6.7.2012 EST launches Plugged-in Fleets initiative

Twenty organisations across England have pledged to lead the way in tackling emissions from road vehicles after being selected to take part in the Energy Saving Trust's Plugged-in Fleets initiative, in partnership with EDF Energy.

Boots UK, London Fire Brigade, Network Rail, Surrey County Council, Southwark Council, Tristar, University of Cumbria, Morrisons, York City Council, and 11 other organisations, will all be shown where electric vehicles can add value to their organisation.

As part of the scheme – which is funded by Transport for London (TfL) and Department for Transport (DfT) – the companies will receive guidance and a strategic plan for the introduction of electric vehicles into their fleets.

Experts from Energy Saving Trust and EDF Energy will undertake analysis on each organisation's fleet to identify where electric vehicles could best be used by the organisations. In addition EDF Energy will be providing advice on vehicle recharging.

The initiative has three key aims:
* To provide a tailored report for each participating fleet, showing how electric vehicles could fit into and benefit their organisation.
* To offer wider practical advice for all business fleets: our findings and case studies from the initiative will be published in a final report and presented at a fleet event in January 2013.
* To enable fleet decision makers to purchase and use electric vehicles where they work best.

Ian Barnes from Boots UK said: "Being selected to take part in the Energy Saving Trust's Plugged-in Fleets initiative is a great opportunity for us to learn how we can make savings, and benefit the environment, by introducing electric vehicles into our fleet."

Caroline Watson of the Energy Saving Trust, said: "Our recent Plugged-in Fleets report has shown that organisations can save money now when selectively introducing electric vehicles within their fleets, and our Fleet Advice team can provide practical and impartial recommendations to help companies achieve this."

"Each of our 20 selected organisations is committed to supporting the environment by building a greener fleet, and we look forward to helping them make this a reality."

Nick Fairholme, Director responsible for Source London at TfL said: "We are pleased to be able to support these companies to introduce electric vehicles to their fleet. Source London is well on its way to providing the 1300 charging points across London by 2013 to enable companies like these to help increase the take up of electric vehicles, changing the shape of London, and ultimately the UK and delivering cleaner air for all."