Element releases “The Great Mobility Shift” white paper

Global research, regional perspective

Drawing on research from more than 30 countries, together with insights from leading academics at Stanford University, the University of Toronto, the University of Sydney and Ontario Tech University, the report identifies four major trends driving the next era of mobility:

• Autonomous vehicles improving safety and operational efficiency

• Alternative energy supporting cleaner, lower-cost fleets

• Artificial intelligence and connectivity enabling predictive, data-led decisions

• Embedded mobility integrating transport into everyday life

The research highlights how quickly these trends are accelerating:

• Autonomous freight corridors could reduce operating costs by up to 57%

• By 2035, artificial intelligence and connected technologies are expected to make 15% of fleet work decisions autonomously

• Electric vehicles are forecast to represent 55% of new global light-duty vehicle sales, marking a significant turning point

New Zealand and Australia are already evolving

Many of these changes are already visible closer to home.

Electrification: Auckland's public bus fleet is on track to become fully electric by 2035, while Australian cities continue expanding fast-charging networks and EV-ready infrastructure.

Autonomous freight: Pilot programmes are exploring automation in long-haul freight, helping improve reliability while reducing emissions.

Connected fleets: Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) trials are underway across New Zealand and Australia, supporting safer and more efficient transport networks.

Across both countries, fleet leaders, engineers, policymakers and drivers are helping shape the future of intelligent mobility.

Creating more value from mobility

Mobility is evolving beyond vehicle ownership.

Increasingly, organisations are embracing flexible access models, connected data and integrated energy solutions that position fleets as strategic business assets.

Custom Fleet customers are already benefiting through:

• Better fleet performance using connected data and insights

• Lower emissions through tailored EV and hybrid transition strategies

• Reduced operating costs with smarter energy and maintenance management

• Improved safety supported by automation and predictive analytics

Supported by Element's global innovation capability and Custom Fleet's expertise across New Zealand and Australia, organisations are exploring and implementing new technologies, from fleet electrification through to intelligent automation.

Moving forward together

As part of Element Fleet Management, the world's largest pure-play automotive fleet manager, Custom Fleet combines international insight with local expertise.

Together, we're helping organisations across New Zealand and Australia prepare for the next generation of mobility with confidence.

The mobility transformation is already underway. How will your organisation respond?

Read the white paper

Download The Great Mobility Shift to explore the trends, technologies and opportunities shaping the future of mobility.