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New innovations fuel fleet electrification across Europe

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As fleet decarbonisation gains momentum across Europe, driven by growing corporate social responsibility goals and tightening government regulations, Arval has stepped up with a suite of new solutions aimed at removing key barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

According to the latest Fleet and Mobility Barometer from the Arval Mobility Observatory, based on over 8,000 interviews with corporate fleet managers, the lack of public charging infrastructure remains the top challenge for EV adoption. In response, Arval has enriched its mobility ecosystem with a series of digital and hardware innovations that simplify EV charging, optimise electric journeys, and support fleet managers through the energy transition.

Revolutionising charging access: the Arval Energy Card

The Arval Energy Card is a modernised multi-powertrain solution that grants access to more than 850,000 charging points across Europe, with that number continually growing. The card integrates electric charging and service payments into a single system, enabling drivers to locate, access, and pay for charging effortlessly and securely, without upfront costs.

This all-in-one mobility tool is now available in countries including France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Slovakia, and others soon to follow.

Smart navigation: the Arval EV Route Planner

To further enhance the EV driving experience, Arval will soon roll out a smart EV Route Planner within the MyArval for drivers mobile app. The tool calculates optimal routes based on a vehicle’s charge level, range, and real-time station availability. Leveraging Arval’s network of preferred charging providers, the planner ensures cost-efficient, trustworthy, and accessible charging options with competitive pricing.

Portable innovation: Arval Energy Cable replaces traditional charging

In partnership with Austrian start-up DiniTech, Arval is piloting the NRGkick-based Arval Energy Cable, a game-changing portable charging system that eliminates the need for fixed wallbox installations. This smart cable, currently being tested in Austria, offers flexible charging at a wide range of socket types, including domestic outlets. Features include time-controlled charging and comprehensive charging analytics, all accessible via the companion app. Currently in a test phase, this smart cable promises to simplify and transform the way electric vehicles are charged on the go.

Empowering fleet managers: telematics meets decarbonisation strategy

Arval is also introducing new functionality within its MyArval portal for fleet managers, integrated with Arval Connect telematics. Managers can now monitor real CO₂ emissions and energy consumption per vehicle, identify underutilised assets, and receive actionable recommendations on which combustion vehicles could be replaced with EVs.

“The future of sustainable mobility lies not just in the quantity of charging points but in smarter, more accessible solutions,” said Alain van Groenendael, CEO of Arval.

“By offering a wide range of new services, Arval empowers businesses to effortlessly manage on-the-go charging, accelerating their journey towards fleet decarbonisation. Thanks to our consulting STAR Methodology (Strategic Transformation through Actionable Recommendations), our strong network of IT start-ups and our internal charging point experts, we ensure to provide an efficient ecosystem for BEV and hybrid vehicle drivers and fleet managers.”

Commitment to electric growth

Arval has committed to leasing 400,000 battery electric vehicles globally by the end of 2026. Between December 2023 and 2024 alone, the number of EVs in Arval’s leased fleet grew by 52%, signalling clear progress in its sustainability mission.