Fleet Evolution’s MD Andrew Leech has said drivers could cut their fuel costs, tax bills and CO2 emissions by opting for a plug-in hybrid or pure electric car for their daily commute.

Leech has argued that electric vehicles and hybrids are becoming increasingly suitable for the daily journey to work. This follows Fleet Evolution research across its customer database, which reveals that the average commute is just 7.2 miles.

And where a pure electric vehicle may not be suitable for all types of journey, such as a long distance drive at the weekend to see family or relatives or to go on holiday, the company has its ‘electric flex’ option to cover longer trips.

Under ‘electric flex’, drivers who have chosen a pure electric car through one of the company’s salary sacrifice car schemes can also opt for a larger conventional-engined vehicle, such as an MPV,  on a daily rental basis at a preferential rate as part of their package.

For those cars that need recharging during the working day, Fleet Evolution offers a free workplace charge point to new customers to help increase uptake of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs), including pure electric cars and hybrids.

Fleet Evolution, which last November was awarded Go Ultra Low company status for its commitment to boost uptake of plug-in vehicles, covers the cost of installation of a fast rate charge point and its ongoing provision.

Leech said: “We are seeing an increase in the number of ULEVs, including pure EVs and hybrids, on our salary sacrifice car fleet to the extent that 35% of our fleet is now sub 75g/km.

“Salary sacrifice changes last year left a majority of cars largely unchanged, but ULEVs of 75g/km of CO2 or less are exempt from the Government’s changes.

“Our latest research shows that, if repeated on the wider employee base, almost all employees could slash their fuel costs, tax bills and CO2 emissions by opting for a plug-in hybrid or pure electric car when they replace their current car.

“Most plug-in hybrids will easily cover 20 miles on pure electric power and, with their extended ranges, this type of vehicle is now ideal for the daily commute to work.

“For example, in my own plug-in hybrid, I travel more than 20 electric miles each way at no charge. When I need to, I recharge it in the company car park. That compares to the £8 a day I used to spend using a conventional engined vehicle.

“One of the barriers to increasing uptake is the issue of recharging while the vehicle is at the workplace, and we thought an obvious answer was to encourage the wider installation of workplace charge points, making the move to ULEV’s a no-brainer.

“And for drivers who need a vehicle with a longer range at weekends or for holidays, our ‘electric flex’ plan allows them  to swap their EV for a large traditional MPV with minimal notice should they need a longer range option.”