This week I’m writing from Hanover, Germany as it hosts IAA Transportation, one of the world’s largest CV exhibitions, with a buzzing atmosphere as manufacturers and industry leaders from across the globe gather to showcase their latest tech and exchange ideas.
While it is well known the ZEV car market has taken off in recent years, at IAA this week we have seen that all the HGV manufacturers now have a zero emission offering, with the level of innovation on show has been a huge cause for excitement.
Attendees have been able to get a closer look under the bonnet or climb in the cab of some of the latest trucks, while other vehicles have been kept behind a rope like a priceless piece of art. The future has arrived, and I’m looking forward to seeing these new technologies being introduced to the UK market.
Of course, there remains plenty of work to be done across the sector in the years ahead, but one clear message that’s coming out of the event, from a UK perspective, is the need for more detail and support on the roll-out of charging and refuelling infrastructure, as well as greater purchase incentives for fleet operators that are commensurate with those in Europe.
SMMT is continuing to represent the sector’s needs on these issues among many others. Earlier this week, we held a webinar with the Department for Transport (DfT) and Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) to give our members the opportunity to hear about two consultations currently being run on proposed changes to the HGV driver licensing regime.
This follows the introduction of alternative-fuelled vehicles and 2018 changes to the weight limit for Category B driving licence holders from 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes – the extra 750kg covering the battery weight required for plug-in vehicles.
Now that the UK has departed from the EU, the UK government can decide which licencing laws best suit the needs of operators using alternative-fuelled vehicles. DfT is seeking views on potential changes to driving licence flexibility for alternatively-fuelled vans and other vehicles of similar weight.
The end of sale of non-zero emission powered light weight vehicles, which come under Category L, are also being consulted on including the dependency on the entitlement of licence holders.
SMMT members were able to ask OZEV questions and assist with our response to the consultation, however, we are continuing to seek feedback before submitting our response.
The recent extension to the introduction of the new GB Type Approval Regime to 2024 was a win for SMMT and our members after a high level of participation and clear feedback, so it is crucial that all members express their views once again.
To help us put together our submission, please send in your comments by next Monday.
