The uptake of electric vehicles is set to rise as early as 2017. A combination of factors _ including increased choice of vehicles, improvements in technology and low benefit-in-kind tax rates _ are contributing to their rising popularity with drivers and fleet operators. Over the next five years, the number of electric cars and plug-in hybrids available to consumers is set to double as manufacturers invest in ultra-low emissions options. Some are introducing plug-in cars for the first time this year. In 2015 Jaguar announced the I-PACE, their compact all-electric SUV, leading to theories that sister brand Land Rover will launch their own EV production model. The Volkswagen Group have also proclaimed their commitment to a range of 20 cars with electric propulsion in the next few years. Furthermore, a group of manufacturers consisting of BMW, Daimler, Ford and the VW Group have announced their intention to boost infrastructure for a European network of superfast car chargers. Targeting 400 sites in Europe, the improved network will reduce plug-in car charging time, aiming to enable long-distance EV travel along major routes by 2020. When charging has progressed to be as convenient as refuelling at traditional petrol stations, itÕs expected that many companies will jump to capitalise on economies of scale and improved battery & motor technology. 2016 saw significant changes to the plug-in car grant, reducing available funding based on EV range and total emissions. Additionally, company car drivers with plug-in cars are expected to see steep increases in benefit-in-kind tax payments. Yet customers remain undeterred: drivers of plug-in cars with under 50g/km CO2 emissions will pay benefit-in-kind tax at 9%, which remains a markedly lower rate than for conventional cars. Fleet operators are set to benefit as well, being able to run plug-in cars at a lower cost than conventionally fuelled cars. Organisations advocating for the benefits of plug-in vehicles suggest they will become much more common among fleetsÕ choice lists. According to Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Low, fleets took up plug-in vehicles at an even faster rate in 2016 than among private consumers. Compared to 2015, the total recorded EV registrations increased by 54%. Welch said: Our research shows only 25% of UK businesses offer EVs to employees as company cars _ with almost 70% of user-choosers saying they would consider an electric car if the technology was made available to them. With recent Government investment in workplace charging initiatives, as well as improving technology from vehicle manufacturers, we expect EVs to be even more popular with businesses and their employees next year and beyond.Ó
