« Back to newsletter listing

LowCVP Twitter LinkedIN YouTube
LowCVP News, 31 October 2013 (Issue 110)
Germany forces revision of deal on CO2 emissions from cars


European environment ministers have acceded to German pressure to scrap an agreement to cap CO2 emissions from new cars at 95g/km from 2020. The European Parliament, the Commission and EU governments had reached agreement in June and the deal was expected to 'rubber-stamped' by the European Council. However, the German government, under pressure from its car makers, has argued that the regulations would cost jobs and damage its premium manufacturers.


Policy Developments

Decision on future European biofuels policy delayed until 2015

A decision on the future of biofuels in Europe was delayed at an October 17 meeting of the Environment Committee of the European Parliament. The Committee voted against allowing negotiations with member states on a draft law to cap the use of food crop-based biofuels and measure indirect emissions arising from production from 2020. This means that a decision on future biofuels legislation is now unlikely to be reached before 2015.

Government announces support for 55 more green buses

The Government has announced that additional money is being made available to bring 55 more low carbon buses into service. Speaking at Coach and Bus Live, transport minister Norman Baker said that the work will build on the success of the government's Green Bus Fund and related Clean Bus Technology Fund.

Baroness Kramer appointed new minister responsible for low carbon transport issues at DfT

Baroness Susan Kramer, a Liberal Democrat Peer, has been appointed Minister of State at the Department for Transport in the Government reshuffle. Baroness Kramer takes over from Norman Baker responsibility for environment and issues including future transport.

New transport minister makes first speech at electric car club event

Baroness Kramer made her first speech as newly appointed Minister of State for Transport at the launch of E-Car, the first electric vehicle car club in the UK. During her speech the new minister said: "We are absolutely committed as a government to speeding up the development of electric and other ultra low carbon vehicles – and supporting the growing market."

MPs debate greener road transport fuels

The new Conservative Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport , Robert Goodwill, said that the Government is committed to building a low-carbon energy system and transport must play a part in that. The minister was speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on greener road transport fuels. 

EU to set strategy for improving air quality beyond 2020

The EU is to set a long-term strategy for improving European air quality to 2020 and beyond. The revised National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD) will bring EU legislation into line with the Gothenburg Protocol through the inclusion of new limits for 2020 and further reduction measures to 2030.

Witty Review calls for UK universities to play a bigger role in innovation

A new report for the Government says that the UK needs its universities to take on a bigger role in delivering economic growth if it is to be internationally competitive in turning inventions into successful businesses.

Technology Developments

Nissan leads Rapid Charge EV Network project for UK

In a European first, Nissan is leading an EC-backed consortium which aims to establish a rapid charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) throughout the UK. The Rapid Charge Network (RCN) project will see 74 multi-standard rapid chargers installed across 700 miles of the country’s major road network. The project aims to ensure than any electric vehicle can be recharged in under 30 minutes.

Imperial College leads EU-project to develop lightweight energy storage solution for EVs

Partners in an EU-funded project have developed a new concept for lightweight structural energy storage components in electric vehicles which could help reduce the weight, size and high cost of conventional batteries in current hybrid and electric cars.

LOWCVP NEWS

LowCVP launches improved website to enhance member experience, functionality and access

The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP), which was established over ten years ago to accelerate the shift to low carbon vehicles and fuels, has launched an improved website with many upgraded features for members and improved functionality and access for all.

LowCVP MD Andy Eastlake wins award for outstanding achievement

The LowCVP's Managing Director Andy Eastlake was recognised for his contribution to the promotion of low carbon road transport when he received GreenFleet's Outstanding Achievement Award at at an event held last night at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in London.

Industry News

New study suggests motor industry is most consistently sustainable

New research suggests that the automotive industry includes the most consistently sustainable organisations. Ranked against leading companies already rated in the Dow Jones top 50 businesses for sustainability, automotive companies achieved the highest average score, ahead of global brands from the energy utilities, food and beverages, ICT and oil and gas sectors.

GLA, Welsh Government and Scottish Transport join UKH2Mobility

The Greater London Authority, Welsh Government and Transport Scotland are the latest organisations to join UK H2Mobility, a national project in which industry leaders and Government are working together to realise the benefits of hydrogen-fuelled road transport.

Other News

Bath University awarded £3.2m funding for new Centre for Low Emission Vehicle Research

Bath University's Powertrain and Vehicle Research Centre has received an EPSRC grant of £2m which will see the current vehicle facility upgraded and branded as the Centre for Low Emission Vehicle Research (CLEVeR). Further funding from the TSB and a collaborative industry project has also been secured.

LowCVP Other Future Activities

LowCVP Board, 31 October, Ricardo-AEA office, London. On the agenda: Work Programme; Governance; ULEV strategy; Conference 2014

Bus Working Group, 3 December, (SMMT, 71 Great Peter St, Westminster). 

Members Council, 10 December, (71 Great Peter St, Westminster).  

If you are already a member, login to the LowCVP members' section on any of the website pages.

To join the Partnership and help steer the policy and build the markets, click here

For more information on current activities and projects taking place in each of the LowCVP Working Groups, click here.

News-in-brief

» Electric vehicle take up slowed by ‘cost and ignorance’ (Daily Telegraph link)

» Government announces £186m boost for technologies of the future (BIS news link)

» IEA says energy efficiency should be treated as 'World's first fuel' (Euractiv link)

» EU on track to meet carbon targets (EDIE news link)

» Cenex announces LCV 2014 dates (Fleet News link)

» Report: Shifting away from conventional biofuels - sustainable alternatives for use of biomass in the UK – IEEP report for Action Aid

» $2bn for California low carbon transport (Calstart link)

» China announces new policy on 'green' cars (China Daily link)

» EST reports potential savings from running electric vans (EST link)

» Toyota slashes fuel cell car development costs (Reuters link)

» Dutch NGO launches ‘real world’ emissions campaign in Holland

» New trials show increased satisfaction with EVs (GreenFleet link)

» JLR reveals plans for the future (SMMT link)

» Energy and Climate Change Committee announces new inquiry into low carbon innovation (ECC link)

» DfT updates Plug-in Car Grant guidance (DfT link)

» New ACEA Dir General takes office (ACEA news link)

» Team uses cellulosic content to advance biofuels output (Checkbiotech link)

» Ford Fiesta wins MPG marathon (Green Car Website link)

» ICCT and CATARC announce research collaboration

» Fossil fuel boycott campaign growing (The Guardian link)

» Ecotricity link up with VW to supply electricity to EVs (Blue and Green Tomorrow link)

» Bursaries available for Carplus Conference (Carplus link)

New LowCVP Members

Aero-Dynamique Ltd

Arcola Energy

Autogas Limited

Calor Gas Ltd

City of York Council

DLC Capital

FAR-UK Ltd

Greenwatt Technology

Octavarium Fleet Consultancy Limited

Oxford Brookes University

Join Now Follow us on Twitter Visit our extensive Resource Library

Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, 3 Birdcage Walk, London, SW1H 9JJ

www.lowcvp.org.uk | secretariat@lowcvp.org.uk | +44 (0)20 7304 6880
Newsletter editor: Neil Wallis | neil.wallis@lowcvp.org.uk
Unsubcribe from the LowCVP eNewsletter mailing list

All rights reserved © LowCVP 2013