Alphabet in the UK is looking to more than double the adoption of plug-in electric cars, from 4,200 to 10,000, in the next three years through the launch of its business consultancy service, AlphaElectric.
The service is based on a four-step process that addresses the main barriers that have so far hampered the adoption of electric vehicles in the UK.
At present, UK adoption of EVs has been modest, with only 138 units sold in 2010 and 1,082 sold in 2011.
Sales rose sharply in 2012 with 2,254 cars registered by the DVLA, while year on year sales at August 2013 have shown an increase of more than 70%.
With an expanding range of plug-in vehicles on the market, a growth in the number of public charging points (now up to 5,000 in the UK) and further Government investment of £37m for infrastructure, Alphabet is confident of strong growth in EV adoption for the next few years.
It believes a more consultative approach is needed to dispel many of the myths about plug-in vehicles, such as availability of charging points, range anxiety and safety.
By focusing on the corporate market as an early adopter, the business, which is part of the global BMW Group, is convinced that more widespread adoption of EVs can be achieved in the UK.
Alphabet will take business and fleet managers through each stage of the AlphaElectric process – initial scoping, charging infrastructure, vehicle choice and mobility options – providing them with the independent business case and confidence to adopt EVs as appropriate.
