The fleet sector will play a vital role in achieving zero-emission road transport targets, according to the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA).
As part of its Plug in Pledge, the BVRLA said it aims to see the rental, leasing and fleet operator sector own and operate around 900,000 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) within five years.
The pledge would therefore make the sector responsible for 80% of all new EV sales by 2025. The BVRLA said the target is more impressive if plug-in hybrids are included, producing 570,000 annual plug-in registrations and a combined fleet of over 1.3 million plug-in cars and vans by the middle of this decade.
UK transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “It’s fantastic that so many BVRLA members are making commitments to introduce zero-emission fleets ahead of the government’s phase-out target. BVRLA members are fundamental to the transition to cleaner road transport.”
Simultaneously to the pledge, the BVRLA published its latest version of its Road to Zero Report Card, which provides a traffic-light assessment of the UK’s progress towards its road transport decarbonisation targets. According to the report, the UK is currently at ‘Amber’, which means that progress has been made since 2019 and the EV market is approaching equality with petrol and diesel vehicles in some respects.
Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive, said: “The transition to zero emissions is accelerating and our latest pledge demonstrates that the fleet sector has its foot on the pedal.
“The destiny of road transport decarbonisation lies in its hands, but it will be shaped by the crucial factors of EV supply, demand and infrastructure. Our latest report shows a gathering momentum, but also points to some key fleet market segments where action is needed.”
The report, produced by sustainability consultants Ricardo, warns that, if the UK falls behind in EV manufacturing, progress in developing EV charging infrastructure and availability of tax and grant incentives could be compromised.
