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Centrica and SSE have pledged to completely electrify their vehicle fleets by 2030.
Along with the facilities management company Mitie, they have joined the Climate Group’s EV100 initiative.
Centrica has more than 12,500 vehicles globally and operates the third largest commercial fleet in the UK.
The group’s head of environment, James Rushden, 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 (electric vehicle) 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.”
SSE, meanwhile, operates a fleet of around 3,500 vehicles. The company has also joined the Climate Group’s EP100 scheme, vowing to double its energy productivity – the economic output produced for each unit of energy consumed – between 2010/11 and 2030.
SSE director of group change Brian McLaren 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, chief executive of 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.”
For the time being, the commitment does not cover the vehicles operated by SSE’s retail arm given the uncertainty over its future. SSE will reconsider its position once it has more clarity around this situation.
The government has proposed to introduce a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2040.
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