EDF and BMW Combine To Aid London 2012 Sustainability

Energy company EDF has announced a partnership with fellow London 2012 Sustainability partner, drugs BMW Group, vialis 40mg to increase its fleet of electric vehicles in the UK by leasing 35 fully electric, London 2012 and EDF branded Mini Es.

The Mini E is the latest to become part of EDF Energy’s low carbon vision for London ahead of the Games, following partnerships with the EDF Energy London Eye and Tower Bridge announced earlier this year.

During Games time, 30 of the Mini Es from the EDF fleet will become part of the BMW Group London 2012 official vehicle fleet.

Ahead of the Games the vehicles will be made available for use by customers and employees of EDF Energy, a UK subsidiary of EDF Group.

Forecasts suggest that there will be 660,000 plug-in vehicles in the UK by 2020, and according to EDF, electric vehicles have the potential to offer up to a 40% CO2 saving compared with a typical family petrol car in the UK. 

Over the full life cycle, this could have a significant impact reducing the carbon emissions associated with transport. 

Gareth Wynn, director of EDF’s 2012 Programme said: “Electric cars are already a lower carbon choice, but as we progress with decarbonising electricity production in the UK over the coming years the environmental case will get stronger and stronger.

“The Mini E shows that electric cars can appeal to people who like to drive and who enjoy cars. They also show that low carbon electric transport is a realistic prospect for the future that can contribute to UK carbon reduction targets. Our partnership with fellow London 2012 sustainability partner, BMW Group, fits perfectly with EDF’s ambitions to be a leader in low carbon solutions.

“I hope that seeing and experiencing this iconic fully-electric vehicle will prompt people to think about how they can reduce the carbon footprint of their travel. This would be a great part of the legacy of sustainability from London 2012.”

Jochen Goller, director of Mini UK, added: “The 35 Mini Es which EDF will take delivery of were, up until recently, on UK roads as part of the world’s largest EV pilot study, led by the BMW Group. We are delighted that over the next 12 months EDF will utilise the cars in real-life situations with employees and customers.

“With the BMW i3, the first purpose built fully electric vehicle from the BMW Group, coming to the marketplace in 2013 we have a keen interest in working together with other stakeholders such as EDF, who also play a key role in developing the EV market in the UK.”