SOUTH PORTLAND, ME - Wright Express Corporation (NYSE: WXS), a leading global provider of business payment processing and information management solutions to the U.S. commercial and government fleet industry, announced that it has entered into an agreement with Merit Builders, Inc. as the first to accept the Wright Express Universal Fleet Card for electric vehicle (EV) charging.

The relationship comes at a time of increasing interest for EVs, particularly in the federal fleet, due to mandates by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) requiring all new federal vehicle purchases to be alternative-fueled vehicles by 2015, and ultimately reducing the country’s dependence on oil.

“Similar to Wright Express, we are deeply dedicated to our customers and it’s exciting to be the first to partner in providing enhanced offerings for fleets with EVs.”

As a nationally recognized, independent erector with a commitment to renewable energy sources, Merit Builders has developed products that will enable the charging of government vehicles to be a simple and efficient process for the user, while simultaneously providing the reporting requirements the GSA is accustomed to. Together with Merit Builders, Wright Express recently demonstrated use of its Universal Fleet Card at one of Merit’s Charging Stations during the GSA Sustainable Development Conference in Washington, D.C. in June.

“We are extremely pleased with the traction we’ve made to date in the development and certification testing of the Wright Express cards at our EV erg-Go charging station,” said David Gochenaur, COO of Merit Builders. “Similar to Wright Express, we are deeply dedicated to our customers and it’s exciting to be the first to partner in providing enhanced offerings for fleets with EVs.”

Establishing a relationship with Merit aligns with Wright Express’ goal to expand its network to accommodate all types of vehicles. Additionally, GSA Fleet, providing quality vehicles and efficient and economical fleet management services to over 75 participating federal agencies since 1954, is a Wright Express fleet card customer.

“We are actively in discussions with other EV charging companies, and especially those working with GSA, given our shared focus in the growing area of alternative fuels,” said David D. Maxsimic, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Wright Express. “By teaming up, we broaden our acceptance network for our commercial and government fleet customers and streamline their payment and information management solutions – all of which makes it easier for those on the GSA schedule to achieve their goals.”