As many reading this newsletter will know, Britain’s end-of-sale date for new petrol and diesel light commercial vehicles is fast approaching, putting the UK’s goal to become an exemplar EV nation at front and centre of the country’s wider net zero transition. For the CV sector, that means encouraging wide-scale commercial fleet investment, not least with essential public charging infrastructure. It’s a challenge that cannot be put on hold, and while the industry knows that time is of the essence, the solutions needed along the way are yet to be determined.
Inevitably, as we move closer towards 2030 and 2035, the discourse has shifted from ‘when’, to ‘how’. Collaboration across industry is absolutely essential, making this year’s SMMT Electrified – taking place on Monday 18 September – more timely than ever. Bringing together senior executives, key industry players, government and the media, the event will address fundamental challenges facing the UK automotive sector, from the delivery of heavy vehicle charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, to ensuring Britain is globally competitive as a zero emission vehicle manufacturer.
Automotive is spearheading the UK’s green transition in partnership with government, but its success depends heavily on the contributions from sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure and fleets, as well as others such as energy, insurance and logistics. Above all, however, operators must be enabled and empowered to make the transition. Electrified will highlight the importance of the CV sector in this transition, with an industry keynote from Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director of Renault Trucks, and panel discussions with Dr Robert Best, Engineering Director at Wrightbus, and Carl-Magnus Norden, Founder of Volta Trucks, on overcoming the challenge of decarbonising heavy duty vehicles.
With a combination of payload, weight, cost and recharging/refuelling concerns, decarbonising heavy duty vehicles is more complex than passenger cars and vans – although there are also critical challenges facing the LCV sector, particularly in the provision of suitable public charging points.
Solutions to these issues can only be advanced if all stakeholders come together – these kinds of events are an important part of finding the answers.
If you’re an SMMT member and still haven’t booked your complimentary place, please contact electrified@smmt.co.uk.
