The operators of Britain’s largest electric van fleets are urging other companies to follow their lead.

TNT Express and Sainsbury’s Online are among seven companies who are calling for business to add commercial electric vehicles to their fleets.

Their call also has the backing of the mayor of London Boris Johnson.

TNT has the largest fleet of electric delivery trucks. Supplied by Smith Electric Vehicles, the trucks have a top speed of 50mph and a range of up to 100 miles.

The electric delivery trucks were initially trialled in the capital, as Tom Bell, TNT regional managing director, explained: “London was the natural choice to trial TNT's first zero-emission vehicle three years ago, and since then we've deployed them around 23 other major towns and cities.

“We are happy to share our expertise and knowledge.”

Sainsbury’s Online has used electric vans for home shopping delivery in London since 2006. It now has the largest fleet of electric delivery vans in Britain and has just ordered another 50 electric LCVs.

“This will allow us to deliver to the majority of our customers in central London in an environmentally responsible way,” said Jat Sahota, Sainsbury’s head of corporate responsibility.

“We are committed to using electric vehicles wherever possible.”

Sainsbury’s and TNT have agreed to share their experiences with fleet managers as part of an initiative by Johnson to make London the electric vehicle capital of Europe.

As part of his plans he also intends to add 1,000 electric vehicles to the Greater London Authroity fleet.

“Not only do electric vehicles save a large sum off fuel bills, helping businesses to remain lean in tough economic times, they are also great for London's environment,” said Johnson.

“We are now going to work hand in hand with fleet owners to accelerate the take-up of electric vehicles.”

Electric vehicle supplier Aixam Mega’s general manager Lawrence Holland said its electric vans and cars are well suited to urban fleets.

“Electric vehicles are an obvious choice for use in an urban environment, where speeds are relatively low, and the distances travelled are usually short,” he said.

“Fleets are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon emissions and to cut the cost of motoring. The technology exists right now for fleets to address this important issue straight away.”