Mitie is sharing its electric vehicle expertise through the launch of a new service that it says will help businesses looking to make the switch to EVs – but without costing them extra money.
The facilities management and professional services company is at the forefront of EV adoption in the UK. Earlier this year it announced it had brought forward its plans to switch its full 5,000-strong fleet to electric vehicles to 2025; five years earlier than previously planned and part of its new Plan Zero commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2025; 25 years ahead of the Government’s own target.
It’s also committed to switching 20% of its car and small van fleet, around 700 vehicles, to electric by the end of 2020, adding an average of 75 new EVs to its fleet every month.
It’s already rolled out more than 500 EVs and installed 600 charge points in less than a year, saving 1,351 tonnes of carbon in the 12 months to 31 March 2020. A further 600 additional EVs are on order to join the fleet. And earlier this week it lent its support to the UK Electric Fleets Coalition, which is led by The Climate Group and has published a policy paper calling for government support in accelerating adoption of the petrol and diesel ban to 2030.
Drawing on this expertise, Mitie has now launched its Plan Zero Fleet Transition Service, intended to support Britain in getting back to business in the most sustainable way.
As businesses across the country seek to set new ways of working, many are re-focusing on their net zero targets and supporting the nation’s green recovery. The new service will help those wanting to switch their fleets to electric, drawing on Mitie’s significant experience in managing its own EV rollout and charge point installation programme to support others in their EV journey, helping businesses to achieve net zero goals.
The end-to-end solution will encompass all stages of EV transition, from vehicle choice to charging infrastructure, through to travel policies and maintenance.
The service will follow a roadmap with five key stages: developing a fleet transformation model; installing a charge point network; transitioning existing fleet; connecting, maintaining and operating; and generating income, for example through public charging initiatives.
By taking a whole-life cost approach and being independent of all suppliers, the Plan Zero Fleet Transition Service can deliver a zero emissions fleet for zero additional cost. In some cases, depending on fleet composition, the switch to EV can come with cost savings to the business, according to the firm.
Pradyumna Pandit, managing director of sustainability and energy services, Mitie, said: “While the environmental and financial case for electric vehicles is clear, for businesses just beginning their EV journey, making the switch can seem a daunting task. With one of the UK’s most ambitious electric fleet strategies, Mitie has learnt first-hand how to tackle the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities that come with an EV rollout. I am proud to be sharing our knowledge so we can support more British businesses in transitioning their own fleets to electric.”
