Through switching to electric, drinks company Chivas Brothers has already seen reduced running costs of £1,600 each year across the fleet and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 18 tonnes per year.

They first ordered a fleet of 10 hybrid pool cars back in 2008 and went on to introduce a green grade to their company car policy to encourage employees to ordering hybrids as their company cars.  When replacing the hybrids on their fleet, Chivas Brothers opted for a mix of EVs and conventional diesel vehicles.

In a recent survey of electric vehicle (EV) drivers, Energy Saving Trust established that the average saving on fuel each year is £1,400 and that 85% of EV owners wouldn’t consider switching back to a petrol/diesel car.

Tristan Campbell of Chivas Brothers said: “Electric vehicles offer our business significant financial and environmental benefits.  Currently 10 vehicles in our fleet are electric and 7 hybrid.  The Energy Saving Trust has been a great help with guiding us through the process of vehicle choice and infrastructure installation and I’d recommend all businesses get in touch with them for advice.”

Stephen Rennie, yransport programme manager, from the Energy Saving Trust said: “Most motor manufacturers are now releasing electric or hybrid models.  And many more businesses are taking an interest in electric vehicles with appealing long-term savings including fuel costs as low as 3p per mile, compared to 16p per mile for the average vehicle. Tax incentives such as zero company car tax and enhanced capital allowances means the whole life costs of an EV can result in significant savings compared to a conventional vehicle.

“It’s encouraging to see EV purchase and lease costs coming down at the same time as vehicle range is improving and the network of public chargers expands. There’s never been a better time to go electric.”