SALES of low emission ‘alternatively-fuelled’ cars – hybrids, electrics and the like -might be on the up, but evidence suggests many small fleet operators still can’t tell the difference between all this new tech.

Leasing specialist Fleetdrive wants to do something about that.

Fleetdrive, winner of the Best Small Fleet Green Leasing Award in Business Car Manager’s recent Small Fleet Leasing Awards, is joining forces with the Department for Transport and the Energy Saving Trust to produce a series of animated films explaining how the new drivetrains work.

Each film is voiced by TV actor Robert Llewellyn, best known as Kryten the robot in comedy series ‘Red Dwarf’ but also an eco vehicle evangelist.

Llewellyn explains the differences between petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, extended-range electric and pure electric vehicles, and advises drivers and small fleet decision-makers which technology is likely to be most efficient for their needs.

Each technology gets its own easy-to-understand two-minute film, while there is a longer 10 minute version aimed at people who are keen to learn more about low and ultra-low emission vehicles.

All the films are available in the website video gallery at Fleetdrive’s website. 

According to Fleetdrive’s managing director Michael Potter, powertrain choices for vehicles are becoming ever more varied. “This video hopefully goes some way to demystify how these work in practice for businesses and individuals alike,” he says.

“We also hope that it will demonstrate where full EVs can fit in with their zero tailpipe emissions, especially particulates, and low running costs,” Potter adds.

“The fact is that EVs are becoming increasingly more practical and affordable for a range of business applications – it’s not just about saving the environment, but in the long-term, saving money on your fleet running costs.”