Vodafone UK is on track to fully electrify its nearly 1,000-strong car fleet by 2026 – a year ahead of the firm’s original schedule.
The technology communications giant originally adopted a strategy in 2019 to switch entirely to electric cars as part of a Vodafone Group-wide commitment to reach net zero emissions across its operations by the end of this decade.
This plan called for the car fleet to become zero emissions by 2027 but, working with its partner, Arval UK, the deadline will be met 12 months early.
Initially, BEVs were introduced to the fleet in 2019, supported by a range of ride and drive events and webinars designed to brief employees on their advantages.
Petrol and diesel cars were removed from choice lists altogether in 2021 and PHEVs followed in 2023.
Arval UK also created a BEV salary sacrifice scheme in 2023, launched with a series of ride and drive events, as part of Vodafone UK’s commitment to net zero emissions.
Last month, the 300th vehicle under this initiative was delivered.
Huw Mellor, Business Manager at Arval UK (pictured), said, “Vodafone’s corporate decision to achieve net zero emissions has been one of the most rewarding partnerships with which we’ve been involved in recent years.
“The speed with which full electrification has been achieved is undeniably impressive and we are very pleased to have made our contribution to this project.”
Craig Login, Property Contract Manager at Vodafone UK, said, “In 2020, just 16% of our cars were battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 29% petrol hybrids (PHEVs). Next year, we’ll be operating 100% BEVs and 0% PHEVs.
“This dramatic shift towards net zero emissions is, we believe, quite an achievement.”
