Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is to attend the BVRLA’s free Fleets in Charge event next month, paying recognition to the important role that the vehicle rental, leasing and fleet sectors play in delivering the UK’s zero-emission goals.

The BVRLA’s online Fleets in Charge event on 6 October will give members the chance to hear directly from the Secretary of State and other industry leaders

Taking place on 6 October, the fully online BVRLA event will give members the opportunity to not just hear directly from the Secretary of State, but also other industry leaders through a mixture of keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive and member-led break-out sessions and video case studies and presentations.

High-profile speakers will share their insights, and delegates will get the opportunity to discuss a host of topics with experts and peers.

The BVRLA will use the new Fleets in Charge event to launch its updated Road to Zero Report Card, providing a status update on fleet decarbonisation and outlining the task ahead. It will also unveil a new Plug-in Pledge, which will demonstrate the huge contribution that the fleet sector will make between now and 2025. The BVRLA will make some bold predictions on the trajectory for fleet EV registrations and which segments of the market will be leading the way.

The event will also feature a dedicated ‘Business Survival Guide’ session to give advice on dealing with the more immediate challenges created by the COVD pandemic and associated economic slowdown. More information will follow soon.

The association revealed the news about the Transport Secretary’s address last night as part of World EV Day and said it highlights how BVRLA members are a leading driver of putting cleaner vehicles on the road. In 2019, they collectively bought around 80% of all battery electric vehicles sold in the UK, had over five million vehicles on fleet and put 1.5 million nearly new vehicles into the used vehicle market.

Chief executive Gerry Keaney also welcomed yesterday’s government announcement pledging a £12m fund for electric vehicle research projects, plans for more charge points at popular destinations and additional funding for local authorities to encourage businesses to switch to electric vans:

“The BVRLA and its members are working more closely than ever with policymakers to help them understand the fleet market and the policy interventions that will be needed to drive rapid decarbonisation of road transport.”

To attend the Fleets in Charge event, email events@bvrla.co.uk