Leasing association to boost sales of low emission cars

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.

The association’s members are responsible for almost five million vehicles – 1-in-8 cars, 1-in-5 vans and 1-in-5 trucks on UK roads.

It said in seven years’ time vehicle rental and leasing companies will be buying 300,000 plug-in vehicles per year, which will make their way into the used car market.

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.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “Over the last two decades, the fleet industry has embraced the introduction of emissions-based motoring taxes and used the incentives they provide to deliver a sustained and substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.

“Fleets are ready to make a large-scale transition to zero-emission motoring, providing that the Government can match their ambition with a supportive tax regime and more help with charging infrastructure.”