Overview
A recent Environmental Audit Committee report revealed that the UK faces an uphill battle to reach its 2020 renewable targets for low-carbon transport. In a packed Autumn Statement that focussed on “investing today for the economy of the future”, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced £390m of funding “to build on our competitive advantage in low-emission vehicles and the development of connected, autonomous vehicles”. The £390m will go to “future transport technology”, including driverless cars, renewable fuels and energy-efficient transport. This will include £150m to provide at least 550 new electric and hydrogen buses; reduce the emissions of 1,500 existing buses and support taxis to become zero-emissions; and £80m to install more charging points for ultra-low emission vehicles. He also confirmed that the Government will provide a 100% first-year capital allowance for the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
With most of the main car and commercial vehicle manufacturers now offering hybrid, hydrogen and/or electric models, it can be argued that what is holding back a faster take-up of low emission vehicles is now the infrastructure to support them, particularly in respect of fuel and power. The UK Carbon Plan states the Government’s vision is that by 2050 almost every car and van will be an ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV), with the UK automotive industry remaining at the forefront of global ULEV production, delivering investment, jobs and growth. Due to the time needed for fleet turnover, this requires almost all new cars and vans sold to be near-zero emission at the tailpipe by 2040. These ULEVs could be powered by batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, sustainable biofuels, or a mix of these and other technologies.
This investor briefing will take a look at How the low carbon road infrastructure currently stands, what is likely to be developed in the near future and what is needed to achieve the targets that have been set. With electric cars being ideal for short journeys, will the charging network be focused on homes, shopping centres and car parking spaces? Hydrogen is particularly effective for longer distance haulage, so will the hydrogen network evolve at distribution centres and at motorway service stations? Will electric car battery swap arrangements become established on motorways to speed up electric car charging for longer journeys?
This briefing will be ideal for investors, financiers, technology developers, road fuel infrastructure supply chain, consultants, freight distribution and logistics organisations, advisers, intermediaries and corporate sustainability professionals.