Ricardo produces 2023 Road to Zero Report Card to assess progress with decarbonisation of British fleets

The British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) commissioned Ricardo to produce their 2023 ‘Road to Zero Report Card’, an annual publication which assesses progress against ‘Road to Zero’ measures for British vehicle fleets (cars, vans and trucks) and assessed the readiness of the fleet sector to transition to zero tailpipe emission vehicles (ZEVs). BVRLA members are responsible for around half of new vehicles in the UK and are leading the charge to decarbonise road transport. 

A central focus of this year’s research for the publication are the development of existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and underlying metrics to be used to measure progress across the key areas of demand, supply and infrastructure. Ricardo were able to draw on its own expertise in fleet decarbonisation, ZEVs and their infrastructure needs, as well as analyse data from reputable sources and engage with BVRLA members, to evaluate the metrics and inform the assessment of KPIs. Ricardo worked with BVRLA to present a fresh, engaging and concise report that clearly communicates where we are on the ‘road to zero’ and the year-on-year trends, further strengthening the BVRLA’s position as a thought leader in this space.

BVRLA presented the ‘Road to Zero Report Card’ to policy makers and industry executives at the opening of its “Fleets in Charge” conference on the 20th September. Despite the current uncertainty of the political message surrounding the transition, the conference presented a broadly positive outlook amongst the vehicle leasing and rental sector, vehicle manufacturers and infrastructure providers, who are gearing up to meet the challenges of decarbonising fleets at scale. The ‘Road to Zero Report Card’ both highlights progress and identifies where policy action and investment is needed towards net zero. The report finds good progress in the car market, but more progress is needed in the van and truck markets, and some sectors such as rentals and small affordable vehicles continue to face challenges. Infrastructure provision is growing exponentially but needs to continue to mature including accommodating a wider range of vehicles such as vans and trucks, and further improve reliability and consumer confidence. 

Catherine Bowen, Senior Policy Advisor, BVRLA, said: “The BVRLA’s Road to Zero Report Card is a valuable tool in helping us to track the industry’s progress towards national targets, while arming us with the information to shape discussions with decision makers. The Report Card gives tangible recommendations on where attention and resources should be focused. It is therefore essential that the research is robust, credible, and in conjunction with a trusted partner.”