Today SMMT presented the industry view on alternative technologies at the Sunderland Automotive Conference, an event focused on future technologies and low carbon vehicles.
Catherine Hutt, one of SMMT’s business development managers, presented on existing technology, alternative technology, the potential for electric vehicles and the UK’s role in low carbon transport. Referring to the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team’s (NAIGT) technology roadmap, Catherine explained that cars and commercial vehicles of the future will see improvements across all technologies, including the internal combustion engine, full hybrid vehicles, electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
In terms of electric vehicle take-up, she highlighted the consumer incentive and infrastructure development projects led by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). From January 2011, motorists will be entitled to a ‘Plug-In Car Grant’ of up to £5,000 when buying an electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell car that meets safety, reliability, performance and warranty standards. Further, the Plugged-In Places investment will see the installation of over 11,000 charging posts in London, Milton Keynes and North East England.
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