The initiative is aimed at providing real-world data to identify where electric vehicles are best suited, and the EST is working with 20 organisations across the UK who are interested in adopting the technology in the near future to reduce their CO2 emissions.

Route Master’s EVOS, which is the first software designed specifically for electric vehicles, can identify which of the organisations’ routes can be covered using electricity, taking payload, speed, ambient temperatures, topography and driver style into account.

The data will be used to advise participants about where electric vehicles will deliver the biggest cost and CO2 savings on their fleets, both as an individual report for each organisation and published as part of a final document which will be presented in January 2013.

Colin Ferguson, chief executive officer of Route Monkey, said: ‘Route Monkey can help make the integration of electric vehicles painless, efficient and cost-effective for fleet managers. Working in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust and EDF Energy, together we can offer a single source solution to fleets, helping accelerate the adoption of EVs with all the environmental and cost benefits they bring.’

Participants in the Plugged-in Fleets initiative include Boots UK, London Fire Brigade, Network Rail, Surrey County Council, Southwark Council, Tristar, the University of Cumbria, Wm Morrisons PLC, York City Council and 11 other organisations.

Caroline Watson of the Energy Saving Trust, added: ‘Each of our 20 selected organisations is committed to supporting the environment by building a greener fleet, and with Route Monkey’s help we look forward to helping them make this a reality.'