ALD Automotive UK is to run an in-house trial of plug-in hybrids to monitor and assess the real-world performance across a range of driving styles, terrains and mileages.

20 Mercedes-Benz C350e PHEVs will be trialled by ALD Automotive.

The trial will put 20 Mercedes C350e PHEVs to the test, with the resultant data to be used to design a blueprint that ALD customers can use as a practical tool to help them successfully roll out PHEVs within their own fleets.

Matt Dale, consultancy services manager at ALD, said: “While there’s a vast array of information available to fleets looking to adopt AFVs, we plan to go one step further. We want to be able to talk to our customers from a position of experience and be entirely confident in the advice we give them so that they can make reasoned and well informed decisions.”

The trial will use ALD’s ProFleet telematics solution to gather key journey data, such as mileage and fuel consumption. This will enable the team to assess the vehicles’ overall performance in different driving scenarios, including reports on headline data such as MPG. The trial also makes use of ALD’s new Bristol head office, which features electric charging points in the company car park, and the company plans to connect roof solar panels to the car park chargers to aid sustainability for the trial.

The trial will also shine light on the practicalities of running a PHEV. Matt Dale added: “As a real-life study, we aim to monitor not only the car’s performance but also how our staff manage this type of vehicle on a day-to-day basis, right down to the practicalities of journey planning and charging their cars, whether at home or work.”

The trial will take place over the next six months, with the results due to be published later this year.