The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the light CV suppliers for its Low Carbon Procurement Programme, in which selected public sector organisations will buy hybrid and electric-powered CVs to stimulate innovation and investment in the technologies.
Four manufactures have been approved for the programme - electric
vehicles will be supplied by Allied, Modec and Smith Electric, while hybrid technology will be supplied by Ashwoods.
Between 100 and 150 vehicles will be trialled initially, with the DfT providing grants towards procurement, covering the incremental cost of the low-carbon vehicle option compared with a conventional CV.
If successful, the trial will expand into the wider public sector, helping to drive down vehicle costs due to economies of scale.
Adrian Vinsome, head of programmes for Cenex, which helped to develop the strategy, says: "By offering the manufacturers a market for their products, the programme hopes to stimulate
innovation and encourage manufacturers to bring forward R&D."
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