Fleet managers looking to control their costs could turn to electric vehicles to deliver the savings they need, says Venson Automotive Solutions.

According to the Department for Transport, electric vehicle running costs are as low as just two pence per mile. In addition, the Energy Saving Trust suggests that the new generation of plug-ins cost just £2-£3 to fully charge at home for 100 mile range, compared to £9-£13 for a petrol or diesel.

Venson’s free ‘Plug-In Vehicle Guide’ aims to answer the key questions drivers are asking about EVs, helping them make the move to plug-in cars and helping more businesses choose greener fleets.

One of the big misconceptions is that PHEVs offer poor fuel economy, but driving style, road conditions and many other factors influence this, says Venson.

“With London potentially due to introduce an ultra-low emission zone  in September 2019 and towns and cities across England considering implementing clean air zones to improve air quality, plug-in vehicles could come into their own” explained Simon Staton, client management director of Venson Automotive Solutions.

“EVs and PHEVs are already exempt from the London Congestion Charge and they will also be able to drive in clean air zones without paying any charges, making them a smart choice for city orientated company car drivers.”

The plug-in van grant offers 20% off the total cost of a vehicle up to a maximum of £8,000. The car grant goes up to £4,500 for category 1 models and £2,500 for category 2 and 3 models.

However, if choosing an EV as a company car, major benefit-in-kind tax savings are available versus petrol and diesel vehicles, with employers making Class 1A National Insurance savings; first year and standard rate VED is £0 for EVs (if the car costs more than £40,000 VED is £310 a year in years two to six) with PHEVs also benefiting from savings versus petrol and diesel cars; there are also capital allowance savings for employers. That’s all in addition to fuel savings, as previously highlighted, says Venson.

Staton said: “There are clear financial benefits for company car drivers choosing an electric car.

“The motoring tax regime is designed to favour EVs and PHEVs because it is based around CO2 emissions and plug-in cars are either zero emission or have very low emissions.

“Anyone choosing an EV as a company car will gain major benefit-in-kind tax savings compared to petrol and diesel vehicles. In addition employers will make Class 1A National Insurance savings, as well as capital allowance savings for employers.

“Venson published its Plug-In Guide to help fleets and employees decide if an electric vehicle is right for them. Fleet managers and company car drivers should take time to look at the potential savings to be made from making the switch to electric.”

To get a free copy of the guide, click here. 

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