Zenith electric vehicle orders up 300%

Zenith is reporting a massive increase in orders of electric vehicles (EVs) thanks to changes to company car tax rates.

It says orders for EVs have leapt by more than 300% in salary sacrifice fleets and 250% in company car fleets over the past six months.

HM Treasury published new company car tax rates in July last year, including a new zero percentage rate for pure electric cars.

The new rates are expected to be adopted into law following the Budget on March 11.

To support the growth seen as a result of the new rates, Zenith has launched a new section on its website designed to provide users with a range of information from tax guides to charging and vehicle type explanations.

Drivers can also contact Zenith’s team of EV experts, while fleet managers will be supported by the latest insights from its consultancy team, who are on hand to help with the development of their fleet transition strategies.

Tim Buchan, chief executive of Zenith, said: "It is clear that both fleets and drivers are increasingly becoming comfortable with the idea of an electric vehicle but understandably have a lot of unanswered questions.

“We have launched our online initiatives to help people make informed choices around everything from vehicle taxation to understanding the complex world of charging."

In support of its retail consumers, Zenith’s personal contract hire (PCH) offering, ZenAuto has now expanded its web presence and launched ElectricAuto.

The electric PCH platform is designed to make the switch from traditional vehicles into EVs as simple as possible by providing access to a host of in-depth information and the latest models available.

Users of ElectricAuto can also access a team of experts through its website, on live chat or by telephone, said Zenith.

The leasing company has also recently joined a global initiative committed to accelerating the transition to EVs and making electric transport the new normal by 2030.

The EV100 initiative, by The Climate Group, brings together forward-looking companies to drive the electric transport transition, reduce air pollution and climate change.

Zenith has 140,000 vehicles under management, from bikes and cars to vans, trailers and trucks.

Buchan concluded: "We believe leasing companies will be the drivers of change with the wider adoption of EVs.

“Leasing represents an effortless way to drive an EV, whether it be through a company car, salary sacrifice or PCH option.

“It gives the consumer the flexibility to drive new vehicles with a minimum of fuss as ranges extend and technologies advance.

“As part of our commitment to the EV100, 100% of our own company cars will be electric by 2025."