Leasing company Alphabet International says the number of EVs and PHEVs it leased grew by 34% in 2020 compared with the previous year, with 26,000 such vehicles joining its fleet.
The company has announced its annual statistics for 2020, which also saw a slight decrease in its total portfolio during the Covid-affected year, though it says this has stabilised at around 700,000 vehicles, while order volume also slowed, but remained above 200,000.
Alphabet is now active in 31 countries.
CEO Marco Lessacher said: “2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. The slight decrease in orders was a natural reaction to the extraordinary business situation, which led to reduced mileages, requests to extend contracts and a clear demand for more flexibility.
“We answered this development with highly flexible products such as our rental solution, AlphaRent and of course, our increased support on all levels. Looking back on what we achieved for our customers gives me every confidence for the future.”
Alphabet is now projecting that new business will grow back to pre-Covid levels in 2021, and that every fifth vehicle it leases will be electrified, with growth in EVs and PHEVs twice as high as overall business growth.
Lessacher added: “E-mobility will not solely dominate the upcoming year. Customised digitalisation of services for constant support and a high degree of flexibility in all areas will also play a vital role.
“We will ensure this for our customers in order to make them and their fleet future-ready.”