The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has launched the Plug in Pledge, for the fleet, rental and leasing sector. Within the next five years it intends to own and operate around 900,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The is based on the sector registering 400,000 BEVs each year until 2025, without the inclusion of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). If these are included, it takes the total to 570,000 annual plug-in registrations and a combined fleet of over 1.3 million plug-in cars and vans by 2025.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps stated that BVRLA members are “fundamental to the transition to cleaner road transport,” adding: “It’s fantastic that so many BVRLA members are making commitments to introduce zero-emission fleets ahead of the Government’s phase-out target.”
The BVRLA used its ‘Fleets in Charge’ event, that took place Tuesday, October 6, to support the launch of the Plug in Pledge. The event saw the publication of its latest version of its Road to Zero Report Card, produced by sustainability consultants Ricardo. The report shows the UK’s progress towards road transport decarbonisation targets.
BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney spoke at the event, stating: “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 uses a traffic light system to demonstrate results and statistics, with this year’s report showing the UK at an ‘Amber – Accelerating’ rating. This shows progress has been made since 2019 and that the EV market is approaching an equal footing with petrol and diesel vehicles.
The report also suggested that the UK must fight to stay a desirable market for global manufacturers to continue exporting zero emission vehicles, warning that developments in delivering EV charging infrastructure and strong tax and grant incentives could be undermined if it does not.
