Europcar Mobility Group UK is continuing its focus on inhouse fleet emissions reduction under a latest deal with CBVC Vehicle Management.

More than three-quarters of Europcar business drivers moving to EVs said range met or exceeded expectations

The new contract extends the partnership for a further three years following a successful initial carbon reduction programme. This saw average CO2 per company car fall from 129g/km to 29g/km. Nearly 80% of Europcar Mobility Group UK company car drivers now drive battery electric cars.

The mobility solutions specialist said reducing carbon emissions in its own company car fleet was an important demonstration of Europcar’s commitment to sustainability and showed its continued focus on ‘walking the talk’ on decarbonisation.

Mark Newberry, commercial director and sustainability spokesperson, explained: “We are working with a wide diversity of businesses that are getting to grips with reducing emissions on their own fleets. It is, therefore, essential that we can show we understand the barriers they may face when aiming to win the hearts and minds of their drivers. By working with CBVC we have been able to deliver a streamlined solution that makes it easy for employees to make the switch.

“We have also learnt about some of the things that drivers worry about before they make the switch – and the reality once they get behind the wheel of their electric company car.”

Research carried out earlier this year among Europcar company car drivers switching to electric revealed that 78% said the range of their vehicle met or exceeded their expectations; 48% of those said it exceeded their expectations. And nearly a quarter found the cost of charging cheaper than expected, with 57% saying it was as expected.

As part of the emission reduction scheme, CBVC Vehicle Management created the Driver Vehicle Selection Portal. This makes it easy for company car drivers to select an EV, using latest technology, video reviews and vehicle trade-up options. Plus cash allowance drivers who want to capitalise on ultra-low BiK EVs have been able to opt back into the company car scheme.

CBVC has also used whole-life costs to generate multi-brand vehicle lists, not only helping employees to go electric but also delivering lower costs for the Europcar business.

“It has been a pleasure working with Europcar,” commented CBVC account manager, Julie Hayes. “Our innovative automated selection process rewards drivers for picking lower C02 cars. And with recent increases in prices, we have demonstrated the value of a multi-bid approach to funding.”