ITT HUB TO HOST FUTURE LOGISTICS CONFERENCE

A packed two-day conference programme is the key attraction at this year’s ITT (innovation and technology in transport) hub, May 10 – 11, Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre. Logistics UK will host its Future Logistics Conference on both days at the event, with a keynote speech from Minister of State for Decarbonisation and Technology, Jesse Norman MP, opening day two.

Day one will kick off with a keynote speech from theoretical physicist, author and Radio 4 broadcaster, Professor Jim Al-Khalili, who will discuss how many cutting-edge scientific discoveries in global communication, energy generation, battery technology, computer science and artificial intelligence will impact the world of transportation and logistics in the coming decade and beyond.

Topics up for discussion include the Government’s roadmap for net zero fleets, decarbonising heavy transport, electrification and charging infrastructure, the business case for electrification, costeffective electrification, and the launch of Logistics UK’s latest EV report.

Exhibitors at ITThub will include Air Products (hydrogen fuel), Alliance Technology (battery management), Allison Transmission (electrified drivelines), Argent Energy (biofuels), Aspoek UK (trailer lighting), EDF Renewables (renewable power supply and storage), Geniepoint (charging), Fleete (charging), Genie Insights (solar charging), Heliox (smart energy), Hubbard (vehicle refrigeration), Labcraft (lighting), MAHA (UK) (vehicle workshop lifts), Mer (vehicle charging), Parksafe Group (vehicle safety equipment), Portland Analytics (energy consultants), Ram Mount UK (mobile mounting systems), RVL Services (van refrigeration), Schmitz Cargobull (bodywork and trailers), Tachosys (tachograph downloads), ThermoKing (refrigeration), and TIP (trailer leasing services).

First electric Renault RCVs for council

London’s Enfield Council has taken delivery of its first fully-electric 26 tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide low-entry cab rear-steer refuse truck after an extensive development and evaluation process.

The new ultra-quiet E-Tech D Wide is equipped with CP Davidson Titan refuse body, and is the first of four to be delivered. They will service the households of the London Borough of Enfield, with the remaining three vehicles expected to be on the road by the summer.

Powered by four lithium-ion batteries, two AC synchronous electric machines drive the vehicle and recover regenerative energy with permanent magnet technology delivering maximum peak power of 370kW, continuous power of 260kW, and maximum torque of 850Nm. The refuse trucks will be joined by five 3.5 tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech Master 33kWh Cage Tippers for Enfield’s parks operations.

Depending on operational requirements, the new electric vehicles can cover between 50-100 miles per day: typically refuse collection rounds clock-up around 50 miles and the street cleaners around 30 miles per shift. The vehicles will be charged at The Civic Centre in Enfield Town or the Morson Road depot, both of which are fitted with dedicated charging points.

Explaining the decision to select the Renault Trucks E-Tech electric vehicles, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment, Cllr Rick Jewell, said: “Where possible, electric vehicles will be our first choice when it comes to fleet replacements. This will result in a fleet of clean and efficient vehicles. Moving to electric vehicles will ensure our carbon footprint is reduced and kept to a minimum.

“Enfield Council has been working in partnership with Renault Trucks UK for more than a year on the development of the electric refuse truck. Prototypes went through extensive testing and road trials right here in Enfield. We were extremely happy with how the vehicles performed in our waste collection operations, demonstrating high performance and reliability, even along our longer routes, and very good battery life. This performance is critical for a large, busy, London borough.”

Enfield Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil, added: “Our Climate Action Plan includes a switch of the Council’s vehicle fleet to electric with a target of 60 per cent by 2026 and 100 per cent by 2030. In addition, we have a programme of installing charging points at council offices and depots for our fleet, a lamppost EV charging installation programme is currently underway across selected areas of the borough and a roll out of rapid chargers in town centres and at strategic locations in Enfield.”

Cllr Ergin Erbil continued: “Emissions from transport in Enfield account for an estimated 39 per cent of the borough’s total emissions. The electrification of our fleet, along with ongoing support for walking and cycling, will help to achieve our local climate action goals as well as the Mayor of London’s targets for active and sustainable travel in the capital.”