Water utility Severn Trent has joined the EV100 campaign, as it pursues its commitment to convert all its service fleet of 2,200 vehicles to electric operation by 2030.
Britain’s second largest water retailer began experimenting with Nissan e-NV200s three years ago. It is now looking to install 1,000 charging points across depots.
A Severn Trent spokesperson said the 2030 deadline was dependent on automakers’ bringing larger trucks to market, particularly electric tankers.
Joining the EV100 initiative was a chance to share expertise with major players in managing EV fleets, particularly charging infrastructure, she added.
Last year Severn Trent expanded its Triple Carbon Pledge. The £1.2 billion investment plan now includes a goal of carbon zero operations achieved this decade, and powering its operations exclusively with renewables. Besides e-mobility, managing water scarcity and restoring natural habitats are its environmental priorities.
Run by not-for-profit the Climate Group, the EV100 initiative was launched in 2017. Its 69 members embracing clean fleet management include international brands such as facilities managers Mitie, Heathrow, BT, Ibedrola and property investors Landsec.
Water company bosses have committed the sector to achieve net zero by 2030, which makes it likely all water companies will need to sign up to EV100.
James Beard, EV100 Senior Campaign Manager, welcomed Severn Trent to initiative:
“We’re thrilled Severn Trent has become the first water company in the world to join EV100. With thousands of engineers driving around the country maintaining this critical infrastructure, fleet electrification is vital for the UK water industry to make good on its ground-breaking pledge to become net zero carbon by 2030”, he said.
“We now have 17 electric utilities across four continents committed under EV100, all working together and learning from each other to accelerate their EV ambitions. We welcome further interest from water utilities to achieve a similar impact in this sector too – and work to make electric transport the new normal by 2030.”
The EV100’s 2020 report tracks members’ progress towards clean fleet operation.
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