BVRLA launches Plug-in Pledge
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has launched a Plug-in Pledge that will see its members’ combined plug-in vehicle fleet size surge from 50,000 today to 720,000 by 2025.
By that time, vehicle rental and leasing companies will be buying 300,000 plug-in vehicles per year. This represents an increase in the industry’s share of annual new plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicle registrations from 36% to 60%.
Only last week the Government reaffirmed its commitment to increase the number of electric and hybrid vehicles being driven in the UK through its Road to Zero strategy. It outlined its ambition for 50%-70% of new car sales to be ultra-low emission by 2030 and emphasised the need for this transition to be industry-led.
The BVRLA’s Plug-in Pledge demonstrates the vehicle rental and leasing industry’s commitment to playing a vital role in delivering this goal.
The BVRLA’s Plug-in Pledge will rely on the government providing vital support for the adoption of these vehicles. As recent polling by YouGov has shown, 42% of senior decision makers in small and medium sized businesses who use vehicles, would be likely to increase the number of electric vehicles they use if national and local government were to offer greater support, for example in the form of tax incentives, free parking and more charging infrastructure.
To ensure that fleets can achieve this bold Plug-in Pledge the association is calling on the government to:
- Bring forward plug-in company car tax incentives now and not in 2020
- Provide a five-year commitment on plug-in vehicle incentives
- Offer more infrastructure support for businesses looking to deploy large plug-in fleets
