EV infrastructure and freight decarbonisation on the agenda at next week’s Smart Transport Conference

Electric vehicle infrastructure and the decarbonisation of the UK freight industry will be put under the spotlight at next week’s Smart Transport Conference in Leeds.

The Department for Transport (DfT), SSE, CNG Fuels, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), FedEx Express, Daf Trucks and Urban Transport Group will all take part in expert breakout sessions that will spark debate about the latest challenges facing electric and alternative fuel infrastructure in the UK at the event on Tuesday (10 May).

The one-day conference is being held in person at The Queens Hotel in Leeds and brings together the public and private sector to address the challenges of decarbonisation and creating integrated transport solutions.

There are eight breakout sessions that will be available as part of the day, but “The future of urban and national logistics” and “Electric vehicle and alternative fuel infrastructure” are particularly relevant for fleet professionals.

Richard Bruce, DfT director of transport decarbonisation, will give an overview of the car and van zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, the DfT’s overall EV charging infrastructure strategy, and programmes announced to deliver charging infrastructure and the opening of two Clean Air Zones.

The EV infrastructure session will also see Kevin Welstead, SSE Enterprise Utilities sector director EV set out their latest strategies to help electrify transport and Philip Fjeld, CEO, CNG Fuels will speak on the challenge of increasing low carbon infrastructure for freight. Sam Li, TfGM senior innovation officer will contribute on the Q&A panel that follows.

Ed Clarke, vice president, ground operations UK, FedEx Express, will give a latest update on his company’s electrification strategy and the role e-cargo bikes can play as part of reducing emissions in last mile delivery operations.

Daf Trucks managing director Laurence Drake will discuss the current challenges facing the heavy freight sector to switch to alternative fuel technologies and the progress already being made.

Clare Linton, Urban Transport Group policy and research advisor, will look at how HGV fleets are utilising the UK’s rail as part of the solution to decarbonise their operations.

The full agenda features over 30 senior speakers from across the transport industry and tickets are available now.

Tickets to the Smart Transport Conference are available to book now.