Inst of Couriers Chairman, Carl Lomas was in heart of the City of London, hosted at the Guildhall for the alternative fuel conference, Fleet Vision International. City of London Corporation delivered a trade exhibition in the historic crypts, a host of alternative fuel vehicles in the Guildhall yard brought visitors up close to touch and feel the metal. Lomas loved the e-cargo FH Fernhay with its standardised battery packs and got the final mile photo with the crest of the Corporation.

Are consumers pushing the move to alternative energy or is it Govt policy? the discussion answered 'yes' to both sides of the argument. Keith Bottomley opened for City of London Corporation. Adrian Brabazon from BP talked diverse energy mix. Greg Spotts, Director, City of Seattle spoke right size with propane-powered sweepers at four feet wide for cycle lane cleaning. Justin Laney, Fleet Manager, John Lewis Partnership explained making the decarb. business case work.

Welcome on behalf of the City of London by Keith Bottomley, Chairman, Port Health & Environment.

Clean air and quiet. ‘Tail pipe emissions are declining as we move to alternative fuels, but particulate remains a problem. We must tackle air pollution from engines such as generators at road works. Our corporation waste vehicles are now all electric.'

Eric Richardson, Deputy Chief Fleet Management Officer, City of New York

'welcome to this historic venue, we have a yard full of vehicle display for you to see the alternative fuel vehicles first hand.'

Adrian Brabazon, Head, BP Fleet Solutions in the UK.

Planning for a diverse energy mix zero by 2050. BP are planning a diverse energy mix. ‘BP strategy for alternative fuel, a passion for low carbon transition. BP target be net zero by 2050 – ‘Three pillars, Resilience of hydrocarbons, Mobility & convenience, Low carbon transition.’ Electric & hydrogen and everywhere between.’ ‘Govt policy and consumer willingness. We see oil to remain key for next two to three decades, but electricity will be the biggest share of the mix, we see electricity holding 80% of the market by 2050. Electricity is moving forward faster than any other transport energy in history. We have seen policy in the USA to force transition. DPD in UK have clearly gone electric in their fleet. There will be a role for hydrogen on heavy truck but first step, BP will introduce HVO 100. We have BP pulse for charging, we launched the first EV truck charging in Germany, and are set to introduce EV truck support along the Rhine corridor.

Justin Laney, Fleet Manager, John Lewis Partnership.

Making the decarb business case work, over 4500 vehicles on fleet. We are committed to move away from fossil fuel by 2030. We will achieve this with electric. Our long distance heavy trucks are already running on bio-methane. Justin spoke about life cycle of vehicles, success of a long life, the London Routemaster bus at fifty years. You can change the engine in three hours. Vehicles built for purpose, UPS van with a walk through access for drivers making easy parcel access from driving seat to door. Level floors are key to vans. Justin went on to talk infrastructure. Best charging is a slow overnight, avoid rapid, look after the battery. Try not to charge at peak. Long term power supplies, as demand increases we must understand bio-fuel supply chain will be challenged. Ukraine war is an example of rapid fuel value change. Justin showcased the EV charging point at St Katherines Dock, London E1.

Greg Spotts, Director, Department of Transportation, City of Seattle,

Right size, then electrify, Propane-powered sweepers at four feet wide for cycle lane cleaning. Greg brought a best-practice lens from across the Pond. City of Seattle has over a thousand vehicles, we need to think about the right size of vehicle. With a focus on street cleaning the City of Seattle challenged the contractors to find better fit. Greg explained purchase of micro-sweepers running on propane gas, storing out of centre and shipping into City on a trailer. Seattle and Denver were first American sweepers to bring in electric sweepers for cycle lanes, as narrow as four feet wide.

Headline photos

Welcome on behalf of the City of London by Keith Bottomley, Environment, clean air and quiet.

Justin Laney, Fleet Manager, John Lewis Partnership. Making the decarb business case work,

Guildhall Yard showcase of alternative fuel – All corporation waste vehicles are EV

Wide breadth of exhibitors in the crypt trade show for fleet Vision