 Policy Developments
Government introduces scrappage scheme to boost car industry
Motorists are to be offered 2,000 towards a new car or van if they own a vehicle over 10 years old and trade it in for scrap. The plans, unveiled in the Budget and detailed in a later announcement by BERR, involve a Government subsidy of 1,000 towards the scrappage of older vehicles with 1,000 matched funding from industry. The Government has set aside 300m for the scheme.
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DfT announces changes to Bus Service Operators' Grant
The Department for Transport has announced that bus operators achieving a six per cent improvement in their fuel efficiency will enjoy increases in the Bus Service Operators' Grant (BSOG) paid to them. In these cases, BSOG will increase from April 2010 by three percent.
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EU tyre labels to show energy efficiency, noise and safety information
The European Parliament has backed stricter European Commission proposals on tyre labelling. MEPs agreed with recommendations from the EU industry committee that from November 2012 mandatory rules will stipulate that suppliers must also show fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise classes in any technical promotional literature for tyres fitted to passenger cars, light and heavy duty vehicles which are produced after 1 July 2012.
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Government launches vision for 'ultra-low carbon' transport
The Transport and Business Secretaries have today announced the Government's vision for cutting carbon from road transport over the next five years. The vision involves plans to invest 250m to support the purchase of electric and plug-in hybrid cars when they arrive in showrooms, expected to be from 2011 onwards.
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Failure to account for indirect land-use change is biggest threat to biofuels industry - Adonis
The Transport Minister, Lord Adonis, says that a failure to properly account for indirect land use change is perhaps the single biggest threat to the global biofuel industry. Speaking to the All-Party Parliamentary Renewable Transport Fuels Group, Adonis said that UK industry, government and environment groups have an opportunity to push for more robust Europe-wide indirect sustainability standards.
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Reports & Studies
UKERC publishes in-depth review of policies to cut road transport carbon
The UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) has launched a new report which aims to identify the most effective policies for cutting carbon emissions from surface passenger transport. The report's authors say that the Government must do much more than promote electric cars if it wants rapid and deep cuts in transport emissions.
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New car CO2 emissions down 4.5% in first quarter says green car website
CO2 emissions from all new cars sold in the first quarter of 2009 were 4.5% lower than in the same period of 2008 according to Clean Green Cars, a web publication aiming to provide environmental information to car buyers.
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New reports say indirect effects eliminate any carbon benefit from road biofuels
Friends of the Earth says that the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO), which came into force in April 2008, has increased rather than reduced the amount of CO2 emissions from the road transport sector. Meanwhile, a separate study involving 75 scientists by Cornell University has called for a total rethink on using biofuels for transport.
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CBI's 'low carbon roadmap' calls for improved technology, dashboard indicators
The CBIs 'low-carbon roadmap', published in April, highlights steps to be taken between now and 2020, in power, transport, buildings and industry, to reduce carbon emissions and open up business opportunities from roof insulation to nuclear power, from smart meters to electric cars. The report advocates that more efficient cars with low resistance tyres should be fitted with better dashboard indicators of fuel consumption also providing guidance on driving style.
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Europe must steer transport policy in greener direction - EEA
A new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) says that transport continues to contribute disproportionally to Europe's greenhouse gas emissions, poor air quality and noise; and still uses the least efficient modes to move people and goods.
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Meaningful carbon cuts from road vehicles require broad, integrated approach - McKinsey Report
A new report by the consultancy group McKinsey finds that although the number of cars is growing worldwide, the automotive industry can cut greenhouse gas emissions from the use of passenger vehicles, much of it using proven technologies, particularly improving new vehicle fuel efficiency. The report says that meaningful, cost-effective reductions in carbon emissions from passenger vehicles will, though, entail an integrated approach involving a broad range of measures.
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Technology News
Toshiba says it has improved performance of fast-charge battery technology
Super Charge Ion batteries capable of 90-second recharges are now significantly more efficient according to the Japanese technology company which makes them, Toshiba. The company says the technology should suit hybrid and electric cars. Meanwhile, there has been progress in establishing international and national standards and regulations for electric vehicle plug technology and end-of-life battery waste.
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Optare demonstrates electric bus
UK-based bus manufacturer Optare Plc has introduced and demonstrated the Solo EV, a full battery-powered electric bus. The bus uses the latest lithium ion phosphate batteries from Valence and the firm says the sealed batteries are inherently safe.
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Industry News
Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan get £720m boost from European Investment Bank
Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan have received a combined 720m in long-term loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB) which are intended to help the companies invest in the research and development of lower carbon vehicles.
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LowCVP News
LowCVP Conference, 8 June - full agenda announced
The San Francisco Mayor's Director of Climate Protection will join the LowCVP conference on June 8th by live video link. Wade Crowfoot joins a high profile list of speakers at the event which also includes Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon MP and Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
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LowCVP website improvements
The LowCVP website has been refreshed with a new 'look and feel' and there are a number or enhancements to improve communications with and between LowCVP members and other stakeholders. LowCVP members can now, for example, advertise relevant job vacancies through the LowCVP website.
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LowCVP appoints new Chair - Partnership becomes a not-for-profit company
Professor Neville Jackson, the Technical Director of Ricardo, is the new Chair of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership. He succeeds Graham Smith OBE, Senior Vice President, Toyota Motor Europe, who has been the Chair of the LowCVP since its inception in 2003.
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International Developments
South Korea to invest £1.2bn to support fuel efficient vehicle development
South Korea has announced a financial stimulus package worth 23bn of which over 80% is to be earmarked for environmental projects. Included in the plans is over 1.2bn to support the development of fuel-efficient vehicles, such as electric and hybrid cars, by automakers Hyundai and Kia.
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Other News
Job vacancies: Edexcel Road Passenger transport NVQ External Verifier - NVQ
Edexcel has interesting opportunities for experienced NVQ practitioners to join their team of external verifiers (EVs) and to work in partnership with Edexcel centres to quality assure their NVQ qualifications in Road Passenger Transport.
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Public confused about fuel economy data on car adverts says campaign group
A poll conducted by the campaign group We are Futureproof says that only a minority of people can understand information about fuel economy and CO2 emissions in the format currently shown on car advertisements. Four times as many people say that they find the colour-coded format easier to understand.
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Events
PRASEG Annual Conference: 'Beating the Energy Crunch: Sustaining Investment in Low carbon Technologies'
13th May 2009
PRASEG's Annual Conference will feature a keynote speech by DECC's Minister of State, Mike O'Brien MP. Charles Hendry MP, Shadow Minister of State for Energy will present in the political panel session, alongside Elliot Morley MP (ECC Select Committee Chair) and Simon Hughes MP. There will also be discussions about low carbon transport innovation with a particular focus on electric vehicles.
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The GreenFleet Arrive'n'Drive 09
19th May 2009
Arrive 'N' Drive 09 will enable fleet managers and those responsible for vehicle procurement to test drive fuel efficient vehicles around a world class race circuit. The Arrive 'N' Drive will feature offerings from the leading manufacturers, including the latest HGV's on display.
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Low Carbon Vehicles 2009
20th May 2009
The two-day Low Carbon Vehicles 2009 conference will cover a wide range of technological approaches to cutting C02 emissions from vehicles. Focussing on advanced IC engines, advanced transmissions, hybrid powertrains and fuel cell developments this conference will help you take a fresh look at the Low Carbon Roadmap.
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LowCVP Member Profile:
Geo-Tech Resources Ltd and Gentech Design Ltd.
GTR is a design company that addresses the inherent inefficiencies of the 4-stroke engine, namely valve overlap. The EPMS is a temporary solution that achieves the effect of being, in layman’s terms, ... more >
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