Hybrids play vital role in transition towards a fully-electric fleet

Liquid Fleet is planning to transition its growing fleet to plug-in hybrids electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) over the next couple of years to reduce its customers’ carbon footprint.

Currently, just over a quarter (27%) of Liquid’s passenger car fleet are mild and plug-in hybrids which, it says, are providing a crucial step in helping drivers transition out of their current internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.

Liquid Fleet has been running mild hybrids on its fleet for last four years and based on 12-month replacement cycles has turned the stock four times into the used market.

Its main hybrid offering for long term rental and fleet management is the Kia Sportage.

Liquid says that demand and prices for used hybrids have been strong as many motorists are not currently prepared to make a full EV commitment but still want to start the journey to zero emissions.

“Our integration of self-charging hybrid vehicles has yielded significant environmental, economic, and operational benefits for our customers and positions us well on our path towards a more sustainable fleet,” explained Martin Potter, Liquid Fleet’s commercial director.

“Many of our customers are cautious about transitioning their drivers to full electric which is why hybrids are playing such a key part in our fleet journeys, whilst reducing emissions,” he added.

“With the change in the Government, there is a feeling that the 2030 deadline for EV will be re-instated, and we are hopeful that the 2035 deadline for Hybrid and plug-in will also be re-instated and will assist the transition process.

Liquid Fleet currently only runs five BEVs on its fleet currently after first introducing a large batch in 2022 as one of the first early adopters of a green fleet.

Liquid Fleet plans to slowly change its powertrain mix in line with customer requirements.

Potter concluded: “Many customers are currently very keen to embrace new technology without having to invest in additional infrastructure which is slowing down their interest in EVs.

“Infrastructure is slowly improving as is the number of models offering 300-plus miles of range, while prices are also coming down.

“All these positives will support our move to increasing the number of EVs on our fleet.”