The average carbon emission of new fleet cars has fallen to an all-time low of 126g/km during the first six months of 2013, according to ALD Automotive. ALD's survey, which covers their 96,000 vehicles, shows that average C02 emissions have fallen by 24 per cent over the last 10 years, with manufacturers continuing to introduce lower carbon vehicles including hybrid and electric models. The rate of carbon reduction is showing signs of increasing, with average C02 emissions falling by 20 per cent in the last five years alone, below the 2012 average of 133g/km in 2012. However, the figures show that of their vehicles operated, 70.5 per cent were diesel powered, 29 per cent petrol and only 0.5 per cent being alternatively fuelled. Employees are now putting processes in place to reduce their mileage too, through improved driver practises, optimised routing and by making fewer journeys. This is primarily a result of rising fuel costs, but higher environmental awareness is having an impact, too. ALD's research shows average mileage fell by more than 2,400 miles, from 18,500 miles in the first six months of 2012 to 16,000 in the first half of 2013. Over the last ten years average mileage has fallen by more than 6,000 miles, down 28 per cent. Legislation continues to drive down emission levels, with a number of incentives for driving lower carbon cars, including the £5,000 Plug-in car grant and various tax breaks. The 10 per cent tax rate will be abolished from April next year, with 1 per cent increases for vehicles which emit between 76g/km and 210 g/km of CO2, up to a maximum of 35 per cent. Additionally, all medium and large-sized firms will be required to declare carbon emissions data in their annual reports. Mel Dawson, managing director for ALD, said: "Company car fleets have come a long way over the last ten years in dramatically reducing their carbon footprint and delivering significant financial savings to businesses. "Carbon emissions remain very much under the spotlight and, with emissions and taxation inextricably linked, we are working closely with our customers to help them stay one step ahead of legislation." Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK is relatively low so far, with only 138 units sold in 2010 and 1,082 in 2011. However, sales have been accelerating, with 2,254 cars registered by the DVLA in 2012; year on year sales in August 2013 have increased by more than 70 per cent. Only recently, fleet provider Alphabet announced it would be doubling the adoption of plug-in electric cars, from 4,200 to 10,000 in the next three years. With a growing range of plug-in vehicles available, higher number of electric charging points and further Government investment in research and infrastructure, Alphabet is hopeful of strong growth in EV take-up in the next few years.