AN INNOVATIVE North East company has joined a national initiative aimed at encouraging major UK transport fleets to make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs).

Route Monkey, of Gateshead, is to become a partner in the Energy Saving Trust’s Plugged-In Fleets Initiative, along with EDF Energy.

It will work with 20 organisations across England, helping them to develop strategies on how to reduce emissions from road transport by integrating EVs into their fleets.

Participants include Boots UK, London Fire Brigade, Network Rail, Surrey County Council, Southwark Council, Tristar, the University of Cumbria, Wm Morrison plc and York City Council.

Route Monkey’s unique electric vehicle optimisation software (EVOS) will support the programme by identifying which existing routes are suitable for EVs before an organisation commits to purchasing electric vehicles.

Once the vehicles are deployed, EVOS maximises their use, ensuring fleet operators achieve the best possible reductions in fuel bills and emissions.

The software is the first of its kind specifically designed for electric vehicles.