Energy suppliers Centrica and SSE and facilities services company Mitie have committed to switch their vehicle fleets to electric by 2030, as part of international non-profit The Climate Group’s global EV100 initiative.

The companies represent some of the UK’s biggest buyers of commercial vehicles, with a combined portfolio of 21,000 vehicles. Centrica operates the third largest fleet in the country, SSE the seventh largest and Mitie the eleventh largest.

Helen Clarkson, CEO, The Climate Group, said: “With demand for clean transport on the up, energy companies are looking to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure as the next frontier of investment in the clean and flexible energy system – and there are huge business opportunities for those who get ahead first.

“These companies are sending a clear message that the direction of travel for transport is electric, inspiring their staff and customers to follow – every major business must do the same.”

As the operator of the third largest commercial fleet in the country, Centrica has more than 12,500 vehicles globally.

James Rushen, group head of environment for Centrica, said: “The direction of travel for our fleet is clear and we’re proud to be supporting our customers and the wider industry as we continue to understand the implications of EV roll out at scale.

“With a global network of over 15,000 engineers and technicians, and expertise in designing and managing energy solutions through Centrica Business Solutions, I believe we are uniquely positioned to help other businesses make the shift to a transport system that is cleaner, more sustainable and more efficient.”

Under EV100, SSE will switch its retained fleet of 3,500 vehicles to electric and install charging points for its 21,000 employees to use. Brian McLaren, SSE director of group change, said: “Decarbonisation is at the heart of what we do and low carbon emissions from transport is critical if the UK is to meet its Net Zero targets.

“As a major fleet operator and property occupier across the UK and Ireland, the commitments being made through EV100 and EP100 are in line with SSE’s ambition to deliver low carbon infrastructure in a sustainable way.”

Mitie has committed to transitioning its fleet of 5,300 vehicles to electric by 2030, ‘subject to the availability and affordability of the right vehicles and adequate public charging infrastructure’.

The company has pledged to move 20% of its 3,500-strong small van and car fleet to EV and install 800 new charging points by the end of 2020 at both its office and client locations, as well as at employee’s homes. 

Simon King, fleet and procurement director, Mitie, said: “We want to drive change in the facilities management industry and this is an important step in the effort to combat climate change. We want to ensure our sizeable fleet is as green and sustainable as possible and show other companies making the switch to electric vehicles is the right thing for their people, the planet and their pockets.

“It is challenging, but we all need to take responsibility for actions and commit to change. We are also keen to take our clients on the journey with us by supporting them to make similar moves for their own fleets.”  

Joining EV100 is the latest commitment from Mitie to electrify its large fleet, having already achieved Go Ultra Low status and signed the Clean Van Commitment in January 2019. By the end of 2020, it will also have installed 800 new charging points at both its offices and client locations, as well as employee’s homes.

Additionally, Mitie is in discussions with suppliers to negotiate a deal for renewable energy, which it plans to make available to its electric vehicle drivers.

Simon King will present an in-depth case study on Mitie’s journey to switching its fleet to EV this year’s Fleet Live – the UK’s leading event for the fleet management community. To find out more about the event and book your place visit fleet-live.co.uk.

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