October 26 2022
In our latest blog, Ian Luckett, Chair of the Zero Emission Coach Taskforce, writes about the Zero Emission Coach Taskforce attending the Euro Bus Expo and invites stakeholders to join in the discussion
I’m delighted to be attending this year's Euro Bus Expo, showcasing the work of CPT’s Zero Emission Coach Taskforce.
As most of you will be aware, the taskforce released their findings from phase one in July, in a report “What are the Challenges to Transitioning to a Zero Emission Coach Fleet?” which identified the current lack of certainty over zero emission technology as the most significant barrier facing the industry. Will future coaches be powered by electric, hydrogen or will we be looking at a combination of solutions? This lack of direction resulted in hesitancy within the sector, and additional challenges relating to the choice of vehicles, the required refuelling and recharging infrastructure, financing options, operational difficulties and challenges for the suppliers of coaches.
Rebecca Kite, Policy Manager for CPT and secretary of the taskforce will lead a session on the main barriers identified in the report and why the work of the taskforce is vital to ensuring our coach fleet can transition to zero emission technologies in a workable and sustainable way. Rebecca’s session will also introduce the second phase of the taskforce and our hoped outputs. The session, Zero Emission Coach Taskforce – identifying the challenges on the road to destination zero, is scheduled for takes place at 12:30pm on Tuesday 1 November, please do come along and join Rebecca for this discussion.
Then, later in the afternoon at 2:30pm in the masterclass theatre I’ll lead an interactive session on our progress with phase two so far, which seeks to identify possible solutions to our identified barriers, potential collaborations with other key stakeholders, and to agree a list of requirements that will enable our coach fleet to sustainably transition to zero emission technologies.
We will brief attendees on the emerging conclusions reached by the taskforce so far and will give an early opportunity for attendees to comment on and shape the future discussions of the taskforce. This session will be supported by members of the taskforce.
I have been hugely impressed and inspired by the work of the taskforce so far; this is your chance to ensure your comments are captured and I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to join the discussion and help us map out the ‘road to zero.’ It is important for us that this next stage of the taskforce is as collaborative and constructive as possible, so all feedback is very welcome.
The Euro Bus Expo showcases the latest developments in buses, coaches, mini and midi vehicles, equipment, components and services. Find out more information on exhibitors, speaker program and how you can attend here.