Alternative fuel calculator to help fleets make informed choices

A new online tool from Arval has been designed to help company car drivers decide whether alternative fuels such as electric and hybrid power is right for them.  
 
The Alternative Technology Calculator asks a series of questions about individual driver journey patterns for work and leisure, the types of roads used, benefit in kind taxation, access to charging and more.
 
It then asks them to choose between models they are considering, which will usually be a specific petrol or diesel against a specific plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle. The calculator will then make a recommendation, highlighting the advantages of the preferred option.
 
Paul Marchment, Senior Business Manager at Arval, said: “With the introduction of more diverse fuel choices such as pure electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, coupled with the current taxation regime, the decision making process for drivers when choosing a new car is now much more complicated than at any point in the past.  
 
“The combination of factors that need to be considered should encourage people to think about how and where they are using their vehicles because the correct usage of the newer technology is vital to ensure that the potential benefits are realised.
 
“No two drivers are the same and this should be reflected in the technology they opt for. While one driver may benefit from adopting an electric or plug-in hybrid model, a driver who has a long commute or spends a lot of time on the road may still be better suited to a diesel or petrol model, even when taxation is taken into account.
 
“While the front end is very useable and relatively simple, the calculations being made in the background provide a really comprehensive picture of the implications of each vehicle choice.”

The Alternative Fuel Calculator can be found at www.arval-alternative-technology-calculator.co.uk