The Environment Agency has taken delivery of its 1,000th electric vehicle, supporting its work to cut emissions and tackle the climate crisis.

The Environment Agency’s expanding EV fleet supports its work to cut emissions and tackle the climate crisis

The keys to the milestone vehicle – a Vauxhall Combo-e van – were handed over by Defra Group Fleet Services (DGFS) at the Environment Agency’s Spalding depot.

DGFS, which works across 12 Defra government departments, manages the Environment Agency fleet, spanning commercial vehicles, plant machinery, boats, agricultural and construction equipment. It also provides fleet assets for Defra Partner organisations, including Animal Plant Health Agency & Natural England to help develop innovative and sustainable fleet solutions.

Dale Eynon, director of Defra Group Fleet Services, said: “Our commitment to running the most sustainable, efficient and cost-effective fleet gets stronger every year as we take on the challenge of the climate crisis. Ensuring our operational field teams can ‘walk the walk’ in terms of emission reductions is vital as they protect people and wildlife from the impacts of our climate.”

Fleet emissions make up a significant portion (about 9%) of the Environment Agency’s corporate emissions. It’s set a target to reduce its total fleet emissions by at least 30% by 2025 and eliminate tailpipe emissions from lease car and commercial vehicles (under 3.5 tonnes) by the end of 2027.

This is supported by DGFS, which continues to work with Environment Agency area teams across the country and engage with Defra group departments, alongside other government departments and other external partners, to help support the fleet shift to EVs.