New Low Emission Van Guide launched

A new Low Emission Van Guide has been published by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership and Cenex.

The guide is intended for use by van buyers, fleet managers and procurement leaders, and provides an overview of low emission vans, the alternative fuels and technologies that can be used as well as providing advice on fleet management best practice.

It includes information on:

• the low emission van market and range of government incentives for adoption available.
• the most appropriate technologies for circumstances relating to particular fleets.
• the key factors to consider in terms of low emission vans, fuels and related technologies.
• best practice options for cutting costs and emissions from conventional vehicles.
• a selection of ‘real world’ case studies showing what can be achieved.

The guide looks at operational, financial and environmental considerations and a range of technology options including battery electric vans; plug-in hybrid and extended range electric vehicles; charging infrastructure;  liquefied petroleum gas and BioLPG; compressed natural gas and biomethane; high blend biodiesel and hydrogen fuel cell and dual fuel options.

It also includes information on the revised licensing which now allows category B licence holders to drive alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) up to 4.25 tonnes.

LowCVP’s Managing Director, Andy Eastlake, said: ‘Van use is one of the most important and complex road transport sectors. It’s been growing rapidly and represents a major source of the polluting emissions which we urgently need to tackle from both air quality and climate change perspectives.

‘Government has committed to all new vans in 2040 being effectively zero emissions, so we need to move now if we’re going to get fast enough down that Road to Zero.’

‘Technology is advancing rapidly in many areas and it’s vital that fleet managers are up-to-speed with the latest options. This new guide should help them get close to the forefront of developments and plan for the future.’

Print copies of the Low Emission Van Guide will be available at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham (30 April — 2 May) from several stands, including BVRLA (Stand F403), Commercial Motor (4G35) Autogas Ltd (3E30) and Ford (FE10 & FE20). 

A digital download of the report is available here