British Gas ordered 2,000 new all-electric Vivaro-e vans from Vauxhall this week amid plans to never again buy another combustion engine vehicle.
This latest order represents the largest electric vehicle (EV) order for a commercial fleet in the UK, and adds to 1,000 purchased by British Gas last summer.
All 3,000 electric vehicles will be on the road by 2022 with the company prioritising high pollution areas - although engineers can volunteer to have the new vans during the rollout.
The company is also increasing its EV engineer workforce through training existing engineers, recruiting new engineers, and creating 1,000 new engineering apprenticeships by the end of 2022.
These latest developments are part of British Gas owner Centrica’s plans to electrify its 12,000 strong operational fleet by 2025, five years earlier than originally planned, as part of its commitment to become a net zero organisation.
Centrica is also planning further EV orders from Vauxhall as soon as they are available.
The energy giant has also committed to make its 1,500 company cars EV only in the same time frame.
Chris O’Shea, chief executive at Centrica, said: “Everyone needs to act now to lower carbon emissions and help the UK reach net zero.
“Fully electrifying our fleet will make a big difference. At the same time, we are helping our customers make the switch to electric and working with motor manufacturers such as Vauxhall on services and solutions for their EV customers such as charge points, infrastructure and innovative EV tariffs with cheaper charging at night and free EV miles.
“We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the government to create the new jobs our country needs as we all seek to build back greener.”
Paul Wilcox, MD of Vauxhall Motors, said: “I am delighted that British Gas has added to its initial order of fully-electric Vauxhall Vivaro-e vans that now represents the largest electric vehicle order for a commercial fleet in the UK.
He added: “The strength of the quantity of orders for our all-electric van demonstrates that the Vauxhall Vivaro-e can contribute towards the transition towards low emissions vehicles whilst improving air quality.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “It’s encouraging to see that one of Britain’s best-known brands is leading the way with the largest commercial EV fleet in the UK.
“This is a huge step as we build back greener, lower our carbon footprint and deliver better air quality up and down the country – with more zero-emission models of cars and vans on the market than ever before, there has never been a better time for drivers and businesses to make the switch.”
