The Autumn Budget statement, delivered on 30 October, gave businesses a clear signal of the new Labour government’s intent to support the UK’s transition to net zero. Underpinning the take-up of electric vehicles, the incentives for company car drivers have been extended until at least 2030, along with committed investment in charging infrastructure.  

The key now is to give more business drivers the confidence to make the switch, as the latest data from Europcar’s EV Barometer for Quarter 3 2024 shows there is still an underlying resistance from employers to switch. However the good news is, challenges with charging, and the cost and choice of vehicles, are holding back slightly fewer businesses from switching to a more sustainable fleet. EV knowledge is also increasing.

Delivering real-world experience

Removing barriers and dispelling myths about EV driving is a vital step towards carbon-neutral mobility, and Europcar is offering invaluable support to those businesses taking steps towards greener travel. 

“When business drivers have the opportunity to try out electric motoring for themselves, in real-world conditions, confidence increases significantly”, explained Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility, Europcar. “By renting electric for a few days, a week or more, charging at different locations can be experienced as well as how different chargers work and how much they cost. That’s something a standard test drive is rarely going to be able to deliver. And long-term rental delivers the latest EV technology without a business having to make a financial commitment that might not be the right fit in the longer-term.”

A growing EV fleet

A growing fleet of BEV and PHEV cars and vans from Europcar gives businesses and individuals wide choice for every journey.  And that includes the recent addition of the Kia Niro EV. As part of the company’s ambitions to offer a wide range of net zero vehicle options, the new all-electric Niro EV adds to the already well-established fleet of Tesla Model 3s, Mercedes-Benz EQ models, MG4s, Jeep Avengers and the Skoda Enyaq. Plus the Vauxhall Combo Electric and award-winning Renault Kangoo eTech have been added to Europcar’s Trucks and Vans fleet.

Usership vs ownership

Europcar is also empowering businesses to go greener in their mobility, even if they’re not ready to switch to electric. Focused on widening awareness of the role vehicle rental can play in helping businesses and individuals reduce their environmental impact, Europcar champions the idea of vehicle usership over ownership.  

“Moving a business to electric requires clear thinking, detailed planning and hands-on real-world experience”, added Tom Middleditch. “Our carefully designed EV solutions are future-proofing the whole mobility process and already support many organisations as well as private motorists on their sustainability journeys. And used alongside petrol and diesel vehicles that are fully compliant with clean air and ultra-low emission zones, organisations can start to prepare for a zero emissions future.”

For more information visit: www.europcar.co.uk/en-gb/business