Downsizing fleet vehicles will reduce your emissions and costs

We’ve illustrated the change in carbon emissions and fuel use across the Volkswagen car and Ford van range in ‘Table 14 – Range of vehicles from the same manufacturer’.

Both fuel and capital costs increase with size, with fuel costs rising by up to 72% in the car comparison and 50% in the van comparison. Research carried out by Ricardo for The Department for Transport has shown that fully loading a van increases its fuel consumption by 9-10% (AEA Technology, 2010). So, having a full small van is far more efficient than a half-empty large van.  

Using smaller vehicles whenever possible lets you realise carbon, operating and capital cost savings.  We recommend you avoid a one-size-fits-all procurement model. Instead, you can assess vehicle suitability during replacement.  

As the market for zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) is still much smaller than for internal combustion engine vehicles, you may not find a direct replacement for every vehicle. However, as there is a larger variety of smaller ZEVs for cars and vans, you have more options if you want to downsize.  

*Fuel costs are based off the average UK fuel prices in 2019 excluding VAT. Petrol 100,609ppl, diesel 105.01