Switching our fleet to electric
At Openreach, we’re making practical, lasting changes to reduce our carbon footprint. One of the areas where we’ve made the most progress is transforming how we travel around the country to build and maintain our network.
Openreach operates the second largest fleet in the UK, with more than 24,000 vehicles, and engineers travel million miles every year. The vans are crucial in helping engineers to deliver great service and build the new full fibre network across the UK, but we need to do it in a more sustainable way. Our goal is to be Net Zero by March 2031 and to do this we will switch the majority of our fleet to electric.
This transition is not just about replacing diesel vans with electric ones. It’s about building the infrastructure, systems and support that make electric vehicles a viable, reliable choice for thousands of engineers working across the country every day.
That includes a significant expansion of our charging network. We’re installing charging points at our operational sites and at engineers’ homes, enabling overnight charging and removing one of the biggest practical barriers to EV adoption.
We’re also supporting our people to make the switch to EVs in their own lives. These home chargers aren’t restricted to company vehicles; they can be used for personal cars too, helping colleagues reduce their own carbon footprint at home. Through our ‘My EV’ salary sacrifice scheme, UK-based colleagues can also lease a fully serviced electric vehicle with no upfront cost and a fixed, tax-efficient monthly payment. The package includes servicing, insurance, breakdown cover and more, making it easier and more affordable to make the switch to electric.
This dual approach – decarbonising our operations while enabling our people to make sustainable choices – reflects the broader principles behind our sustainability strategy. Whether we’re improving energy efficiency, reducing material waste or protecting natural habitats, our focus is on action that delivers measurable impact and long-term value.
The electrification of our fleet sits within one of the core aspects of our sustainability ‘Let’s Reach Zero’ plan: lowering emissions. As we continue to build the UK’s full fibre network, we’re already seeing benefits to people and the planet. The new network is more resilient, meaning fewer callouts and fewer miles travelled. And where travel is needed, optimised route planning and cleaner vehicles are helping us deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment alike.
We know that reaching net zero will require effort across every part of our business. But with over 4,500 electric vehicles already on the road, new benefits in place for colleagues, and infrastructure being built across the UK, we’re making strong progress.
And we’re proud to be part of something bigger – working with partners across BT Group and beyond to help decarbonise the UK’s transport system and build a more sustainable future.
