Volkswagen scandal drives car owners to electric vehicles – Flexed.co.uk

Car leasing company, Flexed.co.uk states that there has been a surge in electric car interest in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal. The Yorkshire-based company has found that both private and company buyers want to make the switch to green motoring after worrying how much their cars really are polluting the environment. Eco-consciousness is not the only inspiration for this; Flexed.co.uk states that low running costs and an expanding network of rapid charging points have also contributed to the increased interest.

“It looks like 2015 and 2016 are going to be critical years for the electric car industry,” says Flexed.co.uk’s Mark Hall, “And the huge irony is that one huge act of dishonesty by Volkswagen has made people open their eyes to greener driving.”

Flexed.co.uk ‘s Mark Hall says that business users are making the bulk of electric car enquiries in the last two months, with most citing the Volkswagen scandal as the reason for rethinking their fleet leasing and purchasing needs. “In years gone by, the fleet controller’s job was entirely about getting the best cars they could from the annual budget, now they’ve got the company’s green reputation to consider as well,” says Hall.

Typical is one executive in charge of fleet buying and leasing for a company based in the Midlands: “We like to think we’ve got strong green credentials, and we’re shocked that the VW and Skoda diesels in our fleet are nowhere near as green as we thought. I think the range, performance and infra-structure is there for electric cars, so we’re making the switch this year,” he told Flexed.co.uk.

“Not only that, but we’re also exploring the possibilities of car charging points in the staff car park. It won’t be just for our fleet vehicles, but for staff members’ private cars, too.”

Private buyer Ron from Manchester told Flexed: “We’ve only ever driven VW Golfs, and now those days are well and truly over. Not only have we lost faith in the brand, but also in driving a diesel car. That’s why we’re looking at the Nissan Leaf.”