The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has been announced as the headline sponsor of the EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show – a unique one-day event providing fleet decision makers and other fleet industry executives with all the latest information, advice and guidance on low-carbon strategies, including electric vehicles (EVs).
The low carbon show takes place on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at the world-famous Silverstone racing circuit in Northamptonshire, where a wide range of electric, hybrid and other low-carbon vehicles will be available for driving.
Nigel Underdown, Head of Transport Advice at the EST, a non-profit organisation jointly funded by the Government and private sector to help fight climate change and cut UK carbon dioxide emissions, said the show was “a perfect opportunity to discuss low carbon strategies with senior fleet decision makers”.
“This year is a really important year for electric vehicles and, while grants were launched last year, we now have more products, more infrastructure, new grants for vans and a much better understanding of how the business case for EVs stands up.
“The EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show is the perfect opportunity for us to share that with fleet decision makers keen to embrace a new generation of vehicles but not sure how well they will fit within their businesses,” he said.
Organised by Fleet World magazine in association with the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association – the trade association of the UK’s leasing and rental industries – the event provides a platform from which motor manufacturers, fleet service companies, infrastructure suppliers and others can explain their products, services and emission control initiatives.
Ross Durkin, Managing Editor of Fleet World, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Energy Saving Trust as headline sponsor of the EV and Low CO2 Fleet Show as we feel that, with their experience in developing low carbon strategies, they are the perfect organisation to back the new event.
“This year’s EV and Low CO2 Fleet Show will allow company decision makers to evaluate all the options for their fleets by talking to the industry’s leading experts in this field. There’s enormous potential for EVs in the fleet sector – traditionally the earliest adopters of new vehicle technology.
“However, we also have to acknowledge that EVs aren’t right for everyone at this point in time and visitors to the show will also be able to get up-to-date information on all the other technologies currently available. The EST will be able to play a key role in that process,” he said.
The show will be based in the glittering new state-of-the-art Silverstone Wing conference and event facility. Situated in the heart of the world famous Grand Prix Circuit, the Silverstone Wing boasts a 21st century modular design comprising two exhibition halls, a conference hall, banqueting facilities and the latest technical and AV equipment.
The EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show will allow visitors to:
- Test drive the latest petrol-electric hybrids, diesel-electric hybrids, fuel-cell hybrids and electric range-extenders, as well as the latest low-emission petrol and diesel engine vehicles
- Discuss future drivetrain strategies with leading motor manufacturers
- Find out more about low-emission light commercial vehicles
- Talk to charging point suppliers and recharging infrastructure providers
- Discuss low-carbon vehicle supply with leading leasing suppliers.
The day will also include an interesting and informative seminar session presented by leading academics and top company executives. Full details will be announced nearer the event.
There will also be a Question Time-style debate and panel discussion chaired by BVRLA Chief Executive, John Lewis, at which fleet decision makers can discuss some of the topics presented earlier in the day.
All test-driving of electric, hybrid and other low-CO2 vehicles will include two or three laps of the Stowe Circuit, a separate infield circuit with its own facilities, and there will be provision for visitors to book provisional test drives in advance directly with the relevant motor manufacturer.
