Openreach partners with Ground Control

Maintenance firm Ground Control will install 8,500 charge points for UK broadband provider Openreach.

The firm has become a key strategic partner in delivering Openreach’s commitment to transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. 

Essex-based Ground Control will install an initial 8,500 charging points for Openreach across the UK, outside engineer’s homes and at key Openreach sites. As part of the company’s commitment to supporting British manufacturing, all electrical equipment and hardware where possible will be sourced in the UK. 

With more than 30,000 vehicles out on the roads, Openreach has the second largest fleet in the UK. Its engineers travelled around 280 million miles during the last 12 months, with a large impact on CO2 emissions.

Both businesses are also founding members of the EV100, a global initiative bringing together companies committed to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles this decade. 

Tom Goodman, Technical Director, Energy & Decarbonisation at Ground Control, said: “Ground Control has first-hand experience of best practice in this space, as we continue to progress towards our own goal of a fully electric fleet by 2025. We are confident this project will demonstrate the power of businesses working in partnership in achieving sustainability targets – like-minded companies finding solutions together is key to making real progress.”

Catherine Colloms, MD for Corporate Affairs & Brand at Openreach said: “We’ll continue to push for change as, like others, we face shortages in the vehicle supply chain especially when it comes to range, functionality and choice. For some vehicle types there is simply no option yet.

“Therefore it’s imperative that Government pushes ahead with the ZEV mandate so that we can lead the world when it comes to decarbonisation.” 

Andrew Kirkby, Senior Manager, Sustainability at Openreach said: “Charging points at engineers homes will help them play their part in becoming more sustainable whilst also giving them the comfort they need when it comes to range, getting from A to B and keeping our customers connected . We’re looking forward to the continued partnership with Ground Control.”

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

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