Stories

British Gas and Osprey Charging Network partner to accelerate fleet electrification

British Gas, the UK’s largest energy and home services company, has partnered with Osprey Charging, one of the UK’s largest networks of rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging points, to help transition its vehicles to an all-electric fleet and simplify the charging process for its drivers.

The partnership provides British Gas engineers with direct access to Osprey’s nationwide network of over 300 rapid charging stations throughout the UK, creating a simple driver experience and centralised fleet billing to support British Gas’ electric fleet operations. 

With around 9,000 vehicles, British Gas is one of the UK's biggest fleet operators and is working towards converting its entire fleet to become fully electric under its net-zero ambition.

By partnering with nationwide charging networks, British Gas can create a convenient and seamless payment method via one electric fuel card, improving the EV public charging experience for its engineers and accelerating electrification. Osprey is the first network to deliver this innovative integration. 

The partnership has been made possible via direct technical interoperability between Osprey’s proprietary software platform, Volo, and British Gas’ own fleet management system, providing the ability to centrally and automatically account for fleet public charging costs.

As part of the collaboration the British Gas fleet will also have access to the 150 high power EV charging hubs Osprey will deliver by 2024 as part of a £75 million investment programme to exceed drivers’ expectations for charger availability and speed. 

Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging said, “We are thrilled that British Gas has chosen to partner with Osprey to unlock further EV adoption and lead the transition to the future of transport. Our market-leading commercial and fleet roaming capabilities provide even more EV drivers with the ultimate charging experience via access to our nationwide, reliable and open rapid charger network.” 

James Rooney, Fleet Engineering and Innovation Manager at British Gas, said, “It is essential that we support our engineering team with not just an accessible network of charging points, but a method of paying for charging that is hassle free. We know that around seven in ten of our drivers don’t have access to home charging and partnerships such as this will help to provide the confidence required that making the switch to electric is achievable.”

 

Osprey Media Contact:

Sophia Hutchinson sophia@influenceassociates.com

British Gas Media Contact:

Michael Pullan Michael.Pullan@centrica.com 

 

About British Gas
British Gas is Britain’s leading supplier of energy and services and the country’s biggest retailer of zero carbon electricity. We are part of Centrica, a company founded on a 200-year heritage of serving people. We provide energy and services to over 7 million UK homes and businesses, supported by around 7,500 highly trained engineers and technicians. We also offer a range of innovative products and services, including Hive and our on-demand digital trades service, Local Heroes. Our purpose of helping customers live sustainably, simply and affordably drives our strategy and our People and Planet Plan. 

 

About Osprey Charging Network
Osprey Charging Network is a UK-wide, rapid electric vehicle charging network, backed by Investec and Cube Infrastructure Partners. Osprey fund, install and manage their network on behalf of landlord partners and on their own land. The Osprey network is created to provide a trusted and comfortable experience: reliable, open-access and easy-to-use charge points are conveniently located on major routes and with nearby amenities. All Osprey chargers accept contactless payments, App payments, RFID payments and payment through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards and roaming partners. Every charging point is also powered by 100% renewable electricity. 

More information on Osprey can be found at ospreycharging.co.uk.