Centrica has launched an app enabling drivers to plug in to any standard home, workplace or on the road charger and be automatically reimbursed for the charging costs.
The virtual fuel card features payroll integration and identifies and excludes any private vehicle charging on the same charging point.
Fleet managers also receive monthly statements, showing all charging transactions.
Working with any standard charger, the app is equipped with tariff optimisation, enabling fleet drivers to optimally charge when the electricity rates are low.
Centrica is working with several leasing providers to provide the fleet charging management system as part of an EV bundle, which includes charging infrastructure and installation by British Gas engineers.
The British Gas fleet, the country’s third largest, will be the first to utilise the technology.
John Hartley, director of product management at Centrica Business Solutions said, “Many organisations that have a home-based workforce are looking to transition to EV.
“On street charging can be prohibitively expensive, so we are providing the technology that will allow more drivers to charge at home, which has previously been very difficult to administer.
“But, many commercial vehicle drivers won’t have access to offstreet parking so it’s important that we break down some of the barriers to access for public charging networks too, making it easier for drivers to charge at home, at the workplace, or on the road.”
Steve Winter, head of fleet for British Gas added, “We have begun taking delivery of the first of 3,000 new Vauxhall Vivaro-e vans, which will form the largest electrified van fleet in the UK.
“To ensure our colleagues are able to charge cost effectively, we’ve begun to roll out home charging points to our fleet EV drivers.
“This virtual fuel card solution means it’s not just cheaper than petrol and diesel vehicles in terms of fuel costs, it is also easier to administer.”
