CV fleet operators ‘missing out on £2.6bn fuel savings’

New research from Go Ultra Low has shown that commercial vehicle operators and fleet managers are missing out on a share of more than £2.6 billion potential fuel savings, accessible by opting for an ultra-low emission van.

Compared with the cost of operating a diesel-powered van, nearly half (1.8 million) of the 3.7 million vans on UK roads could tap-in to the typical £1,459 per vehicle annual savings on the cost of fuel. Millions of operators run small and medium-sized vans as back-to-base or short-haul vehicles, a duty-cycle perfectly suited to pure-electric vans (e.g. the Nissan e-NV200 and Renault Kangoo Van Z.E.) and plug-in hybrids (e.g. the Mitsubishi Outlander 4Work).

Hetal Shah, head of the Go Ultra Low campaign, a joint initiative by government and the UK automotive industry, said: “Ultra-low emission commercial vehicles make so much sense for operators large and small, particularly when you consider the massive fuel savings on offer and the opportunity to write-off the cost of the vehicle. Add to the mix lower maintenance fees and tax rates, plus the potential for reduced whole-life running costs, and they really do make a compelling option.”

Thousands of commercial vehicle drivers and fleet managers will visit the UK Commercial Vehicle Show, the perfect place to assess the benefits on offer from low-emission motoring. Businesses operating ultra-low emission vehicles can significantly reduce annual fleet management costs. The savings are immediate, with a government grant of up to £8,000 towards the purchase price and 100 per cent of the vehicle’s value applicable to write off as a capital allowance.

Thanks to CO2 emissions of less than 75g/km, all ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) are exempt from road tax. Other advantages such a nationwide network of free recharging points and no congestion charges in London make ULEVs a valid alternative to traditionally-fuelled vans.

With residual values for ULEVs continuing to improve, more UK companies are turning to ultra-low emissions commercial vehicles to drive their business and reduce their corporate carbon footprint.

Go Ultra Low exists to help motorists understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities of the raft of new ultra-low emission vehicles on the market. The collaborative campaign is the first of its kind, bringing together a consortium of seven leading vehicle manufacturers (Audi, BMW, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen), the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and SMMT.