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Electric Freightway Programme Completes Aquisition of First eHGVs

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In a groundbreaking stride toward sustainable transport, the first two fully electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs) have been joyously delivered under the innovative Electric Freightway programme to A.F. Blakemore and Son. This visionary company is ambitiously replacing their diesel-powered trucks with these advanced electric marvels. The Electric Freightway is a vital component of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme. Lavishly funded by the Department for Transport and skillfully executed in partnership with Innovate UK, this initiative is ardently working to establish the foundation for a nationwide charging network tailored for electric trucks. A.F. Blakemore and Son, a prestigious multi-generational family business and the largest SPAR wholesaler in the UK, is one of the 33 committed consortium members participating in this trailblazing plan to decarbonise the country’s heavy goods transport. Led by the expert electric vehicle charging specialists at GRI
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Driving Change: UK New Car Registrations Surge Amidst Electric Vehicle Revolution

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UK New Car Registrations Rise for 21st Consecutive Month In a testament to the ongoing evolution of the automotive industry, new car registrations in the UK have soared for the 21st consecutive month. According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), registrations climbed by 1% in April, reaching a total of 134,274 units. While this growth is noteworthy, the real narrative lies in the drivers behind this expansion. Electrified Vehicles (EVs) Leading the Charge Undoubtedly, electrified vehicles emerged as the driving force behind the market's expansion. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) saw a remarkable surge, experiencing a 22.1% increase and capturing 7.8% of the market. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) followed suit, with a growth of 16.7%, accounting for 13.1% of demand. Particularly encouraging was the rise of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), which saw a 10.7% uptick, elevating their market share to 16.9%. Fleet Dominance and Private Buyer Conce
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Innovative Partnership Unlocks Green Hydrogen from Impure Water Sources

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In a groundbreaking collaboration between Wales and West Utilities (WWU) and HydroStar, a cutting-edge technology firm, a pioneering project has successfully achieved the production of green hydrogen from various impure water sources. This venture, funded by the OFGEM Strategic Innovation Fund, marks a significant stride towards overcoming operational barriers to widespread green hydrogen adoption while delivering cost-effective solutions to the UK economy. At the heart of this initiative lies the development of NextGen membrane-less electrolysers, designed to utilise unconventional water sources such as rainwater, storm overflow, and wastewater. These innovative electrolysers represent a departure from conventional electrolysis technologies, which traditionally require highly purified water, incurring substantial costs and straining the UK's water resources. The Alpha phase of the project yielded promising results, demonstrating that membrane-less electrolyser prototypes achieve
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MAN Takes the Lead in Hydrogen-Powered Trucks: A Sustainable Milestone in European Transport

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In a significant stride towards sustainable transportation, Traton subsidiary MAN is poised to make history as the first European truck manufacturer to introduce a hydrogen combustion-powered truck into production. This groundbreaking development marks a pivotal moment in the transition towards greener alternatives in the commercial vehicle industry. The MAN hTGX, derived from a modified version of the reliable MAN D38 diesel engine, represents a tangible shift towards zero-emission transport solutions. With an initial production run of approximately 200 units slated for distribution across Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, and select non-European markets, MAN is paving the way for a greener future in road freight. Targeting specialised applications such as construction, tank transport, and timber hauling, the MAN hTGX offers a viable alternative to conventional diesel-powered trucks. Moreover, it serves as a promising option in regions lacking adequate charging infrastruct
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London Leads the Charge: Diesel Fuel Sales Plummet, Signalling a Shift Towards Cleaner Air and Energy Security

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In a significant revelation, recent analysis has unveiled a stark decline in diesel fuel sales in London compared to the rest of the UK. Over the past four years, sales have plummeted by nearly 40 percent in the capital, while other regions have only managed a decline of 20 percent. This data, analysed by Transport and Environment (T&E) UK using statistics from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, underscores the transformative impact of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in London. The ULEZ, introduced in 2019, imposes charges on older, more polluting vehicles entering the city. This proactive measure has not only led to a substantial decrease in diesel dispenser use, but has also yielded marked improvements in air quality across London's roads. A new map tracking nitrous oxide levels between 2021 and 2022 illustrates these positive changes, reinforcing the government's acknowledgment of air pollution as the "largest environmental risk to public health.
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Government Response to House of Lords Electric Vehicle Report: A Mixed Bag for EV Incentives

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In response to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee 's report titled 'EV Strategy: Rapid Recharge Needed', the government has outlined its stance on various recommendations aimed at incentivising the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). While the government has shown commitment in certain areas, its response reflects a mixed bag of policies and decisions. One of the key highlights of the government's response is its pledge to maintain low company car tax rates, ensuring that the transition to electric vehicles remains affordable. The government has announced a gradual increase in company car taxes for electric vehicles, reaching a total of 5% for battery electric vehicles by April 2028. This contrasts with the trajectory for petrol and diesel cars, where tax rates will remain higher, with the most polluting cars subject to 37% rates by 2028. However, the government has drawn criticism for its refusal to implement certain recommendations from t
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Trial Success: Hydrogen Fuels Ground Operations at Bristol Airport

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In a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by easyJet and a consortium of industry partners, a pioneering airside hydrogen refuelling trial has been completed at Bristol Airport. This milestone marks the first-ever airport trial of its kind in the UK, showcasing the viability of hydrogen as a fuel source for powering ground support equipment (GSE) servicing easyJet passenger aircraft. Named Project Acorn, the trial represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable aviation solutions. Over the course of a year-long development period, easyJet collaborated with a diverse array of stakeholders, including Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Cranfield University, Connected Places Catapult (CPC), DHL Supply Chain, Fuel Cell Systems, the IAAPS research institute, Jacobs, Mulag, and TCR. This collaborative effort underscores the industry's commitment to embracing innovation and fostering eco-friendly practices. The successful completion of the trial underscores the safety and
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