The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has launched a ‘Plug-in Pledge’ that will see its members’ combined plug-in vehicle fleet size increase 1,300% from 50,000 today to 720,000 by 2025.

The organisation says that by that time, vehicle rental and leasing companies will be buying 300,000 plug-in vehicles per year, representing an increase in the industry’s share of annual new plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicle registrations from 36% to 60%. 

BVRLA members are responsible for almost five million vehicles - one in eight cars, one in five vans and one in eight trucks on UK roads.

Due to the number of vehicles they purchase and the frequency of fleet replacement cycles, they will be a key driver on the journey to zero emissions. 

The Government last week reaffirmed its commitment to increase the number of electric and hybrid vehicles being driven in the UK through its ‘Road to Zero’ strategy.

It outlined its ambition for 50%-70% of new car sales to be ultra-low emission by 2030 and emphasised the need for this transition to be industry-led.

Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the BVRLA, said the plug-in pledge demonstrates the vehicle rental and leasing industry’s commitment to playing a vital role in delivering this goal.

To ensure that fleets can achieve this bold ‘Plug-in Pledge’ the association is calling on the Government to:

• Bring forward plug-in company car tax incentives now and not in 2020
• Provide a five-year commitment on plug-in vehicle incentives
• Offer more infrastructure support for businesses looking to deploy large plug-in fleets

Keaney added: “Over the past 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.”

Responding to the BVRLA, transport inister Jesse Norman said: “The coming decades are expected to be transformative for our motor industry, our national infrastructure and the way we travel.

"The Government has shown through the Road to Zero Strategy that setting clear ambitions for industry and consumers is key to bringing about this change.

“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."