Two of the UK’s major energy suppliers Centrica and SSE have today committed to switch their vehicle fleets to electric by 2030.
Alongside facilities services company Mitie, the major utilities have joined international non-profit The Climate Group’s global EV100 initiative, which brings together forward-thinking, committed companies from around the world to make electric transport ‘the new normal’ by 2030.
SSE has also committed to double its energy productivity by 2030 from a 2010/11 baseline, through joining The Climate Group’s EP100 initiative for energy-smart companies, delivered in partnership with the Alliance to Save Energy.
The companies represent some of the UK’s biggest buyers of commercial vehicles, with a combined footprint of 21,000 vehicles. Centrica operates the 3rd largest fleet in the country, SSE the 7th largest and Mitie the 8th largest.
Centrica has over 12,500 vehicles globally and is one of the UK’s largest providers of energy for businesses and consumers. 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.
James Rushen, Group Head of Environment for Centrica plc, 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.”
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.”
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.”