British Gas owner Centrica has taken on its first Citroen Nemo electric vehicle as the firm seeks to learn about the operation of EVs, with the target of running a fleet of more than 1000 by 2015.
The Nemo EV, converted by Nicholson McLaren, will operate at British Gas’s main distribution depots on a three-year leasing and fleet management deal with Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Services.
“We are highly ambitious in our strategy to introduce EVs into our fleet and this partnership with Hitachi Capital is a key step towards our goal,” said Centrica fleet general manager Colin Marriott. “We are keen to learn more about EVs from a fleet operations perspective and are excited about embracing this new technology.”
The company will review the Nemo EV’s success in the middle of 2012 as part of the “decision-making about the company’s future use of electric vehicles”.
Most British Gas engineers work from home and drive short distances in their local area, so the firm is hoping EVs will slot into operation, and will be monitoring elements including recharge frequency and whole-life cost impact.
Centrica also operates five Nissan Leaf EVs, three as pool cars and two as individuals’ company cars, all funded through Hitachi.
