Published today and based on The Plugged-in Fleets Initiative (PIFI), the report explores the potential savings organisations could make by introducing plug-in vehicles such as electric and plug-in hybrid cars and vans, into their company fleets.

Funded by Transport for London (TfL) and Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by the Energy Saving Trust, the initiative aimed to provide a tailored report for each participating fleet and show how electric vehicles could fit into and benefit their organisation.

It also looked to offer practical advice on plug-in vehicles relevant for all business fleets and to enable fleet decision makers to purchase and use electric vehicles where they work best.

The report found that organisations that operate vehicles with mileage below 80 miles per day would find that a pure electric vehicle fleet would meet their needs on a single overnight charge.

Participants included Boots UK, London Fire Brigade, Network Rail, Surrey County Council, Southwark Council, Tristar, the University of Cumbria, Wm Morrisons PLC, and York City Council.

The findings were unveiled today at City Hall London at a key gathering of transport experts including Norman Baker MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport.

At the event, the Minister announced that the Coalition Government has agreed to provide £280,000 of additional funding to help a further 100 fleets understand where Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) could work for them.

Baker said: “Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are an essential part of low-carbon transport. With increasing numbers of models coming to market, and the low running costs that they offer, they will be ever more attractive to companies.

“It is also encouraging that infrastructure operators and suppliers are increasing the number and accessibility of charge points.

“Today’s report from EST gives fleet managers valuable insight into how different vehicles can be used effectively and could lead to increased uptake of low emission vehicles across British fleets.”

TfL director responsible for Source London, Nick Fairholme, said: “This report goes some way to answering important questions about how to encourage the take up of electric vehicles and how they can be cost effective.

“Many of the companies taking part in this scheme operate fleets in the capital and so would have the added benefit of qualifying for a 100% discount from the Congestion Charge and access to the UK’s largest publicly accessible charging scheme, Source London, which currently has nearly 1,000 charge points,” he added.

Leigh Stringer

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