ELECTRIFYING THE MILK ROUND We chat to Milk & More’s CEO Patrick Müller about the firm’s 200 electric StreetScooters
Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the New Ford Tourneo Custom range: urban 36.7 - 39.2 (7.7 - 7.2), extra urban 43.5 - 48.7 (6.5 - 5.8), combined 39.8 - 44.8 (7.1 - 6.3). Official CO2 emissions 183 - 164g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Regulation 715/2007 and 692/2008 as last amended), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.
Commercial Vehicle News
FREIGHT TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION
ELECTRIC VANS
PostNL welcomes first two Renault Master Z.E. vans
Mail delivery firm PostNL in the Netherlands has taken delivery of the first two electric Renault Master Z.E. vans, with a further 15 to be added by the end of 2018. The electric van will help PostNL to achieve its aim of CO2-free deliveries in 25 inner cities where it operates by 2025. The new Renault Master Z.E. is equipped with the latest generation 33kWh lithium-ion battery. As a result, the commercial vehicle is able to realise a realworld range of around 75 miles, which makes it ideal for ‘last mile deliveries’ in inner cities. The interior of the Master Z.E. has been carried across from the
Master to provide a mobile office, while the battery charges in just six hours with a 7.4kW charger. The Renault Master Z.E. will be available in six versions with loading space of between 8 and 13 m2. PostNL will use a fleet of seventeen Renault Master Z.E. models by the end of 2018. Liesbeth Kaashoek, packages and logistics director at PostNL: “PostNL likes to invest in sustainability. For instance, our package distribution centres are constructed using the most sustainable materials and also feature solar panels on the roof. We are also updating our vehicle fleet thanks to various models of electrical bikes, scooters and cars. We are thus proud to be the first company to drive with the Renault Master Z.E. in Europe. This means our packages will be delivered emission-free in the inner cities of Utrecht and Leeuwarden, and other cities will follow soon.” READ MORE tinyurl.com/ybu9lmh5
MOBILITY Alphabet’s AlphaCity to now offer van-sharing AlphaCity, Alphabet’s car sharing product, has expanded to offer light vans for the first time. Until now, AlphaCity was exclusively for BMW and MINI vehicles, but members now have access to shared-use vehicles in every segment from across a wide range of manufacturers, as well as an even greater selection of electric and hybrid vehicles. This move is to help organisations of all sizes meet their diverse mobility needs. The company has also redesigned the AlphaCity reservation platform, as well as integrating it into the AlphaGuide app. In addition to key existing app functions such as access to contract data, electric charging locations or managing service requests, the new AlphaGuide will improve the user experience through a new look-and-feel to make it easier to use and more intuitive. Users access the CarSharing
section of AlphaGuide by selecting AlphaCity from the menu. Users can then book an AlphaCity vehicle for business purposes (according to their company rules) and view all upcoming reservations in detail including vehicle details, pick-up location, as well as the date and time of booking. Users also have the ability to access or cancel their existing AlphaCity reservations via the app. Carsten Kwirandt, head of marketing and business development at Alphabet International, said: “We continue to offer our customers the bestfit business mobility solution for their company. Improving our highly-successful product AlphaCity by expanding the choice of vehicles which are able to be shared within a fleet, is our latest way of doing so.”
Van derogation to make electric vehicle move simpler for logistics operations
Becki Kite, environment policy manager, FTA
Earlier this year, in an effort to encourage the uptake of low emissions vehicles, government decided to allow category B licence holders to operate an alternatively fuelled van with a maximum weight of 4.25 tonnes, removing the commercial payload penalty due to the increased weight of the battery. In May 2018, this move from the EU confirmed that alternatively fuelled vehicles may be driven on a category B (car) driving licence, provided that a number of conditions are adhered to. The derogation will apply to electric, natural gas, biogas, hydrogen and hydrogen-hybrid vehicles which are used for the transportation of goods within the UK. These vehicles will have a maximum authorised weight above 3.5 tonnes, but not exceeding 4.25 tonnes, and must not be towing a trailer. The authorisation shall only apply until 4 May 2023 when the temporary derogation will end. The driver must also have completed a minimum of five hours’ training on the driving of vehicles exceeding 3,500 kilograms. This news comes just as Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, launches the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Taskforce. FTA has been invited to sit on the Taskforce alongside representatives from organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses, British Retail Consortium, SMMT, RAC Foundation, UK Power Networks, and OLEV. This group of influential business organisations will provide a platform for industry experts and enablers from which the charging infrastructure in London can be expanded. While at the outset the focus of the Taskforce will be on London, it is envisaged that the outputs from the delivery plan it creates will be applicable to towns and cities across the country. The lack of charging infrastructure has been identified as one of the more significant barriers in the uptake in alternatively fuelled vehicles, and it is hoped that this initiative will ensure electric vehicle infrastructure is installed in the right places. Partnered with the Category B driving licence derogation, it is hoped that we will see an increase in the number of electric goods vehicles delivering on our streets. FURTHER INFORMATION
READ MORE tinyurl.com/mwpw6pc
www.fta.co.uk
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Commercial Vehicle News
Locity
REFUSE TRUCKS
City of London trials electric refuse truck
A trial of a fully-electric refuse truck has begun in the City of London. The 26-tonne truck, named Electra, runs on lithium-ion batteries and can complete a full 10-hour shift. The trial will last for two months in the Smithfield area of the Square Mile. The vehicle will also be trialled in two other UK cities later this year. City Corporation refuse vehicles collect over 1,500 tonnes of household waste and more than 850 tonnes of recycling a year. Jeremy Simons, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Environment Committee, said: “This vehicle is the first vehicle in the UK that is a fully electric, low entry refuse collection vehicle. It’s fully electric, both for compression of the waste and for powering the vehicle, and crucially - no diesel emissions.
“Our ambition is to have a full fleet of clean refuse vehicles. We are taking responsibility for the cleanliness of all our vehicles, encouraging the use of low and zero emission models with our partners. “It complements the work we are doing to help City businesses cut back on vehicle deliveries and use more hybrid models.” Russell Markstein, commercial director of NRG Fleet Services said: “We are excited about the Electra, having worked with the City Corporation developing it over the last 12 months. “This truck can deliver zero emissions rubbish collection in the Square Mile and long term, it could be a big step forward.” as a result of the change. READ MORE tinyurl.com/y775ebof
SEA FREIGHT More freight to be taken off road and transported by sea at Scotland’s Port of Montrose Scotland’s Port of Montrose will be taking more freight by sea thanks to a £1.5m Ports Mode Shift Grant from the Scottish Government. Over a five-year period, it is expected to deliver environmental benefits worth £5.2m through the removal of 1.26m tonnes of freight from roads and 86,000 HGV lorry journeys in the process. Minister for Transport and the Islands Humza Yousaf said: “As part of Programme for government, we have committed to encouraging the transfer of freight from road to more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
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“This is a great example of us delivering on that promise and helping Montrose Port Authority deliver millions of pounds of environmental benefits. “The grant will also safeguard 31 jobs and help the Port of Montrose remain relevant and competitive in the current marketplace, which is seeing an increase in the size of cargo vessels.” The changes to the quaysides are expected to be completed in summer 2019.
READ MORE tinyurl.com/y92p4xtu
DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net
The latest from LoCITY, TfL’s low-emission commercial vehicle programme Our next LoCITY event is James Smith, programme a half-day roadshow on manager, Wednesday 18 July at The LoCITY Stoop in Twickenham, London. It is free to attend, but you must register in advance (see website below). We’ll be focusing on the urban distribution sector to explore both established and emerging ultralow emission HGV technology. On the day we’ll have experts on hand talking about clean refrigeration, telematics, eco-driving, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and smart routing. This summer we begin track testing plug-in commercial vehicles to give an impartial view on what’s an achievable electric-only mileage. We’ll assess three vehicles to represent a small van, large van, and small HGV and then report how performance changes across real conditions like driving with a full load, the windows down and Magic FM on the radio. This innovative research, alongside our existing web tools, has been funded by TfL to provide you with unbiased information. On that note, hopefully by now you’ve used our new Fleet Advice Tool (www.locity.org.uk/fleet-advice-tool) to estimate the whole life cost of an alternatively fuelled fleet. With the recently announced expansion of ULEZ and the strengthening of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards for heavy vehicles, it’s even more important we explore how cleaner vehicles can work for businesses in London. I’m sure ULEZ will be a hot topic at our three quarterly LoCITY working groups. They are invite only but new members or suggestions for speakers are always welcome. At the end of May, the Mayor of London launched his electric vehicle infrastructure taskforce to boost delivery of the charging infrastructure needed to increase the take-up of electric vehicles across the capital. LoCITY is supporting this new initiative by gauging opinions direct from commercial fleets. If you feel a lack of rapid charging may hinder your business then feel free to participate by visiting the website below. London needs a major expansion to remain a global green city and the Mayor firmly believes this will only be possible through partnership with the private sector. Next month I’ll talk a bit more about how existing LoCITY Champions have been helping members make changes to their fleet. These ambassadors are advocates because they’ve tested new technology for real world teething issues and can show you first hand what worked for them. Lastly, don’t forget to hold a date in your diary – Wednesday 5 September – Kempton Park. It’s the LoCITY conference. FURTHER INFORMATION www.locityroadshows.co.uk/locityroadshows2018 www.locity.org.uk/ev-taskforce www.locity.org.uk/working-groups
A refuse collection vehicle at the end of its working life has been re-engineered with an electric motor to take part in real world trials in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. GreenFleet reports A refuse collection vehicle that was approaching the end of its working life has been re-engineered with an electric motor to extend its lifespan, and will be trialled by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The Greenwich trials will test the viability of the technology and make the economic case for repowering heavy commercial vehicles. The prototype will be tested alongside the existing refuse fleet. Refuse lorries operate in largely residential areas, with their diesel engines in constant use 14 hours per day, achieving only 2.5 – 4.5miles per gallon, having emissions that include nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (THC and NMHC) and particulate matter (PM). By replacing the diesel engine with an electric motor, the eRCV produces zero emissions in operation. It also greatly reduces noise pollution – a significant issue for urban residents. It is estimated that the repowering modification will double the vehicle’s operational life, extending it to 14 years, and generate a lifetime cost saving of up to £300,000 compared to a Euro 5 or older diesel powered model. The project The trial marks the culmination of a year long technical development by a consortium comprised of Magtec, a UK technology firm specialising in the electrification of vehicles, the Royal Borough of Greenwich and its urban innovation agency, DG Cities. The project was part funded by Innovate UK, the government’s research and development lead. The eRCV is a 26-tonne battery-powered, zero-emission refuse vehicle designed to do a 14 hour ‘double shift’ dutycycle without needing to recharge. This is an industry leading performance. The eRCV project anticipates both growing demand for refuse vehicles and new air quality legislation that will affect 60,000 vehicles in London.
from October 26 2020, vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will need to meet the ULEZ standard across Greater London. Vehicles operated by local authorities will not be exempt. Due to regeneration and increased recycling by residents and businesses, local authorities are also experiencing growing demand on refuse services, with the Society for Motor Manufacturers citing a national increase in registrations of new Refuse Collection Vehicles of 20 per cent from 2016 – 2017. The UK Department for Energy and Climate Change predicts average fuel prices to increase by more than 22 per cent from 2012-2030, prompting a case study of one company which estimated they could produce savings of up to 100,000 litres of fuel a day if they were to repower their fleet of 800 vehicles. These fuel savings would result in significant financial savings for waste management authorities.
Refuse Trucks
End-of-life bin lorry recycled with electric power
of an Royal Borough of Greenwichowned Mercedes Econic vehicle with an electric vehicle drivetrain, designed and manufactured in the UK. The company also replaced the engine-driven hydraulic system, which drives the rubbish compaction and bin lift systems, with an electric-powered system that is more efficient and quieter. With its varied and complex urban setting, Greenwich is the ideal place to test the vehicle. The project supports Greenwich Council’s commitment to improving air quality as is demonstrated by the authority’s release of the Greener Greenwich Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan in 2016. The Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Danny Thorpe said: “We are delighted to be part of the consortium to develop and trial the first 26 tonne repowered electric refuse vehicle in the world. Greenwich is at the forefront of developments in areas such as smart city innovation and smart mobility. I am particularly pleased that we are pioneering technology that will help address poor air quality. This further underlines our commitment to improving the environment, as reflected in our ambitious Greener Greenwich strategy. I am sure residents and pedestrians will also appreciate the quiet operation of the vehicles. With this ground-breaking eRCV in operation, the loudest noise on the street on bin day in the future maybe the refuse collectors whistling.” Magtec programme director, Simon Buckley added: “This is a UK first, and demonstrates Magtec’s commitment to innovation. Repowering a heavy goods vehicle with our electronic drivetrain not only extends its life, it also removes both noise and urban pollution.” L
By replacin the die g engine sel electric with an m eRCV p otor, the zero em roduces iss operati ions in on
The vehicle Magtec, the UK’s largest supplier of electric vehicle drive systems, replaced the diesel engine and associated components
FURTHER INFORMATION www.magtec.co.uk www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk
The challenges of a refuse truck From April 8 2019, Central London will become an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Vehicles entering the area will need to meet tighter emission standards of 80 mg/km or pay a daily charge of £12.50 for cars and £100 for most vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. In addition,
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Interview
A modern electric ‘milkman’ fleet Milk & More, Britain’s largest milk delivery service, is rolling out its quietest and most environmentally friendly delivery vehicles to date, following its purchase of 200 electric StreetScooters. GreenFleet finds out more from the firm’s CEO, Patrick Müller What does Milk & More do and what is its fleet comprised of? As the largest home deliverer of milk to the doorstep, Milk & More’s 1,100 milkmen and women deliver milk and an ever-evolving range of high quality products to more than 500,000 customers across England and Wales. We make 80 million deliveries, delivering over 100 million onepint glass bottles every year. Customers have the choice of
ordering via our new-look website or directly with the traditional British milkman. We have some 1,200 milk floats, including 200 brand-new StreetScooter electric vehicles and 200 traditional electric milk floats. The remainder of our milk floats are diesel vehicles, which are used on some of our more rural, typically larger, rounds.
Nois reductioe a key b n is the new enefit of What led to the and a v milk floats decision to buy electric vans? one giv ery important en that We are always looking at deliverie m ways to improve our carbon s are m any footprint. Sixty per cent of the a d before 7am. e milk we deliver to the doorstep comes in our iconic one-pint glass
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DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net
bottles, which are reused on average 25 times. With the purchase of 200 of the new StreetScooter milk floats, a third of our milk floats are now electric. The StreetScooter is an ideal fit, from an environmental and noise reduction standpoint, for both us and our customers. We’re on a transformational journey and the StreetScooter electric milk float helps us make the British milkman relevant to 21st century customers. How many EVs do you operate and how are they used? We have around 400 electric milk floats in total – representing around a third of our fleet. They are used by our milkmen and women to deliver milk – and lots more besides – to customers in time for breakfast.
Where are the EVs charged? The new electric milk floats are plugged in to dedicated charging points at the 25 delivery hubs across the country where they are in operation. How have the drivers taken to the electric vehicles? Our milkmen and women have really taken to the new StreetScooters. They are particularly appreciative of the fact that they offer the latest technology, not only in terms of performance but also when it comes to comfort. They also appreciate that the new vehicles are lefthand drive, which enables them to exit the milk float safely on the kerbside. How much are you saving in emissions and costs? The new StreetScooters have zero emissions and in the first month of operation we saw a 90 per cent reduction in operational fuel costs versus the outgoing diesel vehicles.
StreetScooter opens second manufacturing facility in Düren
Are there any other benefits to EVs other than emissions? Noise reduction is a key customer benefit of the new milk floats – and a very important one – given that many of the milkmen and women are delivering to customers’ homes before 7am. What are your future plans for greening the rest of the fleet? The £6.5 million investment in the new StreetScooter milk floats is part of our longterm strategy to rejuvenate the doorstep milk delivery service and secure the future of the British milkman and woman. Once we’ve had an opportunity to review the performance of the new electric milk floats we’ll make a decision on whether we’ll further expand our fleet. So watch this space for further announcements. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.milkandmore.co.uk
Interview
StreetScooter opens second manufacturing facility in Düren StreetScooter GmbH, a subsidiary of Deutsche Post DHL Group and producer of electric delivery vehicles, has opened its second manufacturing facility. With immediate effect, up to 10,000 electric vans per year will run off the production line at the automotive supplier’s new 78,000 m2 factory in Düren, corresponding to a daily production rate of 46 vehicles (in single shift operation). Together with its main factory in Aachen, StreetScooter now has production capacities of up to 20,000 electric vehicles per year. In the Düren factory, the Pure (chassis only), Pickup (flatbed vehicle) and Box (box truck with 4 or 8 m³ loading volume) variants of the StreetScooter WORK and WORK L models will be produced. The new site will employ some 250 people in the area. Achim Kampker, CEO of StreetScooter GmbH, adds: “Our two manufacturing facilities in North Rhine-Westphalia enable us to respond even more quickly to the high demand for our electric vehicles both from within DPDHL and by third party customers. But volume is only one side of the coin. What sets StreetScooter apart in particular is the ability to produce affordable, customized electric vehicles for our customers from a variety of industries and countries.” The WORK and WORK L StreetScooter models have been available to external customers since summer 2017. Industries that have a need for customized electric vans include – in addition to municipalities and craft workshops – energy suppliers, waste disposal companies, airports, facility management enterprises, and catering companies. StreetScooter will produce variants tailored to serve a variety of individual needs with such features as variable loading volumes that include power supply, refrigerated containers, and tilting load platforms. StreetScooters have been being deployed successively in Deutsche Post DHL’s delivery fleet since 2013. At present, the Group is already using around 6,000 of these electric vehicles, which have covered over 26 million kilometers and save around 20,000 tons of CO2 per year. With these vans and the 12,000 or so electric e-bikes and e-trikes, Deutsche Post DHL is operating the biggest electric fleet in Germany.
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Emergency Services Show
Connected vehicles at the Emergency Services Show The Emergency Services Show is the UK’s leading annual showcase of the blue light sector, featuring over 450 exhibitors, live demonstrations, unique learning opportunities and unrivalled networking. The two-day event brings together all disciplines from the emergency services sector to discover innovative technology and unite in their collaborative approach to public safety
The Emergency Services Show returns to Hall 5 in the NEC, Birmingham on 19 and 20 September. Vehicle and vehicle equipment suppliers are prominent among more than 450 organisations exhibiting at the UK’s biggest emergency services event. The show is the perfect place to research the latest innovations, products and services for anyone responsible for specifying and procuring vehicles and fleet equipment for the emergency services and allied organisations. As mobile technology becomes ever more important to the emergency services, connected vehicles of all types are set to be a major feature of the show this year. The Connected Vehicles Zone will showcase a wide range of vehicles and the diverse technologies in use for mobile data, communications and control. Excelerate, Carnation Design and Premier Communications will again be showing the latest advanced communications equipment for vehicle installation. Exhibitors RAM Mount, Havis and Gamber Johnson offer the latest laptop and mobile device docking stations for vehicle use. Following the launch of its demountable MultiPod + system for pick-up vehicles with the Cobra high pressure lance-based firefighting system. Primetech is also due to launch a new vehicle this year. EVP, Emergency Vehicle Products, will show its new demonstration van featuring HAVIS docking station, Magnetic mic, LED message sign, seat heater and Command Light scene light tower. Visitors can try and test these products on the stand. The show also features providers of all
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types of in and on-vehicle ancillary equipment including lightbars; vehicle livery; battery management; driver training and more. Code 3 and RSG will be highlighting their latest lightbar ranges for police, fire, ambulance and amber light services. Code 3 is expected to launch new products using the latest connected vehicle technologies such as low current lighting. Emergency and rescue vehicles of virtually every type, including fire appliances, ambulances, fleet cars, motorbikes, boats and UAVs or drones will be on display throughout the indoor and outdoor exhibition areas. Among vehicle leasing specialists will be DLL, a subsidiary of Rabobank. Innovative ambulances International Ambulances is set to unveil its advanced ACESO ambulance prototype. The ground-breaking ACESO features a wealth of vehicle and ambulance innovations to enable paramedics to deliver better patient outcomes. Designed around the paramedic, rather than conventional commercial vehicle architecture, its superior specification provides improved comfort, ergonomics, safety and hygiene. The design and technology offers a level of flexibility and future proofing for equipment and features. Its integrated communications and connectivity capability provides paramedics with the support they need for mobile diagnosis and treatment, enabling them to see, treat and refer patients where they are. All the right information is shared rapidly to support safe and effective decision making within urgent and emergency care, and the wider healthcare community.
DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net
Leading vehicle suppliers at the show include BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Jemca Toyota, Volvo Emergency Services Cars and Volvo Trucks as well as a wide range of chassis manufacturers and specialist vehicle converters. BMW is expected to show a strong line up of electric and hybrid range extender vehicles for emergency service applications including the BMW i3 94Ah AC REx (Range Extender) and its C evolution electric motor bike. The i3 94Ah AC Rex is an electrically propelled vehicle with a 649cc petrol engine that generates electricity to charge the vehicle propulsion battery. The 94Ah model gives drivers the ability to travel up to 125 miles on a single charge and 206 miles with the range extender. The BMW C evolution electric motor bike has zero emissions, is highly accelerative and extremely quiet. The electric drive in the C evolution offers a spontaneous and very direct power transmission. There is no delay in the build-up of torque. With a peak output of 35 kW (48 bhp) and 72 Nm of torque at the crankshaft in theoretical terms, it produces a torque of almost 600 Nm at the rear wheel. The acceleration figure from 0 to 50 km/h is 2.8 seconds. The energy storage device in the BMW C evolution consists of three modules, each of which has twelve lithium-ion battery cells. Thanks to the battery modules of the latest generation with 94 Ah, the range of the C evolution is now up to 160 kilometres. Entirely waterproof, the battery casing is made of die-cast aluminium and houses the entire electronic control and charging system. It is both a supporting chassis part and a crash protector for the lithium-ion battery module. The battery in the BMW C evolution is charged using the integrated charging device – either at a regular power socket or at a charging station. The charging plug socket on the vehicle is compatible with the car plug type 1. The standard charger cable has the appropriate national plug to fit a standard mains sockets. Alternatively, it is possible to use a Mode 3 charger cable so as to be able to use public charging stations or wallboxes. This provides access to 16 A current for faster charging. The short charging times are especially practical for emergency service use, as is
Emergency Services Show
the new Silent Charge mode, which makes charging slightly longer but much quieter. Rosenbauer, Emergency One and Volvo Trucks are both expected to bring their latest fire appliances to the show. Angloco will demonstrate its ladder and other fire fighter vehicles in the outside area. Among the many ambulance suppliers exhibiting this year are AMZ Vehicles, BAUS and WAS UK. Alfa Dropbox will again showcase its ground-level loading ambulances. O&H Vehicle Conversions has announced it will launch a new vehicle at the Emergency Services Show. A&E Vehicles WAS is expected to highlight its latest VW Crafter and lightweight Fiat ambulance designs. The WAS VW Crafter based ambulance is available in many different versions of weight classes, motors, manual and automatic gear and chassis facilitate the adaptation of the base vehicle to customers’ requirements. The new integrated WAS Design warning light bar is available for the VW Crafter only, for the time being. The improved visibility from the front and from the side lays the foundation for the new WAS box body design. The light bar can be adapted to all box body widths and heights. Alternatively, the WAS Fiat lightweight modular box A&E vehicle offers a perfect solution to the restrictions of a panel van. The vehicle has 20 per cent more interior workspace than a panel van but the gross vehicle weight is 6.5 per cent lighter, which improves fuel economy and enables bariatric capability with a pay load of 850kg. WAS will also highlight its latest lithium battery technology which offers up to 100kg weight saving compared to the current GEL
and AGM solutions, offer demonstrable fuel and emissions savings. The lithium battery also lasts ten times longer than conventional lead acid set up and charges ten times quicker. Its compact plug & play design offers a space saving advantage and the batteries are fully configurable to meet the power needs of a frontline ambulance. The individual lithium tubes are easy to replace and fully recyclable. WAS has also recently announced its E-Concept designed to address the issue of whether electric power is a suitable alternative for larger response vehicles with weights of up to five tonnes. The pilot project is not yet intended to develop a prototype that is ready for use; but does aim to move ideas forward and set development in motion. For anyone questioning how ambulance design has advanced over the years, the National Emergency Services Museum based in Sheffield will be displaying a 100-year old WW1 Ford Model T ambulance. The museum is currently fund raining in order to acquire the vehicle for permanent display. Zenith Hygiene, Mangar Health, Chemex and Nielsen Chemicals are among companies offering cleaning and infection control services for ambulance fleets, which free up valuable paramedic time and skills to enable them to concentrate on core medical emergency tasks. New exhibitor Horton Motorcycles offers the latest range of two-wheel and quad bikes. Honda UK returns to the outside area to showcase its comprehensive range of vehicles and equipment for emergency service use. Adapted Vehicle Hire will showcase its range of wheelchair accessible vehicles, as well as adapted cars of all sizes with left foot accelerator and hand control options. Allied Fleet will be promoting its adapted and
special purpose vehicles for social transport and non-emergency ambulance use. Returning for 2018 after their successful introduction at last year’s show, the Extrication and First Aid & Trauma Challenges will provide an arena for some of the UK’s best rescue personnel to come together and develop their proficiency levels in all areas of road traffic collision rescue. Best safe working practices will be promoted in the areas of incident command and control, safety and scene assessment, extrication, professional pre-hospital care and expert use of rescue equipment. Hosted by West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) and judged by UKRO, the Extrication Challenge will take place live on the exhibition floor enabling visitors to get up close to the action. Competing teams from UK fire and rescue services will carry out extrications from simulated crash scenes. In the First Aid & Trauma Challenge, competing teams will experience visual and audio from an incident that has been set up and filmed specifically for the scenario, which takes place in an Educational Immersive Tent. The NEC is linked to Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport and is directly accessible from the UK motorway network. FURTHER INFORMATION To register for free entry visit www.emergencyuk.com
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THE FLEET SUSTAINABILITY EVENT
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arrivendrive.greenfleet.net Interested in exhibiting? Call Colin Boyton on 020 8532 5704 or email colin.boyton@psigroupltd.co.uk