GreenFleet 100

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ISSUE 100

MOST INFLUENTIAL

100 ISSUE CELEBRATION Featuring the history of electric vehicles, a retro road test of the original Toyota Prius, and the inaugural GreenFleet 100 Most Influential list

CLIMB MOUNTAINS, LOWER COSTS

CO2

MPG

BIK

115g/km

UP TO

64.2

FROM

FROM

23%

JEEP RENEGADE ®

To book a test drive call our Business Centre free on 0808 168 5440 or email us at jeep-fleet@fcagroup.com

OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR JEEP RENEGADE RANGE MPG (L/100KM): EXTRA URBAN 47.9 (5.9) – 70.6 (4.0), URBAN 32.5 (8.7) – 55.4 (5.1), COMBINED 40.9 (6.9) – 64.2 (4.4), CO 2 EMISSIONS: 160 – 115 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. Model shown is a Jeep Renegade Limited. Jeep ® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

Comment

Celebrating our 100th publication To commemorate our 100th publication of GreenFleet, we have reflected back over the years to single out the key events and people that have shaped the green fleet industry.

GreenFleet issue one

Visit t.tv nflee video e e r g e v ti a rm for info tent on t con tal flee nmen enviro agement man

Follow and interact with us on Twitter: @GreenFleetNews

MOST INFLUENTIAL

This has resulted in our 100 Most Influential list, which is a mix of individuals that have helped the transport sector become greener. These range from fleet managers to vehicle manufacturers, policy makers and green campaigners.

Who made the GreenFleet 100 Most Influential List? Find out on p21

Our features have a retrospective-feel, with Richard Gooding giving us a brief history of the electric vehicle, as well as a road test of the original Toyota Prius – which celebrates its 20th birthday this year – and was arguably one of the first successful low-emission fleet vehicles.

The new year opens with some positive news on the sales of ultra-low emission vehicles. According to the latest SMMT report, sales of Plug-in Car Grant models increased by 31.4 per cent in 2016 compared to 2015. High sales of PHEVs – which are up 41.9 per cent against 2015’s figures, have helped the growth. Pure EVs have seen a modest 3.3 per cent growth, but are ahead of both petrol and diesel growth of 2.7 and 0.6 per cent respectively.

Angela Pisanu, editor

P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE-TO-FACE If you would like to receive 10 issues of GreenFleet magazine for £200 a year, please contact Public Sector Information Limited, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 GreenFleet® would like to thank the following organisations for their support:

PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED

226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Angela Pisanu FEATURES AND ROAD TEST EDITOR Richard Gooding PRODUCTION CONTROL Jacqueline Lawford PRODUCTION DESIGN Jo Golding WEB PRODUCTION Victoria Leftwich PUBLISHER George Petrou ACCOUNT MANAGER Kylie Glover ADMINISTRATION Vickie Hopkins REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

Printed on recycled paper

© 2017 Public Sector Information Limited. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any other means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the editorial content the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. ISSN 1471-3713

GreenFleet is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint please contact Michael Lyons or Angela Pisanu on 0208 532 0055. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk

Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

3

THE NEW ALFA GIULIETTA TECNICA. GEARED TOWARDS BUSINESS. The New Alfa Giulietta Tecnica has plenty to catch the eye. Its evolved, sporty exterior includes free metallic paint and privacy glass, while the new stylish interior is now even more refined.

The long list of standard features include dual zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors and the new Uconnect LIVE service that keeps you connected to your world with real-time traffic reports, music, news and the latest social network feeds.

TM

CO2 from 99g/km

BIK from 19%

MPG up to 74.3

P11D from £20,405

For more information, call our Business Centre free on 0808 168 7152 or email alfaromeo.fleet@alfaromeo.com

Model shown is the Alfa Giulietta 1.6 JTDM-2 120 hp Alfa Tecnica at £20,460 OTR including Alfa White Paint. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Giulietta Tecnica range: Urban 55.4 – 60.1 mpg (5.1 – 4.7 I/100km); Extra Urban 74.3 – 88.3 mpg (3.8 – 3.2 I/100km); Combined 65.7 – 74.3 mpg (4.3 – 3.8 I/100km). CO2 emissions 113 – 99 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption.

Contents

Contents GreenFleet 100 08 News

14

UK law firm launches legal action against Volkswagen; SMMT reports big rise in plug‑in car sales; industry experts suggest that battery electric vehicles will dominate by 2025

14 Fleet interview: Absolutely 17

GreenFleet caught up with Jeremy Thompson, managing director of couriers Absolutely to discuss the firm’s 150 year history, its recent re-brand, and how a mixed fleet – including cargo bikes and hybrid vehicles – is helping to keep emissions down business

17 Expert panel: leasing

Can it pay to think differently about the way we travel? Our expert panelists examine how the new concept of ‘mobility’ is impacting the fleet sector In association with

21 GreenFleet 100 Most Influential

MOST INFLUENTIAL

21

To commemorate the 100th issue of GreenFleet, we have picked our 100 most influential people that have shaped the low-carbon fleet industry over the years, whether they are a fleet manager, a vehicle manufacturer, green campaigner or policy maker

52

48

37 A brief EV history

The battery electric vehicle has changed beyond perception over almost 180 years. Richard Gooding dons his rose-tinted spectacles

44 Industry insight: fuel cards

With the UK’s air quality strategy looking at ways to do-away with old polluting diesel vehicles, we ask our fuel card experts if they have seen a decline in diesel usage and a shift towards cleaner fuels

48 Road test: Toyota Prius (1997)

The Toyota Prius celebrates its twentieth birthday in 2017. Richard Gooding reflects on the first‑generation of Toyota’s hybrid pioneer, which was contemporary when GreenFleet was launched

50 First drive: Hyundai Ioniq Electric

The Ioniq is the first weapon in Hyundai’s attack on the ‘green car’ market and carries with it ambitions for the company to become an eco-friendly vehicle leader

52 EV diary: month three What has it been like living with the world’s best-selling electric car over the course of three months?

Richard Gooding has the answers

50

GreenFleet magazine

www.greenfleet.net Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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News DIESELGATE

UK law firm launches legal action against Volkswagen Law firm Harcus Sinclair has taken up the plight of British drivers affected by the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, and is launching legal action in an attempt to get compensation.

Some 1.2 million British vehicles, including Audis, Skodas and Seats, were affected by the scandal, in which software was fitted to the vehicles to enable them to cheat emissions tests.

Last year, judges in the US approved a £12 billion settlement with each affected owner set to receive up to £8,000. Volkswagen is

yet to offer compensation to owners in the UK. Damon Parker, head of litigation at Harcus Sinclair, said he felt drivers felt they had ‘no choice but to take legal action.’

“The group action aims to ensure that, if VW is found to have misled consumers about the environmental damage caused by their cars, they are penalised accordingly so as to discourage this sort of behaviour from happening again.”

READ MORE www.vwemissionsaction.com

NEW CAR SALES

SMMT reports big rise in plug-in car sales Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders registration figures show that sales of Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) models increased by 31.4 per cent compared to 2015.

High sales of PHEVs, with 2016’s registrations totalling 26,643, up 41.9 per cent against 2015’s figures, have helped the growth.

Pure EVs have seen a modest 3.3 per cent growth, with sales of 10,264 in 2016 – ahead of both petrol and diesel growth of 2.7 and 0.6 per cent respectively.

In total, 35,447 PiCG eligible cars were registered in 2016, representing 1.3 per cent of sales.

The SMMT has also reported

the fifth successive year of new car new car registration growth.

According to its latest figures, UK new car market achieved a record 2.69 million registrations in 2016. This is the highest ever number of new cars demanded

by UK customers, with 2,692,786 registered in 2016, up 2.3 per cent on the previous year.

December was only the second month of negative growth in 2016, as registrations dip 1.1 per cent to 178,022 units.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/zhay4yk

EMISSIONS REPORT

Mind the Gap report paints bleak emissions picture Transport & Environment’s Mind the Gap 2016 report has revealed that the difference between official laboratory test results and real-world car performance is growing uncontrollably, jumping from nine per cent in 2001 to 28 per cent in 2012 and 42 per cent in 2015. It is expected to reach 50 per cent before 2020.

The report suggests that progress in reducing emissions

8

has stalled for the last four years. In 2002, exploiting test flexibilities accounted for just five percentage points difference between test results and real-world performance.

This grew to 15 points in 2010; and 24 points in 2014.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/gos9jat

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Industry experts suggest that battery vehicles will dominate by 2025 Figures from KPMG’s annual global automotive executive survey show that 90 per cent of executives expect battery electric vehicles to dominate the marketplace by 2025.

The 17th edition of the survey sees 800 auto executives from 38 countries give their insights to KPMG on topics such as business model disruption, connectivity and digitalisation, customer data, new products and who will be the winners or losers in the auto industry. For the first time, KPMG also surveyed over 2,100 customers from around the world.

John Leech, of KPMG, said: “Improvements in the cost and range of battery technology, coupled with growing concern over the emission of both carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides from diesel engines, means that almost the whole automotive industry believes that the mass adoption of electric cars will happen during the next decade.”

According to the survey findings, 82 per cent of the executives surveyed estimate a major business model disruption in the next five years to be extremely likely or somewhat likely. Executives who ranked connectivity #10 in 2015 survey moved it up to #1 this year, with 50.1 per cent rating it as

extremely important. For the last three years, the top concern was growth in emerging markets, which has dropped to #4.

Last year’s owner of the top spot, Hyundai, has fallen to fourth place this year with 50 per cent of respondents expecting an increase in market share. Hyundai is followed by Ford at number five with 49 per cent. In general, most auto executives responding to the survey are optimistic and only few expect a decrease in any of the OEMs market share.

For many of the OEMs, respondents see stability in their future. While 34 per cent expect Daimler to have an increase in market share, 53 per cent expect them to remain stable. Similarly, new player Tesla, is expected to increase in market share by 37 per cent of respondents yet remain stable by 52 per cent of respondents.

The survey suggest that BMW and Toyota will also be the leaders in the fields of e-mobility and autonomous driving. They are ranked in the top spots as being the most groundbreaking innovators in the future, followed

by Honda, Ford and Tesla.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/zyujq5o

News

MOBILITY

Volvo gets serious on sharing As part of a broad expansion of its car sharing and mobility services strategies, Volvo Cars has announced its new shared mobility business unit.

The unit will be based around Sunfleet, a car sharing company based in Sweden which has operated by Volvo since 1998. Sunfleet has around 50,000 subscribers that generate approximately 250,000 transactions in more than 50 Swedish cities, according to Volvo.

“Private car ownership will not disappear, but as an automaker we need to embrace the fact

that it will reduce and, more importantly, change,” said Volvo Cars president and chief executive Håkan Samuelsson.

“We have a proven and profitable concept in our home market which we intend to leverage as we develop a global concept.”

Volvo Cars’ intends to complement current and traditional car ownership models with a range of on‑demand mobility options.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/zg6aaet

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Faraday Future set to uncage FF91 in 2018 At the CES show in Las Vegas, Faraday Future unveiled a self‑driving electric car that it says can accelerate from zero to 60mph (97km/h) in 2.39 seconds.

The FF91 was introduced via a live demo, in which it drove itself around a car park and backed into an empty space.

Built on the company’s Variable Platform Architecture (VPA), the FF 91 features an all-electric powertrain outfitted with a 130kWh battery which enables a claimed range of up to 378 miles.

The vehicle’s multi‑motor

set up has a peak power of 783kW and is reportedly capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 2.39 seconds.

Prospective buyers can reserve a vehicle now for $5,000, but this is currently only available to drivers in the US, Canada and China.

Faraday Future’s FF91 has accrued more than 64,000 orders in the two days after the model was revealed.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/h3ccz8y

LowCVP’s Andy Eastlake GreenFleet 100: “The more things change the more they stay the same” “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose,” said novelist Jean Baptiste Alphonse Karr. 2017 promises to be the most exciting year yet for fleets wanting to ‘go green’ with a raft of new cars and vans coming to the market, extending electric range as well as the choice of fuels and vehicles for lower carbon operation.

Couple this with the impressive technology offerings from the telematics and driver assistance industries and you have a ‘perfect storm’ of opportunity for cleaner, greener transport.

While we look forward to the new year, this 100th issue of GreenFleet magazine also prompts me to reflect on more than ten years of great fun highlighting the benefits of fuel saving technology, tuition and tenacity. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Jason, Colin and the GreenFleet team since the relaunch of the magazine.

Our support for the first Arrive ‘n’ Drive event at Silverstone around that time (2006) included the first ‘GreenFleet Fuel Challenge’.

There a Toyota Aygo diesel achieved over 90mpg (about 82g/km CO2) beating its NEDC quoted fuel consumption by more than 30%.

In that first year, the cars were driven on the Silverstone circuit and all competitors were given eco driving tuition by the IAM. Even then we were focusing not only on the vehicle technology but also on the driver. In another category of the challenge, we took three identical petrol cars and demonstrated the dramatic difference between aggressive and eco driving (18 and 56 mpg respectively).

A year later the first GreenFleet Capital Fuel Challenge took place at Guildhall in the City of London. In this first real‑world fuel economy challenge, 17 teams competed to deliver parcels to specific addresses across London in the most fuel efficient way. Vehicles included the Vectrix electric scooter, Modec’s electric van, Ford’s E85 ethanol Focus, two OEM LPG vehicles and a brace of Toyota Prius. We used a ‘well‑to‑wheel’ (WTW) approach for the first time as the range of competing fuels meant that the standard comparator no longer worked.

With the GPS tracking available to us, together with more accurate fuel measurement systems, the competition clearly highlighted that fleet managers must consider a lot more than just vehicle technology to ensure they get green right. Some clear messages emerged – pick your route. The distance travelled to deliver to the same addresses varied by almost 40 per cent. Drive efficiently. All the teams drove in central London at the same time but even across the six Prius vehicles we saw fuel consumption vary by 35 per cent.

Get the right vehicle. The best result – of 50g/km WTW – was, as you might expect, the electric scooter. (By the way, at the 2008 Capital Fuel Challenge there were no fewer than eight fully electric vehicles taking part. I must add that the LowCVP team – with our Jonathan Murray at the wheel – were winners that year!)

Fast forward to 2017, via GreenFleet Scotland, West, Nottingham, York, the Evolution shows, ‘Beat the Sprig’, plus the inaugural commercial event last year and the long association with Rockingham for the Arrive ’n’ Drive and we can see just how far the team have come. In that time, we’ve seen an increased emphasis on air quality as well as climate change, but vehicles that are both clean and green continue to drive the industry. So the basic themes for fleet managers haven’t changed. If I’ve said it once I’ve said it in different ways in 100 GreenFleet magazines. Maybe now more than ever, the message is… right vehicle, right route, right foot!

Here’s to the next 100.

FURTHER INFORMATION For more information on the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, visit: www.lowcvp.org.uk

Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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JAGUAR XE

THE NEW BENCHMARQUE

Yes, another car claiming to be the new standard. But let us elaborate…

Jaguar XE is the Auto Express Best Compact Executive Car 2016. It’s won Business Car of the Year 2016 at the Business Car Awards. It has sector-redefining driving dynamics, category-unique technology and class-leading emissions from just 99g/km.

Consider that bench, re-marqued.

To find out more, contact the Jaguar Fleet and Business Centre on 0845 600 2214. jaguar.co.uk/xe

Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the XE range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 24.4–64.2 (11.6–4.4); Extra Urban 46.3–83.1 (6.1–3.4); Combined 34.9–75.0 (8.1–3.8). CO2 Emissions 194–99 g/km. Official EU Test Figures.

For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ.

2016

BEST COMPACT EXECUTIVE CAR

JAGUAR XE

News

The AA drives a focus on safety across the UK Fleet managers across the UK widely believe that the relationship they have with their drivers is key to the success of their fleet. But often the needs and aims of managers run at odds to those of drivers, and vice versa.

In the day-to-day running of a fleet, managers need to think about the aims of the business and balance this against the needs, preferences and welfare of their drivers, who are much more concerned with getting to their location on time and ensuring their vehicle is working effectively.

The Operational Fleet Insight Report 2016, produced by the AA in conjunction with BT Fleet, recently revealed that driver safety is at the heart of a fleet manager’s day-to-day role. It has taken a front seat across the industry as a priority for both fleet providers and manufacturers in recent years.

There has been a particular focus on safety within the LCV sector, as pressure builds to bring LCV safety measure standards up to those established long ago for HGV operators.

However, one third of fleet drivers report to have had an accident or near miss in the last 12 months, and eight per cent have experienced both. With accidents nearly always reported – nine in ten drivers have done so – less than half (44 per cent) claim to have reported all near misses.

It seems there is a level of reluctance amongst drivers to report an incident they believe not to be their fault.

With 58 per cent of drivers saying they would be interested in free training days in order to improve their driving skills, the AA is now urging fleet managers to explore ways that they can help colleagues mitigate against driving risks.

Stuart Thomas, the AA’s head of fleet services, said: “Driver safety standards tend to be very high across the fleet industry, with most, if not all, organisations exercising a range of companywide procedures that ensure their workers are kept safe when they are out on the road. This may include showing safety videos, holding discussion forums on safety, or delivering specific driving training; we deliver these initiatives.

“Fleet managers who believe their drivers understand the reasons for safety policies, and take these on board, have advocated a softer, more advisory and paternal tone as the most effective approach to improving safety measures.

“There is a duty of care felt to drivers, in the same way that drivers have a duty of care to the company when on the road.”

FURTHER INFORMATION For further information, contact Stuart Thomas on 0800 55 11 88 or stuart.thomas@theAA.com Author: Stuart Thomas, head of fleet services, The AA

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DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

E-MOBILITY

Nissan developing for the future Nissan has announced several technologies and partnerships that it believes will advance mobility towards zero-emission and zero-fatalities in the future.

Speaking at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, US, Nissan chairman of the board and chief executive officer Carlos Ghosn said: “At our company, we do not do technology for technology’s sake. Nor do we reserve the best technologies for high-end models.”

“From the beginning, we work to bring the right technologies for the full spectrum of our vehicles and the most amount of people.

This takes more than innovation, it takes ingenuity. And it’s exactly what we deliver through Nissan Intelligent Mobility,” he added.

Ghosn made five key announcements, including a breakthrough technology called ‘Seamless Autonomous Mobility,’ or SAM. Developed from NASA technology, SAM partners in‑vehicle artificial intelligence (AI) with human support to help autonomous vehicles make decisions in unpredictable situations and build the knowledge of in‑vehicle AI. This technology could potentially enable millions of driverless cars to co-exist with human drivers in an accelerated timeline. It is part of Nissan Intelligent Integration.

Ghosn also announced that leading a Renault-Nissan Alliance engagement, Nissan and Japanese internet company DeNA will begin tests aimed at developing driverless vehicles

for commercial services. The first phase of testing will begin this year in designated zones in Japan, with a focus on technology development. By 2020, Nissan and DeNA plan to expand the scope of their tests to include the commercial usage of driverless technology for mobility services in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

In addition to advancements in Nissan’s autonomous driving strategy, Ghosn also announced plans to launch a new Nissan LEAF, with ProPILOT technology, enabling autonomous drive functionality for single-lane highway driving.

This new LEAF will build on the company’s 250,000 Nissan LEAFs sold worldwide since 2010. Ghosn said the new LEAF is coming in the near future and represents the next chapter of Nissan Intelligent Power.

On connected cars, which combines Nissan Intelligent Driving and Nissan Intelligent Integration, Ghosn announced that the Renault-Nissan Alliance is continuing its partnership with Microsoft to build the next generation of connected car technologies.

The keynote included a demonstration of how Microsoft’s personal assistant technology Cortana can make driving more efficient and seamless. Cortana is one of the technologies that the Alliance and Microsoft are exploring together.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/jb6gbdr

Commercial Vehicle News

FREIGHT TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION

EMISSIONS

NOx from cars more than double that from trucks and buses, according to ICCT study A study from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has found that the average amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) present in exhaust emissions from modern diesel cars is more than double the levels from modern trucks and buses.

The majority of the diesels sold in Europe are passenger cars; approximately five diesel passenger cars were sold worldwide for every heavy-duty vehicle.

Test data on Euro 6 diesel cars published by independent research organisations and EU member state governments has shown that, on average, their real-world NOx emissions are six to seven times the limit of 80 mg/km mandated by the Euro 6 standard.

The months since the Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal broke in September 2015 have seen a heated public debate concerning NOx from diesel cars in Europe. Under normal operation many of these vehicles far exceed the limits imposed by regulation and certified by official type

approval tests. There has been little comparable discussion of NOx emissions from diesel trucks.

The most likely explanation for this different treatment is that data from in-use testing indicates that, in contrast to Euro 6 cars, Euro VI trucks do not systematically emit significantly more NOx in real-world, everyday operation than they are certified to. And there is a likely explanation for that as well: emissions from diesel cars and trucks are regulated differently under the Euro standards.

The ICCT briefing paper identifies key differences in the regulations governing certification of NOx emissions from diesel cars (Euro 6) and trucks (Euro VI) that help explain differences in their real‑world emissions performance Ultimately, an examination of the heavy-duty vehicle regulation reveals insights that could be used to improve the light-duty vehicle regulation.

READ MORE tinyurl.com/h28jor6

Van Excellence overcoming ‘white van man’ image Vans are the fastest Rachael Dillon, growing vehicle type climate on UK roads numbering change over four million and policy manager, representing 15 per cent FTA of all traffic. They support the economy by delivering crucial goods and services.

There has never been a better time to raise the image and reputation of responsible van operation above the public’s perception of ‘white van man’.

FTA has launched its Van Excellence Report 2016-17 sponsored by LeasePlan UK to analyse the sector and illustrate the positive contribution it makes to the economy.

What it shows is that the van market is extremely diverse and diffuse. Historically, there has been no effective mapping of van use by sector but our report shows that the largest van-using sector is construction.

Despite their important role, many companies operating vans lack professional transport management and vocational drivers. There may also be a lack of understanding of statutory obligations and processes to ensure compliance.

The report highlights the importance of managing van fleets and explores the operational challenges.

The most significant safety issue for fleets is changing poor driver behaviour. However, traditional skills-based driver training does not in itself lower collision rates. Changing behaviour requires: a tailored, psychological approach to individuals’ risk assessment and response, a company culture which prioritises and promotes safety first and an organisation-wide recognition that driving is the most dangerous work-based activity most people undertake.

It is possible that vans will be more heavily regulated in future. However, currently both industry and enforcement agencies are keen to promote voluntary self-regulation in the van sector.

There will also be increasing pressure on lowering carbon emissions and air pollutants from vans. The emergence of Clean Air Zones across UK cities and especially the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London will mean van operators may have to upgrade to cleaner vehicles sooner rather than later.

Van Excellence is now in its seventh year and is growing from strength to strength. It is an industry-led initiative that aims to enhance standards of van operator compliance, celebrate operators who demonstrate excellence and represent the interests of the van industry. FTA has worked with the UK’s best van operators to develop the Van Excellence Code which sets demanding but achievable standards for van operation.

The industry-led scheme now has more than 115 Accredited Operators running 125,000 vehicles including household names such as BT Fleet, DHL, Kwikfit and Sainsbury’s. This year Van Excellence launched its Small Fleet Scheme to enable operators with 15 or fewer vehicles to join. It also once again held the Van Excellence Driver of the Year contest to recognise the very best drivers from amongst its members. For more information on Van Excellence and to download the report visit www.vanexcellence.co.uk FURTHER INFORMATION FTA is also holding a series of Van Excellence Operational Briefings in February and March 2017 for both FTA and non-FTA members. For further details, visit www.fta.co.uk/events/ van_excellence_operational_seminars_2017.html

Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Fleet Interview

Couriering with carbon in mind GreenFleet caught up with Jeremy Thompson, managing director of couriers Absolutely to discuss the firm’s 150 year history, its recent re-brand, and how a mixed fleet – including cargo bikes and hybrid vehicles – is helping to keep emissions down What does your company do and how did it get started?

Our heritage goes right back to 1865 when our founder, George Thompson who had been Station Master of St Pancras Station, started a transport business using horse drawn vehicles. In 1984 the business began to move into the courier sector and within two-three years it was the dominant part of the group. Subsequently the business became a company specialising in couriers.

Since our first acquisition in 1994 we have acquired on average one company a year to a total of 21 before our re-brand. This year for instance we acquired two companies, Destinations Green and Creative Cars and Couriers. This acquisition strategy has been very successful and we are now one of the leading courier companies in London. We have four divisions that handle different specialist areas of our work. These include our same-day delivery operation based in Holborn, executive car service based in Kentish Town, overnight delivery service based in Park Royal and an international

business based in Heathrow. In early October this year, we took our unique offering of our 21 companies and these four specialist sectors, and re-branded the entire offering as Absolutely (formerly the Mach 1 Group).

What type of fleet does the company operate?

Our courier fleet stands at over 250 vehicles.

We use a whole range of vehicles, including push bikes, small vans, large vans, and a whole range of cars for the car service. Essentially, we use the vehicle which is best suited to the needs of that particular client on the day. The Toyota Prius is the most commonly used car which is green, comfortable and reliable.

Does the company have an environmental fleet strategy, and if so, what is involved?

Push bikes are used for local deliveries which is pleasing for our more environmentally conscious

clients. We also make use of cargo bikes which offer enlarged transport capabilities. We use cargo bikes especially in the City and West End because in these areas they can fulfil the jobs that are usually required of a van. Our key vehicle of choice for passenger transportation is the hybrid Toyota Prius which is very environmentally friendly. All of our alternative vehicles are no more than a couple of years old ensuring that emissions are minimised.

Do you have any plans to use alternatively-fuelled vehicles?

We are constantly keeping up to date with new developments in the industry to see what areas we can incorporate into the business. It is certainly something that we are particularly conscious of. The challenge you have with alternatively fuelled vehicles is the low mileage range they achieve which simply isn’t practical within the same-day market at the moment.

For our other vehicles, their life span tends to be between two-three years old and therefore are as modern and fuel efficient as we can get. This provides us with a continuous current and up-to-date fleet, which has greatly reduced Absolutely’s emissions.

We are proud to use newer vehicles with modern approaches to emissions and we will continue to keep up with developments in the wider automotive sector as it progresses.

This approach goes hand in hand with our attention to using the latest technology and supplying the best customer service.

The Toyota ost the m Prius is nly used commoh is green, c car whi fortable, com liable a n d re

Does the company use any technology to improve operations?

This is another key USP of our business.

We have an investment in DA Systems, the principle suppliers of technology to the courier industry, ensuring that we are always at the forefront of technological developments in the sector. A whole range of technologies have been applied to our vehicles. In fact, we often carry out beta test developments for the industry.

Day-to-day, one of the main applications is the use of mobile data to keep us in touch with our drivers and customers. Our entire fleet is GPS tracked so we can direct

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DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

Fleet Interview

them to the correct address if necessary to 10 metres. When we allocate a job to a driver all the details are sent to his mobile device and when the delivery is made, we can pass the signature on to the client within 10 seconds of delivery. We also have on-board cameras on most vehicles.

The company recently had a re‑brand – what was the thinking behind this?

As we have grown the multi-brand approach has become no longer appropriate for a company of our size. We consulted with a branding firm who came up with the brand Absolutely. The branding will help us in standing out from among our peers and will give us a much greater presence on the streets of London. We also wanted a brand which differentiated us apart from the others – it wasn’t a name which indicated ‘speed’ or ‘courier,’ but instead reflects the ethos of our business. The alternative branding with images of lobsters and crocodiles indicates that this one company will deliver Absolutely anything. As you can see there is a clear heritage to our company dating back to 1865 but our branding demonstrates our modern approach to the industry.

Where do you stand on autonomous vehicles – is there a place for them for delivery firms?

We will always keep up to speed with market technology developments, however, customer service excellence is at the crux of

our business and the interaction between the customers and drivers is something we truly value. It’s this interaction which gives us the reputation for providing an outstanding, high quality service.

What advice would you give to other fleet managers about lowering fleet emissions and improving operations?

My advice to other fleets is to be responsible as the decisions we make do have a genuine impact on emissions and the decisions of our clients, peers and customers. Possessing a fleet with responsible green credentials is, much like our technology offering, another way in which Absolutely is pleased to lead

our peers. Decisions such as this really add value in providing a unique customer service with every task no matter what the job is. L

Businesses under Absolutely are: A to Z Couriers, Ambassador, Bonds, BPH Services, City Bikes, Creative Cars & Couriers, Deliverence, Destinations Green, Falcon, Fleet Street Flyers, Goldstar International, Pink Express, Quickstar, Reuter Brooks, Spot the Courier, Streetwise, The Courier Group, The Warwick Group, West End Couriers, Wharf Logistics and Wizz.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.askabsolutely.com

Fife Council – Introducing green hydrogen vehicles into the fleet along with green hydrogen refuelling stations Fife Council is Scotland’s third largest council. We employ approximately 17,000 employees who provide 900 different services to over 365,000 people. The services we provide range from education, social work, housing, and community services to transportation, looking after the environment and developing the economy. Fife continues to build on previous successes ensuring that Fife remains a top performing council in Scotland. A council priority is to introduce green hydrogen vehicles into the fleet along with green hydrogen refuelling stations.

This innovative partnership project aims to demonstrate that green hydrogen can tackle two of Scotland’s biggest energy challenges – energy storage and low carbon transport.

The project will also play a pivotal role in the regeneration of a former mining community, in an area of significant deprivation, and provide future educational and economic opportunities for young people and businesses to benefit from the growth of the renewable energy sector, allowing Levenmouth to achieve its ambition of becoming a leading centre for renewable energy.

The project has three principle partners: Fife Council, Bright Green

Hydrogen and Toshiba and was one of six projects to be successfully awarded funding through the Scottish government’s Local Energy Challenge Fund from a total of 114 applications.

Fleet operations have introduced dual‑fuelled diesel and green hydrogen vehicles. There will be five Ford Transits and two Mercedes Econic refuse collection vehicles. The RCV’s will probably be world firsts because of its motion and compaction engine mapping. Bankhead Central Glenrothes and the hydrogen centre in Methil will have green hydrogen refuelling stations commissioned by early next year.

Project partner Bright Green Hydrogen,

based at The Hydrogen Office in Methil, was established to develop, demonstrate, research and educate in connection with renewable energy and energy storage. The new hydrogen production and refuelling facilities located at The Hydrogen Office allow for hydrogen production, storage and dispensing. This site is then able to support the refuelling facilities at Fife’s Bankhead Central depot in Glenrothes.

Dispensing will be for 350bar vehicles and production capacity is likely to be 100‑120kW. Bright Green Hydrogen are also leasing out a fleet of 10 Renault Kangoo vans that have been converted to run on hydrogen fuel cell technology, by Symbio Fuel Cell. These vans are available on lease to local businesses in the area.

The production of a dual-fuel refuse collection vehicle is particularly exciting and replicable, when you consider the number of such vehicles in the country.

The council currently has 1496 vehicles in its fleet, including 185 HGVs and the annual fuel bill is £4.8 million.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.fife.gov.uk

Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Police Fire & Rescue

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Ambulance

The Emergency Fleet Exhibition and the National Association of Police Fleet Managers’ Conference, now in its 44th year it is one of the largest emergency service eet events in Europe.

It has established a European and world wide reputation for the quality of the exhibition with a broad range of products and vehicles on display, and attracts a focused high level audience.

The exhibition focuses on transport for Ambulance, Fire & Rescue & Police but also attracts exhibitors and visitors from the other Emergency Services, local authorities and some Government departments.

On display will be a comprehensive range of vehicles, equipment and services for the benet of this specialised area of the public sector.

We look forward to welcoming you to the event in 2017.

proof of delivery

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Expert Panel: Leasing

EXPERT PANEL LEASING Can it pay to think differently about the way we travel? Our expert panelists examine how the new concept of ‘mobility’ is impacting the fleet sector A new study into how people travel around England was released by the Independent Transport Commission (ITC) at the end of 2016, looking back over the last 20 years until 2014. It gave insight into how travel is changing for individuals and how car is not necessarily king anymore. It found that people were making fewer trips than they did 20 years ago, but those trips were longer, and that young people, especially men under 35, are increasingly abandoning the car. Meanwhile, people over 60, especially women, are driving more than ever.

Rail travel continues to be popular, with the average rail mileage per person rising sharply. This is due to a greater percentage of the population travelling by rail, rather than existing travellers making more or longer journeys.

Interestingly, in London there has been a dramatic fall in car distance travelled per person, down by almost a third in outer London, and by more than half for inner London.

Dr Matthew Niblett, director of the ITC, said: “We are seeing that the historic correlations between incomes, costs and travel are weakening. An inter-generational divide in travel behaviour is growing.

“For young adults, cars are increasingly viewed as utilitarian appliances, rather than aspirational goods.

And there are also growing differences in travel patterns between rural and urban areas.”

Focusing on this point of urban areas, Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive cites congestion and air quality issues as pushing forward policies that penalise car usage: “Traditional models of car use are being eroded in many urban areas, where the growing problems of congestion and air quality are forcing policymakers to introduce measures

Shaun Sadlier, head of consulting, Arval Shaun Sadlier leads the Arval Consultancy Team which supports the company’s car and van customers to identify and implement bespoke strategies which meet their fleet objectives. He has 28 years of industry experience, and has been with Arval since January 2000, most recently spending 12 years as an international business manager

Gerry Keaney, chief executive of BVRLA Gerry Keaney joined the BVRLA in 2013. In addition to his BVRLA duties, he sits on the government’s Motorists’ Forum and is a member of the CBI’s Trade Association Council. Gerry has spent most of his working life in the automotive industry, having started his career at Jaguar and Land Rover, and subsequently spending 21 years at Volvo Cars

Chris Chandler, principal consultant at Lex Autolease A fleet management consultant for 20 years, pushing the agenda for cleaner vehicles has been at the heart of Chris’ time in the industry. At Lex Autolease, Chris set up the plug-in vehicle proposition which saw the Lex Autolease plug-in fleet increase to over 6,000 vehicles, and the introduction of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle

that are increasingly anti-car.”

He continues: “Elsewhere, a new “There ne i group of motorists made up u n is a ge ove to largely of a younger generation m o t is embracing a service-based e r y i t des obili m mentality by renting or using d e t a shared vehicles, instead of integr s, assessing n o y i owning or taking individual t e u n l r o u s o j e h responsibility for them. t r whetheessary in the This same generation is also comfortable with a digital, is nec place” smartphone-enabled approach to first buying and using mobility services.”

Business travel While the ITC study focused on personal travel, business travel is also changing.

Rather than solely offering a company car, or reimbursing transport costs, some

companies are looking at staff travel in a more holistic way to include a mix of travel options – or mobility solutions.

This could include corporate car sharing, car pooling, public transport, parking, teleconferencing, accommodation, and so on.

Chris Chandler from Lex Autolease believes that while fleet managers have been juggling pool fleets, daily rental vehicles, grey fleet and company vehicles for some time, “true mobility management has been light on the ground.”

However, he believes that things are changing: “In this industry there is a genuine desire to move to integrated mobility solutions, assessing whether the journey is necessary in the first place, and providing a holistic view of any resultant travel and transport needs. This is from both traditional company cars through to integrated transport  Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Expert Panel: Leasing

 systems, parking and accommodation.”

Shaun Sandlier from Arval agrees that modern mobility in corporate travel is still a niche but that the younger generation will be key to driving the change: “At the moment the impact of new solutions remains niche, and in general our customers are more focused on driving fleet efficiencies through the more traditional model of fleet operation, rather than on wider mobility solutions. However, output from our Corporate Vehicle Observatory predicts a step-change in mobility from 2020.

“Momentum is growing; for example our research earlier this year showed that car sharing could start to gain prominence as younger employees move through the ranks in their companies.

41 per cent of fleet managers believed their youngest generation of employees would easily accept it as an option.”

Shaun also adds that the type of business conducted and the vehicle used also plays a part in whether new mobility methods will be adopted. He says: “Change is less likely in some segments, for example, we are not yet seeing a change in the commercial vehicle arena where vans are often branded and fitted out specifically to carry certain equipment or cargo. In this instance a company vehicle is the practical option for the business.”

The mobility manager This trend of modern mobility has meant that some companies are looking at merging fleet, travel and expense management into one role – a mobility manager. In April 2015, analysts Frost and Sullivan spoke to more than 450 fleet and travel managers in five European countries about current and future mobility business models. The research found that around one in 20 companies already employs a mobility manager, while 22 per cent believe their fleet and travel management departments could merge. They also foresee that this could lead to organisations paying employees a mobility allowance, rather than providing a company car.

Technology is vital for this change to happen. Connectivity and the smartphone has meant that people can view travel information, compare travel modes, access car club vehicles and order taxis easily.

And the technology infrastructure is due to improve. The government recently launched its National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) – an executive agency responsible for coordinating the UK’s future needs for significant infrastructure.

Spending plans include nearly £1 billion to

expand digital communication networks, £80 million for smart ticketing in public transport and £100 million for testing self-driving vehicles. This will make it easier to embrace new ways of travelling.

Mobility and fleets Leasing companies are in a strong position to keep up to date with the evolving trends, and adapt their products accordingly to offer flexibility and choice to customers.

“There is a general trend towards more rental and leasing companies offering wider ‘mobility’ services,” explains BVRLA’s Gerry Keaney. “This can include corporate car sharing, flexible car rental and support for companies that want help with their travel as well as their fleet management. Rental and leasing companies are also rapidly developing their own IT infrastructure and digital platforms.”

Shaun Sadlier from Arval adds: “Leasing companies are evolving by introducing new products supporting the traditional company vehicle, to offer flexibility and choice to customers and their employees. For example we have created a mid-term rental product providing a vehicle lease for any period between one and 24 months.”

Lex Autolease also offers flexible leasing, daily rental solutions and consultancy support, looking at ‘key transport and travel requirements to identify the correct blend and balance of travel methods to optimise travel, including policies to ensure the journey is actually necessary in the first instance,’ explains Chris Chandler.

The ment govern ensure to is keen ritain is that B refront fo at the eloping of dev rless drive gy lo techno

Looking at travel differently With all this change, can fleet managers actually benefit from looking at travel differently? Chris Chandler from Lex Autolease believes so, saying that analysis into the sorts of journeys that are done – and approaching them differently – can identify new ways of doing business, minimise cost and reduce effort. He also cites telematics and connectivity as playing an important part: “Telematics can assist in both understanding the underlying business needs, and also identifying where cleaner vehicle technology could be used, including plug in and pure electric vehicles.

“The introduction of connected vehicles will also provide important data to allow fleet operators to maximise efficiency by understanding the travel requirements and hence using new products and initiatives to deliver the most efficient and effective solutions, whether this be the provision of company cars, daily rentals, or looking at newer offerings like Uber or GoMove.”

Shaun Sadlier from Arval also believes that looking deeply into journeys can result in the most cost effective method being selected. He says: “This approach will take into account the type of journey, when it is happening, the distance, and even whether it is necessary.

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Shaun Sadlier We are moving toward environmentally-friendly, productivity-enhancing transport. Autonomous vehicles will have a role to play, and over time could allow employees to work during the commute. What’s more, it appears that over time, Generation Y employees could influence changes in the standard fleet model. They have a much more flexible attitude to the idea of ownership and rental when it comes to all kinds of goods and services, and they could carry this thinking through into the fleets of the future, making car sharing viable.

Once the requirement is clear, it will become easier to select the most appropriate and cost-effective method of travel. In many cases, a car will still be the best option.”

Gerry Keaney from BVRLA says: “Fleet operators have years of experience when it comes to managing their corporate travel plans, and this isn’t likely to change – fleet managers will still consider the most cost‑effective and convenient travel options available. However, a user-centric approach towards mobility – rather than simply thinking about a particular journey that needs to be taken – can benefit an organisation.”

New travel trends also lend themselves well to electric and ultra-low emission motoring.

Whilst some firms may be reluctant to owning a fleet of electric vehicles, being able to use them on occasion for short trips via car clubs and short term rentals may be appealing.

The future of mobility As well as new mobility trends, another major way the industry is changing is the advent of self-driving cars. Although fully automated cars are not expected to be in use in the UK for about 10 years, the government is keen to ensure that Britain is at the forefront of developing driverless technology. In early 2016, the government announced a £20 million funding boost for research and development into autonomous vehicles in the UK, with projects ranging from new simulation trials for autonomous pods to developing autonomous shuttles to carry visually-impaired passengers. Milton Keynes has already tested a driverless car on UK streets, with the LUTZ Pathfinder travelling 1.25 miles through pedestrianised areas, coping with walkers and cyclists.

Shaun Sadlier from Arval believes we are moving towards environmentally‑friendly, productivity-enhancing transport. He says: “Autonomous vehicles will have a role to play, and over time could allow employees to work during the commute.

“Our research shows that 43 per cent of UK fleets believe that employees will easily accept using these vehicles. Bearing in mind that virtually no fleet managers have had the chance to examine one of these vehicles yet, more than 40 per cent acceptance is encouraging.”

“A key reason for this is the reduction in risk that the technology brings, and fleet awareness of the potential safety benefits of such vehicles is interesting. In our most recent CVO Barometer, 38 per cent of fleet managers agree that autonomous vehicles could mitigate existing road safety issues.”

Chris Chandler from Lex Autolease looks toward a future of even more connectivity making travel even easier: “In a more connected future we would hope that simplified and joined up ways of selecting/ booking/paying for transport services will also be developed. For the mobility manager this will be key in providing a single billing platform and the ability to carefully analyse spend and travel patterns.”

Integrated mobility system Gerry Keaney from BVRLA agrees, believes that an integrated mobility system driven by technology will be the future. He says: “In its simplest form, this would bring together road, rail and air transport options in one single, intuitive mobile app. Said app would enable users to explore the different travel options, book them and pay for them via their smartphone.” L

Expert Panel: Leasing

Expert final thoughts

Gerry Keaney The end goal is for transport to be delivered as an integrated, reactive mobility system driven by technology. In 2017, we believe there will be an explosion in the amount of driver, traffic and public transport information being shared on intelligent mobility platforms.

The BVRLA expects that major urban areas including Bristol, Manchester and London will take the lead. We also predict there will be a surge in interest and demand for corporate car sharing and mobility services which will lead to some increasingly innovative partnerships between public and private sector employers, vehicle manufacturers and the rental and leasing industry.

Chris Chandler Without doubt the one thing that will remain constant is the need for people to travel, both on business and for pleasure.

Most commentators agree we will see an increased move towards urbanisation so in major cities the trend could be for car use not ownership – i.e. car clubs and short term rentals, but personal mobility will still be important. In a more connected future we would hope that simplified and joined up ways of selecting/booking/ paying for transport services will also be developed. For the mobility manager this will be key in providing a single billing platform and the ability to carefully analyse spend and travel patterns.

Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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Commercial GreenFleet

Cleaning up the capital’s commercials GreenFleet has teamed up with LoCITY on 23 February to showcase the latest low-emission commercial vehicles and inform delegates on the latest around the London Ultra Low Emission Zone and other topics of interest As London grows, so does traffic congestion and air pollution. This has a major, damaging impact on public health.

Nearly 9,500 people die early each year in London because of poor air quality.

More than 281,000 daily journeys are freight (HGV and vans) – that’s 30 per cent of all central London traffic and 10 per cent of all Greater London traffic.

With transport accounting for 63 per cent of NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide) and 52 per cent of PM10 (Particulate Matter) emissions – the two principle pollutants of concern in London – it is vital that we take action to reduce harmful emissions.

The LoCITY programme has been established to help mitigate these effects and reduce commercial vehicle emissions. It allows vehicle manufacturers, fuel infrastructure providers, procurers and commercial fleet operators to collaborate to ensure everything is in place to stimulate the uptake of clean commercials.

GreenFleet has teamed up with LoCITY to develop the inaugural Commercial GreenFleet event at The Stoop, home of Harlequin’s RFC, in Twickenham, on 23 February. It will allow fleet and freight decision-makers to learn about what low‑emission vans and trucks are available now, as they gear up for London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

As well as viewing the vehicle exhibition, delegates will hear from the Mayor’s office on the capital’s clean air strategy and the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) on the government’s low-carbon transport agenda. Fergus Worthy from LoCITY will share examples of best practice and highlight what cleaner alternatives are out there for commercial vehicle operators.

Leasing firm Alphabet will also discuss finance options for electric commercial vehicles.

Before and after lunch, delegates will brake into small groups for round table sessions with industry and product experts to learn, debate and raise concerns about operating a low emission commerical fleet in the capital.

vehicles. It is designed to improve air quality by helping to increase the supply of low emission vehicles and associated infrastructure and make it easier for operators to invest in cleaner vehicles. LoCITY is also engaging, supporting and preparing the freight and fleet industry for the implementation of the Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Launched in January 2016, LoCITY published two research reports examining the barriers to accelerated uptake of cleaner vehicles and how to overcome them. The research results provide the rationale for the five year programme.

They highlighted the need for a source of impartial trusted information about different technologies currently available, future solutions and real world data about their business and air quality benefits.

LoCITY helps industry transition to low and zero emission vehicles by providing independent knowledge and tools to enable operators to make informed choices on the right low emission technology based on the needs of their fleet.

Four industry-led working groups were set up in early 2016 to deliver LoCITY’s objectives (see picture).

Members of the working groups are senior stakeholders representing vehicle operators, manufacturers, trade bodies, fuel suppliers, infrastructure suppliers, industry and government bodies, boroughs and businesses.

What is LoCITY? LoCITY is a structured collaborative programme that brings together the full range of stakeholders needed to stimulate the uptake of low emission commercial

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DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

Gathering the community In May 2016 LoCITY held its first annual conference attended by over 200 organisations. Held at the Guildhall with opening address from Mike Brown, MVO, London’s Transport Commissioner, the event gave an update on progress and showcased some of the vehicles and technology available. Delegates always comment on the networking opportunities of LoCITY and these will continue in 2017.

LoCITY is not just about London – it is working with other cities to share information, best practice and have consistent standards.

LoCITY offers guidance, tools and support to organisations wishing to trial or transition to a low emission fleet.

This includes an online Commercial Vehicle Finder, which directs users to information about the range of low emission vehicles available on the market to meet their needs (wwwlocity.org.uk/ locity‑commercial‑vehicle‑finder/).

This pairs up nicely with the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure map which brings all the refuelling and recharging technologies together on one map to help inform buying decisions – users can see what refuelling options are available in their area (www.locity.org.uk/resources/).

The LoCITY website also hosts three short videos that explain the aims and objectives of the programme in more detail as well as interviews with businesses about their own experiences of using alternatively fuelled vehicles in their fleets. Electric and hydrogen vans and gas trucks are features in two of the three videos.

By getting involved in LoCITY organisations can influence key decisions and best practice recommendations including infrastructure placement and the development of procurement requirements. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.events.greenfleet.net www.loCITY.org.uk Twitter: @LoCITYUK

www.greenfleet.net

ISSUE 100

MOST INFLUENTIAL GreenFleet’s pick of the people that have shaped the low-carbon fleet industry over the years In association with

GF 100 Most Influential

In association with

www.greenfleet.net

ISSUE 100

Welcome to the GreenFleet 100 Most Influential This is our 100th issue of GreenFleet magazine, and to mark the occasion, we decided to cast our minds back over the magazine’s lifetime to identify the people and events that have made the green fleet industry what it is today.

MOST INFLUENTIAL GreenFleet’s pick of the people that have shaped the low-carbon fleet industry over the years In association with

When we started back in 2005, the environment wasn’t necessarily a priority for fleets. But a handful of forward thinking organisations were coming up with innovative ways to reduce their impact on the planet.

The pace picked up considerably after VED bands became linked to emissions when Gordon Brown was Chancellor. This gave fleets a financial reason to go green and most sat up and took notice. The London congestion zone, the diesel scrapple scheme, grants for electric vehicles, and many other events catapulted the green agenda further, as will future plans for Clean Air Zones.

Our 100 Most Influential list is a mix of fleet managers, vehicle manufacturers, government figures, campaigners and company bosses that have all done something over the years that has made an impact on the industry and, as a result, made it greener. These range from policy changes and the launch of cleaner vehicles, to fleets embracing zero or low emission vehicles and sharing their experiences with others.

Follow and interact with us on Twitter: @GreenFleetNews

The list also gives us the opportunity to thank all those that have worked with us and supported us throughout the years. So well done if you have made the list, and if you have not, email us details of your green successes for future consideration.

Angela Pisanu, editor editorial@psigroupltd.co.uk

P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE-TO-FACE If you would like to receive 10 issues of GreenFleet magazine for £200 a year, please contact Public Sector Information Limited, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 GreenFleet® would like to thank the following organisations for their support:

PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED

226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Angela Pisanu FEATURES AND ROAD TEST EDITOR Richard Gooding PRODUCTION CONTROL Jacqueline Lawford PRODUCTION DESIGN Jo Golding WEB PRODUCTION Victoria Leftwich PUBLISHER George Petrou ACCOUNT MANAGER Kylie Glover ADMINISTRATION Vickie Hopkins REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

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© 2017 Public Sector Information Limited. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any other means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the editorial content the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. ISSN 1471-3713

GreenFleet is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint please contact Michael Lyons or Angela Pisanu on 0208 532 0055. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk

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DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

Supported by

2016 was a great year for Alfa Romeo xoxoxoxo with the introduction of the all-new Giulia and the unveiling of the all-new Stelvio.

FURTHER With attractive BIK, outstanding INFORMATION performance, cutting edge technology xxx Italian styling Alfa Romeo is and the perfect choice for business.

GreenFleet GreenFleet is a great source of information for those who wish to combine greener choices with a passion for beautiful design and driving dynamics. One of our highlights of 2016 was GreenFleet’s Arrive‘n’Drive event held at Rockingham in September.

This prestigious event proved to be the perfect opportunity to unveil the all-new award-winning Giulia for fleet managers to put to the test on a world class race track.

Francis Designed to offer a real alternative Bleasdale to vehicles from prestige German Fleet and manufacturers, it certainly turned remarketing heads and won hearts on the day.

Giulia Tecnica Our business specific model, the Giulia Tecnica, offers the driver an exceptional level of specification and dynamism they’d expect from an Alfa Romeo. The 2.2-litre 150bhp or 180bhp turbocharged diesel engine still delivers exceptional levels of efficiency at 109g/km CO2 and 67.3mpg fuel economy.

Along with performance and efficiency, the All-New Alfa Romeo Giulia is also one of the safest vehicles on the road achieving the highest five-star rating in the latest stricter Euro NCAP tests with a 98 per cent adult occupation protection score, the highest ever achieved by a car.

Innovations aren’t just limited to the Giulia. The smaller Giulietta is a stand-out choice in the C-segment, with CO2 figures from 99g/km. The Tecnica model is designed specifically with business and efficiency in mind, featuring the Uconnect infotainment system with live traffic updates to reduce time and fuel wasted in queues. It also allows real time feedback on driving style and economy to ensure fuel use is minimised.

The legendary Mito At the entry to the range is the legendary Mito. It’s the perfect choice for business drivers

Written by Francis Bleasdale, FCA fleet and remarketing director

As a brand with achievement and passion at its very heart, Alfa Romeo is proud to sponsor the first GreenFleet 100 Most Influential list. Everyone on the list has been recognised as the very best in the industry, individuals and businesses that are shaping the world of green fleets and making a positive impact on our environment

GF 100 Most Influential ADVERTORIAL

Alfa WORD 800 Romeo EDIT is proud to HEADLINE sponsor GreenFleet’ HERE s AS TIGHT 100 Most AS Influential POSS

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wanting to downsize thanks to its classy looks inside and out. Available with a pioneering, award-winning two-cylinder TwinAir petrol engine, the compact hatchback ensures drivers will stand out from the crowd while keeping costs and emissions gratifyingly low.

Mito range emissions are as low as 89g/km.

Launch of the Stelvio This year is set to be even more exciting for Alfa Romeo fans with the UK launch of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, a car which will bring the brand’s driving excitement, style and efficiency to the SUV class for the first time.

With stunning, stand-out styling and dynamics coupled with Alfa Romeo’s expertise in building exceptional powertrains; forged in a rich 106-year history, means we place the driver at the heart of everything we do.

green motoring and to the advancement and improvement of green fleets.

We’d like to offer our congratulations to all who have made it onto the list. L FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0808 168 7152 alfaromeo.fleet@alfaromeo.com

Sponsorship of GreenFleet 100 Most Influential Alfa Romeo’s sponsorship of the first GreenFleet 100 Most Influential list reflects the brand’s commitment to the environment,

Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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GF 100 Most Influential

Message from the sponsor: Trakm8 The fleet and automotive industry are evolving at lightning speed. Technological advances over the last decade have undoubtedly transformed the day-to-day lives of everybody involved in the industry; but we are now working towards tackling the new challenges that these technologies have brought to the table We have gone from working with virtually no vehicle data, to bordering on information overload; and from an industry that posed a real threat to our environment to a position whereby fleets of all sizes are now looking for greener ways to operate.

How this year began 2016 began with the fallout of one of the largest scandals in automotive history. With Volkswagen reporting a 20 per cent decrease in pre-tax profits in the first three months to March, it became clear that confidence among both consumers and its business customers had plummeted. What also became apparent was that the environmental effect of today’s vehicles does indeed play a vital role in purchasing decisions. Luckily, although many in the industry predicted a knock-on effect to company car tax, the law remained marginally unchanged with the overall factor being that the more efficient your company cars, the lower your tax bill would be.

In January, we saw the last Land Rover Defender roll off the production line at Solihull – a vehicle that has provided the British fleet industry with incomprehensible amounts of service over its 67-year tenure. Although the move brought dismay to many, the decision highlighted that manufacturers recognise the need to modernise fleet vehicles and focus on bringing down whole-life costs.

The government – playing its part The government too has played its part in helping the industry excel in its green credentials but also the improving of safety on our roads.

The plug-in car grant was reduced in March 2016, with eligible vehicles being able to claim £4,500 rather than the £5,000 previously. This has not deterred customers however with the number of registered ultra-low emission vehicles rising by 250 per cent in just two years. In October, the Department for Transport also announced a £35 million package to boost the uptake of ULEVs which has been designed to increase the number of electric vehicle charge points on UK streets and in workplaces. In last year’s Budget announcement, the Midlands was also chosen to receive over £15 million funding to support R&D into lowering vehicle emissions.

It is safe to say that without the level

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of investment and innovation from the Government and UK businesses, we would be finding ourselves in a world of efficiency inertia.

Statistics from the RAC back in August suggested that there had been a 27 per cent increase in vehicles using telematics compared to the year previous. Interestingly, the largest increase in uptake was amongst sole traders and small fleets who reported a 33 per cent rise in those using telemetry to improve efficiencies, reduce costs and heighten safety initiatives.

Brexit No round-up of 2016 is complete without mentioning Britain’s pivotal decision to leave the European Union. Brexit threw up a multitude of questions from the industry and worries remain on how no access to the single market will affect the prices of vehicles and fuel. Despite this, recent figures for fleet sales amongst both fossil fuel-powered vehicles and EVs are positive; so it will be interesting to see how these trends develop into 2017.

Of course, when exploring the primary uses of telematics amongst fleets, vehicle tracking came out on top. Over half, however, used it for monitoring driver behaviour to increase safety and to reduce fuel consumption and 37 per cent for monitoring vehicle health.

The telematics industry is one of many examples of how technology is evolving to ensure we get the most out of our vehicles without the costs that were once associated with running a fleet.

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

John Watkins

In the last 10 years, we executive have seen fatalities in chairman, reported road accidents Trakm8 almost halved from 3,201 in 2005 to 1,732 in 2005.

A number of factors have affected this figure, including unwanted traffic and changes in the type of vehicles on the road.

One thing is for certain though; the behaviour of drivers, riders and pedestrians is changing.

Whether this is thanks to changes in the law such as the recent announcement to double the amount of penalty points handed to drivers for using a mobile phone at the wheel, or down to technologies such as mobile phone blocking in cabs, these are certainly more promising figures.

Greener and safer Trakm8 is proud to be supporting the inaugural GreenFleet 100 Most Influential in fleet and we would like to congratulate all of the individuals and businesses who have been recognised for their exceptional contributions in making our industry what it is today. We as businesses are responsible for flying the flag for a greener and safer industry, while ensuring that we are keeping people and businesses moving as productively as possible in 2017 and beyond. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.trakm8.com

The GreenFleet 100 Most Influential

MOST INFLUENTIAL

GF 100 Most Influential

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1 Phillip Hammond Chancellor of the Exchequer The government’s chief financial minister takes the top spot for the huge impact his financial decisions will have on fleets and the green motoring sector. His Autumn Statement announced plans to invest £390 million to support ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), renewable fuels and connected and autonomous vehicles by 2020-21. The charging infrastructure for ULEVs will receive £80 million, while £20 million will go towards developing alternative fuels for heavy goods vehicle fuels and aviation. Meanwhile, driverless vehicles will get a boost from £100 million investment. In addition to this, £150 million will support the adoption of low emission buses and taxis.

The Autumn Statement also included plans to encourage businesses to adopt electric vehicles by offering 100 per cent first-year allowances to companies investing in charge-points for electric vehicles until March 2019.

The statement also revealed that fuel duty will remain frozen for the seventh successive year and a new range of company car tax bandings for ultra-low emission cars will be applicable from April 2020.

Phillip Hammond’s involvement in Brexit talks will also have an impact on all sectors, with Hammond calling for a transitional deal where Britain would pay for access to the single market for about 24 months after leaving the EU. Hammond is no stranger to transport issues as he was previously Secretary of State for Transport from 2010 to 2011. He has been in his current role since July 2016.

2 Chris Grayling Transport Secretary Chris Grayling was named the new Transport Secretary in the swift cabinet reshuffle that occurred once Prime Minister Teresa May took power. With responsibility for addressing air quality problems and carbon reduction targets, Grayling is taking the green transport agenda ahead, including the ambitious target for ‘nearly all cars and vans to be zero emission by 2050.’

Heading up the Department for Transport, he will control where exactly the money announced by the Chancellor will go, although, not much further has been said on the matter. But £290m has been earmarked for cleaner buses and taxis, EV charging, and the development of advanced renewable fuels.

Grayling put out a consultation in October last year on ways to make electric vehicle chargepoints more widely available and convenient for motorists. One of the points for discussion was how to make sure EV drivers can access all charge points without the need for multiple memberships from individual providers – which will surely bring a sigh of relief for electric vehicles owners. The measures are due to be included in the Modern Transport Bill, which is due to be published early this year. Connectivity and autonomous vehicles also form a large part of the Modern Transport Bill. At the Conservative Party conference last year Grayling praised the technology, saying it will “transform” the lives of the elderly and disabled.

Grayling previously held the position of Shadow Transport Secretary as part of David Cameron’s Shadow Cabinet while in opposition.

3 John Hayes Transport Minister Sharing the Chris Grayling’s responsibilities is Transport Minister John Hayes, and so he takes third place for the power he holds in the transport industry. In October 2016, he announced £35 million to boost ultra-low emission vehicles, including for the first time, grants for electric motorcycles and scooters which had been left off the plug-in grant.

The funding will also go towards increasing charge points in workplaces and residential streets where there is no off-street parking, and will help councils roll out charge points for electric taxis. £2 million is also in the pot to help organisations purchase hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. John Hayes was appointed Minister of State at the Department for Transport on 15 July 2016 and is a conservative politician.

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4 Sadiq Khan Mayor of London The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said he wants to help every Londoner breathe cleaner air. And rightly so as five days into 2017 and the capital has already breached its legal limits of air pollution. Khan’s plans for cleaner air include bringing forward the Ultra-Low Emission Zone one year earlier in 2019 as well as extending the area to beyond central London from 2020. He also plans on adding a surcharge on the most polluting vehicles on top of the congestion charge.

What’s more, the Mayor has confirmed plans for the first of a series of Low Emission Bus Zones, prioritising the greenest buses on the worst polluted routes. And not happy to let the dieselgate scandal slip away unpunished, Khan has written to VW Group asking for £2.5m to compensate for lost Congestion Charge revenue, saying the funding would be used to raise awareness and reduce exposure to air pollution at schools located in some of the most polluted parts of London.

Whilst fleets operating in and out of London may not be a fan of Khan’s radical proposals, air quality is a very real hazard to public health, and he is under the scrutiny of environmental lawyers and EU bosses and so he has a tough task ahead. And as Mayor of the capital city, he will be setting the pace for other major cities to follow suit, and therefore holds a significant amount of influence.

5 Richard Bruce Head of OLEV Richard heads up the UK’s Office of Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV) which was set up to support the early market for electric vehicles and take forward the government’s green vehicle policies.

OLEV is responsible for ULEV grants, encourages businesses to buy into ULEVs, raises awareness and develops a nationwide recharging infrastructure strategy, including funding to eight pilot areas under the Plugged-in Places programme.

OLEV is responsible for around £900 million of government money. As such Richard is a key shaper of the EV industry.

Prior to his role at OLEV Richard held various roles in the UK Senior Civil Service including DfT’s head of Corporate Governance, leading on smart and integrated ticketing; and as Director of Regional Resilience.

Richard has a BA in Industrial Economics and MPhil in the economics of motor vehicle pollution from the University of Nottingham. And he owns a Nissan Leaf.

6 Konstanze Scharring Director of policy, SMMT Konstanze is responsible for all aspects of policy and technical support for the SMMT membership and for SMMT’s subsidiary companies – Motor Codes and SMMT Industry Forum. She occupies the sixth spot due to her work between 2002 and 2005, when she helped set up the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP), and as deputy director, was instrumental in delivering the colour-coded CO2 label for new cars, which helps people make lower carbon choices.

Since her return to SMMT in 2005, Konstanze has led SMMT’s strategic engagement with policy makers and stakeholders at UK and EU level on all political, economic, technical, environmental and e-mobility issues on behalf of the automotive sector in the UK. Her teams deliver on SMMT’s priorities to secure investment and export-led growth in vehicle manufacturing in the UK, to ensure that the UK takes a lead in the global shift to low and ultra‑low carbon vehicles, and to attract young people into a career in automotive through initiatives like the current ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ campaign.

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7 Phillip Sellwood Chief executive, Energy Saving Trust (EST) Philip Sellwood has been the chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust since 2003, leading the organisation to deliver on its quest to help everyone save energy.

The EST helps the fleet sector drive down emissions by giving advice to companies considering using ULEVs and delivering fuel efficient driver training. They have also developed two online tools – the Fleet Health Check and Plug-in Tool.

Philip has substantial experience in both the public and private sector, and is an active member of a number of influential Boards. He is Vice Chair of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership Board, a Non-Executive Director of REAL (Renewable Energy Assurance Limited) Board and a Non-Executive Director at the Local Government Improvement and Innovation Board.

8 Greg Archer Clean vehicles director at Transport & Environment (T&E) When the Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal came out, Greg Archer was vocal in his predictions that this was not an isolated case and that more companies will be found to have cheated the test.

And he was right.

He brought attention to failings of the current system, including the fact that in Europe, the testing companies are paid by the car makers, and overseen by national type approval authorities whose costs are also met by the car manufacturers. He called for an end to a system where car makers can effectively ‘shop around’ different countries for approval and to instead start an independent EU Type Approval Authority. In December 2016, T&E released its Mind the Gap report that showed that, across the industry, cars are on average 42 per cent less efficient that claims.

Greg has been with T&E since 2012. He was previously the director of Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, and also worked as a non-executive director for the UK Government’s Renewable Fuels Agency and Cenex, a centre of excellence for low carbon technologies.

Whilst he may be unpopular with car manufacturers, Greg’s lobbying to change the current test is in the interests of everyone, as fleets and individuals should feel confident that what they are buying lives up to its claims.

9 Paul Van der Burgh President and managing director, Toyota GB The original Prius, which came to the UK market in 2000, brought hybrid motoring to the masses, and has gone on to spawn three subsequent generations. A popular vehicle for companies, many of the fleet managers that are on this list started their low emission journey with a Prius fleet.

As the current managing director since July 2015, Paul Van der Burgh is taking the second-generation Prius plug-in forward which has a claimed range of 31 miles, 202mpg, and 32g/km of CO2. Van der Burgh has more than 28 years’ experience in the automotive industry, and joined Toyota Motor Europe in 2005.

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10 David Martell Founder and chief executive, Chargemaster David was early into the EV charging market with Chargemaster and hasn’t let momentum slow. The company runs the POLAR network, the largest network of public charging points in the country. It comprises 5,000 public charging points, and not limited to just Chargemaster units, making things easier and more convenient for EV drivers.

Last year kept the company busy; it purchased Elektromotive to expand both brands and networks, and formed various partnerships, including the AA to address EV myths, Formula E to become its charging infrastructure partner and Mercedes-Benz and Nissan to provide customers with home-charging units.

11 Elon Musk Founder and CEO, Tesla Motors South African entrepreneur Elon Musk founded Tesla Motors in 2003, with the aim of proving that electric cars could be better than petrol or diesel powered cars. The Tesla Roadster was launched in 2008 and had a range of 245 miles, setting a new standard for electric mobility. In 2012, Tesla launched Model S, the world’s first premium electric saloon capable of 265 miles per charge.

In 2014 Musk announced that he would release the company’s technology patents for those that want to use it in good faith, with the aim of stimulating the EV market. This was a very bold and admirable move.

Tesla has also created a supercharger network which provides high speed charging for Model S and X. Although it started off as free, Tesla will introduce a small fee this year – although new vehicles ordered will come with 400kWh of free supercharging credits, which will cover roughly 1,000 miles.

What’s more, Tesla has finalised an agreement with electronics giant Panasonic to begin the manufacturing of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules which could result in solar glass tile roofs.

The much anticipated Model 3 vehicle, designed to be a more ‘affordable’ option, is due for deliveries late this year. The vehicle is 20 per cent smaller than the Model S and boasts a claimed range of 215 miles on one charge.

12 Gerry Keaney Chief executive, BVRLA Gerry and his team at the BVRLA tirelessly campaign on behalf of the association’s members and the fleet industry, which it believes is “disproportionately hit with a higher tax burden than other industries.”

What’s more, the association uses its members and overreaching view of the industry to provide insightful research, whether that’s on lowering emissions, or connectivity and telematics.

Gerry joined the BVRLA in 2013. In addition to his BVRLA duties, he sits on the Government’s Motorists’ Forum and is a member of the CBI’s Trade Association Council.

Gerry has spent most of his working life in the automotive industry, having started his career at Jaguar and Land Rover, and subsequently spending 21 years at Volvo Cars. After spells in a variety of senior sales, operations and dealer roles, he was chief executive of Volvo Car UK between 1996 and 2002. He then moved onto a number of international roles at the parent company, culminating with nine years as Senior Vice President of Marketing Sales and Customer Service.

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13 Carlos Ghosn Chairman and CEO, Renault, Nissan and the Renault-Nissan Alliance The Nissan CEO announced several new technologies and partnerships at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas that he believes will advance electric mobility and safety. One technology was Seamless Autonomous Mobility, or SAM, which is being developed from NASA technology and partners artificial intelligence (AI) with human support to help autonomous vehicles make decisions in unpredictable situations.

He also gave details on how the Renault-Nissan Alliance is teaming with internet company DeNA to develop driverless vehicles for commercial services and how the partnership with Microsoft to build the next generation of connected car technologies will continue.

Ghosn also announced new plans for the Nissan LEAF to be equipped with ProPILOT technology, enabling autonomous drive functionality for single-lane highway driving. The Nissan Leaf is the UK’s best selling electric vehicle and there have been 250,000 sold worldwide since 2010.

Ghosn was the lead architect of the Nissan Revival Plan, which transformed the company from near-bankruptcy to profitability within two years.

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14 Poppy Welch Head of Go Ultra Low, SMMT Poppy leads the government and industry funded ‘Go Ultra Low’ marketing campaign to encourage acceptance and uptake of electric vehicles The Go Ultra Low campaign aims to increase purchase of electric vehicles by helping motorists understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities of the wide range of plug-in vehicles on the market. The campaign aims to educate the public and fleet audiences about these vehicles by addressing outdated myths and highlighting benefits, including how they offer competitive practicality for both private and business users. The Go Ultra Low Cities programme allows cities to share funds to develop their own initiatives to drive up EV take up.

15 Colin Marriott General manager, fleet, British Gas Colin makes the top 25 for operating a fleet of 13,000 home service vans, 100 of which are electric vans. The electric fleet was the result of a six month winter trial of Nissan’s all-electric e-NV200 vans, funded by Hitachi Capital, back in 2014, which at the times was the UK’s largest commercial trials of electric vehicle technology.

16 Chris Rutherford Consultant, London Ambulance Service Chris has always been a pioneer of sustainable transport, consistently testing the latest technology and fuels from hybrids, bio-fuels and gases to electric vehicles.

At Islington Council, he led the way on the use of driver training combined with GPS and routing software to dramatically reduce mileage and emissions.

Chris has run large electric and hybrid fleets, he had the first refuse vehicles in the UK to run on 100 per cent bio-diesel, a bus fleet running on pure plant oil and initiated trials using locally sourced bio‑fuel from waste oil.

Chris is currently consulting for the London Ambulance service where he is excited about the possibilities of using his expertise and the impact it could have on the fleet and London.

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17 Jonny Goldstone & Tom Pakenham Founders, Green Tomato Cars When founders Jonny Goldstone and Tom Pakenham started the company in 2006, it was the very first environmentally friendly private hire company in London, with a fleet of entirely hybrids. Now their fleet also includes a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai and two Tesla S electric supercars, as well as the Prius fleet. The pair have stuck rigidly to their green ethos and the company has won the hearts of Londoners.

18 Michael Hurwitz Director of Transport Innovation, TfL Michael is a well known in the world of low-emission transport. He led development of the Government’s first national carbon reduction strategy for transport in 2009; and then founded and led the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). He was director, Energy, Technology & International at the Department for Transport, and since September 2016 has taken up post at TfL as Director of Transport Innovation.

19 Harald Krüger CEO, BMW Group In 2016, BMW hit a major milestone, delivering its 100,000th electrified vehicle since the launch of its BMW i brand. Almost half of those 100,000 sales were made last year, with a total of 47,286 BMW i and BMW iPerformance models sold in the first ten months of 2016.

Krüger has announced that every vehicle BMW sells will include an electrified variant come 2020.

In 2017 the new 5-series will come in a petrol-electric hybrid variant, and it will also be the first time the Mini is electrified in the form of an electric Mini Countryman. The firm also has exciting new electric plans, under the banner of BMW iNEXT, which will be self-driving, electric and fully connected.

20 Nicholas Brownrigg CEO, Alphabet GB Limited Nick Brownrigg was appointed UK CEO of Alphabet in July 2016.

Alphabet scooped a GreenFleet Award last year for Leasing Company of the Year due to the growth of their electric fleet which stands at 6,500, its technological innovations, leadership in the industry as it moves toward ‘mobility solutions’, and continued focus on customer service. What’s more, its corporate car sharing scheme AlphaCity has covered more than one million shared miles on UK roads in 2016.

21 Sam Clarke & Matthew Linnecar Founders, Gnewt Cargo Sam Clarke and Matthew Linnecar had the innovative idea to set up a company that uses an all electric fleet, which stands at 100, for last‑mile deliveries in city centres for other third party logistics companies and retailers. They started the company in 2009 and have experienced exponential growth since.

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22 Andy Eastlake Managing director, LowCVP Well known in the industry and a good friend to the GreenFleet team, Andy Eastlake was appointed as the LowCVP’s managing director in April 2012. Andy has been integrally involved in the design and implementation of the latest accreditation schemes for both buses and HGVs, supporting DfT and OLEV in stimulating the uptake of low carbon technologies.

He has a strong background in vehicle engineering, specialising in powertrain developments, fuel economy and emissions. He was formerly group head of commercial and projects at Millbrook Proving Ground where he led the work on powertrain test and development programmes and alternative fuels for a variety of global OEM customers.

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23 Calvey Taylor-Haw Managing director, Elektromotive Calvey founded Elektromotive in 2003 and has many firsts to boast about. Elektromotive introduced the UK’s first public access charge point, pioneered the use of the now industry standard RFID cards, and holds the patent for controlling the user access and activation of a charging station via a wireless key fob and secure plug enclosure (RFID card access).

Elektromotive was the first company to operate charge point user networks, the first to introduce public access Rapid DC charge points, the first to introduce cardless payment and pay-as-you-go charge points (using mobile phone IVR). Calvey was recognised with awards for Industry Innovation (2007) and Outstanding Achievement (2009) at the GreenFleet Awards.

24 David Young Owner, 203020 Electric David owns 203020 Electric in Dundee, a taxi firm with an all electric fleet of Nissan LEAFs, citing the city’s bad air pollution as the reason for the decision. The models can be charged from zero to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes using a rapid charger. A bank of five rapid chargers has been installed at the taxi company’s HQ to keep the new fleet topped up and in constant service around the clock.

25 Rachael Dillon Climate change policy manager, FTA Rachel’s remit is to help decarbonise the logistics and freight sector, lobbying for government support and giving advice to the sector to take up green measures. She manages the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme, a voluntary initiative for freight operators to record, report and reduce CO2 emissions from transport. She also acts as Climate Change Policy Advisor to the Global Shippers’ Forum and is a member of the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group Sustainability Task Force.

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26 Quentin Willson TV presenter and motoring journalist Motoring commentator Quentin was a Top Gear presenter for over a decade, wrote and presented BBC2’s The Car’s The Star, started Channel 5’s Fifth Gear, created the Britain’s Worst Driver format (now shown in 14 international territories) and now presents The Classic Car Show on Channel 5 and is also executive producer.

Quentin is a vocal campaigner on new and used car and fuel prices, and his FairFuelUK petition – which received a million signatures, has saved UK motorists £20 billion in fuel duty and VAT. Quentin is also a campaigner for low emission and electric cars, working with the government and Office of Low Emission Vehicles. He’s a patron of the Hydrogen Trust and judge for the £10 million Future UK EV Battery prize.

27 Derek McCreadie Low emission officer, City of York Council Derek makes the list for commissioning and operating the largest commercially operated zero emission bus fleet in the UK as well as the first retro-fitted double decker electric bus.

28 Andrew Benfield Director of transport, Energy Saving Trust Andrew leads on all sustainable transport activities across the Energy Saving Trust group, including substantial programmes on ULEVs for the Department for Transport, Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), Transport for Scotland and Transport for London.

29 Matt Dyer Managing director, Leaseplan UK As managing director, Matt has overall responsibility for business performance and the strategic direction of LeasePlan UK across the corporate, SME and public sector and consumer market. Matt has also recently been appointed Vice Chairman of the BVRLA to play an active role in representing the key initiatives for the industry.

30 Monica Guise Sustainable logistics manager, University of Birmingham Monica has more than 20 years’ experience in logistics and runs the University’s mixed fleet of 92 vehicles which run on hydrogen, electric and diesel. The university aims to increase the amount of alternatively field vehicles to 40 per cent by 2020. Last year Monica leased the first Hyundai ix35 fuel cell vehicle to be used for commercial purposes. Over 13.5 tonnes of emissions have been reduced by using electric vehicles.

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31 Vince Dignam Business improvement and performance manager, City of London Corporation Vince is business improvement and performance manager at the City of London Corporation. He has taken some bold steps to improve air quality, such as banning the adoption of any new diesel vehicles where an alternative powertrain can be used, and cracking down on drivers who leave their engines idling.

He has also agreed a deal with Addison Lee for drivers to switch hybrid taxis to ‘electric mode’ in key areas of London’s financial capital and helped develop a City Air app, which gives low pollution travel routes to some 15,000 Londoners. Vince also introduced a city-wide 20mph zone.

32 Katherine Rolfe Sustainability programme lead, Heathrow Heathrow Airport has a quest to become Britain’s most environmentally-responsible transport hub, and as sustainability programme lead, this comes under Katherine’s direction. The airport has a £2m plan to go electric with the installation of more than 135 electric vehicle charging stations. The new chargers add to the 21 existing chargers at short-stay car parks, which can be used free of charge. Meanwhile, a recent £250,000 investment saw Heathrow’s own fleet of 400 vehicles mix with zero-emission cars and a publicly‑accessible hydrogen refuelling station.

33 Alexis Keech Environmental and sustainability manager, Yorkshire Ambulance Service Yorkshire Ambulance Trust was the first ambulance service in the country to begin a Carbon Management Programme. Alexis works with fleet, estates and procurement departments to reduce the service’s emissions.

So far, the Trust has added electric-hydrogen hybrid vehicles to its fleet, implemented an eco driving programme, assessed the aerodynamics of ambulances, and even added solar panels to ambulances so that everything electrical can still be powered when the engine is switched off. Alexis also set up a network of green ambulance managers known as the Green Environmental Ambulance Network (GrEAN) to get other Trusts commit to addressing their carbon footprint.

34 Tim Porter Managing director, Lex Autolease Tim Porter leads the country’s biggest leasing firm and has succeeded in growing it further; in the first half of 2016, its risk fleet grew by 12,224 vehicles (3.9 per cent) to 329,865 units. Over 10,000 of these are alternative‑fuelled vehicles.

35 Zak Tuck Head of low carbon policy, Transport Scotland Zak joined the Scottish Government in 2004 and started working on low carbon vehicle policy in 2011, where he has helped develop strategies and deliver projects to help achieve Scotland’s vision to be free of damaging vehicle emissions by 2050.

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36 Gary McRae Corporate fleet manager, Dundee City Council Dundee City Council won GreenFleet’s Award for Medium to Large Public Sector Fleet of the Year in 2015. As well as a massive investment in electric vehicles, the council has implemented rev-limiting and stop‑start technology, driver training and vehicle downsizing to reduce CO2.

37 Brian Matthews Head of transport innovation, Milton Keynes Council Milton Keynes is a great innovator when it comes to low-carbon transport. As head of transport innovation, Brian managed the delivery of MK’s Electric Bus Project and lead on the council’s Go Ultra Low cities programme. Brian also worked on the Autonomous Pods project and the driverless cars programme, the largest and perhaps most complex demonstration trial within the UK.

38 Nicole Fletcher Head of sustainable development, London Fire Brigade Last year the brigade changed its diesel fleet of 66 ‘blue-lighted’ pool cars to 52 range extender electric BMW i3 and five plug in hybrid cars, making it the largest i3 fleet in the UK. This has greatly reduced CO2 emissions from 119g/km to 13g/km and NOx from 149mg/km to 2mg/km for the i3s.

39 Alan Andrews Air quality lawyer, ClientEarth ClientEarth won its High Court case against the Government over its failure to tackle illegal air pollution across the UK. Air quality lawyer Alan Andrews is calling for a national network of clean air zones to be in place by 2018 in cities across the UK, and wants the government to stop inaccurate modelling forecasts, claiming that future projections of compliance need to be based on what is really coming out of the exhausts of diesel cars.

40 Tom Henderson Service manager, fleet operations, Fife Council Fife Council is Scotland’s third largest Council, with a 1,496‑vehicle fleet, including 185 HGVs. It added its first electric vehicles in 2011. In 2016 it introduced dual fuel hydrogen vehicles into the fleet, including two refuse trucks, and will roll out hydrogen refuelling stations this year.

41 Lucinda Yeadon Executive member for environment and sustainability, Leeds City Council Leeds City Council has purchased 43 Nissan e-NV200 vans and five CNG refuse trucks with a pilot fuelling facility, plus additional CNG vans and hybrid diesels. The Council has also worked with the Association of Public Service Excellence to set up an alternative fuel and compliance seminar for council staff and other public bodies, in order to provide information and awareness of the vehicle emissions in Leeds.

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42 Kieron Alsop Managing director, Rolec EV Rolec EV has launched a new range of public facing EV charging points which are incorporated within energy-efficient street lighting columns.

The firm also released a range of Smart Tech EV charging points designed specifically for the home. December 2016 saw the company dispatch its 50,000th EV charging point from Rolec’s factory.

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43 Lance Bradley Managing director, Mitsubishi Motors Lance Bradley grasped the opportunity afforded by the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and inspired a team to transform the UK’s plug-in hybrid market. Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show Mitsubishi Motors UK has been the fastest-growing mainstream car manufacturer for the past three years. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the nation’s favourite plug-in vehicle, with Mitsubishi having sold over 25,000 in the UK since the pioneering SUV’s UK launch in 2014.

44 Matthias Müller CEO, Volkswagen Group The ‘Dieselgate’ scandal sent ripples across the industry and has called the future of diesel and emissions testing into question. As CEO, Matthias has the mammoth task of taking the company forward and he aims to “win back trust for the Volkswagen Group.” VW is looking to ‘comprehensively reposition’ itself in the market and aims to sell one million electric cars per year and become the market leader in e-mobility.

45 Phil Crossman Former CEO, Honda UK David Hodgetts has only just retired from the position as of 3 January after 17 years at Honda and gives the reins over to David Hodgetts.

Honda was a pioneer when it created the Civic’s hybrid engine, which reduced emissions, lowered vehicle costs and increasing fuel efficiency.

Honda is also busy with its hydrogen model, with Clarity Fuel Cell arriving in London as part of the HyFIVE demonstration project.

46 Darren Moon Operations manager, Jersey Post Darren has been responsible for the introduction of electric vehicles which include fifteen electric vans (e-NV200s), 22 electric bicycles and a Renault Twizy for in-town courier work. These were introduced without any government funding. Jersey Post is planning to add an additional 15 electric vans in 2017.

47 Ashley Andrews Managing director, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK Ashley Andrew took up the managing director position in 2016, coming from Skoda UK. Whilst Fiat may not have any electric or hybrids in the UK, they are masters of the small petrol engine with the TwinAir, all their vans are Euro 6, and their CNG models are widely used in Europe.

48 Dr Graham Cooley CEO, ITM Power ITM Power specialise in the manufacture of integrated hydrogen energy systems and is the refuelling partner for the London Hydrogen Partnership. Graham joined ITM Power as CEO in 2009 and brought with him years of experience in the power industry where he developed energy storage and generation technologies.

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49 Graham Telfer Fleet manager, Gateshead Council

56 Keith Hidle Fleet manager, West Yorkshire Police

Graham pioneered the use of bio-diesel (95/5 per cent blend) in the mid‑1990s, and was responsible for undertaking trials of an increased blend (80/20 per cent). The use of alternative fuels continued with LPG. vehicles. Currently, Graham is involved in the ZERE Project to help deliver range extended electric vehicles using hydrogen fuel cell technology.

West Yorkshire Police has been testing a variety of electric vehicles to assess their suitability for policing. These include the electric Peugeot Partner van for crime scene investigators, a range-extended electric BMW i3 for response scenarios, and an electric Nissan LEAF.

50 Richard Lowden Founder, Green Motion Multi-GreenFleet Award Winner Richard started his environmentally‑friendly hire and rental firm in 2007. The company is currently present in 26 countries and all vehicles are at the cutting edge of environmental technology.

51 Gordon Brown Former Chancellor of the Exchequer In 2001, VED was for the first time related to the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of an individual vehicle. Environmental groups in the UK had been pressing for a reform of the VED regime for years. Until the late 1990s, car owners in the UK had been required to pay a flat-rate charge for using their vehicle, unrelated to the type of car they chose to purchase and use.

52 Edmund King President, AA Improving road safety across the country – and internationally – has helped AA President Edmund King gain an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List. Recent green achievements include teaming with Chargemaster to address EV myths and rolling out AA branded charging points in at AA-rated hotels and other accessible public places.

53 Robert Murphy Electric vehicle administrator, Edinburgh College

57 Mark Green Fleet manager, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has started an AlphaCity Car-Sharing programme for its employees. Within months of replacing its pool car fleet the CarSharing scheme, the council is on track to achieve an annual saving of £100,000 on its staff travel costs as well as a 90 per cent reduction in the time required for pool car administration.

58 Zoe Powers Sales and customer relations director, Greater London Hire Zoe spearheads the sustainability and corporate responsibility agenda of the company. The passenger and courier fleet vehicles are all either zero or low emission, resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in tonnes CO2e.

59 Alan Baker Fleet manager, Galliford Try Alan Baker scooped the GreenFleet Award for Private Sector Fleet Manager of the Year last year. By clearly demonstrating whole life costs to users, the average CO2 across the company car fleet of 2,400 vehicles is now just 101g/km today. Nearly 10 per cent of the fleet are plug-in hybrids, with 115 Mitsubishi Outlanders as well as an increasing number of Golf GTE and Tesla cars. Due to the dedicated focus of Alan, in recent years Galliford Try has already hit the target of at least five per cent of vehicles being electric by 2020.

60 Judith Eadie Account director, LeasePlan UK (Automotive Leasing)

Within Edinburgh College, Robert operates a fleet of electric pool cars to provide staff with a sustainable, low-carbon transport options for intra‑campus and other corporate travel. Robert won the GreenFleet Award for Public Sector Fleet Manager in 2015.

54 John Pryor Chairman, ACFO John Pryor was re-elected chairman of the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) for a further 12 month term. Pryor is the fleet and travel manager for Acadia Group, the fashion retailer, and his re‑appointment marks his third year managing the ACFO. This year sees the Association join the new global Fleet Consortium Network to promote operating best practice internationally. The group’s first strategic planning meeting will take place in June 2017.

55 Stephen Wilkinson Group business support, risk and compliance manager, Addison Lee With more than 350 Toyota Prius in the fleet, the company is the largest private hire hybrid fleet operator in the UK. It also makes use of a smart grid mapping system, car sharing scheme and emission reporting for clients. All Addison Lee drivers are encouraged to take the Driver Diploma which is designed to cover subjects such as eco driving.

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Judith Eadie was given an EV Champion Award at the 2014 GreenFleet Awards for her “outstanding contribution” in the field of low emission and electric vehicles. Judith is regarded as a leading expert on EVs and very low emission vehicles in Scotland and is assisting Scottish Government panels with development of their policies over the coming years.

61 Dr Ben Lane Founder, Next Green Car Dr Ben Lane founded Next Green Car, a website that gives honest advice on the environmental credentials of a vehicle. He also operates Zap-Map.com, an electric car and charge point site built around a UK-wide charge point map.

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62 Colin Ferguson CEO, Route Monkey Colin founded Route Monkey to provide scheduling and routing software solutions to fleets. Uniquely, Route Monkey can manage mixed fleets of conventional and electric vehicles (EVs). Route Monkey’s EVOS software is the first fleet optimisation tool specifically designed for EVs. Through virtual trials, the software can identify suitable routes for EVs before fleets invest in the vehicles.

63 Alex Hurst Managing director, Phoenix Taxis Alex was responsible for introducing electric vehicles to the taxi fleet and now has over 20 Nissan LEAF taxis on the road, as well as running over 40 hybrid vehicles. This work saw him appointed as a board member for Zero Carbon Futures, an initiative that aims to develop new technologies surrounding low carbon vehicles.

64 Mike Potter Managing director, Fleetdrive Electric Mike runs Fleetdrive Electric, a company that leases electric and hybrid vehicles. The firm was a partner in the pioneering My Electric Avenue project which looked at the impact that EV charging has on the local electricity grid.

65 Jon Wakefield Managing director, Volvo Car UK Ltd Jon Wakefield became managing director last year although he joined the company in 2012. He will be bringing forward an array of advanced new products, as well autonomous drive technologies.

66 Carlos Tavares CEO, PSA Group PSA Group sales topped the one-million mark in Europe last year, rising 7.4 per cent. Taking the company forward, Carlos will be key in the delivery of 11 new electric models within the next five years. Four of these will be pure-electric models, with a range of up to 280 miles, with the remainder plug-in petrol-electric hybrids, which will be able to travel up to 37 miles on battery power alone.

67 Gary Savage CEO, Mercedes-Benz UK Gary is recognised for his influence on the success of Mercedes-Benz UK over the past two years, and was named Business Leader of the Year at the 2016 AM Awards. Going forwards, the firm is planning its own distinct line of electric vehicles.

68 Rory Harvey Managing director, Vauxhall UK Rory Harvey was appointed to the position of chairman and managing director of Vauxhall Motors in 2015. Vauxhall made an impact on the low‑carbon industry when the Ampera came out in 2011 as it was the first time range-extended technology had been used on an electric vehicle.

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69 Andy Barratt Managing director, Ford of Britain Andy Barratt was appointed chairman and managing director at Ford of Britain from 1 July 2015. The company’s EcoBoost technology has been successful at providing lower emissions and improved fuel consumption.

70 Tony Whitehorn President & CEO, Hyundai Motor UK

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In the last ten years since Whitehorn joined Hyundai Motor UK, the company has been transformed. It has risen from 21st best-selling car maker in the UK to the top ten, sold over 600,000 vehicles (1,000,000 vehicles since 1982) and has more than doubled its market share.

71 Paul Philpott President & CEO, Kia Motors UK & Ireland In August 2016 Kia introduced the its first hybrid, the Niro, and its early success of 1,000 units sold in its first seven weeks put it ahead of the predicted 4,000 sales in a full year. Kia has also just opened a flagship site in west London.

72 Erik Fairbairn Founder & CEO, POD Point Erik Fairbairn, former Supercar club owner launched EV charging company POD Point in 2009. He made a promise to himself that he would find a way to compensate for all of the carbon he had added to the earth’s atmosphere during his supercar days. He has sold nearly 30,000 charging points and developed one of the UK’s largest public networks.

73 Dale Vince Founder, Ecotricity Vince’s EV charging network, the Electric Highway, uses electricity from renewable sources for its 300 pumps across Britain. Whilst it was free to recharge for the last five years, the firm have charges.

74 Stewart Webster Managing director, Iveco UK Iveco won LGV Manufacturer of the Year at last year’s GreenFleet Awards for its new Stralis, the first gas truck designed for long haulage.

75 Ken Livingstone Former Mayor of London The Congestion charge was introduced on 17 February 2003 under Ken Livingstone. Commentators believed The £5 charge would “destroy” the city’s commercial heart and cause “total gridlock.” The charge had an immediate environmental impact, with Transport for London recording falling NOx and Carbon Dioxide levels. It is on the back of these results that other cities have sought to emulate London.

76 Arne Knaben Managing director, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland 2016 saw Volvo Trucks launch improvements on its FM, FMX, FH and FH16 model ranges by increasing engine fuel efficiency and improving aerodynamics, which can potentially reduce fuel costs by up to five per cent.

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77 Dhruv Parekh CEO, Masternaut Dhruv Parekh heads up Masternaut, one of Europe’s largest providers of telematics solutions. He will be taking the company forward with connectivity and service innovation.

78 Leon Daniels Managing director of Surface Transport, TfL Leon is the lead for London’s electric buses and the newly‑unveiled fully electric bus routes for central London.

79 Jenny Laing Leader, Aberdeen City Council Jenny was instrumental in the implementation Europe’s biggest fleet of hydrogen buses in Aberdeen, as well as the UK’s first hydrogen production and bus refuelling station.

80 John Watkins Executive chairman, Trakm8 Trakm8 has been busy acquiring business, the most recent being Route Monkey, and has reorganised its businesses into four units: Trakm8 Fleet, Trakm8 Insurance, Trakm8 Optimisation and Trakm8 Automotive.

81 Paul Gatti Fleet director, Royal Mail Paul was given GreenFleet’s Outstanding Achievement award at last year’s awards due to the huge task of managing the Royal Mail’s fleet of 47,000 vehicles and improving efficiencies over the firm’s 500‑year history.

82 Pierre Fox, Paul Balmont & Richard Falconer Directors, Co-Wheels Founders Pierre, Richard and Paul Balmont set up Co-Wheels as a social enterprise. In June last year it became the first car club to gain ‘Go Ultra Low Company’ status, with over 40 per cent of its UK fleet either electric or hybrid.

83 Alistair Clarke Founder and managing director, eConnect Cars Starting with five Nissan LEAF Teknas in January of 2014, the fleet and has now grown to 55 all-electric vehicles including the executive option Tesla Model S.

84 Khaled Shahbo Managing director, UK & Ireland, Enterprise Car Club Last year Enterprise acquired City Car Club, Britain’s biggest independent car sharing company, to position the company as a mobility solutions provider. Khaled will define how all Enterprise brands are delivered.

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85 Christopher Morns & Andrew Wordsworth Co-founders, E-car Club The all-electric car club , E-Car Club, has continued to grow, operating in settings ranging from East London to the Outer Hebrides. Europe’s largest car hire company, Europcar, acquired a majority stake in E-Car in August 2015.

86 John Gorton Head of transport, Kent & Essex Police John Gorton is responsible for a huge fleet that deploys from 150 locations, across 3,075 square miles. Under his leadership, Transport Services has already delivered over £3m in fleet savings alone.

87 Arend Mouton Fleet manager, City of London Police As well as the being fleet manger, Arend is Secretary for the National Association of Police Fleet Managers (NAPFM) and helped create two purchasing groups covering the UK using innovative procurement methodology.

88 Will Smith Group reward & performance manager, Britvic Soft Drinks Will is responsible for ensuring Britvic’s fleet of 515 vehicles is as green as possible. The executive company cars are all fully‑electric and pool vehicles are plug-in hybrids. Britvic is also trialling hybrid and electric LCVs.

89 Ella Schubmehl Environment, energy and engineering officer, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Twelve electric Nissan LEAFs have replaced some of the existing petrol vehicles used for home visits and meetings. Multi-charge posts have been installed at nine fire stations across Cheshire.

90 Eric Bristow Fleet manager, Hobart Eric is responsible for a fleet of 220 vans and 120 cars. Measures such as abolishing the firm’s grey fleet and capping the CO2 level of cars have enabled Eric to reduce costs in excess of £200k per year in the last three years.

91 Amanda Lyne Managing director, Ulmeco Amanda set up Ulemco to commercialise hydrogen combustion technologies, particularly for transport. She is also deputy-chair of UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association.

92 Seifi Ghasemi Chairman, President and CEO, Air Products Air Products has installed many of the UK’s hydrogen refuelling stations and is leading the HyTEC project to prepare for commercially‑available hydrogen vehicles.

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93 Jon Lawes Managing director, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions works with some of the UK’s largest commercial vehicle, car and HGV fleets. The company has recently had a restructure to create one business with three market sales channels.

94 Nick Molden Founder and CEO, Emissions Analytics Emissions Analytics uses portable devices to measure emissions in the real world and is vocal about the failings of the current NEDC test. He recently teamed with Next Green Car to give more accurate NGC ratings.

95 Adrian Felton City mobility manager, Volvo Bus – Volvo Group UK Adrian is continuing to develop Volvo’s Electro Mobility strategy.

The Volvo B5LHC Double Deck Electric Hybrid is the newest addition to the firm’s EV range.

96 Thomas Schmidt Managing director, TomTom Telematics Thomas heads up TomTom Telematics, which has been recognised as Europe’s largest, and fastest-growing, provider of fleet management solutions by analyst firms Berg Insight.

97 Katie Colledge‑Price Car benefits manager, Microsoft UK Katie added two Nissan LEAFs to Microsoft’s company car scheme after staff trailed a variety of vehicles. Two 32-amp quick chargers were installed at the Reading HQ.

98 Robert Drewery Commercial director, Optare The lightweight, fully electric, Metrodecker EV will go into service in central London in early 2017 to prove the concept and provide feedback to aid further development.

99 Dr William Wright CBE Co-founder and director of Wrights Group (Wrightbus) Last year Wrightbus launched the StreetAir EV and a new zero‑emission hydrogen fuel cell bus, which it plans to put into full‑scale production in 2017.

100 Joe Drew Fleet manager, West Lothian Council West Lothian’s efforts to engage with the public about green driving have seen a Mobile Vehicle Emission Testing Van go out and offer to test vehicles and give advice on emissions.

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At a glance: the GreenFleet 100 Most Influential 1 Phillip Hammond Chancellor of the Exchequer 2 Chris Grayling Transport Secretary 3 John Hayes Transport Minister 4 Sadiq Khan Mayor of London 5 Richard Bruce Head of OLEV 6 Konstanze Scharring Director of policy, SMMT 7 Phillip Sellwood Chief executive, Energy Saving Trust (EST) 8 Greg Archer Clean vehicles director at Transport & Environment (T&E) 9 Paul Van der Burgh President and managing director, Toyota GB 10 David Martell Founder and chief executive, Chargemaster 11 Elon Musk Founder and CEO, Tesla Motors 12 Gerry Keaney Chief executive, BVRLA 13 Carlos Ghosn Chairman and CEO, Renault, Nissan and the

Renault‑Nissan Alliance 14 Poppy Welch Head of Go Ultra Low, SMMT 15 Colin Marriott General fleet manager, British Gas 16 Chris Rutherford Consultant, London Ambulance Service 17 Jonathan Goldstone & Tom Pakenham Founders, Green Tomato Cars 18 Michael Hurwitz Director of Transport Innovation, TfL 19 Harald Krüger CEO, BMW Group 20 Nicholas Brownrigg CEO, Alphabet GB Limited 21 Sam Clarke & Matthew Linnecar Founders, Gnewt Cargo 22 Andy Eastlake Managing director, LowCVP 23 Calvey Taylor-Haw Managing director, Elektromotive 24 David Young Owner, 203020 Electric 25 Rachael Dillon Climate change policy manager, FTA 26 Quentin Willson TV presenter and motoring journalist 27 Derek McCreadie Low emission officer, City of York Council 28 Andrew Benfield Director of transport, Energy Saving Trust 29 Matt Dyer Managing director, Leaseplan UK 30 Monica Guise Sustainable logistics manager, University of Birmingham 31 Vince Dignam Business improvement and performance manager, City of

London Corporation 32 Katharine Rolfe Sustainability programme lead, Heathrow Airport 33 Alexis Keech Environmental and sustasinability manager, Yorkshire Ambulance Service 34 Tim Porter Managing director, Lex Autolease 35 Zak Tuck Head of low carbon policy, Transport Scotland 36 Gary McRae Corporate fleet manager, Dundee City Council 37 Brian Matthews Head of transport innovation, Milton Keynes Council 38 Nicole Fletcher Head of sustainable development, London Fire Brigade 39 Alan Andrews Air quality lawyer, ClientEarth 40 Tom Henderson Service manager, fleet operations, Fife Council 41 Lucinda Yeadon Executive manager for environment and sustainability, Leeds

City Council 42 Kieron Alsop Managing director, Rolec EV 43 Lance Bradley Managing director, Mitsubishi Motors 44 Matthias Müller CEO, Volkswagen Group 45 Phil Crossman Former CEO, Honda UK 46 Darren Moon Operations manager, Jersey Post 47 Ashley Andrews Managing director, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK 48 Dr Graham Cooley CEO, ITM Power 49 Graham Telfer Fleet manager, Gateshead Council 50 Richard Lowden Founder, Green Motion 51 Gordon Brown Former Chancellor of the Exchequer 52 Edmund King President, AA 53 Robert Murphy Electric vehicle administrator, Edinburgh College 54 John Pryor Chairman, ACFO 55 Stephen Wilkinson Group business support, risk and compliance manager,

Addison Lee 56 Keith Hidle Fleet manager, Yorkshire Police 57 Mark Green Fleet manager, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council 58 Zoe Powers Sales and customer relations director, Greater London Hire 59 Alan Baker Fleet manager, Galliford Try 60 Judith Eadie Account director, Leaseplan UK (Automotive Leasing) 61 Dr Ben Lane Founder, Next Green Car 62 Colin Ferguson CEO, Route Monkey 63 Alex Hurst Managing director, Phoenix Taxis 64 Mike Potter Managing director, Fleetdrive Electric 65 Jon Wakefield Managing director, Volvo Car UK Ltd 66 Carlos Tavares CEO, PSA Group 67 Gary Savage CEO, Mercedes-Benz UK 68 Rory Harvey Managing director, Vauxhall UK 69 Andy Barratt Managing director, Ford of Britain 70 Tony Whitehorn President & CEO, Hyundai Motor UK 71 Paul Philpott President & CEO, Kia Motors UK & Ireland 72 Erik Fairbairn Founder & CEO, POD Point 73 Dale Vince Founder, Ecotricity 74 Stewart Webster Managing director, Iveco UK 75 Ken Livingstone Former Mayor of London 76 Arne Knaben Managing director, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland 77 Dhruv Parekh CEO, Masternaut 78 Leon Daniels Managing director of Surface Transport, TfL 79 Jenny Laing Leader, Aberdeen City Council 80 John Watkins Executive chairman, Trakm8 81 Paul Gatti Fleet director, Royal Mail 82 Pierre Fox, Paul Balmont & Richard Falconer Directors, Co-Wheels 83 Alistair Clarke Founder and managing director, eConnect Cars 84 Khaled Shahbo Managing director, UK & Ireland, Enterprise Car Club 85 Christopher Morns & Andrew Wordsworth Co-founders, E-Car Club 86 John Gorton Head of transport, Kent & Essex Police 87 Arend Mouton Fleet manager, City of London Police 88 Will Smith Group reward & performance manager, Britvic Soft Drinks 89 Ella Schubmehl Environment, energy and engineering officer, Cheshire Fire

and Rescue Service 90 Eric Bristow Fleet manager, Hobart 91 Amanda Lyne Managing director, Ulemco 92 Seifi Ghasemi Chairman, President, and CEO, Air Products 93 Jon Lawes Managing director, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions 94 Nick Molden Founder and CEO, Emissions Analytics 95 Adrian Felton City mobility manager, Volvo Bus – Volvo Group UK 96 Thomas Schmidt Manging director, TomTom Telematics 97 Katie Colledge-Price Car benefits manager, Microsoft UK 98 Robert Drewery Commercial director, Optare 99 Dr William Wright Co-founder and director, Wrights Group (Wrightbus) 100 Joe Drew Fleet manager, West Lothian Council

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From three-wheeled wooden cars to sophisticated digital technology-laden machines, the battery electric vehicle has changed beyond perception over almost 180 years. Richard Gooding dons his rose-tinted spectacles

Written by Richard Gooding

Electric vehicles are seen as a modern invention as well as an answer to growing environmental concerns. However, their development spans almost 180 years. First appearing in the mid-19th century, high cost, low top speeds and short ranges put paid to them becoming the answer to personal mobility. Instead, the technology was employed in other transport industries – such as rail – but just how far has electric vehicle technology come to encourage sales of over one million units in 2016? GreenFleet takes a trip back in time to examine some of the more notable EVs which have helped contribute to the modern-day low-carbon success story.

First electric horseless carriage built an One of the first known electric vehicles electric was produced by Scottish chemist Robert vehicle, and even though Davidson in 1837. A five-tonne locomotive, Electrobat weighed 1,927kg, it could reach its practical value was limited thanks to 15mph and range was an impressive 50 miles. its non-rechargeable batteries, but later In the UK, electric vehicles started to that decade, another Scotsman, Robert look viable when Walter C Bersey of the Anderson is said to have invented the first London Electrical Cab Company unveiled the electric horseless carriage. Once again, zero‑emission Bersey taxi in 1896. Sadly, the though, non‑rechargeable battery technology electric cab proved to be rather too futuristic stopped Anderson’s pioneering vehicle for its own good. Expensive to run and becoming little more than an anomaly. temperamental, the travelling public soon Meanwhile, in The Netherlands, chemistry professor Sibrandus Stratingh and German lost confidence in them and by 1900, the instrument maker Christopher Becker Bersey had been withdrawn from service. experimented with steam power, and unhappy with the smoke, noise and discomfort First age of the electric car steam‑powered vehicles produced, decided At the turn of the 20th century, almost to make an electrically-powered car. The 40 per cent of cars sold in the US were pair’s first electric car could drive around 15 electric, petrol‑powered rivals languishing minutes until the current was exhausted. The almost 20 per cent behind. More open roads seeds of electric propulsion had been sown. highlighted electric cars’ less viable range, In 1881, the first electric vehicle to be though, but they still proved popular in urban powered by rechargeable batteries debuted. areas. However, the invention of the electric Built by French inventor Gustave Trouve, it starter by Charles Kettering and the mass production techniques employed by featured a ‘second cell’ design which Henry Ford, brought down the could discharge and recharge the Did you prices of petrol-powered models, lead-acid batteries, which had know? and sounded the death knell been created by Belgian Gaston NASA’s Lunar for the first age of the electric Planté. Over in the US, business Roving Vehicle was car. It was a different story in associates Henry Morris and an electric vehicle the commerical vehicle arena, Pedro Salom designed and and was left on the moon in 1972

1950s 1890s

1897 Bersey Taxi

Did you know?

Nissan’s Leaf was the first designed for purpose electric car by a major manufacturer

Electric Vehicle History

Electrifying! A brief EV history

1959 Henney Kilowatt

1967 Ford Commuta

1960s

though (see panel), where buses and small vans delivered on the EV promise of low emissions and quiet running.

It wasn’t until the end of the 1950s when electric car fever once again took hold. In the US, the Henney Kilowatt saw a powertrain manufactured by a vaccuum cleaner company installed into the body of a Renault Dauphine. The Kilowatt was the last ‘production’ EV for the next couple of decades, the 1960s and 1970s being furtile years for electric vehicle concepts and development.

Car maker Ford announced the Commuta in 1967. As its name implied, the 6ft‑long cube of a car was designed primarily for urban use. Engineered at Ford of Great Britain’s engineering centre in Dunton, Essex, the Commuta was a four-seater at a push (as long as the rear passengers were children) and featured many production car luxuries such as dipping headlights and a heater.

A quartet of 12V/85A lead-acid batteries gave a range of 40 miles at 25mph.

Arguably the most-resolved electric car yet from an major manufacturer, the plug was pulled on the Commuta in 1971.

Two years later, though, Britain’s best hope for a production EV appeared. The Enfield 8000 (neé 465) was an aluminium‑bodied two-door hatchback with vaguely ‘proper car’ proportions, and a 48V DC series 4-pole E

1970s 1973 Enfield 8000

1985 Sinclair C5

1980s

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Electric Vehicle History

 electric motor as well as eight 12V 110Ah lead-acid batteries. The Electricity Council’s involvement saw 61 cars ordered with as many as 120 reported to have been built. A 55-mile range and 40mph top speed meant it was practical, but at £2,808 in 1975, its high cost wasn’t. So the 8bhp Enfield faded into obscurity in 1977, until motoring journalist and TV presenter Jonny Smith turned one into an 800bhp electrically-powered dragster and claimed the fastest street-legal electric vehicle in the world title in July 2016.

Advancement of battery technology It wasn’t just the UK and the US taking up the EV baton, though. During 1970, Nissan developed a two-seater electric prototype with Hitachi in Japan. The advancement of battery technology meant a lighter weight, and proved that the Japanese company had shown electric car interest before unveiling the all‑conquering LEAF almost four decades later.

Elsewhere, Fiat announced a series of city car EV prototypes from 1975-1977, the Electric Town Car being the most notable. A 45-mile range (at a steady 30mph) and a top speed of 47mph meant the omens were good, but it was replaced by the petrol-powered Panda in 1980. Ironically, an all-electric Panda, the Elettra, was on sale from 1990‑1998.

The dawn of the 1980s saw an exciting new age, and seemed the ideal decade technologically for the electric car. It didn’t get off to a great start. In 1985, the Sinclair C5 was the UK’s great white hope. Launched to large fanfare by Sir Clive Sinclair, the C5 was a three-wheeled electric vehicle aimed at revolutionising city centre transport. Sadly, the £399 machine proved a flop, despite being around 10 times cheaper than a 998cc Austin Mini City E and claims that it could be driven for five miles on one penny’s worth of electricity.

More conventional electric cars also appeared in the 1980s. Peugeot produced an electric 205 hatchback in 1984 with 72V 1990 Fiat Panda Elettra

1994 Toyota RAV4 EV

1990s 38

The 1990s was when electric vehicle technology really came of age. Longer ranges and the arrival of hybrids really pushed development and the choice available had the EV hopes of a generation placed 200Ah nickel‑cadmium (NiCd) batteries upon it, its 137bhp produced by 26 recyclable which could be charged through a 16A or lead-acid batteries and a three‑phase AC 40A socket over the course of eight hours. motor. Range was said to be 90 miles at Although Volkswagen had dabbled with 55mph, but an optional 70Ah nickel-metal electric versions of its Golf in the 1970s, 1985 hydride (Ni-MH) battery gave 100 miles saw the arrival of the Golf CitySTROMER. and technology we are used to today A 16bhp DC motor and 16 lead-acid gel included a pre-conditioning system. batteries gave 50 miles of range, while The Toyota RAV4 EV of 1994 charging time varied from eight to 12 previewed technology which hours. A second version appeared Did you the Japanese manufacturer with the third-generation Golf know? would, just a short time later, in the 1990s and paved the Peugeot’s 106 play a large part in its history. way for the e-Golf of 2014.

Electrique instigated the UK’s first Based on the production on‑street electric RAV4, the EV version featured EV coming of age charging a permanent magnet electric The 1990s was when electric point motor in outputs of 45 or 50kW, vehicle technology really while a theoretical range of 124 came of age. In 1992 French miles was mooted. While the RAV4 EV manufacturer Renault unveiled the provided important engineering lessons for Zoom, a folding electric car concept which the first‑generation Prius in 1997, a second laid the foundations for the later Twizy of version arrived in 2010, with input from a 2012. An upwards‑folding body shortened certain Californian company named Tesla… the wheelbase when parking, while an Elsewhere, Honda unveiled its first auto‑synchronous AC electric motor drove the production electric vehicle, the US-only EV front wheels. With a range of 90 miles and Plus in 1997, which was only available on a a recharge time of two hours to 80 per cent three-year leasing contract. Ford meanwhile capacity, the Zoom previewed many of the EV reinvented its Commuta concept for the qualities to come a decade-and-a-half later. A New Millennium with the E-Ka, a lithium‑ion lesser-known electric version of the Clio, the (Li‑ion) battery-powered version of its Elektro Clio, was based on the running gear European Ka city car with 95 miles of range. of the Zoom but featured cheaper batteries.

Also in 1992, Citroën unveiled its Citela EV World’s best-selling EV concept, which claimed an even greater range One of the more recognisable EVs arrived of 130.4 miles. Three years later sister company in 2001. The REVAi, known as the G-Wiz Peugeot produced an electric version of its in the UK, was made by the REVA Electric 106 small car and this was the start of EVs Car Company in India and was classed as being sold in larger numbers. An electrification a quadricycle. A hit with London residents project based in the French town of La looking to avoid the recently-introduced Rochelle saw the high-profile 106 Electrique Congestion Charge, the odd-looking £9,995 sell more than 2,000 units to local authorities G-Wiz had a maximum range of 48 miles. The and spawned Citroën AX and Saxo versions, little car also heralded the arrival of a basic UK which shared the 106’s powertrain. Several EV charging infrastructure in public places. It hundred 106 Electriques were run in the UK, was replaced by the Mahindra e20 in 2015. too, by customers such as Coventry Police and The same year the G-Wiz appeared, the Nottinghamshire Millennium project.

Ford once again went down the city car 1996 saw the launch of GM’s EV1 in the US. EV route with the Th!nk. Bought as part Able to achieve a claimed range of between of Norwegian company Pivco, the ABS 70 and 90 miles, and EV1 was short‑lived. plastic-bodied and NiCd battery-powered Marketed as ‘The car of the future…. today’, car had a real-world range of 50 miles, and production stopped in 1999. The car almost

1996 General Motors EV1

2000s

1995 Peugeot 106 Electrique

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2001 REVA Electric Car Company G-Wiz

2009 Nissan Leaf

2010s 2011 Mitsubishi i-Miev

While electric cars struggled in the early 19th century, electric commercial vehicles found much more favour.

EV technology had been used for electric buses since the 1890s, while the first electric refuse trucks appeared in Britain during 1919.

London department store Harrods first used an electric delivery van in 1913, while the milk delivery service found a use for EVs in urban areas during the 1930s. A popular use, vehicles of this type were still used regularly in the 1970s.

UK firm Lucas experimented with the 1982 Lucas Electric Delivery Van, which was based around the Bedford CF van. It was the first mass-produced EV derived from a fossil fuel vehicle.

While a number of commercial-based experiments continued during the 1980s and 1990s, it wasn’t until the 2000s until the EV commercial vehicle once again took hold.

2012 saw short-range electric commercials arrive in the shape of the Nissan e-NV200 and Renault Kangoo Z.E., followed by the Citroën Berlingo Electrique and Peugeot Partner Electric. In 2016, LDV launched the EV80 electric van which could be recharged in two hours.

Ken Brown

Perception-busting 265 miles of range After building the small-volume all-electric Roadster from 2008, Tesla Motors of California unveiled its Model S luxury car in June 2012.

A perception-busting 265 miles of range was available from the 85kWh battery pack, which gave the car the highest available through large high‑profile fleets positioned driving distance of any production electric around commuter hot spots, around car. Numerous output versions arrived soon 1,005 Th!nk cars were built before the after, with the magic 300-mile range marker concept was sold again in 2006. surpassed by the 90 and 100kWh models.

August 2009 marked the birth of the current Not cheap, one of the benefits of the Tesla holder of the best-selling electric car in the was that it gave access to a global network world title. The Leading Environmental‑friendly of public DC-rapid ’Supercharging’ stations, Affordable Family car – or LEAF – was which were free to use for owners of the car. unveiled by Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn and Up to 135kW of power could be put into the was the world’s first purpose-designed car, which gave 85kWh models an additional zero-emission electric car from a major 180 miles of range in just 15-30 minutes. manufacturer. The laminated 24kWh The Model S became the first electric car to Li‑ion battery pack developed up to 90kW top the monthly new car sales ranking in any along with 100 miles of range. The 80kW country, while global Model S sales passed synchronous electric motor drove the front the 150,000 unit milestone in November axle, while a charging time of 30 minutes to 2016. An SUV model, the Model X was 80 per cent capacity using a 50kW charger introduced in 2015, while a new smaller saw the LEAF become a game-changer when saloon, the Model 3 is due for release in 2017. it came to mass‑production EVs. Updates While manufacturers such as Fiat, Ford, throughout the car’s life have seen a new Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen 30kWh battery version with a 155 miles range. have launched production electric cars since A flurry of EVs appeared in 2011 and 2012.

2013, the other major notable milestone in The 2011 Mitsubishi i-Miev, Citroën C-Zero and EV development came with the BMW i3. the Peugeot iOn were essentially the same car, Launched in 2013, the purpose-designed all based on the Japanese variant, while the electric car took lessons learned from BMW’s Vauxhall Ampera was a re-badged Chevrolet Mini E and ActiveE trial programmes which Volt. Powered by a 63kW 1.4-litre petrol engine loaned electric versions of the Mini hatchback and 111kW electric motor, mated to a 16kWh and BMW 1 Series to drivers around the world Li-ion battery pack, the Ampera/Volt was to gain valuable data. The i3 spearheaded capable of around 30 miles on electric power BMW’s new ‘i’ brand and along with the alone. Once the battery was depleted, the petrol i8 range-extending sports car gave electric engine kicked in to power a 55kW electric vehicles that all-important wow factor. generator to extend the car’s electric-only range.

Built party from carbon-fibre reinforced The 2012 Renault Fluence Z.E. was the first plastic, the i3 featured a 125kW electric car from the Renault Z.E. (Zero Emission) motor and a 22kWh lithium-ion battery pack, programme. The compact saloon featured which delivered 80-100 miles of electric range. a 22kWh lithium-ion battery and a 70kW A range extender version like the Vauxhall electric motor with a potential range of 115 Ampera employed a small petrol engine to miles. The smaller Renault Zoe also arrived in boost available distance to 150 miles. In 2012 using a similar 22kWh battery to the 2016 a new 33kWh battery model saw an Fluency Z.E. Mated to a 65kW electric motor, increase of range to 125 miles, while the range was claimed to be 130 miles. Updated range-extender model could potentially in 2015 with the option of a 150-mile reach 206 miles. Very much a premium car, ‘R240’ motor, the car was again the i3’s head-turning design wasn’t for updated in 2016 with a new everyone, but it was a clear intent from Did you ‘ZE40’ 41kWh battery. a major manufacturer that electric know?

Range was claimed to be vehicles are now very much party The second a massive 250 miles, with of the automotive landscape. version of Toyota’s 190 miles to be expected From a big start in the late 19th RAV4 EV was in ‘real-world’ situations. century to a take-up dip in the early jointly‑developed with Tesla Motors

EVs: more commercially viable

Harrods ran a fleet of 60 electric vans before World War II

20th century, electric vehicle sales are once again on the rise. While they still make up a small percentage of global vehicle sales, over one million units were sold across the world up to September 2016. With more notable breakthroughs to come in 2017 – such as the 200-mile plus Chevrolet Bolt/Opel Ampera-e – and ever-tightening emission legislation, both the number of EVs on our roads and their development pace can only increase.

We look forward to telling their ever‑evolving and exciting story. L

2017 Chevrolet Bolt/Opel Ampera-e

2013 BMW i3 and i8

2011 Vauxhall Ampera

2012 Renault Fluence Z.E.

2012 Tesla Model S

Electric Vehicle History

1997 Ford E-Ka concept

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GF 100 Most Influential

Connected intelligence The fleet industry enjoyed another highly successful year in 2016, with developments in technology playing a huge role in the improvement of safety, efficiency and optimisation. One company in particular has been keeping a watchful eye on industry developments – and is adapting to provide the products that are writing a new chapter for fleet managers globally Those who follow industry news will have noticed the number of UK companies that have become a part of the Trakm8 Group over recent years, with RoadHawk cameras and Route Monkey optimisation joining the group to name a few. GreenFleet sat down with Trakm8 to learn how the Group’s new additions are enhancing their offering to the fleet market.

to see success with significant contracts with the likes of Euro Car Parts and TNT Express.

In addition, their HD-2 forward‑facing camera became an official Volvo Cars accessory after passing rigorous safety testing.

The acquisition of RoadHawk has now led to the creation of an all-in-one camera and telematics product, the new RoadHawk 600, which is currently being trialled before a proposed launch in spring 2017. It will contain all of the features of Trakm8’s telematics devices such as driver behaviour monitoring, location data and vehicle health alerts, alongside forward and rear facing camera capabilities. Trakm8’s driver behaviour algorithms, which take into account factors such as speeding, harsh acceleration, braking and

How it began Trakm8 began providing vehicle tracking to fleets in 2001 and over the Trakm8 years has earned starts providing some significant vehicle tracking contracts to fleets with the likes of the AA, Quality of devices Saint‑Gobain and enhanced by E-On. In 2013, Trakm8 BOX Telematics acquired Midlands‑based acquistion BOX Telematics in order to enhance the quality and volume of its tracking devices. Since the acquisition, the manufacturing of Trakm8’s telematics devices has been carried out around-the-clock at its dedicated plant in the West Midlands. Through continual development of telematics products, Trakm8 now offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of solutions in the fleet market.

John Watkins, executive chairman at Trakm8, said: “Many of our customers require solutions which don’t actually exist in the market. One of the things that makes Trakm8 different is that we have the engineering and manufacturing capability to develop and deliver new and bespoke solutions – and by working closely with our customers, we can provide them with the insights that will benefit them the most.”

2001

2013

RoadHawk dash cams In June 2015, Trakm8 also Acquisition of DCS acquired the business and Systems, owners assets of DCS Systems, of Roadhawk owners of the popular dash cam RoadHawk dash cam brand. brand This was an exciting addition to the Trakm8 Group as the dash cam market for both businesses and consumers continued to grow throughout 2016. Since then RoadHawk has continued

2015

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DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

cornering, will now be complemented by high-definition video footage. The RoadHawk 600 comes with a detachable head, meaning that fleet managers can choose what part of the vehicle they would like to monitor.

Trakm8’s Watkins said: “The ability to record what is in front of the vehicle and inside the cab allows fleet managers to gain a greater understanding of how their drivers are behaving behind the wheel. This new camera will also incorporate technology that will allow fleet managers to monitor whether drivers are distracted by mobile phones, whether they are drowsy, or whether they are demonstrating poor lane discipline; adding a whole new dimension to how we score drivers for risk.”

The new camera will highlight driver behaviour faults, such as harsh braking events through its telemetry capability. Fleet managers are then able to gain further insight into why the event unfolded.

One distinct advantage of Trakm8’s new camera is that drivers can now be monitored in real-time with live streaming. If, for example, a truck is stationary for five minutes at the side of the road, a fleet manager will be able to be notified, log in and gain an insight into the reasons behind the delay.

Drivers are also able to send footage of an incident directly to their manager with the event button. Events can also be triggered automatically when the accelerometer within the camera device detects an impact, giving business the peace of mind that they will have footage of a collision, should they need it in court or for insurance purposes.

GF 100 Most Influential

The RoadHawk 600’s event button also doubles up as a driver feedback device, which tells drivers how they are being scored in real‑time by using red, amber and green LEDs. The RoadHawk 600 will also open doors to providing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), for example collision warnings if the fleet vehicle is approaching the car ahead at too fast a speed, notifications when drivers are drifting in and out of their lanes, and driver identification through face recognition.

John Watkins commented: “We want to make sure that no stone is left unturned in terms of the RoadHawk 600’s capability. Our goal is to ensure that it can provide a level of functionality that is not available from any other camera on the market today. We have a Acquisition of reputation in both the camera routing and market and telematics market highly complex algorithms scheduling experts for providing high-quality, ground to embed the power of Route Monkey breaking products, which is why optimisation and route we are making no compromises scheduling into their telematics on the features and quality of data interface, allowing their that businesses can retrieve from it.” customers to plan, optimise, and track journeys all from one dashboard.

Route Monkey The fleet and logistics sector benefits In December 2015, Trakm8 completed the hugely from the optimisation of routes, with acquisition of routing and scheduling experts, frozen food giant Iceland Foods reporting Route Monkey. Route Monkey’s software a 30 per cent increase in productivity primarily enables businesses to cut emissions, from the 50,000 hours its drivers spend reduce fuel costs and increase productivity behind the wheel every week, in addition by calculating the shortest possible routes to a 10 per cent reduction in fuel costs. with the least amount of vehicles. Over These optimisation algorithms also assist in the last 12 months, Trakm8 and Route optimising the routes of mobile workforces and Monkey have been busy integrating their the capacity of vehicles, as well as assisting

2015

In June 2015, Trakm8 acquired the business and assets of DCS Systems, owners of the popular RoadHawk dash cam brand

in the optimisation of electric vehicles.

The merging of the two companies’ algorithms has created Trakm8’s unique logistics solution which, when completed, will enable users to optimise the number of vehicles used in their day to day delivery duties. By reducing the number of vehicles used, businesses will be able to dramatically reduce costs that surround fuel and maintenance.

Fleet managers can input all their requirements into the SWIFT interface, including delivery addresses, contact details, vehicle types and capacity, driver working hours, and customer-specified delivery windows. The system’s powerful algorithms will then calculate the best way to fulfil the day’s tasks by using the least number of vehicles, while also achieving the lowest cumulative mileage and the most fuel-efficient route for each driver.

Drivers can access their personal schedules via a mobile device or in-cab navigation solution – but only after they confirm completion of the vehicle’s relevant DVSA safety checklists. The app will also integrate with Google Maps to facilitate accurate navigation to each delivery address. As well as route optimisation and scheduling, the new logistics solution will host an electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) feature which will ensure the delivery driver’s activities are fully transparent to the fleet manager. Features will include electronic signature collection on delivery which is accessible in real-time to a fleet manager along with photographic proof of an attempted delivery and additional notes in instances where goods are undeliverable.

The day’s tasks will be displayed to fleet managers on a Gantt chart or pinpointed on a live map which indicates the progress and whereabouts of the planned schedule.

Through the monitoring of the delivery process, fleet managers will be able to keep track of delivery status thus having the option to inform customers should their delivery time be delayed or interrupted.

Colin Ferguson, managing director of fleet and optimisation at Trakm8, said: “The data provided by telematics now means that journeys can be optimised in real-time, taking into account variables such as traffic information and accidents. Having this feature allows fleet managers to compare planned schedules versus actual schedules and E Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

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GF 100 Most Influential

 in turn inform their customers transparently when goods are undeliverable or running late.”

Trakm8 Logistics will also offer a wealth of extensive reports relating to fuel cost, mileage, carbon footprint, delivery time, resources and jobs, and also explores the overall cost to the business. This can then be compared to previous costs in order to monitor savings and develop improvements.

Ferguson added: “As a former fleet manager, I know of many fleets that will benefit from this sort of technology. This is a true end-to-end solution that is intuitive and straightforward to use, yet capable of highly complex calculations that help businesses generate substantial savings.”

2016

Roadsense Technology join Trakm8 Group

Roadsense Technology August 2016 saw fleet telematics and safety experts Roadsense Technology Limited also join the Trakm8 Group. Roadsense specialises in telemetry and safety devices for the SME market and the experience it brings will provide Trakm8 with the expertise to further expand in this sector. The company, which was set up by former Masternaut directors, has also introduced in-cab phone blocking technology to the Trakm8 portfolio.

Last month, Roadsense conducted a survey amongst 3,376 people to explore attitudes towards mobile phone use at the wheel. The survey discovered that six per cent of drivers think it is acceptable to use a phone at the wheel, while 12 per cent of respondents said despite whether they think it’s acceptable, they do it anyway.

Amongst those who do not use a phone at the wheel, almost one-third (32 per cent) said that they have done so in the past.

In the Fleet Safety Survey conducted by Brake in October, only four per cent of fleets said that they make use of apps to

prevent mobile use behind the wheel.

Roadsense’s Cellcontrol product is designed to stop mobile phone use amongst drivers of commercial vehicles and young drivers.

The solar-powered device which sits in the cab allows fleet managers or parents the flexibility to block apps such as music, social media, and texting while a vehicle is in use. Fleet managers can allow certain applications such as those that serve as a means of electronic proof of delivery or sat navs and drivers still have access to contact the emergency services.

Mobile phone use behind the wheel is a major cause of distractions. October saw HGV driver, Tomasz Kroker, jailed for 10 years after he changed the music on his phone whilst travelling on the A34. His decision led him to plough into stationary traffic, killing four family members and injuring another.

Andrew Tillman, fleet strategy director at Trakm8, commented: “Our findings show that there is still an extremely long way to go in putting a stop to using phones at the wheel.

Phone blocking technologies like Cellcontrol are an excellent way for businesses to ensure that their drivers and other road users are protected on their behalf.”

Colin Ferguson, managing director of fleet and optimisation

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2016

SME market Building on its success in Launch of the SME market, Trakm8 SWIFT‑based has now launched its Trakm8prime Trakm8prime product which product is specifically designed for and vehicle health warnings just like fleets between two and 25 Trakm8 SWIFT. Frustrating P11D admin vehicles. Trakm8prime uses time also becomes a thing of the past with Trakm8’s Connect 300 device, which the new solution allowing drivers to clock their is self‑installed by fleet managers from as business miles at the click of a button through little as ten pounds per vehicle per month. the Prime app. This information can then be Trakm8prime is a simplified version of SWIFT exported directly into PDF or excel spreadsheets, which allows small businesses and SMEs to shaving off hours of administration time. enjoy the same cost and time-saving benefits as Trakm8’s corporate customers, without needing The future the technical know-how on how to draw useful The use of mobile apps is now becoming conclusions from the data. Prime hosts vehicle a prevalent trend in the fleet industry and tracking alongside driver behaviour insights

Jon Law, managing director of insurance and automotive

2017

GF 100 Most Influential

besides Trakm8’s new ePOD application, take full advantage of the new products the company is working on various other and expertise acquired following four apps to provide fleet managers and acquisitions in the last three years. drivers with on-the-go insights.

The Trakm8 Group is streamlining 2017 will see the introduction its businesses into four discrete of Trakm8’s latest app, Drive, units to reflect the complete which brings the power of end-to-end solutions that it is Launch of real-time their telematics software now able to offer to both its tracking Drive to mobile. The app allows new and existing customers. app for mobile fleet managers to track their As part of this restructuring devices vehicles in real-time, learn the company has now concluded about underlying vehicle health a brand strategy review which has issues and see driver scores. resulted in the decision to integrate Connected vehicles will become these businesses under the Trakm8 brand commonplace over the next ten years and, as a result, the Group will now operate and as a result, fleet managers must be as Trakm8 Fleet, Trakm8 Insurance, Trakm8 prepared for how this heightened level of Optimisation and Trakm8 Automotive. connectivity can be used to benefit business These businesses will form two commercial operations. Trakm8 is now identifying how units, headed up by highly talented and the industry can take advantage of connected experienced personnel already within the car technologies and how both end users organisation. Colin Ferguson, former CEO and fleet managers can easily access of Route Monkey, which was acquired the new insights that they offer.

The company is now exploring how to achieve this through innovative technologies such as mobile and even wearable devices. These developments will primarily aim to provide safety benefits to drivers, other road users and mobile workforces and will evolve in line with the popularity of connected vehicles.

This will enable new methods of smarter working and streamlining efficiencies.

by the Group in December 2015, is now managing director of Trakm8 Group fleet and optimisation. Jon Law, who has been with the Group for four years as Trakm8 Limited’s sales director, has now become the managing director of insurance and automotive. By appointing these individuals to these roles, the Group is ensuring focus in each avenue to prevent unintended concentration on a particular customer or vertical, maximising sales output across the organisation.

Supporting these key roles within the Fleet sector include both Andrew Tillman and Robert Goldwater of SME telematics specialists Roadsense, which the Group acquired in August 2016.

Robert Goldwater, former sales director of both Roadsense and Masternaut will be fleet sales director and Andrew Tillman, who has been managing director of Roadsense and previously a senior director of Masternaut and Minorplanet, will be fleet strategy director responsible for fleet strategy and group marketing.

Streamlining the businesses is in part a consequence of the rapidly expanded investment in sales resources during the earlier part of this year, but there are a number of positions still to fill. This streamlining will also assist the business in simplifying current processes, ensuring the business stays focussed on maximising the opportunities that it develops. The Group believes that this restructure will ensure cross-selling prospects are fulfilled with accountability being clear to the business units.

The Group has increased marketing support through all units already this year, including investment in much-improved websites and a telemarketing team. This trend of increasing investment in marketing will continue.

John Watkins, executive chairman of Trakm8, said: “We expect that these changes will lead to even greater vigour and success in each of our chosen verticals as each one will have dedicated and focussed resource deployed to them.

Trakm8 has gone through a rapid period of growth and these carefully designed plans have come from an extended period of discussion with many stakeholders within our business. We expect to see positive results in the near future.” L FURTHER INFORMATION www.trakm8.com

Major sales restructure to boost further growth Trakm8 has recently announced a number of organisational changes to allow it to

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Fuel Cards

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

FUEL CARDS With the UK’s air quality strategy looking at ways to do-away with old polluting diesel vehicles, we ask our fuel card experts if they have seen a decline in diesel usage and a shift towards cleaner fuels Only five days into 2017 and the media was filled with headlines that London had already breached its air pollution limits for the year. This is due to the amount of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution in the air, which it is now recognised as produced largely by diesel vehicles.

In a time where fossil fuels are recognised as having a negative impact not only on the environment, but public health, have our fuel card experts seen a shift in the choice of fuel for fleet customers?

Andrew Goodwin from Certas Energy believes that while these recent reports have “kicked businesses into action to consider alternative energy and fuel types, diesel still needs to play part of the fuel equation as we are not yet in a position to solely rely on renewable energy.”

Certas Energy’s alternative fuel offering is Shell’s Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) fuel, which is a ‘paraffinic fuel’ that is “proven to lower levels of NOx by up to 40 per cent, and particulate matter by up to 90 per cent compared to conventional diesel,” Andrew Goodwin explains.

Charlotte Lecoutour from AS24 is seeing more and more companies move to cleaner sources of energy, and the company is responding to this change by offering Natural Gas for Vehicles (NGV), and opening several gas stations in France this year.

Gertjan Breij from DKV agrees that the revelations around diesel has raised the public awareness for alternative fuels. However, he adds: “Until diesel alternatives are established, companies keep searching for other practical solutions to improve their ecological footprint.

DKV noticed this demand and developed the DKV Card Climate.” This card allows users to offset their carbon emissions through funding certified carbon projects around the world.

Peter Dore from WEX Europe Services says that their firm is always looking for ways to help businesses reduce pollution but that at the moment, they have not seen a decline in diesel usage.

Operating in Clean Air Zones At the end of 2016, the UK Government lost its legal battle over levels of air pollution, with the ruling calling the government’s plan to tackle air pollution “woefully inadequate”.

The UK has been given a July 2017 deadline to come up with a new air quality plan. This is likely to include Clean Air Zones in major cities which may charge the most polluting

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Andrew Goodwin, sales and operations manager, Certas Energy Andrew has worked for Certas Energy since April 2008 in a variety of roles all around the development of fuel cards. He is now responsible for the growth and development of the Certas Energy bunker site network and has extensive knowledge of the fuel card industry Gertjan Breij, director, DKV Euro Service Benelux Gertjan Breij was appointed director of DKV Euro Service Benelux B.V. in 2011. Gertjan is responsible for general management and to grow the company. Gertjan is charged with the business operations covering the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, England and Ireland Peter Dore, commercial and marketing director at WEX Europe Services Pete Dore joined WEX Europe Services in 2014 in a commercial capacity, with almost 10 years’ experience in the fuel card industry. In March 2016, Pete became the commercial and marketing director and now leads the development of the company’s marketing strategy Charlotte Lecoutour, managing director of AS24 UK and Ireland Charlotte Lecoutour started in Total group ten years ago in sales and marketing positions. In 2014 she joined AS24, an affiliate of Total specialising in providing mobility solutions to road hauliers. She was in charge of digital operations for two years before her current role

diesel vehicles to enter certain areas. London is already confirmed to have Ultra-Low Emission Zones from 2019. So what impact will this have on fleets operating in city centres?

“There is a general feeling that businesses are underprepared for the implications of initiatives such as Clean Air Zones,” comments Andrew Goodwin from Certas Energy. “Fleets operating in city centres need to act now to prepare for the introduction of Clean Air Zones and Ultra Low Emission Zones. The ability of these businesses to demonstrate their clean air credentials will be essential if they want to continue to win

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

contracts and do business as normal.”

Gertjan Breij from DKV predicts that city logistics, especially last mile deliveries, will have to change their operations to include “sustainable transport solutions such as e-mobility.”

Charlotte Lecoutour from AS24 believes the main impact on fleets will be financial, due to “either an increase in the costs for these companies having to pay to operate in Clean Air Zones, or a need to modernise the fleet with the most recent vehicles.”

Peter Dore from WEX adds that: “Each of our customers will need to assess how they will

Fuel Cards

react to any revised changes brought into law.

We will be helping them where possible to understand what any impact could look like.”

Andrew Goodwin from Certas Energy explains that Shell GTL Fuel that the company offers can be integrated with both new and older on-road diesel engines, without needing to modify the engine or equipment. He believes that these sorts of immediate solutions are a good way of tackling air pollution now before other alternatives become fully viable.

He says: “Transitioning to cleaner burning fuels that require no additional infrastructure or investment may not be a stand-alone solution, but with data to show the significant in-roads that products like Shell GTL Fuel can make in reducing NOx, PM and even noise levels, it’s a proven starting point.”

Payment security In the digital age we trust our personal information to be electronically stored and transmitted, but this comes with security threats. How has the fuel card industry responded to such threats such as fraudulent use and cyber security?

Andrew Goodwin from Certas Energy says: “The fuel card industry as a whole is fortunate

n Nitroge O2) (N dioxide in the n pollutio azard to it comes to tracking fraud h because the vehicle’s mileage air is a alth and is records are linked to its fuel e h s c i l a d e pub s i consumption. This enables n g co quick detection and tracking now re ced largely of fraudsters and restriction produ d diesel of ongoing theft of fuel.” l o by Gertjan also highlights the fact vehicles that fuel cards can be configured

that it is inherently more secure than other payment methods as fuel cards are restricted to a small number of products, there is less scope for misuse. However, it does increase the importance of developing controls to protect businesses against fraudulent transactions and the risk of theft.”

Charlotte Lecoutour from AS24 says “Security of transactions is absolutely key in the haulage industry. When you manage a haulage company and you leave a card to each of your drivers and you know they are going to cross Europe with it, you need to be sure that these cards will be used for the right purposes. AS24 offers a chip & pin fuel card providing the same level of security as an EMV credit card.”

Now that fuel cards have demonstrated their benefits to many haulage firms, it is a wanted product, not only for organisations and their drivers, but also for fraudsters, believes Gertjan Breij from DKV. He says: “Vehicle-bound cards are the best alternative for insurers when

with various limits and levels of service, meaning the risk of misuse is minimised. He also cites making drivers aware of fuel card security and handling as very important.

On the cyber security point, he says: “We are currently redesigning our IT system completely and are laying the foundation for better links to other data platforms.

The goal is real-time data management for our customers and partners which will also increase the security standards.”

Peter Dore from WEX adds that: “Cybersecurity is a key concern for not just business, but all individuals. At WEX Europe Services we provide our customers with not just expertise and advice on the fuel card sector but also with products and services designed to minimise their risk of fraud and cyber crime.” E

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Fuel Cards

Expert final thoughts Andrew Goodwin For Certas Energy, we see ourselves positioned as a partner rather than just a fuel card supplier. As a service led product we understand the importance of continuous improvement and this could be from a back office perspective in terms of analysis and reports or from driver experience. Certas Energy have recently launched a new app to aid with planning routes, identifying suitable locations to refuel en-route, enabling access to our new loyalty scheme launched to customers and also a direct link to the customer web portal.

The UK has been given a July 2017 deadline to come up with a new air quality plan.

This is likely to include Clean Air Zones in major cities which may charge the most polluting diesel vehicles to enter certain areas. London is already confirmed to have Ultra‑Low Emission Zones from 2019  Future developments Transport is in a time of transition. With CO2 and NO2 reduction targets, the push for greener fuels has paved the way for modern electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as other alternative fuels such as gas and biofuels. What’s more, technology is changing the industry as more and more cars are becoming connected and can communicate with other vehicles and their surroundings. Autonomous vehicles is another area where there is change, with the UK government investing in programmes to trial self-driving vehicles on the streets.

How does our expert panelists see the future for transport and the fuel card industry?

On the point of technology, Peter Dore from WEX says: “As the market moves towards connected mobility we are expecting to see a rise in telematic services linked to fuel card and mileage capture offerings. This will help customers keep all elements of their fleet management with one partner.

“We can also expect to see a greater emphasis on technology including mobile payment services for fleets, native app account management tools and international electronic toll services.”

Gertjan Breij from DKV sees payment methods being linked to modern technology as a future development: “Currently, the infrastructure for the fuel card is the most widespread. It will therefore probably not disappear overnight. But still, the card is

46

already being replaced in many places – by smartphones and contactless chips. After a transitional period of three to seven years, this trend will be firmly established as an additional payment method.

“Vehicle manufacturers are already working on fitting vehicles with receivers and transmitters and linking them to systems.

The vehicles will then be automatically registered when driving into a fuel station, and the service will be paid for without the driver having to go to the cash desk.”

Andrew Goodwin from Certas Energy sees the fuel card industry developing to offer more than just payments for fuel.

He explains: “For Certas Energy, we see ourselves positioned as a partner rather than just a fuel card supplier. As a service led product we understand the importance of continuous improvement and this could be from a back office perspective in terms of analysis and reports or from driver experience.

Certas Energy have recently launched a new app to aid with planning routes, identifying suitable locations to refuel en‑route, enabling access to our new loyalty scheme launched to customers and also a direct link to the customer web portal.”

Charlotte Lecoutour from AS24 agrees with the other panelists, saying that fuel cards will develop with “more services in the management of data, digital services, mobile payments, and enhanced security for every transaction.” L

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

Gertjan Breij Currently, the infrastructure for the fuel card is the most widespread.

It will therefore probably not disappear overnight. But still, the card is already being replaced in many places – by smartphones and contactless chips. After a transitional period of three to seven years, this trend will be firmly established as an additional payment method. Vehicle manufacturers are already working on fitting vehicles with receivers and transmitters and linking them to systems. The vehicles will then be automatically registered when driving into a fuel station, and the service will be paid for without the driver having to go to the cash desk.

Peter Dore As the market moves towards connected mobility we are expecting to see a rise in telematic services linked to fuel card and mileage capture offerings. This will help customers keep all elements of their fleet management with one partner. We can also expect to see a greater emphasis on technology including mobile payment services for fleets, native app account management tools and international electronic toll services.

Charlotte Lecoutour We are seeing more companies moving to cleaner sources of energy, or at least more concerned by the impact of their activities on the environment. We know there is a growing demand for cleaner and more efficient energy, and in that respect AS24 is launching a NGV (Natural Gas for Vehicles) offer, and opening several gas stations in France. In the future we expect to see more data management services, digital services, mobile payments, and enhanced security.

comprises more than 150 depots, nearly 1,000 tankers and 2,500 employees. Through xoxoxoxo this robust and reliable infrastructure, weFURTHER deliver over 6 billion litres of oil to INFORMATION customers across Britain every year. xxx At Certas Energy we’re keen to take a lead in the industry. We have a culture of strong safety and compliance principles, driven by our dedicated Safety First and Doing the Right Thing (compliance) Initiative. Health and safety is paramount to our business ethos – it is fundamental to good business performance, and integral to long-term business success.

Our diverse customer base includes rural residential customers, small, medium and large businesses, agricultural businesses and family farms. In addition, we have specialist sector teams for aviation, marine, fuel retailing and lubricant customers. For the fuel retail sector, we have supply agreements to 1,200 retail forecourts, including almost 500 Gulf-branded sites. We are a major supplier of transport fuel through our branded fuel cards business. In addition, we offer lubricant products to all commercial sectors and offer other complementary services, including boiler servicing and maintenance, tanks, additives and specialist fuels.

Our parent company is DCC, a publicly‑quoted sales, marketing and distribution group. DCC is listed under Support Services on the London Stock exchange and employs over 9,500 people across 15 countries. DCC operates across five focused divisions: Energy, Healthcare, Environmental and Food & Beverage. We are the largest company within the Energy division of DCC. Fuel cards At Certas Energy, we supply a range of fuel cards supported by exceptional account management. Our fuel card users benefit from competitive pricing, with their cards accepted at an extensive network of 2,000 service stations, and 14 Bunkering facilities, nationwide.

We offer a security of supply to our customers – primarily fleet managers and large business fuel users – to ensure their vehicles stay fuelled and on the road. We recognise that fuel cards are a necessity for fleet managers to keep their vehicles refuelled, so we supply a range

major fuel cards at our Bunkering sites to make life easier for our customers.

A fuel card with Certas Energy includes the following benefits: a mixture of motorway sites, supermarkets and fuel forecourts throughout the UK; dedicated account management and bespoke support; competitive pricing, including improved rates at Certas Energy bunker sites; and monthly or weekly reporting.

Our bunkering facilities have been designed with all users in mind, from national fleet operators to self-employed drivers, accommodating fuel cards from Key Fuels, UK Fuels, AS24 and our Certas Energy fuel card. The Certas Energy fuel card provides detailed vehicle fuel usage reports and competitive prices on diesel, AdBlue and gas oil, to help operators monitor consumption and manage costs.

At our bunkering facilities, safety is our first priority at any time of day. With some sites operational 24 hours a day, we’ve taken extra measures to ensure customers are safe at all times, with state-of-the-art surveillance and electronic monitoring facilities to check stock levels and transactions, which creates a safe and secure environment for drivers using the pumps.

A programme for sustainable business Certas Energy defines a sustainable, socially responsible, business as one that is committed to the long term health and development of its relations with all stakeholders and views it as a fundamental part of its role to develop strong and sustainable

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Udae icidisquid quam elisimincim facepro et et, sed Certasnonsend Energy is one of the largest distributors of fuel and lubricants in quodi blaborum ut molorem aut ationse nos eumque laboribus Britain. We have always provided our customers with excellent personal et quoditiat quirange de volecab orerisqui nitibusdae nullacianti service and adolo great of energy products and services rest, sitiatis ut idem quodi consequat facimagnime pernatemquae nimus earibus, temdelivery ipsaest moluptatium es and netaccommodate et relationships with the range of stakeholders Our extensive and reliable network of fuel cards all of the

Advertisement Feature ADVERTORIAL

Certas 800 WORD Energy EDIT – HEADLINE HERE distributors of fuel AS TIGHT and lubricants AS POSS in Britain through which it operates and by playing its part to care for the environment.

Certas Energy has developed a sustainability programme that covers the following four areas: Our People; Our Stakeholders; Our Business; and Our Environment.

Within ‘Our Environment’, this includes Recycling, Carbon Intensity and Carbon Offsetting. Throughout 2016, our recycling and recovery rate has increased to just over 93 per cent.

For carbon, DCC set a target of a reduction of 15 per cent in carbon emissions by 2015, but 34 per cent was achieved. This led to a further five per cent reduction being set by 2020, which would result in an overall reduction of 39 per cent.

This reduction was achieved through a number of measures; logistics and fleet delivery achieving more litres per mile, efficient routing and a bi-weekly focus on driver performance. Throughout 2016, we have a target of two per cent reduction.

This year, we are also looking to introduce carbon reporting for customers.

To ensure continued improvement towards energy performance and reducing energy costs, Certas Energy is working towards ISO 500001 with the aim of full accreditation this year. This would be a great achievement for Certas Energy as we would be the only fuel distributor to have this accreditation. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.certasenergy.co.uk

Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

47

Road Test

ROAD TEST

Toyota Prius (1997) The Toyota Prius celebrates its twentieth birthday in 2017. Richard Gooding reflects on the first‑generation of Toyota’s hybrid pioneer, which was contemporary when GreenFleet was launched On 27 October 1995 at the 31st Tokyo motor show, Toyota unveiled a concept car which would set the template for hybrid vehicles for the decade which followed. That concept car was the Prius, and in the intervening 22 years the famous nameplate has become one of the Japanese carmaker’s most easily recognised. While the production version of the Prius took another two years to emerge, the ‘Toyota Hybrid System’ (THS) technology which underpinned the concept car was developed to create a model which has since become a by-word for hybrid vehicles.

That original Prius brought hybrid motoring and the Japanese company’s ‘Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive’ to the masses, and has gone on to spawn three subsequent generations.

We took a spin in one of the early UK cars for this special issue of GreenFleet.

riot of velour and beige inside the cabin, and the 5.8-inch central touchscreen displays energy usage and recovery information as well as fuel economy values from the hybrid powertrain, so immediately there’s familiarity with the current car.

The 1,496cc petrol engine of the original Prius runs a simulated Atkinson combustion cycle for ultimate fuel efficiency and both it and the electric motor are connected by an epicyclic ‘gear train’ to the front wheels. A control system monitors the ratio of power from each source – depending on speed and load – to ensure that the car is running in its most efficient state.

The engine output can be divided between the driving wheels and the on‑board generator.

Although the petrol engine’s main job is to drive the wheels, any surplus output is used to recharge the Ni-MH battery What was it? pack. One clever innovation The Toyota Prius first arrived in the UK the Prius pioneered in autumn 2000. Powered by either a was a regenerative 70bhp 1.5‑litre VVT-i petrol braking system engine, a 30kW (40bhp) electric which captures motor or a combination wasted kinetic of both, a generator and energy to 40-module 6.5Ah nickel‑metal recharge the Number produced: 123,000 hydride (Ni‑MH) battery batteries, Number sold in the UK: 1,200 bank sit behind the rear which then Key rival: Honda Insight seats. Designed in California, provide extra the first‑generation Prius power through boasted a drag co-efficient the drive motor of Cd 0.29, not too far off when over taking the current model’s 0.24. or driving up a hill.

Styled to look like a small saloon Under low‑speed, car, the early Prius featured a standstill or technogically‑advanced interior, which downhill conditions, the borrowed elements from more conventional petrol engine shuts down completely and the Toyotas like the Yaris supermini. Swoopy car runs on electric power alone, something surfaces and a centrally‑mounted instrument very novel 17 years ago. When both the binnacle were radical back at the turn of petrol engine and the electric motor are in use the millennium, and the column-mounted together, electricity is again generated to top up gear change was both a nod to its US the electric system battery as the car is driven. roots, and a space-saving innovation.

Just as with the 2017 model (GreenFleet issue 93), the original Prius starts off in How did it drive? purely electric mode, moving just a short Where the older Prius feels dated is in distance before the petrol engine kicks in. Once its material execution: the plastics have a on the move, the car sounds quite thrashy, harder‑grained feel than those of today, but Toyota engineered engine revs to never and the touchscreen display is made exceed 4,500rpm. The column gear selector from liquid crystal rather than the thin‑film wand is interesting to use if you’re not used transistor (TFT) units of 2017. While there to older cars of a more classic nature, and is very much a definite technological can be slotted into ‘B’ mode to recapture gap between the first-generation and more energy. Toyota GB’s heritage Prius had fourth-generation Prius models, it perhaps driven a mere 77,000 miles, and so still felt doesn’t feel like it’s that of two decades. quite tight. For an economy car, this particular Another of the things that strikes you about first-generation Prius felt fun and enjoyable to the Prius of 2001 and the Prius of 2017 is that drive, with keen turn-in from economy‑minded there’s a definite shared family ‘feel’. Both low-rolling resistance tyres and light steering. cars feel very similar in terms of technology, although of course, that’s all relative, as How economical was it? technology of 17 years ago is nowhere near When it was new, Toyota claimed that the as advanced as that of now. Look past the first‑generation Prius would return 57.6mpg,

1997-2004 Toyota Prius key stats

48

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

and with CO2 emissions of 114g/km, it was cleaner and more efficient than small petrol hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf as well as larger diesel saloons like the Peugeot 406 HDi and the Volkswagen Bora TDI. The only comparable hybrid on the market was the more radically‑designed 64mpg Honda Insight, which, on paper, bettered the Prius in economy. The Toyota Hybrid System allowed a theoretical driving range of 560 miles and enabled the Prius to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 13.4 seconds and onto a maximum speed of 99mph.

What did it cost?

Hybrid technology was new at the end of the 1990s and the start of the 2000s, and the first-generation Prius’ price reflected this, with Toyota rumoured to make a loss on every one in order to trailblaze hybrid technology.

With a list price of £16,495, it was around £5,000 more expensive than mainstream rivals such as the Honda Civic, which did without the complexity of the Toyota’s hybrid powertrain. Equipment was high to make up for the Prius’ high forecourt cost. Standard kit included ABS, alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a CD/radio/cassette system, electric windows, metallic paint, and twin airbags.

In 2017, cars can be picked up from £600 to £1,500, but price isn’t the issue – finding a decent car is. Only around 1,200 of Toyota’s debut hybrid were imported from 2000-2004, and with battery life at the time expected to be around 10 years or 100,000 miles, all of those would have reached at least one of those milestones over a decade later.

Why did my fleet need one?

At the time of the original Prius’ launch, the UK government offered fleets subsidies of £1,000 to use and aid the introduction of Toyota’s pioneering new eco model as part of the Powershift initiative which aimed to kick-start the market for clean fuel vehicles. Available for the first 200 cars, the grant was administered by Toyota GB and funded under Powershift’s “demonstration project” scheme for 2000/2001.

The first-generation Prius was also the first Toyota to be offered with a five-year mechanical warranty. A leasing scheme called Prius One was also introduced to protect private buyers from residual value risk, while Toyota handled the recycling of the car at the end of its life. Another bonus was that Prius drivers were exempt from the daily £5 London Congestion Charge which was introduced by London Mayor Ken Livingstone in 2002. L FURTHER INFORMATION blog.toyota.co.uk/history-toyota-prius

ENGINE:

5.8-inch LCD touchscreen shows information similar to 2017 Prius

70bhp 1,496cc four-cylinder petrol with 40bhp/30kW electric motor

BATTERY CAPACITY: WEIGHT:

Road Test

1997 Toyota Prius

6.5Ah 1,240kg

TYRES:

165/65 15 low-rolling resistance

CO2:

Daringly-styled interior featured steering column-mounted gearchange

114g/km

MPG (combined): PRICE (2000):

57.6 £16,495

First-generation Toyota Prius was styled like a small three-box saloon

Toyota Prius milestones 1997-2016 The first-generation Prius was launched in December 1997, and arrived in the UK in autumn 2000. Here are some highlights from the life of the Toyota’s most notable hybrid.

1997 First-generation Prius launched in Japan.

Hampshire Constabulary was one of the first fleets to try the car

2000 First-generation Prius launched in the UK. 2002 Prius becomes the first hybrid car to complete an FIA-sanctioned event, the Midnight Sun to Red Sea Rally. Worldwide sales pass 100,000.

2004 Second-generation Prius launched in the UK: 1.5-litre, 76bhp petrol engine; 67bhp electric motor; 104g/km. Worldwide sales pass 250,000.

2005 Prius sets new world land speed record for a hybrid vehicle, achieving 130.794mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Range revised.

2006 Worldwide Prius sales pass 500,000.

2009 Third-generation Prius debuts at the Detroit motor show: 1.8-litre, 98bhp petrol engine; 80bhp electric motor; 89-92g/km.

2011 First-generation Prius Plug-in launched: 15.5-mile range, 134.5mpg, 49g/km.

2012 Seven-seat Prius+ MPV debuts – world’s first seven-seat full hybrid vehicle: 1.8-litre, 98bhp petrol engine; 80bhp electric motor; 68.9mpg, 96g/km.

2014 Tuned Prius TRD sets Nurburgring fuel economy record: 698mpg, lap time of 20 minutes and 59 seconds.

2015 Fourth-generation Prius unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show: 1.8-litre, 97bhp petrol engine; 71bhp electric motor; 70-76g/km.

The Prius was exempt from London’s Congestion Charge in 2002

2016 Second-generation Prius plug-in unveiled at New York International Auto Show: 31 miles of range, 202mpg, 32g/km.

Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

49

First Drive

FIRST DRIVE

Hyundai Ioniq Electric Premium SE

Written by Richard Gooding

The Ioniq is the first weapon in Hyundai’s attack on the ‘green car’ market and carries with it ambitions for the company to become an eco-friendly vehicle leader. With one body style and three electrified powertrains to choose from, Richard Gooding finds out how the all-electric version compares to the established class leaders What is it?

Hyundai claims the Ioniq is unique, the first car to offer a choice of three electrified powertrains in one body style, making “low- to zero-emission mobility accessible to everyone”. Unveiled at the 2016 Geneva motor show in electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms, the Ioniq takes on a wide range of rivals, from all-electric cars such as Nissan’s Leaf and BMW i3 to hybrid competitors including Toyota’s ubiquitous but very capable Prius. The Ioniq Electric and Hybrid arrive first and are now on sale, while the plug-in hybrid is due to be launched in the second quarter of 2017.

How does it drive?

The Ioniq Electric shares the same five-door body with its hybrid and plug-in hybrid relatives, and is a conservatively handsome car. Styling cues echo those shared by the Toyota Prius and second-generation Honda Insight, and although some may see the overall shape as hybrid ‘derivative’, the Ioniq boasts a very aerodynamic Cd figure of 0.24.

Additional aerodynamic efficiency is employed by front wheel air curtains, side sill skirts, a floor undercover and a sealed

front end, finished in grey plastic. The front end styling may cause issues for some, but our Polar White test car – with matching white-painted alloy wheels – looked striking. Copper accents on the bumpers differentiate the electric Ioniq from its hybrid sister which features blue highlights.

Inside, the Ioniq is aimed at the more ‘premium’ end of the market, with soft‑touch, and leather-trimmed surfaces featuring throughout its cabin. Once again, copper accents (copper is an excellent electric conductor according to Hyundai) highlight the all-electric powertrain. The shift-by-wire single-speed reducer transmission sits atop the central console between the two front seats, and due to the lack of mechanical components needed for a conventional gearbox, frees up additional storage space.

The whole car feels nicely built, and very ‘normal’ – something which won’t alienate new EV drivers.

‘Normal’ is one word which can be used to describe the driving experience, too, and that’s

The faired-in front panel and oiher lower-body features of the Hyundai Ioniq Electric contributes to its low drag co-efficient of Cd 0.24

50

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT | www.greenfleet.net

not to do the Ioniq Electric a disservice. The lack of noise aside, it doesn’t obviously feel like an electric car. Three selectable driving modes are available: ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’ and – unusually for an electric car – ‘Sport’. The ‘Eco’ setting may limit torque available from the 88kW/118bhp electric motor – and therefore performance – but the car doesn’t feel too restrained, while the ‘Sport’ mode noticeably increases the amount of go available. More resistance is also added to the steering, which requires the driver to also add in more effort.

Most electric cars are pleasurable to drive due to their instant torque and regenerative braking, but the Hyundai Ioniq Electric also errs on being genuinely fun to drive. The Ioniq Electric handles tidily enough and is enjoyable, too. While it’s no driver’s car, its ‘sporting’ character was unexpected. Through the twisting North Wales test route, the car felt composed and stable, but there is also a degree of involvement, too, which electric cars often lack. More surprising still is the fact that the rear of the Ioniq EV uses a torsion beam rear axle to save space and compensate luggage capacity for the room given over to the battery

The i Hyundatric ec Ioniq El fficial o has an 74 miles f1 range opriced from and is 28,995 £

What range does it have?

Use of an aluminium bonnet and tailgate help weight reduction, and make the Ioniq family more efficient. A range of 174 miles is claimed for the Ioniq Electric: that’s 19 more than the most powerful 30kWh Nissan Leaf, but slightly short of the 195 miles claimed by BMW for the recently-introduced 33kWh‑battery i3. In the real world, though, we’d bargain on an Ioniq Electric range of around 150 miles.

As with other electric cars, the Ioniq Electric has features to save energy and increase the available range. For instances when only the driver is in the car, the climate control system has a single zone ‘Driver Only’ setting, the system keeping the cabin temperature constant only in the area around the driver, therefore saving energy. Heated seats are also standard.

The regenerative braking system has varying modes of severity putting more energy back into the battery when slowing down which again increases the amount of charge available.

How long does it take to charge?

As well as three-pin domestic and Mennekes ‘Type 2’ charging capabilities, the Ioniq Electric features the Combined Charging System (CCS) 50kW DC rapid charge socket.

The Ioniq Electric’s 28kWh lithium-ion polymer battery will charge to 80 per cent in 33 minutes. Home charging systems and public charging points which allow the use of the Type 2 plug will refill the car in four-six hours, while domestic three‑pin sockets will recharge the Ioniq Electric in 10-12 hours. Like higher‑specification versions

of the Nissan Leaf, the Ioniq Electric is fitted with a 6.6kWh on-board charger. Hyundai has chosen electric charging company POD Point as its home charging partner.

What does it cost?

Two Ioniq Electric models are available.

‘Premium’ trim cars start at £28,995 before the government PiCG of £4,500, and unlike some versions of the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe, there is no battery lease, as it is included with the price of the car.

Equipment is high, with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic dimming rear view mirror, automatic LED headlights, heated front seats, integrated eight-inch satellite navigation touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth/USB/ Apple Car Play/Android Auto connectivity and Tom Tom Live Services, seven-inch LCD driver instrument panel, as well as wireless phone charging capability all as standard.

Move up to top-specification Premium SE and automatic wipers, a Blind Spot Detection system, front parking sensors, and heated rear seats are added to the kit list. Safety is high on the Ioniq’s agenda, with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Hill Start Assist, and Lane Keep Assist systems fitted as standard.

How much does it cost to tax?

As with all pure-electric cars, Ioniq Electric models emit zero emissions, so fall into cost-free VED band A. Benefit In Kind is just seven per cent, which is just under half of the petrol and electric hybrid version.

Why does my fleet need one?

The Ioniq marks the shift in Hyundai’s strategy to produce more greener, eco‑friendly models. The Hyundai Motor Group aims to launch a total of 28 ‘eco-friendly’ vehicles by 2020. The Ioniq is a genuinely impressive start: it’s a well‑equipped, easy to drive and

ENGINE: 88kW synchronous electric motor, 28kWh lithium-ion battery CO2:

First Drive

pack: the hybrid car employs a more complex multi-link rear suspension. The four levels of regenerative braking work very well, too, and are operated by paddles on the back of the steering wheel. Performance is more than adequate, with 218lb ft/295Nm of torque helping 0-62mph coming up in 11.9 seconds.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric Premium SE

0g/km

RANGE:

174 miles

VED:

Band A, £0

BIK:

7%

PRICE (OTR): £30,795 (inc VAT, not including government PiCG grant) likeable car with more range and a comparable price to the Nissan Leaf Acenta 30kWh. With the South Korean company’s standard five‑year unlimited mileage warranty package (with additional high voltage battery cover of eight years or 125,000 miles) and potential low running costs and tax, it will appeal to eco‑friendly fleets who want to save money.

Hyundai doesn’t see its new baby as an alternatively-fuelled car, but a ‘mainstream’ one. And that’s the overriding impression of the Ioniq Electric: it doesn’t feel like a traditional EV, and, as Hyundai states, feels very much like a ‘mainstream’ car, or at least one which non-electric car drivers would be comfortable with. The very likeable and commendable Ioniq is just the start of Hyundai’s green car ambitions – if it represents the shape of things to come from the South Korean brand, then there should be a quite impressive range of vehicles to look forward to. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.hyundai.co.uk

The Ioniq marks the shift in Hyundai’s strategy to produce more greener, eco‑friendly models and is a genuinely impressive start: it’s a well‑equipped, easy to drive and likeable car with more range and a comparable price to the Nissan Leaf Acenta 30kWh The Ioniq Electric has an 88kW electric motor and a 28kWh lithium-ion battery

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric has a well-built and equipped interior

The all-electric Hyundai is one member of the Ioniq family with Hybrid and PHEV versions

Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

51

EV Diary

MONTH THREE

Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh

Written by Richard Gooding

A highly usable range and impressive cost savings are just two benefits of the Nissan Leaf 30kWh. What has it been like living with the world’s best-selling electric car over the course of three months, and what other enjoyable qualities does it have? Richard Gooding has the answers Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV long‑termer Just as we were getting into the swing needed topping up with electricity every day of electric car ‘ownership’, our time with to get the best use out of it, due to its smaller Nissan’s all-conquering Leaf came to an 32-mile electric‑only range. When it all‑too abrupt end. Of course, the needed it, though, just as with the duration of the OY65 HTN’s period Mitsubishi, it quickly became with GreenFleet was always The second nature to plug the going to be three months, Leaf in as soon as I got but it’s surprising how Nissan h W home, just as instinctively quickly and easily some k 0 3 Leaf ressive, as it is to refill a mobile things fit into your life, phone the same way. and by and large, the an imp usable, s i y Leaf did. Very well. ll a practic ipped and Colder The 30kWh car arrived u temperatures in mid-September when well-eqly capable Towards the end of the weather was beginning e g u h car its time with us, the car to summon up its winter electric was being charged most wardrobe, but with an official nights, if not daily. This was in NEDC cycle range of 155 miles part due to the increasingly colder (read 125‑130 miles in real‑world temperatures and also because as the days conditions), that wasn’t going to be too much became shorter and the car’s lights and other of an issue. My daily commute is a minimum winter ancillaries needed to be used, an of 50 miles, so, in theory, in the ‘real‑world’, additional minimum of 10 miles had to be the Leaf would only need charging calculated into any distance sums. every other day. GreenFleet’s previous

The Leaf 30kWh is an eminently practical and impressive electric car

52

If the BOSE stereo system is fitted, boot space is cut by 15 litres thanks to the sub-woofer.

Charging cables live in rucksack bags

If not, there may not have been enough charge to reach the destination.

Of course, with an electric car, the remaining range is ‘elastic’ in the fact that if the car is driven with an eye on economy, that range increases. This was particularly true of my final commute. Every route on the satellite navigation displayed an empty battery at the destination, so I took a chance on the shortest distance home. Luckily, through careful driving and enjoying the comforts of only the heated seat and steering wheel (I was already running the car with no air‑conditioning on most journeys) I arrived home with 10 miles of charge remaining.

One of the things that proved was that the Leaf was very adaptable to driving styles and it was comforting to know that little range ‘overspend’ I had at the start of the journey easily turned into a range ‘credit’ at the end.

Almost perfect range Overall, though, the Leaf 30kWh’s range was almost perfect for day-to-day use,

Leaf’s A-pillars are quite thick and can impede vision

Nissan quotes an official range for the Leaf 30kWh of 155 miles. Expect to see a still useful 125‑130 miles in the real world

cent charge as an estimated range of 131 miles, but I have seen it go as high as 141 miles. I don’t drive particularly conservatively, either – I drive it more or less exactly as I drove my old internal combustion-engined car.

I do have ‘B’ mode on most of the time but mainly because I just like that extra ‘engine brake’ feel as part of the driving experience.”

Smartphone app Aside from range, another question which gets frequently asked is that of charging cost. And with that one, it’s a little harder to give a definite answer. The Leaf uses the convenient NissanConnect smartphone app which informs the driver of a host of usage figures and statistics, as well as enabling the pre-heating and timed charging functions. It really is thorough, and I used its electricity cost statistics to work out approximate charging costs. OY65 HTN was rarely charged from flat, and it featured the on-board 6.6kW charger which took the charging time down from nine to between four and five hours when using a 32A home‑charging unit.

My 7kW POD Point unit refilled the car in around four hours, and the NissanConnect app calculated an approximate cost of £1.05 per charge. This seemed at odds with my energy bills, though, which have seen a sizeable rise since the wallbox was installed in January 2016. It’s not an exact science, then, with POD Point itself quoting a cost of around £3.00 per charge (at a 10p per kWh electricity rate, which mirrors my own supply) when the 30kWh car is plugged in overnight. That is from empty, though, and even going on POD Point’s most expensive rate, the theoretical £192.00 the car has cost to charge over three months is still around only one month’s fuel cost for my internal combustion-engined car.

Kevin Fitzsimmons has found he has saved money, too. “My internal combustion‑engined car’s monthly fuel bill of around £165 has been replaced with £18 worth of electricity.” However, he has found that the NissanConnect app and corresponding website can be slow to update with the car’s data.

That’s not something I experienced, although on one morning, the system did time out, but Nissan sorted it quickly.

“Understated quality” There are plenty of things about the Leaf to like. “It’s a nicely-built car, with an understated quality feel to it,” said Kevin.

“I like the slightly elevated driving position.

The Leaf drives well, too, and is surprisingly good in corners, as well as being quite nippy off the start line if you want it to be.” That pretty much sums up our experience, too.

Comfortable with a good driving position and nicely-weighted steering and controls, the Leaf feels like a very ‘normal’ car to drive. Of course, it’s no sports car, even if its 187lb ft/254Nm and speedy take-offs feel like it has the pace of one. Just before it left us, the traction control light blinked on a trio of occasions as the front wheels scrabbled for grip, but the car never felt unstable.

EV Diary

both around town and out of it. Over the course of the three months, my driving ‘style’ changed to get the most out of the car, too.

When it first arrived, I ran it in ‘Eco’ mode all the time, with the extra ‘B’ regenerative braking setting (standard on Acenta models and above) also employed to put as much energy as possible back in the battery. This, however, may have been a misconception.

A couple of GreenFleet industry contacts stated that in ‘Eco’ mode, the car is trying to feed most if not all of the energy back into the battery, too, at the possible expense of ‘economy’. Nissan’s handbook bears this out, with instructions to run the car in ‘Eco’ around urban areas, and to use the standard ‘D’ drive mode when on the open road, selecting ‘B’ when the car is needed to slow down and stop. This worked perfectly, and ‘economy’ did increase a little.

I also switched to using the car’s battery percentage display as this was noted as being more accurate as the standard range ‘guessometer’, which, just like an internal combustion-engined car, could be known to be a little optimistic. One unexpected benefit of the switch to driving in ‘D’ and ‘B’ modes was that the car felt more ‘interactive’, as it seemed you were changing gear’, much like in a manual petrol or diesel vehicle.

Kevin Fitzsimmons is another Leaf Tekna 30kWh owner who was after an electric car which could deal with a similar 50-mile commute to my own. He weighed up the options: “I looked at a few cars. A Tesla was a little out of my league unfortunately, a BMW i3 was a bit pricey, and Renault only offered the Zoe with battery leasing then which was going to work out expensive as I only drive around 15,000 miles a year. So the Leaf it was, and it is built in the UK too, which is a nice bonus”.

Like us, Kevin finds that in real-world driving conditions, his car’s range is around 130 miles.

“On my normal commute I’m seeing 100 per

Logbook: month three 2016 Nissan Leaf Tekna 30kWh ENGINE:

80kW AC synchronous electric motor, 30kWh lithium-ion battery

CO2:

0g/km

RANGE PRICE (OTR):

155 miles £27,380 (inc VAT, after government PiCG)

DATE ACQUIRED:

September 2016

MILES THIS MONTH:

923

ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION:

150 Wh/mile

GF ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION:

3.6 miles/kWh

CHARGING COSTS THIS MONTH: COSTS THIS MONTH: TOTAL TEST MILEAGE:

£17.76 (see text) £0 2,903

TOTAL TEST AVERAGE ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION: 3.8 miles/kWh TOTAL TEST CHARGING COSTS:

£54.77 (see text)

Niggles? There were very few. Tekna versions of the Leaf feature a lovely-sounding seven‑speaker BOSE stereo system, and being a music lover, it was one thing about the car’s high specification which I really enjoyed. The only trouble is, the sub-woofer is mounted in the boot, across the back of the rear seat which impedes the luggage area, reducing it by 15 litres and eating into the practical square shape. Another minor issue I found towards the end of the three months was that the A-pillars are very thick and force to look around them when cornering, even though the small windows ahead of the doors are there to partly prevent just that. But, neither of those were major problems.

Hugely capable All in all then, as is stands, the Nissan Leaf 30kWh is an impressive, practically usable, technology-laden, well-equipped and hugely capable electric car. The fact that it feels little different to an internal combustion-engined vehicle is not to do it a disservice, and is actually a huge compliment. Because of that, it slots into your life very easily with little fuss. If the promise of increased range as the development of affordable electric vehicles continues, then there will soon be even fewer reasons not to choose a car purely ‘fuelled’ by electricity. More driver education is needed perhaps to encourage take-up, but once you’ve experienced an EV for a not insignificant amount of time, the benefits soon become apparent. Quiet, ‘clean’, and potentially cheap to run, GreenFleet now has a Nissan Leaf-shaped hole which will take something quite special to fill it. L

Volume 100 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE

53

Product Finder

HYDROGEN VEHICLES

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FLEET MANAGEMENT

ULEMCo

Chevin Fleet Solutions

Alphabet

Ulemco Ltd The Quay, 12 Princes Pararde, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 1BG Tel: 01928 787179 info@ulemco.com / www.ulemco.com

+44 1773 821992 Sales@chevinfleet.co.uk www.chevinfleet.com

Form One, Bartley Wood Business Park Hook, Hampshire RG27 9XA Tel: 0870 50 50 100 alphabet@alphabet.co.uk www.alphabet.co.uk

ULEMCo Ltd offer services to convert commercial vehicles to run on hydrogen.

Services include the supply & installation of a safely engineered retrofit, warranty and VSO certificate. H2ICED™ vans, have verified emissions at 59g/km CO2. Advice, consultancy and the supply of hydrogen refuelling capability can also be provided.

CAR AND VAN RENTAL

Chevin’s leading fleet management software, FleetWave, helps measure and reduce fleet costs, improve operational efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure compliance & risk requirements are met. The system manages the whole fleet lifecycle, from the initial acquisition of a vehicle, through to deployment, operating expenses, incidents, work orders, maintenance, legal requirements and finally disposal.

GreenCARE is Alphabet’s comprehensive online reporting, analysis and modelling tool designed to help customers reduce their CO2 emissions, fuel and fleet costs, while benchmarking performance against ‘average’ and ‘best in class’ fleet performers. Speak to us today to find out more about how GreenCARE can help to reshape your fleet.

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Green Motion 2 Redman Court, Bell Street, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0AA Tel: 01844 222333 reservations@greenmotion.co.uk www.greenmotion.co.uk Green Motion is the UK’s leading provider of low CO2 vehicle hire. Through our national network, we offer both leisure and business customers the opportunity to enjoy great value vehicle rental, while helping to reduce the impact of global CO2 emissions associated with road travel. Providing reporting and advice to management and staff, Green Motion can highlight savings in cost and impact on the environment.

ALFA Romeo 6, 22, 36 Certas 47 FIAT 4, 5 Fife Council 15 Jaguar 10, 11 Jeep IFC NAPFM Conference 16 The AA 12

Touchstar Technologies 16 Toyota OBC Trackm8 24, 28, 40, 41, 42, 43 Transport for London 20

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TIME TO CLEAN UP YOUR ACT?

Our exceptional choice of world-leading hybrids helps you reduce emissions and save money. For a test drive or more information call 0344 701 6186 or visit toyotalexusfleet.co.uk/cleanup

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ISSUE 100

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