We are on the Brink of and industry AI boom say fleet management solution company Webfleet as their global study finds that 48% of UK fleet operators will be using AI in the next five years.
Webfleet part of Bridgestone Fleet Care, conducted a study among 1,800 fleet managers across 15 countries that revealed a growing trend towards digital transformation in the sector across the UK. 
According to the study 15% of UK fleet managers are already using AI, a third (33%) actively planning to and 43% considering its adoption in the future.
Beverley Wise, Webfleet UKI Regional Director for Bridgestone Mobility said: “The adoption of AI in fleet management is set to become much more than just a technological upgrade.
“It will prove a strategic necessity as the world of business enters a new data-driven era.
“Our study has shown that a significant number of fleets recognise the transformative benefits of AI, from cost reduction to improved safety.
“As the industry sets its sights on greater efficiency and sustainability, embracing AI will be crucial for those that hope to remain competitive.”
Although the use of AI technology continues to grow the study also found that UK fleet operators still believe electric vehicles (EVs) will be more influential.
It found that more than a third (38%) predict EVs will have the biggest impact on fleet management in the next 5 years, with 28% citing AI and machine learning.
This however contrasts with global figures where most fleet managers (32%) think that AI will have the biggest impact, followed by EVs (30%).
More than half (58%) believe AI will help optimise route planning and logistics, while 51% anticipate it enhancing driver safety, behaviour analysis, predictive maintenance and asset management.
Fleet operators believe AI will cut costs and improve efficiency as the study found that 50% predict its emergence will reduce expenses and 47% expect it will automate administrative and compliance tasks.
In terms of sustainability, 43% of fleet managers said they believe AI will significantly boost fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
This aligns with an industry collaborative goal of reducing carbon footprints and advancing eco-friendly operations.
To introduce AI the study additionally found that 87% of respondents plan to increase their total investment in digital fleet solutions over the next five years.
This will be driven by a need for greater efficiency and reduced operational costs, cited by more than half (57%) of the respondents as the most compelling reason for an uplift in tech spending.
Enhancing driver and vehicle safety (47%) and gaining better visibility and control over fleet assets (41%) were also found to be key motivators.
Jan-Maarten de Vries, President Fleet Management Solutions at Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, added: “Our study reaffirms the critical role that digital fleet solutions play in increasing fleet efficiency, reducing costs and enhancing driver and vehicle safety.
“It's clear that investment in these technologies will only continue to grow.
“Artificial Intelligence and electric vehicles are transformative technologies that will continue to enhance fleet management.
“At Webfleet, we’re pioneering these technologies to ease adoption for fleets, always with a commitment to improved safety, sustainability, productivity and efficiency.”
For more detailed insights, please see the full study report here.