Birmingham to host world’s first zero emission vehicle summit

Posted on 29 May 2018 by Jonny Williamson

The West Midlands capital is to host the world’s first zero emission vehicles summit, following a pledge from the prime minister at the One Planet event in Paris.

Govt has a mission to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission vehicles – image courtesy of Depositphotos.

The summit will bring together policy makers, industry experts and opinion formers from around globe to tackle carbon emissions and to find ways to improve air quality.

Through the modern Industrial Strategy and Automotive Sector Deal the government is reportedly committed to making transport technology cleaner and greener.

As the prime minister made clear in her landmark Industrial Strategy speech, the government has a mission to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission vehicles, making all new cars and vans effectively emission-free by 2040.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “The government is committed to meeting our climate change targets and cleaning up our air and to help achieve that we are investing £1.5bn in ultra-low emission vehicles by 2021.

“This ground-breaking event shows Britain leading the way in developing the new technology that will create new jobs and help improve the air we breathe.

“And with a proud history in pioneering vehicle manufacturing, Birmingham is exactly the right location to showcase the innovations of the future.

Business secretary Greg Clark said: “The Midlands has a rich automotive heritage and the growth of high-tech manufacturing across the region continues to drive investment into the region, produce highly skilled jobs and boost economic growth – making it an ideal place to lead the world in zero emission vehicles.

“Our modern Industrial Strategy sets out plans for the transition to ultra-low and zero emissions vehicle technology and this summit, bringing together global leaders in the green vehicle revolution, is an important step on the road to making that ambition a reality.”

The summit will continue at Cenex-LCV – the UK’s premier low carbon vehicle event – held at Millbrook Proving Grounds on 12 September 2018.

Innovation and technology is at the heart of the transition to Zero Emission Vehicles, and LCV features innovative technology from international companies and is an established fixture of the automotive calendar.

Reportedly, the government has also announced it is considering further options for reducing emissions for last mile deliveries, to be set out by Cycling and Walking Minister Jesse Norman in a forthcoming call for evidence, including for the first time providing grants and/or other financial incentives to support the use of e-cargo bikes.