Centrica Business Solutions has launched a new electric vehicle (EV) offer designed to help businesses tackle the challenges of the EV transition.

Businesses are being offered a combination of products that will allow them to meet the additional power demands of new charging points by generating, storing and managing their own power on site.

In addition to the provision of new solar and battery storage facilities, customers will be able to integrate their EV chargers with existing energy infrastructure and access local energy management services to ensure they are managing their growing fleet in the smartest, most efficient way, it said.

The ‘EV Enablement’ package of solutions has been developed in response to the growing global EV market, which could require up to 18GW of additional power by 2050 in the UK alone – equivalent to an extra 30% on top of today’s peak demand.

In the US, it is estimated there will be 18.7 million EVs (7% of total car stock) on the road by 2030, calling for 9.6 million charge ports.

Research carried out by Centrica has shown that more than 75% of businesses are planning to introduce EVs into their fleets. However, less than half (43%) of those have considered the implications of what that could mean in terms of their energy demand.

Jorge Pikunic, global managing director for Centrica Business Solutions, said: “The adoption of electric vehicles is no longer a question for tomorrow. For businesses, the transition to EV is a big opportunity to become cleaner, more sustainable and more efficient.

“We believe distributed energy technologies will be key to supporting the cost-effective roll out of EVs, reducing the need for costly grid upgrades and new centralised generation capacity.

“Our offer has been designed to be fully flexible so that, whatever stage businesses are at on the EV journey, we can help make the transition simpler, faster and more affordable.”

The new offer builds on Centrica’s experience as an established supplier and installer of more than 17,000 charging points since 2012. Centrica Business Solutions is also working with sister company British Gas to offer a 100% renewable business EV tariff that is certified by the Carbon Trust.

As the operator of the UK’s third largest commercial fleet, Centrica has already started to electrify its own fleet of 14,000 vehicles, racking up over one million electric miles in the last five years.

Centrica has also been confirmed as the first energy company to join the ‘Go Ultra Low’ campaign, established to help UK organisations and motorists understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities of electric vehicles.

The collaborative campaign is the first of its kind, bringing together a consortium of vehicle manufacturers, Government and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Low, said: “With Go Ultra Low now welcoming energy companies into the campaign, we are excited to be able to provide an even more comprehensive view of electric vehicle ownership.

“Energy companies are already undertaking a wide range of activities to promote EV uptake, and initiatives like Centrica’s new business customer EV offer will help to encourage companies to unlock the potential benefits of making the switch to electric in their fleet.

“We look forward to working with Centrica and others to help consumers and organisations understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities that electric vehicles offer.”

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