UK energy utility British Gas 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.

British Gas is the UK’s largest energy and home services company. It is using direct technical interoperability between Osprey Charging’s proprietary Volo software platform and its own fleet management system so it can centrally and automatically account for fleet public charging costs.

The partnership provides British Gas engineers with direct access to Osprey’s nationwide network of more than 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 9000 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.

“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,” said Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging. “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.”

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 £75mn investment programme to exceed drivers’ expectations for charger availability and speed.

“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,” said James Rooney, fleet engineering manager at British Gas. “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.”

British Gas is part of Centrica. It provides energy and services to more than seven million UK homes and businesses, supported by around 7500 engineers and technicians.

Osprey Charging Network is a UK-wide, rapid electric vehicle charging network, backed by Investec and Cube Infrastructure Partners. Osprey funds, installs and manages its network on behalf of landlord partners and on their own land. The Osprey network is created to provide reliable, open-access and easy-to-use charge points on major routes and with nearby amenities. All Osprey chargers accept contactless, app, RFID and other payments through major third-party payment methods including fleet cards and roaming partners. Every charging point is also powered by 100% renewable electricity.