Reports & Studies

Major IPCC report says human influence on the climate system is clear and growing

Climate change is set to inflict “severe, widespread, and irreversible impacts” on people and the natural world unless carbon emissions are cut sharply and rapidly, according to the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report; the most important assessment on the subject yet published. The report's authors say the findings mean that the world must phase out the use of fossil fuels by 2100.

New reports highlight that low carbon focus is good for growth

Three recent reports from diverse authors - Imperial College, the Management Consultants Association and the UK Energy Research Centre - find that a focus on low carbon innovation and clean technology is good for growth and jobs.

Automotive Council publishes new report on growing UK auto supply chain

A new report from the Automotive Council seeks to assess and improve the competitiveness of the UK automotive supply chain. It builds on earlier research in evaluating the potential for the growth and development of Tier-1, Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers.

Government report says nearly 1% of agricultural land was used for bioenergy in 2013, most transport biofuel

New research published by Defra says that an estimated 51 thousand hectares of agricultural land in the UK were used for bioenergy in 2013, around 0.8% of all arable land in the country. Just over 80% of the land used for bioenergy was to grow biofuel (biodiesel and bioethanol)  for the road transport market.

Policy Developments

APC launches with £100m competition for UK low emission vehicle technologies

Business Secretary Vince Cable has officially launched the £1bn Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) at the University of Warwick. The Business Secretary also announced the APC's third round of funding with £100m to support collaborative research and development of low carbon, low emission automotive propulsion technologies. 

ACEA and IRU say EC policy focus should be on fuel efficiency rather than aerodynamics

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and the International Road Transport Union (IRU) say that fuel efficiency should be the main area of focus for the EC when reviewing the 96/53/EC weights and dimensions proposal for commercial vehicles. They say the proposed legislation should lead with improved overall fuel efficiency as a precondition for allowing increased vehicle length.

Technology News

Technology breakthroughs promise cheaper fuel cells, faster EV recharging

Researchers at Manchester University have discovered a new form of carbon graphene which they say could revolutionise the development of power systems for low carbon cars. Meanwhile, in Singapore, scientists have developed a new battery that can be recharged up to 70 per cent in only 2 minutes. They say the battery will also have a longer lifespan of over 20 years.

Lubricant additive could cut UK heavy duty vehicle fuel consumption by over 3%

Researchers have found that a new engine lubricant, designed for use in commercial vehicles and buses, can make a contribution to improving fuel economy and cutting emissions.

LowCVP News

LowCVP gives evidence to Transport Select Committee inquiry into 'Motoring of the Future'

The LowCVP Managing Director Andy Eastlake has given evidence to the Transport Select Committee inquiry into 'Motoring of the Future'. The inquiry is intended to determine how the UK Government can address developments in motoring technology, notably alternative fuels, safety improvements and driver aids.

LowCVP takes part in leading bus industry event: Euro Bus Expo 2014

Speaking at the 2014 Euro Bus Expo, the LowCVP's Head of Projects Gloria Esposito outlined to delegates how the Partnership has been working with the Government to successfully expand the UK's low carbon bus market. Nearly 300 exhibitors took part in the event which was also attended by three government ministers, including Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

LowCVP facilitates workshop to investigate prospects for powering EVs while they drive

In collaboration with TRL, the LowCVP has facilitated a stakeholder workshop, to help shape an important Highways Agency project on dynamic wireless power transfer.

LowCVP MD participates in Challenge Bibendum, Chengdu, China

Earlier this month the LowCVP's Managing Director Andy Eastlake participated in the 12th edition of Michelin’s Challenge Bibendum, which was held in Chengdu in central China. Created over 15 years ago, Challenge Bibendum’s aim is to build international commitment to sustainable mobility.

LowCVP Secretariat welcomes new additions

The LowCVP is pleased to welcome two new members to the Secretariat team, which is based in central London. Isabella Appiana will provide maternity cover for Membership and Administration Coordinator Szilvia Libor while Dan Hayes joins the team on a six-month, part-time internship. 

Industry News

Car and van makers meeting CO2 emission targets ahead of schedule says EEA

Almost all car and van manufacturers have met European CO2 emission limits several years ahead of their deadlines, according to updated information from the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Toyota unveils the new hydrogen-powered Mirai

Toyota has announced that it will be launching its new Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in Japan on 15 December, before introducing it in the UK and selected European markets by September 2015.

UK's first commercial-scale hydrogen plant opens

A consortium including Honda, Revolve, BOC, Commercial Group and Fuel Cell Systems, has launched the UK's first commercial-scale hydrogen refuelling facility, powered by solar energy, at the Honda site in Swindon. 

Events

IMechE Event: Developments in Transmission and Driveline Technology

Developments in Transmission and Driveline Technology explores the evolution of technology and what is required to meet increasingly stringent emissions targets. 

Other News

Cenex to hold three-day masterclass on low carbon vehicles

The Centre of Excellence in Low Carbon and Fuel Cell technologies (Cenex) is to host a three-day workshop on 'Delivering the Low Carbon Transition: Vehicles, fleets and mobility' in Loughborough from 9-11 December. 

Best 'green' vehicles of 2014 featured at Next Green Car Awards

The winners of the Next Green Car Awards 2014 have been announced, highlighting this year’s best green cars to come onto the market.  Awards were made across eleven vehicle categories including two new categories Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) and Light Commercial Vans (LCV) as well as the 'Next Generation’ Award, which includes new technology models close to market launch.

Shell Springboard launches call for entries with £350k funding

Shell Springboard provides funding to UK entrepreneurs at the cutting-edge of the low-carbon economy. In 2015 funding awards of up to £150,000 (and a total of £350k) are available for small enterprises with innovative, commercially viable business ideas that will reduce carbon emissions. The deadline for entries is December 5.

FUTURE ACTIVITIES

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