Mayor signs up London's large fleet owners to 'go electric'

The Mayor has joined with major London fleet owners to accelerate the uptake of commercial electric vehicles in the capital, on the same day City Hall hosted three eco-vehicle events to promote the use of greener transport.

Addressing a major conference on low carbon transport, the Mayor announced that some of London's major fleet owners - who are already using electric vehicles on London's streets - have signed up to work together with City Hall to share their experiences and to help other organisations across London to do the same. These companies are: DHL Supply Chain, TNT Express, Go-Ahead London, UPS, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Speedy.

Although electric cars are several years from being widely available, electric vehicles that form company fleets such as heavy goods vehicles, vans and minibuses, are already widely available to buy at a competitive commercial rate. It is estimated 500 of these vehicles are already on UK streets. Benefits of electric vehicles include lower fuel bills and an exemption from the congestion charge. They also help to improve air quality, reduce climate change emissions and cut noise pollution.

The Mayor has developed ambitious plans to make London the electric vehicle capital of Europe by pledging to deliver 25,000 charging points to form an integrated network across London by 2015; add 1,000 electric vehicles to the GLA fleet and guarantee to retain the congestion charge exemption. Turning London's fleets electric is a first step to achieving this and City Hall will offer help, advice and information for companies that want to take the plunge.

I am thrilled to announce a partnership with some of London's largest fleet owners who are committed to using eco-friendly vehicles on the streets of the capital. Not only do electric vehicles save a large sum off fuel bills, helping businesses to remain lean in tough economic times, they are also great for London's environment. We are now going to work hand in hand with fleet owners to accelerate the take-up of electric vehicles, which are available to buy right now. This is a key element of my plan for London to become the electric capital of Europe, so now is the time for other companies to join us on this eco-mission.
-The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson

Mike McGrath, Group Commercial Director at Speedy, said: ‘As the leading equipment and support services provider, Speedy is continually looking for ways to reduce our own and our customers environmental impact as part of our corporate responsibility.  We are extremely proud to be the first company within our industry to adopt electric emission-free vehicles.  We operate seven vehicles in London with plans to expand our fleet further following requests from customers working on major projects.’

Jat Sahota, Sainsbury’s head of corporate responsibility, said: ’Showing respect for the environment is one of our key values, which is why we have just placed an order for 50 brand new electric vans. This will allow us to deliver to the majority of our customers in central London in an environmentally responsible way. We believe this to be the largest order of its kind by a UK retailer. We are committed to using electric vehicles wherever possible, so customers can expect to see more and more of our ‘little green vans’ appearing on roads across the UK over the coming months and years.’

This afternoon, the Mayor will greet the Brighton to London Revolve eco-rally which will finish its course outside City Hall for the first time – the eco-rally will include a range of innovative vehicles including a working demonstration of Speedy Hire's Modec van as it delivers the recycled plastic ground protection mats. The mats will be speedily laid to create a concourse for the Eco-rally vehicle exhibition at City Hall

The UK is already leading the way in the commercial electric vehicle market with manufacturers such as Modec, Smith Electric and Allied ZEV already selling innovative vehicles, so by London’s companies buying electric, they are helping to create green collar jobs in Britain.

Companies wanting advice on electric vehicles or information on the Mayor's electric vehicle plans can visit: www.london.gov.uk/electricvehicles/ or email: ev [at] london [dot] gov [dot] uk