EXPLORED: Fleet potential for EVs
A BVRLA-assembled coalition of fleet representatives have outlined a package of incentives and actions that would help the government kick-start the ultra-low emission vehicle market.
The Energy Saving Trust, Association of Car Fleet Operators and numerous BVRLA members gave advice to the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) at a recent workshop.
OLEV have a £500million budget earmarked for growing the ultra-low emission vehicle market up to 2020, and are looking for feedback about how to spend it.
The workshop gave OLEV a mini-manifesto of policy suggestions that could together provide an incentive package.
Ideas included providing subsidised or free EV parking, giving tax incentives for companies to install charging infrastructure and introducing an emissions-based AMAP regime.
Ensuring benefit-in-kind company car tax is charged on the Plug-in Car Grant-inclusive cost of a vehicle, rather than the higher list price, was also suggested.
BVRLA members already own and operate hundreds of plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles.
OLEV were told that more resources needed to be put behind information campaigns and fleet training so that many of the misconceptions around electric vehicles could be corrected.
Delegates said that vehicle manufacturers needed encouragement to put a more comprehensive package of measures behind their ultra-low emission vehicles to support early adopters.
Gerry Keaney, Chief Executive of the BVRLA, said: “Fleet take-up of ultra-low emission vehicles will be a marathon, not a sprint.
“With their expertise and buying power, BVRLA members can play a key role in driving this change, provided the government creates the right policy and tax environment.”
