EDF is to assist the UK’s public sector with its transition to electric vehicles, having been appointed by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS).
The UK Government is eager to lead by example in the transition to electric vehicles. Chris Grayling, the former transport secretary, announced last year that at least a quarter of the Government’s own vehicles will be electric by 2022, while all will be electric by 2030. Now the Crown Commercial Service is leaning on EDF to make the switch a reality.
While EDF’s name is on the contract with the Crown Commercial Service, it’s likely that Pod Point, the electric charger manufacturer that EDF acquired last year, will do most of the heavy lifting. That’s because the Crown Commercial Service requires the creation of a nationwide charging infrastructure.
The charging network will be installed in a range of environments, not just for central government departments, but also for police forces, local authorities, hospitals and other public sector bodies.
Vincent De Rul, director of EV Solutions at EDF, noted, “This appointment further underlines EDF’s role in helping Britain achieve net zero. The installation of effective electric vehicle charging infrastructure is vital to enable progress towards this goal.
“We are delighted that the government has confirmed its faith in our capabilities, following the successful supply contract that we already hold with CCS. We are looking forward to continuing to work with government and public sector customers to help deliver the infrastructure that the UK needs.”
EDF has already begun to help public sector organisations across the UK in their transition to EV fleets, including the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. EDF has provided the Trust with the infrastructure required to power and charge its new fleet of 15 EVs. Together with its own solar generation and ability to sell surplus energy back to the National Grid, the NHS Trust’s new EV fleet is allowing it to save the equivalent of two nurses’ salaries each year.