Element-Arval 2026 Barometer report: New Zealand and Australian insights

New Zealand: stronger momentum in implementation

New Zealand organisations continue to express strong confidence, with 96% expecting fleet size to remain stable or increase over the next three years and 27% anticipating growth.

Second-hand vehicles have become firmly established within fleet strategies. More than half of organisations (52%) already include second-hand vehicles, while a further 45% are considering them. Combined, this means 97% of organisations are either using or evaluating second-hand vehicles, up from 90% in 2025.

This represents one of the strongest indicators that optimisation strategies are moving beyond planning into everyday operations.

Electrification also remains an important focus. The Barometer defines electrified passenger vehicles as hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV), highlighting the broad mix of technologies supporting fleet transition.

Fleet composition remains relatively stable, although there has been a modest shift towards larger fleets. In 2026:

• 6% of fleets comprise 1–9 vehicles

• 53% comprise 10–99 vehicles

• 41% comprise 100–999 vehicles

Compared with previous years, the proportion of larger fleets has increased slightly.

Financing options are also continuing to diversify. The executive summary reports that 18% of organisations now use full-service leasing as their primary financing model, while 22% expect to increase its use over time.

Taken together, these findings show New Zealand organisations moving confidently from strategy into implementation, particularly across vehicle optimisation, electrification and financing.

Australia: steady progress backed by practical decisions

Australian organisations continue to report strong confidence in fleet growth and stability. In 2026, 93% expect fleet numbers to remain steady or increase over the next three years, with 24% forecasting growth.

Electrification continues to expand, although charging infrastructure remains the key challenge.

More than half of Australian organisations (52%) already operate electrified passenger vehicles, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles, while 61% identify charging infrastructure as the biggest barrier to further adoption.

Even so, planning is accelerating. Workplace charging strategies have been implemented or are under development in 86% of Australian fleets.

Second-hand vehicles are also becoming a more common optimisation strategy. In 2026, 28% of organisations include second-hand vehicles within their fleets, compared with 25% in 2025, while another 55% are considering adoption. This reflects a measured approach to improving cost efficiency and vehicle availability.

Fleet funding models continue to evolve. Only 10% of organisations identify full-service leasing as their primary financing method. Among larger organisations, however, this increases to 20%, compared with 7% of small businesses and 10% of medium-sized organisations. Looking ahead, 21% expect to increase their use of full-service leasing.

Overall, Australia's results demonstrate measured progress as organisations balance electrification, operational efficiency and financial considerations.

One report, two distinct markets

The 2026 Barometer highlights a common direction across Australia and New Zealand while recognising different rates of change.

Australian organisations are progressing steadily, adopting optimisation strategies alongside continued electrification.

New Zealand organisations are showing stronger implementation across second-hand vehicle adoption and financing flexibility.

Across both markets, one theme stands out: successful fleet strategies are increasingly defined by practical execution, supported by data, technology and informed decision-making.

Download the reports

Explore the full 2026 Fleet and Mobility Barometer to understand the trends shaping fleet management across New Zealand, Australia and globally.