Malcolm Newberry

The Challenge of Electrification: The Hard Work Begins Now The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) recently reported that the UK's light commercial vehicle (LCV) market saw its best first half since 2021, with registrations up 4.5%. However, a decline in battery electric van (BEV) demand, down 16.8% in June, signals that the initial phase of electrification is complete, and the industry now faces the tougher challenge of transitioning larger and heavier vehicles to electric power. The initial electrification efforts have focused on passenger cars and lighter commercial vehicles, which are relatively easier to transition due to their shorter range requirements and lighter weight. A significant counterargument to the current electrification approach is that developing more powerful batteries will take time and doesn't address the issue of increased vehicle weight, which reduces payload capacity. This is where hydrogen solutions could play a pivotal role. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising alternative for heavy-duty vehicles due to their higher energy density and faster refuelling times compared to batteries. Additionally, hydrogen internal combustion engines could provide another pathway to reduce emissions while leveraging existing combustion engine technology. Recent data from Forecourt Trader highlights the low interest in electric vans among buyers, indicating that current BEV options do not meet the practical needs of many commercial users, especially in terms of range and payload capacity. This underscores the importance of exploring alternative technologies like hydrogen to meet the diverse needs of the commercial vehicle market. Many in the commercial vehicle industry are lobbying for hydrogen solutions, both internal combustion and fuel cell, and manufacturers have responded by developing and producing these vehicles. The slowdown in electrification, particularly in the commercial vehicle sector, puts the government's net zero targets at significant risk. Without accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, the UK will struggle to meet its ambitious climate goals. The new government must therefore support diverse technological solutions, including both advanced battery technologies and hydrogen, to ensure a comprehensive and effective transition to sustainable transportation. Compounding these challenges, the new government has little fiscal room for manoeuvre. The previous government's strategy of smart regulation, which involved setting targets and fining manufacturers who failed to meet them, is proving ineffective in the face of consumer resistance. This highlights the need for innovative policies and support mechanisms to drive the market forward. As the industry moves into this more challenging phase, it will require collaboration between manufacturers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to overcome these hurdles and continue progress toward net zero emissions.

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https://lnkd.in/eVmwC4Ss Some good news about EV's. This really comprehensive report by Ayvens consultants puts the UK as 10th for EV adoption out of 47 countries. And the UK EV market is ranked as mature - only just, but it's there. After all the bad things the politicians were saying during the recent election about technology in this country that's got to be a plus. Also it rates the Total Cost of Ownership for an EV as now on a par with an ICE vehicle. Well worth a read to get a wider perspective of EV fleets around the world, including our own. #electricvehicles #fleetmanagement #decarbonisation

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EVA England publishes EV Drivers’ Manifesto https://lnkd.in/ezidbxhv EVA England has launched a manifesto that identifies the areas it feels are essential to address as the uptake of electric vehicles grows. The EV Drivers’ Manifesto 2024 has been structured around the five key pillars: 1. Fairer charging costs 2. Liberate charging provision 3. Lower insurance premiums 4. Enforce accessibility standards 5. Democratise EV uptake and drive demand Despite hugely encouraging numbers in uptake, EV sales remain concentrated in higher income brackets, says EVA England. Targeted, cost-effective schemes should be implemented to enable lower-income households to take part in the green transition, for example by mandating salary sacrifice schemes, and offering highly targeted social leasing schemes and 0% loans already implemented in other countries. James Court, chief executive of EVA England, said: “This manifesto puts EV drivers themselves at the heart of future policy, and shows the way forward for the winner of the next general election. 92% of drivers are overwhelmingly satisfied with the EV experience, making the future of sustainable mobility such an exciting prospect. “The manifesto is a blueprint to maintaining this positive outlook, presenting solutions to ensuring our charging infrastructure continues to grow and meet all needs, and that EV costs allow the transition to be fair and equal. EVA England look forward to working with policymakers to make this happen.” Read more on EVolution: https://lnkd.in/dBEDZDSc #electriccars #electriccharging #cars #drivers #energy

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We are not only in favour of the ZEV mandate, we are also in favour of: 🌍 The planet 0️⃣ The UK's net zero targets 💷 Private investment in EV charging 🚗 More infrastructure for EV drivers 🌱 Clean air for all ZEV mandate supports all of this and more. Now is not the time to go into reverse, now is the time to accelerate.

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To my mind, it's clear that there is more consumer friction in the early to mid-mainstream EV audience than key players imagined, and I would like to see a concerted, positive marketing communications campaign to highlight how EVs are just better. To note, not a campaign to sell individual EVs, but to sell emobility. This year, the sector has been in response mode, not in proactive positivity mode: responding to the negative narratives of the mainstream media, rather than on the front foot, defining the terrain of EVs being better. EVs are exactly that: better vehicles. They are clearly better for clean air and climate, and they are better on cost across lifetime ownership. They are a better driving experience. So, we need to build out what I call the 'ideas infrastructure' for emobility, to work on that tricky territory of hearts and minds. The cars are there. The charging is increasingly there. The consumers are not there. At the moment, there is no concerted campaign, supported by government, industry bodies and OEMs to project a positive narrative. This will be my focus for 2025. If you'd like to join me in that project, do let me know. A rising tide floats all boats. #evs #bettervehicles #sustainability

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AC/DC?: New groundbreaking vehicle to grid EV charging trial uses lower cost technology • Project trials next-generation vehicle to grid charging using AC rather than DC   • AC V2G charger is much lower cost than DC charger   • Technology can help accelerate UK’s transition to net zero A groundbreaking project is now underway to trial vehicle to grid (V2G) electric vehicle (EV) workplace charging using new, lower cost technology. The V2VNY project is exploring the effectiveness of reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy costs by using an AC (alternating current) V2G charger, which is more cost effective for vehicle to grid charging at workplaces and at homes than DC (direct current). The first chargers have now been installed for the V2VNY trial, which aims to demonstrate a commercially viable way for fleet owners, businesses and EV drivers to save money, and for the UK to reduce the load on the electricity grid at peak times. Vehicle to grid charging means that an EV can take power from the grid and also send it back. If an EV is charged when electricity prices are low and then return electricity back to the grid at peak times when prices are high, fleet/building owners can save on electricity costs. The V2VNY project is also trialling sending energy from EVs to buildings and to other vehicles as part of V2X (Vehicle to Everything). Until now V2G has only been possible with EVs featuring CHAdeMO (DC, or high power) charging technology, as featured on the Nissan LEAF. Virtually all of the latest EVs now use CCS (DC) charging technology rather than CHAdeMO; standards exist to ensure CCS technology works with V2G by 2025. However the V2VNY trial is using AC bi-direction rather than DC charging technology, which the innovative charger synchronises with the grid. The AC solution is more efficient at low power and is therefore more suited for the use of V2G in a workplace or domestic setting, as well as meaning much lower costs for a charger. V2G is seen by many industry experts as offering an important way to store energy generated by renewables and then to supply this back to the grid at peak times, to help reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and to accelerate progress to net zero. There are now over one million EVs on UK roads, with this figure growing every month, providing an ever-increasing quantity of mobile battery storage units. The V2VNY project is being led by Hangar 19, in partnership with CrowdCharge and DriveElectric. CrowdCharge has been running V2G in homes for over three years, with effective results. Other project partners are Electric Corby, Oxfordshire County Council, Grid Beyond and JLR. JLR is providing prototype electric vehicles for use in the trial... Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/eGkAZBxT

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New SMMT data published this week shows ever greener trucks and buses are providing essential services for the UK economy and society, with electric HGV uptake growing in volume and market share, while Britain is rolling out more zero emission buses than anywhere in Europe. These are remarkable achievements with real benefits and the UK has the potential to be a world leader in truck and bus decarbonisation, but sustainable change demands compelling incentives and infrastructure - so that operators feel confident about their own path to decarbonisation. While success tomorrow calls for action today, taking time off is equally important, allowing time for family, friends and pastimes. So as we soak up the dog days of summer, and the end of the summer shutdown period for many, I hope you’ve enjoyed some well-earned rest or will have some soon to come. More in this week's Update: https://lnkd.in/eKit26vu

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The UK's Autumn Budget was announced today by Rachel Reeves, with numerous EV and emobility-related changes 👉 https://lnkd.in/eeQQcbdc Read a compiled list of the most significant changes, and how the industry is reacting, on ElectricDrives 💡 #ElectricDrives | #ElectricVehicles | #EV | #Emobility | #AutomotiveIndustry | #CarSales | #ElectricCars | #UnitedKingdom | #Budget

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HM Revenue & Customs quarterly review of advisory #fuel rates (AFRs) brings bad news for #electric #companycar #drivers with a 1 pence per mile cut in the advisory electricity rate (AER). #fleetoperations #fleetmanagement #electricvehicles #expenses Fleet News Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP)

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🌍⚡️ DECARBONISATION STARTS WITH OPTIMISATION ⚡️🌍 Optimize has just released a must-read article outlining 7 simple steps for fleets to reduce emissions and transition smoothly to EVs. Whether you're moving towards an electric fleet or aiming to lower emissions, this guide is packed with valuable insights. At ADS, we’re proud to partner with Optimize to support fleet decarbonisation and optimisation. Check out the article below, and feel free to reach out to us to learn how we can assist your fleet's journey. https://lnkd.in/eijkDYf4 #FleetLeasing #Decarbonisation #Sustainability #Optimize #FleetManagement #AutoDataSolutions #ADS

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The graph below is genuinely mind blowing. It shows new petrol car registrations plummeting against October 2023 levels. Meanwhile, data from the SMMT shows battery EVs as the only vehicle type gaining market share. So now I'm just waiting for all the headlines announcing the end of the petrol era amid reduced consumer demand for petrol cars.... 😉 Graph from New AutoMotive (if you're interested in EVs and don't already subscribe to New Automotive's newsletter you definitely should!)

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The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) is urging immediate advancements in 12-volt battery technology to tackle "bricking" issues in electric vans. Paul Hollick, AFP Chair, explained: "The core issue is that when an electric van is left idle for a few weeks, the 12-volt battery depletes, making it impossible to start or recharge the vehicle. This forces a return to the franchise dealer, and it can take weeks to resolve." "Some manufacturers promise new software within weeks or months, while others are vague, frustrating fleet operators, even with a fix, the bricking issue will persist, just delayed, underscoring the technology's weaknesses. Extending battery life to 3-4 weeks for holiday periods would be an improvement." #ev #evvans #electricvans #electricvehicles #automotive #automotivenews #automotiveindustry https://lnkd.in/eqNgGKzN

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Chris Pateman-Jones, Chair of ChargeUK and CEO of Connected Kerb, on Sky News discussing the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate. ''There's no need to compromise on Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Mandate right now. The ZEV targets are working and we should instead focus on driving demand for EVs. Softening ZEV standards could lead to fewer EVs on the road by 2030, causing investment challenges for EV charging infrastructure operators looking to deploy chargers ahead of demand.'' See the video video below 👇 #ZEV #ChargeUK #ConnectedforGood #EVInfrastructure 🚀🌍

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As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates, choosing the right charging network is becoming just as important as choosing the right car. Zapmap’s seventh annual EV charging survey, the most comprehensive analysis of EV driver sentiment in the UK, provides valuable insights into the charging networks that are leading the way, and where improvements are still needed. Key Findings from Zapmap’s Survey This year’s rankings, based on feedback from over 3,700 EV drivers, highlight the best rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks in two categories: large networks (300+ charge points) and medium networks (100–300 charge points). Networks were rated across five key areas: reliability, ease of use, customer support, value for money, and payment options. Top Networks in 2024 Large Networks: Tesla topped the rankings, thanks to its reliability, affordability, and ease of use, with over 860 chargers now open to all EV drivers. Close runners-up included MFG EV Power, Osprey Charging Network, and Be.EV, each praised for their user-friendly hubs and growing footprint. Medium Networks: Fastned retained its crown, known for its distinctive yellow canopies and reliable service. IONITY followed, offering a consistent, pan-European charging experience. Up-and-Coming Network: Sainsbury's Smart Charge made waves in its first year, rolling out 150kW hubs at over 60 locations. By integrating charging with Nectar rewards, it’s already earning a strong reputation among EV drivers. Why This Matters Reliable, fast, and convenient charging infrastructure is vital for the growing EV community. Networks like Tesla and Fastned are setting the standard, while emerging players like Sainsbury’s Smart Charge are filling critical gaps. These efforts give drivers the confidence to make the switch to electric, knowing they’ll have access to charging solutions that meet their needs. What’s Next for EV Charging? As EV numbers continue to grow, the demand for efficient and accessible charging will only intensify. Zapmap’s findings show that drivers value reliability, ease of use, and affordability above all else. Investments in ultra-rapid chargers, innovative partnerships, and user-friendly payment systems will define the future of public EV charging. At EVC Solutions Ltd, you’ll get the expertise and guidance to navigate this evolving landscape. Whether you’re a business, hotel, or fleet operator, we can help you design charging solutions tailored to your needs. Ready to join the EV revolution? Contact us today and see what’s possible. #SeeWhatsPossible #EVCharging #ElectricVehicles

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EVA England launches EV Drivers’ Manifesto EVA England has launched its EV Drivers’ Manifesto 2024 which identifies the key priority areas that are essential to address as the uptake of electric vehicles continues to grow. The EV members’ association launched the manifesto in Westminster yesterday, hosting a special evening reception to mark the launch. The event, sponsored by Octopus EV and kindly hosted by the Shadow Minister for Roads, Bill Esterson MP, was an opportunity for EVA members from across the country to engage with parliamentarians and many key stakeholders in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape. The launch featured a keynote speech from Anthony Browne MP, Government Minister for Decarbonisation, and was attended by key parliamentarians closely involved in the EV landscape, including Ian Stewart MP, Chair of the Transport Committee, Matt Western MP, Chair of the APPG for Electric Vehicles. The EV Drivers’ Manifesto 2024 has been shaped directly by and for EV drivers through a series of EVA England workshops. It identifies the key priority areas that are essential to address next as the uptake of EVs continues to grow, helping move the UK ever closer to a majority of EVs composing its mobility landscape. Read the full story on the Transport + Energy website: https://lnkd.in/eHe9pv7V EVA England, James Court, Bill Esterson, Fiona Howarth, Octopus Electric Vehicles, Anthony Browne Gill Nowell, Sandrine Vaconnet, Victoria Edmonds, Warren Ryan Philips Clive Southwell, Gary Comerford, Quentin Willson, Ben Kilbey, Claire Miller, Vicky Read, ChargeUK, Chris Pateman-Jones, Mark Constable, Matthew Adams, REA, Dominic Phinn, Andrew Broadfield, FCA #transport #energy #electricvehicles

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The Future of Sustainable Mobility in the UK is Here As the UK accelerates towards its 2050 net-zero goals, sustainable mobility solutions are more critical than ever. The electric vehicle (EV) sector is experiencing rapid growth, and recent studies show that battery-swapping technology is becoming a key enabler of this transition. 🚀 At Moonlight Energy, our Swap-It technology for electric motorbikes is designed to reduce charging time, improve energy efficiency, and cut emissions. This is especially valuable for urban mobility, delivery services, and businesses seeking to operate greener fleets. According to a recent report by International Energy Agency (IEA), demand for EVs is set to rise by 40% in the next decade, with battery-swapping solutions becoming an essential infrastructure component. Why battery swapping? 🔋 Fast Charging: Swap-It allows riders to exchange batteries in minutes, eliminating the wait for charging. 🌱 Environmental Impact: By using renewable energy sources, Swap-It reduces reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to cleaner air in our cities. 💰 Cost Savings: For fleet operators, battery swapping means reduced maintenance costs and more time on the road. As we look to the future, Moonlight Energy is committed to supporting the UK’s green ambitions. Together, let’s build a sustainable and accessible energy ecosystem that meets the demands of modern mobility. 🌍 Are you ready to join the green revolution in transportation? Follow us to stay updated on our journey and learn more about our solutions. #NetZero #SustainableMobility #EVCharging #BatterySwapping #GreenTechnology #MoonlightEnergyUK #UrbanMobility #UKInnovation

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