Two thirds of ALD Automotive’s company car drivers have opted for plug-in hybrids so far this year, according to the leasing company, almost halving its fleet-wide average CO2 emissions.

67% of ALD’s company cars ordered this year have been plug-in hybrids.

The upswing follows an in-house trial last year which showed PHEVs can offer real-world savings for company car drivers, beyond the tax benefits. ALD posted the results in a white paper, accessible via its website.

During 2017, 13% of orders were PHEVs, and fleet-average CO2 emissions were 109g/km. This year, that has risen to 67% with a drop-off in CO2 emissions to an average of 64.9g/km, the company said. It has doubled the number of charging points at its head office in Bristol to accommodate the rising demand.

ALD fleet consultant, Mark Evans, said: “We have long been extolling the benefits of AFVs as company cars and many of our employees have embraced the fact that a PHEV is the ideal solution that fits with their driving habits.  They are keen to do their bit for the environment, while leading the charge for others to follow suit.

“The drivers have chosen a range of vehicles, with the Kia Niro proving to be particularly popular.  It has a range on electric of approximately 36 miles, with a combined MPG of 217mpg (NEDC) and CO2 of just 29g/km.”