The debate around electric vehicle range has shifted. A few years ago, companies were satisfied with 250 kilometers on a single charge. In 2026, expectations are considerably higher. Recent research among more than 650 Dutch fleet customers and business drivers shows that a 400-kilometer range is now considered the absolute minimum. And that has consequences for your fleet policy.
Why 400 km is the new standard
The expectations of business drivers have evolved alongside the technology. Modern EVs offer greater range, faster charging, and better performance in cold weather. At the same time, daily use patterns have changed. Hybrid working has resulted in longer, less frequent journeys. An employee who travels to the office three days a week often covers more kilometers on those days, including customer visits and additional stops.
For fleet managers, this means that an EV with a WLTP range of less than 400 kilometers is becoming unacceptable to a growing number of drivers. Not because they cover that distance every day, but because having sufficient margin, comfort, and certainty is essential for acceptance. Range anxiety is no longer primarily a technical issue. It is a matter of perception that can be addressed by selecting the right vehicles.
What this means for your fleet in 2026
Figures from the first quarter of 2026 confirm the trend: the total number of newly registered vehicles is declining slightly, while the share of electric vehicles continues to grow steadily. For Dutch fleets, 2026 will be a year of balance: lower volumes, but higher quality.
In practical terms, fleet managers should focus on three areas:
1. Update your company car policy.
Review your vehicle list and introduce a minimum range requirement of 400 kilometers. More manufacturers now offer mid-range models that meet this standard, keeping the additional cost relatively limited.
2. Align charging infrastructure with vehicle range.
A longer range reduces dependence on public charging stations, but home charging remains essential. Make sure your charging policy and reimbursement process are properly organized, including for employees who do not have a private driveway.
3. Combine EVs with alternative mobility options.
Not every journey needs to be made by car. A smart mobility budget gives drivers the flexibility to use the train for longer distances and deploy the EV where it performs best: commuting and regional travel.
The role of TCO and taxable benefit
The total cost of ownership of electric vehicles with a range of more than 400 kilometers is more competitive in 2026 than ever before. Although the taxable benefit for EVs is gradually increasing, it remains lower than for fossil-fuel alternatives. Combined with lower maintenance and energy costs, the business case remains clearly positive for most fleets.
CO₂ reporting is also becoming increasingly important. With CSRD requirements approaching, organizations are looking to make their business mobility more sustainable. A fleet consisting exclusively of EVs with a range of more than 400 kilometers is not only more comfortable for drivers, but also much easier to account for in sustainability reporting.
Looking ahead with the right platform
The shift toward longer-range EVs is not a temporary trend. It is a logical consequence of a maturing market. In 2026, business drivers expect the same level of convenience from an EV as they do from a traditional combustion-engine vehicle, and modern electric vehicles are increasingly able to provide it.
Would you like to understand how your fleet currently performs and where the opportunities lie? With a centralized mobility platform such as Fleet, you maintain control over your company car policy, charging costs, taxable benefits, and CO₂ emissions. This turns the range requirement from an obstacle into an opportunity to make your mobility policy future-proof.