Consumers Ready For Electric Switch?

Vehicle valuation company Glass has carried out a poll of 400 motorists, and has found that public perceptions towards electric vehicles have become much more positive. The survey suggests that a third of motorists are considering buying an electric or hybrid vehicle as their next car, a leap since last year.
 

The government grant is obviously having a positive effect on EVs in the public consciousness. We shouldn’t forget that ensuring major take-up among commercial and public sector fleets is vital to achieving critical mass for EVs as well as public take-up. At the same time, if employees are enthused about EVs, this will help to foster a wholesale change in the way in which fleet buyers consider electric vehicles.
 

Of course the most important factor for EVs’ long-term chances is being to be answer the question: are they practical? Automotive Leasing will be undertaking a detailed pilot of the Nissan Leaf this year which will evaluate their practicality for work travel. We’ll be blogging about it when the scheme is up and running.

2011: Electric Cars’ Time To Shine?

Following the government announcement that 2011 would be the year of the electric car, the BBC has embarked upon a trial to see how easy it is to drive one of these pioneering vehicles between London and Edinburgh. As Automotive Leasing looks to the future with the introduction of the fully electric Nissan Leaf to our range of fleet options, this test will hopefully prove that the electric car has a role to play in greening the future of fleet in the UK.

Long distances have traditionally been one of the main challenges to the proliferation of electric vehicles, and for this reason the test will provide a useful study into the feasibility of electric charging posts. Although many of the miles travelled by public sector workers are accumulated in short local trips, there are those that need to undertake longer journeys on a regular basis as part of their roles. Whilst we’d advocate use of public transport where possible for longer trips, there are many instances when this is not possible or desirable. Therefore, it is important to look at other options that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Electric vehicles are one potential solution, and testing their effectiveness for longer journeys will be a key part in their adoption. Range, suitability and driver satisfaction will be key assessments as we progress our Nissan Leaf pilot with fleet drivers in the coming months.

Looking forward, Automotive Leasing would hope that with government investment in an electric future, long-distance electric travel could come to represent a genuinely credible, sustainable option for fleet buyers across the UK.