Leasing sector ahead of market average in EV adoption

The leasing sector’s uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) is well ahead of the market average, according to recent figures released by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

A survey of the BVRLA’s leasing members found that 4.7 per cent of all new leased cars registered in the fourth quarter of 2015 were plug-ins, which is almost three times the market average of 1.3 per cent.

According to the BVRLA’s figures, more than 25 per cent of lease cars now have CO2 emissions below 100g/km, compared to the 20 per cent market average. Additionally, this uptake of low emission technologies has helped to reduce the average CO2 emissions of new lease cars to 112.6g/km, which is more than seven per cent less than the average new car in 2015.

Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive, said: “More and more businesses are turning to leasing as a source of finance and BVRLA members are helping these companies to operate cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The government needs to recognise that the company car or van is more than just a taxable perk and a valuable source of revenue for the Treasury. These vehicles are vital business tools that can play a huge role in reducing the UK’s road transport carbon emissions. Without a fair and simple tax regime for company vehicles, this won’t happen.”
 
Responding to the news on behalf of Go Ultra Low, Poppy Welch said: “We’ve been encouraged by the growing number of fleets realising the multiple advantages of electric vehicles – and BVRLA members continue to play a pivotal role through education on whole-life costs and employee benefits. More businesses need to be bold, opening their thinking to incorporate electric vehicles and the cost-savings they bring.”

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