CitiPark receives 'Go Ultra Low Company' status
CitiPark is leading Britain to a cleaner future as it receives ‘Go Ultra Low Company’ status
• Go Ultra Low recognises automotive credentials of UK’s top green organisations
• Almost 70% of CitiPark’s current fleet vehicles are designated as EVs
• The operator aims to continue its ongoing commitment to sustainable transportation and have just under 100% of its fleet as EVs by 2020
• UK registers 22,480 electric vehicles in first six months of 2017, up 14.3% on 2016
CitiPark, one of the leading car park operators in the UK, has been awarded ‘Go Ultra Low Company’ status, in recognition of the fact that the organisation has already opened its vehicle fleet to plug-in cars and also acknowledging its commitment to boost uptake of plug-in vehicles over the coming years, with the increase in EV charging points across its entire car parking network. The operator aims to have 41 charging points in place by the end of 2017.
Poppy Welch, Head of Go Ultra Low, said: “We want to encourage every business in the UK to follow the example set by CitiPark to offer employees the chance to drive or own an electric vehicle. Not only does it demonstrate a commitment to a cleaner automotive future, but there are multiple short and long-term financial benefits for companies and their employees to enjoy. Thanks to the wide variety of models available and their cost-saving potential, this is a realistic and rewarding option for businesses large and small.”
Ben Ziff, MD at CitiPark said: “Increasing our commitment to EV vehicles and supporting our customers to do this by providing EV charging points across the country is at the core of our ‘Going Green’ initiative.
We believe that the infrastructures supporting the automotive industry and governmental green agendas should also be adopting the same forward-thinking approach. We are investing a great deal into all of our branches at the moment, not just aesthetically but operationally too.
We are also proud to be partnered with Tesla as part of their Destination Charging programme and to contribute to the pursuit of sustainable transportation. Here at CitiPark, we are continuously looking at ways to enhance our green initiatives.”
Public and private sector organisations that already use EVs, or offer them to employees as company cars, are eligible for Go Ultra Low Company status, providing there’s a commitment for EVs to make up 5% or more of their vehicle fleet by 2020.
This qualifying criteria mirror Government ambitions that EVs will represent 5% of total UK new car registrations by the end of the decade. The Government has committed £600m until 2020 to support the plug-in vehicle grant, expand the charging infrastructure, and boost the domestic electric car industry.
2017 sales of plug-in cars have reached a record high in the UK, with 22,480 new EVs registered in the first six months of the year, an annual increase of 14.3%. Approximately two thirds of electric vehicles bought today go to corporate and public sector organisations, once again highlighting the important role companies play in adopting low emission technology.
Go Ultra Low exists to help UK organisations and motorists understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities of the raft of electric vehicles on the market. The collaborative campaign is the first of its kind, bringing together a consortium of vehicle manufacturers, Government and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).