GreenFleet Leeds to showcase EV & gas capability

On 13 July, GreenFleet is heading to Leeds to offer advice and share knowledge with fleet managers about how electric vehicles can lower fleet emissions and improve local air quality, ahead of the implementation of the Clean Air Zone

The city of Leeds has been looking into different ways it can tackle air pollution after it was identified as one of six locations in England that would require a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) by 2020.

This zone would mean that the most polluting vehicles such as HGVs, buses and taxis, will have to pay a penalty charge when in the CAZ in order to reduce air pollution significantly. In order to support the mandatory CAZ, Leeds City Council has implemented a number of changes.

They have switched 70 of its fleet vehicles over to zero or ultra-low emissions electric vehicles and offered free parking to owners of ultra-low emission vehicles at all council‑run car parks or on-street parking bays until at least March 2018. Leeds has also opened the £29m Cycle Superhighway, a cycle route linking Bradford and Leeds, encouraging commuters to cycle rather than drive to work.

In addition to this, the council is currently planning the creation of an alternative fuel station, which would allow them to convert 180 fleet vans to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), including 70 refuse collection trucks.

In association with Leeds City Council, GreenFleet will host its event at Elland Road Stadium, where industry experts will present keynote presentations on the day, highlighting the city’s vision for a greener city, plus the latest on cars, vans, LGV/HGVs and charging grants.

Speakers and exhibitors

Talking on the day will be senior officials from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) who will be outlining the government’s plans to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

The council’s City Enterprise Leeds will also be in attendance to discuss fleet management and training, along with CNG Fuels – an operator of  Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling infrastructure and provider of compressed biomethane (bio-CNG).

Local organisations which operate vehicles in and around the city will also have the opportunity to be shown how to run vehicles that are of an EV, PHEV or gas equivalent.

A number of exhibitors will be on-hand to answer any questions regarding low emission vehicles, including the event’s headline sponsor, LeasePlanUK, which provides vehicle leasing solutions and green mobility solutions.

The Phoenix Works will also be present to answer questions and provide advice regarding clean and energy saving technology.

What’s more, commercial vehicle manufacturer Iveco will be available to answer questions and offer insight in regards to greener vans and trucks.

Test drives

Brands such as LDV, BMW/MINI (from Stratstone Leeds), Iveco and Nissan will also be heading to Leeds to demonstrate its latest ultra-low and zero emission vehicles, along with offering the opportunity for delegates to take a model out for a test drive.

The Nissan’s popular Leaf will be available for delegates to take for spin, which has a claimed range of 155 miles – an increase of 25 per cent compared to its previous model.

Nissan is also the brand behind the e-NV200, which combines the technology of
Nissan’s Leaf with the practicality of the NV200 van. It is powered by a 24kWh rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.

The electric LCV has a 4.2m3 cargo capacity and is capable of holding a 703kg payload, with a serviceable range of 106 miles.

BMW’s i3, which has a pure electric range of 125 miles, will also make an appearance. There is also a range-extender version which has a small petrol engine that drives a generator to maintain the level of battery and extend its range.

Commercial vehicle manufacturer Iveco will also have its Stralis NP available to drive, which has recently completed a trip from Lands End to John O’Groats on one tank of fuel, as well as the Daily Natural Power van.

Other electric and ultra-low emission vehicles will be available on the day to help delegates leave the event with a better understanding of the practicalities of running a greener fleet.