BVRLA launches Plug in Pledge to electrify UK fleets

By Gareth Roberts

6 October 2020

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has launched the Plug in Pledge, for the fleet, rental and leasing sector to own and operating around 900,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) within five years.

The pledge is based on the sector registering 400,000 BEVs per year by 2025. If plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are included, it would equate to 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.

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.”

The BVRLA has also used its ‘Fleets in Charge’ event, which is taking place today (Tuesday, October 6) to publish 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.

“The transition to zero emissions is accelerating and our latest pledge demonstrates that the fleet sector has its foot on the pedal,” said BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney.

“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.”

This year’s report gives the UK an ‘Amber – Accelerating’ rating, meaning that progress has been made since 2019 and the EV market is approaching parity with that for petrol and diesel vehicles in some respects.

The report, produced by sustainability consultants Ricardo, finds that positive developments in delivering EV charging infrastructure and strong tax and grant incentives could be undermined if the UK does not maintain its position as an attractive market for global vehicle manufacturers to continue exporting their zero emission cars and vans.