Global logistics provider XPO has today [14 Feb] announced that 58% of its company-owned cars in the UK are now fully electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
The company had set a target of converting its vehicles so that over half of its fleet were somewhat electric by the end of 2022, which it achieved. Of its 177 vehicles, 103 are either EVs or PHEVs.
XPO exclusively offers electric or hybrid company cars to employees. It expects its car fleet to be comprised of 100% EVs and PHEVs by 2024.
XPO’s Managing Director for UK and Ireland Dan Myers said: “The minimisation of our business travel, and therefore our emissions, is our ultimate goal. The reality of being a people-focused business is that we know the value of being physically with our customers and teams, meaning travel will be necessary from time to time. With our enhanced car policy, we can now ensure that every essential business mile will be made in the most responsible way possible.”
The Connecticut-headquartered firm is also exploring the feasibility of alternative fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). XPO’s commercial fleet includes ‘150 HVO trucks and 23 natural gas-powered trucks, with a further 25 battery electric vans and six light trucks coming online during 2023’.
HVO is a form of biofuel that uses renewable raw materials like vegetable oil, animal fats, and waste materials as its feedstock. Once the hydrotreating process removes impurities like sulphur, this can be used as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
XPO recently piloted the use of HVO for heating at its Motherwell distribution site.
In addition to this, trials will take place throughout the year of 26-tonne and 44-tonne battery electric vehicles in a partnership with several of its customers.
