Experience the electric shock first hand

Feature

Do you have what it takes to beat the Sprig, GreenFleet’s resident eco-driving hero? If you think you do, get to Rockingham on 24 September for GreenFleet Arrive ’n’ Drive.

This year’s event promises even more low‑emission vehicles and technologies for fleet managers to put through their paces with over 100 types of vehicle on show

The pressure to reduce fuel costs is nothing new and remains the biggest challenge facing commercial fleet managers, followed by fuel price volatility. Finding cost-effective ways to green a fleet, increasing driver productivity and safety are all high up on the agenda. Any, or indeed all of the above can be addressed with a visit to the 2015 GreenFleet Arrive ‘n’ Drive, sponsored by RAC Business Solutions. Taking place on September 24 at Rockingham in Corby, Northants, the Arrive ‘n’ Drive gives attendees the opportunity to get hands on with the latest low and ultra-low emission fleet vehicles.

Rockingham Motor Speedway is a modern venue and Europe’s fastest racing circuit. Hosting a full range of track days, testing, driving experiences and motorsport, Rockingham is also the only intermediate oval in the UK, and is unique in its quadrilateral shape.

Wet grip
The track’s wet handling area can used to simulate a variety of driving conditions including ice, rain and slippery wet leaves. The area is designed to give drivers a greater understanding of the latest ABS, traction control and crash mitigating technologies, and the way that they affect vehicle control. This year, Kumho Tyre will be demonstrating safety techniques in the wet grip facility while showcasing its ground-breaking new tyres.

Euro 6
From September this year, all new petrol and diesel cars and small vans must be compliant with the Euro 6 emission standards. For diesel engines, Euro 6 dramatically drops the permitted level of NOx emitted down to a maximum of 80mg/km, compared to the 180mg/km level that was required for the previous Euro 5 version. The limit for NOx from petrol cars remains at 60mg/km.

For larger vans, the standard will be introduced in September 2016, but knock-on effects will soon mean better fuel economy and lower CO2. With this in mind, visitors to the Arrive ‘n’ Drive will be able to peruse the latest Euro 6 offerings from all the major manufacturers.

Cars on show
Certain to generate sustained interest at the event is the new Jaguar XE, the 2.0‑litre diesel engine version of which has official figures of 74.3mpg and average CO2 emissions of 99 grams per kilometre. BMW will present the jaw‑dropping hybrid i8 ‘supercar’, which can go from 0 to 60mph in just 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 256km/h (159mph). Ford will have its eagerly anticipated Mondeo Hybrid available for test drive, which the manufacturer states can achieve 67.3mpg and 99g/km of CO2 from its 2.0‑litre petrol engine.

The Tesla Model S is sure to be an extremely popular choice for visitors to the Arrive ‘n’ Drive. During the first half of 2015, the Model S ranked as the top selling plug-in electric car in the US with around 12,000 units sold.

What Audi claims will be a significant step towards its vision to be CO2-neutral is the introduction of the A3 e-tron hybrid, which will also be available to drive along with the GreenFleet Award-winning Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SUV hybrid and offerings from Mini, Toyota, Lexus, Volkswagen Commercials, Skoda, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Citroen and Peugeot.

At the GreenFleet Arrive ‘n’ Drive, The Robinson’s Group look forward to showcasing some of its latest hybrid Mercedes-Benz vehicles including the C350 e Sport. Adding to the already highly efficient C-Class range, the new Mercedes-Benz C350 e Sport Plug-In Hybrid provides the most efficient ride yet. This innovative new model has an impressive fuel economy of up to 134.5mpg and CO2 emissions from as low as 48g/km, so you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the journey. The Robinson’s Group will also have the Smart ForTwo and the Smart ForFour on show for visitors to experience.

Beat the Sprig
When you have the cleanest possible vehicles, further economies can be realised by driving them in a fuel efficient manner. Visitors to this year’s Arrive ‘n’ Drive will once again be able to put their eco-driving prowess to the test against GreenFleet’s green driving hero, the Sprig.

A 10 per cent improvement can save thousands per year on fuel. The vehicle used in last years’ Beat the Sprig challenge had an official fuel consumption figure of 78mpg, but after employing frugal driving techniques, the Sprig managed to set the benchmark at 87mpg. After a brief session of instruction in driver training and telematics, last year’s winner achieved a staggering 99mpg, a massive increase of model’s official fuel economy figure.

For 2015, visitors will be able to challenge the Sprig on the open road in both cars and vans from Peugeot. Each vehicle is fitted with state-of-the-art telematics technology from masternaut that can give instant readings such as harsh braking, excessive acceleration, and accurate mpg reading. After your first drive you will receive 10 minutes tuition from our ‘Driver Training Partner’, Pinnacle Driver Training, and you will then be asked to go out again, drive the same route, but putting your new-found eco-driving skills to good use. Once you return, a masternaut technician will give you your readings, and that’s when you will see if you make the leaderboard!

Workshops
The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) will be staging the Clean & Green Van workshop, which will includes research from its Low Emission Van Guide. Undertaken in partnership with Transport for London and the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the guide can assist van operators in reducing emissions and covers battery electrics, PHEVs, biodiesel, natural gas/methane and LPG. This session will be supported by Mitsubishi dealership Vic Young.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) will deliver a discussion on the challenge of air quality and carbon reduction. The FTA’s Christopher Snelling will address issues concerning the growing political agenda on air quality and how this will affect fleet operators with both vans and HGVs. Christopher will also touch upon Low emission zones and London ULEZ incorporating the need for all new cars and vans to be Euro 6 compliant from September.

The FTA’s Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme allows the UK logistics sector to publicly report its contribution towards national carbon reduction targets. Also presenting in this session will be SmartDrive, who will explain how they can help your driver’s safety and fuel efficiency through their patented vehicle data and video event recording technology. Protecting drivers on the road, and improving results for fleets everywhere.”

Those responsible for public sector vehicle procurement will be able to hear a presentation from the Crown Commercial Service, which details its purchasing frameworks, including the latest on fuel cards. Supported by Framework Accredited leasing specialists, Alphabet, this is a must for public sector professionals. Alphabet will share their wealth of knowledge and experiences in affinity and salary sacrifice schemes, and explain their services ranging from corporate car sharing to risk management and strategic consultancy.

Fleet solution providers
Arrive ’n’ Drive prides itself on being an all-encompassing show and that wouldn’t be the case if we didn’t have some of the most innovative and pioneering solution providers exhibiting on the day. Make sure you visit Route Monkey and see how they can help with route optimisation. Route Monkey has grown rapidly over the past 12 months as it continues to demonstrate savings of up to 20 per cent for its clients with award‑winning combined route optimisation and scheduling software. The company’s products schedule and optimise conventional, electric and ultra low carbon fleets and works with businesses and organisations to increase vehicle utilisation, reduce road miles, lower emissions, improve the carbon footprint, thereby delivering a fast ROI.

Meanwhile Chevin Fleet Solutions and Magenta Technology will be able to assist you with fleet management technology. Alphabet, Autokontrol and Telogis will all offer expert advice on business mobility, rev limiters and mobile workforce solutions respectively.

Alphabet is a leading provider of business mobility. Driven by creativity, future vision and the passionate commitment of its employees, Alphabet supports its customers in both the public and private sectors, to enjoy higher productivity and efficiency from their vehicles and drivers. Believing that electric vehicles form an important part of the future of business mobility, the company has created AlphaElectric, which helps you to incorporate electric vehicles seamlessly into your fleet.

Alphabet manages over 121,000 fleet vehicles in the UK while internationally Alphabet operates in 19 countries and supplies over 500,000 vehicles.

Telematics and software
Autokontrol is the manufacturer of Drive by Wire devices which can be fitted to all makes of vehicle. Autokontrol devices will limit top speed, reversing speed, towing speed, off road speed, geofenced zone speed and engine revs. Autokontrol has developed a three-function printed circuit board which can cover any three of the above options in one small box.

All devices carry EU approvals and are tamper-proof. Top speed limiters save fuel when fitted to vehicles used on distance work whilst engine rev controls save fuel on every journey by preventing over revving. The reversing speed limiter is very popular as some operators find that their drivers ignore the reversing bleepers.

Additionally, SmartDrive will be showcasing its innovative event recording system, capturing comprehensive vehicle data from risky driving behaviours. As a fully managed service, SmartDrive gives fleets a comprehensive performance programme, arming them with actionable driving intelligence and easy-to-use tools necessary to respond to driver safety concerns in minutes.

The SmartRecorder System is triggered by a three-axis accelerometer that measures sudden movements such as swerving and hard braking, and a speed sensor that determines when a driver exceeds a safe speed. The recorded video events are then reviewed by expert analysts, resulting in predictive analytics and a personalised driving improvement programme for drivers to greatly reduce risky behaviours of up to 50 per cent. Additionally, the video recording before and after a driving incident, helps settle claims and not-at-fault drivers can be clearly exonerated.

Telogis provides a cloud-based location intelligence software platform that has a transformative effect on the way businesses optimise their mobile workforces, assets and critical data. The Telogis platform delivers mission-critical, actionable information for companies with mobile workforces and continues to set the standard for global location intelligence.

Telogis’ mobile enterprises includes advanced telematics (Telogis Fleet), mobility (Telogis mobile applications), territory planning and route optimisation (Telogis Route) and work order management and configurable job forms (Telogis Progression). By installing location-intelligent solutions, companies can analyse when and where its vehicles are used, and how they are being driven.

Electric Avenue
Prepare for Euro 6 and take a journey down ‘Electric Avenue’ where we will once again feature the very latest in electric vehicles, and have a designated test circuit to provide a ‘real-world’ experience. Sponsored by Route Monkey, Electric Avenue will have organisations that operate recharging technology and infrastructure in attendance and their expert knowledge and advice will be available throughout the day. This will come from Rolec, EDF Energy and Siemens.

Electric Avenue will play host to many exciting EVs including the Audi A3 e-tron, Volkswagen’s e-Golf and Golf GTE, as well as the BMW i3. Additionally, visitors will be able to view a range of Nissan models, including the Nissan Leaf, e-NV200 and Pulsar.

For 2015, the much-anticipated and highly coveted Tesla Model S will be on show. Designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, with a rigid body structure, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a remarkably low centre of gravity, the Model S offers the responsiveness and agility expected from the world’s best sports cars while providing the ride quality of an executive saloon. Hit the accelerator and in 4.2 seconds, the Model S is travelling 60 miles per hour, without hesitation and without a drop of petrol.

The Peugeot Partner electric and iOn will also be staged. The Partner Electric combines the van’s great features with an electric drive train to reduce the carbon footprint. This van can also do 106 miles on a full charge, with a potential top speed of 68mph. Unlike its competitors, the battery price is included and the vehicle offers rapid charge capability. With more manufacturers anticipated to join the event, you can expect this list to grow.

Leasing
Public sector specialists Automotive Leasing, part of LeasePlan, has delivered fleet funding and management solutions for over 25 years, and played a huge part in introducing electric vehicles to fleets in Scotland. Through AlphaElectric, business mobility specialist Alphabet serves the public and private sectors, and through its EV consultancy service AlphaElectric, has applied some clever thinking to help answer questions on how to incorporate EVs seamlessly into fleets.

Admin Business Solutions, who will be completing all licence checks at the start of the day, will also be available to discuss how they can help you with your business. National Accident & Repair Group will be keeping you on the move and on the road as the leading experts in accident and repair in the UK.

Green vehicle hire specialist Green Motion will also be on hand to discuss its latest rental options. Green Motion is the pioneer of environmentally focused vehicle rental which has continued to develop the unique concept throughout the world, and is now present in 13 countries.

Licence details
In order to test drive vehicles, visitors will need to provide their license details to Admin Business Solutions, which will be completing all licence checks at the start of the day. The company supplies some of the largest car leasing and car manufacturers in the UK, and is an intermediary for the DVLA. Other organisations involved include the National Accident & Repair Group, a UK leading expert in accident and repair.

Previous delegates have said: “This is a tremendous event, that’s growing every year, which is great to see. I really enjoyed my day with GreenFleet, it was an amazing day and staff were really nice and professional can’t wait for next one.”

Last year, a delegate commented: “It gets better every year. The opportunity to test cars back to back on the same ‘roads’ is invaluable.”

The GreenFleet Arrive ‘n’ Drive provides a fantastic opportunity to network with other professionals and exchange ideas. Over the last eight years, it has become a key diary date for those tasked with fleet efficiency.

For more information
Visit: events.greenfleet.net/arrivedrive
Email: dan.lee@psigroupltd.co.uk
Tel: 020 8532 5732.