As the world races to decarbonise transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche solution but a strategic imperative for businesses and industries alike. For commercial fleets in particular, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is being driven by a powerful combination of regulatory pressure, rising fuel costs and growing corporate sustainability commitments.
From last-mile delivery vans to heavy-duty trucks, fleet operators are now navigating a complex landscape of evolving infrastructure, policy incentives and total cost of ownership (TCO). In this environment, staying ahead of the curve is not just about compliance, it’s about unlocking competitive advantage.
Global trends: The commercial EV market is scaling fast
The global commercial vehicle market is undergoing a profound transformation driven by rising demand for goods transportation, logistics expansion and fleet modernisation.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continue to outpace diesel models in market growth rate and fleet adoption, supported by falling battery costs and increased investment in production capacity.
According to recent analysis, the global commercial vehicle market size is projected to grow from approximately AUD 2.04 trillion in 2025 to AUD 3.52 trillion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.6 per cent during 2026-2035.(1)
The Asia Pacific region is still leading this growth, supported by rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and expanding infrastructure development, including charging networks and innovation in energy-efficient vehicle design.
Ultra-fast chargers capable of delivering up to 475 kW can now replenish batteries to 80 per cent in under 20 minutes, significantly narrowing the convenience gap between electric and diesel vehicles.
Dedicated networks for heavy-duty EVs are starting to be deployed across highways and urban hubs, with many powered or supplemented by on-site renewables to reduce grid strain and enhance sustainability.
Australia’s commercial EV landscape: A market in motion
Australia is making meaningful progress in commercial eMobility.
“As of 2024, we’re seeing 18 electric truck models and 10 electric van or ute models available in the Australian market, spanning light, medium and heavy-duty categories. That’s a significant leap forward in just a few years,” DLL National Sales Lead Transportation Stephen Denlow says.
Denlow points to major fleets like Woolworths as examples of early leadership. “Woolworths has committed to fully electrifying its 1,200-vehicle delivery fleet by 2030. That kind of leadership is helping to set the pace for the rest of the industry,” he says.
He also highlights the role of policy in driving adoption.
“EVs made up 9.5 per cent of all new vehicle sales in Australia in 2024, and the commercial segment is gaining real traction. Incentives like Fringe Benefits Tax exemptions, instant asset write-offs and access to green financing are making a tangible difference for businesses,” he says.
However, Denlow acknowledges that challenges remain.
“Infrastructure gaps, high upfront costs and limited heavy-duty model availability are still barriers. But what’s encouraging is the level of collaboration we’re seeing between OEMs, early adopters and government, it’s accelerating deployment faster than many expected,” he says.
The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is expected to further catalyse the shift to low- emission commercial vehicles.
Strategic alignment: What businesses need to know
Across regions, the convergence of regulatory drivers, falling technology costs and maturing business models is creating a tipping point for commercial eMobility. For fleet operators, OEMs and financiers, this is a moment to align strategies, not just to manage risk, but to capture growth and lead the transition.
The DLL difference: Financing the eMobility ecosystem
“At DLL, we understand that the transition to eMobility is more than a vehicle swap, it’s a transformation of business models, infrastructure, and long-term planning,” Denlow says.
“What sets us apart is our ability to finance the entire eMobility ecosystem, including vehicles, charging infrastructure, battery lifecycle solutions and supporting technologies.
“We work closely with OEMs, dealers, fleet operators, and government stakeholders to create finance structures that are tailored to operational realities, aligned with industry trends, and designed to remove financial barriers to adoption.
“Whether you’re scaling a fleet of eTrucks, modernising waste collection, or electrifying airport operations, DLL combines deep sector expertise with innovative finance tools to help you transition, without compromising performance or flexibility.”
Want to learn more about how DLL can support your eMobility strategy?
Reach out to the DLL team here.
Finance is provided by De Lage Landen Pty Limited (ABN 20 101 692 040) (DLL). Equipment to be used for business purposes only. Subject to DLL’s standard credit criteria, fees and terms and conditions apply.