More than half of UK fleets are already operating at least one alternative fuel to traditional petrol and diesel models or are planning to do so in the next three years – an increase of 6% since 2015.
The finding comes from the 2017 edition of Arval’s long-established Corporate Vehicle Observatory Barometer, research which covers 3,847 fleets.
Their choices include traditional hybrids (22% implemented / 27% planning to introduce within three years), plug-in hybrids (15% / 22%), electric vehicles (10% / 22%) and hydrogen fuel cells (2% / 18%).
Shaun Sadlier, Head of Arval’s Corporate Vehicle Observatory in the UK, said, “It is obvious that the twin dominance of petrol and diesel that has characterised the company car and van sector for many, many years is being challenged by credible alternatives.
“Modern fleets are moving towards a portfolio of drivetrain technologies and are rapidly becoming conversant in which choices work most effectively in different types of applications.
“We are seeing both a push and a pull effect in action. On one hand, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles have become much more usable, well-priced and appealing products in recent years while, on the other, we have seen pressure on diesel because of concerns on air quality.”
The research also shows that the UK is among the European leaders in the adoption of alternative fuels, being among the top three for every different alternative drivetrain choice in a table of 13 countries.