Not everyone is ready to plug in just yet.
While electric vehicles are quickly gaining ground across the UK, there’s still a strong group of fleet operators who choose to stick with petrol. Whether it’s about convenience, cost, or confidence in what they know, petrol vehicles continue to fill the roads—and for good reason. For many, petrol cars still offer a balance of performance and practicality that fits their daily driving needs.
Here’s why some UK fleet operators, including passenger and goods transportation, still favour petrol over electric in 2025.
1. Easy to Refuel, Anytime
Unlike electric vehicles, which often require careful planning to find and use charging points, petrol cars can be refuelled in just a few minutes at thousands of stations nationwide. Drivers don’t need to worry about waiting in queues, dealing with slow chargers, or searching for working plugs
This is especially useful for people who work long shifts, travel far, or live in areas where charging stations are still few and far between.
2. Lower Purchase Prices
Even as EV prices slowly come down, petrol vehicles are still much cheaper to buy—especially second-hand models. For self-employed drivers or businesses running several vehicles, the difference in price can be significant.
If you’re managing a fleet, choosing petrol models helps reduce the upfront cost of building your business. It also means you can replace vehicles more easily without a large investment each time.
And when it comes to protecting those vehicles, having proper fleet insurance in place helps keep everything secure and covered—regardless of whether you’re running petrol, diesel, or electric.
3. Longer Range and No Charging Stress
While the EV range has improved, some drivers still worry about “range anxiety”—the fear of running out of power with no charger nearby. Petrol vehicles, on the other hand, can travel further on a full tank and be refuelled quickly, even late at night or in remote locations.
This peace of mind matters for drivers who take long trips or work irregular hours. It also makes petrol a more practical option for many drivers who need to stay on the road as much as possible without long charging stops.
4. Better for Mixed Fleets
Some businesses run a mix of vehicle types depending on their needs. Petrol vehicles are often chosen for longer journeys or rural jobs, while electric models are used in busy city centres.
To manage a mix like this, having a single policy that covers every car makes things easier. That’s where fleet insurance comes in. It lets taxi firms or transport businesses cover all their vehicles—petrol, electric, or hybrid—under one plan. This simplifies renewals, paperwork, and claims, all while helping control costs.
Specialist insurance providers understand these needs and offer fleet insurance options tailored to modern taxi businesses.
5. Mechanics and Repairs Are Simpler
While EVs have fewer moving parts, repairs can be expensive and require specialist tools. Petrol cars, on the other hand, can be fixed by most garages, and parts are widely available.
This makes petrol vehicles easier to maintain for businesses and individual drivers alike. Many fleet operators prefer a setup where repairs can be handled quickly, cheaply, and locally—especially if a vehicle needs to be back on the road by morning.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles might be the future, but petrol vehicles aren’t going away anytime soon. For many fleet operators, they offer a balance of familiarity, freedom, and lower costs. From quick fill-ups to longer range and easy servicing, petrol vehicles still tick the boxes for a wide range of driving needs.
