Royal HaskoningDHV joins EV100 global initiative for EV business fleet
Royal HaskoningDHV has joined the EV100, a global initiative that aims to help companies transform their vehicle fleets to electric vehicles. Company fleets represent more than half of the vehicles on the road, so transforming demand in the segment could rapidly downsize a major contribution to climate change and pollution.
The increased focus on improved battery technology is rapidly giving rise to more advanced forms of Electric Vehicles (EVs), which are becoming increasingly competitive with new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. Emission profiles of EVs are considerably better than ICE vehicles, particularly as the share of renewables feeding into the worldwide electrical grid increases.
While consumers remain interested in electric vehicles, companies also have a considerable role to play when it comes to reducing their footprint, in terms of emissions and other vehicle pollutants. As it stands, businesses own more than half of all registered vehicles on the road.
EV100 is a global initiative from The Climate Group and We Mean Business, which looks to showcase to businesses the benefits of shifting gear to an electric fleet. EVs can reduce costs and improve a company’s public image as leaders in sustainability; as well as help to rapidly push the automotive industry towards an EV-driven future. Major backers of the initiative so far include Deutsche Post DHL Group, Heathrow Airport, HP, IKEA, LeasePlan, Unilever and Vattenfall.
Royal HaskoningDHV recently announced that it has also joined the initiative. The technical consulting firm will transition its global leased fleets and its service contracts fleet to become 100% EVs by 2030. The firm’s Dutch transition will be completed by 2021, and represents around 500 vehicles. In addition, the firm will also be supporting its more than 6,000 global staff to reduce their own travel-related environmental impact; situating its offices close to major public transport hubs; installing a bicycle fleet; and leveraging telecommunication to limit trips.
Erik Oostwegel, Chief Executive Officer, Royal HaskoningDHV, said, “In recent months, as a means of controlling climate change and air pollution, various governments announced measures to phase-out diesel or petrol-driven vehicles. As an innovative company, we want to be a frontrunner in developments relating to sustainability and mobility of the future. We provide advice to clients concerning sustainable mobility and the energy transition. These two elements converge in electric driving. For us the move to 100% electric vehicles is a no-brainer and all companies should do this. The trend is clear. Let’s use our time efficient and stop talking and take action.”
Commenting on the new members of the initiative, Sandra Roling, Head of EV100, The Climate Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Royal HaskoningDHV to the EV100 initiative. The company’s leadership in transitioning its entire Dutch fleet to full battery EVs within the next four years demonstrates the growing momentum for electric vehicles and sends a crucial market signal to establish EVs as the new normal.”
