Birmingham will host the world’s first zero emission vehicles summit, following a pledge from the Prime Minister at the One Planet event in Paris.
The summit will bring together policy makers, industry experts and opinion formers from around globe to tackle carbon emissions and to find ways to improve air quality.
A statement from the DfT said: “Through our modern Industrial Strategy and Automotive Sector Deal we are committed to making transport technology cleaner and greener. As the Prime Minister made clear in her landmark Industrial Strategy speech, we have a mission to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission vehicles, making all new cars and vans effectively emission-free by 2040.”
In the same press release, the government committed to the continuation of the plug-in grant for cars and vans, but failed to mention motorcycles. Seeking clarifiaction, BDN was told by a government spokesman: “We are conducting a review of PIMG [plug-in] rates at present and will provide more information in due course.” It is understood that regular reviews are a standard procedure for government grants.
In the statement, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “The government is committed to meeting our climate change targets and cleaning up our air and to help achieve that we are investing £1.5bn in ultra-low emission vehicles by 2021.
“This ground-breaking event shows Britain leading the way in developing the new technology that will create jobs and help improve the air we breathe.
“And with a proud history in pioneering vehicle manufacturing, Birmingham is exactly the right location to showcase the innovations of the future.”
Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “The Midlands has a rich automotive heritage and the growth of hi-tech manufacturing across the region continues to drive investment into the region, produce highly skilled jobs and boost economic growth – making it an ideal place to lead the world in zero emission vehicles.
“Our modern Industrial Strategy sets out plans for the transition to ultra-low and zero emissions vehicle technology and this summit, bringing together global leaders in the green vehicle revolution, is an important step on the road to making that ambition a reality.”
The summit will continue at Cenex-LCV – the UK’s premier low carbon vehicle event – held at Millbrook Proving Grounds on 12 September. Innovation and technology is at the heart of the transition to Zero Emission Vehicles. LCV features innovative technology from international companies and is an established fixture of the automotive calendar.
The news comes on the same day as ministers confirm the continuation of the Plug in Car Grant and Van Grant [until October 2018, with the car grant guaranteed “to continue in some form until at least 2020], further emphasising the government’s commitment to our climate and clean air targets as part of £1.5bn being spent on ultra-low emission vehicles to 2021. The government has also announced it is considering further options for reducing emissions for last mile deliveries, to be set out by Cycling and Walking Minister Jesse Norman in a forthcoming Call for Evidence, including for the first time providing grants and/or other financial incentives to support the use of e-cargo bikes.
Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex said: “We are honoured that the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Summit will be linked to our 11th annual Cenex-LCV Event this year. The UK is at the forefront of low carbon vehicle technology innovation and we think there is great value for the ZEV attendees to see these technologies first-hand at the Cenex-LCV exhibition.
“The Cenex-LCV event already attracts an international audience and provides a glimpse into the leading innovations in low carbon automotive transport and supporting energy infrastructure technologies. This year’s Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Showcase, sponsored by Meridian, will also help ensure the ZEV summit attendees see the synergies between zero emission vehicles and self-driving cars when attending the Cenex-LCV event.”