Openreach Boosts EV Fleet Rollout with Myenergi Solutions

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In an exciting development for electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the UK, Openreach, the operator of the nation’s second-largest commercial fleet, has announced a strategic partnership with Myenergi. With this collaboration, the two companies are set to propel Openreach’s EV rollout to new heights, fostering a more sustainable future for transportation.

Openreach, already boasting over 5,000 electric vans in its fleet, is now set to enhance its efforts towards electrification. Under this new agreement, Myenergi will supply thousands of its innovative Zappi smart EV chargers to Openreach engineers. This initiative will provide a seamless solution for charging vehicles at home overnight, ensuring that the transition to electric mobility is as smooth as possible for the workforce.

In tandem with the provision of home chargers, Openreach is committed to significantly expanding its network of charging stations across hundreds of its operational sites nationwide. This ambitious move comes as part of a £3 million investment aimed at tackling one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption: the availability of charging infrastructure.

The Zappi chargers, known for their fast and flexible charging capabilities of up to 22kW, also come equipped with smart modes that optimise the use of solar energy and off-peak tariff rates. The installation of these chargers will be managed by Ovo Energy, ensuring that the rollout is efficient and effective.

This partnership is a key facet of Openreach’s broader strategy, aptly named ‘Let’s Reach Zero’. This initiative is focused on reducing carbon emissions, minimising waste, and protecting the natural environment. Openreach, which is part of the BT Group, has set an ambitious target to convert its entire fleet to zero emissions by 2031. As part of this commitment, the company aims to add an additional 2,000 electric vehicles to its fleet by the end of March 2026. This initiative aligns with BT Group’s overarching goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions across all its operations by the same year.

Judy O’Keefe, Openreach’s director of fleet, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We’re making strong progress on our journey to net zero, having invested in more than 5,000 electric vans and over 2,500 home chargers already. Switching the majority of our fleet to electric by 2031 is a significant challenge, but this partnership represents another crucial step forward – providing our engineers with smart, reliable charging at home to support a greener future.”

To further encourage sustainable practices among its staff, Openreach has introduced an incentive programme aimed at promoting smarter charging habits. This initiative focuses on home charging as well as utilising selected public charge point operators. The incentives include access to behind-the-barrier charging options, night-time discounts, and various perks for drivers.

Andrew Clint, CEO of Myenergi, shared his excitement regarding the partnership, stating: “We’re delighted that Openreach staff will soon be charging their new plug-in vehicles with Zappi chargers. Transitioning such an extensive fleet is no mean feat, but developing the necessary infrastructure to ensure drivers can charge at home is a monumental step forward.”

He further added: “With Zappi, staff will benefit from one of the world’s smartest EV chargers – simple, intuitive, and specifically designed to streamline the home charging process.” This collaboration not only addresses the immediate needs of Openreach’s fleet but also contributes to a larger mission of accelerating the UK’s transition to sustainable transport. It reflects a commitment to powering the future of fleet electrification and showcases how corporate partnerships can drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change.

As Openreach continues on its path to achieving a zero-emissions fleet, this partnership with Myenergi serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that innovative technology can have on our journey towards net zero. By investing in smart charging solutions and expanding charging infrastructure, Openreach is setting a precedent for other companies looking to embrace electrification and sustainability in their operations.

This initiative is not just about fulfilling corporate responsibilities; it’s about fostering a culture of sustainability and encouraging every individual within the organisation to take part in this vital transition. By providing employees with the tools they need to make eco-friendly choices, Openreach is empowering its workforce to contribute to a greener future, both at work and at home.

The journey to net zero is undoubtedly a challenging one, filled with obstacles and complexities. However, partnerships like the one between Openreach and Myenergi illustrate that with innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision, it is possible to overcome these challenges and create a sustainable future for all.

As we look ahead, it is inspiring to see major corporations committing to bold sustainability goals and investing in the necessary infrastructure to facilitate these changes. The collaboration between Openreach and Myenergi is a testament to what can be achieved when businesses prioritise environmental responsibility and work together towards a common goal.

This partnership represents a significant step in the right direction for the EV market in the UK. With infrastructure in place and a clear commitment to electrification, Openreach is not only paving the way for its own operations but also setting a benchmark for the rest of the industry. The future of transport is electric, and with initiatives like this, we are moving closer to realising a net zero world.

As we continue to monitor developments in the EV sector and sustainability initiatives, it is vital for all of us, as champions of net zero, to engage in conversations about the importance of such partnerships and the impact they can have on our collective journey. Let us celebrate these advancements and encourage more companies to follow suit in their pursuit of greener practices.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more updates on how we can all contribute to a sustainable future!