That's according to the latest quarterly figures from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, which also showed that the average lease car added to its member fleet in 2015 emitted just 112.6g/km CO2, more than 7% less than the average new car registered in 2015.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “More and more businesses are turning to leasing as a source of finance and BVRLA members are helping these companies to operate cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

“The Government needs to recognise that the company car or van is more than just a taxable perk and a valuable source of revenue for the Treasury. These vehicles are vital business tools that can play a huge role in reducing the UK’s road transport carbon emissions. Without a fair and simple tax regime for company vehicles, this won’t happen.”

Poppy Welch of Go Ultra Low added: “We’ve been encouraged by the growing number of fleets realising the multiple advantages of electric vehicles – and BVRLA members continue to play a pivotal role through education on whole-life costs and employee benefits. More businesses need to be bold, opening their thinking to incorporate electric vehicles and the cost-savings they bring.”