Electric vehicles 'more attractive for fleet operators'

Date: 30/1/2012

Enhanced capital allowances make electric vehicles an attractive option for fleet operators, but there are still numerous barriers preventing business and consumer buyers from entering the market.

This is according to Dr Ben Lane of Next Green Car, who explained firms that purchase a zero-emission vehicle can write down the cost of the associated capital expenditure in the first year.

"For fleet buyers, there are a host of additional business incentives," he remarked, noting that the fact these are not open to private buyers means there are "perhaps more hidden benefits for business" than personal users at present.

The government recently extended the plug-in car grant to apply to vans and Managing Director for Nissan Motor UK James Wright welcomed the move, stating it will make electric vans "a very attractive option" for firms.

Research suggests the lifetime cost of owning an electric car is higher than for running a vehicle powered by petrol or diesel and Dr Lane explained that while fuel costs are reduced, depreciation is substantial "because of the uncertainties associated with the new technology."

Posted by Nick Anderson