Lex Autolease is reiterating that all fuel technologies have a place in the fleet sector as it highlights the need to choose the right vehicle for the job.

Diesel still has a place in fleets, says Lex Autolease

The leasing and fleet management giant has developed a fuel decision tree to help customers identify the most suitable fuel technology, based on their individual circumstances.

The guidance sets out that for high-mileage, high-speed motorway drivers diesel may still be the most practical option, while fully electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles may prove more suitable for other drivers.

Lex Autolease has highlighted the guidance following September registrations, which saw hybrids and plug-in electric registrations rise 3.9% contrasting to diesel and petrol down 42.5% and 6.7% respectively.

Speaking as the figures were announced two weeks ago, Ashley Barnett, head of consultancy at Lex Autolease, said: “It’s positive to see that demand for alternatively-fuelled vehicles is increasing, but important to reiterate that all fuel technologies have a role to play. If we are to meet the government’s ambitious climate change targets, it’s essential that drivers select the right vehicle for the task at hand, and that those who are well-suited to a zero or low-emission vehicle consider making the move.”

Explaining further, Barnett said: “We work with customers every day to help them identify the best vehicle and fuel type for the job. This has to be at the heart of vehicle policy. There will always be applications that are ideally suited to alternative fuels – shorter mileage, urban driving for example – but it’s important to remember that while electric ranges are still developing and improving, both petrol and diesel engines have an important role to play. The very latest diesel vehicles are still the most practical option for many businesses, especially for high mileage users and LCV fleets. Our advice is always focused around the operational needs and application of the fleet. It’s about getting the right vehicle for the right job.”

Barnett has also added to calls for this month’s Budget to provide answers to help all drivers plan for the future, including from the BVRLA, which has urged the Chancellor to energise the take up of plug-in electric vehicles and support the vital role played by the company car.

Backing the BVRLA’s calls, Barnett added: “The new vehicle market plays a vital role in driving replacements across the wider UK fleet, and feeds the second-hand market with newer, cleaner vehicles. As long as replacements continue, older, more polluting vehicles should drop out of the bottom of the market altogether,” he explained.