What is Electric Vehicles (EVs)?
Vehicles powered by electric motors rather than internal combustion engines. EVs produce zero direct emissions and can significantly reduce fleet carbon footprints when charged from renewable energy.
Why it matters
EV adoption directly reduces Scope 1 emissions for owned vehicles and can shift the remaining energy impact to Scope 2, where renewable tariffs offer a further reduction pathway. Government grants and favourable benefit-in-kind rates improve the financial case.
Example
A courier company replaces its 10 diesel vans with electric alternatives, reducing Scope 1 fleet emissions from 52 tCO₂e to zero. The remaining Scope 2 charging emissions of 8 tCO₂e are covered by a REGO-backed renewable electricity contract.
Related terms
Fleet Emissions
Carbon emissions from an organisation's vehicle fleet, including cars, vans, and trucks. Fleet emissions are typically Scope 1 for owned vehicles and can be reduced through electrification and route optimisation.
Scope 1 Emissions
Direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or controlled by an organisation. Examples include emissions from company vehicles, on-site fuel combustion in boilers and furnaces, and refrigerant leaks from air conditioning systems.
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