The UK’s first climate positive vehicle leasing service launches in Gloucestershire

A Gloucester based vehicle leasing service, Fleet Electric, has launched to offer small and medium-sized businesses the chance to lease fully electric vehicles.

The electric vehicle specialist has also committed to offset more Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gases (GHG) than are generated in the production and lifecycle of every vehicle it leases.

Fleet Electric plans to plant a spinney of trees and invest in carbon reduction projects to offset more carbon than is generated in the production of every vehicle it leases. Each month Fleet Electric supports carbon reduction projects that are certified at the very highest level. Recent projects include preserving the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor in Guatemala and providing clean energy through hydropower in Kanungu, Uganda.

The brain-child of Richard Markey, former Product Planning Manager of Mitsubishi Motors, the business aims to provide SME’s with advice and a procurement service equivalent to that of an in-house fleet or transport manager while benefiting the climate at the same time.

Based in Hardwicke, Gloucester, Fleet Electric incorporated in September 2020 as Fleet Electric Leasing Ltd and is an independent vehicle finance broker that is authorised and regulated for consumer credit activities by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Richard said: “A large portion of businesses don’t have the luxury of a dedicated fleet or transport manager to advise their organisations of the most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve an electrified fleet. This is where we can provide advice and assistance in procuring a single vehicle or transitioning an entire fleet to electric in an economical and environmentally friendly way."

The UK Government will outlaw the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and vans from 2030, leaving little time for businesses to optimise their changeover strategy to electric. Richard’s experience of working with some of the largest and most diverse fleets in the UK during his time as a Corporate Sales Manager at Mitsubishi Motors allows him to share his knowledge of how large multinational corporations are adapting their fleets. Richard was also responsible for the UK product strategy and European emissions compliance at Mitsubishi, giving him a unique insight into the future motivations and pressures vehicle manufacturers face.

While Fleet Electric is predominately aimed at helping businesses decarbonise their fleet, they are also empowering businesses to help their employees go electric too. From launch Fleet Electric is offering businesses a salary sacrifice scheme that would allow their employees to lease an electric vehicle in exchange for part of their salary.

Employees can lease a new fully maintained and insured electric car cheaper than they could otherwise obtain themselves as well as doing their bit for climate change. By introducing a salary sacrifice scheme, employers will also benefit from lower National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and corporation tax relief for every employee that leases a car via the scheme.