Seven new fleets have joined the EV100 initiative, committing to electrify their combined fleets of over 250,000 vehicles by 2030.

More than 440,000 new vehicles have been committed to the EV100 in 2021 and membership has increased by almost 25% to include 120 companies

The announcement sees UK-based companies M Group Services – the fifth largest fleet operator in the UK – and Kier sign up to the EV100 pledge, launched by the Climate Group in 2017.

In addition, SK Networks from South Korea, Nichicon Corporation from Japan and US-based Gilead Sciences Inc, Mack-Cali Realty Corporation and NRG Energy Inc have signed up.

As well as electrifying their fleets, the new EV100 members will install charging stations across 140 locations for staff and customers use.

The new joiners mean that more than 440,000 new vehicles have been committed to the EV100 in 2021 and membership has increased by almost 25% to include 120 companies.

New members this year include the first companies based in Brazil and South Korea, the first cement companies, the first hospitality business and the first US realty company.

As a result of total EV100 member commitments to date, more than 5.4 million vehicles will convert to electric by 2030 and over 9,400 locations will see charging infrastructure installed.

Sandra Roling, head of transport, Climate Group, said: “EV100, which continues to grow in reach and impact, is a powerful catalyst for electric transport and a vessel for crucial climate action from businesses. It’s encouraging that so many additional companies this year have recognised the vital role they have in tackling the climate crisis and the critical opportunity offered in transportation electrification.”

The EV100 new member announcement has been made in celebration of Transport Day at COP26 as the UK Presidency also announces a landmark road transport declaration with governments, automakers, investors and fleet owners and operators – including EV100 businesses – calling for 100% of new car and van sales to be zero-emission by 2035 in leading markets, and no later than 2040 globally.

Sandra Roling continued: “As COP26 progresses, we hope that the ambition and leadership shown by EV100 members is matched by world leaders. This is the Climate Decade, and it’s vital that business and government collaborate effectively for the world to limit global warming to 1.5°C.”

Jo Gilroy, head of environment and sustainability, Kier, also commented: “We are proud to be joining EV100, alongside other likeminded organisations. This solidifies our commitment to have a fully electrified fleet by 2030, which is a commitment we have also made in our Carbon Reduction Plan. It also directly feeds into our group’s purpose, to sustainably deliver infrastructure which is vital to the UK.”