How to reduce fleet fuel costs in a mixed car and van fleet

How to reduce fleet fuel costs in a mixed car and van fleet

Fuel remains one of the most visible costs in a fleet. Even when pump prices fall, a poorly managed fleet can waste money through inefficient driving, unnecessary mileage, poor vehicle choice, incorrect tyre pressures, idling, fuel card misuse and weak route planning.

The good news is that many fuel savings do not require a complete fleet replacement. They come from better visibility, clearer policies and small operational improvements that add up across every vehicle and every driver.

1. Know what you are spending

Start with the data. Review fuel card transactions, mileage, mpg, vehicle type, driver, route and site location. Look for sudden changes in fuel economy, unusual refuelling patterns, high motorway service usage and vehicles that cost more than expected.

Fuel duty is a major part of the cost of petrol and diesel. The UK fuel duty rate includes the temporary 5p per litre cut, which has been extended through 2026 before future rate changes are confirmed. This means fuel taxation and pump price movement should both be part of fleet budgeting.

2. Steer drivers towards lower-cost fuel

Where drivers refuel can make a noticeable difference. Supermarket forecourts are often cheaper than motorway services and some non-supermarket sites. A fuel card can help control approved locations, spending limits and transaction behaviour.

Make the policy simple. For example: avoid motorway refuelling unless operationally necessary, use approved fuel card sites, enter accurate mileage at every fill and report any card issue immediately.

3. Tackle driver behaviour

Harsh acceleration, harsh braking, speeding and unnecessary idling all increase fuel use. They can also increase tyre wear, brake wear, accident risk and maintenance costs.

Telematics can help identify patterns, but the most important step is driver engagement. Share simple tips, coach high-risk drivers and recognise good performance. Avoid making the conversation feel purely punitive.

4. Reduce unnecessary mileage

Every unnecessary mile carries a cost. Route planning, job scheduling, vehicle sharing, first-time fix planning and better stock control can all reduce wasted journeys.

For van fleets, think about whether materials can be delivered directly to site, whether jobs can be grouped by location and whether vehicles are being used at the right utilisation level. A slightly smaller, better-used fleet can sometimes cost less than a larger fleet with poor utilisation.

5. Keep vehicles maintained

Regular servicing, tyre pressure checks, wheel alignment and prompt fault repair all support better fuel efficiency. A van carrying unnecessary weight or running on underinflated tyres will use more fuel than it needs to.

Vehicle checks should be quick, easy and documented. Drivers should know what to check and how to report defects.

6. Consider where EVs make sense

Electric vehicles can reduce energy cost per mile, especially when charging is managed at home or depot using suitable tariffs. They will not suit every driver or every van route, but they can work very well when mileage, payload, parking and charging access line up.

Rather than switching everything at once, start with the easiest wins. Identify predictable routes, return-to-base vehicles, lower daily mileage and drivers with home charging access.

Rivervale view

Fuel cost control is not one big decision. It is a series of smaller decisions made consistently: the right vehicle, the right fuel policy, the right data, the right driver support and the right replacement cycle.

Rivervale helps businesses review their cars and vans, compare funding options, manage fleet costs and identify where electric vehicles can genuinely reduce whole-life cost.