MICROSOFT UK, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM AND LONDON FIRE BRIGADE LEAD CHARGE TO ELECTRIC CAR FUTURE

May 12, 2016 by Go Ultra Low

◾'Go Ultra Low Company' status recognises organisations driving electric vehicle (EV) uptake and pledging to spearhead future electrification

◾Number of EVs registered to UK businesses increases 36% in 2016 vs 2015

◾London Fire Brigade car fleet to become 100% electric in 2016

A group of 11 UK organisations are the first to be awarded 'Go Ultra Low Company' status – including Microsoft UK, University of Birmingham and London Fire Brigade. These organisations are leading the electric motoring revolution by using electric cars and vans, plus pledging to buy even more.

The new Go Ultra Low Company initiative, launched today by campaign group Go Ultra Low, has been endorsed by government and the car industry, and sets the new 'green standard' for business motoring.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: 'It's great to see a growing number of British fleets going green and I would encourage other businesses to learn from these Go Ultra Low companies and benefit from the huge fuel and tax savings offered by electric vehicles.

'The UK is a world leader in the uptake of low emission vehicles and our long-term economic plan is investing £600 million by 2020 to improve air quality, create jobs and achieve our goal of every new car and van in the UK being ultra-low emission by 2040.'

Public and private sector organisations that already use EVs, or offer them to employees as company cars, will be eligible for Go Ultra Low Company status, providing there's a commitment for EVs to make up at least 5% of their vehicle fleet by 2020.

This qualifying criteria mirrors Government forecasts that EVs will represent 5% of total UK new car registrations by the end of the decade. The Government has earmarked over £600m until 2020 to support the plug-in vehicle grant, expand the charging infrastructure, and boost the electric car industry.

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The London Fire Brigade runs a car fleet of 57 vehicles, 100% of which will become electric in 2016. The University of Birmingham operates 15 plug-in cars and vans – representing 16% of its total fleet. Currently, 6% of Microsoft UK's fleet are EVs, with plans to increase this share to 15% by October 2016 and 20% by April 2017.

Katie Colledge-Price, UK Car Benefits Manager, Microsoft UK, said: 'Microsoft UK first started offering electric vehicles as company cars five years ago, as we could see the relevance of the new technology and the potential long-term cost savings. The variety of EVs available now means there's something for everyone – and we're delighted with the response we've had and continue to hear from our employees.'

Monica Guise, Sustainable Logistics Manager, University of Birmingham, commented: 'The University of Birmingham is actively committed to seeking innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions from its transport fleet and has seen a number of benefits through the use of electric vehicles. Being part of Go Ultra Low enables the University to share its best practice and learnings with other organisations looking to incorporate the use of electric vehicles in their day-to-day activities.'

Poppy Welch, Head of Go Ultra Low, said: 'It's fantastic to see organisations from across the public and private sector leading the way in the uptake of electric vehicles. We want to encourage every business in the UK adopt these vehicles into their fleets and offer their employees the chance to drive or own an electric vehicle.

'Not only are electric vehicles cleaner, but they can save businesses and employees money. Businesses large and small are going electric and choosing from the wide range vehicles available today – from 4x4s and vans to hatchbacks and saloon cars, she added.'

January to April registrations of plug-in cars reached a record high in the UK, with over 13,065 new EVs sold in the first four months of 2016, an increase of 30%. EV registrations to UK businesses were up 36% during the same period, with more than two thirds of electric vehicles bought today going to corporate and public sector organisations – once again highlighting the important role companies play in adopting low emission technology.

Go Ultra Low exists to help UK organisations and motorists understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities of the raft of electric vehicles on the market. The collaborative campaign is the first of its kind, bringing together a consortium of vehicle manufacturers, Government and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The first 11 organisations to receive Go Ultra Low Company status are: AMT Vehicle Rental; Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust; Environment Agency; Fleetdrive Electric; eConnect Cars; Gnewt Cargo; Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service; London Fire Brigade; Manchester Metropolitan University; Microsoft UK and University of Birmingham.

UK organisations can apply to become a Go Ultra Low Company via the Go Ultra Low website at www.goultralow.com/fleet