EDF has announced a partnership with fellow London 2012 Sustainability partner, BMW Group, to increase its fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK by leasing 35 fully electric, London 2012 and EDF branded MINI Es.

The MINI E is the latest British icon to become part of EDF Energy’s low carbon vision for London ahead of the Games following partnerships with the EDF Energy London Eye and Tower Bridge announced earlier this year. During Games time, 30 of the MINI Es from the EDF fleet will become part of the BMW Group London 2012 official vehicle fleet.

Ahead of the Games the vehicles will be made available for use by customers and employees of EDF Energy, a UK subsidiary of EDF Group. EDF Energy hopes the iconic MINI E fleet will serve to help further develop the electric vehicles market in the UK.

Forecasts suggest that there will be 660,000 plug-in vehicles in the UK by 20201 and with electric vehicles having the potential to offer up to a 40% CO2 saving compared with a typical family petrol car in the UK. Over the full life cycle2, this could have a significant impact reducing the carbon emissions associated with transport. In recent electric vehicle trials, EDF Energy saw that over 80% of all recharging takes places at home3. In response, the company has launched EcoRecharge – a home charging package that includes installation of a safe and convenient charge point, smart meter, consumption statement, timer and Eco 20:20 tariff.

Gareth Wynn, director of EDF’s 2012 Programme said: “Electric cars are already a lower carbon choice, but as we progress with decarbonising electricity production in the UK over the coming years the environmental case will get stronger and stronger. The MINI E shows that electric cars can appeal to people who like to drive and who enjoy cars. They also show that low carbon electric transport is a realistic prospect for the future that can contribute to UK carbon reduction targets. Our partnership with fellow London 2012 sustainability partner, BMW Group, fits perfectly with EDF’s ambitions to be a leader in low carbon solutions.

“I hope that seeing and experiencing this iconic fully-electric vehicle will prompt people to think about how they can reduce the carbon footprint of their travel. This would be a great part of the legacy of sustainability from London 2012.”

The MINI E has played a vital role in influencing the thinking behind BMW i, a sub brand of BMW Group which will offer transport strategies and new types of vehicles for sustainable mobility. During everyday usage, the MINI E can travel around 100 miles on a single charge, depending on driving style and conditions, and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds.

Jochen Goller, director of MINI UK comments: “The 35 MINI Es which EDF will take delivery of were, up until recently, on UK roads as part of the world’s largest EV pilot study, led by the BMW Group. We are delighted that over the next 12 months EDF will utilise the cars in real-life situations with employees and customers. With the BMW i3, the first purpose built fully electric vehicle from the BMW Group, coming to the marketplace in 2013 we have a keen interest in working together with other stakeholders such as EDF, who also play a key role in developing the EV market in the UK.”

Olympic gold medallist and athlete ambassador for EDF and member of BMW Group London 2012 Performance Team, kayaker Tim Brabants adds: “The Games is not just about getting people to take up sport - it’s an inspiring global platform which can bring to life important issues like sustainability. From my work as an ambassador for EDF and BMW Group I know that transport makes up a large part of our individual carbon footprint so promoting greener travel is important if we’re to tackle climate change. It’s therefore great to see two London 2012 Sustainability partners, EDF and BMW Group, working together to support the development of the electric vehicles market in the UK and beyond.”

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