BUSINESSES are at the forefront of leading the UK’s transition from fossil fuel to car electrification.

That’s the belief of car leasing firm Alphabet, which has delivered nearly 9% of the UK’s total grant-eligible electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles.

These electrified vehicles are registered for private or business usage; the figures relate to the end of September 2017.

Simon Carr, the chief commercial cfficer at leasing company Alphabet, commented:

“These figures demonstrate Alphabet’s longstanding commitment to help customers switch on to the financial and environmental benefits of low emission vehicles as part of their mobility solutions.

“The statistics also provide tangible proof ahead of November’s eagerly-awaited Budget of the hugely important role that the company car and business users play in helping to support the UK’s transition to electric and hybrid transport.

Business users and corporates have been absolutely in the vanguard of the take-up of electric and hybrid cars over the past few years, far outstripping demand from retail and private buyers.

“We’re clear that while electric and hybrid powertrains may not be appropriate for every business user or journey, our role is to support organisations in adapting to the change and help future-proof their policies, identify and select what is right for both the driver and employer, as well as put in place the infrastructure required for electric and hybrid vehicles to succeed.”

Electric cars that create zero emissions will be elegible for company car tax at the rate of just 2% from the 2020/21 tax year.

PHEVs – plug-in hybrid electric vehicles – are cars that combine a combustion engine and a battery, with the ability to run in zero emission mode.

PHEVs will qualify for the 2% company car tax banding in the tax year 2020/21, provided they can travel in excess of 130 miles in pure EV mode.

Most current PHEVs will qualify for the 12% company car tax banding of 30-39 miles in EV mode or the 14% company car tax banding if fewer than 30 miles electric only mode.

Read more about the company car tax tables for 2020/21

• Click here to find out company car tax on electrified company cars