Public sector continues to lead plug-in vehicle adoption

Public sector fleets have continued to lead the way in adopting ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) according to new information from Automotive Leasing.æ The growth in ULEV usage has been helped by the success of the GreenPlan project, according to the LeasePlan UK subsidiary. The GreenPlan project was launched ten years ago with the aim of providing cost-efficient ULEV solutions in both the public sector and non-for-profit fleets. Since its launch in 2005, the project had grown substantially, working with 98 organisations to develop environmental solutions for fleets and to help encourage ULEV uptake whilst acting as advocates for the technology. Solutions tabled have included replacing fleets with new, clean substitutes such as hybrid, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles, as well as implementing new technologies to help drive-down emissions. The GreenPlan Project has also encouraged the decrease of decreasing vehicle idling, as well as monitoring and managing driver behaviour.æ They've also worked alongside the Energy Savings Trust in Scotland to help provide educational programmes to drivers. Automotive Leasing's average CO2 fleet emissions have fallen by 28 per cent since the introduction of the GreenPlan launch. The GreenPlan Project has played a large part in working towards Scotland's target of reducing CO2 emissions by 42 per cent by 2020: the most ambitious target made by any country in the world. The project has contributed to this in a number of ways.æ It has planted over 10,000 trees across 22 acres within the Scottish Highlands to help balance out the 900,000 tonnes of emissions created by the Ministry of Defence Fleet in situations where ULEV solutions simply weren't possible. Tom Brewer, the brand director for Automotive Leasing, said: 'We are incredibly proud of the GreenPlan project and its success so far, and are delighted to have worked with so many organisations over the past 10 years to improve their carbon footprint. 'However, we know there is still a long way to go to increase the uptake of ULEV. We are committed to leading the charge in driving down vehicle emissions to encourage a healthier society and environment today, and for future generations. 'This project is still in its infancy, and we look forward to further increasing ULEV uptake, UK-wide, for both current and prospective clients over the coming years.î