Rural businesses give green light to carbon vehicle technology

Delegates at a Warwickshire Rural Electric Vehicle (WREV) showcase saw evidence that the pioneering spirit which has long made Coventry & Warwickshire a world leader in automotive development still beats strong.

At the recent event at Stoneleigh Park, delegates discussed the latest low carbon vehicle technology and enjoyed a test drive. The day featured presentations from industry experts who reported back on a WREV trial in which small rural businesses based in Warwickshire adopted electric vehicle technology for work and leisure.

The two-year trial, by Coventry University, Warwickshire County Council and Greenwatt Sustainable Solutions, saw 16 local businesses from a range of sectors ditch diesel and hook up to electric cars and vans. It was aimed at supporting rural SMEs interested in adopting electric vehicle technology in an attempt to lower vehicle costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

Mike Woollacott, project director of Greenwatt Technology, said: “Electric vehicles are not suitable for every situation but are ideal for rural businesses with local transport routes. Our project participants were impressed by the driving style and comfort of the electric cars and vans with benefits including: no exhaust fumes and emissions, fuel savings which can be reinvested back into the business, and not having to rely upon rural filling stations.”

During the event, Warwickshire County Council, Coventry University and Microcab Industries Ltd announced a low carbon vehicle collaboration. The council will provide a test bed for the Microcab H2EV, adding the vehicle to its fleet to trial over the coming months. Staff will use the car to attend meetings and carry out duties around the county, providing useful feedback on their experience.

The car has a range of 180 miles on hydrogen and another 20 miles on its back up electric cell. It is particularly suitable for journeys to Atherstone, Bedworth, Kenilworth and Nuneaton as the hydrogen filling station is located in Coventry.

Microcab Industries, a spin out from Coventry University, is one of many SMEs in Coventry & Warwickshire, engaged in the low carbon R&D supply chain, to attract the attention of automotive companies from around the world.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: "At Warwickshire County Council we are committed to protecting the environment and this joint enterprise will help raise awareness of the creativity and research taking place in the locality as well as improve the council’s experience of operating low carbon vehicles.

Councillor Philip Johnson added: "This collaboration will promote the innovation and support that’s available both locally and nationally. Reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector remains an important concern that impacts all UK motorists."

The Council is one of the first local authorities in the country to take part in a hydrogen-powered car trial.

The project was part of the Warwickshire Rural Growth Network programme which was funded by DEFRA and managed by Warwickshire County Council on behalf of the Local Enterprise Partnership.