Industry calls for greater cohesion on electric vehicles

THE UK can become a global leader in the development, manufacture and use of low carbon vehicles, but only if there is consistent collaboration and investment from industry, Government and early adopters.  

The assessment has been made by Cenex – the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies.

It said the UK’s work in the EV field was attracting interest from across the world and was generating increasing export opportunities for UK companies.

However, it said a cohesive approach was necessary if the UK was to capitalise on the opportunities.

Cenex showcases the latest developments in the field each year at its low carbon vehicle event. This year’s event, LCV2011, takes place at Rockingham Race Circuit between September 7-8 and is due to be opened by Business Minister Mark Prisk.

Brendan Connor, Cenex chairman, said: “This year’s theme of ’moving towards sustainable growth’ emphasises the continuing need for collaboration between government, the motor industry and infrastructure suppliers to realise the economic and employment growth opportunities offered by the shift to low carbon vehicles.  

“The UK’s leadership and innovation in the development, deployment and adoption of low carbon vehicles and the supporting infrastructure is attracting interest from across the world and is generating increasing export opportunities for UK technology providers.”

LCV2011 will be Cenex’s fourth annual event and will be the biggest low carbon vehicle event in the UK to date.  The move to Rockingham Race Circuit has allowed organisers more space to accommodate delegates and exhibitors and delegates.

The event will feature indoor and exterior exhibitions and a ride-and-drive programme allowing delegates to sample new and prototype low carbon vehicles.  It is expected to attract more than 175 exhibitors and around 2,000 delegates from vehicle manufacturers, the motor industry supply chain, infrastructure providers and fleet operators from both the public and private sectors.

The first day of the conference will focus broadly on sustainable growth within the automotive supply chain, while the second day will address the sustainable market uptake of low carbon vehicles and the associated supporting infrastructure.  The conference schedule will include break-out sessions to discuss the challenges for the UK motor industry of moving towards sustainable growth.