Go Ultra Low has broadened the appeal of its EV promotions campaign with the announcement that 100 companies have joined its cause - demonstrating their commitment to run eco-friendly fleets.

Each company has pledged that EVs will make up at least 5% of their vehicle fleet by 2020, they include Britvic, London Fire Brigade and Microsoft UK.

Many companies have ambitions to exceed this target: Santander UK, for example, currently operates 57 electric vehicles and wants them to represent 10% of its 1,400-strong fleet by 2020, while Oxford City Council says that 7% of its total fleet will be 100% electric by the end of the decade.

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Head of Go Ultra Low, Poppy Welch, said: “The UK Government wants every new car and van in Britain to be ultra-low emission by 2040, and the corporate sector has a huge role to play in achieving this goal.

“Forward-thinking organisations are well on the road to emission-free and low-cost motoring, taking significant numbers of EVs onto their fleets, learning where they are fit for purpose.

“Research carried out by Go Ultra Low last year found that a large number of user-choosers are keen to switch to electric and benefit from low running costs, tax incentives and a great driving experience.

“Go Ultra Low Companies are setting an example for others to follow, dispelling misconceptions around EVs at the same time as helping to improve UK air quality and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.”

In total, 22,480 electric cars were registered across the UK between January and June, a rise of 14.3% on 2016 and 53.8% up on the same period in 2015.

Looking at plug-in registrations across the country, the West Midlands (2,704) Greater London (2,477) and Cambridgeshire (1,928) topped the list of regions with the highest uptake.

Greater London also saw the biggest year on year increase in counties registering more than 1,000 plug-in vehicles, with registrations up 68.6% on the first half of 2016.

Minister of State for climate change and industry Claire Perry MP said: “This Government backs companies that make the switch to low emission vehicles through grants and incentives – it’s good for business, good for the air we all breathe and good for reducing the amount of greenhouse gas we produce.

Oxford City Council’s fleet manager Ian Bourton said: “Our aim is to a make a difference to the local environment by reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality in the city.

“To this end, we look to provide sustainable alternatives for the vehicle fleet and encourage plug-in vehicles where possible, and currently have 17 on our fleet.

“We expect ultra-low emission vehicles to become increasingly popular as benefits are realised and positive word-of-mouth spreads.”

According to the survey of UK company car drivers commissioned by Go Ultra Low in November 2016, almost 700,000 UK motorists would join the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, if they were given the opportunity by their employers.