A YORK fleet management company has celebrated being awarded a new status for embracing environmentally friendly electric vehicles by taking delivery of a hybrid ‘supercar’.

Autohorn has been awarded ‘Go Ultra Low Company’ status, which is part of a new government and automotive initiative to help UK organisations and motorists understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities of the raft of electric vehicles on the market.

The award recognises Autohorn for its commitment to using plug-in cars and vans. Autohorn aims to have 100 electric vehicles in their fleet by 2020.

The firm has also taken delivery of a BMW i8, a plug-in hybrid sports car, to broaden the choice of electric and hybrid vehicles it has on offer.

The BMW i8 is the first sports car with the consumption and emission values of a compact car due to its powerful plug-in hybrid system. The electric drive is combined with a TwinPower Turbo 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 4.4 seconds.

In November last year, Autohorn became the first car rental company in York to have pure electric vehicles for hire when it took delivery of ten Mercedes Benz vehicles, having already introduced plug-in hybrid vehicles to the fleet in 2014. Autohorn also has seven of its own electric charging points in the city.

Lee Underwood, managing director said: “These recent developments are part of our ongoing plan to help York become an ultra-low emission city. We are dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint surrounding the city and will continue to advocate and facilitate the use of low-emission technology to help to create a healthier environment for the people of York.”

Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Low, said: “We want to encourage every business in the UK to follow the example set by Autohorn in offering electric vehicles.”

Transport Minister and Harrogate MP Andrew Jones said: “It’s great to see a growing number of British fleets going green and I would encourage other businesses to learn from these Go Ultra Low companies and benefit from the huge fuel and tax savings offered by electric vehicles.”