Can Octopus & Visa's Card Simplify the EV Fleet Transition?
The shift to EVs is already underway, as the UK plans to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
In line with that, Octopus teams up with Visa Commercial Solutions to launch a new Business Payment Card designed to support businesses switching to electric fleets.
The card, created through Octopus Electroverse and powered by Visa Fleet 2.0, allows companies to consolidate expenses related to EV operations, covering charging, fuel, tolls, meals and car washes, into one place.
Both firms say the solution is built to support businesses at any stage of the electrification process.
Streamlining EV fleet operations
Electroverse, Octopus Energy’s public EV charging service, is now expanding its offering with a dedicated business card powered by Visa.
The card gives UK firms access to a single platform that simplifies how they manage EV fleets.
“Fleet operators are looking for smarter ways to manage the shift to electric and Visa Fleet 2.0 makes that transition simpler and more efficient,” says Richard Campion, Head of Fleet & Mobility at Visa Europe.
“With Electroverse, we’re enabling UK businesses to consolidate on-the-road spending, gain real-time visibility and maintain the security and control they expect from Visa, all while powering a cleaner future for transport.”
It works alongside an app and online dashboard, allowing organisations to control all spending across their fleet.
It also supports companies already using electric vehicles and those beginning the transition.
“We’ve made charging simple for drivers – now we’re making the whole fleet experience just as easy for Britain’s six million fleet vehicles,” says Matt Davies, Director of Electroverse,
“Fleet managers and drivers have long had to navigate a maze of charging apps and payment solutions.
"With Visa, we’re proud to launch one of the first Visa Fleet 2.0 cards, putting everything on one card and giving businesses the control they need to speed up their shift to cleaner transport.”
The Electroverse card handles payments for EV charging on the road or at home, fuel for hybrid or multi-fuel fleets, as well as other travel expenses.
"Through the online platform, companies can set budget limits, control spending categories, adjust permissions and track activity in real time.
"The service also includes expense uploads and built-in fraud protection.
Octopus Electroverse explains: “We're on a mission to make fleet management a breeze.
"This isn't just a charging card, it's a full-on expense solution for your fleet, no matter what stage you’re at in your electrification journey.”
Octopus believes many businesses are slowed down by a fragmented system involving multiple cards, apps and manual processes.
Its goal is to centralise fleet management and offer clarity and control through one Visa-powered solution.
EV adoption among UK and global firms
Several companies are already expanding their electric fleets, aiming to cut GHG emissions from fossil-fuel vehicles.
Delivery firms in particular face the challenge of scaling EV adoption while maintaining logistics performance.
Royal Mail reaches a milestone in 2025 by introducing its 7,000th electric vehicle and plans to add 1,800 more alongside new charging infrastructure.
The company states that its average carbon emissions per parcel drop to 165g CO₂e, down from 206g CO₂e in 2024.
It credits the improvement to its use of low-emission biofuels and an increasing EV presence.
"We’re immensely proud of our sustainability progress which has once again exceeded our expectations,” says Alistair Cochrane, interim CEO at Royal Mail.
“We are the UK’s greenest delivery company for parcels and letters and are reaping the rewards of our work to make our fleet and estate more environmentally friendly, on top of the benefits of our unique ‘feet on the street’ delivery model.
"Whilst there’s still lots more work to be done, this huge achievement reflects our commitment to being Net Zero by 2040.”
Amazon also continues to grow its electric fleet, working with Rivian to meet a target of 100,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2030.
As part of this aim, Amazon deploys more than 25,000 electric vans across the US and begins expanding further into Europe.
Its approach also includes putting more than 15 EV types on the road, such as e-bikes and e-rickshaws.
Andy Jassy, CEO at Amazon, states: “Our transportation network is one of the most challenging areas of our business to decarbonise and to achieve net-zero carbon will require a substantial and sustained investment.”
Supporting the path to net zero transport
The introduction of the Octopus and Visa business card reflects wider changes in how companies are preparing for a low-carbon future.
By consolidating EV charging, travel and on-the-road spending, the Electroverse card gives organisations more control over how they manage their fleets.
With the UK’s 2030 petrol and diesel ban approaching,and more companies following through on electrification plans, tools like this aim to remove the barriers that slow adoption.
Whether managing six vehicles or six thousand, the shift to electric transport demands clear, efficient and secure systems, something both Octopus and Visa believe they are now offering.
