Seven businesses have joined the EV100 with a pledge to electrify their combined fleets of more than 250,000 vehicle by 2030.

The new joiners include UK-based companies M Group Services and Kier, SK Networks from South Korea, Nichicon Corporation from Japan, and US-based Gilead Sciences.

In addition to electrifying their fleets, these new EV100 members will install charging stations across 140 locations for staff and customer use.

Sandra Roling, head of transport at the Climate Group, said: “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.”

Through EV100 member commitments, more than 5.4 million vehicles will convert to electric by 2030 and more than 9,400 locations will see charging infrastructure installed.

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.

Jim Arnold, chief executive of M Group Services, said: “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.”

Jo Gilroy, head of environment and sustainability at Kier, added: “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.”