GreenFleet COP26 Special Edition

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COP26 SPECIAL EDITION

COP26 SPECIAL

A ZERO-EMISSION TRANSPORT FUTURE What the UK government, industry and fleet professionals are doing to decarbonise transport PLUS: XXX | XXX | XXX | XXX

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Comment

Taking positive action against climate change The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October to 12 November 2021, bringing countries together to accelerate action towards tackling climate change.

As the host nation, the UK is using the platform to highlight its own bold environmental goals and progress towards meeting them, and is urging other countries to make their own commitments to combat global warming.

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In recent days, the government has published its Net Zero Strategy, setting out the support being made available to transition to green technology. Within it, another £620 million has been announced for electric vehicle grants and infrastructure, with a focus on local residential charge points. A further £350 million of the Automotive Transformation Fund has also been released, to support the electrification of UK vehicles and their supply chains. Investment in hydrogen is also included, as is the establishment of a zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which will ensure car firms make EVs account for an increasingly large part of their fleet. The details of this will be consulted on in 2022.

This special COP26 edition of GreenFleet examines what the UK government, industry and fleet professionals are doing to decarbonise transport. There are features on the government’s Net Zero Strategy, Transport Decarbonisation Plan, and Hydrogen Strategy, as well as a preview of the EV Rally of Scotland, which coincides with COP26, and aims to test the capabilities of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure over 1,200 miles of demanding Scottish terrain.

Angela Pisanu, editor

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226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Angela Pisanu PRODUCTION MANAGER/DESIGNER Dan Kanolik PRODUCTION CONTROL Lucy Maynard WEB PRODUCTION & ADMINISTRATION Victoria Casey PUBLISHER George Petrou ACCOUNT MANAGER Kylie Glover

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Contents

COP26 SPECIAL EDITION

CONTENTS GreenFleet 07

14

News

£620 million for electric vehicle grants and infrastructure; Sadiq Khan plans to unlock public land for EV charge points; and research shows EV and PHEV drivers travel further than ICE peers

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Transport Decarbonisation

With eyes on the UK for hosting the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in November, we look at what the UK government is doing to accelerate the switch to zero emission transport

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14

Transport Decarbonisation

The approach of COP26 has prompted countries around the world to publish their decarbonisation plans. Zemo Partnership’s Neil Wallis examines what’s been pledged by the UK government, and the progress that’s been made to eliminate harmful emissions from transport

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Electric vehicles

Representatives of electric vehicle drivers’ associations from a range of European countries are heading to the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference to support the call for much faster transport decarbonisation globally, fuelled by renewable energy

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Small Businesses

A new government campaign is aiming to encourage small and micro businesses to commit to cutting their emissions in half by 2030 and to net zero by 2050

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EVROS Preview

The EV Rally of Scotland, setting off from Glasgow and coinciding with COP26, will test the capabilities of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure over some 1,200 miles of demanding Scottish terrain

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Freight & Logistics

Logistics UK is launching its ‘Route to Net Zero’ manifesto on 10 November 2021 – Transport Day at COP26 – to present its route map for decarbonising logistics, as well as to communicate the support the industry needs to reach net zero by 2050

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Hydrogen

The UK’s first ever hydrogen strategy says that by 2030, the government envisages hydrogen to be in use across a range of transport modes, including HGVs, buses and rail, along with early stage uses in commercial shipping and aviation

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Energy

A new report has found that the UK risks missing its decarbonisation targets without urgent action to increase grid flexibility. Giuseppe Sgro from power management company Eaton, discusses how the grid will cope when electric vehicles become the norm, and what organisations running fleets can do to reduce their demand on the grid when charging

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COP26 Special Edition | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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News ELECTRIC VEHICLES

£620 million for electric vehicle grants and infrastructure The government has launched its Net Zero Strategy, setting out the support being made available to transition to clean energy and green technology.

As part of the strategy, another £620 million for targeted electric vehicle grants and infrastructure has been announced, with a focus on local onstreet residential charge points.

A further £350 million of the Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) has also been released, to support the electrification of UK vehicles and their supply chains.

There’s also a commitment for £140 million Industrial and Hydrogen Revenue Support scheme to accelerate industrial

carbon capture and hydrogen, bridging the gap between industrial energy costs from gas and hydrogen and helping green hydrogen projects get off the ground.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We’re going further and faster than ever to tackle climate change. Together with an additional £620 million to support vehicle grants and charging infrastructure, our plans for an ambitious zero emission

ELECTRIC BUSES

BIOGAS

COP26 electric bus tour from London to Glasgow commences

Value of biogas in tackling climate change to be highlighted at COP26

An electric bus tour from London to Glasgow has commenced to celebrate low carbon energy and transport projects along the route.

The 11-day tour kicks off at Go-Ahead’s Northumberland Park bus garage in north London to showcase the people and places driving the transition to net zero.

The site is also home to the Bus2Grid project, led by SSE, BYD, UK Power Networks, TfL, and other partners, which could enable electric buses to become two-way chargers capable of putting power back into the Grid.

Northumberland Park can charge 100 electric buses overnight and London currently has 950 electric buses on the road or on order.

The vehicle being used on the ‘Road to Renewables’ tour is a BYD ADL Enviro400EV double decker built in Britain by BYD and Alexander Dennis with a range of 160 miles.

It is the UK’s best-selling electric double decker electric bus and one of 1,000 BYD ADL electric buses already on the road or on order.

Trudy Harrison, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport (DfT), said: “This event is a wonderful example of the collaboration and innovation required to reach our net zero targets ahead of COP26, and Northumberland Park is already playing a huge role by bringing cleaner air to London with its 117 EV buses in operation.

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vehicle mandate show that we’re leading the world on the switch to EVs. “We published our Transport Decarbonisation Plan in July which was just the start – as we look ahead to the COP26 climate change conference and beyond, we need to continue our efforts to deliver its ambitious commitments.

This will provide certainty to drivers and industry as we create sustainable economic growth, boost job opportunities and clean up the air in our towns and cities.”

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The World Biogas Association (WBA) will be representing the global biogas industry at COP26 and demonstrate the value of the biogas industry in tackling climate change.

WBA will not only be able to attend COP26, but also to access a restricted area - the Blue Zone - where the negotiations take place and where delegations from 197 Parties commit to more climate ambition in order to meet the Paris Agreement targets set at COP21 in 2015.

Additionally, WBA has been permitted to host an official side event in the Blue Zone.

In its application, submitted in partnership with the Kenya Climate Change Working Group (KCCWG), WBA highlighted the importance of tackling short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), in particular methane and black carbon. In line with the Global Methane Pledge issued recently by the US and EU, the joint WBA-KCCWG event taking place on 10th November will demonstrate the importance of recycling organic wastes to reduce the harmful methane and other greenhouse gas emissions they produce.

Charlotte Morton, WBA chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to be given this immensely valuable opportunity to demonstrate

the importance of the biogas industry in addressing climate change, at what will be the most critical COP meeting since 2015.

“In the last year, abating methane has become a focus for all of those involved in the fight against global warming, as highlighted

by UNFCCC, IPCC, the IEA and other leading agencies. In Glasgow, WBA will be able to further raise awareness of the key role that our technology plays in tackling this potent, short-lived climate pollutant and the urgency of doing this by the end of the decade. We will also work to ensure all countries integrate biogas into their climate change strategies.

“On an optimistic note, 50 per cent of the Global Methane Pledge can be achieved by simply recycling all the organic wastes we humans generate through anaerobic digestion/biogas – a technology widely used today and capable of rapidly scaling up with the right policy and regulatory environment. That is what we at the WBA are aiming to achieve.”

“The Government has recently pledged a further £2.8bn to support the switch to cleaner vehicles and the Bus2Grid project based here is precisely the kind of research we need to power up the electric vehicle revolution, not just for cars but for public transport too.”

The tour includes meeting the young green engineers who are based at the 500MW offshore windfarm at Greater Gabbard at the UK’s most easterly

point; as well as the businesses and local authorities driving the decarbonisation of cities like Oxford and Peterborough.

The ‘Road to Renewables’ journey concludes in Glasgow on October 29th three days before COP26 gets underway where the bus will open an official charging garage for the climate change summit.

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News

EV INFRASTRUCTURE

Sadiq Khan plans to unlock public land for EV charge points

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has marked the start of a 2030 Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Strategy that includes a key commitment to unlocking land owned by the Greater London Authority Group and the boroughs for EV charging.

Sadiq Khan visited London Electric Vehicle Company’s factory in Coventry on 15

October to announce the strategy, which will be published in full later this year.

Joined on the visit by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, Sadiq also showed his commitment to working with the rest of the country and showcase how London can help both the national pandemic recovery and the levelling up agenda.

London’s EV infrastructure now accounts for approximately a third of the UK’s total charge points and represents a 55 per cent increase in EV charging points delivered in the three years from 2019 to 2021. However, new modelling from TfL estimates that by 2030 London could need 40,000 – 60,000 charge points, of which up to 4,000 will be rapid charge points, that could fully charge a vehicle in as little as 20 minutes.

It is thought that public sector land could accommodate around 1,000 of the up to

4,000 rapid charge points London may need. It also addresses one of the biggest barriers to the roll out of further chargers in London and will enable London boroughs to unlock their land and ensure sufficient levels of charging can be achieved.

This commitment means there will soon be many more EV charge points across the capital, supporting access for all users, especially those without off-street home charging, essential travel and for high mileage users. This will also help improve the balance of infrastructure access across inner and outer London. City Hall estimates from this that the total CO2 savings from switching to EVs will be between 1.4m tonnes and 2.8m tonnes by 2030.

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HYDROGEN

LOGISTICS

Government urged to raise focus on well-to-wheel emissions

Rail and road freight industries join for COP26 trade event

Government policy should increase its focus on the well-to-wheel (WTW) emissions and overall energy efficiency performance of new fuels for transport, a new study by Zemo Partnership has recommended.

While hydrogen, electric and renewable fuels can all cut emissions compared with diesel, there are major variations in their effectiveness and efficiency in terms of cutting emissions depending on choices made over the full well-to-wheel life cycle.

The study warns that a focus solely on mitigating tailpipe emissions can risk neglecting the full impacts and the overall energy consumption of the system.

With limited biogenic resources and renewable electricity supplies, it is critical to adopt energy efficient solutions to maximise full system benefits wherever possible.

The new study looks specifically at hydrogen. It combines GHG and energy consumption data for a variety of hydrogen vehicles - trucks, buses, vans and cars. It presents well-to-wheel results for the most promising hydrogen vehicle powertrain architectures using battery electric, diesel and renewable fuels for comparison.

The study looks at hydrogen produced for transport use through electrolysis, biomass gasification with carbon capture and storage (CCS) and methane reformation with CCS (all potentially very low carbon and GHG solutions) as well as from fossil fuels without CCS mitigation. The work explores the sensitivity of GHG emissions and energy consumption to a range of inputs and options, with more than 250 well-to-wheel scenarios being modelled in the 2020-2035 timeframe.

Low Carbon Logistics is a new event announced to take part during COP26, and will raise awareness about the transition to Net Zero in the rail and road freight industries.

Taking place during COP26 and finishing on Transport Day at the global conference, ‘Low Carbon Logistics’ is a three-day industry event to showcase the drive to net zero emission supply chains taking place in Scotland and the UK. Low Carbon Logistics will take place at Mossend International Railfreight Park on Monday 8th, Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th November and is part of the official COP26 programme.

Low Carbon Logistics will showcase the effort of businesses and organisations across the UK as they aim to achieve zero emission transport. Supported by Network Rail, Transport Scotland, Mossend International Railfreight Park and Scottish Enterprise, the event will centre around the naming of new electric and sustainable fuel locomotives. The event is expected to welcome high-profile individuals from the transport sector with exhibitors in attendance including National Rail Freight Companies and Road Hauliers, amongst others.

Wednesday 10th November will act as a skills and recruitment drive supported by Skills Development Scotland. The event will showcase new technologies and innovation in the industry in a bid to encourage interest and promote career possibilities within the sector.

The analysis finds that each of the hydrogen vehicle architectures looked at can deliver lower carbon, and in some cases negative, wellto-wheel GHG emissions solutions within the next decade for many vehicle types, but this is predicated on the use of low carbon hydrogen.

Significantly, the work shows that the well-to-wheel energy efficiency of hydrogen vehicles is lower than diesel internal combustion (IC) or battery electric vehicles and those using renewable fuels in IC engines.

In the case of HGVs powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the well-to-wheel energy efficiency is four to six times worse than that for comparable battery electric vehicles.

Regardless of how low carbon hydrogen is supplied, the production process is energy intensive and thus significantly worsens the overall WTW energy efficiency.

The study recommends that further feasibility work including energy analysis, should be done to assess the suitability of different vehicles for different use cases to inform the potential role of hydrogen in the HGV sector. Relevant factors would include vehicle payload and capacity, range, refuelling/ charging time and infrastructure. The work could potentially be integrated into the Government’s ongoing Zero Emission Freight Trials (ZERFT) which Zemo is also supporting.

The choice of carbon intensity factors for grid electricity, both now and in the future, is a critical sensitivity within the analysis and an area needing much more consistent data.

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News ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Research shows EV and PHEV drivers travel further than ICE peers

Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle owners travel further in their cars over the space of a week than those driving petrol or diesel cars, according to new research by Peugeot.

In a study of 1,800 UK drivers, with a proportionate mix of electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel car owners, Peugeot found electric and plug-in hybrid owners cover on average 109 miles in their cars per week, compared to just 88 miles per week for petrol and diesel owners.

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Drivers of plug-in hybrid electric cars were found to make up the most miles in a week, covering on average 127 miles, while petrol vehicles travelled the least distance in a week, with an average mileage of 81 miles. Fully electric vehicle owners were found to cover 91 miles per week, just shy of the 94 miles covered by diesel owners.

Less than a fifth (18%) of petrol and diesel drivers told Peugeot they drive more than 200 miles on average in a week, meaning most drivers would be able to make their weekly miles comfortably on a single charge of the new Peugeot e-208, with a range of up to 217 miles (WLTP), or with the new Peugeot e-2008, capable of 206 miles (WLTP).

Despite electric vehicle owners travelling further than petrol drivers, and covering nearly the same distance as diesel motorists, the research showed that range anxiety is still a major concern for internal combustion engine (ICE) drivers thinking of making the switch to fully electric cars. Over one-third (36%) of ICE

drivers say the range of electric vehicles is the biggest factor stopping them from making the switch, whilst electric vehicle cost (53%) and a lack of public charging infrastructure (43%) were other leading concerns.

Julie David, managing director of Peugeot UK, said: “Our latest research busts the myth that electric vehicles are only good for shorter trips. Fully electric cars cover more miles per week than petrol vehicles, and with the upcoming expansion to London’s ULEZ, driving an electric vehicle may become a practical option for even more drivers.

It is also important to highlight that more drivers use their EVs to get to work and back, showing their real-world capability.

Our latest models offer more than 200 miles of range, which is well within the weekly limits for the majority of users.”

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HYDROGEN

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

Aircraft tow vehicles to be converted to run as hydrogen hybrids

Ricardo wins funding to develop electric trucks

ULEMCo is working with Teesside International Airport, RAF Leeming, and Newcastle University to produce hydrogen fuelled airport ground support vehicles.

Project ZeHyDA (Zero emission Hydrogen Demonstration for Airport applications) will convert a base aircraft tow tug vehicle to an electric hybrid running with a hydrogen zero emission combustion engine.

This is the company’s first mobile application of the zero-emission hydrogen engine technology that it announced in 2019, when it was tested for static generators. The project will enable the engine to work with an electric drivetrain system, and to be demonstrated as part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub in ground support vehicles, alongside work to assess the wider opportunity for use of hydrogen at airports and in the region.

In parallel with the conversion activity, ULEMCo will perform laboratory testing of a large engine conversion that will be suitable for the 7.5 tonne ground support trucks that also work at airports. This will be part of a demonstration of the flexibility of hydrogen combustion technologies, and their ability to decarbonise a wide range of heavy-duty vehicle applications cost effectively. The tests, being assessed with the collaboration of Newcastle University, will show that an engine of this size can be configured to meet the real-world duty cycle requirements of the application, at the same time as delivering

Ricardo has won two UK Government-backed innovation competitions to develop novel solutions for heavy duty vehicles focusing on improving efficiency and performance and reducing the cost of future electric trucks.

Ricardo will be partnering with the University of Bath for both projects. For the first project, which is funded by the Faraday Battery Challenge, supported by Innovate UK, Ricardo will be investigating the efficacy of integrating power electronics – a modular, series-connectable inverter and charger – into a battery pack, and understanding whether this novel approach can help to reduce the total cost of ownership.

The project is targeting to deliver efficiency improvements and reduce the powertrain mass, leading to savings of around 1,000GBP per vehicle.

I n parallel, for the second project, which is funded by the DfT and delivered by Innovate UK, Ricardo is developing technologies for future higher voltage (1400V) electric trucks to enable greater efficiency and faster charging. This includes the development of a modular battery pack, advanced power electronics and an electrified drive unit optimised for high voltage use, building on Ricardo’s previous Future Truck research. The benefits of these technologies will be assessed through the development and use of advanced desktop tools, which will also support the company to optimise the technology configuration and control while focusing on minimising total cost of ownership.

no harmful air quality emissions. This is essential in delivering both zero carbon emissions and reducing the impact of combustion engines on health.

“We are delighted to be able to build on the success of our 100% hydrogen static genset engine with this mobile vehicle”, said Amanda Lyne, managing director of ULEMCo. “Airport ground support vehicles are yet another niche application that can benefit from decarbonisation using hydrogen, without the delay of building a nationwide hydrogen infrastructure.”

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News

ELECTRIC VANS

Hermes orders 168 electric Mercedes-Benz eSprinters Hermes has placed an order for 168 fully electric Mercedes-Benz eSprinters, which will be on the road before the end of the year. They will be working within Hermes’ ParcelShops service, which operates from more than 5,000 convenience stores and other locations nationwide.

The order follows successful trials from a depot in Enfield, north London, of a pair of eSprinter demonstrators supplied by Intercounty Truck & Van, who will also be supplying 132 dieselengined Sprinter 315 CDI variants.

Hermes has commissioned Pod Point UK to install charging points at its network of depots.

This work is already underway, with the focus initially on those in London and other cities that have introduced low emission zones.

Hermes plans to undertake all ParcelShop collections with electric vehicles at the earliest opportunity. The company has only ordered the diesel vans to ‘tide it over’ pending completion of its infrastructure

programme and the introduction of nextgeneration battery-powered variants.

While its first eSprinters will be the subject of longer Mercedes-Benz Finance contract hire agreements, the Sprinter 315 CDIs will be on one-year terms with Athlon UK, which is owned by Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG. This arrangement will allow Hermes to replace the diesels once charging facilities are in place and electric versions with longer ranges and higher carrying capacities become available.

The company relies on a core fleet to service its ParcelShop business. This currently stands at some 450 units but is growing, and supplemented with rented vehicles during busy periods. The owned fleet includes 30 smaller electric vans that work from a depot in East London, while French-built diesels will be stood down to make way for the eSprinters.

Hermes head of fleet David Landy confirmed: “The transition to a zeroemission, electric fleet is integral to our

ESG (environment, social and governance) agenda, and we’ve been keen to take the next, major step forward towards this goal.

“However, we are under no illusions… this will not be an easy journey. From a purely operational standpoint, and given the current state of the technology, whichever way you look at it – whether in terms of range, payload or volume – a van with an internal combustion engine beats an electric one hands down.

“Only when it comes to tailpipe emissions does the battery-powered vehicle outshine the diesel. So we know there are constraints and compromises to make, and we recognise that this is going to put extra pressure and increased demands on those colleagues out in our depots who are doing a difficult job, day in, day out.”

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FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

FREIGHT & LOGISTICS

Logistics UK to launch Route to Net Zero manifesto

Imperial Logistics adds 18 natural gas trucks to fleet

Logistics UK will be launching its route map to help decarbonise the logistics industry via a webinar on 10 November 2021, as it publishes its Route to Net Zero manifesto on the dedicated Transport Day at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

During the one-hour webinar – which is free to attend for members and non-members alike – Logistics UK’s chief executive, David Wells, will present the business group’s road map to decarbonise logistics across all transport modes: air, road, sea and rail, and will detail the measures industry needs from government and other stakeholders to make this a reality.

Wells comments: “With Net Zero emissions by 2050 a non-negotiable deadline for industry and government alike, it is essential that all businesses are as prepared as they can be for the complete decarbonisation of logistics; this webinar will provide a vital

resource for companies working across all aspects of the sector. There is no doubt that the climate crisis is now one of the most pressing issues facing the global population, and we are pleased to see so many logistics businesses stepping up to the challenge already and taking steps to decarbonise their operations.”

During the webinar, Wells will be joined by representatives of businesses which have signed up to Logistics UK’s latest environmental initiative – the Route to Net Zero commitment – who will be presenting their decarbonisation strategies and providing guidance for other organisations keen to move to a Net Zero operation.

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Automotive logistics company Imperial Logistics has added 18 new IVECO Stralis Natural Power trucks to its fleet, powered by sustainably produced Liquified Natural Gas (Bio-LNG), to work on its contract with BMW Group.

The new vehicles are based out of a satellite transport office that Imperial operates on the Unipart campus at MINI Plant Oxford in Cowley, Oxfordshire. The decision to make the switch to natural gas comes as part of BMW Group’s wider efforts to improve sustainability throughout all areas of the company, which includes its supply chain and logistics operations.

The trucks are expected to cover around 3.3 million kilometres per year collectively which Imperial estimates will remove over 3,000 tonnes of CO2 from its annual emissions.

The trucks run 24 hours a day, with multiple shift drivers operating them, so an extensive training scheme was put in place during the 10 days preceding the vehicles going on the road. Delivered on-site by Roadgas personnel, all drivers and any site staff that would be fuelling vehicles were fully trained in how to safely operate the gas refuelling equipment.

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Transport Decarbonisation

Accelerating climate action is a zero emission vehicle mandate.

This will help to speed the transition to zero emission vehicles by forcing car firms to make EVs account for an increasingly large part of their fleet.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We’re going further and faster than ever to tackle climate change. zero emission range will be available Together with an additional to buy, mainly battery electric A £620 million to support vehicles and some plug-in shift to vehicle grants and hybrid electric vehicles. From zero em charging infrastructure, 2035, all new cars and vehicles ission our plans for an vans must be fully zero i s a ambitious zero emission at the tailpipe, l r e underw ady emission vehicle meaning battery electric a y , b meet cl ut to mandate show vehicles only, and possibly i this tra mate targets, that we’re leading hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. ns the world on the In recent days, the to happition needs switch to EVs. government has published e n “We published our its Net Zero Strategy, setting more q much uickly Transport Decarbonisation out the support being made Plan in July which was just available to transition to clean the start – as we look ahead to energy and green technology. the COP26 climate change conference As part of the strategy, another £620 and beyond, we need to continue our efforts million was announced for targeted electric to deliver its ambitious commitments. vehicle grants and infrastructure, with a focus This will provide certainty to drivers and on local on-street residential charge points. industry as we create sustainable economic A further £350 million of the Automotive growth, boost job opportunities and clean Transformation Fund (ATF) has also been up the air in our towns and cities.” released, to support the electrification of UK vehicles and their supply chains.

Transport decarbonisation There’s also a commitment for £140 Earlier in the year, the government published million support for hydrogen. its transport decarbonisation plan, setting out Another key policy within the strategy

With eyes on the UK for hosting the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in November, we look at what the UK government is doing to accelerate the switch to zero emission transport The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October to 12 November 2021.

The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change.

Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

One significant way to do this is to remove the harmful emissions caused by transport.

A shift to zero emission vehicles is already underway, but to meet climate targets, this transition needs to happen much more quickly and cover not only cars, but vans, buses, trucks, and lorries.

As the host nation for COP26, the UK is using this platform to publicise its plans to get to net zero by 2050, and is urging others to do the same.

Getting to net zero The UK government has already announced that from 2030, only cars with a substantial

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DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

Transport Decarbonisation

a pathway for the whole transport sector to reach net zero by 2050. It covers more details about how the HGV market can become zero emission, given that electrification is more challenging for heavy goods vehicles.

As pledged in the plan, the government has now consulted on proposals to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles. The consultation proposed a 2035 phase out date for vehicles weighing from 3.5 to 26 tonnes, and 2040 for vehicles weighing more than 26 tonnes. The consultation is now complete and the feedback is being analysed.

The government is also gathering feedback on whether to increase maximum vehicle weights for alternatively fuelled and zero emission trucks. This would offset the additional weight from the use of batteries and/or hydrogen storage tanks, increasing their commercial viability and attractiveness to operators.

Given uncertainty about which zero emission technology is most suitable for decarbonising long-haul HGVs, the strategy says it will demonstrate zero emission truck technology on the roads this year. As such, the government says it will invest £20 million this year to support industry to develop cost-effective, zero emission HGVs and refuelling infrastructure.

This includes designing electric road system and hydrogen fuel cell trials, developing technology and UK supply chains, and providing funding to demonstrate and prove real world applications of emerging battery electric trucks.

The government also plans to stimulate demand for zero emission trucks through financial and non-financial incentives, acknowledging that that any zero emission vehicles on the market have a higher upfront price than diesel equivalents.

Regarding the UK’s existing HGV fleet, the strategy commits to supporting efficiency improvements and emission reductions. Ways

Earlier in the year, the government published its transport decarbonisation plan, setting out a pathway for the whole transport sector to reach net zero by 2050 to do this include using the Energy Saving Trust’s online Freight Portal, which showcases the commercial benefits of improved fuel and logistical efficiencies, including information on available technologies, training and advice which operators can adopt to save time and money while reducing their emissions.

Support will continue for organisations like Zemo Partnership and others in identifying zero emission solutions for transport refrigeration units and auxiliary power units, producing an action plan for identifying the technologies available, barriers to introduction, and opportunities.

There will also be work done to explore the potential to increase the biocontent in fuels for use in compatible vehicles, for example through the use of higher blends of biofuels or drop-in fuels.

The government has also committed to maintaining the fuel duty differential up to 2032, subject to review in 2024, to encourage the use of biomethane and other gaseous fuels that create carbon savings compared to fossil fuels.

Sustainable freight The plan highlights that encouraging a shift from road to more sustainable alternatives, such as rail, cargo bike and inland waterways, can decarbonise freight. To do this, the strategy says it will be investing in the capacity and capability of the rail network for freight.

‘Last mile’ deliveries will also be looked at, Supported by

as this has the potential to create healthier and more liveable places. The government says it will work with industry, academia, and other stakeholders to understand how innovation in the Category L sector can benefit the UK delivery market.

It is also reviewing the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) legislative framework and will consult on improvements that could deliver near-term carbon savings by reducing the number of vehicle movements later in 2021. New technology and smarter regulation offer significant opportunities for reducing high-carbon delivery traffic, including dynamic kerbspace and delivery management and road and non-road based zero emission logistics solutions.

In getting transport to net zero, hydrogen will need to play its part. As such, the government has published an overarching Hydrogen Strategy, which focuses on the increased production of hydrogen and use across the economy, including for transport.

The government has said that it will consult on a Jet Zero strategy, which will set out the steps it will take to reach net zero aviation emissions by 2050. It will consult on a target for UK domestic aviation to reach net zero by 2040. L FURTHER INFORMATION https://tinyurl.com/5anbefsv https://tinyurl.com/298u5wx9

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Get wise...and decarbonise!

Let us help you decarbonise your fleet by using our powerful algorithms and evidence-based analysis to transition your fleet to electric in the race to net zero.

email : hello@thealgorithmpeople.co.uk web : www.thealgorithmpeople.co.uk

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Technology is the answer for greener fleets The Algorithm People harness the power of advanced mathematics, machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify the right placement for electric vehicles within fleets, and to optimise every commercial vehicle so that costs and fuel usage are minimised. Here’s how

Decarbonisation is a looming deadline for the UK’s car, van and commercial vehicle fleets – but for many it still seems like an impossible, and impossibly expensive, goal. However, the truth is all fleets can move towards decarbonisation today – with no financial risk.

The key is harnessing the right technology to first identify the optimal use of every vehicle; to identify which vehicles and fleet tasks are suitable for electrification; and being able to wring every iota of value from them to ensure a rapid return on investment.

Fleet optimisation is a green endeavour at every level because it eliminates wasted mileage, wasted fuel, and wasted usage of assets. Or to put it another way, it saves fleets money on fuel, on vehicle wear and tear, and in driver time, while also cutting fossil fuel use and emissions.

The Algorithm People harnesses the power of advanced mathematics, machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify the right placement for electric vehicles within fleets, and to optimise every commercial vehicle so that costs and fuel usage are minimised.

Expert advice and expert tools are an essential part of this journey into what is otherwise uncharted territory. Decades of conventional fleet management experience cannot help professionals know which applications, contracts or journeys can use EVs and maximise return on investment.

The Algorithm People’s technology does exactly that. We work within all road transport sectors, including multi-stop, logistics and service fleets. We analyse journey patterns to show exactly where electric vehicles can effectively be swapped for diesel vehicles.

designed to save more than fleets spend from day one, and it costs as little as 49p per vehicle.

Many of our partner companies, which include telematics, fleet management, fuel card providers and many other value-add companies, have integrated My Transport Planner into their product range, or make it available to their customers. The benefits to fleets are magnified as the savings which can come from coupling driver performance products with optimised journeys are greater than the sum of each intervention individually.

Step 2: Identify where electric vehicles would be a good fit for your fleet, offering the greatest operational versatility and the most rapid return on investment. TAP’s unique EV Toolkit can help with this. We analyse the vehicle movements, contracts or jobs undertaken over a specific period of time or from a significant sample of the fleet and see which of those profiles is best suited to electrification. This not only ensures seamless integration, and a rapid payback, but it also generally accelerates fleet’s uptake of EVs. Our EV toolkit revealed that Yorkshire Water could electrify 88 per cent of its vehicles that were analysed, and that 95 per cent would not require top-up charging. This groundbreaking analysis will help the company achieve its ambitious goal of NetZero by 2030.

Step 3: As fleets start to add electric vehicles to the fleet, My Transport Planner will optimise those too, taking into account charging, range, payload and all the other relevant factors.

Our machine learning means your fleet will continue to improve efficiency as real-world data pours in.

Stop and think about that for a moment: this is not a one-off, milk-run scheduling system.

It does not simply improve over human or manual planning once and then reproduce that trick. It learns and, as it learns, it continues to dynamically optimise each route, seeking ever more efficient routes and a closer relationship between the planned and the actual. My Transport Planner will take note of congestion patterns, regular glitches, times of day, charging availability and many other factors.

It is also customisable so that fleets can prioritise their scheduling parameters – for instance, to avoid congestion, or to avoid collision blackspots.

The future Decarbonisation is only the start of our exploration of the most efficient ways to green UK road transport. Our artificial intelligence is enabling revolutionary logistics solutions, to reduce the need for back-to-base reloading, and to reduce the number of HGVs in city centres.

This is a time for thinking differently, and we are looking anew at many logistics and fleet challenges. The ability to process, analyse and create with Big Data will enable us to move beyond traditional patterns and create a more efficient, cleaner and greener fleet world.

Decarbonisation is no longer optional.

The Algorithm People can help ensure your green choices are informed, cost-effective and operationally advantageous. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.thealgorithmpeople.co.uk hello@thealgorithmpeople.co.uk

What fleets can do today Decarbonisation is a journey and TAP’s service offerings make the first, and every subsequent step, easy, affordable and effective.

Step 1: Fleets can start their green journey today, with no prior consultation, fuss, lengthy implementations or financially risky tie ins. Fleet managers can simply log into My Transport Planner, use the templates to upload vehicle details, jobs, deliveries or appointments and start saving up to 30 per cent of fleet costs straight away. It’s a Pay as you go (PAYG) system

COP26 Special Edition | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Transport Decarbonisation Written by Neil Wallis, head of communications consultant, Zemo Partnership

Working towards a clean and green transport future The approach of COP26 has prompted countries around the world to publish their decarbonisation plans. Zemo Partnership’s Neil Wallis examines what’s been pledged by the UK government, and the progress that’s been made to eliminate harmful emissions from transport “Accelerate the transition to zero emission uncertainties about the steps along the way vehicles” is the primary transport objective and some still hotly contested issues, not of the UK presidency for COP26, as we least the extent to which new technology approach the end of a year that’s set to be can ‘fix it’ and how much we will also a defining one for UK road transport. The have to change our travel behaviour and approach of this crucial international expectations to meet net zero targets. summit has prompted the Negotiators at COP will be government to publish a rush thrashing out many of the Let’s of ‘world-leading’ plans to details and the outcome of hope th decarbonise our economy the Conference (likely to at COP ac and set an example of be another roller-coaster, c e lerates the rate it, and we, hope other I expect!) will have countries will follow. a major impact on and thaof progress The Ten Point Plan, what happens next in t t he UK and oth published a year ago, terms of our transport, e r countri can ins fired the starting gun, energy and many other es pire po followed this summer aspects of our lives. s i t change ive by the much weightier Zemo will be reporting on Transport Decarbonisation key transport developments Plan which fleshed out the at the COP for members and detail of what the government newsletter subscribers and plans thinks future mobility will look to run a members webinar shortly like. Other publications such as the new after the event to communicate and discuss hydrogen strategy also have a significant the implications of what’s taken place. bearing on the future for UK transport.

As a result of these developments, we do Moving towards electrification have a clearer idea of how our transport As we approach this critical event, it’s future will look, but there remain significant pretty obvious that the tectonic plates

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DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

have shifted and that electrification (in its many forms) will be the major part of the answer for road transport.

Over 15 per cent of UK new car sales in September were pure battery electric vehicles and after the scenes of panic buying at the petrol pumps, the level of interest reported in new electric cars is at an all-time high.

Surveys are showing that more and more people are considering a BEV (or possibly a PHEV) as their next purchase. While September BEV sales were strong, this is not a blip; they’ve been topping 10 per cent of the market in recent months and, combined with PHEVs, now represent 15 per cent of all new car sales in 2021. They now represent a measurable proportion of the energy used for transport and we’re certainly out of the ‘early adopter’ phase of uptake.

Electric van sales are a little behind cars, with just over three per cent of all new van sales in 2021 having plugs and 85 per cent of those fully electric. However, there’s been a rapid increase in the availability of full battery and plug-in models in this sector too. At least twelve manufacturers are now supplying small, medium and/or large vans with plugs and the last year has seen major investments and launches from Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen and Mercedes, amongst others. Range capability has been increasing notably; seven of the van models most recently launched have a range capability over 150 miles (and four over 200 miles).

A recent survey by Zemo revealed that seven of the top ten best-selling vans in the UK are now available in plug-in form.

Plug-in and zero emission models already dominate sales of buses and taxis; rightly, given the urban driving dominance in these sectors, while electric motorcycle orders, too, are taking off - more than a third of mopeds sold so far this year have been electric.

Passenger transport The bus sector has been at the forefront of the zero emissions shift and, I’m proud to say, Zemo (both now and in our former incarnation as LowCVP) has worked closely with DfT and the devolved governments to achieve this.

Transport Decarbonisation

Earlier this year, the government announced that up to £120 million is to be made available through the Zero Emission Buses Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme to encourage clean bus uptake. The National Bus Strategy – ‘Bus Back Better’ said that the government will support the introduction of 4,000 zero emission buses across the country, and Transport for London has just committed to buy only zero emission buses from this point forward.

Electric pledges The UK is far from alone in seeing a rapid surge in the uptake of electric vehicles.

Most leading economies have seen significant growth and in world-leaders Norway, BEVs recently accounted for almost 80 per cent of all cars sold.

One motor company after another has announced a deadline for their transition to selling fully electric and/or fossil free cars, vans and even trucks. Vauxhall (and sister firm Opel) are one of the latest in a long list of motor companies to announce a full transition to building electric-only vehicles (in their case, from 2028).

The announcements from Nissan of an ‘Electric Vehicle Hub’ including a new battery ‘gigafactory’ in the North East and Stellantis (Vauxhall’s owner) in electric van production in Ellesmere Port add to the strong feeling that things are changing in the right direction, and fast.

With the electrification of transport gathering pace, the interface of our vehicles and fleets with the energy sector is becoming clearer and more important by the day.

Zemo Partnership has been working closely with the Energy Systems Catapult as convenor of the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce (EVET) to help ensure that the energy system is ready and able to seamlessly power the EV fleet as it rapidly grows. In many ways, vehicle electrification and the rise of renewable power are complementary as intermittent supply can be balanced by the ability of a growing range and capacity of batteries - or even hydrogen - to store and release energy at times that work for the grid.

While electrification is clearly going to play the major role in delivering zero emissions transport in the future, the greater part of the vehicle fleet is still using fossil fuels and will still do so for well over a decade to come. Renewable fuels can and must, play an important part in cutting emissions in the short to medium-term Larger vehicles While plug-in car and van markets are obviously taking off, there’s a lot more to do to ensure clarity in terms of the decarbonisation trajectory of the larger commercial vehicle sector. Very few HGVs are currently classified as ultra-low emission, though some battery electric HGVs are now emerging. However, based on current battery technology, a 44tonne HGV with a 400mile range needs a battery of around 1MWh which is very expensive, bulky and heavy and would present a challenge to the current charging infrastructure.

Technical progress, though, is being made in several areas and battery-powered commercial vehicles are being brought to market by several incumbent manufacturers including Scania, Volvo as well as new players like Tesla, Rivian, Arrival and Volta.

Meanwhile, Hyundai and Nikola – amongst others – have been developing zero emission trucks using fuel cell technology.

Catenary systems using overhead wires to deliver electricity to trucks while en route have been mooted and are under trials in Germany, Sweden and the US, with the UK hoping to follow in the next few years.

Zemo Partnership was a supporter and has been an advocate of renewable fuels that have stringent accreditation systems in place to ensure their life-cycle and wider sustainability impacts. While Supported by

electrification is clearly going to play the major role in delivering zero emissions transport in the future, the greater part of the vehicle fleet is still using fossil fuels and will still do so for well over a decade to come. Renewable fuels can and must, play an important part in cutting emissions in the short to medium-term.

So, as we approach this critical moment in the battle to tackle climate change, there’s been real progress in the UK in terms of decarbonising the road transport sector, but a long road still to travel. The hard work really starts after COP to deliver on the commitments (hopefully) agreed.

Other countries are at different stages on the same road. Let’s hope that COP accelerates the rate of progress and that the UK and other countries leading in the transition can inspire positive change across all countries involved.

Success, I think, will look like a global climate emergency averted with a sustainable transport system rapidly coming into focus, embraced by a society focused on change.

In my view, this will require a lot more than just an electrified copy of our current ICE system; it will be difficult and take concerted hard work, but if approached in partnership I am confident in our ability to succeed. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.zemo.org.uk

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Fleet Charging Solutions

Charge your fleet towards net zero

Talk to one of our team of experts about your EV charging needs www.elmtronics.co.uk | 0191 417 3719

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COP26: turning the spotlight on business sustainability COP26 should be seen as an opportunity for businesses to consider what steps they can take to make their own pledge towards net zero. Not just today but for the future technologies. We must collaborate across our industry and wider energy and infrastructure sectors to ensure our electric vehicles are fuelled by renewable energy and green energy.

Vitally, we must strive to communicate the message to all sectors of society, and offer opportunities for all to embrace a cleaner, more sustainable transport for our nation.

Charging towards net zero We know that Net Zero is a priority for many of our customers, as it is for ourselves, and electric vehicles form a critical part of sustainable, business strategies. However, many businesses are often daunted about some of the challenges they face in making the right decisions around the charging infrastructure they need. At Elmtronics, we help our customers to make the right decisions today that will also future-proof them for tomorrow. We make sure that the financial incentives from OZEV, including the Workplace Charging Scheme, aren’t missed, as well as cost-saving measures such as switching to a renewable energy tariff which may feature cheaper overnight charging. We want to futureproof the UK’s fleets and use our wealth of experience to advise and guide the process.

For almost three decades, world leaders have met to collectively seek solutions to the climate emergency. Now in its 26th year - with Glasgow as the host city - COP26 will bring the issue of climate change to the forefront of the UK public’s mind. Our government has made an official declaration to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 which is one of the most ambitious targets in the world. However, to meet these challenging targets, individual actions will be required.

A key part of the government’s ambitions to net zero includes the drive to enable and incentivise the transition to electric vehicles.

The UK has long been seen as a champion of the EV industry. Government grants have stimulated interest in this new technology and continue to encourage the uptake of clean tech.

As a nation, we have declared Climate Emergencies across the country and widely accepted that we are in ‘Code Red for Humanity’.

In order for us to continue to lead the way, we will need to lean on three core values: Innovation, collaboration, and communication.

The UK must continue to invest in innovative

Ensuring sustainable business practices Our mission is to support global efforts towards a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable society, through promoting positive business practices.

We understand the importance of operating sustainably and ethically and endeavour to only work with companies who engage in ethical business practices. When you work with

Elmtronics, you know that our partnerships are carefully considered. For example, our Homecharge product, The Easee One - contains less copper and plastic than other chargers, with at least 4 kg of copper and plastic saved per charger produced. We care for our planet, community, and our people and regularly review our practices to ensure that we continue on the road to achieving our mission.

Investing in innovation Sara Sloman, head of future mobility partnerships at Elmtronics said: “We invest in searching and implementing new technologies, including wireless charging, mobile rapid charging, and the latest plug-and-play charging opportunities are all on the horizon.

This adaptable approach ensures that we can always offer the next-generation solutions for electrifying businesses across the UK through modular and scalable systems, which also avoids wasted assets and misplaced investment.” L

Elmtronics is one of the UK’s largest independent suppliers and installers of EV charge points trusted by major fleet operators, NHS Trusts, local authorities and developers. We are proud to offer advice and guidance and a full turn-key solution to support organisations to navigate the EV charging world.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.elmtronics.co.uk

COP26 Special Edition | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Electric Vehicles Written by Warren Philips, EVA England board member and media liaison

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The call for a faster global move to electric vehicles Representatives of electric vehicle drivers’ associations from a range of European countries are heading to the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference to support the call for much faster transport decarbonisation globally, fuelled by renewable energy Electric Vehicle drivers from Europe are The next stop for the EV drivers is heading to COP26 to support the call for myenergi in Grimsby where they will be a faster global move to electric vehicles. able to see some of the latest EV charging They will be calling for all new cars and and zero carbon home energy solutions. light duty vans sold in the 28 countries (44 The eco home smart tech products that EV drivers’ associations) represented in the myenergi offers includes the best-selling Global EV Drivers’ Alliance (GEVA) to have a electric vehicle charger, the zappi. plug by 2030, and to be fully zero emission The route will then take in the site where by 2035 at the latest. A rapid shift to zero construction is currently starting of the emission electric transport is Britishvolt EV battery gigafactory in currently being achieved in Northumberland which will be many countries and can the first site of its kind in the Electric be accelerated through country to be manufacturing vehicle supportive policies. sustainable batteries for Transportation electric vehicles. Members drivers from accounts for 24 per of the public can sign Europe and the cent of direct CO2 up for test drives of w ill be pa UK emissions from electric cars with Octopus fuel combustion Electric Vehicles and in the ‘ rticipating Electric globally, of which meet motoring journalist Road to road vehicles Quentin Willson. account for nearly

The drivers will COP26 ’ 75 per cent. GEVA experience Scottish EV charging is calling for action at Forth Valley College in Falkirk now to shift from vehicles before ending up in Glasgow itself burning fossil fuels to vehicles at the Arnold Clark Innovation Centre. running on clean, renewable electricity.

The EV drivers will then head to COP26 in To take this message to COP26, EV Glasgow in order to support the call for much drivers from Europe and the UK will be faster transport decarbonisation globally, participating in the ‘Electric Road to and to increase the public’s awareness of COP26’, with the route also showcasing the benefits of EVs for the environment a number of UK companies that are and health, reducing carbon emissions leading the green industrial revolution. and helping to improve air quality. They The EVs will charge up with 100 per ent will also promote the voice of EV driver renewable electricity at the GRIDSERVE associations globally working with GEVA. Electric Forecourt in Essex on the morning of The Electric Road to COP26 is being Friday 29 October. GRIDSERVE’s pioneering organised by Electric Vehicle Association Electric Forecourts and Electric Hubs are (EVA) England, EVA Scotland, GEVA and part of GRIDSERVE’s Electric Highway, a local EV Groups (NEXUS). Octopus Electric UK-wide EV charging network powered Vehicles is providing EVs for driving by net zero carbon sustainable energy. opportunities at some of the locations on GRIDSERVE is offering EV test drives for the the route. Planet Mark’s Zero Carbon Tour public at its Electric Forecourt in Braintree.

Bus will join the Electric Road in Glasgow.

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

Sharing experiences The drivers coming from a range of continental European countries are all keen electric drivers.

They have different stories and experiences about how they came to drive electric vehicles, and they want to show how EVs are already great solutions for personal mobility and are being used by drivers across the world.

The UK government has announced that it will phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and light vans by 2030, and plug-in hybrid cars and vans by 2035. The targets announced globally for ending the sale of petrol and diesel cars are shown in this article from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT): https://theicct.org/ publications/pvs-global-phase-out-FS-oct21 The Global EV Alliance (GEVA) represents EV Driver Associations from the countries of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain (Catalonia), Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.

The Global EV Drivers’ Alliance is calling for action now to shift from vehicles burning fossil fuels to vehicles running on clean, renewable electricity Scotland looks forward to welcoming delegates and drivers to COP26, which presents a unique opportunity to increase the uptake of electric vehicles globally.” L

EVA England offers a voice for EV drivers in England. People can follow updates about the Electric Road to COP26 and share the

Electric Vehicles

Joel Levin, Global EV Alliance (GEVA) Chair, comments: “A shift to electric transport is essential to quickly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dangerous climate change, improve local air quality and people’s health in cities around the world. With the rapid improvements in EV technology and the new cars and vans coming into the market, it is entirely achievable.”

Ade Adepitan MBE, EVA England Honorary Member adds: “In my recent travels and when reporting on climate change, I’ve seen the growth of electric bikes, three-wheelers, cars, buses and vans around the world, and the opportunity to do much more. I call for COP26 to speed up the move to electric transport.”

Neil Swanson, director of Electric Vehicle Association Scotland, concludes: “EVA

message about the need for faster global transport decarbonisation via the EVA England website and on Twitter @EVAEOfficial.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.evaengland.org.uk www.globalevalliance.com

The 500th Nissan LEAF heads to its owner in Norway

Supported by

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Advertisement Feature

EMBRACING ELECTRIC WE REALISE THAT TRANSITIONING YOUR FLEET TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES CAN SEEM LIKE A DAUNTING TASK, LOOKERS LEASING HAVE SET OUT A FLOW OF WHAT TO LOOK AT TO ENSURE A SMOOTH SWITCH. 01. WHAT DOES YOUR FLEET LOOK LIKE, LOOK AT YOUR PRODUCT MIX: What will your potential EV fleet look like once you’ve completed the transition?

Cars or Commercial vehicles, both?

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Operational requirements, such as achievable annual mileages and driver job roles.

Financial investment required?

How will your fleet look in 5 years?

02. STAKEHOLDERS: Transitioning your fleet to EV is a serious, longterm commitment; it’s not a one-off project. You need continuous management and development, while introducing appropriate tools to monitor and optimise your EV strategy and create a good experience for your drivers.

03. WHOLE LIFE COST (WLC) ANALYSIS: When a new technology is introduced to any sector you can expect it to be at a premium price and electric vehicles are no different. The headline purchase price is higher than that of a similarly sized ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle. That’s why, when procuring electric vehicles, it’s vital that you look at the whole life cost of the vehicle to your business. This would typically include, monthly rental, VAT savings, NIC, taxable benefits, and fuel costs - this allows you to build up a picture of what each vehicle is actually going to cost you. Whole life cost will allow you to procure your vehicle in a pence per mile format rather than a headline rental.

04. CARBON FOOTPRINT: Corporate and social responsibility is at the top of most ‘to improve’ lists. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, an easy win is to look at your fleet and identify a strategy that reduces the CO2 output. This could include powertrain (EV/ ICE), miles completed and driver efficiencies.

05.

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GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES: The UK Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) Exempt from London Congestion Charge Access to clean air zones, including the London Ultra Low Emission Zone Vehicle Excise Duty 1% Benefit in Kind (BiK) 100% First Year Allowance No car fuel benefit charge Reduced National Insurance contributions

06. REVIEW & TEST DRIVE Every fleet has its own bespoke requirements, because of this, you should implement a control group which includes a stakeholder from each relevant department. The purpose of this group will be to review, test and provide feedback on eligible vehicles. This project should also include a review of your current the fleet policy as you will need this to reflect the change to EV and how that will impact the driver and the business.

Finally, the control group review and evaluate during the cycle of the vehicles chosen so that, when the cycle ends, you can make educated procurement decisions on how to progress. tel. 01423 853000 fax. 01423 853002 (FAX) email. sales@lookersleasing.co.uk www.lookersleasing.co.uk

Energy Written by Giuseppe Sgro, field product marketing manager, Eaton

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Electric vehicles and the grid A new report has found that the UK risks missing its decarbonisation targets without urgent action to increase grid flexibility. Giuseppe Sgro from power management company Eaton, discusses how the energy market will cope when electric vehicles become the norm, and what organisations running fleets can do to reduce their demand on the grid when charging

How ready is the UK’s energy market to transition to net zero?

A recent report by the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) assessed the readiness of the UK’s energy market to support the transition to net zero, comparing it with 11 other European countries. Sponsored by Eaton, the report found that the UK is well behind Finland, Norway and Sweden in making changes that are vital to increase the flexibility of the grid as more variable generation comes online and renewables generate a bigger proportion of the country’s power supply.

High electricity penetration must be the cornerstone of any strategy to decarbonise transport and heating to meet net zero targets, and this cannot be achieved with low grid flexibility which is the present-day situation in the UK. Unless urgent action is taken, additional money will be needed to balance the system, and progress towards net zero will be slowed, because fossil fuel generators will be paid to fire up when demand outstrips supply, and renewables generators will be paid to turn off when supply is greater than demand.

challenge. However the grid needs to be more flexible to manage the demand.

Electricity demand last year was a record low of 330.0 TWh as a result of Covid-19, but if we look at 2019 it was 345 TWh. We should anticipate a return to this level in 2021.

The national grid is expecting 10 million EVs in the UK by 2030.

Are there concerns This will place high electricity that the grid would The demand on the grid, but not not be able national g r as high as one might think. to cope with id is expec The average driver in mass-charging t in g m 1 0 illion EV the UK (petrol, diesel or of electric by 2030 s in the UK EV) drives 7,000 miles per vehicles in the . year. 3.5 miles equates future? high demThis will place to 1 kilowatt-hour, which When, where and a n d o grid, bu means the average car how EVs are charged t not as n the uses 2,000kWh per year. has an impact on as one m high 10 million EVs would the electricity grid, igh therefore amount to 20 with ‘when’ being think t TWh per year, a 5.7 per cent the most important demand increase on the grid. factor. You never quite

The greatest concern is with ‘peak know when an EV will need power’, where EV drivers would choose to to be charged and where it will be. charge their cars at around the same time, Fortunately, renewable onsite generation for example, in the evening between 6 – 8 is now appearing everywhere in the UK, after returning home from work. This may in buildings and homes, to meet this Using modelling from BloombergNEF, the 2021 Energy Transition Readiness Report concludes that that a scenario of high electricity penetration and low grid flexibility will cost the UK £2.5 billion more a year by 2040.

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

also coincide with other demands on the grid, such as the use of any electrical appliance, including the upcoming increase of heat pumps. That is why we need the grid to be flexible enough to respond to such peaks.

What solutions are there to help the grid deal with the extra demand the switch to electric vehicles would cause?

EVs represent both an additional load and distributed flexible resource for grid services.

If we consider that 95 per cent of a car’s time is spent parked, EVs essentially act as a battery with wheels. A parked and plugged-in EV could be the battery bank of the future, stabilising electricity grids and powered by renewables. EVs can collectively store enough power to fulfil a drivers needs for hours or days, and charge when demand is lower.

Behind-the-meter assets such as energy battery systems will facilitate this by enabling building monitoring and power adjustment.

Smart charging will also play an important role in advising EV drivers when to charge their cars, so not to overload the grid. The UK government has set out a roadmap for delivering this next year.

How important is it to charge an EV with renewable energy?

Obviously connecting EVs to renewable energy increases the sustainability of the fleet, but as more fleet organisations move to EVs, a significant challenge will be how to ensure renewables, rather than coal or other fossil fuels, provide the electricity required for powering transportation.

As well as using smart charging to balance loads, and battery storage to flatten peaks, there are other technologies for managing and reducing the costs of EV charging infrastructure that will become increasingly common, including vehicle-togrid (V2G) technology and DC microgrids.

What support is needed from the government for the UK energy market to transition to net zero?

A vast increase in new flexibility resources is expected to be required for the UK to achieve its decarbonisation targets.

Whilst current policy has a clear focus on decarbonising power generation, buildings and transport, further focus should be given to flexibility and distributed assets in order to ensure grid operation.

In the UK and most other international markets, with the notable exception of the Nordics, current regulation and codes are designed for a centralised power system.

This limits what assets are permitted to

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participate in the provision of grid services and flexibility, therefore curtailing the business case for investing in flexible assets.

Opening the energy market would not just provide more market certainty for investors but would also allow the government to move swiftly and achieve its carbon reduction targets with greater confidence.

Energy

If we consider that 95 per cent of a car’s time is spent parked, EVs essentially act as a battery with wheels. A parked and plugged-in EV could be the battery bank of the future, stabilising electricity grids and powered by renewables

Is there anything in particular that fleet organisations can do to reduce their demand on the grid?

Installing a renewable energy generating system, such as one based on solar PV panels, and connecting it to behind-the-meter battery storage, could enable fleet organisations to dramatically reduce the costs of powering electric vehicle charging because the fleet will consume power as it’s generated or that has been stored for use when electricity from the grid is at its most expensive.

In situations when fleet organisations don’t have enough self-generated power for all the vehicles they need to supply, they can buy power from the grid at off-peak prices.

The wider sustainability benefit of this is that it enables what is known as ‘peak saving’, reducing the load on the grid to prevent it from being switched to carbon-intensive, fossil-fuelled power which may be all that is available when demand is at its highest.

Choosing an EV charging infrastructure -based on self-generated renewable energy and battery storage also reduces capital expenditure because it avoids the costly-grid upgrade fees that tend to be charged by distribution network operators for ensuing local networks can accommodate the additional load involved.

It also prevents those upgrades from having to be made in the first place. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.eaton.com

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From lowering emissions to driving a transformative EV fleet strategy Your ideal partner on the journey to net zero

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The data route to successful fleet electrification How can EV data be harnessed to help fleets achieve their electric dreams?

Beverley Wise, sales director for UK & Ireland at Webfleet Solutions, explains charging stations via their connected sat nav devices.

Fleet businesses continue to blaze a decarbonisation trail as the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable transport intensifies.

Against a backdrop of attractive benefit-inkind tax rates, electric company cars are being added to choice lists in increasing number as availability improves and consumer demand intensifies. All the while, the market for electric vans is gaining traction as more operators recognise the new opportunities for cutting fuel, operational and maintenance costs.

The road to zero for the transport sector is, consequently, on a one-way trajectory.

Indeed, an analysis of anonymised and aggregated driving data from around 100,000 connected vehicles revealed that the UK had the greatest electrification potential in Europe for both LCVs and business cars.

Using the Fleet Electrification Planning Report, a key feature of the WEBFLEET fleet management solution, it was discovered that 84 per cent of cars and 65 per cent of LCVs currently being used commercially in the UK could be replaced by electric models.

Telematics in the spotlight Awareness of the vital role of telematics data in supporting the electric transition is also building.

Fleets, for example, are increasingly using planning tools to help shape their EV adoption strategies. Telematics reports can enable businesses to identify the fossil fuel vehicles that can be replaced with EV alternatives, based on their ‘real world’ mileages.

Connected data is also proving important in the development of EV charging strategies, with insights helping businesses determine vehicles’ typical mileage, dwell time and where they spend most time.

With this information at hand, more informed decisions can be made about whether vehicles need to use home, office or public charging infrastructure.

Where charging stations are required at business premises, telematics reports can

then paint a detailed picture of driver working patterns, signalling how many will be needed and whether standard 7kW or more expensive 50kW rapid chargers are more appropriate.

Charging matters Ensuring electric vehicles are fully charged when they need to be and can be utilised to minimise downtime, optimise business productivity and maximise range is crucial to an EV fleet’s operation.

Charging practices will therefore become increasingly important as businesses turn their attention to reducing operational costs.

EV software solutions can once again have an important role to play here by allowing businesses to monitor real time battery levels and the remaining driving ranges of every fleet vehicle.

Functionality such as the WEBFLEET Charger Connection Report offers complete visibility over vehicles’ charging statuses and remaining charging times to ensure drivers operate the most cost-effective charging practises.

Furthermore, mapped coverage of charging points, can help drivers find the closest EV

Raising the fleet efficiency bar Wider telematics functionality also remains vital to the efficient management of EVs. Efficient route planning, navigation that takes account of live traffic information and workflow management optimisation are fundamental ingredients to making the most out of a vehicle’s electric miles, boosting productivity and cutting costs by reducing expensive en route charging.

Telematics data can enable businesses to compare the kWh per mile efficiency of their vehicles and drivers and address problem trends using driving performance monitoring solutions, such as WEBFLEET’s OptiDrive 360. As with ICE vehicle mpg, EV range will be improved by drivers refraining from speeding and by taking a smooth, gentle approach to acceleration and braking.

In addition, geofence alerts can be set up around Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZs) and Clean Air Zones (CAZs) to identify those vehicles that enter and to highlight where EVs can be used most cost-effectively.

By taking such steps to harness such smart data intelligence, businesses will find themselves better placed to unleash their electric fleets’ true potential. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.webfleet.com

COP26 Special Edition | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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The vehicle leasing market is changing... And so are we As a leading advocate for zero-emission vehicles, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions has announced that it is embarking on a major rebrand, accelerating their market-leading fleet decarbonisation solutions

Over the last eighteen months we’ve experienced unprecedented change, affecting the way we work, communicate and do business.

The motor industry alone is experiencing a seismic shift, increasingly transitioning away from petrol and diesel to electric fleets, with drivers taking advantage of the cost and environmental benefits of Electric Vehicles.

A key market for the exponential growth of EV registrations within the last 12 months has undoubtedly been fleet drivers. The first 0% Bik rate, along with a greater choice of EV models with improved range as well as charging infrastructure improvements has produced unparalleled demand within the sector over the past year.

But it’s not just the wider automotive sector that is repositioning itself to address climate change. As a leading advocate for zero-emission vehicles, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions – one of the UK’s largest vehicle leasing companies and Leasing Company of the Year, announced that it is embarking on a major rebrand, accelerating its marketleading fleet decarbonisation solutions.

The rebrand to Novuna Vehicle Solutions, which will be fully implemented by March 2022, follows the merger of the business’s parent company with Mitsubishi UFJ Lease and Finance Company Limited earlier this year.

This was a significant move for the business, making it part of one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups.

Jon Lawes, MD of Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions explained the thinking behind the rebrand: “The vehicle leasing market is rapidly changing and so are we. Novuna comes from the Latin words Novo – New and Una – Together, which captures the essence of our business and how we work with fleets, creating innovative solutions together and supporting our customers through rapid change.”

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Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions are recognised electrification leaders, offering an end-toend decarbonisation solution, accelerating the transition to an electric vehicle fleet.

This model helps fleets transition to cleaner vehicles by assessing fleet challenges, providing funding, building solutions and managing the infrastructure, as well as the back-office management, needed to support a widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

In turn, as part of its market-leading decarbonisation strategy, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions has committed to electrifying 100 per cent of its car & small van fleet, as well as 50 per cent of its funded van fleet, also by 2030.

“As one of the UK’s largest vehicle leasing companies, working with OEMs right across the spectrum to supply and service fleets of all complexities whilst also growing our personal leasing offering, the Novuna brand provides our business with a clear point of differentiation in the motor industry. Our new brand name is readily aligned to our decarbonisation strategy which is delivering cost and environmental benefits for our customers. Novuna perfectly captures the proposition of our business and how we work together, and with our customers to become market leaders in electric vehicles,” says Jon. Thanks to their varied customer portfolio ranging from utilities and supermarket delivery to blue light services, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions has experienced significant growth in their fleet over the past 12 months, recording the largest percentage growth of the Fleet News FN50 top 10 providers which saw the business increase its overall fleet by 17 per cent.

From company cars and salary sacrifice through to specialist and modified vehicles, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions are already

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

transforming UK fleets with absolute confidence to achieve decarbonisation targets. The size and expertise of its new parent company following the rebrand will provide a springboard for the next phase of growth for the business, built on an ethos of consistently exceeding customer expectations.

That total asset solution capability, provides the foundation for an even broader range of services under the new brand name. Novuna Vehicle Solutions offers competitive funding, fleet management, consultative policy design, electric vehicle transition planning and installation of electric infrastructure to get green fleets on the road and fully charged.

The business is also leveraging its expertise and buying power, widening its personal leasing offering to facilitate the wider uptake of EV’s beyond fleet. This includes partnerships with GRIDSERVE and the RAC, to provide competitive EV leasing deals for their customers.

Novuna Vehicle Solutions is ideally placed to enable fleets and personal leasing customers to experience a smooth ride on their decarbonisation journey. From October, customers can expect to see the Novuna brand being introduced on marketing channels, though the full rebrand won’t take place until March 2022. The products and services currently offered will remain the same, alongside their account management teams. But in the longer term, this is far more than a change of name.

“The rebrand marks the start of an exciting new era for our business and our customers,” says Jon. L FURTHER INFORMATION For more information, visit: www.hitachicapitalvehiclesolutions.co.uk

A new government campaign is aiming to encourage small and micro businesses to commit to cutting their emissions in half by 2030 and to net zero by 2050 As the UK’s 6 million small businesses make up 99 per cent of the UK’s enterprises, employ 60 per cent of the UK workforce and generate £2.2 trillion of revenue to the economy, it is important to recognise the impact that such businesses can have on environmental goals.

As such, the government has launched the SME Climate Commitment – a new drive to encourage small and micro businesses to commit to cutting their emissions in half by 2030 and to net zero by 2050.

As well as allowing businesses to make the climate pledge, the government’s UK Business Climate Hub website allows them to find practical tools, resources and advice to understand their emissions and develop a plan to tackle them.

Steps could include switching to electric vehicles and other cleaner forms of transport to reduce their carbon footprint, or introducing cycle to work schemes for employees, as well as other non-transport related measures.

The campaign also provides small businesses with access to some of the UK’s biggest businesses – including NatWest, Google, Scottish Power and BT – and leading climate experts to support them in taking the simple and practical steps to protect the planet, and the benefits of future-proofing and growing a low carbon business.

Launching the campaign, Business & Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and as we transition to a green future, they will also the backbone of the UK tackling climate change.

“There are huge opportunities for a small business to go green – not only playing their part in saving the planet from climate change but helping grow their business and ensuring it is fit for the future.

“Simple changes could differentiate a business from the competition, attract new customers and investment and save them money on their running costs. That is why I am urging the nation’s small businesses to sign up to become business climate leaders and lead the charge in protecting the future of our planet.”

COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma, said: “We are at a critical point for our planet, and to safeguard its future we must act now to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C. To do this, we need action from all of society including those small businesses that play such a vital role in our daily lives. The world is moving to a greener, brighter future, so please: do not get left behind. Ahead of COP26 in November, join the hundreds that have already done so and become a business climate leader.”

The UK’s net zero business champion Andrew Griffith said: “The UK business community has a unique opportunity to come together to tackle climate change. We all need to play our part, and as small businesses make up the majority of the UK’s business community it is critical that they get involved.”

Small Businesses

The SME Climate Commitment

Philip Jansen, chief executive of BT Group, said: “BT has been taking action against climate change for nearly 30 years and we’ve pledged to be a net zero emissions business by 2045. All businesses, large and small, have an important role to play in reducing worldwide carbon emissions, so we’re urging our small business suppliers and customers to join us on the journey to net zero by signing up to the UK Business Climate Hub. “A survey we recently carried out with Small Business Britain found that although 99 per cent of small firms recognise the importance of sustainability, three quarters of them (77 per cent) don’t know how to measure their carbon emissions and need support. The UK Business Climate Hub, together with free webinars we’re offering through BT’s Skills for Tomorrow programme, will help more small firms take their first steps towards taking climate action that can make a difference.”

Chief executive officer of NatWest Group Alison Rose said: “As the leading bank in the UK for businesses, we want to encourage, enable and lead the way in helping small businesses transition to a net zero carbon economy. From our recent SME Recovery Report, we know SMEs have the opportunity to help the UK meet its net zero targets by reducing their carbon footprint by 80 MtCO2e by 2030 through more sustainable business operating models.”

SMEs already going green There are plenty of small businesses that are already making the leap to go green. One such company is family-owned energy efficiency specialists SURE Solutions in Birkenhead on the Wirral. The company offers solutions to businesses using industrial refrigeration and has pledged to become net zero by 2025. The company has installed 70 solar panels on the roof of its offices and this year plans to install a hot water heat pump and electric vehicle Access to big company expertise charge points. This is on top of making sure The campaign is providing small businesses it is recycling waste and replacing its vehicles with access to some of the UK’s biggest firms with either electric or hybrid equivalents. The – including NatWest, Google, business also has plans to be carbon neutral Scottish Power and BT – through carbon offsetting by the end of the and leading climate Steps year through tree planting or similar. experts to support Family-run wedding venue Hayne them in taking to be House, Hythe, Kent offers a sustainable the simple greene option for weddings and receptions and practical include r could and has committed to cutting carbon steps to s w itching to elect emissions to zero by 2030, with becoming a r i c introdu vehicles or the business believing it will have low carbon c reduced emissions by 50 per cent business. work scing cycle to by the end of next year. The business hemes for has already removed all single-use employ ees plastic, started replacing windows with ones that are more energy efficient and switched to a renewable energy supplier, installing a rainwater harvesting system to water the garden and reviewing procurement to include local and sustainable suppliers among others. The company plans to go further including installing a heat pump and electric charge points for vehicles, as well as increasing its solar energy production to power the whole site. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.businessclimatehub.org

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Creating a fleet fit for a zero-emission future As a leader in driver training for leading UK and International fleets, DriveTech can play a unique roll in equipping the fleets of today with the skills to make their electric vehicles safe, efficient, and fit for a net-zero future

COP26 is a huge moment for world leaders, businesses, decision-makers and non-profits to meet, and most importantly, take real action on one of the biggest issues that the world faces. Climate change is already taking its toll on communities, ecosystems, and economies across the world, and we know that now is the time to act so that we can avoid some of the worst impacts of global warming and climate change.

Positive action will sit not just with one person, one country or even one continent.

Ultimately, we will all have a part to play as we start to move towards a net-zero world. At DriveTech, as a leader in driver training for leading UK and International fleets, we realise that we can play a unique roll in equipping the fleets of today with the skills to make their electric vehicles safe, efficient, and fit for a net-zero future.

DriveTech has taken many positive and active steps to help organisations with their EV transition. One key barrier to uptake of EV usage is the mindset that so many employees have around driving electric.

Old habits die hard, as the saying goes, and it’s equally true for the move to electric vehicles. We are currently in the throes of one of the biggest wholesale technological changes within the auto industry, so it’s no surprise that many employees have some hesitation or resistance to this change. DriveTech not only offers solutions to more technical elements surrounding how to be a more skilled and competent driver, but also offers insight into how to create the right mindset for your driving community. Understanding the difference between Electric Vehicles (EV) and Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) is a huge undertaking, but with DriveTech you can be

sure that your business will be getting the most out of its EVs. Whilst great strides have been made ahead of the government’s 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, there’s certainly still some way to go. There’s also a lot of ambiguity about exactly what this will mean for businesses who are already planning for the future and trying to establish what exactly a transition to electric will look like for their business. DriveTech isn’t just following trends but leading the way in terms of innovative new ways of communicating electric vehicle driver safety to businesses. One such industryleading product is EV Co-driver, a brand-new way of communicating with drivers of electric vehicles. Based on nudge theory, EV Co-driver is a fun and immersive way to educate drivers on new technology and best practice behind the wheel. Short episodes, only minutes long,

are delivered directly to drivers’ phones or portable devices and are designed to remind drivers of best practice behind the wheel and educate on new EV technology.

DriveTech will also be taking part in GreenFleet’s EVROS (EV Rally of Scotland), a five day 1,200+ mile electric tour of Scotland.

Taking place from 8th-12th November, and coinciding with COP26, this is an exciting opportunity for DriveTech to further cement itself as leading the way in driver safety for electric fleets. DriveTech has been selected as the official driver training partner for the event, and our team will be offering daily advice to fleet professionals on how to get the best out of their electric company vehicle. Keep an eye out for ‘EV Keith’, a stig-like homage to the UK’s famous driving heroes, who will be leading the pack safely, and in style.

COP26 is a huge moment, for all of us, including those of us who work with electric vehicles. Let’s not waste the opportunity.

This time, let’s make a difference. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.drivetech.co.uk tellmemore@drivetech.co.uk www.drivetech.co.uk/global-business-fleetsolutions/training-product/driving-electric/

COP26 Special Edition | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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EVROS Preview

The EV Rally Of Scotland The EV Rally Of Scotland, setting off from Glasgow and coinciding with COP26, will test the capabilities of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure over some 1,200 miles of demanding Scottish terrain The EV Rally Of Scotland (EVROS), taking place 8-12 November to coincide with COP26, aims to demonstrate the capability of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

By testing electric vehicles over 1,200 miles, covering some of Scotland’s most beautiful but sparse terrain, the rally will show that electric vehicles are not just suitable to those doing short journeys in urban areas, but are a viable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

The demanding journey will involve some of the world’s leading EV manufacturers, such as Polestar, Maxus, Kia, and Stellantis (Citroen, Peugeot, DS, Vauxhall and Fiat), showcasing the capabilities of their electric vehicles, as well as the functionality of Scotland’s public charging network.

EV adventurer Chris Ramsey is the rally’s frontman. Set to become the first man to travel pole-to-pole in an EV next year, the Scotsman said he “jumped at the chance” of leading the way in his homeland.

The rally will not allow overnight charging for any of the vehicles involved, so the teams will have to plan their routes every day so they can charge.

Most of the days will involve driving around 150 miles, but day three will be the most challenging, as teams will be covering over 300 miles through the rural Scottish Highlands.

The rally will highlight how well Transport Scotland has put together the charge point network in order to make this kind of driving viable. It will also prove that even if you don’t have access to off street parking, electric vehicle ownership is still an option. rally

As well as stopping at EV charge points, the teams will visit clean energy projects during the five days to showcase the UK’s impressive efforts towards transitioning towards a greener future.

Teams and partners DriveTech will be joining the rally as Driver Training Partner, and putting forward ‘EV Keith’ to set the standard for everyone else to beat. As an instructor with decades of experience under his belt, he will demonstrate how driver style affects the performance of an EV, in the same way it does on an ICE vehicle. EV Keith will also be offering daily advice to fleet professionals on how to get the best out of their electric vehicle.

The AA joins the rally as Official Roadside Assistance Partner, offering reassurance should the teams get into trouble on the road.

The Edmund King OBE, will not president of the AA is allow o excited to get behind v e r n ig chargin ht the wheel of a Polestar g the veh for any of 2 as he takes part in the rally. He said: so the t icles involved, eams w “The rally is helping ill have to plan to overcome some t

h every d eir routes ay so th ey can cha rge

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EVROS Supported by

The rally will highlight how well Transport Scotland has put together the charge point network in order to make this kind of driving viable. It will also prove that even if you don’t have access to off street parking, electric vehicle ownership is still an option believers in promoting electric mobility and getting more people driving electric vehicles, so EVROS was a natural fit for us. The rally shows that electric vehicles are not just something for the future, they are available, and viable, now.”

Kia joins the rally as a Premium Partner and will be showcasing the capabilities of their electric vehicles, which sit at the heart of the company’s plans for the future. Under its new mid- to long-term ‘Plan S’ strategy, the Kia will launch seven dedicated new EV models by 2026.

Stellantis, formed from the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler, is another of the rally’s Premier Partners. The auto maker, which covers brands Peugeot, Citroen, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Vauxhall, Lancia, and DS, has said it will be spending 30 billion euros on EVs and software by 2025.

Vanarama joins EVROS as its Electric Vehicle Leasing Partner. Established by CEO Andy Alderson in 2004, the company now employs more than 230 people from its headquarters in Hertfordshire and remotely across the country. Offering cars as well as vans, the company allows businesses to take a flexible approach to electric adoption.

Spectators and participants will be able to track the progress of the rally through Webfleet Solutions technology, who are joining as the event’s Technology Partner.

Their kit, which will be imbedded into the vehicles, will also be able to show how driving style affects the vehicles’ performance.

Raising EV Awareness Live progress of the rally will be broadcast online, so anyone can tune in and watch the vehicles and look ahead to the checkpoints.

EVROS Preview

of those psychological barriers to electric vehicles. People worry that they won’t be able to do that one long trip a year. But this rally will be a real life exercise showing that you can use electric vehicles on long journeys, in the winter, and in sparse terrain.”

Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) is the rally’s Innovation Partner. MSIP is a joint venture between Michelin, Dundee City Council, and Scottish Enterprise, and aims to be a creative home for innovators, manufacturers and skillsleaders to collaborate on sustainable mobility and decarbonisation. As well as having the space for innovators, the Parc benefits from renewable energy from two wind turbines on site, and a waste to energy plant next door. The Rally will be calling in on the Parc as a checkpoint on day four where they can find out about the innovations on site and take the opportunity to charge their vehicle using SWARCO kit.

EV charging specialist, SWARCO, who manage the ChargePlace Scotland network, is the the event’s Charging and Innovation Partner. The company has installed more than 150 rapid chargers across Scotland and 1,837 chargepoints in total. This includes work with 30 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and hundreds of private sector organisations.

Maxus is the event’s Logistics and Support Partner and will be providing an all-electric eDeliver3 van for the rally organisers to shift kit and equipment around the 1,200 electric mile course.

Western Commercial meanwhile will be providing an innovative nine-seater all-electric minibus - in the shape of a Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer - to the event organisers.

Electric performance brand Polestar joins the event as Media and Support Partner.

Polestar aims to be fully climate-neutral, circular, and inclusive, and understands that transparency is the key to this. Sustainability is embedded in its strategic direction, and in the choices they make at the drawing board.

Jonathan Goodman, CEO of Polestar UK commented: “We at Polestar are passionate

Between the social media accounts for the rally, sponsors, participants and media partners, the organisers are expecting well in excess of 600,000 followers on Twitter, more than 500,000 on Instagram and around 400,000 on LinkedIn. The organisers are inviting EV enthusiasts to join in the fun, meet them at the checkpoints, chat to the drivers and help spread the word.

Rally organiser Colin Boyton of PSI Group’s GREENFLEET Events, commented: “E-mobility and the decarbonisation of transport is seen as a key element to help drive the shift towards net zero and the rally has been designed to show that when it comes to EV use, Scotland and the rest of the UK are leading the way.

“What we are trying to prove is that EVs are not going away and are more than capable of being your everyday family car or your everyday work vehicle, be that car or van.

“The way we have structured this rally is that there will be no overnight charging for any of the vehicles involved so the drivers and co-drivers will have to plan their routes every day and stop and charge where they need to.

That will highlight how well Transport Scotland has put together the charge point network in order to make this kind of driving viable.

“We are proving that even if you don’t have access to off street parking you can still live and work with an EV every day, using the charging that already exists and which is only going to get better.” L FURTHER INFORMATION www.evros.uk

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Committing to run greener fleet operations COP26 Summit: As the fight against global warming heats up, Mark Barrett, general manager of Harris MAXUS calls on businesses to make their own pledge to reduce carbon emissions

The COP26 Summit will see leaders from 197 countries travel to Glasgow this month to discuss the threat of climate change. Significantly, the conference marks five years since COP21 when the Paris Agreement, a landmark climate change treaty, was signed by world leaders.

Pledges & paris agreement Declared as one of the last opportunities to slow the trajectory of climate change, COP26 isn’t just a chance for UN Member States to reflect on their pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. It’s also a chance for industries, businesses, and individuals to pin their flag to the post and make a conscious effort to be more sustainable into the future.

In terms of the motoring industry, electric vehicles are seen as a huge step in the right direction when it comes to reducing CO2 emissions across the world. Experts estimate that there could be 140m electric vehicles (EVs) on the road globally by 2030 should countries meet the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal.

At MAXUS, there has been a keen focus for many years on alternative fuel innovation and the creation of electric Light Commercial Vehicles (eLCVs). As a brand, MAXUS wants to make the greener option the easy option for drivers and fleet buyers, and as such, relegate vehicle-generated carbon emissions to the past.

As a leader in EV van development, MAXUS strives to provide zero-emission transportation solutions. Today in the UK, there are thousands of EV MAXUS vans in operation from well-known organisations including DPD, Milk & More, Royal Mail and Tesco just to mention a few.

The future of motoring Distributed by Harris Automotive Group, with headquarters in in both Ireland and the UK, MAXUS’ sights are set firmly on the future of motoring. When the brand relaunched in 2016, we did so with the introduction of the EV80, the brand’s first zero-emission panel van. Now, as the green revolution grows and

the 2030 EU target looms closer, MAXUS is ready for the next step with its two flagship models, the e DELIVER 9 and the e DELIVER 3.

Launched in June 2020, the e DELIVER 3 is the first van in the MAXUS portfolio that does not offer a diesel engine alternative.

The compact electric van perfectly illustrates MAXUS’ focus on diversification, customisation and reputation.

A small van with a big range, the e DELIVER 3 can clock up to 210 miles on a single charge.

With a 92KW motor, there is a battery option latest generation 52.5kWh. Using a DC rapid charger owners can top up the batteries to 80% in as little as 40 minutes. Available in several variants and wheelbase options, the e DELIVER 3 is a fantastically versatile vehicle that suits a wide range of business needs.

Also launched in 2020 was the MAXUS e DELIVER 9. Pitted as big brother to the e Deliver 3, this model is a large zero-emission vehicle that has it all in terms of spec, space and is 100 per cent electric. Available in two size options, this van offers a remarkable range and can travel 219 miles on a single charge. The van has a high power 150KW low energy motor and offers three battery options - 51.5kWh, 72kWh and 88.55kWh (LH) and a 65kWh EV Chassis cab. The e DELIVER 9 features various battery cooling methods, which reduce charging time (DC 45mins 5-80 per cent), as well as extending battery life and increasing the operating range.

Making the switch For those who are serious about the move to electric motoring but aren’t sure where to begin the best thing to do is speak to an expert. At MAXUS we know that the transition

to greener motoring isn’t as simple as picking up the key to a new EV. That is why we provides business owners and fleet managers with a realistic evaluation of where they are on their journey to greener motoring and give them advise on what they need to do next.

Some businesses may be ready to make the switch, others may need to put policies and infrastructure in place before making the move and MAXUS provides a step-by-step guide to ensure that move is as seamless as possible.

MAXUS doesn’t just offer advice to customers looking to make the big switch, we also provide detailed data-driven insights to optimise fleet productivity and safety postpurchase. In partnership with LEVL, Authorised Reseller for the world’s leading provider of fleet management and vehicle telematics, Geotab, we have created MAXUS Intelligence Onboard which is fitted in every MAXUS electric vehicle as standard. Utilising Geotab’s industry-leading electric vehicle telematics MAXUS customers have access to data insights like never before. This is all provided as added value and is just another example of how MAXUS goes the extra mile for its customers.

MAXUS is manufactured by SAIC, the largest automotive company in China. The brand is one of the few OEM manufacturers in the UK that can offer a full fleet of EVs right now and invites anyone interested in making the switch, or learning more about how to make the switch, to get in touch with their local MAXUS EV dealer who will always go the extra mile. For more, check out our website below. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.saicmaxus.co.uk

Mark Barrett, general manager, MAXUS

COP26 Special Edition | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

33

Freight & Logistics Written by Michelle Gardner, head of public policy at Logistics UK

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The route to net zero for freight and logistics Logistics UK is launching its ‘Route to Net Zero’ manifesto on 10 November 2021 – Transport Day at COP26 – to present its route map for decarbonising logistics, as well as to communicate the support the industry needs to reach net zero by 2050 Accelerating the decarbonisation of road transport is an urgent priority to protect the future of our planet and will be a key focus at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), to be held in November 2021.

According to COP26’s research, emissions produced by the road transport industry are rising faster than those of any other area of the economy; COP26 leaders are calling on countries and states, vehicle manufacturers, and fleet-owning businesses to all play their parts on the global journey towards net zero emissions. And they are urging that this transition must happen more quickly, with international

Zero by 2050. The manifesto will be launched via a virtual event, hosted by David Wells, Logistics UK’s chief executive.

During the free-to-attend webinar, Wells will be joined by representatives of businesses which have signed up to Logistics UK’s latest environmental initiative – the Route to Net Zero commitment – who will be presenting their decarbonisation strategies and providing guidance for other organisations keen to move to a net zero operation.

With Net Zero emissions by 2050 a non-negotiable deadline for industry and government alike, it is essential that all businesses are as prepared as they can be for the complete decarbonisation of logistics; this webinar will provide a vital resource for companies working across all aspects of the sector. For more information, and to book your place – free for both members and non-members alike – please visit logistics.org.uk/campaigns/environment/ cop26-the-route-to-net-zero-for-logistics

collaboration and consensus vital on the The route to net issue to safeguard the future of our planet. zero commitment Logistics UK and its members are keen to As the largest business group representing support global and national environmental the sector, Logistics UK is asking its members ambitions wherever possible; that is why to commit to decarbonising their operations we are launching our ‘Route to Net Zero’ as quickly, effectively and as urgently as manifesto on 10 November 2021 – possible to help the UK achieve Transport Day at COP26 – to carbon neutrality by net zero present our route map for by 2050. We know the the future of logistics To achi pathway to net zero and communicate with eve will be challenging for government and net zero , industr many of our members, other stakeholders y needs as the technology the support industry right te solutions are still needs to reach Net chno the

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER FLEETS | www.greenfleet.net

and veh lo icles th gies at a comme rcially re viable

The road to net zero The COP26 community is asking countries to commit to ensuring all new car and van sales are zero tailpipe emission by 2035 or 2040, depending on how advanced their market is, and to put in place policies to accelerate the uptake of zero tailpipe emission cars, vans, buses, and trucks. An announcement by the UK government on the phase out dates for diesel HGVs is anticipated within the coming weeks.

However, the results of Logistics UK’s May 2021 Logistics Performance Tracker survey lays bare the work that respondents believe needs to be done to decarbonise road operations: just under 70 per cent of respondents were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the availability of electric HGVs, and 37 per cent for vans. There is significant uncertainty over which fuels will be the most appropriate for HGVs, with differing views around hydrogen, electrification and electric road systems. Logistics UK is urging the government to provide certainty on commercially viable, zero tailpipe emission technologies for HGVs by the mid-2020s; industry will also need to be provided with incentives to help overcome higher upfront purchase prices, until the market for zero tailpipe emission vehicles matures.

There is significant uncertainty over which fuels will be the most appropriate for HGVs, with differing views around hydrogen and electrification With 70 per cent of respondents to the survey also either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the availability of supportive infrastructure for alternatively fuelled vehicles, the government must commit to ensuring public refuelling and charge point infrastructure can be rapidly developed, installed and is accessible for use by commercial vehicles, with the strategic road network a priority.

Depot charging will be essential, especially for van operators, so a fair and equitable approach to funding power upgrades is needed if this technology is to be adopted.

Whether the future solutions for HGVs are battery electric, electric road systems or hydrogen, all require substantial infrastructure investment and energy capacity.

The logistics industry understands the part it must play in decarbonising the UK economy; Logistics UK will continue working with its members, the government, and other stakeholders to help ensure net zero by 2050 becomes a reality.

For more information, and to sign up to the Route to Net Zero pledge as a Logistics UK member, please complete the application form, available to download on the following page: logistics.org.uk/environment/netzero

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being developed, but we are working to ensure our campaign is meaningful and can translate into real progress. Action from our members and the wider logistics industry will go only so far: to achieve net zero, industry needs the right technologies and vehicles that are commercially viable, with the right supporting infrastructure.

Logistics UK Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. 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 L FURTHER INFORMATION logistics.org.uk/environment/netzero

35

VODAFONE’S

ELECTRIC

FUTURE JOURNEY TO AN

WEBINAR

4TH NOVEMBER 11AM

REGISTER NOW Thinking about making the switch to electric vehicles? Join us to talk all things EV transition and understand how Vodafone tackled these changes within their fleet.

Register here: https://bit.ly/VodafonesJourney

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The road to 2030: EV driver transition As we approach the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, many businesses are wondering where to begin? So let’s break it down

Perhaps you already have some electric vehicles (EVs) on fleet, or maybe you’re still trying to work out what this means for your drivers. Everyone’s EV transition journey is different, but it’s definitely on everyone’s mind.

Arval UK head of consulting, Shaun Sadlier said: “It’s important to keep things simple – don’t overthink it and don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’re regularly sitting down with customers to talk through things such as how they use their current vehicles, driver mileage and charging options to help find the best solution for their business.

There’s still plenty of time and there are steps you can put in place now to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

Goodbye to the diesel company car You may have a number of different driver groups within your business and it’s important to consider the needs of each.

First, the company car drivers, where diesel has reigned for many years, particularly amongst high-mileage field based staff. You might expect these drivers to be resistant to change, but actually they’re increasingly becoming electric protagonists, pushing for more choice of EVs on their schemes.

This enthusiasm is hardly surprising when we look at the cost savings. With company car tax payable at just one per cent for the 2021/22 tax year when choosing a fully electric vehicle, and the rising tax on petrol and diesel cars, ‘going electric’ is becoming a very financially attractive option.

“The range of fleet-appropriate electric vehicles available has grown significantly over the past few years and so, paired with a continually improving charging infrastructure across the country, more and more drivers are able to enjoy the environmental and financial perks of driving an electric car,” Sadlier added.

Powering the workhorse Then we have the operational fleet. Often vans, but not always, these vehicles are a core part of their drivers’ day to day work. Whether they’re used for deliveries, transporting equipment or converted for your specific needs, this segment of your fleet needs a slightly different approach.

Talking about eLCV transition, Sadlier commented: “If you’re already operating a van fleet, you’ll have had to ensure your vehicles are ‘fit for purpose’ and it’s exactly the same when choosing suitable electric replacements. You’ll still need to consider payload and capacity, but this time you’ll also need to look at the mileage range of potential vehicles. We recommend that you consider the worst case scenario range i.e. based on a fully loaded van during winter weather!”

The selection of electric vans available is more limited than the choice of cars today, but this is improving rapidly as more manufacturers bring new models to market.

In the meantime, fleet operators have a valuable window of opportunity to really understand the operating profile of their van fleet – what type of journeys do your drivers make, what is the normal daily mileage of each vehicle, are there any longer journeys and are they regular or infrequent?

The answers to these questions will help you to identify electric vans that meet your needs. Earlier this year Arval published a piece of research into the impact of payload and other factors on electric van range to equip businesses with real-world data to aid with their conversations around eLCV transition.

Electric for one and all Outside of the traditional fleet, we often find another significant population of employees – the non-company car drivers. Those who don’t have access to a company vehicle or drive on business, but often still commute to work.

To really address the true carbon footprint of your workforce, these drivers should also be considered, but how do you reach them?

And is there a way to offer these employees an attractive, cost-effective perk too?

Salary sacrifice schemes are becoming an increasingly popular benefit for both employers and employees alike.

Employees can access an affordable brand new car, enjoying tax savings as the monthly cost is taken directly from their gross salary.

Salary sacrifice vehicles are taxed in the same way as company cars, so these drivers

also benefit from the same low company car tax as their colleagues when choosing an electric vehicle. And for employers, this is often a positive step towards their CSR objectives, whilst delivering a great benefit to help attract and retain staff. Win, win!

Taking the leap There are a number of areas to look at as you begin your transition, but understanding your driver groups and needs is a great place to start. Planning for each of these audiences, and spotting the simplest opportunities to make the switch, will play a key role in your journey to 2030.

Involve your drivers in the process, taking them on the journey with you and making sure that they have a clear understanding of the financial and environmental benefits. Their endorsement will help to make the transition a smooth one and help everyone to see this as an exciting opportunity, not a daunting inevitability.

GreenFleet readers wanting to find out more about EV transition can join Arval’s upcoming webinar – ‘Leading the charge to 2030: Vodafone’s journey to an electric future’ on 4 November. Register below. L FURTHER INFORMATION https://bit.ly/VodafonesJourneh

Shaun Sadlier, Head of Consulting, Arval UK

COP26 Special Edition | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

37

Hydrogen

The UK’s hydrogen strategy The UK’s first ever hydrogen strategy says that by 2030, the government envisages hydrogen to be in use across a range of transport modes, including HGVs, buses and rail, along with early stage uses in commercial shipping and aviation. We look at the measures outlined in the strategy

The government has published the Public transport UK’s first-ever Hydrogen Strategy, Approximately two per cent of England’s highlighting that low carbon hydrogen local operator bus fleet is now zero emission has a critical role to play in – battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell. The the UK’s transition to net zero. Its government has set out its ambition for a green ambition is for 5GW of low carbon bus revolution, and has consulted on setting hydrogen production capacity by 2030. an end date for the sale of new diesel buses, Government analysis suggests that 20-35 with the response to be released shortly. It has per cent of the UK’s energy consumption also established a Zero Emission Bus Regional could be hydrogen-based by 2050. This Areas (ZEBRA) scheme. The ZEBRA scheme energy source could be critical to meet the provides up to £120 million for local transport UK’s targets of net zero emissions by 2050 authorities (LTAs), outside London, to support and cut emissions by 78 per cent by 2035 the introduction of zero-emission buses and – a view shared by the UK’s independent the infrastructure needed to support them.

Climate Change Committee.

In the build up to COP26, the first The government expects low ever double decker hydrogen carbon hydrogen to play a bus tour of the UK has set The key role in decarbonising off to shine a spotlight on govern the transport sector, the part hydrogen has which is the largest to play in the country’s expectsment single contributor race to net zero. l o w carbon to UK domestic The UK Hydrogen h y d rogen to play GHG emissions and Roadshow, a was responsible partnership between decarboa key role in nisi for 27 per cent of bus manufacturer transpong the emissions in 2019.

Wrightbus, hydrogen r Complementing distribution firm Ryze sector t electrification, hydrogen Hydrogen, and hydrogen is expected to be used production company across modes of transport INEOS through its INOVYN such as buses, trains and heavy subsidiary, will see the world’s first goods vehicles (HGVs). It is also likely to hydrogen double decker bus, the Wrightbus provide solutions for sectors that will not Hydroliner, travel a 600-mile route as it be able to fully decarbonise otherwise, makes its way from London to Glasgow including aviation and shipping. for the UN’s climate conference, COP26.

Low carbon hydrogen can provide an It will stop at various businesses along the alternative to petrol, diesel and kerosene as way to highlight the potential that low-carbon it can be used directly in combustion engines, hydrogen fuel has to play in various industries. fuel cells and turbines or as feedstock for

production of transport fuels, including Heavy goods vehicles ammonia and sustainable aviation fuels.

Large long-haul HGVs are the most There are over 300 hydrogen vehicles challenging segment of the road sector on UK roads, mostly passenger cars and for developing zero emission options due buses, and the government is supporting to their long journey distances and heavy hydrogen use in transport with a £23 payload requirements. Some vehicles are million Hydrogen for Transport Programme. in constant use and therefore require fast The strategy says that by 2030, the refuelling to meet operational requirements. government envisages hydrogen to be in use The strategy says the government is across a range of transport modes, including investing up to £20 million this financial HGVs, buses and rail, along with early stage year in designing trials for electric road uses in commercial shipping and aviation. system and hydrogen fuel cell HGVs and To deliver on its hydrogen ambitions, to run a battery electric trial to establish throughout the 2020s, government is taking the feasibility, deliverability, costs and forward a programme of development benefits of these technologies in the UK. and demonstration of hydrogen To further support the shift away technologies across different transport from fossil fuels, the government has modes, to support commercial readiness consulted on the phase out date for the and learn about the opportunities and sale of new non-zero emission HGVs, barriers for any larger scale rollout. and is now analysing the feedback.

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Moving hydrogen forwards One of the main tools used by government to support the establishment of offshore wind in the UK was the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which incentivises investment in renewable energy by providing developers with direct protection from volatile wholesale prices and protects consumers from paying increased support costs when electricity prices are high. As such, the government is consulting on a preferred hydrogen business model which, built on a similar premise to the offshore wind CfDs, is designed to overcome the cost gap between low carbon hydrogen and fossil fuels, helping the costs of low-carbon alternatives to fall quickly.

Alongside this, the government is consulting on the design of the £240 million Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, which aims to support the commercial deployment of new low carbon hydrogen production plants across the UK. Commenting on the strategy, CEO of ITM Power Dr Graham Cooley said: “By supporting

Complementing electrification, hydrogen is expected to be used across modes of transport such as buses, trains and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). It is also likely to provide solutions for sectors that will not be able to fully decarbonise otherwise, including aviation and shipping triggering the investment and buy-in needed to achieve this.”

Director of policy at the association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) Frank Gordon said: “This Strategy provides welcome clarity. The REA urged the government to provide certainty for investors, deliver a technology neutral approach and highlight the range of low carbon pathways. The Hydrogen Strategy starts to answer those calls and offers a positive vision for the role of hydrogen in meeting the UK’s net zero ambitions.

“Backed up by the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, a revenue support scheme for

Hydrogen

the creation of a UK home market, today’s announcement is a very welcome step in helping British companies cement their positions as world leaders in hydrogen technology. The industry needs a policy landscape in place that identifies priorities and support mechanisms for rolling out green hydrogen production in the UK and that’s just what today’s Hydrogen Strategy sets out.

“Green, zero-carbon hydrogen can abate greenhouse gas emissions from industry, transport and heat. It can be used to store our abundant renewable energy from offshore wind and longer term, be used to create export markets. This is a win for the UK’s decarbonisation plans, a win for cleaner air and a win for British jobs.”

Hydrogen director at National Grid Antony Green said: “The transition to a green economy will require a mix of technologies and hydrogen will play a vital role. This strategy signals the UK’s commitment to hydrogen and provides the certainty needed to boost consumer and investor confidence and support commercial solutions. Importantly, unlocking the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy solution requires significant pace and innovation to scale up production, and the guidance from government today will be key to

hydrogen production and a standard methodology to define when hydrogen is low carbon, we believe this Strategy can provide a stimulus for British-based hydrogen production over the coming years.”

Case studies An example of hydrogen innovation in the UK is the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub. The hub will act as a living lab to understand hydrogen’s role in decarbonising the transport sector, through large scale trials across different transport modes and use cases. The first of its kind in the UK, this project will comprise of a set of facilities for the production, storage and distribution of green hydrogen to supply a network of refuelling stations and support operational trials of hydrogen powered vehicles including road, waterways and aviation. The hub brings together government, industry and academia, and is expected to be fully operational by 2025 (subject to funding).

This year the Tees Valley area will see various pilot projects of hydrogen vehicle demonstrations across modes and use cases including, but not limited to, forklifts, cars, buses, HGVs and marine vessels.

In Scotland, the Acorn Hydrogen project located in St Fergus, Aberdeenshire, is taking advantage of existing oil and gas infrastructure to reform North Sea natural gas into low carbon hydrogen with the emissions created from generating the hydrogen, safely removed and stored through carbon capture, usage and storage. The project is being led

by Storegga, with funding and support from industry partners including Harbour Energy, Shell, the UK and Scottish Governments and the European Union.

In Northern Ireland, Wrightbus has developed hydrogen-powered buses in Belfast. The company has invested heavily into developing hydrogen fuel cell buses and has received over £8 million over the last four years from Government research and development funding for the automotive sector.

In Port Talbot in Wales, a project by Hanson Cement is demonstrating how hydrogen from renewable energy can help decarbonise cement manufacturing. L FURTHER INFORMATION View the Hydrogen Strategy here: https://tinyurl.com/j62tyydm

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