Reflecting on 2025 and gearing up for the road to 2026

Fleets have looked to technology 

If 2025 has shown us anything, it is that fleets can adapt with remarkable speed when they need to. Costs have shifted, driver needs have evolved and the transition towards electric vehicles continues to gain momentum. To keep operations running seamlessly, many managers have turned to digital tools that make everyday admin feel a little lighter.

bp’s Online Account Manager has been one of the tools helping with that. Instant visibility of transactions, the ability to adjust limits on the fly, and early issue detection have helped teams stay in control of spending – without digging through endless paperwork.

Simplifying payments has been game changing

Another noticeable shift has been the growing demand for simpler, more streamlined payment processes. Digital platforms have taken a lot of the strain out of managing fuel and charging costs, giving managers real-time oversight and reducing the need for manual checks. Going cashless and using paperless invoices has helped too, while the Fuel & Charge Card provides drivers with a straightforward way to refuel or recharge without juggling multiple cards or apps.

For fleets running a mix of fuel and electric vehicles, having access to over 3,400 fuel sites and 44,000 charge points across the UK has made route planning easier. And when paired with the BPme app, the Fuel & Charge Card saves drivers even more time, by letting them pay from their vehicles and get back on the road.

Additional insights from 2025

This year has shown that small improvements really can add up. Tightening card controls, using real time data and taking simple steps like moving to paperless processes have helped fleets find quick, meaningful wins. Driver behaviour insights have also been a useful way to improve efficiency without asking teams to make big changes overnight.

It has also been a year where more fleets took steps towards electrification. Some introduced their first electric vans, while others focused on making charging easier and more predictable. Being able to manage both fuel and charging under one account has helped keep things organised during an already busy year.

Another trend has been fleets reassessing how vehicles are used, how routes are planned and how to get more value from limited resources. There has also been greater emphasis on supporting drivers, whether through better communication or tools that make long days feel more manageable. It is important to look after your drivers who work round the clock to keep your fleets on the move, and the BPme Rewards have gone down very well with drivers in this regard.

What fleets are looking towards in 2026

Looking ahead, many fleets want to continue to streamline things even further. Tools such as bp Fleet Manager will continue to help fleet managers manage fuel card transactions and invoices.

For fleets growing their EV numbers, reliable charging access will be key. The combination of the Fuel & Charge Card, the BPme app and the bp pulse network provides drivers with plenty of options without the need for multiple systems. Real time charger availability is also helping reduce downtime and make journeys smoother.

Security is likely to remain a priority too. Features such as spending limits, PIN controls and instant card blocking have provided reassurance this year and will continue to matter as fleets look for safe, simple ways to manage spend.

Setting your goals for the new year

As the year wraps up, it is a good time to take stock. What worked well? Where could a small change make life easier for your drivers or your team in 2026?

Whether your goals for the year ahead involve cutting costs, improving sustainability or simply giving drivers a better experience on the road, there are plenty of practical ways to get there.

Explore how bp can help your fleet work smarter today.