COMMUTERS are considering an electric car (EV) to commute rather than risk public transport as firms gradually start returning to work.
Marlow-based broker DriveElectric surveyed public transport commuters via a Twitter poll to see if they were planning to change their journey to work post-lockdown.
The results of the survey showed that 43% were considering an EV rather than using public transport; 33% said that they were planning to work from home; 13% said they would be driving a petrol or diesel car; and 11% said they would walk more.
However, companies are wary of providing EVs as company cars despite electric cars having no negative impact on air quality, and being cheaper in terms of whole-life costs.
DriveElectric says businesses have concerns about EV purchase price and charging the batteries.
MD Mike Potter, commented:
“People are concerned about using public transport when they return to work, and a car is the only viable alternative option for many. The improvements in air quality that have been experienced during lockdown could be maintained by using electric cars, but many company car policies prevent employees choosing EVs.
“Our experience of helping companies shift to ultra-low emission vehicles since 2008 has shown that the majority of perceived challenges associated with the adoption of electric vehicles by fleets can easily be addressed, and incorporated in a company car policy that supports EVs.”
Ralph Morton is the leading journalist in the leasing broker sector and editor of Broker News, the website which provides information and news for BVRLA-registered leasing brokers. He also writes extensively on the fleet and leasing market in both the UK and Europe.
