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

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.

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 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.

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."

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. 

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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'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

News-in-brief

New LowCVP Members