Renault’s all-electric Zoe supermini makes its first public appearance in the UK tomorrow when it takes a bow at the EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show at the world-famous Silverstone racing circuit in Northamptonshire, one of series of ‘firsts’ for the event, which is free to attend for all fleet managers.
The Zoe, which costs just £13,650 plus £70 a month for the lease of the battery for three years/6,000 miles a year, will be on the Renault stand as a static exhibit, alongside the new Twizy electric quadricycle which can be driven on the Stowe circuit.
Vauxhall, meanwhile, will have its range-extended all-electric Ampera in police livery at the Show joining a number of premieres, including some that will be available for driving for the first time anywhere in the UK.
These include the new Peugeot 208 supermini, which has one petrol and three diesel engines under the 99g/km mark and goes on sale in June, and the Peugeot 508 RXH with its latest ground breaking diesel-electric HYbrid4 technology.
Citroën fans will be able to have a first drive of the new 200bhp DS5 Hybrid4, the world’s first hybrid diesel, boasting fuel consumption of 74.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.
The launches join ultra-low carbon offerings from a host of other manufacturers, including BMW, Infiniti, Lexus Toyota and Vauxhall, who will have their latest low emission and electric vehicles on offer.
Commercial vehicles available for driving include the new Edison and Newton models from Smith Electric Vehicles, plus Renault’s 100% electric Kangoo Van Z.E.
The recharging industry will also be there in force with major players, including ABB, Ecar Connectors, ENSTO, Siemens, Schneider and Rolec Services, taking space in the event’s indoor exhibition area in order to explain to fleet managers how they can provide the optimum on-site recharging solution for electric vehicles.
Ross Durkin, managing editor of organisers, Fleet World, said: “We are looking forward to a great Show tomorrow with registration numbers already well over expected levels.
“And we are delighted by the number of motor manufacturers who have recognised the significance of the event by giving UK premieres to some of their key models, several of which aren’t even on sale yet.
“But as well as some really important first drives at the Show, we also have a series of other exhibitors from the fields of infrastructure and leasing, along with our superb seminar presentations and a whole raft of fleet experts who can provide advice and guidance on some of the burning issues affecting fleet operators.
“We look forward to providing our visitors with a very worthwhile day out of the office,” he added.
The EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show is free to fleet operators and is being sponsored by the Energy Saving Trust in association with the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association, the trade association of the UK’s leasing and rental industries.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear the latest thinking on a range of fleet topics in a morning-long series of fleet seminars from a team of highly respected presenters including the EST, the Climate Group, Cardiff University, Element Energy and Wilmott Dixon.
After lunch there will also be a Question Time-style panel discussion, sponsored by Venson Automotive Solutions and chaired by John Lewis, Chief Executive of the BVRLA, at whichvisitors can get answers to any questions that arose while listening to the earlier seminar programme, test-driving vehicles or exploring the exhibition.
The panel of experts will feature:
- Rob Anderson, programme and communications manager, Cenex
- Chas Ball, chief executive, Car Plus
- Richard Bruce, managing director, Office for low Emission Vehicles
- Alan McCleave, business development director, Venson
- Justin Shaw, Fleet Director, Europcar
“Fleets will be a vital market for ultra-low carbon cars and vans – but these vehicles are not right for everyone. I hope this panel will be able to tell the audience where this technology can and can’t make a difference,” said John Lewis.
The show will be based in the new state-of-the-art Silverstone Wing conference and event facility, situated in the heart of the Grand Prix Circuit, and boasting two exhibition halls, a conference hall, banqueting facilities and the latest technical and AV equipment.
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 visitors will be able to book provisional test drives in advance directly with the relevant motor manufacturer.
