Avoid setting unreasonable driver schedules to reduce emissions, says Volvo

Volvo Cars UK has advised fleet managers to avoid asking “the earth” from business drivers to reduce emissions and environmental impact.

By 2050, the UK is targeted to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 80% compared with 1990 levels. Volvo believes that every business in the UK could be taking active measures to reduce their carbon footprint and asks fleet operators to consider implementing some essential steps.

A spokesperson for Volvo Cars UK said:  “If there’s a sure-fire way to push a fleet’s carbon emissions up, it’s asking company car drivers to cover unreasonable distances in a single day.”

The manufacturer believes that setting unreasonable schedules is bad for fuel economy, road safety and employee well-being. It has advised fleet managers to “take care of employees when they’re on the road, and they’ll take better care of the planet”.

One way for fleet managers to reduce the impact of their fleet, according to the Volvo, is to include a range of electrified vehicles on their options lists and invest in the latest technology to improve “eco credentials”.

For example, features such as adaptive cruise control, which helps drivers maintain a constant distance from the car in front, improve fuel economy and reduce speeding.

By choosing vehicles with technology designed to aid the driver and enhance safety, it’s possible to improve fuel economy and reduce the impact on the environment.

It has also advised that delivering driver training in safe and eco-friendly driving could pay dividends for fleet operators.

By encouraging safer driving, businesses can save between 10% and 20% in fuel consumption, said Volvo. This is because drivers who plan their journeys properly, concentrate more and anticipate the actions of others, are less prone to harsh braking and acceleration.