SITTING at my desk at Alpha Contracts I am on the receiving end of a lot of email marketing and press releases and currently I would be forgiven for thinking that nearly every day another manufacturer announces a new hybrid or all electric model.
In this last week I’ve been told about a new Skoda, VW Bus, BMW’s Mini, Mercedes Smart as well as Honda talking about their ‘Electric Vision’, whatever that might be! In addition a recent announcement that over 400 rapid charge points will be rolled out across service stations nationwide as well as impending legislation to require large fuel retailers to install EV charge points should avoid the spread of range anxiety as well as something called ‘Charge rage’, which sounds like a very 21st Century phenomenon!
Electric vehicles and hybrids are very definitely here to stay folks! But… (there’s always a but) as last month’s column pointed out companies need a balanced fleet as there won’t be a one-size-fits-all solution to your motoring needs. A mix of diesel, petrol and hybrid will be the way forward for most fleets. High mileage drivers will still require the fuel efficiency of a diesel engine whilst the improving fuel returns on petrol engines means these need to be considered for other drivers. Currently, diesel still has an important role to play, although its importance will gradually diminish and the timescale for this is difficult to predict. However don’t discount a diesel engine vehicle when it is the most appropriate for your requirements.
No doubt there will be room on the fleet for a hybrid or full electric but due consideration should be taken of the fuel consumption. If a high mileage driver takes a hybrid car because of the low CO2 to beat the taxman then be prepared for an increased fuel bill as a consequence.
If you thought this was a minefield you could be right. ‘All I want to do is change my vehicle’ you think, why should it be this complicated? To plot a path through the minefield then why not speak to one of the team at Alpha Contracts Leasing and we can provide advice about your choices, where each type of fuel fits in your fleet and how the Benefit in Kind tax rules affect your choice of vehicle. Call us on 01604 756620.
Safe motoring
Ross Williams