Fleet management business chosen to accelerate energy firm’s net zero plans

OVO Energy is expanding its fleet of electric vehicles with an order for over 1,000 Vauxhall Vivaro-e vans with Leeds-based Zenith.

This latest deal will help OVO reach its goal of having a 100% electrified fleet by the end of 2025.

Zenith is a leasing, vehicle outsourcing and fleet management provider. Headquartered in Leeds, its 1,000 employees manage over 150,000 vehicles, with operations spanning the breadth of the automotive market with commercial vehicles, corporate fleets and consumer leasing.

The vehicles for OVO Energy will be used by its smart meter installation team when visiting domestic properties.

Ben Guest, field operations director at OVO Energy, said: “We’re committed to expanding our Field Force team’s fleet with new electric vehicles, building on our commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions from our own operations by 2030.

“Our partnership with Zenith means we can accelerate our plans and move towards a fully electric fleet.”

The Vivaro-e is a versatile van that offers zero emissions, low maintenance costs and no road tax. It is eligible for a Government grant, which pays 35% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of £6,000.

Drivers will save 9.5kg of CO2 daily, based on 40 miles.

Mark Grundy, customer relationship manager at Zenith, said: “We have a close working relationship with OVO Energy and a shared commitment to accelerating the move to net zero.

“A focused and meticulous approach to planning is required to deliver a smooth roll-out, and input from both teams ensures the different driver requirements are met. In addition, we are supporting OVO with a comprehensive fleet service.”

Zenith is a member of the EV100 initiative by The Climate Group, which aims to make electric transport fully mainstream by 2030.

Zenith plans to switch its own company car fleet to 100% EV by 2025 – five years ahead of the target date required by EV100.