British Gas has partnered with Osprey Charging to help accelerate its transition to an all-electric fleet and simplify the driver charging process.
The deal gives British Gas engineers with direct access to Osprey’s nationwide network of over 300 rapid charging stations throughout the UK while also providing centralised fleet billing to support British Gas’ electric fleet operations.
With around 9,000 vehicles, British Gas is one of the UK’s biggest fleet operators and is planning for its full fleet to go electric by 2025. Its tie-up with Osprey on integrated EV public charging has been made possible via direct technical interoperability between Osprey’s ‘Volo’ proprietary software platform and the inhouse fleet management system at British Gas, providing the ability to centrally and automatically account for fleet public charging costs.
The British Gas fleet will also gain access to the 150 high-power EV charging hubs Osprey will deliver by 2024 as part of a £75m investment programme.
James Rooney, fleet engineering and innovation manager at British Gas, said the deal would play a key role in helping drivers make the switch to electric in as convenient a way as possible.
“It is essential that we support our engineering team with not just an accessible network of charging points, but a method of paying for charging that is hassle-free,” he elaborated. “We know that around seven in 10 of our drivers don’t have access to home charging and partnerships such as this will help to provide the confidence required that making the switch to electric is achievable.”
Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, added that the partnership showed the merits of the firm’s strategic decision to build its own charger management platform.
“Our market-leading commercial and fleet roaming capabilities provide even more EV drivers with the ultimate charging experience via access to our nationwide, reliable and open rapid charger network,” he finished.
