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in brief
New rapid EV hub in Somerset
Working in partnership with North Somerset Council, Yunex Traffic has installed two 50kW rapid charging units serving four parking bays. Situated close to Portishead Marina in Somerset, the hub is part of four that are being delivered across the region. The chargers will form part of Revive, the dedicated charging network for the West of England. The rapid chargers will typically enable drivers to charge their vehicles within 30-60 minutes. Cllr Bridget Petty, North Somerset Council’s executive member for climate emergency and engagement, said: ‘The new rapid charging hub near Portishead Marina, along with the growing Revive network, is a positive move towards our vision of a greener transport system which is kinder to the environment.’
Data scientists to address issues associated with EV rollout
Ordnance Survey (OS) is inviting developers and data scientists to take part in the programme which will take place online from 6 -7 October. The programme will focus on four key challenges: • How to level up EV infrastructure planning for local government in remote communities • What is the demand for charge points for electric vehicle fleets and where do they need to be developed • How can geospatial data contribute to changing behaviours among non-
EV owners • Open innovation – what other sustainable concepts can be created using geospatial data
Longer lorries could help to cut emissions, says Department for Transport
This announcement follows a nineyear trial of the longer-semi trailers (LSTs) – which can be up to 15.65 metres in length. According to the Department for Transport, the trial saw a reduction in the number of lorries making journeys across the country, with an average 8% reduction in miles and a 6.3% reduction in pollution. Overall it is estimated that the full rollout of LSTs could remove up to 1 in 8 freight journeys. The Department for Transport will now consider these results but have said that these vehicles could be rolled out ‘sometime in 2022.’
New project will address EV inequality
A new project will address electric vehicle (EV) inequality in the London Borough of Lambeth.
EVownership is increasing year on year, with registrations up 117% in 2021 compared to last year.
However, the uptake has exposed various inequalities, with those living in urban centres, high-rise flats and council estates significantly less likely to have access to a private driveway, making it difficult to install home charging solutions.
As a result, households which have access to a driveway make up 80% of EV owners.
With approximately onethird of residents in Lambeth living on estates managed by the council, the council has partnered with Connected Kerb to improve EV charging infrastructure across the borough.
The project includes 22 on-street EV chargers across 11 council estates in the Borough, with the aim to provide easy access to public charging, even for those without off-street parking.
This forms part of the council’s wider strategy to work with multiple charge point operators to install more than 200 charge points by 2022, with the aim of ensuring that every household with no off-street parking is within a 5-minute walk of their nearest public charge point.
The council hope that this will act as a blueprint that can be adopted at scale across other boroughs, councils and cities across the UK.
The current car tax system punishes low income and low mileage drivers, according to a new report published by the University of Manchester and By Miles.
The research shows that even though lower-income drivers complete 40% fewer miles, these drivers pay 212% more per mile than wealthier drivers in car tax. This is because car tax is still charged at a flat rate.
Based on these findings, the authors are calling on the government to adopt a usagebased tax system that charges and taxes motorists for the miles they actually drive and rewards those who drive less.
James Blackham, CEO of By Miles, said: ‘Lowerincome drivers in the UK face a triple-lock of hardship at the hands of our current car tax system. Despite driving shorter distances, less often and being priced out of more efficient vehicles, these households are being used to subsidise the driving behaviours of much wealthier households.
‘It’s not controversial to suggest that those who use the roads the most should shoulder more of the burden when it comes to paying for them.
‘We urge the Government to adopt a fairer approach to lower mileage drivers, charging and taxing motorists for the miles they actually drive and rewarding those who drive less. We believe a new model would not only save most drivers money but also encourage and reward people to reduce emissions – however we choose to travel.’
Exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to premature birth
Exposure to wildfire smoke during pregnancy increases preterm birth risk, according to researchers at Stanford University.
The researchers analysed satellite data of smoke plumes and paired this with estimates of ground-level particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution.
They found that every additional day of smoke exposure during pregnancy raised the risk of preterm birth, regardless of race, ethnicity or income.
They found that a full week of exposure translated to a 3.4% greater risk relative to another exposed to no wildfire smoke.
Exposure to intense smoke in the second trimester – between 14 and 26 weeks of pregnancy – had the strongest impact.
The researchers have said that one possible explanation for this link is that the pollution may trigger an inflammatory response, which then sets the delivery in motion.
With premature births costing the U.S healthcare system an estimated $25 billion per year, the researchers have highlighted that even modest reductions in preterm birth risk could yield ‘enormous societal benefits.’
Lead author of the study, Sam Heft-Neal, said: ‘In the future, we expect to see more frequent and intense exposure to wildfire smoke throughout the west due to a confluence of factors, including climate change, a century of fire suppression and construction of more homes along the fire-prone fringes of forests, shrublands and grasslands.’
Royal Mail to trial new pollution-reducing tyres
Royal Mail has announced plans to trial new tyres that are designed to reduce pollution.
As the UK electrifies its transport fleet, researchers have raised concerns about tyre dust pollution. According to one study, air pollution from car tyres can be up to 1,000 times worse for health than from exhaust.
In a bid to tackle this, Royal Mail is collaborating with Transport for London and ENSO to trial new tyres which claim to produce less particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution than normal tyres.
According to ENSO, the tyres can also increase electric vehicle range by up to 11%.
Throughout the six-nine month trial, 15 electric vans at the West London Delivery Office, near Wembley, will be fitted with the new tyres.
The tyres will be monitored and weighed every six weeks to measure their wear rate and to estimate the reduction in PM2.5 pollution.
The checks will also ensure that the tyres are wearing properly and there are no health, safety or vehicle wear and tear issues. If the trial is successful, the results may inform future purchasing decisions across Royal Mail’s fleet.
James Baker, chief engineer and fleet director at Royal Mail said: ‘As a company, we are committed to making changes to our operations that reduce our environmental impact.
‘The trial and potential wide-scale introduction of more efficient and environmentally friendly tyres enables us to help achieve this, while allowing us to continue to deliver letters and parcels safely, efficiently and responsibly.’
in briefin brief
Energy supplier launches new EV tariff
The new OVO tariff is the only green energy plan that brings customers separate rates for their car and home. By splitting the EV charging costs from home electricity charges, customers will be credited back for the amount of electricity saved via EV smart charging every month. According to OVO Energy, customers using the tariff could power their EV for just £100 across the year. Drivers will also have access to Kaluza’s intelligent software, which uses AI algorithms to automatically optimise their car to charge during times of low energy demand when emissions and prices are also low.
Nottingham to receive nine new wireless electric taxis
Wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging occurs when a compatible vehicle is stationary over a wireless induction pad which can be built into the roads surfaces. Five plug-in hybrid LEVC TX taxis and four electric Nissan Dynamo taxis will promote the wireless charging network with branding that says: ‘This electric taxi will charge wirelessly.’ The taxis will be available on Nottingham’s streets for hail by the general public and will capture data including journey distances and battery level. Posters inside the taxis will help inform passengers how wireless charging works and the benefits of charging wirelessly.
98% of state schools in London exceed PM2.5 limits
According to new research, children in London are four times more likely to go to school in an area where air pollution exceeds World Health Organisation (WHO) limits. The analysis also shows that in 2019, before the pandemic: • More than 1.2 million children in London attended schools in areas that exceed WHO limits for particulate matter (PM2.5). • 98% of state primary and secondary schools in London are located in areas that exceed WHO limits, compared to 24% outside of
London • On average, PM2.5 concentrations were a third (33%) higher at schools in London than in the rest of England.
in brief
Wildfire smoke may have caused an extra 19,700 Covid cases in the US
The researchers built a statistical model in order to quantify the extent to which wildfire smoke may have contributed to excess Covid-19 cases and deaths in California, Oregon and Washington. They looked at the connection between county and daily-level data on PM2.5, wildfire days from satellite data and the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths. They found that from August 15 to October 15, 2020, when fire activity was greatest, daily levels of PM2.5 were significantly higher than usual, with a median of 31.2 µg/m3.
Air quality in Harrogate has improved, says the council
While monitoring results have been steadily improving for a number of years, this is the first time that all four air quality management areas have seen nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution reduced to below the objectives set by the government. The council has highlighted that they have taken various measures to improve air quality, including a trial of low-cost sensors in the air quality management zones, the introduction of a car club in Harrogate town centre, and they have also been working on the implementation of the Ultra-Low Emission Strategy.
New hydrogen fire engine research study begins
The project will see hydrogen fuel engineering firm ULEMCo partner with Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service. The eight-month research project will involve creating a detailed model of the hydrogen energy requirement. This will include the energy needed to pump water for a minimum of four hours, as well as the optimal range for such a vehicle. The test process will gather realworld data based on the performance of a fuel cell over the course of the project. ULEMCo will then design the hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain for the vehicle, with the goal being a full specification and detailed engineered design for a prototype vehicle.
Edinburgh cycle hire scheme to come to an end
Council Leaders’ have expressed disappointment at the end of Edinburgh’s cycle hire scheme.
The scheme was first introduced under the commitment to operate it with no public funding, however, according to council leaders Serco has now said that they will not continue the scheme on that basis
The scheme will therefore cease operation on September 17 when the current contract comes to an end.
The council has said they are currently investigating alternative options to replace the scheme.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: ‘We are very disappointed that Serco has opted to walk away from the popular shared bike hire scheme in Edinburgh.
‘We recognise that the bike hire scheme has helped more people get access to bikes, enjoying the benefits of fast, reliable, healthier journeys around town. The withdrawal of Serco will come as a frustrating shock to many regular users of the bike hire scheme.
‘It sends absolutely the wrong message at a time when so many of us are deeply concerned about the climate emergency and what we can each do to combat the effects of human activity. Choosing to travel by bike is one of the easiest changes many of us can make.
‘We’re now working on a replacement bike hire scheme for the Capital. We are actively pursuing options to ensure that a replacement scheme is in place as quickly as possible.
Government launches long awaited hydrogen strategy
The UK government has launched the first-ever Hydrogen Strategy.
The plan outlines how the government will work with industry to meet its ambition of 5GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 – this could replace gas in powering around 3 million UK homes each year as well as powering transport and some industry.
The government’s approach is based on the UK’s previous offshore wind strategy. One of the main tools used by the government to support offshore wind was the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme. This 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.
According to the government, a UK-wide hydrogen economy could be worth £900m and create over 9,000 high-quality jobs by 2030.
The report also states that a hydrogen economy could deliver emissions savings equivalent to the carbon captured by 700 million trees by 2032.
Other measures included in the strategy are: • Supporting multiple technologies including
‘green’ electrolytic and
‘blue’ carbon captureenabled hydrogen production • Collaborating with industry to develop a UK standard for low carbon hydrogen • Undertaking a review to
support the development of the necessary network and storage infrastructure to underpin a thriving hydrogen sector • Working with industry to assess the safety, technical feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of mixing 20% hydrogen into the existing gas supply • Launching a hydrogen sector development action plan in early 2022 setting out how the government will support companies to secure supply chain opportunities, skills and jobs in hydrogen
