros: Lower CO2 and NOx than diesel, and many fleets report good TCO
• Cons: You’ll need dedicated fueling infrastructure, and methane leakage (if not handled properly) is a major concern for emissions.

Synthetic fuels (e-fuels)

This one’s more future-gazing, but interesting.

• Best fit: Fleets looking to future-proof their diesel engines
• Pros: Chemically similar to fossil fuels, so can be used in existing vehicles and infrastructure
• Cons: Expensive and energy-intensive to produce – for now, it’s mostly pilot projects and R&D

Emerging fuels to watch

While not yet widespread in commercial fleets, other options like HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and LPG (Autogas) are gaining attention in specific markets.

Technologies like dual-fuel systems and even solar-assisted electric vehicles are being trialed for niche applications.

They may not be ready to use today — but they could play a role in blended fleet strategies in the future.

So… what should you use?

You know your fleet better than anyone, so let’s keep it simple. Ask yourself:

• Are you city-based or covering distance?
• Running light vans or heavy-duty trucks?
• Can you access the fuel or charge points you need?
• What are your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) goals – not just fuel, but maintenance and uptime?
• What sustainability targets are you actually on the hook for?

It’s really not a one size fits all solution, but the smarter your planning, the more prepared you’ll be when regulations or costs shift again.

Looking to the future

Battery range is improving. Hydrogen might find its stride. And synthetic fuels could play a key role in decarbonizing legacy fleets. As businesses work towards Net Zero targets, one thing’s certain: most fleets won’t have the luxury of choosing just one fuel type. Expect a blended future – and be ready to adapt.

Final thoughts

This is about progress, not perfection. Whether you’re trialing EVs for local drops, running CNG for your city buses, or keeping diesel alive a little longer while exploring alternatives – taking action now is key. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but the future of commercial fleet fuels is multi-faceted, and it’s important to start planning for it today. Achieving Net Zero might be a long-term goal, but every step taken now counts.

If you’re looking to transition your fleet to alternative fuels, we can support you with in-depth telematics, helping you make data-driven decisions every step of the way. Get in touch today to learn how we can help.