Andy Salter welcomed guests to LoCity's 4th Fuels in Action roadshow . A journey to the culmination of alternative fuels with a packed itinerary of seminars. Electric, Gas, Hydrogen. Renewable vehicles.
Different Horse Power - today.
Andy Salter welcomed guests to LoCity's 4th Fuels in Action roadshow
O'Donovan Waste spoke electric van charge anxiety.
Jacquie O'Donovan, 90 HGVs and 5 depots in London, improving green is about advancing staff skills and sharing knowledge for fuel-efficient driving. We have a Berlingo 100% electric and benefit from zero congestion charge. ‘It’s a very smooth drive.’ Anxiety is the big issue for drivers: will they get home ? We are getting around seventy miles, but using the heater in the cold weather is a challenge to the security of having enough power to see the driver home.
John Lewis using Biotherme gas-power vans.
Justin Laney. General Manager of John Lewis Fleet described the journey they had taken to refresh their fleet with Biotherme Gas renewable fuel.
Seven-year challenge, as buying gas-only vehicles has been difficult - 53 of a 500-strong fleet today.
Fuel duty is fixed until 2024, which is important for business case and infrastructure decisions. A gas vehicle's range is now 500 miles achievable so you don't have to choose which vehicle to use.
Reduction by 83% in CO2, 35% in fuel cost and 50% in noise reduction. Matched by refrigeration trailer units, it is a perfect vehicle for urban operations. Happily this is also available in the small 35cwt van.
CitySprint talked Hydrogen – ‘It's an electric with hydrogen top-up’
Ali Kagalwalla CitySprint commented 'everything starts with Why ?' CitySprint have taken a multi-fuel approach from urban to long-distance, 'it is important to do the trials. Innovation will promote better air quality, promote change and align with client thinking. CitySprint want to improve air quality and promote change, we want to promote leading innovation and align with our clients for clean air.'
CitySprint are trialling the Kangoo ZE H2 around the M25 area with a view to trialing longer distances. 'It took a year to arrive from order. Our OLEV grant was successful but you need to plan in advance. The vehicle cost is high, £50k means one hydrogen equals four petrol. Whilst refuelling infrastructure is small, other challenges are: the driver open-mindedness, order timescale and maintenance. Getting as many drivers and staff trained is important to success.'
'In reality, our hydrogen van is an electric vehicle with a hydrogen top-up extension capability and we look forward to seeing that reverse. One size does not fit all.'
LoCity Fuels In Action exterior photo gallery
IOC Tracey Worth takes a tour of the LoCity car park
LoCity Fuels In Action interior photo gallery
