Element releases “The Great Mobility Shift” white paper: The mobility shift shaping Australia and New Zealand

Around the world, advances in automation, electrification and connectivity are transforming how people and goods move. Element’s latest white paper, The Great Mobility Shift: The Next Era of Automotive Transformation, explores how technology, trust and innovation are reshaping global mobility and what it means for our region.

Global insight, local progress

Drawing on research from more than 30 countries and insights from leading academics including experts from Stanford University, the University of Toronto, the University of Sydney and Ontario Tech University, the paper highlights four forces redefining how we move.

• Autonomous vehicles improving safety and efficiency.
• Alternative energy powering cleaner, lower-cost fleets.
• AI and connectivity enabling data-led, predictive decision-making.
• Embedded mobility integrating transport seamlessly into everyday life.

Element’s research shows these forces are converging faster than expected:

• Autonomous freight corridors could reduce operating costs by up to 57%.
• By 2035, artificial intelligence and connectivity will handle 15% of fleet work decisions autonomously.
• Electric vehicles are forecast to account for 55% of new light-duty vehicle sales globally, marking a historic tipping point.

Australia and New Zealand leading the way

Here at home, the shift is already visible.

• Electrification: Auckland’s public bus fleet is on track to be fully electric by 2035, while Australian cities are rapidly expanding fast-charging networks and EV-ready infrastructure.
• Autonomous freight: Local pilots are testing automation in long-haul logistics, improving reliability and cutting emissions.
• Connected fleets: Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) trials are underway across both countries, making roads safer and more efficient.

These changes are being powered by fleet leaders, drivers, engineers and policymakers who are bringing intelligent mobility to life across Australia and New Zealand.

From vehicles to value

Mobility is moving beyond ownership. Organisations are shifting to flexible access, connected data and energy integration that transform fleets into strategic assets.

Custom Fleet customers are already realising the benefits through:

• Optimised performance through connected fleet insights.
• Reduced emissions with tailored EV and hybrid transition plans.
• Lower operating costs through smarter energy and maintenance management.
• Improved safety through automation and predictive analytics.

With Element’s global innovation lab and Custom Fleet’s expertise across Australia and New Zealand, we’re helping organisations trial, test and scale new technologies from EV integration to intelligent automation.

Partnering for progress

As part of Element Fleet Management, the world’s largest pure-play automotive fleet manager, Custom Fleet combines global insight with local experience.

We’re proud to help Australian and New Zealand organisations drive forward with confidence, making every journey smarter, cleaner and more connected.

The mobility shift is here. How will your business move with it?

Read Element’s full white paper: The Great Mobility Shift (10MB, PDF)