A total of 65 UK organisations have already been awarded ‘Go Ultra Low Company’ status just three months after the launch of the initiative, with Transport for London, University of Cambridge, Britvic and POD Point among those signing up to the new ‘green standard’ for business motoring.

Go Ultra Low Companies will be operating over 1,000 electric vehicles by 2020

The scheme has been endorsed by government and the automotive industry, and recognises organisations that are leading the electric motoring revolution by using electric vehicles (EVs), and pledging to buy even more.

Run by the Go Ultra Low campaign group, the scheme is open to public and private sector organisations that already use EVs, or offer them to employees as company cars, providing there’s a commitment for EVs to make up at least 5% of their vehicle fleet by 2020. This figure is in line with Government forecasts that EVs will represent 5% of total UK new car registrations by the end of the decade.

The first 65 Go Ultra Low Companies include a mix of public and private sector fleets, covering the length and breadth of the UK.

Transport Minister John Hayes said: “It is fantastic that so many companies are leading by example and adding electric vehicles to their fleets, and we want more to follow suit. These companies will benefit from the fuel and tax savings electric vehicles offer, as well as helping to protect the environment.

“The Government is determined to make zero-emission vehicles the best choice for everyone, which is why we have pledged £600 million to support uptake of greener vehicles and work towards making nearly every new car and van in the UK zero emission by 2050.”

Public sector members of the scheme include Transport for London (TfL), which has urged other London fleets to go green. In 2018 TfL will have 120 electric vehicles in its fleet, up from 16 today, which is well in excess of the target required to be a Go Ultra Low Company.

Lilli Matson, TfL’s head of strategy and outcome planning, said: “Our fleet of electric vehicles keeps the capital moving by helping to maintain the street network and keep buses on the roads. It is essential that whilst doing this we minimise the impact on the environment. The granting of Go Ultra Low Company status is a welcome recognition of our efforts to lead by example and address the challenge of cleaning up the Capital’s toxic air.

“I would urge as many of the city’s businesses and institutions as possible to aim for this standard. Increased uptake of environmentally-friendly transport creates a virtuous circle of economies of scale, cheaper vehicles and the creation of a mass market.” To apply for Go Ultra Low Company status, visit www.goultralow.com/fleet.