Lighting up London’s roads

CAPITAL GreenFleet returns to London this month, as The Oval prepares itself for the best the CAPITAL has to offer by the way of green transport. Here, GreenFleet looks ahead to 25 February and highlights what to expect.

CAPITAL GreenFleet is the event that aims to help London’s fleet operators gain a better understanding of the electric and plug-in vehicle market, allowing them to ascertain whether this new technology can be assimilated in to their everyday transport operations.

As the government cracks down on gas‑guzzling vehicles, many organisations are being persuaded to change their fleet to ‘greener’, more eco-friendly vehicles, and with grants from government bodies such as the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), this is becoming a more viable option for many organisations.  

After two successful years this will be the third CAPITAL event in London and we now find ourselves at an exciting time as this is the beginning of a new ‘EV Revolution’. Following the recent OLEV announcements, it emerged that London was granted £13 million, with the ultimate goal being to deliver 70,000 ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) by 2020 and almost a quarter of a million by 2025.

Keynote presentations
In order for delegates to leave this event well informed, GreenFleet has gained the support from the key players in this sector that will discuss issues and answer questions surrounding plug-in vehicles.

Once again, the day will be hosted by TV presenter and motoring journalist Quentin Willson, who will chair the early seminar session, and then host his own groups throughout the day too. We will be joined by Richard Bruce, head of OLEV, who will highlight where London currently stands with public infrastructure and detail the latest information on car and van grants.

We will also have Christophe Arnaud from BluePoint London, who has been very influential in the success of electric vehicles (EVs) in France and responsible for the recharging infrastructure in Paris. Arnaud will also share knowledge and discuss ‘Borough specific’ issues, as well as infrastructure matters, pinpointing exactly how London can be as successful in using and operating EVs.

Sponsored by Alphabet, CAPITAL GreenFleet will prove especially useful for organisations based in the southern counties of Kent, Sussex and Surrey. The event will explore the Energise charging infrastructure across the southern region which overlaps with the London charging infrastructure, making it easier for drivers to charge their cars out of their proximity. Thus, for drivers that run any form of transport in and out of London, CAPITAL GreenFleet will demonstrate how this can be done in an EV.

CAPITAL GreenFleet aims to equip you with the right knowledge you need to run your fleet more efficiently.

Group sessions
Our main sponsor for this event is Alphabet, who is a leading provider of business mobility, with both car and commercial vehicle funding and management expertise. Alphabet will also be able to share industry knowledge and discuss leasing and funding options.

After the seminar session, delegates will break out for closed 30-minute group sessions with Alphabet, as well as route optimisation specialists, Route Monkey. These will be done in the sumptuous Executive Boxes, overlooking the famous Oval pitch. The idea here is to discuss leasing issues, as well as knowing whether EVs will work in your operation, without the initial outlay beforehand.

Test drives
The major electric and hybrid motor manufacturers will be present for the popular test drives which will offer delegates the opportunity to ‘experience’ the vehicles they have to offer.

BMW’s first electric car, the i3, will be available for test drives on the day, as both a pure EV and as a range-extended version. With a range of up to 100 miles in the standard comfort driving mode, the BMW i3 more than covers the typical driving demands for commuting. If you need the reassurance of being able to drive further, a BMW i3 with a range extender increases the range to up to 186 miles.  

We will also have vehicles from Nissan, our current EV and LCV Manufacturer of the Year. It will have the Nissan e-NV200, which is perfect if a small van is needed for your business, featuring an impressive range of 106 miles and zero CO2 emissions. This year we are delighted to bring you one of the first showings of the Nissan e-NV200 Evalia, the seven seat option of the impressive electric van, which also has a range of 106 miles and zero CO2 emissions, plus a 30 minute rapid-charge option. Both vehicles will be available for test drives.

Mitsubishi will also be joining us, showcasing the award-winning Outlander PHEV, which offers high economy at just 42g/km CO2. The Outlander’s ultra-low emissions mean that it is completely exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty. This plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) has a combination of a high efficiency petrol engine and an electric battery that drives it, making it capable of an impressive 156mpg.

Kia will also be showcasing the Soul EV, which will also be there for you to test drive on the day. This little EV is one of the most eye‑catching cars to hit the market, offering zero CO2 emissions and five per cent BIK in its first year.

Further Information
events.greenfleet.net/capital