UK Accelerates Net Zero Transport with EV Fleet Milestones and Zero‑Emission Buses

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In a significant move for net‑zero transport, several UK organisations have reached landmark milestones in electrifying their fleets, while public transport sees a surge in zero‑emission buses.

Mitie, a facilities management and professional services company, has achieved a major net‑zero milestone by deploying its 6,000th electric vehicle (EV) in December 2024. This represents over 2,000 EVs added during 2024 alone. Nearly three‑quarters (73 %) of Mitie’s fleet is now fully electric, as part of its “Plan Zero” strategy to reach net‑zero emissions in operations by the end of 2025. Alongside deploying EVs, the company has installed more than 6,000 charging points across colleagues’ homes and customer sites. The announcement was unveiled by the Minister for the Future of Roads, with ambitions to reach a 7,000‑vehicle electric fleet underway.

Royal Mail has similarly strengthened its green credentials, unveiling its 7,000th electric vehicle in May 2025. This latest addition further cements its position as operator of the UK’s largest electric delivery fleet plans are in place to add nearly 1,800 more EV vans over the next year. Nearly one quarter of delivery offices now use electric vehicles, all powered via onsite charging and 100 % renewable electricity. Royal Mail is also testing electric trucks and has already deployed hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for heavy‑goods vehicles to accelerate decarbonisation.

Meanwhile, in London, Transport for London (TfL) now operates over 2,000 zero‑emission buses, accounting for roughly 20 % of its total fleet up from just 30 vehicles in 2016. The capital city now boasts the largest zero‑emission bus network in Western Europe. TfL aims for a fully zero‑emission fleet by 2030, a goal that could deliver up to five million tonnes of CO₂ savings over the next two decades.

TfL’s commitment to climate action has also been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Its near‑ and long‑term targets align with limiting global warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement. TfL aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90 % by 2030, maintain that level through 2040, and cut Scope 3 emissions by 45 % by 2030. A net‑zero target by 2040 has been confirmed. Over 1,900 of roughly 9,000 buses are already zero emission, and TfL is advancing renewable energy procurement and LED lighting upgrades across its network.

In the freight sector, demand for zero‑emission trucks witnessed a 7.3 % drop in 2024, with only 217 units registered representing just 0.5 % of the market, matching 2023 figures. Despite policy signals to ban new diesel HGVs up to 26 tonnes by 2035, higher acquisition costs of zero‑emission trucks continue to hinder uptake.

However, innovative infrastructure initiatives are offering new hope. Aegis Energy has secured £100 million in funding to develop the first clean, multi‑energy refuelling hubs for commercial vehicles in the UK. Five initial stations are expected by end of 2027, with the first opening in early 2026. The long‑term plan includes scaling to a network of 30 hubs by 2030 which would support widespread low‑carbon logistics services.

What this means:

Across public and private sectors, electrification of vehicle fleets is picking up pace with Mitie and Royal Mail delivering thousands of EVs to operational fleets, and TfL expanding its zero‑emission public transport network across London. These developments support net‑zero ambitions, address local air quality challenges, and lay groundwork for cleaner, resilient mobility.

That said, challenges remain. Zero‑emission HGV uptake lags behind, hindered by high costs and limited model availability. The infrastructure gap for commercial fleets remains pressing, though emergent multi‑energy refuelling networks like those from Aegis offer a scalable solution.

Progress from public bodies validated by SBTi brings added credibility, but industry‑wide transition hinges on sustained policy support, funding, and innovation to ensure zero‑emission options are affordable and available across all vehicle types.

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