FTA event to help van operators reach zero emission target

Friday 30 August 2019

With the government's stated ambition to transition road transport to a zero-emission industry by 2040, van operators must have a plan in place to decarbonise their businesses. A panel session at FTA’s brand-new event, Future Van 2019, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Vans, will arm operators and industry leaders with the knowledge they need to turn their fleets electric.

Taking place at the NAEC in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire on 3 October 2019, renowned industry expert Tim Campbell of Campbell’s Consultancy will chair the panel discussion, Adopting Electric. He will be joined by electric vehicle pioneers Andy Eccles, Head of Fleet at Mercedes-Benz Vans, Chris Chandler, Principal Consultant at Lex Autolease and Simon King, Fleet and Procurement Director at Mitie. The event is also sponsored by Bott Ltd, Brigade Electronics, Hertz UK Ltd, Lex Autolease and Quartix. 

Mark Cartwright, Head of Vans and Light Commercial Vehicles at FTA, commented: “With the government’s firm commitment to transition road transport to a zero-emission industry by 2040, it is imperative that van operators have a strategy plan in place to decarbonise their operations. The landscape is changing rapidly, with fully electric vans – such as those by Mercedes-Benz Vans – already in production; Highways England has also committed £15 million to ensure there are charge points every 20 miles on 95% of the Strategic Road Network by 2020. But despite this progress, there are many challenges ahead – such as payload issues, long-term confidence in residual values, and the need to upgrade nationwide infrastructure – which must be overcome before electric-powered vans can become commonplace.”

Mr Cartwright continued: “During the session, our panel of experts will share the UK’s logistical plans for electrification, including charging points, locations, accessibility and overall infrastructure, in addition to vehicle technology and performance.”

FTA’s Future Van 2019 will bring together some of the most innovative minds in the industry to discuss and debate the forces set to shape the market in the coming years. Other sessions, presented by a diverse panel of speakers, will cover upcoming legislation and the latest in last mile technology, including combined drone and van.

The price to attend the conference is £295.00 + VAT for FTA members or £350.00 + VAT for non-members. To book your place please visit fta.co.uk/futurevan

Administered by FTA, the leading organisation in UK logistics, Van Excellence was created in 2010 to promote the safe operation of vans, represent the interests of the sector, and celebrate operators demonstrating excellent standards.  Central to the scheme is the Van Excellence Code, a set of minimum best practice standards all van operators should aspire to achieve, covering safety, efficiency and sustainability.

For more information on Van Excellence, including how to join the scheme, please visit http://www.vanexcellence.co.uk, email  info@vanexcellence.co.uk or call 03717 11 22 22.