Lex Autolease implements EV-only salary sacrifice scheme

Lex Autolease is implementing an electric vehicle (EV) only salary sacrifice scheme for 400 employees at Star Refrigeration.

The engineering company took the decision that only pure EVs will be available through the scheme, such as the Hyundai Kona, Kia E-Niro and Tesla Model 3, in a bid to make all car journeys more sustainable – whether professional or personal.

Company car drivers will also be able to request a second car for partners or family members through the scheme.

Lex Autolease has also helped Star Refrigeration switch its fleet to a wholelife cost (WLC) policy.

Star Refrigeration began electrifying its fleet last year, with an order of eight pure EVs from Lex Autolease. Seven of the Tesla Model 3 vehicles have already been delivered and are driven by senior managers and members of the sales team. Notably, a further 26 of its 88-strong fleet are alternatively-fuelled.

To focus its wider sustainability efforts, Star Refrigeration signed up to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in March, which defines and promotes best practice in emissions reductions and net-zero targets in line with climate science.

The business is currently outlining its emissions reduction targets and is working with Lex Autolease to ensure its fleet can play a major role in its decarbonisation. 

Amanda Carson, customer relationship manager at Lex Autolease, said: “Having worked with Star Refrigeration for more than 15 years, we’ve developed a solid working relationship and truly understand the business’s sustainable ambitions.

“Many of its engineers need to travel in built-up areas, so starting the switch to low-emission vehicles will not only help the business meet its green goals but contribute towards improving the air quality in urban areas.

David Pearson, group sustainable development director at Star Refrigeration, said that the Lex Autolease team had played an “integral role” in laying the policy foundations that will see its fleet become fully electric.

“The salary sacrifice scheme helps us broaden this progress to other members of our teams’ families,” he added.

“We’re hoping for a fossil fuel free society as quickly as possible, and by insisting on 100% EV where viable, we’ll do what we can to increase the subsequent second-hand market. Plus, any cost savings mean that we can look to make investments in other sustainable initiatives across the business.”

The new wholelife policy follows consultation with Auditel, a procurement and supply chain management consultancy, who were brought in by Star Refrigeration to review cost efficiencies across the business.

Lex Autolease worked with Paul Millican and Sean Connaughton from Auditel to develop a commercial proposal that resulted in a four year sole supply fleet contract.

Sean Connaughton, procurement and cost management specialist at Auditel, said: “Star Refrigeration brought us on board to review where savings could be delivered business wide, while ensuring any new contracts were aligned with its sustainability goals.

“We’ve been working hand-in-hand with Lex Autolease on improving cash flow and its recommendation of moving towards a wholelife cost policy was a solid solution – we look forward to strengthening our relationship during the next four years.”

Star Refrigeration is headquartered in Glasgow with a fleet of over 150 vehicles and nearly 400 employees – all of which are eligible for the new salary sacrifice scheme. The business aims to have all employees driving sustainable vehicles by 2030.