Richard Hebditch’s Post

This is what happens when technology guides policy, and not the other way around. EV's will be a critical component of low-carbon transport in the future, but they cannot shoulder the entire burden, and nor should industry. Why not underpin policy with the essential mandate of reducing/eliminating fossil fuels, and allowing the most suited technologies to flourish?! If we don't start unifying policies, and stop advocating unsuitable technologies, it won't just be Vauxhall threatening to leave the UK. #sustainablefuels

Weakening regulatory support for EVs in response to declining sales is like removing traffic lights from an intersection in response to more drivers running reds. It's bass-ackwards and utterly asinine. If one is not on track to meet an environmental target, the solution is (obviously!) not to delay or axe the target (ahem, Scottish Government) but to increase efforts to achieve it. Declining EV sales require government intervention, not passivity or worse, retreat. Backward-facing EU lobbyists and lawmakers calling for the delay of the combustion ban should be bundled into the back seat, with the child-locks on.

Why the ZEV mandate isn't called the ZEV mandate! (among other misnomers) There's currently lots of speculation and hand wringing about the new car market in 2024 and how disrupted it will be in the last few months of the year, all due to the "ZEV mandate". Unfortunately many of these rather simple proclamations seem to miss that (and therefore the reason) it is actually called VETS - the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme Order 2023. Whilst at its heart there is a trajectory of proportion of new car and van sales which should be "zero emissions" at the tailpipe, the regulation is actually a CO2 regulatory instrument and is fundamentally a very complex tailpipe CO2 fleet requirement. Meeting the targets is possible through a variety of ZEV sales, Non ZEV CO2 improvements, Banking, Borrowing, Flexibilities, Trading, Pooling, Car club or WAV sales, Derogations and indeed conversion between ZEV and Non ZEV sales. Many many hours were spent consulting and developing the schemes, and huge credit to the DfT team for getting it over the line despite the complexity of negotiations and indeed of the final order. It genuinely is a world leading example of vehicle regulation but is quite complex in compliance. Fortunately the DfT published a 'helpful 92 page' guide on 'How to comply with VETS' in February. Having read this and realised the challenge and complexity of the four trading schemes now in place I am confident the Auto industry is all over this and has planned for almost every eventuality to avoid paying any fines (no one likes fines). Whilst there will undoubtedly be new types of sales targets and deals to be had (twas ever thus). The actual sales data for 2024 is not finalised until August 2025 and the "Trading Window" (where the closed doors bartering to meet the target will be done) is November and December 2025. so it is not until 2026 that we will really know the full outcome of the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme CO2 regulation. We will no doubt have many more column inches of debate/accusation/pleading and misinformation on this, but my plea would be to hold firm to this hard fought legislation and to embrace it. It must be a policy question of 'How we can', not 'Why we cant', make the transition to Zero Emission transport. https://lnkd.in/eBSXg3ar

The forthcoming 2026 Engine Regulations promise a pivotal shift in Formula 1's sustainability agenda. With a focus on harnessing more electrical power, while reducing fuel consumption, F1 is looking to a greener future. The new V6 turbocharged internal combustion engine will feature a potent electrical component, enhancing the MGU-K's capabilities to capture and utilise braking energy effectively. This transition not only aims to enhance performance but also underscores F1's commitment to environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the adoption of 100% sustainable fuels and standardised components signifies a concerted effort to lower costs and promote innovation in electrical systems. I see the 2026 regulations as a bold step towards a more sustainable and competitive future for Formula 1. 🏁⚡ #Formula1 #F1Sustainability #2026EngineRegulations #F1

Italy to present proposal for early review of EU combustion engine ban

🌍 EU's 2025 Combustion Engine Ban Under Threat: Will They Stand Firm? 🚗 The EU's 2025 combustion engine car sale ban is facing significant scrutiny as Italy pushes for an early review to address changing market realities. 🌍🚗 Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin criticized the ban, calling it "absurd" and driven by an "ideological vision." This highlights tensions between environmental goals and market dynamics. Italy's Industry Minister Adolfo Urso proposed bringing the intermediate assessment forward to next year, emphasizing the need for clarity amid a slowdown affecting the German automotive industry. EU law mandates zero carbon emissions for new cars sold after 2035, ending sales of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. However, Italian officials advocate for more flexible decarbonization strategies. The right-wing government supports gradual transition, arguing that electric vehicle development should be part of a broader propulsion mix. Matteo Salvini's party is pushing for legislation to revoke the ban. European automakers, including Volkswagen and Renault, face pressure from shrinking markets and increased competition from Asian manufacturers. Despite heavy investments in electrification, concerns about fines and job cuts loom. Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume noted that "the pie has become smaller," as competition intensifies. VW even considers factory closures in Germany, indicating significant industry challenges. https://buff.ly/4cU5NQ8

[Economic Analysis] 🚗 Electric vehicles: is Europe still in the driver's seat? On June 8, 2022, the European Parliament voted to ban the sale of new combustion-powered cars by 2035, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality. But, faced with China's growing dominance, this transition poses challenges for the European automotive industry. 👀 Europe needs to act fast ➡️ Investing in local production and infrastructure is essential to remain competitive while meeting its climate targets. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gwX76qJB #EnergyTransition #AutoIndustry #Innovation

🔧 Optimizing Emission Control with DPF107 Emissions control plays a critical role in keeping commercial vehicles compliant and performing efficiently. The DPF107 from EEC is a prime solution, specifically designed for Ford Transit and Tourneo Connect models. It’s built to meet Euro 5 standards, offering OE-level performance to keep these workhorses running smoothly. 💡 Expert Tip: To maximise the lifespan of DPFs, ensure vehicles are regularly driven on longer routes to allow the regeneration cycle to complete, preventing blockages and ensuring optimal efficiency. At Grand Corporation Ltd, we continuously source the best emission solutions to meet today’s regulatory standards and customer demands. #DPFTech #EmissionsControl #GrandCorpLtd #AutomotiveSolutions

First #infrastructure and #supply, then acceptance. This also applies to e-mobility. 🚗🔋 And as there is still a widespread lack of charging infrastructure, electricity grid capacity and affordable models in Europe, e-mobility is not getting off the ground. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by the Transport & Mobility Leuven think tank on behalf of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). According to the authors, what is needed now is a rapid modernization of the infrastructure as well as greater coordination and #investment. 📊 Also on the list of demands: an increase in European investment in battery #recycling and alternative sources of supply for battery raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. 🌍 This is because the current dependence on imports could lead to supply bottlenecks and higher prices in the future. Please find the study by Transport & Mobility Leuven here: https://t.ly/GRA7p #emobility #electricvehicles #batteries #StrategicIndependence #CriticalRawMaterials #ElectricityGrids Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could make a decision any day that would allow #California to adopt an aggressive #electric #vehicle program, triggering similar programs in 12 other states and territories that will likely become the target for repeal under President-Elect Donald Trump. - During his campaign, Trump has expressed opposition to policies that favor one drive-train technology over another, saying that he would “cancel the electric vehicle mandate and cut costly and burdensome regulations”. - California’s EV program is called Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II), and it works by requiring EVs, fuel cells and plug-in hybrids to make up an ever-increasing share of the state’s auto sales. - Other programs that encourage the adoption of EVs could be more vulnerable to repeal and rollbacks under Trump Interesting ICIS insight by Al Greenwood. #ICIS #ICISinsight #EPA #ElectricVehicles #EVs #incentives #Trump #California #Chemicals #Chems https://lnkd.in/dhbGgavt