The advice comes from LeasePlan, which has published a best practice guide to decarbonising UK road transport that explores how the Government and leasing companies can work together to make ULEVs an attractive option for fleets.

The report recommends introducing financial incentives such as free parking and toll charge exemptions to encourage ULEV take-up in the UK. These approaches are already being used effectively in Norway, which has the highest proportion of ULEV registrations per 1,000 vehicles in Europe. Allowing ULEVs to use bus or high occupancy vehicle lanes could also be viable in certain regions.

Other recommendations from the report include:

• Reinstating 100% first year capital allowances on ULEV purchases for leasing companies, abandoned in the latest budget round
• Creation of a single information repository to allow fleet operators and the public to find everything they need to know about ULEVs and the grants available
• Appointment of a ULEV ambassador to increase awareness of the benefits

Matt Dyer, commercial director, LeasePlan UK, said: ‘As one of the first leasing companies to offer the fully electric Nissan Leaf and Vauxhall Ampera, LeasePlan has long held the belief that ULEVs are valuable fleet vehicles.

‘Despite inroads, ULEVs still account for only a small fraction of the leasing market. Increasing their usage depends on three important factors: financial incentives to help minimise the cost differential compared to traditionally-powered vehicles; better information to improve understanding of ULEVs’ benefits and capabilities; and finally, expert consultancy to find the right fleet profile and vehicle option for every individual company. Together, these measures will ensure ultra-low emission vehicles are beneficial from both a business and environmental perspective.’