Fleet Show 2016 at Silverstone in May

Fleet Show, at the iconic Silverstone circuit on Wednesday, 11 May 2016, promises to be an ‘electrifying’ event for all those who attend. This year’s Show will provide the opportunity for fleet decision-makers to see, evaluate and drive some of the latest electric vehicles (EVs) available on the market - at a time when latest figures show interest in ‘green’ vehicles has never been greater.

Last year saw record take-up of pure electric vehicles, range extenders and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as companies increasingly added ultra-low emission vehicles to their fleet policies. 

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed sales of EVs went up by 94%, from 14,532 at the end of 2014 to 28,188 by the end of last year.

And, according to industry body Go Ultra Low, when it came to businesses, fleet  registrations of EVs were 106% up on the previous year, and accounted for 18,250 of the 28,188 vehicles registered, around 65% of the total.

Go Ultra Low, which brings together a consortium of eight leading vehicle manufacturers (Audi, BMW, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen), the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and the SMMT, will again be holding a lunch-time seminar for fleet decision-makers, when there will be the opportunity to discuss some of the benefits and challenges to running a fleet of EVs.

Head of Go Ultra Low, Poppy Welch said: “We are delighted to be back at Silverstone again after a very successful Show last year. The Go Ultra Low campaign helps fleet decision-makers and company car drivers understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities of the wide range of EVs on the market.

“It does this by educating both public and fleet audiences and addressing outdated myths and highlighting the multiple benefits of EVs, including how they offer competitive practicality for business users.”

Behind the increased fleet demand is a much greater choice of models with 30 pure electric or plug-in hybrid cars now available in the UK. These range from high-performance sports cars to capable sports utility vehicles, with more new models on the way this year and with each of the 10 best-selling brands now offering an EV as part of their model range.

And, amongst Fleet Show exhibitors this year, BMW, Nissan, Renault, Tesla and Volvo will be just some of the vehicle manufacturers with a strong interest in boosting sales of EVs and range extenders to fleet customers.

There will be test driving of more new cars on three circuits - the National, International and Stowe circuits - plus a road route, with an emphasis on some of the very latest alternatively-fuelled models, as well as more conventionally-powered vehicles. 

This will provide Show visitors with the chance to hold face-to-face meetings and network with exhibitors and other visitors alike.

Fleet Show director, Jerry Ramsdale, commented: “EVs, range extenders and ULEVs are now becoming an increasing part of the fleet mix and, as the latest sales figures show, in today’s extremely emissions-conscious fleet market these types of vehicle are of increasing importance.

“Some of the very latest ultra-low emission models will be available at Silverstone this year so that fleet decision-makers will have the perfect opportunity to assess them in a variety of different driving conditions,” he said.