Beyond the low carbon vehicle exhibition itself, the event comprises a wide-ranging seminar programme, a significant number of ride and drive low carbon vehicles in a test track environment, and major networking activities.
Vehicles available to ride and drive have been provided by: Alternatech, Arcola Energy, Autogas, BMW, Brigade Electronics, Bosch UK, BYD, Cenex, Continental Engineering Services, Delta Motorsport, EV Connectors, FEV, Ford Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Mahle Powertrain, Millbrook, Mitsubishi Motors, the Niche Vehicle Network, Nissan, RDM Group, Ricardo, Tata Motors European Technical Centre, Tevva, Torotrak, Toyota, ULEMCo and Volkswagen UK.
Keynote presentations are being aired by: Climate Change and Industry Minister Nick Hurd; Ian Constance, chief executive of the Advanced Propulsion Centre; Dr Stephen Neugebauer of BMW Group; and Simon Edmonds, director of manufacturing and materials at the government’s Innovate UK.
“We have the largest exhibition to-date and industry experts presenting in the seminar sessions,” enthuses Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex.
Top exhibitor news so far includes: BYD’s launch of its all-electric 10.8-metre single decker bus; Intertek’s announcement of the first independent power testing facilities for eMotors; and the Niche Vehicle Network’s revelation of another feasibility study competition worth £80,000 for low carbon vehicles.
BYD’s new all-electric shorter bus has been developed for the UK market, with visitors to CENEX LCV trying them in service as they deliver the shuttle service from the car park.
The BYD 10.8m on show can carry 76 passengers, 26 seated, and boasts a single-charge range of 211 miles under the internationally recognised SORT 2 test conditions.
Power delivery is via two 90kW electric motors and BYD says the batteries can be recharged in four hours. Future models will be built with Alexander Dennis (ADL).
“We have more models to introduce,” comments UK country manager Frank Thorpe. “Our world first double decker is on trial in London, more single decker models in other lengths will be offered in due course, and next week, at IAA Hanover, operators can see another pioneering BYD model - the world's first pure electric sightseeing coach.”
Meanwhile, quality assurance provider Intertek has become one of the first in Europe to be accredited by VCA to perform power certification testing on eMotors – enabling the company to provide type approval testing for petrol, diesel and now also electric vehicle engines.
As for the Niche Vehicle Network news, its latest funding competition is aimed at helping low-carbon vehicle developers to ramp up their emerging technology developments and ultimately new vehicle products.
Sponsored by OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) and Innovate UK, the competition is aimed at placing grant funds of up £8,000 for desk-top research into innovative vehicle technologies.
The call for applications opens tomorrow (15 September2016) and the competition closes on 31 October 2016.