Royal Mail joins Electric Fleets Coalition

By Matt De Prez

5 November 2020

Royal Mail has joined the UK Electric Fleets Coalition, which is calling on the UK Government to commit to 100% electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2030.

It’s one of almost 30 businesses to support the Climate Group’s policy, which was revealed in the summer.

Other members include: Anglian Water, BT, Centrica, Dixons Carphone, DPD UK, EDF, E.ON, ENGIE, Fleet Alliance, Foxtons, Heathrow Airport, Hitachi Capital UK, Iberdrola/Scottish Power, Ingka Group (IKEA), LeasePlan, Lime, Mawdsleys, Mitie, Natwest Group, Octopus, Openreach, Orsted, OVO Energy, Severn Trent, SSE, Tesco, Tusker and Unilever.

Stuart Simpson, Royal Mail CEO, said: “I am really pleased that we are joining this coalition to help accelerate the transition to low carbon, electric fleets across the UK. Our ‘feet on the street’ network means Royal Mail already has the lowest reported CO2 emissions per parcel amongst major UK delivery companies.

“But, we need to go further. We want to become a net zero carbon business with a 100% alternative fuel fleet. We want to play a leading role on this agenda. To that end, we are committed to buying more alternative fuel vehicles for our fleet. We will work with this coalition to champion and enable the widespread implementation of charging infrastructure to make that happen in as many locations as possible across the UK.”

The Government has consulted on bringing forward the end to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2040 to 2035, or earlier if a faster transition appears feasible, as well as including hybrids for the first time. A decision is due soon.

However, the UK Electric Fleets Coalition wants the UK Government to target 100% zero emission car and van sales from 2030.

It also asking for policies to: support UK manufacturing of battery electric vehicles to help the auto sector through the transition; extend financial incentives to further boost demand; and unlock investment to help rapidly rollout charging points.

Royal Mail operates the largest fleet within the coalition.