Over 30 C- and E-Class Hybrid models have been allocated to its own internal fleet with the remainder added to ALD’s flexi-lease product, PoolFleet, to enhance the choice of alternatively fuelled vehicles available to its customers. 

The hybrids – which bring emissions starting from 94g/km for the C-Class and 110g/km for the E-Class – have already reduced ALD’s average CO2 emissions from its own company car fleet from 139g/km in 2010 to 112g/km. 

The addition of the hybrids will also help ALD with its evaluation of new and emerging AFV technologies as part of its ongoing Smart Mobility programme. A dedicated team has been set up to provide a holistic consultancy service and introduce more effective mobility solutions across all areas of fleet operation. Services offered include working with fleets to analyse where AFVs can be utilised and then introducing them alongside initiatives including eco training and telematics to help enhance their effectiveness. 

ALD has already run a pilot programme involving Nissan LEAFs. The results were used to evaluate full electric vehicle usage on the company fleet and formed the basis for ALD’s current consultation with company car drivers who want to switch to a full EV solution. 

ALD will shortly be starting trials on a number of other Plug-in Hybrids later in the year, which will include analysis on the impact on the fuel consumption from drivers just refuelling the vehicle instead of charging it.

Mel Dawson, managing director of ALD Automotive, commented: “By undertaking real-world testing backed up by the comprehensive data supplied by telematics technology, we can assist our customers with practical experience. We can then give them advice based on factual results from multiple users making the transition to AFVs as part of our Smart Mobility solution.”