Commercial GreenFleet November 2021

NOVeMBeR 2021

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS

NEWS

BIOGAS

RETROFIT

E-CARGO BIKES

INTERVIEW

EMBRACE THE CHANGE DHL Express UK’s work towards a fully electric fleet

THE ALL-NEW ISUZU D-MAX

A SAFER PICK-UP FROM THE GROUND UP

SMARTER. STRONGER. SAFER.

DRIVEN TO DO

VISIT ISUZU.CO.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION All fuel consumption and emission values are based on the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test cycle which uses real-world driving data. Official fuel economy for the standard Isuzu D-Max range in MPG (l/100km): Low 25.1–27.6 (10.2–11.2). Mid 31.4–36.4 (7.8–9.0). High 36.0–39.4 (7.2–7.8). Extra-High 29.0–30.8 (9.2–9.7). Combined 30.7–33.6 (8.4–9.2). CO2 emissions 220–241 g/km.

The All-New Isuzu D-Max is Smarter Stronger Safer compared to previous model. Visit isuzu.co.uk for full details.

Commercial Vehicle News

FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

UK confirms pledge for zero-emission HGVs by 2040

The UK government has confirmed that all new heavy goods vehicles in the UK will be zero-emission by 2040.

It will do this be phasing out new, non-zero emission heavy goods vehicles weighing 26 tonnes and under by 2035, with all new HGVs sold in the UK to be zero emission by 2040. The UK is the first country in the

world to commit to such a goal.

British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney, said: “This announcement is a welcome update and will support the industry in its drive towards decarbonisation. BVRLA members are already leading the way in making positive changes and it’s vital that regulations

acknowledge the different challenges experienced from one vehicle type to another.

“Use cases of HGVs vary significantly, so we welcome the government’s intention to consult on derogations that will enable a fair and achievable transition.

The BVRLA looks forward to working with the government on the delivery plan that will be essential in ensuring the UK road transport network can be decarbonised successfully.

“The approach must be comprehensive, particularly around HGVs where the barriers remain huge. The recent funding that was announced to support trials of zero emission technology for the sector is a very positive step, and we eagerly await the clarity this will bring to help meet the phase-out dates.”

Olly Craughan, head of corporate Social Responsibility at DPD Group UK Ltd said: “We totally support the withdrawal of the selling of new, non-zero emission HGVs in the UK by 2035, as we do the sale of new diesel/petrol final mile fleet vehicles by 2030. We would urge all parties involved in the supply of alternative green HGVs to press the fast forward button on their development plans so businesses like ourselves can make the transition as soon as possible.

“DPD is one of the brands leading the way on the decarbonisation of fleets but bringing down the cost of green HGVs and creating adequate supply will be essential to the UK hitting this target.”

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/4w9m2kvr

TRAINING

LAST MILE DELIVERIES

Government announces major review into HGV driver training

DHL Supply Chain trials eCargo bike for home deliveries

The government has announced it will review compulsory ongoing training for existing and returning heavy goods vehicle drivers.

Drivers currently need to undergo five days of periodic training every five years to ensure they remain fully qualified to drive heavy goods vehicles and buses professionally and up to date with road safety standards.

This training is an EU initiative and is compulsory within what is known as the Driver Certificates of Professional Competence (DCPC) regime.

While its aim is to keep standards high, some drivers are left to pay for the training themselves and are not paid whilst attending their training course. Feedback from industry suggests this puts off many

drivers who have left the profession from returning.

The review will look at how the process can be updated to reduce the burden on drivers – both returning and new – and ensure it doesn’t act as a barrier to working in the sector, as the government continues to bolster supply chains and tackle the global driver shortage here in the UK. In a further move to encourage more people back to the sector and attract new recruits, the government is working with key stakeholders to identify a number of lorry parks across the country where short-term facilities such as temporary toilets, showers and catering can be delivered in the coming months.

The government also emphasised the expectation that councils consider new proposals for these vital facilities constructively and has committed to review guidance that will assist this.

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/c9h3a7rn

Logistics company DHL has announced the start of a trial of the EAV eCargo bike for its smallitem home delivery service.

Operating in Edinburgh, the eCargo bike will deliver items that do not require two-person services but still require special handling. Current plans will see the vehicle make around seven to eight drops a day, carrying around four items at a time. The city was selected as its mix of terrain and size of the city provides the ideal environment to test the bike as part of DHL’s last-mile fleet.

Manufactured by EAV, the new bike has a load capacity of 2 cubic metres and a range of around 40 miles on a single charge. The eCargo bikes have been specifically designed for urban environments, and are zero-emissions, reliable, easy and cheap to operate.

Natalie Frow, vice president of operations for home delivery at DHL Supply Chain said: “With ambitious sustainability targets to hit, we’re always looking for new ways to structure the mix of our fleet to reduce overall emissions. The EAV eCargo bike has the potential to transform the way we make many home deliveries, not just in the

urban environment but across the country, so we’re looking forward to seeing the results of the trial.”

Leo Bethell, Head of Partnerships at EAV said: “It’s pivotal for the logistics industry to adapt to the changing urban environment, by embracing transport that is clean, efficient and unsusceptible to congestion.

DHL has the opportunity to positively disrupt legacy operational models, while hitting its sustainability targets, with our zero emissions, lightweight vehicles. We’re looking forward to demonstrating the value of the EAV 2Cubed in Edinburgh and hopefully developing our partnership with DHL.” READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/m426yv2d

November 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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Commercial Vehicle News

CHARGING

Waitrose to trial wireless charged e-Vans in London

Waitrose is to trial a new generation of electric vehicles equipped with wireless charging technology Groceries from Waitrose’s St Katherine’s Dock store will be delivered to customers entirely by electric vans when the trial commences in the New Year.

The move follows an ambition to end the use of fossil fuels across Waitrose’s entire transport fleet by 2030 - estimated to save 70,000 tonnes of CO2 every year, and comes as world leaders gather in Glasgow for the COP26 Climate Conference.

By 2030, Waitrose will have electrified all cars, vans and light trucks, and for sectors where that is not currently possible, such

as long distance heavy trucks, biomethane will be used. The supermarket will reach 340 biomethane trucks in the next few months, and by 2028 all 600 heavy trucks will be running on biomethane.

Wireless vans are fitted with a slim charging pad on the underside and simply top up by parking above an electric plate, exactly like flat charging plates for mobile phones. They can also be plugged in to charge overnight.

The technology is installed by EV technology specialists Flexible Power Systems, which also equips the store with a cloud based smart charging system designed for home delivery.

The vehicles will be delivering groceries over the coming months from the St Katherine’s

Dock Waitrose store in London and are expected to be expanded in the near future.

The trial builds on a deployment with City of Edinburgh Council and Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, funded by the UK Government’s Office for Low-Emission Vehicles through its innovation agency Innovate UK. Marija Rompani, director of ethics & sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, comments: “Before the pandemic, we were taking 60,000 orders a week - we’re now doing well over 200,000 orders. That uplift in demand for grocery deliveries means that prioritising an electric fleet is more important than ever, particularly as world leaders meet at COP26 to discuss how we lower global emissions.”

“We’ve already committed to electric vans and have created a new biomethane gas filling station too, which is helping to reduce CO2 emissions by 80 per cent. We continue to look for new innovative ways to cut our emissions even further, as well as bring in the latest technology. Being the first to trial this new wireless charging technology is both exciting and another example of our ambition to show leadership in this space.”

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/yf7eman9

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

CNG Fuels to host hydrogen trials for HGVs CNG Fuels has announced plans to host hydrogen fuel trials across its rapidly expanding UK network of public access biomethane refuelling stations to support the future decarbonisation of HGVs. A new branch of the company, HyFuels, has been established to identify the best hydrogen production pathways and infrastructure solutions for HGVs. The first trials are due to begin in mid-2022, with the company currently in discussions with international partners and undertaking feasibility studies across its upcoming development sites. By 2025, the company plans to allocate 100 acres of its land to public access hydrogen refuelling Philip Fjeld, CEO of CNG Fuels, said: “HGVs alone account for five per cent of all UK emissions, making their decarbonisation one of the single most important things the UK can do to meet our net zero ambitions.

Renewable biomethane is and will continue to be the most effective decarbonisation solution for heavy transport for many years. However, we have launched HyFuels to ensure we are ready to support our customers’ journey to a multi-fuel future as new technologies become commercially viable and the fuel readily available.”

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Mid-weight trucks (<26 tonnes) will be among the first to be commercially viable for new technologies such as hydrogen.

The trials carried out by HyFuels will be particularly important for hauliers that operate <26 tonne trucks, helping them to navigate challenging decarbonisation targets proposed by government, including a potential ban on diesel engines by 2035.

HyFuels is already in advanced discussions with major international providers of both hydrogen infrastructure and the fuel to deploy their first trials. Among the first initiatives will be a number of hydrogen-ready mobile refuelling units that are able to quickly deliver

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net/commercial

hydrogen to refuelling sites on demand.

Findings from the trials will be used to inform government, industry, and existing customers on the effectiveness of different hydrogen solutions and outline key infrastructure considerations for a hydrogen refuelling network. The company is also planning to incorporate the findings into a wider business strategy, with a complete roadmap for companies to switch fleets from diesel to net zero fuels.

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/98fp4zkv

Citroën Ami Cargo Electric confirmed for UK sale in 2022

Citroën UK has announced that the commercial version of the Ami – Ami Cargo Electric – will launch in the UK during 2022.

The compact Ami Cargo is designed to allow fleet and business operators to deliver packages and run services in urban areas. The Ami Cargo Electric features a 5.5kWh Lithium battery pack, connected to a 6kW electric motor for emissions-free driving. The vehicle can be fully charged in just three hours and is capable of up to 46 miles of range.

With zero CO2 emissions in use, Ami Cargo is exempt from current and future Congestion and Ultra-low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) charges.

The Ami Cargo Electric has been designed to provide maximum load capacity, whilst maintaining the model’s compact and agile build. The model is 2.41m long, 1.39m wide and 1.52m tall, and has a tight turning circle of just 7.20m, ideal for city driving, manoeuvres and parking.

The passenger seat found in Ami has been replaced by

a seven-part polypropylene module that can hold up to 260-litres and 140kg of cargo or goods. This extends the interior storage already available, giving Ami Cargo a total load capacity of 400-litres.

The Ami Cargo Electric has a vertical partition between the driver and cargo area.

Positioned to provide optimum space behind the wheel, it ensures the driver is always protected when out on the road. The vehicle is also fitted with a secondary modular shelf unit capable of holding up to 40kg, which can be converted into a desk when parked. There is also a two-way adjustable floor allowing the vehicle to carry larger items.

The Ami Cargo will be adapted for the UK market, but will remain left-hand drive.

Launch timings, pricing, specification details and supply arrangements will announced shortly.

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/hychccy3

ELECTRIC VANS

Aviation company Up & Away takes on fleet of electric vans Private aviation support company Up & Away have ordered 15 Volkswagen ABT e-Transporter vans, which will be used by the team to transport equipment to and from airports across the UK. Up & Away Aviation Detailing serves the UK’s private aircraft industry by offering a full range of interior and exterior valeting, and detailing services.

The new fleet of all-electric ABT e-Transporters features a bespoke livery and is converted with a tailored racking solution to store equipment

Commercial Vehicle News

Logistics UK’s Denise Beedell

ELECTRIC VANS

securely in the vans.

The ABT e-Transporter was developed in collaboration with Premium Partner ABT e-Line, combining quiet and smooth driving, instant torque, fast charging, and high load capacity. The model offers an all-electric range of up to 82 miles, with cargo space of 6.7m3. Flexible charging options allow for 80 per cent charge in just 45 minutes.

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/2hej72nc

The route to net zero: a manifesto for logistics The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow brought together more than 130 nations to discuss and accelerate the action needed to tackle the global climate crisis. While the transition to low or zero carbon freight transportation is already underway, the COP26 community is pushing for this shift to happen more quickly, with international collaboration and consensus vital on the issue to safeguard the future of our planet. While much focus has been placed on road transport – as it for accounts for 10% of global emissions, and its emissions are rising faster than those of any other sector – it is vital that all forms of freight transport are decarbonised to support the UK’s net zero goals.

To set out the positive steps that the government and policymakers should make to help logistics decarbonise their operations across all transport modes as quickly as possible, Logistics UK launched The Route to Net Zero: A Manifesto for Logistics, via a virtual webinar on 10 November 2021 (Transport Day at COP26).

At the launch webinar, David Wells, chief executive at Logistics UK was joined by Andy Eastlake, CEO of Zemo Partnership, who shared essential insights into the future of transport as the UK moves towards a net zero economy.

Jackie Hewson, alternative fuels implementation manager – transport at John Lewis Partnership and Elaine Pringle, fleet manager at Scottish Water – both members of Logistics UK’s Route to Net Zero commitment – presented their companies’ decarbonisation strategies, providing insight and learnings for those looking to make the next step on the route to net zero.

Within the document, The Route to Net Zero: A Manifesto for Logistics, Logistics UK details 11 key priorities that must be in place for the logistics industry to decarbonise successfully. These include the need for large scale technology trials to result in clarity and certainty for HGV operators on which zero tailpipe emission technologies will be commercially viable, enabling long-term business planning; and government infrastructure development plans that fully recognise the needs of commercial vehicles and include targets on how, where and when the supporting infrastructure will be in place.

The one-hour launch webinar recording is free to watch for both Logistics UK members and non-members alike.

To view the webinar, and download a copy of The Route to Net Zero: A Manifesto for Logistics, please visit: https://logistics.org.uk/ environment/netzero FURTHER INFORMATION For more information about the organisation and its work, including its ground-breaking research into the impacts of COVID-19 on the whole supply chain, please visit logistics.org.uk Denise Beedell, policy manager for vans and urban, Logistics UK

November 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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Biogas Written by Jon Hughes, head of communications, Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association

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Why it’s time to maximise the use of biomethane as a transport fuel As immediate action is required to avoid climate catastrophe, for HGVs, there is only one mass adoptable fuel and vehicle technology that delivers decarbonisation here and now, and that is biomethane, writes Jon Hughes from the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association Over 20 years ago, Finland gave the gohydrogen and carbon capture and storage ahead for a nuclear reactor at Olkiuloto.

(CCS) – none of which are expected to deliver “The application for a new reactor was any meaningful impact at scale within the based primarily on economic criteria, next 15 to 20 years. To keep warming to lowest kWh cost and lowest sensitivity to below 2C, ideally 1.5C, the world needs fuel price increases,” according to the to increase its action and cut current World Nuclear Association. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions organisation also notes that by ~50 per cent by 2030.

“Government support was based mainly on Time to take When climate policy.” action now biometh Featuring Action now is the call. a n e is produ new safety and Action tomorrow is the organic ced from engineering political response. features, this new Nowhere is this more biomet wastes, hane ca generation reactor apparent than in n carbon was designed to be the transport sector. negativ be built rapidly. It was Transport emissions are e scheduled to come the largest contributor to on stream in 2009. the UK’s GHG emissions, It has yet to produce responsible for 27 per cent. And a single kWh, 13 years yet, no sector has decarbonised later than scheduled and 20 at a slower rate, cutting GHG emissions years after getting the green light. by just five per cent since 1990.

The timeframe is critical. The world’s According to the UK government’s recent scientists in the run up to and at Net Zero strategy, this problematic sector COP26 put humanity on red alert. The can be largely decarbonised with electricity message is clear, we have just 10 years (and hydrogen) despite critical practical to reduce carbon emissions or bake and technological barriers – from the lack in warming of 2.7C – a level at which of generating capacity, storage capability we risk runaway climate change. and charging infrastructure, to batteries’ Olkiluoto is a sobering tale as the current inability to power heavier modes of UK government hitches its wagon to transport. Meanwhile, ready-to-use solutions, decarbonisation options such as nuclear, including biomethane, which currently

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net/commercial

deliver the greatest carbon savings in the transport sector, continue to be overlooked.

To power everything the government wants to plug-in would require an over 300 per cent increase in renewable electricity generation. It must be renewable, otherwise it wouldn’t be decarbonising any of the sectors. The UK’s renewable electricity generation already fails to cover current demand, let alone the additional energy required to power the transport sector.

And, it must be noted, even before the ink was dry on the government’s transport decarbonisation plan, the Times newspaper reported that rationing was on the cards. It said new regulations would come into force at the end of May 2022, meaning new chargers in the home and workplace will be pre-set to not function from 8am to 11am and 4pm to 10pm, while random 30-minute delays can be imposed if demand becomes too great.

The move will not apply to public chargers and rapid chargers on motorways and A-roads, while shift workers may be able to override the home shutdowns.

A focus on tailpipe emissions The Department for Transport are overly focused on tailpipe emissions, also known as tank-to-wheel (TTW), as opposed to well-to-wheel (WTW) emissions. Only the latter considers all the emissions incurred from the fuel’s production, transportation, and use. Consequently, with such a strong emphasis on zero tailpipe emissions, the decarbonisation strategy seems to favour fossil-generated electricity, over carbon negative biomethane. This raises an increasingly hot topic, emissions leakage, which basically amounts to passing the parcel.

An electric vehicle (EVs) may well be carbon free but unless it is charged with renewable electricity, carbon is instead spewed out upstream. The transport sector claims the carbon savings, while the wider energy sector suffers. On the face of it, powering vehicles with coal-generated electricity would successfully decarbonise transport, only because it is robbing Peter to pay Paul. The analysis also doesn’t factor in the technological issues associated with electrifying the whole UK fleet of vehicles.

There are further emissions leakage to consider as well, in the mining of the precious minerals, such as cobalt, coltan, copper

The issue with HGVs TTW is a blanket approach that does not recognise the respective needs of each sector. While car and van fleets due to fixed terminus and generally short- to mediumrange use make BEV a viable and sensible solution, it does not apply for long haul vehicles such as HGVs, responsible for 17 per cent of total UK transport emissions.

The technology does not yet exist to allow for mass adoption, range anxiety and refuelling times remain a big hurdle.

For HGVs, there is only one mass adoptable fuel and vehicle technology that delivers decarbonisation here and now, and that is biomethane.

Yet, biomethane was a clear loser in the government’s decision to convert all road vehicles to zero tailpipe emission ones by 2040. While biomethane HGV emit CO2 from the tailpipe, the fuel may be considered carbon neutral. All carbon in biomethane originates from the atmosphere – CO2 is absorbed by plants via photosynthesis, organic feedstocks

are converted to biomethane via anaerobic digestion (AD), and this biogenic CO2 is released when combusted inside an engine.

The sustainable carbon cycle is completed.

When biomethane is produced from organic wastes, biomethane can be carbon negative – i.e. greater than 100 per cent emission savings compared to diesel. Treating organic wastes via AD avoids methane emissions, otherwise released when poorly managed organic waste rot. Both the EU’s RED II and California’s Low Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS) account for these avoided emissions, such that biomethane derived from livestock wastes are shown to be strongly carbon negative.

By treating the UK’s unavoidable organic wastes, biomethane can deliver an immediate 20 per cent cut in GHG emissions by fuelling the HGV, bus and coach sector.

Every HGV fuelled with biomethane will reduce CO2 emissions by over 80 percent when compared to a diesel Euro VI vehicle. This will result in a reduction of 150 tons of CO2 per vehicle annually. Other benefits of biomethanefuelled HGVs include: >70 per cent less NOX, and 99 per cent less particulate matter Hermes, the UK’s second largest parcel deliver company, has just increased the size of its bio-CNG fleet to 72, saving 9,600 tonnes of CO2 across the entire fleet. Every tonne of carbon saved today is the equivalent of 30 tonnes in 2050. Clearly, biomethane makes an immediate and positive impact in line with what the science tells us.

It not only makes sense environmentally but also economically. Gas fuel is up to 40 per

Biogas

and nickel, required for the manufacture of electric vehicles and of course lithium for the battery technology, over which China has a stranglehold. These prove ruinous to battery EVs (BEVs) carbon ratings under a WTW analysis. This is the elephant in the room for BEV, alongside the question of where do all the old cars go to die? Are they being offshored, to cities without Clean Air Zones (CAZs) such as Liverpool, or overseas? These issues must be addressed to deliver the desired results.

cent cheaper than diesel, primarily due to the difference in fuel duty. Despite a higher initial capital investment and the typically higher maintenance costs compared to diesel, gas vehicles can provide a ROI within two years with vehicles travelling 160,000 km/year That is why so many fleets are adopting the fuel. A host of companies outside of Hermes are driving on biomethane – John Lewis, ASDA and Royal Mail to name a few. And a host of cities have adopted biomethane buses for their health and environmental benefits, such as Nottingham and Bristol, while Liverpool recently introduced a fleet of biomethane-fuelled refuse collection vehicles.

Current production of biomethane could fuel eight per cent of the HGV fleet. At its full potential, biomethane could fuel 97 per cent of the fleet. There are over 520,000 HGVs in the fleet; if all turned to biomethane that would be over 24,000,000 tonnes of carbon emissions avoided. This could be achieved by 2030.

Not only could it be achieved, it must be achieved if the government is to make good on its commitment to the Global Methane Pledge to cut methane emissions from human activity by 30 per cent against 2020 levels by 2030 – and introduce mandatory food waste collections from 2023.

The government needs to rethink and reset its approach to the transport sector. As with all sectors, there is no one solution. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.adbioresources.org

“Proud to fuel greener fleets for greener futures”

Roadgas works with both small and large fleet operators to provide a complete supply solution for the delivery of CNG, LNG, LCNG & biomethane fuels.

Enjoy long term fuel savings and reduce harmful emissions fuelling@roadgas.co.uk 0115 822 5530 www.roadgas.co.uk

November 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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Supporting sustainable transport

Alliance Transport Technologies has supported the commercial and passenger vehicle industries for over 28 years. ATT offers an enhanced offering unmatched by the UKs aftermarket. With Remanufacturing, new parts alongside the in house and mobile technical engineering team ATT offers its customer base the complete package. ATT specialise in vehicle Electronics, Emissions control parts and engineering support.

ATT has become operators first choice partner for them. With the in house expertise and technical knowledge many of its customer base has no trouble utilising its engineering consultancy leg of the business.

Operators have seen not only huge financial savings on their existing spend but also an improvement in quality and reliability.

ATT’s partnering approach has been a huge success in helping operators recognise

significant carbon savings and in some areas even helping businesses achieve a carbon negative status. This supports our partner operators taking huge steps to achieving their corporate and social responsibility (CSR) goals.

One of the strategic partnership ATT has is with retrofit and OEM exhaust manufacturers HJS Emissions Technologies.

ATT have worked in partnership with the German manufacturers for over 5 years supplying and installing over 1000 of the NOx reducing exhaust aftertreatment systems for the UK bus market.

This partnership has allowed for ATT the establish a strong presence within the emissions control sector and in turn has developed a compelling product set that sees the range of products become available to the aftermarket. Products such as NOx sensors, Dosing Modules and Dosing

www.alliancett.co.uk

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DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net/commercial

pumps are now available from ATT via the E-commerce platform developed in 2021.

The continuous drive to be the market leader in future technologies has led to significant investment within product R&D and future drive line technologies. ATT’s very own battery production facility in Chesterfield has propelled the business into a market sector that firmly secures the future of the business and the product developments within the marketplace. L Learn more about ATT via the website or by contacting Charlotte Ward, Head of Sales and Marketing below FURTHER INFORMATION www.alliancett.co.uk Charlotte.ward@alliancett.co.uk

Retrofit Technology

Retrofit solutions can help fleets meet air quality regulations As London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone has now expanded, and other Clean Air Zones are in operation, Zemo Partnership says that one way for operators of larger vehicles to meet the challenge is to adopt approved vehicle retrofit solutions for cutting polluting emissions The new London ULEZ began operation from 25 October and is 18 times the size of the current central area, covering the area within the North and South Circular roads (but not these roads themselves), so will affect many more drivers and vehicle operators. The Zone, which will operate 24/7 (except Christmas Day) is estimated to affect 100,000 cars, 35,000 vans and 3,000 lorries.

Transport for London says that the original central London ULEZ has seen air pollution reduced by half.

The UK’s first Clean Air Zone (CAZ) began operating in Bath earlier this year (with Birmingham following in June) and new CAZs are to be introduced in Portsmouth (29 November), Bradford (22 Jan, 2022) plus Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone pilot (February, 2022) followed

by Bristol and Newcastle CAZs next summer. In many of these areas there are funds and grants available to support operators wanting to upgrade or retrofit their vehicles to reduce emissions.

The Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS), jointly operated by Energy Saving Trust and Zemo, identifies which CVRAS-approved companies and emission reduction systems suit vehicles best, based on make, model and Zem engine type. It supports Partner o companies’ efforts has rec ship to improve their publish ently fleets, and lists the only retrofit update ed an options available Vehicle d Clean that comply with the R regulations for the Techno etrofit log Ultra Low Emission Guide y Zone in London, Clean Air Zones and Scotland’s Low Emission Zones, all of which use the same vehicle standard thresholds.

Retrofit Technology Guide Zemo Partnership also recently published an updated Clean Vehicle Retrofit Technology Guide to highlight the role that the wide range of retrofit technologies can play E November 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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Retrofit solution eliminating roadside emissions and weight you’ll save by not transporting generators and fuel, and you can begin to see why the LPS II is such a game-changer.

96 If you think you need a fleet of EVs before you can drive down emissions, here’s some important news: A simple, low-cost change to your current vehicle set-up could allow you to make significant savings and eliminate roadside emissions TODAY. Fleets across the UK and Europe are moving to the all-new, all-in-one Lithium Power Supply (LPS II) from Clayton Power.

The compact unit, with a built-in Li-Ion battery, recharges on the go from the vehicle alternator, from solar and/or mains hook-up.

It’s powerful enough to keep angle grinders, light welding units and compressors charged and online – and it keeps going, even when vehicles are switched off.

Reduce roadside noise The LPS II is also significantly quieter than running petrol generators and using power take-off (PTO). So instead of having jobs interrupted because of noise concerns, you can carry on working through the night and get jobs finished.

And remember, working without roadside noise and fumes isn’t just good for the environment – it’s great for your teams too.

More room to play with The compact, all-in-one LPS II, also gives you more space to play with inside the vehicle. And it’s lighter than alternative lead/AGM systems – by up to 225kg. Add to that the room

Easy to install and remove It takes minutes to install the plug-and-play LPS II. And if you want to remove it, this is an easy job too. So once your vehicle has reached its end of life – or even comes to the end of its lease – you can just pop the LPS II out and install it in another vehicle. It’s so portable that you could even manage it via your tooling budget.

All of this comes with the reassurance of quality European design and manufacture.

The LPS II has been built to the highest levels of safety, durability, and compliance for use in Europe and the UK. Want to find out more?

Get in touch with the team at Clayton Power to arrange a demo. See it in action, and you’ll understand why companies including Cadent Gas, Openreach and Sainsbury’s are switching to the LPS II. L FURTHER INFORMATION Claytonpower.com/uk ukinfo@claytonpower.com +44 (0)2920 240 9396

DON’T WAIT FOR EV Switch to the LPS II to power your tools and equipment – and eliminate roadside emissions right now.

Recharges from solar, mains hook-up and alternator ZERO roadside emissions Quieter – so no downtime because of noise pollution Easy to install and remove Lighter

Reduce payload by up to 115kg compared to Lead/AGM systems

CALL US TODAY

Find out how the LPS II can save you money, provide a better working environment for your teams and help you

eliminate roadside emissions.

claytonpower.com/uk | ukinfo@claytonpower.com | +44 (0)2920 240 9396

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DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net/commercial

Retrofit Technology Image © Excalibre

 in improving air quality by cleaning up the existing vehicle fleet.

The Guide gives vehicle operators and local authorities an understanding of national air quality frameworks for reducing roadside NO2 concentrations, providing case studies with examples of a range of accredited retrofit technologies that achieve Euro VI-equivalent levels of emissions through the CVRAS. The Guide covers technologies accredited for buses, coaches, trucks, refuse collection vehicles and black cabs. (Many are also applicable to vans and minibuses.)

NOx abatement technologies such as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Euro VI engine repower can provide cost-effective alternatives to purchasing new CAZ or ULEZ-compliant vehicles. Of course, retrofitting a fully electric drivetrain will also eliminate tailpipe emissions, but these too need to be accredited to ensure robust standards. Case studies and total cost of ownership (TCO) examples for accredited technologies are included in the guide to direct readers to the most suitable solution.

Zemo Partnership’s project manager, Dan Hayes, said: “Retrofit solutions have been one of the key ’tools in the box‘ to help owners of existing vehicles meet the strengthening emissions requirements without completely replacing their fleet in one go.

“Twenty years ago the uptake of particulate traps was accelerated in this way and, today, NOx reduction technologies (mandated on all new vehicles) are now available to be retrofitted to a wide range of commercial vehicles. With funding support available in many local areas, retrofitting can be an attractive option for hard pressed operators to clean up emissions from existing vehicles.”

Zemo Partnership recently published an updated Clean Vehicle Retrofit Technology Guide to highlight the role that the wide range of retrofit technologies can play in improving air quality by cleaning up the existing vehicle fleet Funding available In England, the Clean Air Fund, which is worth £220m, is available to local authorities to help mitigate the impact of air quality improvement measures on local businesses and residents, such as supporting retrofit programmes for fleet operators to help them achieve compliance.

Leeds City Council has used the fund to support the retrofit of non-scheduled buses, coaches and HGVs that operate frequently in the area. The local grant scheme will provide up to £16,000 for CVRAS approved retrofit or repower solutions, support to purchase a new compliant Euro VI vehicle or contribute towards exiting a non-Euro VI vehicle lease contract so the operator can acquire a compliant vehicle.

Birmingham City Council have been awarded £38m through the Clean Air Fund to support a range of measures including retrofit or repower of black cabs (£5m) and support for HGVs and coaches (£10.05m).

In Scotland, the Low Emission Zone Retrofit Fund from the Energy Saving

Trust will provide micro businesses, who operate within one of Scotland’s four proposed low emission zones, with support to retrofit their existing non-compliant vehicles with Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) approved solutions that meet the minimum proposed standards of the low emission zones.

Grants are available to cover up to 80 per cent of the cost of a retrofit solution. This breaks down as up to £5,000 per light commercial vehicle and wheelchair accessible taxi installing retrofit exhaust after-treatment systems.

The grant covers up to £10,000 per wheelchair accessible taxi installing re-powering technology, and up to £16,000 per heavy goods vehicle or refuse collection vehicle. L FURTHER INFORMATION Download the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Technology Guide from www.zemo.org.uk The CVRAS register can be found here: tinyurl.com/xea8e538

November 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net/commercial

12/07/2021 14:11:03

Sustainable transport needs to be considered as a long-term investment for your business and the planet, believes Richard Crook, director of fleet at DHL Express UK, who shares the company’s own work to decarbonise its fleet What are the sustainability plans What is the charging of Deutsche Post DHL Group infrastructure like at DHL sites? as a whole, and what are DHL Our electric vehicles are charged overnight Express’ green plans in the UK? on site for deployment on routes where As the world’s largest logistics provider, the mileage is within range, we have a sustainability is a driving force at Deutsche commitment that any new site has to have Post DHL Group. In 2008, we launched our a provision for charging infrastructure.

GoGreen programme and became the first We’re working closely with manufacturers logistics company in the world to set a and authorities to discuss how nationwide measurable climate protection target, charging facilities could support aiming to improve CO2 efficiency commercial vehicles as this by 30 per cent by 2020. This will be key to enabling full goal was achieved in electrification – particularly We 2016, four years ahead when it comes to recently of schedule, thanks serving less densely launche to a diverse range of populated areas. d a riverbo measures to optimise delivery at parcel the Group’s vehicle How are you service fleet, buildings and greening the o Thames logistics networks. ‘last mile’ of , suppo n the rted by pow In 2017, we took deliveries? er-assis GoGreen one step further, Providing an efficient ted b ik introducing Mission 2050 last mile delivery es – our ambition to reduce service requires a careful all logistics-related emissions balance of cost, speed to net zero by 2050 and globally and environmental impact. we are investing more than €7billion

Recent growth in e-commerce to support this commitment. The funds will means a high number of deliveries, but be heavily focused towards electrification of often a lower number of parcels per delivery, last-mile delivery fleet, sustainable aviation which increases the need for last mile fuels and climate-neutral buildings. solutions that are cost effective, but also minimise their impact on the environment.

How many electric vans do you Our GoGreen products allow customers to have and how are they used? offset the carbon footprint of their shipment We now have 60 electric vans operating through external, certified Gold Standard in cities across the UK. A further 50 will be climate protection projects, such as our introduced before the end of the year, with climate protection project in Lesotho. Through 220 more in its UK-wide fleet before the end packaging labelling consumers know they of 2022. Every new courier vehicle purchased are getting a carbon neutral service which will be electric, resulting in 100 per cent of is a really differentiating point for retailers. the UK-wide fleet being electric by 2030.

We also offer retailers GoGreen reports to At the moment our electric fleet is being give them visibility of their carbon footprint. used in city centres where there is a need We have expanded our portfolio of for deliveries to be quieter, as they pass Service Points and lockers across the through built-up areas, but also greener to combat higher congestion. In rural areas the greater distance between deliveries presents different challenges, electric vans need considerable range as well as greater charging infrastructure needs to be available. But the technology is moving fast and vehicle range is increasing so we can already see the opportunity to electrify around 60 per cent of our routes.

Interview

Embrace the change positively

UK where parcels can be collected or returned at the convenience of customers.

This enables deliveries to be consolidated while enabling recipients to collect their parcels at a convenient location.

As well as electrifying our fleet, we recently launched a riverboat parcel delivery service on the Thames, supported by power-assisted bikes which transports documents and small parcels into central London. This reduces the number of vehicles on the road by replacing them with an environmentally sound alternative which is also fast and efficient.

For a networked operation like DHL Express, sustainability has to go beyond the last mile element, it’s about creating a completely green solution from the moment a parcel is collected to the moment it is delivered to the end recipient. This means looking at every aspect of our operation, from our facilities to our aircraft. In 2019 we opened our first carbon-neutral Service Centre and earlier this year we announced the purchase of 12 fully electric Alice eCargo planes, which will provide the first step towards an electric air as well as road fleet.

Are you using, or investigating, any other alternative fuels?

We’re constantly reviewing options for decarbonising our entire fleet, as part of this we’re regularly reviewing and trailing alternative fuel options for our heavy commercial vehicles to assess the viability for our operations. In addition, our investment in eCargo planes is a really important step in our decarbonisation journey and a major step forward for the industry as a whole.

What advice would you give to other companies that are looking to switch to electric vehicles?

Sustainable transport needs to be considered as a long-term investment plan for your business and the planet. My advice is to review your options carefully, make sure your choices are fit for your purposes but also look to adapt if you can, don’t be afraid of the technology. Embrace the change positively and be sure to engage correctly with both your customers and your employees; both need to be positively engaged on the journey for it to succeed. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.dhl.com

November 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

13

E-Cargo Bikes Written by Energy Saving Trust

The benefits of e-cargo bikes for last mile deliveries E-Cargo bikes offer the opportunity to decarbonise your last mile delivery fleet, reduce running costs and leave your staff happier and healthier at the end of the day, writes the Energy Saving Trust Last mile deliveries are the movement of change through carbon emissions. According goods from a supplier to the final delivery to Department for Transport (DfT) research, address and have experienced the delivery and collection of goods sustained growth since the accounted for 16 per cent of all van introduction of ecommerce usage in the UK in 2019-202, up 51 in 2000. Total road from an estimated eight per per cen kilometres in the UK cent in 2016. According to t of all m have subsequently one study of European Cities, o t o r i sed trips as increased by 27 in urban areas van usage with th sociated billion kilometres, created by commercial 22 per cent of which deliveries accounts for of goode transport can be attributed to around 30 per cent of s c o uld be shifted van travel. This trend transport CO2 emissions, fr has been accelerated over 50 per cent of NOx bikes o om cars to r eca in the past year, as emissions and 40 per cent of lockdown restrictions particulate matter emissions. bikes rgo have encouraged Gordon Manson, programme more online purchases. manager at Energy Saving Trust, Last mile deliveries are often comments: “Decarbonising the last mile made by small diesel vans, which contributes delivery sector has the potential to mitigate to congestion, poor air quality and climate some of the harmful impacts of congestion, air

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DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net/commercial

quality and climate change caused by carbon emissions – particularly in urban areas”.

It has been shown that within urban areas, 51 per cent of all motorised trips associated with the transport of goods could be shifted from cars to bikes or ecargo bikes.

E-Cargo bikes come in variety of configurations, from two to four wheels, front and rear load boxes or trailers. The wide range of e-cargo bike configurations means that there is an option for all types of last mile delivery activities, such as small parcel deliveries and moving shipments in consolidation hubs.

Why choose an e-cargo bike?

Firstly, they are lower emissions. Transport is currently the largest sector for UK greenhouse gas emissions (27 per cent), of which road transport accounts for 90 per cent. eCargo bikes do not produce any operational

How can businesses use e-cargo bikes?

There are many applications for ecargo bikes beyond parcel and post logistics. Other sectors include food delivery, cleaning and maintenance, and local store-to-customer deliveries in retail. Gordon Manson says: “ Businesses firstly need to consider what needs transporting, where and when, before selecting the best ecargo bike option for the job.” If e-cargo bikes are used, they should be embedded in an efficient, well-thought-out delivery operation strategy to ensure success.

E-Cargo bikes are typically most suitable in certain scenarios, including the transportation of small and light goods as ecargo bikes do not have as large a capacity as a van.

They are also suitable in a high-density network with many stops within a short distance, as this is the most profitable method, and while vehicles have a limited

E-Cargo bikes come in variety of configurations, from two to four wheels, front and rear load boxes or trailers. The wide range of e-cargo bike configurations means that there is an option for all types of last mile delivery activities range, they can be parked easily.

They are also good for time-critical deliveries, as small vehicles are less affected by congestion, making them more reliable.

E-Cargo bikes also give you access to congested or access restricted areas as ecargo bikes are cheaper to use in Clean Air Zones and easier to move around in pedestrianised zones.

The financial incentive to complete deliveries as efficiently as possible, combined with the relatively limited capacity of e-cargo bikes means that a strategically placed consolidation or distribution ‘hub’ is highly desirable for many last mile operators using ecargo bikes.

Box Bike Delivery is a Stevenage-based logistics company that specialises in sustainable last mile delivery. It operates a fleet of five ecargo bikes and an ecargo trailer, delivering parcels for a national carrier, medicines for a local pharmacy, deliveries for a range of local businesses and postal collections from offices and schools.

Funding in England, the e-cargo Bike Grant Fund, worth £400,000, was made available by the Department for Transport in 2021/22 for the purchase of ecargo bikes, however applications have now closed.

The funding covers up to 40 per cent of the total cost of an ecargo bike, up to a maximum of £2,500 for two-wheel models

E-Cargo Bikes

greenhouse gas emissions, with only small amounts of greenhouse gases produced when generating the electricity needed to power the battery. Therefore, significant carbon savings can be made by operating e-cargo bikes compared to diesel vans.

E-Cargo bikes have significantly lower upfront and running costs compared to diesel vans. These savings include fuel, maintenance costs and discounts and exemptions from congestion and Clean Air Zone charges. There are also tax incentives and government grants available.

What’s more, many riders find ecargo bikes enjoyable to ride. The physical activity (supported by electric assistance) is beneficial for employees’ health, with Cyclescheme estimating that cycling to work three days a week can burn 1,000 calories per week. Some companies also report that their ecargo bike riders take less sick leave than other drivers. Utilising ecargo bikes could also improve your brand reputation and environmental credentials.

and £4,500 for three-wheel models.

Applications will be capped at five bikes per organisation. Larger applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applications may include more than one organisation. In these joint ‘high-street’ applications, a lead applicant will be responsible for submitting the application.

In Scotland, the eBike Business Loan gives interest-free loans of up to £30,000 from Energy Saving Trust, funded by Transport Scotland (an agency of the Scottish Government). The eBike Business Loan aims to support organisations that want to reduce the carbon impact of their transport and travel arrangements with new and more efficient alternatives and are available to help with the cost of purchase.

The loan covers a new pedal-assisted electric bikes, up to £3,000 per bike, new cargo bikes, up to £6,000 per bike, and new adapted cycles.

If your organisation is replacing a car or van with a cargo or e-cargo bike, there is no maximum limit per bike, within the maximum loan amount of £30,000. Interested? Complete our online business enquiry form and one of our sustainable transport coordinators will be in touch. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

November 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

15

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