In celebration of Transport Day at COP26, EV100 welcomed seven new members who committed to electrify their combined fleets of over 250,000 vehicles by 2030.
EV100, Climate Group's initiative to bring together forward-looking companies committed to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, is sending a powerful signal that the future of transportation is electric.
New joiners include UK-based companies M Group Services (fifth largest fleet operator in the UK) and Kier, SK Networks from South Korea, Nichicon Corporation from Japan, and US-based Gilead Sciences Inc., Mack-Cali Realty Corporation and NRG Energy Inc. Gilead Sciences, Inc. is also joining RE100 by committing to 100% renewable electricity by 2025.
Further underlining their commitment to electric transport, in addition to electrifying their fleets, these new EV100 members will install charging stations across 140 locations for staff and customers use.
Since its launch in 2017, EV100 has grown rapidly to drive the electric vehicle revolution. In 2021 alone, over 440,000 new vehicles have been committed and membership has increased by almost 25% to include 120 companies. Member companies employ over 5 million people, with total revenues topping $1.8 trillion.
Demonstrating growing global reach and industry diversity, new EV100 members this year include the first companies based in Brazil and South Korea, the first cement companies, the first hospitality business and the first US realty company.
Through EV100 member commitments, over 5.4 million vehicles will convert to electric by 2030 and over 9,400 locations will see charging infrastructure installed - making it easier for both businesses and individual consumers to transition to electric.
The expansive new members announcement comes as the UK COP26 Presidency also announces a landmark road transport declaration with governments, automakers, investors and fleet owners and operators - including EV100 businesses - calling for 100% of new car and van sales to be zero emission by 2035 in leading markets, and no later than 2040 globally.
Sandra Roling, Head of Transport, Climate Group, comments:
"We are thrilled to celebrate COP26 Transport Day by welcoming these new members to EV100, who have made the bold commitment to electrify their fleets and deploy charging infrastructure by 2030.
"EV100, which continues to grow in reach and impact, is a powerful catalyst for electric transport and a vessel for crucial climate action from businesses. It's encouraging that so many additional companies this year have recognised the vital role they have in tackling the climate crisis and the critical opportunity offered in transportation electrification.
"As COP26 progresses, we hope that the ambition and leadership shown by EV100 members is matched by world leaders. This is the Climate Decade, and it's vital that business and government collaborate effectively for the world to limit global warming to 1.5°C."
Brett Pletcher, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and General Counsel, Gilead Sciences, adds:
"As a healthcare company, Gilead recognizes the clear connection between a healthy planet and the health of people, we envision a sustainable future and are committed to taking bold action to positively impact our communities. That's why we are proud to join the Climate Group's EV100 and RE100 initiatives - both are important steps to help battle climate change."
Ippei Takeda, CEO, Representative Chairman and Director, Nichicon Corporation, adds:
"Nichicon Corporation has been accepted as a member of Climate Group's EV100 initiative. In 2010, we organized a special project called NECST (Nichicon Energy Control System Technology) to both manage a stable energy supply and preserve the environment. We established mass production of EV quick chargers at an early stage and we were the first company in the world to mass produce Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) systems.
"The use of EVs is expected to increase rapidly and our company goal is to switch all our vehicles to EVs by 2030, and to contribute to the expansion of EV quick chargers for the social infrastructure. In addition, we also strive to effectively use renewable energy by using the onboard batteries in EVs together with V2H systems."
Jo Gilroy, Head of Environment and Sustainability, Kier, said:
"We are proud to be joining EV100, alongside other likeminded organisations. This solidifies our commitment to have a fully electrified fleet by 2030, which is a commitment we have also made in our Carbon Reduction Plan. It also directly feeds into our Group's purpose, to sustainably deliver infrastructure which is vital to the UK."
Jim Arnold - Chief Executive, M Group Services, adds:
"We are proud to be become a member of the Climate Group's EV100 and to support our carbon reduction targets we have pledged to transition 100% of our 'core' fleet of over 8,000 vehicles to electric, as well as installing charging points at key locations by 2030. Across M Group Services we are dedicated to behaving in a sustainable manner to the individual, our communities and the environment. This means we are constantly seeking opportunities for improvement, becoming a member of EV100 is aligned to our ambition of achieving an overall 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030."
Mahbod Nia, Chief Executive Officer, Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, adds:
"The threat of climate change is real, and no doubt poses a risk to our business, the real estate industry in which we operate, and the world at large. We are pleased to help further combat this threat, improve our environmental footprint, and reduce carbon emissions throughout our portfolio by joining the Climate Group's EV100. In doing so, we are underscoring our commitment to operate in a more responsible and sustainable manner, which we believe will positively impact our communities, stakeholders, and the planet over the long-term."
Jeanne-Mey Sun, Vice-President of Sustainability, NRG Energy, Inc, says:
"The transportation sector is the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S, and as such, the electrification of transportation is absolutely essential to decarbonizing the entire economy. We are proud to electrify our fleet and join EV100's notable network of companies who are committed to making an impact on climate change."
