UK businesses face new carbon reporting challenge: Are your EV fleets ready?
Starting 1 January 2026, the UK’s new Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) will mandate large companies and financial institutions to disclose their environmental and social impacts, including fleet carbon emissions. For many organisations, this includes tracking and reporting on emissions from vehicle fleets as part of their overall carbon footprint. This step is part of a broader effort to standardise sustainability reporting, compelling companies to account for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions—including those from transport fuel and the electricity used to power electric vehicles (EVs).
The SDR framework requires reporting on Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions, which includes transport fuel use and the electricity used to charge EVs. This Scope 2 emissions reporting applies to EVs charged both on-site and off-site, and it is particularly significant for organisations with fleet operations, as transportation activities often represent a substantial portion of their total carbon footprint.
While EVs are crucial for reducing emissions, accurately measuring the carbon impact of EV charging can be complex. Traditional reporting methods may not capture the full scope of emissions, potentially overstating the environmental benefits. As companies increasingly shift to EV fleets, obtaining precise emissions data from EV charging is essential to meet SDR standards and achieve credible reporting. However, innovations in emissions tracking and charging technology are helping businesses address this need, providing tools to help accurately report emissions and achieve lower-carbon operations.
To address this challenge, CrowdCharge has introduced an AI-powered smart charging solution, designed specifically to help businesses improve the accuracy of their EV emissions reporting. By leveraging real-time data on grid carbon intensity, CrowdCharge enables organisations to:
- Precisely measure EV charging emissions: Capture the real-world carbon footprint of each charge.
- Optimise charging times: Schedule charging during periods when the grid is powered by low-carbon electricity.
- Reduce CO₂ emissions: Achieve reductions of up to 63% in EV-related emissions compared to standard charging practices.
- Lower energy costs: Manage energy consumption for greater cost efficiency.
- Support grid stability: Minimise the need for costly grid upgrades by managing charging loads.
Electric vehicles can help individuals, businesses, and the UK as a whole to achieve significantly lower carbon emissions, but only if the EVs are charged with low-carbon electricity. The challenge is that most organisations don’t know what the carbon emissions are each time an EV is charged.
As the SDR deadline approaches, businesses must prepare to meet these enhanced reporting requirements. Solutions like CrowdCharge’s AI-driven technology can play a crucial role in helping companies not only comply with SDR but also strengthen their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) profiles. By optimising charging and reporting processes, companies can make measurable progress toward their net-zero goals while benefiting from reduced operational costs.
As a sister company to CrowdCharge, and electric vehicle leasing & carbon management specialists we can provide a range of EV leasing solutions and expert support for businesses in their transition to sustainable fleets. Our mission is to assist organisations on their journey to net zero, equipping them with the tools and guidance needed to comply with SDR and to thrive in a low-carbon future.
Benchmark and reduce emissions with DriveElectric Plus
DriveElectric Plus simplifies the intelligent charging of your EV fleet with CrowdCharge's cutting-edge technology at its core. The platform enables you to monitor, optimise, and report on both carbon emissions and financial savings, helping you reduce your environmental impact while staying within budget. All this is supported by our industry-leading expertise and exceptional customer service, ensuring you get the most from your fleet.
