Innovators showcase carbon technology

Eight specialist companies, dynamic innovators in low carbon road transport, are being showcased at a Parliamentary event being held in the House of Commons today.

They are a practical manifestation of the findings of a new report, being launched at the same event, which shows how the drive for low carbon road transport is – and will continue to be – good for motorists, good for the economy, jobs, growth and exports as well as essential to protect against climate change.

The report – Fuelling Britain’s Future – by Cambridge Econometrics found that by 2030 fuelling the average new low carbon car could be £600 cheaper than for the average car today. The national cost of running and replacing cars in the UK could be between £5-7bn lower.

The researchers found that a continuing focus on cutting carbon from road transport could lead to CO2 emissions from the UK car and van fleet being cut by 47% by 2030, and as much as 80% in 2050.

The report says that improvements in the efficiency of internal combustion vehicles are already saving motorists hundreds of pounds each year. Advances in engine efficiency, lighter construction materials, more efficient tyres and the gradual introduction of electric propulsion will reduce running costs even further.

Examples of these emissions-busting, cost-cutting future technologies are being demonstrated at today’s Parliamentary reception, held by the LowCVP in collaboration with the European Climate Foundation. The event will be attended by ministers and senior officials from DfT, DECC, BIS, Treasury and Defra as well as leading stakeholders from industry, academia and the environmental movement.

The small and medium-sized British companies provide of examples of low carbon fuels, vehicle and component technology and operational innovation. The unique breadth of the LowCVP showcase demonstrates how low carbon solutions exist across traditional industry boundaries. They include:

• Celtic Renewables is commercialising the production of biobutanol as an advanced  biofuel from the residues of the £4bn Scottish malt whisky industry.

• Controlled Power Technologies brings powertrain, power electronics and control software expertise together to develop and commercialise emissions-reduction technologies now being sought by vehicle manufacturers.

• GnewtCargo provides a final mile delivery service in London which uses electric vehicles and advanced logistics to minimise emissions in the capital.

• Mercury Fuel Systems offers dual fuel LPG/diesel systems for heavy commercial vehicles which cut fuel costs as well as carbon emissions.

• Meteor Power is developing the first downsized low carbon, hybrid engine for use in high performance motorcycles and lightweight sports cars.

• Protean Electric specialises in the design, development and manufacture of in-wheel and compact electric motor and drive technology for the automotive and cleantech markets.

• Revolve Technologies is an engineering and service provider to the automotive R&D sector specialising in developing low carbon technology solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids and hydrogen applications.

• Tevva Motors is developing for production the first commercially viable range-extended electric urban delivery truck. Tevva’s innovative solution is applicable to both newbuilds as well as the retrofit of older vehicles.

Cambridge Econometrics’ forward-looking report echoes the findings of the LowCVP’s retrospective study published last year, Investing in the Low Carbon Journey, which found that the last ten years of a consistent policy focus on cutting carbon has helped to stimulate a renaissance in the automotive sector while improving fuel efficiency at the most rapid and sustained rate ever.

Speaking at the Parliamentary reception, LowCVP managing director Andy Eastlake said, ‘Innovators like these demonstrate the vitality of the automotive and fuels sector and highlight the prospects for future growth.

‘The UK is, and needs to remain, the best place to invest in the innovative low carbon technologies of the future. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that every low carbon opportunity is explored and supported.’

Tony Pixton, chief executive of the Advanced Propulsion Centre and a supporter of the event said, ‘We’re very encouraged by this study and are strong supporters of innovation in low carbon propulsion systems, several of which have been presented by the LowCVP today.

‘The Advanced Propulsion Centre has already invested in projects worth more than £180m to turn low carbon propulsion technology into products developed and produced in the UK. More than 2,500 jobs have been secured or created through the first six projects as part of the £1bn, ten year programme.’