Carpendale EV Consulting has been awarded ‘Go Ultra Low Company’ status in recognition of how the organisation has already opened its vehicle fleets to plug-in cars and vans and made a commitment to boosting its uptake over the next five years.

Poppy Welch, head of Go Ultra Low, said: “We want to encourage every business in the UK to follow the example set by Carpendale EV Consulting to offer employees the chance to drive or own an electric vehicle.

“Not only does it demonstrate a commitment to a cleaner automotive future, but there are multiple short- and long-term financial benefits for companies and their employees to enjoy. Thanks to the wide variety of models available and their cost-saving potential, this is a realistic and rewarding option for businesses large and small.”

Public and private sector organisations that already use EVs, or offer them to employees as company cars, are eligible for Go Ultra Low Company status, providing there’s a commitment for EVs to make up 5% or more of their vehicle fleet by 2020.

This qualifying criteria mirrors Government ambitions that EVs will represent 5% of total UK new car registrations by the end of the decade.

The Government has committed £600m until 2020 to support the plug-in vehicle grant, expand the charging infrastructure, and boost the domestic electric car industry.

Sales of plug-in cars have reached a record high in the UK in 2017, with 22,480 new EVs registered in the first six months of the year, an annual increase of 14.3%.

Approximately two thirds of electric vehicles bought today go to corporate and public sector organisations – once again highlighting the important role companies play in adopting low emission technology.

Katie Colledge-Price, managing director at Carpendale EV Consulting, said: “I’m excited to have Carpendale EV Consulting as a Go Ultra Low Company.

“It is clear that providing education to both organisations and drivers is essential as the switch from fossil-fuelled vehicles to EV’s and PHEV’s continues to accelerate and this is what my business can provide. The reduction in costs and emissions are significant to any business if planned correctly.

“With the issues in our cities the introduction of ULEV’s is now essential to any fleet and it’s imperative that we support industries in making that change a smooth process.”

Go Ultra Low exists to help UK organisations and motorists understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities of the raft of electric vehicles on the market.

The collaborative campaign is the first of its kind, bringing together a consortium of vehicle manufacturers, Government and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).