That’s according to latest quarterly figures from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) which show almost one in 20 (4.7%) of all new leased cars registered in the final quarter of 2015 was a plug-in, well ahead of the figure of 1.3% for all new registrations.

Thanks to this ever-increasing adoption of pure and plug-in hybrid electric cars as well as low-emission petrol and diesel vehicles, the average lease car added to a BVRLA member fleet in 2015 emitted just 112.6g/km CO2, more than 7% less than the average new car registered in 2015.  

In response, Poppy Welch of Go Ultra Low said: “We’ve been encouraged by the growing number of fleets realising the multiple advantages of electric vehicles – and BVRLA members continue to play a pivotal role through education on whole-life costs and employee benefits. More businesses need to be bold, opening their thinking to incorporate electric vehicles and the cost-savings they bring.” 

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney added: “More and more businesses are turning to leasing as a source of finance and BVRLA members are helping these companies to operate cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles.” 

Keaney also commented: “The Government needs to recognise that the company car or van is more than just a taxable perk and a valuable source of revenue for the Treasury. These vehicles are vital business tools that can play a huge role in reducing the UK’s road transport carbon emissions. Without a fair and simple tax regime for company vehicles, this won’t happen.”