Go Ultra Low has named the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority as a ‘Go Ultra-Low Company’ after it added an electric car to its fleet.

The addition of the BMW i3 to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s fleet has reduced total overall CO2 average emission to under 100g/km.

The newly launched initiative recognises businesses that are adopting electric vehicles as part of a new scheme run by the Go Ultra Low government and automotive industry campaign. Public and private sector organisations already using electric cars or offering them to employees as company cars are eligible for Go Ultra Low Company status, providing there’s a commitment for electric cars to make up 5% of their vehicle fleet by 2020.

The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority added the BMW i3 to its small fleet of leased pool cars earlier this year. The addition has already seen a reduction in the total overall CO2 average emissions to well under the current benchmark of 100g/km of CO2.

Ian Rowat, the national park authority’s member champion for biodiversity and the environment, commented: “Here at the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority we are embracing the addition of a new electric vehicle. The National Park spans an area of 520sq miles over a variety of terrain. The nature of our work means that some travel by vehicle is inevitable and by using the electric car means we are reducing our CO2 emissions, making a real difference to the environment we help look after.”

Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Low, said: “We want to encourage every organisation in the UK to follow the example set by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and offer their employees the chance to drive or own an electric vehicle. Not only can they promote cleaner motoring, but there are multiple short- and long-term financial benefits for companies and their employees to enjoy.”