The initiative, funded by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, follows the successful completion of the original Plugged-in Fleets Initiative (PIFI), which demonstrated how 20 of the UK’s leading organisations from the public and private sector could adapt their fleets to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The project found that organisations switching to electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles could reduce their fuel costs by an average of 75%, with the full results of the analysis published last month in a report called “Charging Forward” (availablehere). This report found a strong business case for most of the 20 fleets to adopt plug-in vehicles, with some reviews even offering a strong case for fleets to be 100% electric.

In the latest step, known as “PIFI 100”, a further 100 reviews will be undertaken, with organisations across England being invited to apply now. As part of PIFI 100 each organisation will receive guidance, detailed analysis and a strategic plan for the introduction of electric vehicles into their fleets.

Caroline Watson from the Energy Saving Trust said: ‘We have already demonstrated that electric vehicles can provide practical and financial benefits to some of the leading organisations in the UK. We aim to continue this work through PIFI 100, as more organisations look at electric vehicles as a long term investment for their business needs. If organisations are interested in a free analysis of their fleets, we would recommend registering interest now as places on the programme will fill up fast!’ 

Norman Baker MP, Transport Minister, said: “The Plugged-in Fleets Initiative has played an important role in helping organisations to recognise the benefits of introducing electric vehicles into their fleets. This new funding for PIFI 100 will allow even more organisations to identify the real opportunities and benefits that electric vehicles can bring.’

Organisations that participate in PIFI 100 will receive:

• An analysis of where and how plug-in vehicles could work in the business
• A whole life cost analysis, comparing existing vehicles with plug-in alternatives
• An outline of what needs to change to allow plug-in vehicles to make practical or financial sense for the organisation
• Infrastructure guidance, and
• A tailored final report with clear recommendations on recharging infrastructure and scheduling analysis.

To register an interest in taking part in PIFI 100 email pifi@est.org.uk or call the Energy Saving Trust Transport team on 0207 227 0310.

More information on PIFI 100 can be found on www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/pifi