Policy Developments

EU proposes 40% decarbonisation target for 2030

The European Commission has proposed that the target for 2030 should be a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 40% below 1990 levels in tandem with a binding EU-wide target for renewable energy of at least 27%. However, unlike the 2020 framework, the overall renewables target will not be translated to mandatory national level targets. Member states' national plans will also have to cover energy efficiency but a decision on this will be taken later in the year. 

More countries adopting strong vehicle fuel economy policies says GFEI report

A new report from the Global Fuel Economy Initiative finds that countries are increasingly acknowledging the need for strong policies on fuel economy and are investigating, developing and implementing those policies. GFEI's annual report highlights major developments on fuel economy which have taken place over the past year.

Figures show strong growth in UK automotive production

The latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that UK car and engine production grew strongly in 2013, hitting a six year high.

Stern tells leaders in Davos there's no trade-off between growth and tackling climate change

Lord Nicholas Stern, author of a seminal review on the economics of climate change, has told leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos that governments do not have to make a trade-off between growth and preventing climate change. On the contrary, action to slow global warming could result in a period of "discovery, innovation and investment".

EC calls for end to GHG transport target for fuels from 2020

The European Commission is calling for an end of the 6% GHG reduction target for transport fuels under the Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) as part of its 2030 proposals according to Transport and Environment, a Brussels-based campaign group.

Mayor announces plans for cleaner, low carbon taxis in London

The Mayor of London has announced that all new taxis introduced to the capital will need to be zero-emission capable from 2018.

EV-readiness programme for public sector fleets to be launched in April

The £5m public sector EV-readiness programme announced last Autumn will target central Government departments in 2014-15, before being rolled out to the wider public sector.

European Parliament adopts Commission proposals on CO2 emissions from vans

The European Parliament has voted in favour of Commission proposals to cap emissions from vans at 147g/km by 2020.

Reports & Studies

Latest KPMG survey finds emphasis on downsizing, efficiency, car sharing and self-drive features

Fuel efficiency is still the number one priority for consumers according to the 2014 Global Auto Exec Survey from KPMG. The survey also finds that there is growing interest in car sharing - particularly in urban areas - and increased demand for self-drive functions such as parking assist, cruise control and traffic jam assist features.

Cost of public transport up much more than motoring in last decade - RAC Foundation

Figures recently published by the RAC Foundation show that the cost of using public transport has risen much faster than the cost of motoring over the last ten years. Rail and bus fares are up by over 60% since 2003, while the overall cost of motoring is close to the rise in the general cost of living, up around 35% in the same period.

Brighton and Hove bus study to investigate emissions in 'real world' fleet operations

The Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company has announced the start of a project to investigate the emissions of a range of buses operating in a modern commercial public transport fleet. It will be working with Ricardo and test equipment specialist HORIBA on the project.

LowCVP News

LowCVP initiates activities to cut carbon from commercial vehicles

The LowCVP is setting up a Commercial Vehicle interest group to operate alongside its other road transport-focused working groups in recognition of the increased attention of policymakers towards cutting emissions from HGVs and other commercial vehicles. 

Industry News

Wirelessly charged electric buses to begin operation in Milton Keynes

A fleet of eight new electric buses which are charged via wireless technology are about to begin operations in Milton Keynes. The developers say that the buses will be able to run all day thanks to a wireless booster charge they receive from plates in the road at the start and end of their route. 

International Developments

China aims to have 5m electric and hybrid vehicles on the road by 2020

China has been actively promoting the use of low carbon vehicles in recent years and the central government outlined its newest incentive program last Autumn, to push for the use of 'new energy' vehicles in 28 pilot cities.

Other News

Imperial College in low carbon vehicle research joint venture with leading Malaysian University

The development of low emission vehicles of the future will be the focus of a major collaboration between Imperial College London and UTM, one of Malaysia's leading universities. The initiative was launched by Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister in London.

Mayor launches 'Year of the Bus' to celebrate key part of London's transport

London aims to hold a 'Year of the Bus' to include 12 months of events and activities to celebrate the contribution London's bus network makes to the life and economy of the city and the UK as a whole.

Events

Cleantech Innovate 2014

Cleantech Innovate is an annual showcase,  supported in 2014 through an award from LowCVP, which celebrates all that is great about green industry innovation in the UK in a unique one-day format. The 2014 event will be held on 13th February, at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers premises at One Birdcage Walk, London, and this year’s 40 finalists have been selected from a field of 84 outstanding applications. There is an entry discount for LowCVP members.

Gaseous Fuels for Road Vehicles

This seminar will examine the application and use of gaseous fuels in vehicles.  Delegates will be able to explore the different types of gases that can be used as fuels, and gain an insight into the benefits gaseous fuels have over traditional liquid fuels.  What difference can they make to emissions, and C02 and fuel consumption?  How can they be applied to passenger and commercial vehicles? (Note: LowCVP member discounts)

LowCVP Other Future Activities

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