Dynamic public sector procurement system opens for electric vehicles

A dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for the procurement of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) has been launched for the public sector by YPO.

The DPS has an estimated value of £1 billion, with 32 suppliers currently available and more due to be added during the life of the framework.

The suppliers offer a wide range of vehicles for procurement including electric vans, electric street sweepers, electrified refuse lorries and e-scooters.

A large portion of the vehicles available via the framework are electrically charged, but there is also a selection of vehicles which run on alternative fuels such as biomethane, hydrogen, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Operating a DPS rather than a procurement framework allows local authorities, blue light, and education sectors to acquire the latest vehicle technology as it comes to market, says YPO.

Greater procurement flexibility also enables public sector organisations to purchase from local suppliers where possible, keeping social value central to procurement.

Gavin Rimmington, head of public sector at YPO, explained: “The range and depth of suppliers accessible through the system is excellent, and we’re proud to be able to make them so readily available to the organisations that need them.

“The DPS was designed so that positive changes can be made quickly, and so that the public sector can keep up with the national shift away from petrol and diesel, in line with technological advances in the alternative fuel industry.”

YPO fully owned by 13 local government member authorities and has established formal relationships with further 71 organisations - known as associate member authorities - across local government and the wider public sector.

It was established in 1974 to aggregate the procurement spend of its owning local authorities.