Energy Saving Trust (EST) is looking to boost the take-up of electric vehicles with the announcement it will be offering 100 organisations in England a free analysis of their fleets to see if and how electric vehicles will work for them.

The initiative, funded by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, follows the successful completion of the original Plugged-in Fleets Initiative (PIFI),

In 2012/13 EST demonstrated how 20 of the UK’s leading organisations from the public and private sector could adapt their fleets to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. It found that organisations switching to electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles could reduce their fuel costs by an average of 75%.

The full results of the analysis were published last month in a report called “Charging Forward”, which found a strong business case for most of the 20 fleets to adopt plug-in vehicles, with some reviews even offering a strong case for fleets to be 100% electric.

The next step, known as ‘PIFI 100’ will deliver a further 100 reviews with organisations across England being invited to apply. As part of PIFI 100 each organisation will receive guidance, detailed analysis and a strategic plan for the introduction of electric vehicles into their fleets.

Caroline Watson from the Energy Saving Trust said: “We have already demonstrated that electric vehicles can provide practical and financial benefits to some of the leading organisations in the UK. We aim to continue this work through PIFI 100, as more organisations look at electric vehicles as a long-term investment for their business needs. If organisations are interested in a free analysis of their fleets, we would recommend registering interest now as places on the programme will fill up fast.”

Transport minister Norman Baker said: “The Plugged-in Fleets Initiative has played an important role in helping organisations to recognise the benefits of introducing electric vehicles into their fleets. This new funding for PIFI 100 will allow even more organisations to identify the real opportunities and benefits that electric vehicles can bring.

“This year, with more and more models coming onto the market, there will be an ever-increasing range of vehicles available at different price points. With our new initiatives announced to support infrastructure costs, now is the perfect time to take this opportunity of free support and guidance to ensure the full benefits can be realised.”

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