Mitie has secured its position as one of the largest electric fleets in the UK after deploying its 4,000 electric vehicle (EV).

The new Volkswagen ID Buzz is one of 650 ordered by Mitie and is one of more than 1,000 EVs added to its fleet over the past year.

The vehicle is part of a new multi-million pound partnership between Mitie and National Grid, with Mitie delivering facilities management services at over 260 National Grid sites.

With 60% of its fleet now electric, Mitie is on track to meet its target of electrifying its fleet by the end of 2025.

This ambitious journey started in 2020 with the launch of Plan Zero, a wider initiative aimed at reaching net zero operations in the same timeframe.

A large component contributing to Mitie reaching this objective has been implementing an EV roadmap, replacing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with EVs across its contracts and own estate.

Along with deploying EVs, Mitie is also ensuring the UK has access to the clean, renewable energy it needs to power the EV revolution, having installed more than 2,800 charge points across its employees’ homes and customer sites.

It is also supporting many of its customers, including National Grid, with their own EV strategies, from rolling out EV’s across fleets, through to the installation and upkeep of charging infrastructure.

Heidi Thompson, group fleet manager at Mitie, said: “Reaching our 4,000th EV is a major milestone on our journey to reaching a zero-emission fleet by the end of 2025.

“The vehicle joining our fleet at National Grid will serve a crucial role for our cleaning operatives on the contract.”

Mitie’s 4,000th EV was unveiled by Matt Western, MP for Warwick and Leamington at National Grid House.

Western, who also serves as the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on EVs, said: “It was great to have the opportunity to welcome Mitie’s 4,000th electric vehicle to its fleet and hear from the team about the important work they are doing.

“It is seriously impressive how Mitie are leading the way with one of the largest electric fleets in the UK.

“Businesses have a significant role in reducing transport emissions and I encourage all businesses to look at decarbonising their fleets.”

Thompson concluded: “It was a pleasure to be joined by the local MP, Matt Western, who in his role as the chair of the APPG on EVs is driving forward the importance of fleet electrification, championing UK businesses to embrace EV strategies.”

Photo: (left to right) Matt Western MP, Prem Gabbi (National Grid), Heidi Thompson (Mitie), Matthew Brailsford (Mitie).