The UK government is backing trials of low-carbon trucks with an investment of £9.5 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) and Technology Strategy Board.
Heavy goods vehicles and trucks currently account for around a quarter of the UK’s transport-related carbon emissions.
The ‘low carbon truck demonstration trial’ will test fleets of low-emission heavy goods vehicles, as well as supporting the installation of infrastructure such as gas fuelling stations and electric recharging points.
Any vehicles capable of delivering at least 15% carbon savings compared with conventional trucks can take part in the trial, including gas-powered, dual fuel or hybrid trucks of over 7.5 tonnes and electric vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
Gas refuelling infrastructure supported by the trial will be made accessible to other commercial and public-service vehicle operators to create a nationwide network.
The data gathered during the two-year trial will be used to build user confidence in green trucks and as the basis of policy decisions.
“This competition will help drive down emissions from trucks,” says Transport Minister Mike Penning. “These trials will show us how low-carbon technologies perform day-to-day in the real world.”
The initiative is now looking for truck operators to bid for funding of up to £750,000 each. The closing deadline for full applications is June 20 and successful bidders will be informed in early August.
For further information:
connect.innovateuk.org/web/low-carbon-truck-demonstrator-trial
www.dft.gov.uk
www.innovateuk.org/
Related stories:
UK new car emissions fall by 4.2% in 2011 (18-Apr)
UK government gives green light to over 400 low-carbon buses (27-Mar)
Seven vans confirmed as eligible for UK electric vehicle grant (24-Feb)
Electric vans to benefit from UK government’s grant scheme (18-Jan)
Article source: http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/5058/
