In recent years, Britain has gone to great lengths to operate in more of an eco-friendly manner. From higher tax rates for vehicles that harm the atmosphere to big brands promising to go all-electric, as a nation we are taking our responsibility to look after the environment very seriously.
Now, the rental industry is taking notice, pledging to invest substantially in electric/plug-in cars. Refraining from buying gas-guzzling vehicles, leasing and rental businesses will place their focus on greener vehicles.
On behalf of its 900 members, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) is planning to grow the British green hire fleet to 720,000 by 2025. As a fleet that currently stands at just 50,000, this is substantial growth.
The trade body is responsible for one in eight cars on UK roads, meaning their work will have a huge impact in the overall industry.
BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said:
“Over the last two decades, the fleet industry has embraced the introduction of emissions-based motoring taxes and used the incentives they provide to deliver a sustained and substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.
“Fleets are ready to make a large-scale transition to zero-emission motoring, providing that the Government can match their ambition with a supportive tax regime and more help with charging infrastructure.”
This year, only 5% of new vehicles bought in the first part of the year were hybrid or full electric. Roads Minister, Jesse Norman, is equally as focused on changing this.
“We want to work in partnership with industry and businesses to make these shared ambitions a reality, so we welcome the commitment made by BVRLA today” he said.
Let us know what you think, is the industry doing enough to lower omissions? Share your thoughts and opinions by leaving your comments below.
