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BT Group has announced a significant fleet upgrade, with 6,000 new vehicles—more than half of which will be electric—set to enhance the company’s sustainability efforts and operational efficiency. The modern fleet will support BT engineers in delivering next-generation broadband and mobile networks across the UK.
The company’s subsidiary, Openreach, manages the UK’s largest wholesale broadband network and spearheads efforts to expand the entire fibre broadband network. Currently serving 16 million premises, Openreach aims to reach 25 million homes and businesses by 2026. BT engineers also maintain 19,500 mobile masts for EE’s mobile network and oversee 5,600 telephone exchanges nationwide.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Businesses have a crucial role to play in driving the transition to electric cars and vans.
“That’s why it’s fantastic to see that BT have made the most of our plug-in van grant to order 3,500 brand new EVs – which means they will have the largest electric commercial fleet in the UK.”
The new EV fleet, supplied by Ford, Stellantis, Toyota, and Renault, will be deployed over the next two years, reinforcing BT Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
This initiative aligns with BT Group’s net-zero carbon emission target for March 2031. By the end of FY24, BT had already achieved a 61% reduction in carbon emissions intensity since FY17. These reductions are driven by advances in energy-efficient networks, including the rollout of full-fibre, 4G, and 5G technologies, alongside the decommissioning of legacy systems.
BT Group’s chief financial officer, Simon Lowth, said: “By integrating yet more EVs into our operations, we are taking another significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and supporting the UK’s transition to a greener future.
“As we extend our full fibre build…, having the most efficient, sustainable EVs will give our engineers the edge as they connect customers at pace to our next-generation networks.
“Our modern fleet will help us to be more efficient and deliver a better service for our customers.”
As a member of The Climate Group’s EV100 initiative, BT Group is committed to making electric vehicles the standard for business fleets globally by the decade's end, underscoring its leadership in sustainable business practices.
By adopting the new EV fleet, BT Group is enhancing its network operations and advancing its carbon neutrality goals, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in sustainable technology infrastructure.