GreenFleet Magazine issue 51

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ISSUE 51

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Please turn over for Transport Business

Real-world trials reveal a positive outlook for electric vehicles

GREENFLEET SCOTLAND

Demonstrates the future of clean motoring

ROAD SAFETY | BREAKDOWNS | COMMERCIAL VEHICLES | + MORE

Enjoy going to work Even if being there is a drag Before you get down to the taxing business of earning a living, follow best practice and get to work in a Fiat 500. As well as being great fun to drive the TwinAir Turbo 85 BHP engine is the lowest emission s petrol car engine in the world*, so you pay no road tax . You’ll also get a kick out of the total black alloys and sport interior. And if your working day starts to feel like it will never end just remember, you get to drive home when it does. Are we on the same page? The Fiat 500 TwinAir. Everyday fun.

CO2 95 g/km • Mpg 68.9 • BIK 10% fiat 500 twinair from just £169 per month for business users Email fiat.fleet@fiat.co.uk or call us on 08446 623 622 for more info.

TWINAIR everydayfun fiat.co.uk †

Fiat, the car brand with the lowest average CO2 emissions in Europe. Fiat 500 TwinAir, the lowest CO2 emission petrol car engine in the world*. Fuel consumption for Fiat 500 TwinAir: mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions: Urban 57.6 (4.9), Extra Urban 76.3 (3.7), Combined 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emissions 95 g/km.

Above rentals based on Fiat 500 TwinAir on Contract Hire payment profile of 3 rentals in advance (equivalent to £507) followed by 35 monthly rentals of £169. All rentals exclude VAT and maintenance. Based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges apply. Vehicles must be registered with Fiat Contract Hire before 30th September 2011. Offer subject to status, a guarantee and/or indemnity may be required. Offer correct at time of going to press and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Subject to availability. Fiat Contract Hire, 240 Bath Road, s Slough, SL1 4DX. Under current DVLA regulations there is no charge for vehicle excise duty in the first year of registration and every subsequent year. Vehicle Excise Duty rates are reviewed annually by the government and are subject to change.†Source: JATO Dynamics. Based on Volume-weighted average CO2 emissions (g/km) of the best selling brands in Europe, year 2010. *According to NEDC standard.

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DEAR READER www.greenfleet.net

ISSUE 51

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Please turn over for Transport Business

Real-world trials reveal a positive outlook for electric vehicles

GREENFLEET SCOTLAND

Demonstrates the future of clean motoring

The results of two major real-world trials into the viability of electric vehicles have been revealed. Ninety-six per cent of trial participants said they’d consider buying an electric car as a result of taking part in the Mini E trial. Meanwhile the CABLED electric vehicle study in the Midlands showed positive data, indicating that the majority of participants were able to do their daily journeys in an electric vehicle.

It is encouraging that both government, manufacturers and supporting companies are taking into consideration the feedback from real people before going ahead with the next steps in electric vehicle design and infrastructure roll-out. Read more about the results on pages 22 to 27.

ROAD SAFETY | BREAKDOWNS | COMMERCIAL VEHICLES | + MORE

Electric vehicles were a big focus of this year’s GreenFleet Scotland which took place on 1 September at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. Visitors had the opportunity to test drive the latest models, such as the Vauxhall Ampera, Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi i-MiEV, and also heard about the latest developments in charging infrastructure roll-out in Scotland, London and Newcastle. Read the event review on page 47.

The climax of the GreenFleet calendar of events is the GreenFleet Awards on 13 October. If your organisation has performed exceptionally well in the area of environmental fleet management then let us know by nominating yourself for an award at www.greenfleetawards.co.uk by 15 September.

Angela Pisanu, Editor

P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE TO FACE If you would like to receive 6 issues of GreenFleet magazine for £65 a year, please contact Public Sector Information Limited, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055.

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PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED

226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Angela Pisanu PRODUCTION EDITOR Karl O’Sullivan PRODUCTION DESIGN Jacqueline Grist PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Reiss Malone PUBLISHER Jade Fisher KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Martin Freedman SALES ADMINISTRATION Jackie Carnochan, Martine Carnochan ADMINISTRATION Victoria Leftwich, Alicia Oates GROUP PUBLISHER Barry Doyle REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

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Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS 07 NEWS

35 ROAD SAFETY

54 EVENT PREVIEW

The latest news on green motoring, alternative fuels, and low carbon transport

While road risk management is not free, research shows that the payback outweighs the cost very quickly, writes road safety charity Brake

We find out what’s in store for visitors at Low Carbon Expo, the first low carbon exhibition ever to be held in Wales

12 COMMERCIAL VEHICLES What should buyers look for when buying a new commercial vehicle?

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders gives some advice

Road safety expert David Williams gives advice on how to fully prepare for a breakdown situation

55 ROAD TEST The Peugeot 508 SW Active eHDi 112 is taken for a drive

45 GREENFLEET AWARDS

57 PRODUCT FINDER

Myles Barker, technical specialist at Cenex, discusses how the Midlands is leading the way in electric vehicle deployment

Pioneers in environmental fleet management and green motoring will be awarded at this year’s GreenFleet Awards on 13 October

A round-up of the latest fleet products and services

What do findings from a year-long electric vehicle trial in Coventry and Birmingham reveal about electric vehicle acceptance?

47 GREENFLEET SCOTLAND

18 ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Almost all participants said they'd consider buying an electric car after taking part in the Mini E trial. We find out why

Contents

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Fleet managers flooded to the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh to test drive the latest green vehicles and attend topical seminar sessions

GreenFleet Magazine

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Welcome to The Green.

Helping you put sustainability at the heart of your fleet.

Looking for ways to run a greener fleet? Why not visit The Green, the new sustainability website from Lex Autolease, the UK’s leading fleet management and fleet funding specialist.

Get help at The Green www.lexautolease.co.uk/theGreen Find free help and advice on sustainable issues, including: • choosing the right vehicles • tax and budget • fuel strategy and how to cut your fuel bill.

Visit The Green at www.lexautolease.co.uk/theGreen today, and see why we’re Green Fleet Leasing Company of the Year.

Or you can call us for more information on 0800 389 3690.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES Plug-in vehicle sales to reach 5.2 million by 2017 The cumulative sales of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) will reach 5.2 million units worldwide by 2017, up from just under 114,000 vehicles in 2011, according to a new report from Pike Research.

By the same year, cumulative sales of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) will represent an additional 8.7 million vehicles, for a combined total of 13.9 million units in all electrified vehicle categories.

Pike Research predicts that while electrified vehicles will become a growing portion of total vehicle sales, the penetration rates will remain relatively low in the context of the total automotive industry. The firm forecasts that PEV and HEV sales together will represent approximately three per cent of total lightduty vehicle sales in 2017. Adoption will be highest in North America, where electrified vehicles will capture 4.9 per cent of the total light-duty vehicle market in that year.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.greenfleet.net/n/009

NEWS IN BRIEF Firm buys UK’s first privately funded EV first electric snow UK’s charging network announced The UK’s first privately funded plough truck nationwide electric vehicle (EV) Birminghambased building maintenance firm Drewmark Building Services Ltd has purchased the UK’s first all-electric truck that can be fitted with a gritter and snow plough.

Robert Pinches of Drewmark said: “We wanted an electric truck because it is more energy efficient and better for the environment. However, it was vital for us that we could still deliver a high-quality service to our client, all year round. The capability to fit a snow plough and gritter ensures we can deal with pretty much anything mother nature throws at us during wintertime.”

The truck has a range of up to 50 miles on a single charge and is fully road legal. The flat bed can carry a 1,000kg payload and the versatile truck can tow up to 3,000kg.

charging network is due to be launched in September 2011 by British company Chargemaster Plc. The roll out of the POLAR network will initially be in approximately 100 towns and cities across the UK providing 4,000 fully installed electric vehicle charging bays by the end of 2012.

The network is designed to build on and complement the government supported Plugged in Places (PiPs) programme which is focused on eight locations in the UK. POLAR will initially launch in over 50 towns outside the PiP regions and Chargemaster is working with each PiP to ensure interoperability for EV drivers right across the country, enabling them to access all charging facilities even when signed up to a different network.

Obama announces $510m for advanced biofuels

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Edinburgh-based college takes on all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEVs A college in Edinburgh has ordered four all electric Mitsubishi iMiEVs as part of a 12-month contract hire agreement.

Over the course of the contract, the vehicles will be utilised by students of the college to conduct a series of studies that will assess the wider suitability of electric vehicles for use across Midlothian Council in the near future.

Steve Tinsley, director of innovation and enterprise at Jewel and Esk College, commented: “The college was invited

News

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by Midlothian Council to monitor use of the cars across four sites over a 12month period. As part of the tests, we are hoping to create a better awareness of the electric vehicle, whilst also running seminars and training programmes relating to their best practice use.”

When the contract, provided by Inchcape Fleet Solutions, has finished, the college will make the findings available to Midlothian Council and the general public.

Barack Obama has announced funding of up to $510m (£311m) to help build new refineries in the US which could produce fuel from wood chips, grasses or corn cobs.

Corn ethanol’s dominance as a biofuel has hindered the development of other biofuels. But now targets for cellulosic ethanol – made from wood chips or inedible plant matter – have been reduced from 100m US gallons to just 6.5m US gallons, it is expected that private investors will see the time as right to take advantage of producing biofuels sourced from crops other than corn.

New partnership allows EVs and charge units to be leased together UK businesses will now be able to lease electric vehicles, as well as home charging units, for the first time, thanks to a new deal agreed between British Gas and Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions.

The deal means that British Gas will supply and install electric vehicle (EV) charge points in homes across the country as standard when EVs are chosen by customers from Hitachi Capital’s fleet offering, which includes all EV makes and models.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.greenfleet.net/n/010

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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GREEN ECONOMICS...

Finding new ways to reduce costs without putting longer term goals at risk is a real challenge. Many organisations find that whilst there may be a desire to create a sustainable low carbon fleet, delivering savings in the short and medium term becomes a higher priority.

So, do you have to choose between environmental goals and budgetary demands?

Not when you talk to the right people. As LowCVP's Low Carbon Champions 2010, we can help you create and implement a green fleet policy that does far more than care for the environment. It protects your drivers, minimises risk and reduces the overall cost of running your fleet.

To find out more, just call: 0844 493 5840 Text: Prove it AL to 82727 Email: marketing@automotive-leasing.co.uk Visit: www.automotive-leasing.org

WWW.AUTOMOTIVE-LEASING.ORG

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

EVs help National Grid with major tunnel project The National Grid has taken delivery of four electric Nissan LEAFs which will act as pool cars to aid the company’s ongoing tunnel project.

The vehicles have been purchased on a four year/40,000 mile lease contract for use during an eight year project to construct tunnels that will house a new high voltage electric cabling network for the city of London.

The fully electric Nissan LEAF will be used around the clock, seven days a week to transport National Grid inspectors between tunnel shaft sites in and around London. The cars were chosen after trials against a selection of rival hybrid cars.

Electric charging points are

already in place at National Grid sites in Willesden and Hackney to ensure each LEAF is powered and ready for work.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.greenfleet.net/n/011

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Council trials biomethanepowered refuse trucks

A major year long trial by Leeds City Council into the viability of powering refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) using biomethane has revealed a 49 per cent reduction in emissions and lower operating costs for the authority.

The trial vehicle, a MercedesBenz Econic LLG with a spark ignition engine running solely on biomethane gas, is estimated to have achieved a 49 per cent saving in well-to-wheel GHG emissions, compared to the diesel Econics in the council’s fleet. However, this was achieved using a temporary filling station – a more efficient permanent station raises the GHG saving to 64 per cent, with possible

78 per cent savings estimated if gas was generated on-site.

Additionally, lower fuel expenditure meant that annual vehicle running costs were estimated to be £2,500 less than a diesel equivalent. While gas vehicles currently cost more to purchase than diesel RCVs, this gap is expected to narrow as production increases.

Given this success, Leeds City Council has extended the trial for a further three to five years. With the assistance of the Infrastructure Grants Programme the council has installed a permanent filling station, and hopes to eventually increase the number of gas vehicles within its 1,100 strong fleet.

News

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NEWS IN BRIEF £300,000 for Bristol Smart City projects The European Commission has awarded Bristol City Council over £300,000 for two projects as part of its Smart City Programme.

The project will support the development of web-based tools to highlight important information for electric vehicle users, such as charging locations and links to public transport options.

This follows the launch in the spring by Council Leader Barbara Janke of the first electric car charging units to be installed in city council car parks. The other project will develop a model to monitor energy usage TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... within public buildings www.greenfleet.net/n/012 such as schools.

Twenty two fast-charging stations for northwest Oregon Twenty-two electric vehicle fast charging stations will be installed along major routes in northwest Oregon, US, the American Department of Transportation has announced.

The charging stations will be installed by AeroVironment in targeted areas identified by the Oregon Department of Transportation and will allow EV drivers to recharge in as little as 15 to 20 minutes. This project expands on the Green Highway initiative, a multi-state effort to provide EV charging infrastructure up and down the west coast.

Ford and Toyota to collaborate on hybrid SUVs Toyota Motor Corporation and Ford Motor Company have announced they are to collaborate as equal partners on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for pick-ups and SUVs. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding, with a formal agreement expected to be in place by next year. Ford and Toyota believe that by working together they can deliver these hybrid technologies to customers sooner and more TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... affordably than if they www.greenfleet.net/n/013 worked alone.

Food firm buys UK’s first chilled electric truck Food service distributor 3663 is operating the UK’s first electric truck with a refrigerated body. The vehicle’s fridge unit utilises cold plate technology, where the body is plugged in and chilled overnight, ready for daytime operations.

This means that the refrigeration process does not impact on the Newton’s daily range capabilities, as it draws no power from the truck’s traction batteries during use. The 12-tonne Smith Newton all-electric truck is running out of 3663’s Battersea depot in South London, as part of its long-term commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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Commercial Vehicles Written by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

PROCUREMENT

THE RIGHT VEHICLE FOR THE JOB

Tough economic times have resulted in many organisations holding off a purchase of a new commercial vehicle. But now the market is in recovery and there are many exciting vehicles on offer, what should buyers look for in a new commercial vehicle?

The past few years have been tough on everyone; businesses large and small have felt the pinch of the recession, while consumers cut back on spending. Schemes such as the Scrappage Incentive Scheme and Automotive Assistance Programme have helped the automotive industry to keep its head above water and now, with recovery setting in, UK automotive and all that rely on it can look to the future with a bit more confidence.

The collective belt-tightening of recent times was certainly seen in the commercial vehicle market. But the flip-side to this is there’s now a pent-up demand that should see registrations climb. Operators that held off a purchase, pushing their vehicles that bit further, now are in a position to invest in new kit.

It’s a great time to get back into the new commercial vehicle market as quality,

It’s a great time to get back into the new commercial vehicle market as quality, efficiency and safety have now reached all time highs.

Efficiency is top of many operators’ lists; at the light end of the market this is achieved through increasingly efficient diesel engines.

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GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE | Volume 51

efficiency and safety have now reached all time highs. Efficiency is top of many operators’ lists; at the light end of the market this is achieved through increasingly efficient diesel engines. More mpg and lower CO2 emissions are rewarded by lower tax rates and a better result at the pumps.

The latest heavy vehicles boast enhanced load-carrying capabilities so that the miles per tonne figure continues to climb without impacting on efficiency.

MARKET RECOVERY SMMT registration data show that tractor units and vans are leading the recovery.

Overall, truck volumes were up by a cumulative 7,937 for the nine months to the end of June: 94 per cent of that is due to tractor unit sales. For vans, although the numbers are different, the picture is very similar with registrations rising for 18 months in a row. Van figures have recovered strongly from the depths of recession in late 2009 and early 2010. This trend is reflected across most of Europe suggesting that the recovery could be sustainable.

A recent development in the commercial vehicle market is an enhanced profile for electric vans. As an area of the market that has traditionally been occupied by niche and specialist manufacturers, the entrance of mainstream and mass-market operators is sure to increase the competitiveness of offerings from all parts of the market.

With a typical range of up to 100 miles, electric vans are best suited to back-to-base and local E

Because of the diversity of the commercial vehicle market and the constant onslaught of new and innovative technology, buyers are faced with a tough task when deciding on the best vehicle for their needs.

E delivery/trade use, but in coming years the range is set to grow as technology develops.

Charging works best if vehicles can be plugged-in overnight – a move that also capitalises on lower electricity rates. This said, charging infrastructure developments are pointing towards the availability of rapid charge facilities that can top-up vehicles in minutes rather than hours.

As with all new technology, purchasing an electric commercial vehicle currently comes with a slightly higher price tag than its diesel equivalent. However, the higher purchase price can be outweighed over the life of the vehicle with charging costing around three pence per mile. Electric vans also benefit from no Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), can benefit from local authority free parking and are exempt from congestion and low emission zone charges.

THE RIGHT VEHICLE Emissions are set to continue to dictate the market as legislators set increasingly challenging targets for manufacturers, and

operators are encouraged by tax and fuel prices to consider efficiency at the top of their purchase criteria lists. With this in mind, it is important that buyers always consider the most appropriate vehicle for their needs.

Opting for the biggest load space isn’t necessarily the best bet as it can be more affordable to run a small van fully loaded than a half-empty larger van. Often operators buy a van that can carry the biggest load they will ever carry, despite the requirement being infrequent. It’s worth considering hiring a bigger van for the few times it’s required, with the greater efficiency on a typical day outweighing the hiring cost.

EURO VI AND EURO IV Looking ahead to the looming introduction of Euro VI for trucks and Euro IV in the London LEZ, it is inevitable that these factors will distort the market. In the longer term the addition of more LEZs across the UK and the general introduction

Commercial Vehicles

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of more advanced, even lower carbon technology, will all influence the nature and frequency of vehicle buying decisions.

THE CV SHOW Because of the diversity of the commercial vehicle market and the constant onslaught of new and innovative technology, buyers are faced with a tough task when deciding on the best vehicle for their needs. One of the best places to see the latest models and to talk to experts is the CV Show that is held each year at the NEC in Birmingham.

The annual event showcases everything from light vans to artic-tractor units and from CV converters to aftermarket products in the ‘Workshop’ part of the Show. Next year’s CV Show 2012 runs from 24-26 April and more information is available at www.cvshow.com.

RECOVERY In the short term, the economic outlook remains uncertain, and the commercial vehicle landscape looks to be as challenging as ever. Despite this, the underlying confidence of businesses and the wide range of exciting new vehicles coming on to the market points towards a slow but steady recovery that will hopefully set the UK market in good stead for years to come. L FOR MORE INFORMATION www.smmt.co.uk

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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ONE ORIGIN. TWO ORIGINALS. September 2011 sees the launch of the all-new BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch, the must-have premium compact for every company fleet. With new Sport and Urban models joining the popular ES, SE and M Sport, the new 1 Series line-up gives you more choice than ever before. Whatever model you choose, you’ll find more space, comfort and power, yet fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions remain class-leading. For more information on the new BMW 1 Series visit www.bmwcorporate.co.uk or call 0800 777 113.

COUNTLESS REASONS.

Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch: Extra Urban 57.6-72.4mpg (4.9-3.9l/100km).

CO2 emissions 137-116g/km.

BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard

BMW Corporate Sales

bmwcorporate.co.uk Tel: 0800 777 113

Urban 37.2-54.3mpg (7.6-5.2l/100km). Combined 47.9-64.2mpg (5.9-4.4l/100km). across the model range.

The Ultimate Driving Machine

get the full package with the euroShell card Whether your fleet is large or small, national or international, choose a fuel card that gives you the full package:

A convenient network High quality fuels at every Shell station Tight control over your fuel spend Secure transactions Great value for money Ask us for a quotation and we will be happy to explain how Shell is helping customers like you to reduce their fuel costs. www.euroshell.co.uk

euroShell card

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

FUEL BILLS CAN BE CUT WITH A CULTURAL REVOLUTION

Fuel Management

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Organisations must undergo a cultural change and implement the very latest management tools and influence driver behaviour if they are to cut fuel bills The price of a litre of petrol and diesel dominate newspaper headlines, but there are many issues below the ‘priceberg’ that can be tackled and will deliver financial savings.

Communication with drivers is essential if fuel-saving measures are to be successfully implemented. However, before that dialogue can commence, fleet decision-makers must have accurate, current data at their fingertips relating to individual driver and vehicle fuel use.

Fuel management and the cultural change begins with employers knowing exactly what their current fuel spend is – amount of fuel bought, its cost and the number of miles driven.

GATHERING INFORMATION The most straight forward mechanism to collect that information on an individual driver and vehicle basis is through the use of fuel cards.

Data gathered can be ‘sliced and diced’ by fleet managers to discover, for example, the most fuel-efficient drivers, the most fuelfriendly vehicles, and where improvements can be made to deliver a cultural revolution.

Introducing a fuel-saving culture begins with ensuring that the fleet is composed of fuel-sipping, low emission vehicles.

With cost management at the top of the agenda for all public and private fleets, a wide range of measures that will positively influence fleet use and driver behaviour must then be introduced.

APPLICATIONS Using the data already gathered and communicating directly with drivers as to the reasons for the fuel-saving programme, fleet tactics should include: • Journey planning • The adoption of a ‘smart’ or ‘eco friendly’ driving style, which can cut fuel use by an average 15 per cent, according to the Energy Saving Trust • Speed reduction – driving 5 mph slower can affect fuel economy by up to 23 per cent, says Shell • Check tyre pressures at least monthly – incorrectly inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to ten per cent, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders • The removal of unnecessary weight or wind resistant items from vehicles – an unused roof box could increase fuel

use by up to ten per cent, says the SMMT • The introduction of telematics – commercial vehicle fleets can use Shell’s FuelSave Partner telemetry system, which enables customers to reduce fuel consumption by up to ten per cent.

Additionally, fleet operators should ensure that all vehicles are serviced on schedule in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

Such a cultural change will mean that items previously below the ‘priceberg’ such as fuel consumption, miles driven, individual vehicle and driver performance, fuel theft/ fraud, and vehicle maintenance becoming clearly visible in the fuel bill reduction battle.

TOTAL SOLUTIONS Fleet operators are requiring their chosen fuel provider to offer ‘total solutions’ to maximise economic benefits for their employer backed by data that supports their decision-making.

That is why Shell has a wide variety of tools available to support the cultural fleet change. In addition to the euroShell card, which should be at the heart of every fuel management strategy, Shell has introduced: • A site locator, accessible via a mobile phone app as well as online, detailing the location of almost 1,000 Shell stations and 1,800 partner forecourts, so aiding journey planning • Shell FuelSave – quality petrol and diesel enabling more miles to be travelled at no extra cost • Online mileage management reporting that enables the creation of personalised fuel card activity reports to aid the implementation of targeted solutions, and the use of a number of ‘smart settings’ to improve control over the type of fuel purchased, fuel price and forecourts used and identify refuelling patterns.

• Online business mileage reconciliation enabling employees to identify private and business mileage to meet HM Revenue & Customs benefit-in kind tax reporting requirements.

As a result, fuel costs can be reduced through the implementation of a range of measures that will deliver a cultural change. L

Smarter cabbies slash fuel bills Shell has launched a Smarter Cab Drivers initiative with early indications already showing the ability to cut fuel bills by hundreds of pounds.

Twenty taxi drivers from across the UK are taking part in the 2011 Shell Fuel Efficiency Challenge, which sees them putting Shell’s Smarter Driving Tips into practice.

Results of the challenge, which is designed to spark a cultural change across the cab driver community, will be published in the autumn.

However, at the halfway point of the Challenge, the drivers have already delivered a 12 per cent average fuel efficiency improvement.

If continued over the course of a year, it would translate into a saving of around £600 each in their fuel bills, based on their current fuel costs.

Shell’s euroShell fuels and sustainability co-ordinator, said: “Taxi drivers are driving professionals and if they can significantly reduce their fuel consumption, this is compelling evidence to fleet managers that driver behaviour can be a key factor in managing their fuel economy.”

The cabbies are saving fuel by putting into practice a range of fuel saving tactics including those highlighted (see adjoining article) and others such as: • Driving smoothly and avoiding harsh braking and acceleration • Using high gears as soon as possible.

Further information is available at www.smartercabdrivers.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information email Generalcardrequests-uk@shell.com telephone 0800 731 3131 or visit www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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Alternative Fuels

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

THE MIDLANDS GETS CHARGED UP The Midlands is the backdrop for many government funded programmes that are investigating the viability of electric vehicles, writes Myles Barker, technical specialist at Cenex Electric Vehicles (EVs) now offer a viable transport option. However, the extent to which they can deliver on UK government targets – such as carbon emissions savings of 34 per cent by 2020 – depends on how successful they are with the buying public and businesses alike.

Cenex, the Centre of Excellence for low carbon vehicles and fuel cell technologies, is supporting the burgeoning UK community of EV pioneers by managing certain government funded trials such as the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP) and Plugged-in Places (PiP) Scheme.

LOW CARBON VEHICLE PROCUREMENT The Cenex-supported Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP) is helping public sector organisations meet the additional costs for procuring innovative, lower carbon vehicles.

The programme provides an opportunity for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to

to be involved in new technologies and saw LCVPP as an opportunity to acquire electric vans with financial support.”

Graham also pointed out that electric vans are definitely suited to campus delivery and maintenance duties and are convenient because they save time. “It's great that the driver does not have to go off to a petrol station to refuel during the working day and can just park it up, plug it in and leave it.”

Real-world data collected from LCVPP electric vans, and analysed through a sophisticated Total Cost of Ownership model by Cenex, has shown that CO2 and fuel cost savings can be made.

In addition, both NCC and Coventry City Council (CCC) have Mitsubishi i-Miev Electric cars on trial in pool car duties.

Speaking about the operation of EVs in Nottingham, Paul Wood said: “For the applications we’ve put them in, they seem to be doing fine.” However he did also point out that he thought the drawback

The programme provides an opportunity for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to demonstrate products in high-profile public sector fleets, while allowing public sector organisations to trial low-carbon vehicles in real-world conditions and reduce their carbon footprint without incurring a cost penalty. demonstrate products in high-profile public sector fleets, while allowing public sector organisations to trial low-carbon vehicles in real-world conditions and reduce their carbon footprint without incurring a cost penalty.

In the Midlands, five Smith Edison Electric Transit vans are on trial with the University of Warwick (UoW) and two are on trial at Nottingham City Council (NCC) as part of the programme.

Talking about the trial vehicles, Paul Wood, a fleet manager at NCC said: "Our drivers were remarkably surprised at how well the vans drive.”

Meanwhile Graham Hine, a transport manager for UoW, said: “The vans we have fit into our operations perfectly. We wanted

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GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE | Volume 51

was their purchase cost and added that manufacturers need to address the price.

Regarding Coventry’s experience, Chris Coyle, a fleet manager at CCC said: "Our drivers were pleasantly surprised with the vehicles but training is required to encourage them to drive EVs economically.

CABLED PROJECT The Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrator (CABLED) project showcases electric vehicles across Birmingham and Coventry in the West Midlands. The project makes ultra low carbon vehicles available to a wide cross section of real world users and collects data on their everyday use.

The key to successful EV use within fleet

operations is vehicle management. Data from the CABLED Project, funded by the Technology Strategy Board and Advantage West Midlands, has demonstrated that the vehicles are more than capable of meeting user needs. In fact, daily journeys were, on average, only 23 miles compared with the typical maximum electric vehicle range of 70 to 100 miles. Electricity usage for charging the vehicles was typically 6kWh, costing 60-80 pence (tariff dependant).

PLUGGED-IN-PLACES (PIP) Cenex and the Central Technology Belt (CTB) are assisting the rollout of EV charging infrastructure in the Midlands, building upon the 36 EV charging posts fitted under the CABLED programme.

The Midlands Plugged-in Places (PiP) Scheme, funded by the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), aims to help local authorities, public bodies, private businesses and homeowners fit EV charging E

E equipment to enable EV operation and address range anxiety. Cenex is providing organisations with 40 per cent matchfunding and advice on the procurement, installation and use of EV charging posts.

The PiP scheme is aiming to furnish the region with 13 quick, and 500 fast chargers equipped with the latest connectors, along with safety and communications technology.

The 7kW fast chargers will deliver a full charge to a Nissan Leaf in around four hours with 50kW quick chargers replenishing an EV battery from empty to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.

Under PiP, Cenex and the CTB are currently processing a significant number of applications for charging posts with many more applications under development. A public procurement framework hosted by Birmingham City Council aims to make the choice of charging equipment both easy and affordable for interested parties.

Coventry is to become one of the first UK cities to trial electric buses under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Grant Programme (AFIGP), managed by Cenex and funded by OLEV. The Coventry Park & Ride scheme has seen charging posts fitted in its car park capable of fully charging EVs within eight hours (standard charge from flat). There are also two quick chargers rated at 25kW that will be used to charge bus battery packs when the scheme is in operation this Autumn.

Alex Dickson, project and sector development officer at CCC, said: “The electric park and ride project is a key element of our integrated low carbon transport plan and we're delighted to be able to showcase the bus charging facilities to other local authorities.” CCC is keen to help other EV pioneers: “We’re absolutely happy to share our experiences with interested parties,” said Alex Dickson.

One key element to charging EVs is the time at which the user plugs in and turns on.

Results analysed by Cenex from the past year of the CABLED Project have shown that there are two peaks of plug-in times for domestic charging; one at around 19:00 and the other at 22:00.

However, charging EVs in the early evening does not make environmental or economic sense.

This is because electricity generators utilise fossil fuels, the worst polluters, at peak demand times.

Plugging in at these peak times can result in around 10-30 per cent more emissions per kWh (summer to winter) than if the EV were charged between the hours of 23:30 and 04:30.

Now thinking economically, EV charging at night makes most sense due to lower cost tariffs such as Economy 7 or EV specific/ variable time tariffs. Analysis by Cenex, using average standard and Economy 7 prices (June 2011), has shown that shifting to night-time charging could mean cost savings of around £150 per annum for a Smart Fortwo Electric vehicle driven in an urban environment over 12,000 miles.

Graham Hine, of UoW, said: “It’s habit. Our drivers charge overnight because they’re using the vehicles during the day. We also benefit from a preferentially low electricity tariff, so the cost of electricity is very small.”

Chris Coyle of CCC however, said that while they use lower rate tariffs, often drivers finish their shift during the early evening and then put the EVs straight on charge, meaning they are charging before the cheaper tariff kicks in. "We possibly need to look at time-shifting to take advantage,” he said.

Shifting to night-time charging can also help with electrical load management.

Demand spikes caused by switching on several electrical appliances whilst an EV is charging can be ameliorated by control equipment currently offered by charging post suppliers, where the units delay EV charging until there is enough capacity.

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ASSISTING THE MARKET So when we listen to the voices of these EV pioneers, and consider the supporting programmes, we can see EVs are becoming a viable low carbon transport solution for local authorities.

Indeed, Cenex is assisting this market development by regularly publishing detailed analysis of in-fleet vehicle performance.

Also, EV charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding across the UK supported by the coalition government and delivered by organisations (including Cenex and the CTB). This progressive roll-out of convenient, joined-up infrastructure and viable EVs is providing the solid foundations for EV pioneers, who are developing their own fleets, and looking to help others interested in becoming part of the EV community. L FOR MORE INFORMATION For further details, please visit www.cenex.co.uk or call Myles Barker on 01509 635 766 or myles.barker@cenex.co.uk.

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES

ARE PLUG-INS THE ANSWER TO FUTURE TRANSPORT? The findings from a year-long electric vehicle trial in the Coventry and Birmingham areas have been revealed and paints a positive picture for electric vehicle acceptance amongst users in the UK Having collated and analysed a full 12 months of data from electric vehicle (EV) users, CABLED – the UK’s largest study into long-term low carbon vehicle use – has revealed why EVs are a viable urban transport solution, the implications of habitual charging behaviour, and the patterns of energy use during the trial’s 147,000 mile study.

As the largest of eight public trials taking part in the Technology Strategy Board’s £25m Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator programme, CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators, see box) has now collected robust data that can be used to support future decisions relating to transport and infrastructure planning.

The data, taken from 25 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs and 20 smart fortwo electric drives during the course of the trial, shows that in spite of initial scepticism surrounding the capability of EVs and concerns over range anxiety, they are more than capable of meeting the needs of drivers that require efficient urban transportation.

THE TYPES OF JOURNEYS This is reflected by the finding that most journeys undertaken (77 per cent) lasted less than 20 minutes and only two per

will need to evolve in order to cater to both users’ needs and the rapidly developing technologies powering these vehicles.”

In relation to charging behaviour, the CABLED data clearly shows that EV users are not motivated to replenish their vehicle’s battery by reaching a particular point of depletion; rather they are driven by convenience and with data showing the vehicles are parked for 97.2 per cent of the time (23.3 hours each day) it is apparent that there is ample opportunity for them to be plugged-in.

The most popular point at which people commenced charging was when the battery had between 81-87 per cent of its charge remaining. With the majority of journey’s using less than 2kWh of power (around 12 per cent of charge) this behaviour indicates that charging habitually takes place upon reaching a destination.

CHARGE TIMES The average charge time was between two to three hours (typically equivalent to half of a full charge) with an energy transfer of 6kWh costing around 60-80p depending upon tariff (equivalent to one load in a washer dryer). Peaks for charging were observed

"These findings form part of the largest study of low carbon vehicle use ever compiled and, whilst our study is on-going, it’s already clear that EVs offer a viable, practical urban transport solution"– Neil Butcher, Arup. cent used more than 50 per cent of the battery – enabling a return journey to be made without the need for recharging in the majority of cases. The data also showed a trend towards drivers travelling longer journeys over time – indicating increased confidence and reduced range anxiety.

Project leader Neil Butcher from coordinating CABLED partner Arup believes the data presents a positive outlook for EVs: “These findings form part of the largest study of low carbon vehicle use ever compiled and, whilst our study is on-going, it’s already clear that EVs offer a viable, practical urban transport solution. We must now consider how our homes, offices and public spaces

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from 7-9am and from 6-7pm, which can be most likely attributed to charging on arrival at work in the morning or home in the evening. Another peak was seen after 11pm when CABLED participants used timers to take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs.

Charging data such as this helps inform the development of energy infrastructure and Smart Grid technology, as head of group E-Mobility R&D at E.ON Charles BradshawSmith explains: “Meters installed at each user’s home are giving us invaluable information on charging behaviour. The most popular time to charge a vehicle is rightly overnight. But as most journeys are relatively short (with five average journeys per charge) this allows

scope for exactly when the car is charged each night to minimise cost and maximise carbon savings. Such evidence supports the need for automated intelligent charging technology that will allow EVs to interact with the distribution grid – an area which E.ON is researching into.

"The ultimate goal is to allow drivers to take advantage of low cost power due to EVs both drawing and feeding into the grid to smooth demand peaks and save carbon.”

CABLED is one of several government measures designed to increase the number of low carbon vehicles on Britain’s roads and reflecting on these findings Mitsubishi Motors’ in the UK managing director, Lance Bradley added: "It's very encouraging to see E

E this statistical evidence from the CABLED trial. It clearly backs up our own experience and studies in Japan that people adapt very quickly to driving a pure-EV, such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. To know that people complete up to five normal journeys per charge, and at such a low cost, underlines the fact that EVs are here to stay and can find mass-market appeal."

Brian Price from Aston University, which was responsible for analysing the data obtained from each vehicle’s on-board telemetry commented: “Through satellite tracking and on-board telemetry, we have been able to monitor real-world usage of the latest ultra-low carbon vehicles technologies on an unprecedented scale.

“Journey data over the first 18 months of the trial shows us that the battery range of electric vehicles more than covers most users’ needs, with most drivers finishing their daily journeys still with over 40 per cent charge remaining.

Typical users only need to recharge every two to three days and choose the convenience of a home charge overnight or at their place of work over 85 per cent of the time.

“Public charging points provided as part of the trial are proving popular, but less necessary than

originally thought, as users gain confidence in the range capability of the vehicles. The trial has shown that the current generation of low carbon vehicles are as capable as conventional diesel and petrol engines for performance and ease of use, whilst having significantly lower emissions and operating costs.”

A PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE Gary Savage, managing director of MercedesBenz Cars, who supplied the smart vehicles, said: “We’re delighted to see how people are embracing electric vehicles and the findings of this research demonstrate how seamlessly the smart electric drive has fitted into people’s everyday lives.

“Since the trial started we’ve delivered a further 25 vehicles into the CABLED trials, so even more people will be able to experience what life is like with a smart electric drive.

The results so far, combined with our findings from other international markets confirm that the smart electric drive is an integral feature of tomorrow’s motoring landscape.” L FOR MORE INFORMATION Further details on the CABLED project can be found at www.cabled.org.uk.

About the CABLED consortium

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The West Midlands consortium, called CABLED – short for Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators – is made up of 13 organisations, led by Arup, a company with experience that crosses all areas that touch this project, from vehicle design to planning to infrastructure and energy.

The West Midlands consortium will trial 110 of the 340+ vehicles taking part in the Technology Strategy Board’s £25m Ultra Low Carbon demonstrator programme.

During which each of the vehicle manufacturers – Jaguar/Land Rover, Mitsubishi/Colt, Mercedes Benz/ smart, Tata Motors and Microcab Industries – will contribute vehicles, which includes a mix of fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell cars.

Electricity providers E.ON are delivering charging points for the trial with assistance from the city councils of Birmingham and Coventry.

Three of the Midland’s leading universities play a major role in the scheme with Coventry University undertaking the selection process of drivers, Aston University analysing vehicle usage data and the University of Birmingham contributing access and expertise gained from its hydrogen fuelling station, which is currently one of the very few of its kind in UK. A new hydrogen station is planned for Coventry University.

About the trial The CABLED data so far has EV users in both Mitsubishi i-MiEVs and Smart Fortwo electric drives. The data is for a year’s driving in 25 i-MiEVs (which were handed over to members of the public in December 2009) plus 20 smart fortwo electric drives that were rolled out gradually over the second six months of 2010.

Each vehicle in the CABLED trial is fitted with GPS and data logger, designed and installed by Coventry based RDM Automotive. These record the usage, location and charging habits of each vehicle.

From this data the following information can be analysed: • Frequency of individual journeys • Length and duration of journeys • Date and time of journeys • Energy used per journey • Duration and amount of energy transferred during charge • External temperature • Location of charging/parking, i.e. home, work, public etc.

• Speed

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES

UNDERSTANDING HOW ELECTRIC CARS ARE DRIVEN The results from the MINI E trial are out and almost all participants said they'd consider buying an electric car after taking part. We take an indepth look at the trial findings Understanding how electric cars are driven in the real world has taken an important step forward with the release of data from the MINI E field trial in the UK. With 62 members of the public and 76 pool users running the battery-powered hatchbacks over two six-month periods, the governmentsupported trial is the most in-depth of its kind in the UK to publish its findings.

An enormous amount of data was collected electronically by data-loggers in the car and the home charging points, and also from extensive driver research carried out by Oxford Brookes University.

The UK trial discovered that everyday use of the electric MINIs didn't radically differ from the typical driving patterns of a control group

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of drivers of conventionally powered cars in the same segment. In fact, the daily journey distance of 29.7 miles was slightly more than the 26.5 miles recorded by the control cars, a mix of MINI Coopers and BMW 116i models. Interestingly, the UK average daily distance driven for private cars overall is less than 25 miles. With information gathered by on-board data-loggers, the average single trip distance was recorded as 9.5 miles compared to the UK average of seven miles.

TYPES OF TRIPS Four out of five people reported that 80 per cent of their trips could be done exclusively in the MINI E, and this increased to 90 per cent of users saying that with the addition

of rear seats and a bigger boot, all their trips could have been done in the MINI E. 84 per cent said that the severe low temperatures during both phases of the field trial affected the distance that could be driven between charges, but despite that, four out of five participants told the researchers they thought the MINI E was suitable for winter use, with one user, Janet Borgers, saying she "regularly did 88 miles in a single journey in the cold weather." Another female commuter clocked up almost 8,000 miles over a September to March period.

CHARGING BEHAVIOUR Given the daily driven distance of just under 30 miles, the drivers felt confident enough not to have to charge their MINI E every night. In fact, the average was 2.9 times a week according to information fed back via electricity smart meters, with special night-time tariffs successfully encouraging individual drivers to charge when it was cheapest, which coincided with a low demand period and a greater proportion of renewable energy in the grid mix.

Nine out of ten drivers told the researchers that charging actually suited their daily routine, with 81 per cent agreeing with the statement: "I prefer to plug in the car than go to a fuel station." The running costsavings were appreciated by users, with one participant telling researchers the thing she'd miss most was: "the money I E

E will have to start paying for fuel again!"

Most charged at home, with 82 per cent using their wall-mounted charging box 90 per cent of the time. The lack of a comprehensive public charging infrastructure in the UK was noted, with four out of five participants (82 per cent) saying they thought that it was "essential" that a network of charging points was established. However, almost three quarters (72 per cent) said they were able to use their car perfectly adequately right now as they had access to private charging.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE When asked about their driving experience, the trial participants were full of praise.

Every single one enjoyed the quietness, with one user quoted as saying: "I like the silence – it's very futuristic and it causes a reaction when people notice you pull away without making a sound." And they all agreed with the statement: "Electric vehicles are fun to drive." The reason was partly down to the "fast pick-up and quick acceleration" of the 204hp MINI, again a statement that 100 per cent agreed with. One even went so far to say it was "absolutely the best car I have ever driven."

Driving efficiently to extend the range was seen as part of the enjoyment rather than a chore. Understanding that use of the regenerative braking could increase the range by approximately 15 per cent, three quarters of the users (74 per cent) agreed with the statement that it was "a game for me to use the regenerative braking in a way that enables me to reach my destination without draining the battery."

When asked by the Oxford Brookes University researchers for suggestions to deal with the potential danger from the low noise at low speeds, over half (56 per cent) said that instead of an artificial noise, the driver should pay more attention. However just over a quarter (28 per cent) said they'd like to have a warning noise below 12.5mph.

Almost all participants (96 per cent) said they'd consider buying an electric car as a result of taking part, and half (51 per cent) revealed they would pay a third more for an EV. A third (30 per cent) said they'd consider taking the plunge within a year, while 55 per cent said they'd hold fire for two or more years.

QUICK TO ADAPT The trial found that one week was all that was needed for customers to adapt to the characteristics and peculiarities of driving an EV, such as charging, range, regenerative braking and low noise. However those company car drivers invited to use the MINI E as a pool car on a less frequent basis needed increased training and support during the initial period of vehicle use in order to consolidate their learning.

Fleet use was a big part of the trial with organisations in the UK and in Europe reporting positive feedback from both

individual drivers and also fleet managers monitoring the MINI E's use as a pool car.

Those users who swapped out of their regular car reported that the MINI E was fine for 70 per cent of journeys made during the working day, while the pool car success rate was even better with between 80-90 per cent of regular trips achievable.

The speed of charging was an important consideration for fleet users, while managers also flagged up the need for a clear procedure for the efficient charging of pool vehicles.

Companies that participated included Scottish and Southern Energy, Oxfordshire County Council, and Oxford City Council.

VALUABLE FEEDBACK The MINI E trial was one of eight UK projects supported by the £25m Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Programme, funded by the Technology Strategy Board and Department for Transport. These are aimed at bringing forward the introduction of viable electric passenger vehicles to the UK. Early findings have already informed the development of the 2011 BMW ActiveE car, a four-seat car based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe, but the biggest beneficiary will be the BMW i3, the first purpose-built EV from the BMW Group, set for launch in 2013. This information has also helped to inform UK policy-making decisions and other EV market stakeholders.

Suzanne Gray, general manager of BMW i said: "The feedback from the trial has been invaluable in helping our understanding of how people really respond to electric cars and other factors necessary to support electric car drivers. With this information we will be in a strong position to provide a well-rounded product and service proposition to customers of the BMW i3 and to work with other players in the electric vehicle market to make it a successful experience for a new generation of users."

Kulveer Ranger, Mayor of London's environment director, said: "Electric driving technology is coming on leaps and bounds, but people naturally still have questions and concerns. Research such as this by BMW Group into real life experiences is invaluable as it debunks some common myths and underscores why electric vehicles are perfect for urban driving.

The trial has also demonstrated the importance attached to supporting infrastructure, which is why the Mayor of London has launched Source London to provide a network of charge points that will help to create optimal conditions for electric vehicle use in the UK's capital."

THE VEHICLE The MINI E is a two-seat development of the familiar MINI Hatch. It is powered by a 204hp electric motor that also generates 220 Nm of torque. It is driven by battery power in the form of a sophisticated 35 kWh Lithium-Ion battery containing 5,088 cells. The battery was charged by a special home charger

TRIAL FINDINGS

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Over 250,000 miles driven on UK roads.

Average cost to charge less than 2p per mile.

Average daily distance driven 29.7 miles.

Virtually all recharging carried out at home.

TRIAL IN NUMBERS • 40 MINI Es • 12 Months • 138 Drivers (32 women 106 men) • 258,105 Miles • 33,345 Journeys • 80,282 kWh Electricity • Highest mileage by an individual driver over six months – 7954 miles • Average mileage per vehicle over six months, including fleet pool cars – 3226 • Average cost to charge over six months - £60, less than 2p per mile supplied by consortium partner Scottish and Southern Energy. This enables a charge time of 3.5 hours at 32 amps. The MINI E has a top speed of 95mph and an official range of 149 miles (according to FTP72 standards), although a realistic range is 112 miles.

The UK field trial mirrored those on the East and West coasts of the USA, in both Munich and Berlin; Paris; Tokyo and Beijing and Shenzhen. In the UK 40 MINI Es were driven from December 2009 until March 2011. The 40 private MINI E Pioneers were selected from applicants in the South East of England and paid a subsidised monthly lease cost of £330. The remainder were fleet drivers with an individual car nominated by their company. They represented a mix of males and females from a cross section of income-groups, education backgrounds, urban/rural dwellers, family sizes and annual mileages. Drivers with access to a MINI E pool car also formed part of the study.

The UK Consortium members who have supported the MINI E trials are Scottish and Southern Energy who supplied the home/public charging technology and energy; Oxford Brookes University who devised the research methodology, selected participants and analysed data from users; SEEDA who provided funding support and enabled the participation of Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council; and the BMW Group who led the Consortium, supplied the MINI E and managed driver education and support. L

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

THE ALL-NEW FORD FOCUS With its dynamic styling, wealth of intuitive technologies and outstanding fuel efficiency, the new Focus delivers a truly addictive driving experience An important event for Ford and its fleet customers this year has been the launch of the all-new Focus, with a line-up of four diesel and three petrol engines, with CO2 emissions from just 109g/km on the diesels.

The range also has a greater variety of premium car safety features available than any vehicle in this segment; it is packed with exciting technology that aids driver safety while ticking boxes on fleet managers' duty-of-care check sheets.

FUEL CONSUMPTION The powertrain line-up includes the state-ofthe-art new 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbocharged direct injection petrol engine, and a choice of advanced and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, which offer significant reductions in fuel consumption compared to the outgoing model. The 1.6litre TDCi returns up to 67.3mpg. In addition to the highly efficient petrol and diesel powertrain offering, the new Focus range also incorporates other features from the Ford ECOnetic Technologies programme to help minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Focus is the first Ford model to standardise Auto-Start-Stop technology across a significant part of the range. All vehicles with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and the 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine are equipped with Auto-Start-Stop, with CO2 emissions starting at just 109g/km on the diesel model. These

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GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE | Volume 51

state-of-the-art engines are complemented by advanced transmissions, including the smooth and efficient Ford PowerShift 6-speed dualclutch automatic gearbox, and the all-new Ford Durashift 6-speed manual transmission.

TESTING The all-new Focus has been tested in the most extreme environments on the planet. It's been frozen in Arctic Sweden and baked in the Arizona Desert. It's also been pushed to the limit in Britain – at Ford's Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, technicians can recreate the worst weather imaginable. They can raise the temperature to a sweltering 55 degrees Centigrade, and with 28 tonnes of refrigerant to call on, mercury can be made to read a mind-numbing minus 40 degrees. Dunton's Environmental Test Lab is one of the most advanced facilities of its kind. Costing over £26.5 million, it provides four test chambers (two with thermodynamic wind tunnels), six rooms in which to 'soak' vehicles from -40 to +55 degrees Centigrade and a vehicle preparation workshop. The lab even has two altitude chambers which can simulate between 100 metres below sea level and 4,000 metres above. The all-new Focus has spent thousands of hours inside the laboratory to ensure it will cope with anything nature throws at it. "The new Focus was tested in real-world conditions but this is always limited by the prevailing weather," said Bruce

Thirkettle, Environmental Test Lab supervisor.

The cold start test is one example in the lab's repertoire. Once the vehicle has been soaked at -30 degrees for 16 hours, it is transferred to a test chamber at the same temperature and placed on a rolling road. The engine is fired up and driven a short distance to ensure it fully functions. Extreme cold puts huge demands on an electrical system to supply energy to crank the engine at the speed required to establish combustion, as well as to other parts such as glow plugs, injectors and spark plugs.

Another test is called air con pull down, when a vehicle is heated to +50 degrees before the engine is turned on and the air conditioning is timed to see how long it takes to cool the cabin to a comfortable temperature.

More than half of testing undertaken at the Dunton lab is engine calibration work using chassis dynamometers, which can simulate road speeds of over 150mph. The two wind tunnels can generate wind speeds up to 140mph. "We torture test vehicles here, so customers can enjoy worry-free motoring in Ford vehicles from launch," said Bruce.

TECHNOLOGY The whole Focus range offers class-leading levels of technology, design and driving quality, including the estate, which is expected to account for almost one in five of Focus sales. "Customers want the extra space and flexibility a traditional estate provides, but E

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E still expect all the technology, great driving dynamics, and superb styling of the five-door," said Gunnar Herrmann, Ford's global medium car line director. With the 60/40 rear seats in place the estate has a load compartment volume of 476 litres. A ‘flip and fold’ mechanism tips the rear seat cushions forward to create a flat load platform with the seat backs. In two-seat mode, the maximum load capacity is 1,502 litres. The suspension layout, with inclined monotube dampers, enables the lowest possible floor height, while also maximising load width between the wheel arches. The estate can accommodate loads measuring 1,149mm wide, an increase of 119mm compared with the five-door model.

ENHANCED ECONOMY The Focus platform is shared by the all-new C-MAX and seven-seat Grand C-MAX, which offer fleets style, handling and more space, together with improved residual values, low insurance and CO2 ratings and enhanced fuel economy, combined with advanced technology, responsive performance and improved sustainability. Their residual values and frugal engines result in among the lowest running costs in their class. The C-MAX and Grand C-MAX stand out thanks to clever and flexible seating and sliding rear passenger doors in a highly competitive sector with a range of new entrants.

Compared with the previous model, the allnew C-MAX and Grand C-MAX offer insurance ratings up to five points lower on the new ABI 1-50 insurance scale, starting from just 11E for the C-MAX 1.6-litre 105PS Zetec to 20E for the Grand C-MAX 2.0-litre TDCi 140PS Titanium.

The choice of three petrol engines includes the new 1.6-litre EcoBoost direct injection petrol engine along with two completely

updated 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel engines. The four-cylinder 150PS EcoBoost petrol powertrain achieves CO2 emissions of 154g/km and combined fuel economy of 42.8mpg. Compared with the 145PS 2.0-litre petrol engine in the previous model, this cuts emissions and improves fuel economy by around 20 per cent. The Grand C-MAX with updated 1.6-litre TDCi achieves emissions of 129g/km CO2 and a combined fuel economy of 57.7mpg. The C-MAX and Grand C-MAX share the new Focus platform – and much of the new Focus technology, either standard or as options. Power child locks, one-handed seat folding, a poweroperated tailgate, rear view camera and panorama roof are also part of the package.

To maximise the versatility of the sevenseat Grand C-MAX, the first European Ford to have sliding rear doors, Ford has developed an ingenious seat folding concept for the second-row seats, using a mechanism which allows the centre seat to fold under the right-hand seat, creating a walkway.

The second and third-row seats can also be folded down to make a flat floor.

SAFETY IS KEY Safety is the keyword in the all-new Focus, recent winner of two Euro NCAP Advanced awards, starting with an enhanced Intelligent Protection System which uses high tensile steels in the body to create a rigid structure to absorb energy efficiently. Innovative sensors activate safety systems such as all-round airbags, and an advanced steering column and retracting pedals collapse away from the driver to reduce injury in an impact. Also standard or available are an array of premium car safety and other features such as Active City Stop (Low Speed Safety System), which

is designed to assist in slow moving traffic and at speeds under 20 mph. If its sensors detect the car in front has unexpectedly stopped, the car pre-charges the brakes and, if the driver does not react, applies the brakes automatically. Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver before drifting out of lane by vibrating the steering wheel, with a visual alert on the driver information cluster. The front view camera continuously monitors the road ahead and evaluates where the car is in relation to the road markings.

The system is deactivated below 38mph, and the sensitivity of the system can be changed to suit driver preference.

If there is no response to the Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid will apply gentle steering input to help ensure the Focus stays in the correct lane. Forward Alert gives a visual and audible warning in driving situations that present a high risk of collision with the vehicle in front.

DRIVER ALERT Driver Alert is designed to constantly monitor driving behaviour and detect any deviation caused by driver fatigue. A warning icon then appears in the display. The auto-dimming rearview mirror automatically detects headlight glare and switches to a dimmed setting. A seat belt reminder system provides alerts if any occupied seat does not have the seat belt fastened. Traffic Sign Recognition uses a forward looking camera to recognise traffic signs such as speed limits and show them in the information display. Active Park Assist is a semi-automatic parallel parking system, with the driver only having to decide to park, then operate the accelerator and brakes.

Auto High Beam Control maximises the use of high beam to improve vision significantly at night by detecting front or rear lights of other vehicles, or urban street lights, and activating or deactivating the high beam accordingly. Adaptive Cruise Control and Speed Limiter System both help a driver to set and maintain travelling speeds and add to safer driving.

Emergency Brake Light detects when the vehicle is undergoing emergency braking and starts flashing the brake lights. Blind Spot Information System uses radar sensor modules to warn the driver when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, in order to help make lane changes safer. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 08457 23 23 23 info@fordfleet.co.uk www.fordfleet.co.uk

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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For more information, call Kia Fleet today on 0845 126 4700.

Kia Fleet. Be ahead of the game.

www.kia.co.uk/fleet Fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100 km) for the New Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi 1 EcoDynamics are: Urban: 80.7 (3.5). Extra Urban: 94.2 (3.0).

Combined: 88.3 (3.2). CO2 emissions are 85g/km.

Claim relates to CO2 emissions on model shown, the new Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi ‘1’ EcoDynamics. For terms and exclusions visit www.kia.co.uk or contact your local dealer.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Telematics

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE Jon Gilbert, director of customer services at ING Car Lease, thinks more fleets running LCVs will adopt telematics and tracking systems in the next few years With the 45 minute installation of a small box behind vehicle dashboards, a fleet manager can gain instant access to huge amounts of data that allows measurement of driver behaviour, the effectiveness of route planning and environmental performance.

So, why has this simple fleet tool taken so long to gain widespread acceptance?

Often, it is not the issue of technology, but staff relations, that can create barriers to the introduction of telematics. The adoption of such technology can be an emotive issue and it is important to work with unions and human resources departments to identify potential issues and allay any unfounded fears.

We are working to develop a telematics solution that works practically for both fleet managers, drivers and board level management. Listed below are some of the key benefits that on board technology can bring to organisations: • Visibility – telematics monitoring allows managers to ensure that their drivers are working agreed hours and in the right locations whilst drivers are given more support when alone at night, in remote locations, or involved in accidents or breakdowns • Duty of care – introducing the system shows the company is committed to driver safety • Stress reduction – by better managing routes, loads and working practices, the employer can identify those drivers doing too much and re-balance the workload • Improve environmental performance – many contracts for commercial fleets will require low emission strategies. Telematics services offer proof of this commitment to environmental best practice • Cost reduction – by improving driving standards, significant cost savings can be realised in terms of fuel, insurance premiums, wear and tear and accident reductions.

• Productivity – a telematics solution provides a valuable resource to ensure drivers are utilised efficiently throughout the working day • Proactive service and repair – by keeping an eye on the data, jobs can be booked based on mileage and warning light information which reduces maintenance costs and contributes to driver safety DO THE MATH! While many strong arguments for the adoption of telematics are based on issues such as duty of care and driver safety, the most compelling reason for fleets to use this technology is the reduction of cost. While every fleet is different, the following hypothetical case study proves

the financial argument for telematics.

Let’s say you have 100 Ford transits on the road averaging 30,000 miles per annum at 25 miles per gallon and £1.38 per litre of fuel.

Introducing telematics could bring the following savings (based on fuel costs): • More effective route planning to avoid unnecessary mileage and monitoring to prevent personal usage – a saving of about five per cent which works out at about £30 a vehicle each month • Improving driver behaviour – a saving of about ten per cent as a minimum which works out at about £60 a vehicle each month • Reducing idling by about 20 minutes per day (one litre of fuel is burned for every hour of idling) – a saving of about £10 a vehicle each month • That’s £100 saved for each vehicle each month – a saving of around £120,000 a year for your fleet of 100 Ford Transits Additionally, wear and tear will be reduced.

The installation of telematics could take around ten per cent off insurance premiums and reduce accident costs by up to a half as drivers become more conservative, resulting

Jon Gilbert

For example, driver league tables published company wide have proven effective, as have bonuses built into the driver pay plans.

The most effective solutions are those which are integrated into a holistic fleet management approach. For example,

While many strong arguments for the adoption of telematics are based on issues such as duty of care and driver safety, the most compelling reason for fleets to use this technology is the reduction of cost. in fewer accidents and fraudulent claims.

Finally, the company can make productivity savings by better allocating resources based on proximity of vehicle to job and engaging with customers to reduce waiting time to unload.

MANAGEMENT CAMPAIGNS To change driver behaviour, it is important that managers understand the reasons for introducing new systems and the information which can be collected – vehicle location, harsh braking, overrevving, speeding, idling, and so on.

The objective – duty of care, cost reduction, improved environmental performance, minimised vehicle wear and tear, more effective driver management, and so on – will affect how the scheme is communicated within the company. The culture of the organisation will then influence whether it is positively incentivised or negatively reinforced.

customers working with ING Car Lease and Masternaut (our telematics partner) are able to choose additional service elements such as risk assessments and licence checking as well as driver training to improve elements such as braking and fuel consumption.

Marry this with accident, fines and recharge reporting and suddenly the fleet manager has complete visibility highlighting risk drivers. Additionally, ING Car Lease can help manage driver incentive schemes that often lead to successful culture change. L FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information about ING Car Lease and its telematics services please call Jon Gilbert on 07768914529.

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

31

You could

save £iv2e5r 0

poeurlddr c u o Y

save £iv2e5r 0 per dr

Drive smarter and save on fleet costs

Drive smarter on drive fleet costs It’s not just whatand your save employees that matters, it’s how they drive as well.

It’s Smarter not your employees So fardrive we have trained over 20,000 drivers Smarterjust Driving what training from the Energy driver training from the Energy Saving Trust from more than 500 public and private sector Saving Trust can help reduce your fleet costs help reduce your company’s costs and carbon thatcan matters, it’s howfleet they drive as well. organisations, including BAE Systems, E.ON UK, and carbon emissions by reducing drivers’ fuel

emissions by reducing fuel consumption by Microsoft and Liverpool City Council. consumption by arounddrivers’ 15 percent. around 15 percent.

In a recent survey of organisations that have had This can lead to typical savingsSaving of between Smarter driver training fromannual the Energy Trust £200 This can lead to per typical annual savings of between ourand Smarter Driving training, 100% of respondents* £200 and £250 driver (based on 12,000 miles can help reduce your (based company’s fleet costs and carbon “Smarter driveruseful training hastobeen £250 per driver on 12,000 miles per year).

Smarter said they find the techniques in day day per year). Smarter drivers tend to be safer drivers emissions by reducing drivers’ fuel consumption by drivers tend to be safer drivers too, so your company may easy to implement and the first driving. too, so your organisation may also save on the aroundalso 15 percent. saveand on human the cost of servicing and repairing vehicles. round has seen an impressive 20% physical costs of accidents. reduction in fuel consumption.”

This canThe lead to typical annual between £200 andown training sessions aresavings fun, andofare run from your Training takes place in cars or vans with highly “Smarter driver training been and £250 per driver (based on by 12,000 miles per driving year). Smarter company premises our accredited instructors.

Scott Jones, Head ofhas Facilities experienced fleet driving instructors. We come drivers Sessions tend to be safer too, so less your than company mayper driver,easy toEnvironment, implement Hampshire and the first cost justdrivers £15 and take an hour NHS Trust to you – so you don’t have to send your drivers also save on the cost ofofservicing and repairing vehicles. making it some the best value training of its kind.

So round has seen an impressive 20% off-site – and training takes less than an hour per far we have trained over 11,000 drivers from more than reduction in fuel consumption.” person, so disruption the are working day isyour keptown to a The training sessions are fun,toand run from

350 public and private sector organisations, including BAE companyminimum. premises by our accredited driving instructors.

Scott Jones, Head of Facilities and Systems, E.ON UK and Liverpool City Council.

Sessions cost just £15 and take less than an hour per driver, Environment, Hampshire NHS Trust subsidised just £20+VAT making itThe some of the cost best isvalue training ofper its person, kind. So making this course extremely cost-effective. far we have trained over 11,000 drivers from more than 350 public and private sector organisations, including BAE Systems, E.ON UK and Liverpool City Council.

For more moreinformation information 0845 602 or 1425 For callcall 0845 602 1425 visit or email smarter.driving@est.org.uk www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/smarterdriving

*Based on 149 responses i.2881 Green Fleet Ad 1 Health.indd 1

For more information call 0845 602 1425 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/smarterdriving 19/04/2010 15:42

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Smarter Driving

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

THE COURSE THAT HELPS EMPLOYEES ENJOY MORE DISPOSABLE INCOME The Energy Saving Trust’s Smarter Driving course can help cut fleet fuel bills by as much as 15 per cent, whilst teaching skills that employees can use in their private motoring to trim their own fuel costs It’s rare that an employer has the opportunity to host a training course that can help staff enjoy more disposable income.

There are courses that help the organisation to extract more out of the worker and seminars that encourage people to work harder, smarter or more profitably. There are even courses that extol the virtues of visions, values, missions and targets. But a course that’s specifically designed to save money at home as well as at work, well that’s something out of the ordinary. But the Energy Saving Trust’s Smarter Driving course does just that, cutting fleet fuel bills by as much as 15 per cent, whilst teaching skills that employees can use in their private motoring to trim down their own fuel costs.

SIMPLE PRINCIPLES OF MOTORING With petrol prices now in excess of £6.30 a gallon, a driver who covers 12,000 private miles a year in a typical car can save about £250 annually. That’s a handy sum for any household and is perfectly achievable when the driver applies some very simple principles of motoring. BAM Construct UK put more than a hundred drivers through the Energy Saving Trust course, with dramatic results.

On average BAM’s drivers reduced their fuel consumption by an impressive 16.7 per cent, measured over identical laps pre and post-training. Climate change manager Jesse Putzel estimates that as a result, on average, each course participant could be £600 personally better off each year if they keep up the techniques they’ve learnt.

Now if these are the sums that drivers can save in their personal mileage, just think of the potential for the business.

SAVINGS OF MORE THAN £2,000 Even a small company, say with four sales or service people each covering 25,000 business miles a year, can save more than £2,000. And that’s at current fuel prices. The more prices rise, the greater the incentive to get more miles out of every drop. So it makes sense to train company car drivers sooner rather than later, especially as the Energy Saving Trust course costs just £20 per employee and takes only 50 minutes per driver.

During the on-site course, drivers complete three circuits: firstly without tuition to provide a miles-per-gallon baseline; then with an instructor giving tips and advice on driving best practice that may have let slip in the years since their driving test – things like anticipating the road ahead, not being so heavy-footed on the pedal, accelerating smoothly, braking less and moving up the gears quickly. It’s basic stuff.

But it can be a revelation when, in the final circuit, miles per gallon is assessed again.

FEEDBACK At BAM Construct UK, employees were initially skeptical about being taught how to improve their driving skills. “Some people questioned whether it would deliver the results that were claimed,” says Jesse Putzel.

“Others thought their driving was up to scratch – although that’s what everyone likes to think. However, feedback after the pilot was so good, we immediately booked more courses and now intend to run sessions

every year so that new starts can benefit.

“We offer the course not only to company car drivers, but also to those who take a cash allowance, many of whom don’t have particularly energy efficient vehicles but who have the most to gain from getting more miles to the gallon.”

Some comments from the BAM Construct’s employees who undertook the training: Hannah Dean, says: “I enjoyed the course. It was a timely reminder to reverse bad habits.”

Simon Box gets an extra 100 miles out of a tank of fuel, a dramatic figure which saves him money from his own pocket. This sort of improvement is also helping BAM to phase in reduced mileage allowances.

BAM Construct’s Colin Jones sums it up: “I am amazed at the difference in fuel consumption, and for very little effort,” L FOR MORE INFORMATION So for very little effort, and large potential savings, call 0845 602 1425 or visit our website: www.energysaving trust.org.uk/smarterdriving

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

33

How do you keep your drivers safe?

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Safer, greener and more efficient driving is easy with TomTom Business Solutions. Our Active Driver Feedback prompts your drivers to stay safe and fuel efficient behind the wheel. And with WEBFLEET® OptiDrive back in the office, you’ll have an easy to use tool to establish a safe driving policy.

Improve your safety levels now by calling: 020 7255 9774 | uk.business@tomtom.com

Let’s drive business™ www.tomtom.com/business

Road Safety

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

ROAD RISK MANAGEMENT

TAKE ACTION FOR FLEET SAFETY

Although road risk management is primarily about preventing death and serious injury, there are significant other benefits too, such as cost savings and a happier workforce, writes Brake In May the United Nations launched a Decade of Action for Road Safety to encourage governments, organisations and communities to step up efforts to end road death and injury around the globe.

to rise once more. Road safety charity Brake believes that fleet operators have a key role to play in ensuring that these devastating deaths and injuries continue to fall.

Fleet operators that are switched on to

As a result of progress in road safety in the past decade casualty reduction targets were met two years early. In 2010, 1,675 fewer people were killed and 16,389 fewer people were seriously injured on UK roads compared to in 2000.

However, while action on road safety is being galvanised at international level, many of those working in road safety in the UK are concerned about the future of their vital work, and the potential for road casualties

road safety will have noticed the impressive progress made in the past decade. The ‘noughties’ saw a detailed ten year road safety strategy introduced by government, incorporating targets for slashing road deaths

and serious injuries by 40 per cent by 2010.

Alongside this, we had legislation banning hand-held mobile phones at the wheel, the spread of fixed speed cameras, major developments in safe vehicle design, our first 20mph towns and cities, and widespread government media campaigns to persuade people to drive more safely.

A RISE IN LEGISLATION Companies were subject to increased regulation that has spurred progress in fleet safety. The development and introduction of corporate manslaughter legislation in 2007 helped to drive company resources into managing road risk. Increasingly, companies have also recognised the difference that managing road risk makes to their bottom line, by helping them to cut costs associated with crashes, including driver and vehicle downtime and insurance premiums.

As a result of progress in road safety in the past decade, casualties declined year-on-year and casualty reduction targets were met two years early. In 2010, 1,675 fewer people were killed and 16,389 fewer people were seriously injured on UK roads compared to in 2000.

This is a remarkable achievement, but we must remind ourselves that still every day five people are killed and 59 more are seriously injured in preventable road crashes, causing terrible and unnecessary pain and trauma.

In the past ten years, thinking about casualty prevention has also progressed, E

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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Road Safety

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

ROAD RISK MANAGEMENT E with some countries now adopting longterm visions of reducing deaths and serious injuries to zero. Brake agrees that this is ultimately what we should aim for in the UK. Yet as we move into the new decade, government investment in road safety has quickly diminished. The dour financial climate means that every cause must fight its corner, but road safety – an area of work that saves lives and money – has been hit particularly hard compared to other key public health work.

SAVAGE CUTS Cuts to road safety spending have been swift and savage. In June 2010, the government announced an immediate cut of 40 per cent to road safety grant funding for local authorities. A few months later this funding stream was abolished completely.

A year later, many areas have seen some or all speed cameras turned off, road safety partnerships closed down, skilled road safety practitioners let go, and school crossing patrols and road safety education scaled back. Traffic policing is another victim of the cuts: there is a growing body of evidence that traffic police are being cut at a much greater rate than other areas of policing.

The government’s Strategic Framework for Road Safety, published in May 2011, outlined its priorities for the coming decade. Brake has criticised the framework for its lack of leadership or bold action to continue driving down the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads as rapidly as possible. Brake was disappointed that the vision within the framework is about maintaining the status quo of Britain as a world leader in road safety, and that it does not include casualty reduction targets, which are shown to help spur action on road safety. Brake was also concerned that the framework includes little in terms of national policies that are internationally evidenced to address major causes of death and serious injury on roads.

Brake has grave concerns that casualty reduction could slow down or even cease as a consequence of funding cuts and lack of action on key road safety issues. There are many reasons why there have been fewer deaths and injuries each year in the past decade.

Education, enforcement and engineering play a vital role. All three have come under significant pressure in the past year.

Because of this it is more important than ever that the private sector continues to contribute to safer roads, by managing their road risk and, whenever possible, engaging the wider community and showing leadership on road safety.

A CALL FOR ROAD SAFETY Brake urges companies with employees who drive for work to make road safety a cornerstone of their CSR strategy as well as following best practice fleet management.

Given that a third of road deaths and

36

GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE | Volume 51

serious injuries are thought to involve atwork drivers, companies embracing fleet safety practices is an important way to keep driving needless casualties down.

In the next decade it is likely that fleet safety will become an even more fundamental part of basic good business practice as the pressure to drive down costs continues alongside the need to present a socially responsible face to customers. Every company that employs people who drive as part of their job can reduce their crash rate, costs, and their impact on the environment through implementing best-practice fleet safety practices.

There is now a huge body of evidence on what constitutes best practice in fleet safety, and the excellent returns companies can generate through investment in this area. The Fleet Safety Forum, an information-sharing service run by Brake, is an ideal place to start, whether your company has existing policies that need fine-tuning or is just developing its approach. It provides fleets with upto-date guidance, international research and best practice case studies to help you to tackle road risk within your company and learn from what others are doing in the sector. It can also provide you with the ammunition you need to take the case for investment in fleet safety to the board.

BENEFITS OUTWEIGH COST Although road risk management is primarily about preventing death and serious injury, there are a range of benefits to companies following a socially responsible best practice model. Managing road risk is not cost-free but there is extensive research demonstrating that the payback outweighs the cost very quickly. Better incident rates can lower vehicle insurance premiums, cut repair bills and avoid down time of vehicles and employees after a crash. Properly maintained vehicles, driven safely within speed limits, will use less fuel, a cost that has increased significantly in recent times.

Looking after the welfare and safety of staff can also improve relations between a company and its employees. A happy, well-trained workforce, will feel engaged in promoting the success of their company which can improve productivity, boost morale and reduce staff sick-leave and turnover.

Having a good record on road safety and working in the community to make roads safer for everyone also benefits the image of a company.

RECOGNITION FOR SAFETY Many firms that develop innovative and effective road risk strategies win awards, such as a Fleet Safety Forum’s Awards for Excellence. Some go on to speak at national conferences to share their experiences, raising the profile of the company and extending contact networks. A company’s reputation can make all the difference when it comes to winning contracts as, in today’s market,

Road Safety Week Road Safety Week is the UK’s flagship road safety event, coordinated annually

by Brake. Now in its 15th year, this year it takes place 21-27 November.

It’s an opportunity for companies to develop and progress their contribution to safer roads, and publicise their commitment to this issue. Hundreds of companies get involved each year by launching safe driving programmes for staff, promoting road safety messages in their newsletter, setting up road safety displays, and working with the community to promote safer road use. Given that this year’s Road Safety Week is the first to take place during the global Decade of Action for Road Safety, Brake is hoping that more fleet operators will get involved than ever before. Sign up to get involved in Road Safety Week at www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk.

social responsibility is seen as the mark of a well organised and progressive organisation.

Many people now believe that companies have an ethical duty to minimise any negative social and environmental impacts of their work. This includes reducing the risk their fleets pose to other road users and giving back to the people they serve through community engagement. Getting staff involved in road safety campaigns can also improve team work and morale as well as encouraging them to drive safely.

Brake encourages fleet operators to use Road Safety Week on 21-27 November to show external leadership in road safety, as well as building a road safety culture internally (see box).

PIVOTAL ROLE Companies have a pivotal role to play in continuing to drive down devastating and costly road casualties in the next decade – and they can reap many benefits from fulfilling this role. In an unstable financial climate, companies are increasingly driven to develop their fleet safety work by the savings it generates, and their experiences help to demonstrate that road safety is worth investing in. Companies embracing fleet safety best practice will continue to reap rewards in cash and reputation. Brake will continue its work alongside these companies to advise, guide and share evidence on the enormous value of fleet safety.

Subscribe to Brake’s Fleet Safety Forum and receive the latest research, resources and guidance for just £155+VAT per year. L FOR MORE INFORMATION www.fleetsafetyforum.org 01484 559909 forum@brake.org.uk.

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

FIAT TWINAIR ADDED TO THE GREEN MOTION LINE-UP The new TwinAir range is an attractive proposition for both fleet operators looking to cut running costs, and company car drivers searching for a stylish and dynamic, yet ultra-frugal company car When Fiat launched the TwinAir engine in the already hugely successful Fiat 500 model last year, it created a wave of interest – not only because of its cleanest petrol engine in the world, but also because of the car’s iconic style, lively performance, high equipment levels, great value for money and undoubted green credentials.

The new TwinAir range is an attractive proposition for both fleet operators looking to cut running costs, and company car drivers searching for a stylish and dynamic, yet ultra-frugal company car.

A sporty and assertive appearance is enhanced by matt black alloy wheels, total black interiors, and sport kit (sports seats, spoiler and chrome plated tail pipe).

ATTRACTIVE PROPOSITION Combined with affordable pricing, low fuel consumption and emissions, plus the added bonus of the lowest company car tax band and London’s Congestion charge exemption, it is no wonder why the TwinAir is making it a particularly attractive proposition to the styleconscious user-chooser company car driver.

The 0.9-litre TwinAir complements the 500’s fun-to-drive attitude. TwinAir comes in both hatchback (500) and convertible (500C) versions, and in vibrant colours such as Pearlescent Red, Tropicalia Yellow and Electroclash Grey.

GREEN APPEAL FOR GREEN MOTION The popularity of this blend of good looks, engine performance and green credentials has caught the eye of one of the fastest growing companies within the car rental sector, Green Motion Vehicle Rental. Green Motion, the world’s low CO2 vehicle rental company, is pleased to develop its partnership with Fiat Group Automobiles for the supply of vehicles.

The Green Motion network was established in 2007, and specialises in hiring vehicles that have the lowest CO2 emissions, coupled with superb fuel efficiency. It was therefore a natural decision to take delivery of more than 200 Fiat models including the new Fiat 500 Twin Air, with class leading performance and CO2 emissions of only 95g/km.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK “We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Fiat Group Automobiles

Combined with affordable pricing, low fuel consumption and emissions, plus the added bonus of the lowest company car tax band and London’s Congestion charge exemption, it is no wonder why the TwinAir is making it a particularly attractive proposition to the styleconscious user-chooser company car driver. and introducing their class leading vehicles on to Green Motions’ fleet,” says Richard Lowden, founder and managing director of Green Motion. “While it is early days yet, we’ve received tremendous customer feedback on the vehicles especially the new Fiat 500 TwinAir and Fiat Panda models.”

“Fiat is delighted to be partnering with Green Motion because both companies’ vision is for greener, more economical motoring,” says Gerry Southerington, fleet operations manager, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “And we are very happy to hear of the great demand Green

Motion has seen for our TwinAir range of cars.”

The Fiat products have been introduced throughout the Green Motion network with a high concentration of the models being offered from Green Motion’s new location supporting Central Birmingham.

Here, customers who are interested in taking an extended test drive can be guaranteed Fiat 500 TwinAir availability. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel. 08446 623622 www.fiat.co.uk/twinair

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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Peugeot introduces the world’s first full diesel electric hybrid. now available to Pre-order

peugeot INtRoDuCeS tHe WoRLD’S FIRSt FuLL DIeSeL eLeCtRIC HYBRID

Welcome to the future. With the new Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 you get all the flexibility of an award winning crossover*, with high performance of up to 200bhp, 4WD and 100% Electric modes, up to 74mpg**, plus CO2 emissions from just 99g/km. When you can have all that, why compromise? Find out more at peugeot.co.uk/fleethybrid4 or call the Peugeot Fleet centre on 024 7688 4644.

peugeot

3008 Hybrid4

Official Fuel Consumption in mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the 3008 HYbrid4 Range are: Urban 65.6 (4.3) – 72.4 (3.9); Extra Urban 70.06 (4.0) – 76.3 (3.7); Combined 68.9 (4.1) – 74.3 (3.8) and CO2 108-99 (g/km) *The Peugeot 3008 won What Car “Crossover of the Year” 2010 & 2011 and What Car “Car of the Year” 2010. **74.3mpg achieved in the Combined Cycle.

peugeot.co.uk/eethybrid4

In 1947, American engineers Douglas H. Ring and W. Rae Young described in detail a system of radio towers which enabled the use of portable telephones across wide areas. It took the world 32 years to catch up with Ring and Young, when the world's first mobile phone network began operating commercially in 1979. So, in a way, the ultra-reliable, fuel efficient 1.6 Sportage 1 GDi 2WD wouldn't have Bluetooth® as standard without them.

Kia Fleet. Be ahead of the game.

Kia Sportage 1 GDi 2WD from £219† (plus VAT) per month

P11D VALUE

1.6 SPORTAGE 1 GDi 2WD

£17,110

COMBINED CO2 MPG EMISSIONS

44.1

149

RESIDUAL VALUE

SMR

BENEFIT-INKIND @ 20%

36%

£807

£54

BENEFIT-IN- COST PER MILE KIND @ 40% OVER 30K

£108

£0.74

Want to find out just how affordable the future of fleet is?

Call us today on 0845 126 4700 and we’ll surprise you. www.kia.co.uk/fleet Fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100 km) for the Kia Sportage 1 GDi are: Urban: 37.7 (7.5) - 47.1 (6.0). Extra Urban: 48.7 (5.8) - 58.9 (4.8). Combined: 44.1 (6.4) - 54.3 (5.2). CO2 emissions are 149 - 135g/km.

Model shown is Kia Sportage 1 GDi. For Business users only. †£219 per month refers to Kia Sportage 1 GDi on a 36 month/30,000 miles ‘Maintenance Excluded’ contract hire scheme (with an advance payment of 3 monthly rentals), provided by ALD Automotive, BS 16 3JA. Package includes road fund licence and Kia Assistance. Rental valid on orders placed on or before 30 September 2011. All payments subject to VAT. Written quotations available on request. Credit provided subject to status. Excess and other charges may apply depending on the mileage and condition of the vehicle at the end of the contract. Excess mileage charges will be applied if the contract mileage of 30,000 miles is exceeded. Wear and tear is determined by reference to condition commensurate to age and mileage. For full details please refer to www.kia. co.uk. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Prices correct at time of going to print. *7 year / 100,000 mile warranty. See your local dealer or visit www.kia.co.uk for full warranty terms and exclusions.

BREAKDOWNS

PREPARING FOR A BREAKDOWN Make sure your employees are fully prepared in the event of a breakdown with these tips from road safety expert David Williams The majority of UK motorists will have suffered some kind of breakdown situation in their lifetime, often due to lack of preparation or trying to cut corners. For companies with a fleet of vehicles it is even more important to ensure the vehicles are of the highest standards and that drivers are fully equipped to deal with a breakdown situation effectively, especially when planning work trips.

HOW TO PREPARE During the recession many drivers have treated car maintenance as a low priority due to tight budgets and have tended to overrely on the reliability of modern vehicles. It is extremely important particularly as part of a fleet, that companies and drivers realise the necessity to ensure cars have been fully checked before heading off on any journey.

The key to being prepared is getting to know the vehicle and ensure that it is regularly serviced as recommended by the manufacturer. Watch out for changes to

the feel of the car, such as strange noises or smells and investigate. Never ignore warning lights and always make sure weekly checks are carried out as follows: • Tyres – check condition and pressure (including spare) • Battery – top up fluid level and check terminals for corrosion • Oil level – between marks on the dipstick • Coolant system – check fluid level • Windscreen – clean windscreen and check wipers for wear • Screenwash – check fluid level and nozzle adjustment • Lights – keep lights clean and check

Road Safety

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

for faults and cracked lenses • Fuel – never allow the fuel level to get low.

Fill up when the gauge reads less than half full • Mirrors – keep clean and check for cracks Monthly precautions include checking tyre tread for depth (minimum of 1.6mm) and uneven wear and checking the antifreeze fluid level, particularly in winter.

Before a long journey, the condition and pressure of tyres should be checked, as should the lights, coolant, screenwash and oil levels.

These vital checks will go a long way to help prepare the vehicle for a journey but it is also important to always be prepared to handle a breakdown situation.

There are several essential items to keep in the vehicle; an up to date road map or sat nav, warm waterproof clothing, breakdown membership card, note pad and pencil, torch, manufacturer’s handbook, a number of hi-visibility reflective jackets/tabards (depending on number of passengers), a first aid kit, warning triangle, tow rope, mobile phone (not for use while driving or near fuel) and spare bulbs and fuses.

In the winter, keep an ice scraper/ E

During the recession many drivers have treated car maintenance as a low priority due to tight budgets and have tended to over-rely on the reliability of modern vehicles.

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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BREAKDOWNS

Road Safety

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

Tips for motorway breakdowns Try to leave the motorway at the nearest exit or pull into a service area When pulling up on the hard shoulder, stop as far to the left as possible, with the wheels turned to the left Try to stop near an emergency telephone (every mile on the hard shoulder) Leave the vehicle by the left-hand doors and do not try to cross the carriageway at any time Never attempt even simple repairs and do not leave the bonnet open at any time

E de-icer, a rug, wellington boots and a shovel in the vehicle.

IN THE EVENT OF A BREAKDOWN If the vehicle breaks down, think about safety first; consider personal safety and the safety of the passengers and if possible get the vehicle off the road. Warn other road users by using hazard warning lights and if the vehicle is causing an obstruction put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind the broken down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other permitted warning devices. Always take great care when placing them and never use them on motorways as this may be dangerous due to oncoming traffic.

It is imperative to keep the sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor and do not stand (or let anybody else stand) between your vehicle and oncoming traffic at night or in poor visibility. Always wear a fluorescent/reflective jacket or tabard and make sure that if there is a large number of passengers everyone has one each.

Call for help immediately but do not use mobile phones if there is a danger from petrol spillage or fumes. Contact the emergency services by dialling 999 or 112 (international emergency code) and/or your breakdown recovery operator. Make sure clear instructions are given including road number, general location, direction of travel together with specific local land marks, vehicle type, registration number, how many persons are in the vehicle and an indication of the cause of the breakdown. When help arrives they will ask for proof of identity so keep this in the vehicle at all times.

When this is not possible, think safety first, and use the indicators or hazard warning lights and pull on to the hard shoulder.

Stop as far to the left as possible, with the wheels of the vehicle turned to the left facing away from the traffic. Try to stop near an emergency telephone (every mile on the hard shoulder) and leave the vehicle by the left-hand doors. Do not try to cross the carriageway at any time and keep the passengers well away from the carriageway.

Never attempt even simple repairs and do not leave the bonnet open at any time.

Give instructions to the passengers to remain behind the barrier on the motorway embankment and follow the arrows on the posts (every 100m) at the back of the hard shoulder to the nearest emergency telephone – calls are free and connect directly to the police. Alternatively you can use a mobile phone. Give full details, and also inform them if there is a large group.

When rejoining the motorway, always increase speed on the hard shoulder and watch for a safe gap in the traffic.

SAME RULES APPLY Whether travelling for business or leisure purposes the same rules apply and it is crucial that companies with a fleet of vehicles ensure every single one is checked to the highest standards. There is nothing worse than breaking down on a work trip or on the way to an important meeting due to lack of preparation. Breaking down in a large group can also be dangerous and difficult to manage, but with the right breakdown cover offering an efficient service it should be as painless as possible. L

BREAKING DOWN ON A MOTORWAY When travelling on a motorway there are additional important steps to remember when dealing with a breakdown situation.

Always try to leave the motorway at the nearest exit or pull into a service area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GEM Motoring Assist has a free information guide “Motorist Breakdown and Emergency Guide” which is available free of charge by visiting www.motoringassist.com/leaflets.

When rejoining the motorway, always increase speed on the hard shoulder and watch for a safe gap in the traffic

About the Author David Williams is CEO of GEM Motoring Assist (formerly the Guild of Experienced Motorists), an organisation that is not only committed to providing high quality breakdown assistance but aims to improve safety for all road users.

David has spent much of his career working as road safety officer in local government where he has made a name for himself. In 1985 he was elected as National Chairman of the Institute of Road Safety Officers and in 1987 he was appointed road safety adviser to the Guild of Experienced Motorists. He became involved in a variety of national strategies and was a member of the government's road safety publicity panel. He also gained the status of Fellow of The Institute of Road Safety Officers. In 1994 he was elected Chairman of the Association Of Industrial Road Safety Officers and in 1998 was awarded an MBE for services to road safety. He has been a member of The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety for over 20 years.

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

43

Be more fuel efficient and sustainable with O2 Drive

We can help you be greener and safer too.

While spending less on your fleet operations.

Fuel and maintenance are costly expenses when you manage large vehicle fleets. But new technology means its easier to affect change for the better. Just changing driving styles can reduce fuel costs by 20%. That's why we've partnered with Masternaut to create O2 Drive. Its a combined M2M driver style solution that saves fuel costs, is easy to install and has a positive effect on carbon emission and productivity.

Benefits?

• Reduces fuel costs and increases driver safety • Gives businesses the insight to improve business processes • Improves health and safety, compliance and customer service • Reduces accident claims, insurance premiums and overtime claims • Encourages responsible driving

O2 Drive demonstrates from day one the link between going green and cost savings; all for a monthly fee without large costs – making

How does it work?

this a product for companies running a fleet of vehicles to gain clear

• Information is taken via a small GPS unit discretely installed behind the

competitive advantage and increase their profitability.

vehicle dashboard that measures a number of driving style metrics • Data is transmitted via the O2 network

For more information about O2 Drive please contact:

• Information is made available in easy-to-understand driver, manager

o2int@masternaut.com

and company reports

We’re better, connected

GreenFleet Awards

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

EVENT PREVIEW

GREEN MOTORING GAINS PACE

Pioneers in environmental fleet management and green motoring will be celebrating at the 2011 GreenFleet Awards on 13 October Car manufacturers and fleet managers are taking great strides to combat climate change. There has been an explosion of ultra-frugal vehicles come onto the market and many organisations are using such vehicles, along with pioneering environmental strategies, to reduce the carbon output of their transport operations.

As the pace of environmental change quickens, the 2011 GreenFleet Awards, sponsored by O2, promises to be more hotly contested than ever. The 18 awards will be given out to deserving public and private sector fleet organisations and manufacturers for their efforts in environmental fleet management and low carbon motoring.

The glittering award ceremony will take place at Twickenham Stadium on 13 October and will be presented by world famous impressionist and comedian Alistair McGowan.

GREEN MOTORING The City Car Manufacturer of the Year Award, sponsored by O2, is presented to the manufacturer that has increased takeup of its range of smaller cars that produce CO2 emissions under 120 grams per kilometre (g/km).

The award for Electric Vehicle of the Year, sponsored by EDF Energy, is presented to the manufacturer of either a commercial or consumer EV that has demonstrated the best performance and best suitability for purpose in its class.

The Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year Award, sponsored by O2, is presented to the car manufacturer that has improved CO2 ratings of its standard fleet offerings

and expanded the range of lower CO2 models and alternatively fueled options available to fleet customers.

The LCV Manufacturer of the Year Award, sponsored by Michelin, will recognise the efforts made by manufacturers to reduce CO2 and incease fuel economy in the Light Commercial Vehicle Sector.

Meanwhile the LGV Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by Garmin, recognises advancements in the Large Goods Vehicle Sector (Over 7.5 Tonnes).

INNOVATIONS The Award for Industry Innovation is presented to the organisation that has introduced a new technology, practice or method that reduces fuel consumption and emissions and demonstrates innovation in its design and/or implementation.

The IT Innovation award examines the latest advancements in fleet technology, including fleet management software, telematics, route tracking and other IT related transport technology.

The Driver Training Company of the Year, sponsored by Big Green Book, is presented to the driver training organisation that has been successful in promoting and diversifying its green driving instruction courses, and has incorporated fuel economy training modules into its other driver awareness programmes.

The award for the Leasing Company of the Year will be presented to the leasing company that has made the biggest strides towards environmental considerations in its leasing policies.

Meanwhile, the Rental Company of the

Year Award recognises the efforts of the car rental sector to offer lower CO2 models and incorporate a robust environmental policy into its present and future operations.

The Private Sector Fleet Manager of the Year Award, sponsored by Elektromotive, recognises an individual currently working as a fleet manager in a private sector company that has demonstrated a commitment to making carbon reduction a priority in their day to day duties, and has promoted green fleet practices to other parts of their organisation.

There will be three awards for Private Sector Fleet of the Year, based on the fleet size of the company – below 250 vehicles, between 250-500 vehicles, and above 500 vehicles.

The award will be presented to the UK private sector organsation that can demonstrate a reduction in CO2 and other pollutants through fuel efficiency programmes, green fleet management and driver awareness training.

PUBLIC SECTOR ACHIEVEMENTS The Award for Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year, sponsored by Green Motion, will recognise an individual currently working as a fleet manager in a UK public sector organsation that has demonstrated innovation, dedication and a commitment to making carbon reduction a priority in their day to day duties.

There will be two Public Sector Fleet of the Year Awards – one for companies with over 250 vehicles (sponsored by Enterprise Rent-a-Car) and one for companies below 250 vehicles.

The award will be presented to the UK public sector organsation that can demonstrate a reduction in CO2 and other pollutants through fuel efficiency programmes, green fleet management and driver awareness training.

The Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by O2, is taken home by an individual in the motor transport industry whose efforts to promote and encourage greener transport have achieved considerable success. L FOR MORE INFORMATION To enter the GreenFleet Awards, submit your entry statement at www.greenfleetawards.co.uk before 15 September.

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

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ING GreenCARE: We’ll help you get the right balance

Greener, leaner fleets for a brighter future If you’re under pressure to minimise your fleet costs while also reducing CO2 emissions, then ING GreenCARE could make your life a lot easier.

Through comprehensive online reporting and analysis, GreenCARE enables you to assess the environmental impact of your fleet and identify cost savings. You can even benchmark your fleet’s performance and carbon footprint against our best performing customer fleet and the average across our 50,000 vehicles. All at the click of a mouse.

Find out more about this innovative new service today:

Call 0870 402 8242, email info@ingcarlease.co.uk or visit www.ingcarlease.co.uk and click on environment

EVENT REVIEW

SCOTLAND GETS SUPER-CHARGED GreenFleet Scotland 2011 was a hub of activity with visitors eager to get behind the wheels of the latest electric and low-carbon vehicles and attend the topical seminar sessions Organisations that run a fleet of vehicles are under constant pressure to keeps costs down while adhering to strict carbon reduction targets. To help them achieve this, GreenFleet Scotland – which took place on 1 September at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh – brought together the latest electric and low emission vehicles in one place.

Supported by the Energy Saving Trust Scotland and O2, the event allowed delegates to test drive the latest low-carbon and electric vehicles and see first-hand the products and services that make running fleets easier and greener. The event featured over 40 exhibitors, including big name manufacturers such as Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, SEAT and Renault. Attendees also filled out the seminar theatre where big name speakers such as John Curtis, head of low carbon vehicles and fuels at Transport Scotland, covered the latest policy issues surrounding clean motoring in Scotland.

ECO DRIVING The fuel-efficient driving experience kicked off the day’s proceedings. The teams attended a briefing session from the Energy Saving Trust Scotland on how to drive fuel efficiently and then took to the roads in order to demonstrate how certain driving techniques make a difference to fuel consumption. All teams used the same make and model of car – the Peugeot 308 Active HDi 92s provided by leasing company ING Car Lease, and O2, in partnership with Masternaut, supplied the tracking data, as well as making sure that teams stuck to the pre-set route.

After the experience had been completed, fuel consumption data was measured and analysed by Millbrook Laboratories – one of Europe’s leading organisations for the testing, development and demonstration of vehicles – to determine which team was the most fuel-efficient.

Scott Roberts from Tayside Fire and

GreenFleet Scotland

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

Rescue and George Thompson from Lothian and Borders Fire Safety partnered in the challenge and took home the title of most fuel efficient driving team after achieving a remarkable 78.6mpg. “It was a combination of George’s knowledge of the city and my frugal driving style that lead us to win. We chose a route that although had more miles, was more efficient which meant we could keep momentum going,” said Roberts.

“The car was terrific to drive and the O2 Drive unit, which alerted us to poor driving methods, was very useful in helping us achieve a fuel efficient driving style,” he added.

SEMINARS John Curtis, head of low carbon vehicles and fuels at Transport Scotland, kicked off the day’s seminars with an animated talk on the Scottish Government’s low carbon policy, as well as its electric vehicle charging plans.

“The Scottish Government has taken a technology neutral position,” said Curtis.

“There is no one solution to lowering transport carbon emissions, instead all low carbon vehicle types – be they electrics, hybrids, biodiesel or hydrogen-fueled – have a role to play in meeting our carbon reduction targets. The Scottish Government has funding and policies in place to help organisations make the change to a more sustainable fleet,” he added.

Ian Murdoch of Energy Saving Trust Scotland followed with a seminar announcing the details of EST’s Interest Free Loans. The

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

47

Products you trust

Innovation you demand

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Our EV chargers are reliable, quick to install and user friendly, with the additional benefits of: Easy integration with other Schneider Electric solutions Compliance with all appropriate safety specifications Compatibility with all plug-in hybrid and all electric vehicles built per SEA standards

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EVENT REVIEW loans, from £500 to £50,000, are being made available to support organisations in Scotland that want to reduce the carbon impact and fuel costs of their transport and travel arrangements with new, more efficient alternatives. Murdoch also discussed its Fuel Efficient Driver Training programmes which focus on teaching drivers the techniques that will enable them to drive more efficiently, resulting in cost and CO2 savings.

Smith, project manager for electric vehicle delivery at Transport for London lead a seminar on Source London, the capital’s city-wide charging network.

The initiative will see the installation of 1,300 public charging points on streets, in supermarkets and in retail car parks by 2013. Source London will allow members to charge their vehicles at any one of these public charging points for no more than £100 annual membership fee, whereas previously drivers would have to register in each of London's 33 boroughs in which they want to drive and use charge points.

Steve Smith explained: “The idea of creating a single brand was to unify the entire charging network in London to make it simple for users to identify which charge points they can use, regardless of who’s supplied them and what shape, size and colour they are.”

Continuing the electric theme, Sally Herbert from Newcastle City Council discussed the council’s plans for implementing an EV Infrastructure strategy, while Dave Gibson of South Lanarkshire Council shared his real-world experience of implementing electric vehicles into a fleet.

The O2 seminar on using technology to aid

GreenFleet Scotland

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

The teams attended a briefing session from the Energy Saving Trust Scotland on how to drive fuel efficiently and then took to the roads in order to demonstrate how certain driving techniques make a difference to fuel consumption. fuel efficiency was taken by Steve Thomas from Masternaut, while other seminar topics included speed limiting technology

by Gerry Leggatt from Autokontrol and fuel efficient driver training by Andrew Britton of Millbrook Laboratories.

ELECTRIC LEADS THE WAY Experts predict that by 2020, electric vehicles could account for approximately ten per cent of all vehicles sold in the UK. This equates to 260,000 vehicles being sold in 2020 alone, meaning 1.2m would have appeared on the

Transport Scotland’s John Curtis and Energy Saving Trust Scotland’s Ian Murdoch kick of the fuel efficient driving experience

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

49

Looking to change driver behaviour? ecoRoute HD™ works with Garmin’s turn-by-turn navigators to measure driver behaviour, provide active driver feedback and report mileage driven.

Simply plug into the vehicle’s OBDII port to view real-time data from your vehicle sensors and gauges. Monitor what impact driver style has on fuel consumption and provide real-time driver alerts on screen, with Garmin ecoChallenge.

For organisations that wish to measure and reduce the size of their Co2 emmisions as part of their corporate social responsibility, ecoRoute HD provides accurate fuel consumption figures so that you can calculate your carbon output.

Running a greener fleet doesn’t have to cost the earth but it could help improve your bottom line.

garmin.co.uk/ecoroute

EVENT REVIEW road over the course of the decade (Frost and Sullivan/British Gas report – November 2010).

A big focus of this years’ event was electric vehicles and supporting charging infrastructure, both in the seminar topics and the vehicles and products on display.

Visitors were able to test drive the latest electric models such as the Vauxhall Ampera, Nissan LEAF, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Citroen C ZERO and the Ford Transit Connect Electric.

The hugely anticipated Vauxhall Ampera proved very popular on the test track. The Ampera is the UK’s first range extended electric vehicle, due out in 2012. It works as a standard electric vehicle in that it is always driven by an electric motor. It has a Lithium-ion battery which delivers up to 30 miles on a full charge. But once the battery has depleted, a petrol engine kicks-in, driving an onboard generator to supply electricity to sustain the battery. And in this mode, the car can go on for another 310 miles.

Alex F Noble & Son displayed the all-electric Nissan LEAF, a compact, zeroemission five-passenger family car that comes fully equipped with features such as air conditioning, satellite navigation, a parking camera, a quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity. It has also been awarded the highest five star car safety rating following its performance in Euro NCAP’s stringent crash tests – the first electric vehicle ever to earn this distinction.

The all electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV, supplied

by Phoenix Car Company, also proved popular on the test circuit. With a range of 93 miles and a charge time of seven hours, the i-MiEV cleverly makes use of regenerative braking which uses the deceleration power to generates electricity to charge the battery.

Meanwhile Citroen demonstrated its fully electric C-ZERO. Powered by the latestgeneration lithium-ion battery system, it reaches a top speed of 80mph, accelerates from 0-62mph in 15 seconds and has a range of around 80 miles. It can either be charged by plugging into a 220-volt socket or can be charged using a 400-volt supply for an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.

Also available on the day was the Ford Transit Connect Electric provided

by Azure Dynamics. As a zero-emission, pure electric-powered version of the award-winning Transit Connect light commercial vehicle, it has a range of up to 80 miles and a top speed of 75mph.

MANUFACTURERS Eastern Western Motor Group provided a roundup of its low CO2, high economy vehicles, such as the BMW 320d, Mini One D, Toyota Auris Hybrid, Lexus CT Hybrid, and smart fortwo.

Peugeot had its fully electric Ion on the test circuit, as well as the 508 with 109g CO2/km and the 308 with 98g CO2/km in the exhibition hall.

Renault showcased the Clio eco2,

GreenFleet Scotland

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

Steve Thomas, Masternaut

Ian Murdoch, Energy Saving Trust Scotland

emitting just 94g/km of CO2 and boasting 76.3 combined mpg, as well as the Scénic 1.6 dCi 130 with Stop & Start, an mpg of 64.2 (combined) and only 115 g/km of CO2. The manufacturer also displayed its 100 per cent electric Kangoo Van Z.E., due to launch this Autumn.

SEAT demonstrated its ECOmotive Ibiza and Leon with Stop/Start and Brake Energy Recovery technologies. The Leon enjoys low CO2 of 99g/km and a combined fuel economy of 74.3 mpg while the Ibiza has emissions as low as 92g/km and fuel economy of 80.7 mpg.

Visitors also had the chance to drive Ashwood’s hybrid transit van as well as test the company’s fuel saving technology EcoDrive+ that provides 24/7 in-vehicle driver training to increase fuel efficiency.

Allied Electric also showcased its pure electric light commercial vehicle, the ZEV, as well as the company’s electric Eurobus.

GETTING CHARGED UP The charging infrastructure needed to enhance buyer confidence in electric vehicles was also a key theme of the day throughout the seminars and on the exhibition floor. Charging bay innovators Elektrobay demonstrated to visitors its original Elektrobay as well as the company’s new three-phase fast charger and Charging Solutions showcased its own range of charging points. Elsewhere, Schneider Electric displayed its electric vehicle charging solutions for garages, shopping centres and the roadside, and Axeon was on hand to discuss its Li-ion battery systems for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

51

Be more fuel efficient and sustainable with O2 Drive

We can help you be greener and safer too.

While spending less on your fleet operations.

Fuel and maintenance are costly expenses when you manage large vehicle fleets. But new technology means its easier to affect change for the better. Just changing driving styles can reduce fuel costs by 20%. That's why we've partnered with Masternaut to create O2 Drive. Its a combined M2M driver style solution that saves fuel costs, is easy to install and has a positive effect on carbon emission and productivity.

Benefits?

• Reduces fuel costs and increases driver safety • Gives businesses the insight to improve business processes • Improves health and safety, compliance and customer service • Reduces accident claims, insurance premiums and overtime claims • Encourages responsible driving

O2 Drive demonstrates from day one the link between going green and cost savings; all for a monthly fee without large costs – making

How does it work?

this a product for companies running a fleet of vehicles to gain clear

• Information is taken via a small GPS unit discretely installed behind the

competitive advantage and increase their profitability.

vehicle dashboard that measures a number of driving style metrics • Data is transmitted via the O2 network

For more information about O2 Drive please contact:

• Information is made available in easy-to-understand driver, manager

o2int@masternaut.com

and company reports

We’re better, connected

EVENT REVIEW

Multi-purpose utility vehicles also had their place at the event, with Double A Trading Company – the sole Scottish Distributors of Goupil Utility Electric Vehicles – displaying its dual mode electric-hybrid utility vehicle G5 which can be fitted with all types of equipment such as tippers and waste collectors.

Epowertrucks demonstrated its road legal electric trucks, electric utility vehicles, electric tugs, and multi passenger vehicles, while Green Machines’ 500ze city sweeper - the worlds first Lithium Ion powered vacuum sweeper specifically designed for city centre and urban cleaning - was on show throughout the day.

EXHIBITORS Attendees looking for advise on finance, leasing, and fleet management were spoilt for choice; Arnold Clark Vehicle Management, Inchcape Fleet Solutions, Automotive Leasing, ING Car Lease, and

Lex Autolease, were all on hand to share their expertise. Meanwhile environmentallyfocused rental business Green Motion were available to discuss greener rental options.

Autokontrol showcased its top speed limiters for cars and commercial vehicles, while Vtec Solutions in partnership with TomTom Business Solutions demonstrated its products which greatly improve fleet efficiency, such as WORKsmart™ with Active Driver Feedback™ and Optidrive™.

Edinburgh-based consultancy Environmentally Sustainable Systems was available on the day to discuss its new course of practical, on-the-road lessons which will help participants to drive in an greener way, while environmental business network Big Green Book explained its online directory of green approved products and services.

Heatshot showcased its heated windscreen wash system that clears ice, snow, grease, bird droppings and dead insects from the

GreenFleet Scotland

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

windscreen, and Michelin demonstrated its low rolling resistance tyres. Meanwhile PD Fuel-Tec (UK) demonstrated its new range of revolutionary fuel conditioners which are added to all types of liquid fossil fuels to increase efficiency and power, and reduce emissions and running costs.

SMA Vehicle Remarketing were on hand to discuss its traditional auction centres as well as its innovative range of online auctions, and Edinburgh Cycle Company demonstrated its range of electric bicycles.

Visitors returned from GreenFleet Scotland armed full of knowledge from the seminar theatre and full of inspiration about their next green vehicle purchase, as well as information on the products and services that make running fleets greener and more environmentally friendly.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.greenfleetawards.co.uk

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

53

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

EVENT PREVIEW

ENVIRONMENTAL MOTORING SHOWCASED IN WALES GreenFleet has become a media partner for Low Carbon Expo 2011, the first low carbon exhibition ever to be held in Wales Bringing together businesses and consumers under one roof, Low Carbon Expo will be held at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on 16-17 September.

With over 3,000 visitors expected to attend during both days, the exhibition will be one of the largest events of its kind in the UK. The event will feature an eco-transport pavilion with popular automotive brands Toyota and Nissan showcasing their latest high-performance hybrid electric vehicles.

GREEN VEHICLES Toyota has recently introduced the new Auris hybrid model following the success of the Prius while Nissan has developed a new electric vehicle called the Leaf. Besides these eco vehicles on show, a driving simulator provided by the Energy Saving Trust will offer visitors the chance to discover new ways of saving fuel when driving.

Nik Pearson, brand manager of Toyota GB, said: “I am delighted to be taking part in the Low Carbon Expo. It is important to spread the debate on low carbon technologies nationwide.”

Peter Middleton, the founder Low Carbon Expo, commented: "The transport pavilion at Low Carbon Expo will clearly be an important aspect to the show. Toyota and Honda will join other hi-tech eco transport exhibitors and help raise the profile of green motoring in the UK."

MEDIA PARTNERS The organisers of Low Carbon Expo have also revealed some other transport related media partners. GreenFleet is joined by other publications including Green Car Design, an online magazine looking at environmental car design, and Next Green Car, an online car guide covering electric, hybrid and other low emission vehicles.

Cars are not the only field of transport being exhibited from an environment standpoint.

Electric Bikes will be promoting the virtues of getting the public on electric powered bicycles instead of petrol or diesel fuelled vehicles.

"With a full and wide-ranging speaker programme and more than 50 companies already participating at the event, we're expecting plenty of interest in the

remaining exhibition spaces available at the event," added Jay Doyle, marketing manager for Low Carbon Expo.

Peter Davies, sustainable futures commissioner and chair of the Climate Change Commission for Wales said: “Low Carbon Expo is a long-awaited opportunity for the UK to showcase its incredible wealth of talent and expertise in this sector and take advantage of a new green-growth economy.”

Companies and organisations taking part at the show include the Low Carbon Energy Company, the Energy Saving Trust and Welsh Assembly Government.

The general public will have the opportunity to seek advice on home insulation and learn more about a wide range of renewable energy technologies, including solar PV (photovoltaic) panels, ground source heat pumps and wind turbines.

A free seminar programme is planned at the event, tackling key issues affecting the UK’s low carbon economy. The discussion groups will provide a useful opportunity for delegates to network with industry peers.

John Griffiths, minister for environment and sustainable development in the Welsh Government, is a guest speaker.

SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS Seminar presentations will range from asking if private companies and public sector agencies need to measure their carbon footprint and how best this can be done. There will also be a wide range of discussions about renewable energy, particularly the adoption of solar PV technologies. Plus there will be papers tackling whether it is commercially viable to run a fleet of electrical vehicles and what more can be done to promote low carbon behaviour.

Peter Middleton of Low Carbon Expo, commented: “With a full and wide-ranging speaker programme and more than 50 companies booked, the strong interest in Low Carbon Expo 2011 clearly shows there’s a big appetite for businesses to use trade shows to highlight their environmental technologies and eco-credentials.”

“We look forward to working with our sponsors and exhibitors to deliver a great event for the businesses and general public that visit. As excitement continues to build, we look forward to announcing more additions to our exhibitor list and speaker line-up ahead of the show,” added Jay Doyle from Low Carbon Expo. L FOR MORE INFORMATION www.lowcarbonwales.com

54

GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE | Volume 51

Road Test

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

PEUGEOT 508 SW ACTIVE eHDi 112

THE PANORAMIC PEUGEOT

The new Peugeot 508 benefits from a stop-start system which is claimed to enhance driveability and economy by up to 15 per cent. GreenFleet editor Angela Pisanu finds out how it drives The Peugeot 508 SW Active is an attractive and athletic car with bags of instant appeal owing to its beautifully streamlined body, tinted windows and its distinctive headlamps.

Taking a seat on the inside and the impressive stylistic features continue as you are greeted with a large panoramic glass roof stretching the length of the vehicle which lets in plenty of natural light and gives extra visibility.

I test drove the 112bhp, 1.6 litre diesel with a six-speed automatic transmission.

This model achieves a top speed of 120mph and eases from 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds.

During the test drive the car performed well, with the automatic transition showing no notable hesitation between gear changes.

STOP START Fuel economy on the 508 benefits from the latest engine technology including the new e-HDi stop and start system which the manufacturer says improves driveability and economy by up to 15 per cent. The stop start system is not completely discreet like some other systems but it is instant, turning off the engine when you brake and come to a complete stop and starting it again when the brake pedal is released.

What’s more, the car reveals data about how long the car was in ‘stop start’ mode, which is interesting to learn how much fuel you would have wasted during this time.

The CO2 figure for the model I drove was 116g/km which is impressive given the size of the car and the fact that it was an automatic.

This puts the car in band C, which means zero VED to pay for the first year and £30 a year after that. It is worth noting however that the CO2 on the range does go as low as 109g/km on the 1.6 manual diesel.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE The official figures for fuel economy are 55.3mpg on the urban cycle, 68.8mpg on the extra urban cycle and 64.7mpg on the combined cycle.

I achieved an average of 57.8mpg on a 205 mile trip which included a bumper-to-bumper trip in London as well as smooth flowing motorway driving. On this trip I used just a quarter tank of fuel. The fact that I got close to the manufacturer’s official figures without altering driving behaviour was impressive.

Based on a driver doing an average of 12,000 miles a year, achieving 58mpg means drivers of the 508 having to fill up just 13 times a year. Given today’s out-of-control fuel prices, this is a saving that most would jump at.

A noteworthy feature of the car was the additional speedometer which comes out the dash board. As well as telling the speed it gives the next command from the sat nav in single arrow icon. This was a great safety feature as you did not have to constantly look down at the speedometer or to the side at the sat nav.

CREATURE COMFORTS The 508 enjoys exceptional interior space and a very generous boot, especially when the rear seats are folded down. It comes

with a solid list of mod cons such as cruise control with speed limiter, heated seats, electric windows and air conditioning. The safety features include anti-lock braking, electronic brake force distribution, emergency braking assist, electronic stability, traction control, and so on. Further up the models to the GT and you even get a SOS button that automatically calls the emergency services if the vehicle is involved in a severe accident.

Given its high spec, numerous safety features, excellent fuel economy and reasonable starting price of £19,175, the new 508 SW is set to be successful within the fleet market. L

Peugeot 508 SW Active eHDi 112 Engine: MPG: CO2g/km: RFL:

1.6 diesel 62.7 (combined) 116g/km 1C

Insurance Group:

21 E

0-62mph:

12.3 seconds

Price range:

from £19,175

Volume 51 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE

55

Product Finder

Dedicated to Promoting a Cleaner Environment – www.greenfleet.net

ELECTRIC CHARGING SOLUTIONS

FLEET MANAGEMENT AND FUNDING

LEASING

Automotive Leasing

Schneider Electric

Lex Autolease

Address: Stafford Park 5, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 3BL Tel: 0870 608 8 608 Fax: 0870 608 8 606 gb-customerservices@ schneider-electric.com www.schneider-electric.co.uk

Address: Blake House, Hatchford Way, Birmingham, B26 3RZ Telephone: 0800 389 3690 marketing@lexautolease.co.uk www.lexautolease.co.uk

Address: Dominion Way, Rustington, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN16 3HQ Tel: 0844 493 5840 Fax: 0844 493 5850 marketing@automotive-leasing.co.uk www.automotive-leasing.org

Lex Autolease is the UK’s leading vehicle management and funding specialist. We have in excess of 300,000 vehicles currently under management, making us the UK's largest leasing company. But it’s through delivering world class customer service and developing a true partnership with businesses and public sector organisations, to help them face the challenges of running a fleet, which gives us our competitive edge.

Automotive Leasing specialise in delivering innovative, yet practical, vehicle leasing solutions for the public sector. As part of LeasePlan, the world's leading supplier of vehicle management solutions, Automotive Leasing delivers all the benefits you would expect from a market leading organisation.

Yet, whilst benefiting from big company innovations, the positive values of a small business have consciously been maintained.

As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments. With the current adoption of electric vehicles, we have pooled our expertise to develop and offer you the right charging solution for today’s changing transportation landscape.

ENERGY/ INFRASTRUCTURE

VEHICLE TRACKING

LEASING

EDF Energy

ING Car Lease

Tel: 01273 428635 Fax: 01273 428494 electricvehicles@edfenergy.com www.edfenergy.com/electricvehicles

Address: Phoenix House, Cookham Road Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1RR Tel: 0870 4028 229 mark.gibson@ingcarlease.co.uk www.ingcarlease.co.uk

EDF Energy, Britain’s largest producer of low-carbon electricity actively supports the development of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. We believe the take-up of electric transport is key to Britain meeting its carbon reduction targets set by government and we are working with motor manufacturers, charge point manufacturers, central and local government and investing in home, workplace and public EV charging points.

ING Car Lease provides a full range of funding and fleet management services to both private and public sector organisations and can offer advice to customers on all issues relating to both car and commercial fleets. Sitting within the top 10 largest leasing companies in the UK, ING has the expertise and ability to support a full range of vehicle management requirements.

TomTom Business Solutions Address: 20th Floor, Euston Tower, 286 Euston Road, London, NW1 3AS Tel: 020 7255 4684 uk.business@tomtom.com www.tomtom.com/business TomTom Business Solutions is the fastest growing telematics company in Europe keeping over 135,000 live connected vehicles moving every day. Our solutions keep your drivers moving and helps promote greener, safer driving whilst reducing cost by increasing efficiencies – so whether you have trucks, vans or cars there is a solution for you.

ADVERTISERS INDEX

The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service

56

BMW

14

O2

44, 52

Citroen

24

Peugeot

38

Energy Saving Trust

32

Renault

42

FIAT

IFC, 37

Schneider Electric

48

Ford

28

Shell

16

Garmin

50

TomTom

34

ING

46

Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles

20

Kia

30, 40

Volkswagen

10

Lex Autolease

6

Leaseplan

8

GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE | Volume 51

Volvo

4