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Fleets' adoption of EVs is being delayed by cost pressures, according to research by Webfleet and parent company Bridgestone.
A survey of 210 fleet decision-makers found that 76% were postponing their fleet electrification plans.
A further 78% said cost pressures were delaying plans for fleet technology adoption.
Those surveyed did acknowledge risks from potential short-term thinking, with 78% saying that pressure to reduce costs this year would negatively impact their longer-term cost-reduction strategies. Measures being considered included extending fleet replacement standards (72%), laying off staff (61%), and fleet downsizing (32%).
Bridgestone EMIA north region vice president Andrea Manenti said: "Cutting capital spend is the go-to survival strategy for many businesses as rising costs hit their bottom lines. But when it comes to fleet decarbonisation and digital transformation, it is a case of kicking the proverbial can down the road.
"What's more, by deferring expenditure and adopting a short-term approach to cost-control in these areas longer-term profitability risks being compromised.
"With careful planning and management insights, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric vehicles - the cost of procuring, operating and maintaining them - can be lower than for their fossil-fuelled equivalents, resulting in savings over the fleet lifecycle.
"Similarly, the cost of fleet tech investments can be rapidly offset by higher productivity, or by savings on everything from fuel and maintenance to insurance and administration."
Webfleet regional director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions Beverley Wise said: "With the business squeeze continuing to stretch resources, digital systems that harness fleet insights to deliver efficiency and productivity gains can prove invaluable.
"For fleets that have yet to deploy the latest, advanced fleet management solutions, now may be the time to do so. The return-on-investment opportunities - alongside significant sustainability benefits - are far reaching, offering a precious route to greater business resilience when it is needed most."
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