A new in-depth survey from Sewells Research & Insight has revealed that practical obstacles are currently preventing feats from taking on more alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs). Though there is mounting pressure for fleets to adopt low or zero emission vehicles, fears over the higher cost, long recharging times and the uncertain residual values of the cars themselves continue to stop fleets from increasing their uptake. Interestingly, the research also showed that petrol is making a comeback at the expense of diesel. The emissions test scandal, combined with fears over the impact of nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions on the environment, are believed to have had substantial impact on this. The Fleet Market Report 2016 covered a number of areas, with Sewells noting that fleets were prepared to adopt alternatively fuelled vehicles, but only in small numbers. Companies estimated that the number of AFVs in their own fleets would rise to around 1.5 per cent within the next year, 2.5 per cent within three years and 4.7 per cent in five years. Though this would actually represent a market share increase of 213 per cent, it would still leave 95 per cent of company cars reliant on fossil fuels. 81 per cent of fleet decision makers, meanwhile, said that range issues were a primary obstacle to them increasing their uptake of AFVs. 77 per cent called for the charging times to be decreased and 73 wanted to see more recharging points available before they increased their investment. 40 per cent of fleets did note that their drivers would be open to accepting AFV's. However, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is pursuing a policy of doubling the speed at which it increases company car tax; and this is leaving a number of drivers with the choice between a higher tax bill, or a vehicle that simply isn't sufficient to get the job done. It's likely that the issue will become more pressing, as local authorities are expected to introduce more and more 'clean air zones', with hefty charges in place for drivers using vehicles contravening the regulations.