Four new 'EV100' companies commit to electrify their fleet

Four new companies have become members of the EV100 initiative which aims to 'normalise' electric transport by 2030.

National postal companies Swiss Post and Austrian Post have committed to electrify their delivery fleets by 2030, as well as Portugal’s EDP and New Zealand’s Meridian Energy.

Together, the four companies will switch 22,000 fossil-fuel vehicles to electric.

Helen Clarkson, CEO, The Climate Group, said: “Today’s EV100 announcements show demand for electric vehicles is on the up.

“With logistics companies operating some of the world’s biggest delivery fleets, these businesses are well placed to accelerate the switch to electric vehicles, tackle climate change and reduce air pollution in cities.

“The EV transition is well underway. To stay competitive, all major companies should start transitioning their fleets now, and automakers must get on with increasing supply – or else risk losing out on this huge opportunity.”

Austrian Post is the largest logistics business in Austria. The company already operates the largest electric vehicle fleet in the country and will switch more than 9,000 vehicles to electric as part of EV100. Committing to go fully electric through EV100 will drive innovation and ensure long-term competitive advantage for the business.

Post CH Ltd (a subsidiary of Swiss Post) will switch more than 10,000 vehicles to electric under EV100. To accelerate climate action and to reach carbon neutral delivery, Post CH sees investing in a modern fleet of vehicles with energy-efficient, alternative drive systems and a well-designed logistics strategy as key.

Post CH has already electrified its mail delivery fleet consisting of 6,000 electric three-wheeled vehicles and now wants to switch 4,600 delivery vans (up to 3.5t) and 180 service vehicles to EVs by 2030, if market supply and operating and real estate conditions allow. All of Post CH electric vehicles are 100% powered by “naturemade star”- certified renewable energy from Switzerland. Furthermore, Post CH supports the uptake of electric vehicles by its staff by installing charging infrastructure at its largest sites.

EDP has committed to switch a fleet of more than 3000 vehicles to electric. This transition has already begun and will now be accelerated to reduce CO2 emissions by 70%.

The company has an overall target of reducing its CO emissions 75% by 2030, from a 2005 baseline, and sees electric transport as a key part, alongside with investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency for both its own operations and customer products. Sustainability is a core part of EDP’s DNA and continuing to grow while meeting the challenges of sustainable development is a commitment the company has with its stakeholders.

Meridian Energy will switch its fleet of 35 vehicles to EVs and install charging facilities at its offices. The company already operates a 50% electric fleet and sees a strong business case.

The EV fleet costs Meridian Energy the same in capital expenditure as its previous fossil fuel fleet, has lower running costs and higher residual values. On average, the company is saving around US$ 3400 (NZ$ 5000) a year on maintenance and fuel costs for each vehicle.