Industry News

UK new car average CO2 emissions rise to highest level in five years

The average level of CO2 emissions of new cars sold in September this year was 128.3g/km, the highest recorded since July 2013 according to the latest statistics published by the Department for Transport. The rise has been attributed to a shift in buyers preferences from diesel to petrol vehicles and the introduction of new WLTP emissions regulations which provide CO2 figures more representative of on-the-road performance. 

400% increase in battery 'megafactory' capacity forecast by 2028

Specialists forecast a 400% increase in the capacity of battery 'megafactories' worldwide by 2028. Consultants Benchmark Mineral Intelligence forecast that approaching 60% of 1.1TW/h production capacity will be in China and less than 20% in Europe. Battery production at scale is seen as a key route to reducing the cost of electric vehicles and improving range.

Policy Developments

LowCVP and Transport for London unify bus test to support UK manufacturers

From the 1st November 2018, there will be one unified test procedure used by both Transport for London (TfL) and the national Ultra Low Emission Bus (ULEB) accreditation scheme, streamlining market access for manufacturers of clean, low carbon buses. The use of the same test will enable manufactures to test a vehicle once and for it to be eligible for use in both London market as well as qualifying for national grant schemes.

Reports & Studies

EV Energy Task Force stakeholder launch event - video published

Over 100 representatives of key stakeholder organisations were represented at the public launch of the Government's new EV Energy Taskforce which is convened by the LowCVP and which was announced as a part of the ‘Road to Zero’ strategy in July. A new video to introduce the initiative which was filmed a the event has been published.

Hydrogen a credible option to help decarbonise UK energy, transport - report

A new report from the Committee on Climate Change says that hydrogen is a credible option to help decarbonise the UK energy system but its role depends on early Government commitment and improved support to develop the UK's industrial capability. The report finds hydrogen could replace natural gas in parts of the energy system, where electrification is not feasible or is prohibitively expensive.

Consultations

CCC call for evidence on transition to net zero-carbon economy closes on Dec 7

The Committee on Climate is calling for evidence to contribute to its advice to UK and devolved administrations' long-term targets for greenhouse gas emissions in terms of the UK's transition to a net zero-carbon economy. The call for evidence will close on 7 December.

Events

Low Emission Bus Workshop Birmingham - 11/12/2018

The LowCVP will host its sixth Low Emission Bus Workshop at Birmingham International Airport on Tuesday 11th December 2018. The free workshop will provide local authorities and bus operators with information on new technologies and fuels, sharing operational experiences of low carbon and low emission solutions for bus fleets around the UK, including retrofit SCR projects. Register for tickets https://lebworkshopbirmingham.eventbrite.com

Sustainable Innovation Forum - 09/12/2018

With COP24 being hailed by the UNFCCC as ‘Paris 2.0’, the Sustainable Innovation Forum presents a crucial opportunity to drive forward the Paris Agreement framework by bringing together 600+ delegates engaged with fast-tracking the global green economy. The LowCVP's Managing Director Andy Eastlake will be speaking at the event, and the Partnership's association with it entitles members to a 10% discount on delegate fees.

UK Bus Summit 2019 - 06/02/2019

The 5th annual UK Bus Summit will take place in London on 6th February 2019. The UK Bus Summit is the premier bus event covering all parts of the UK. Held right at the heart of Westminster to elevate the importance of bus at the centre of local and national decision making. The event allows the opportunity to compare and contrast bus policy throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Energy and Rural Business Show 2019 - 06/02/2019

For the latest advances in low emission vehicles in the rural sector don’t miss Energy and Rural Business Show 2019. The event which includes Energy Now Expo, Low Emission Vehicles Expo and Rural Business Expo is free to attend. LowCVP's Managing Director, Andy Eastlake, will be speaking at the Conference associated with the event.

Upcoming LowCVP Activities

News-In-Brief