Counting down to ban on sale of new petrol and diesel cars
Experts from a range of backgrounds put the unfolding electric vehicle transport revolution under the microscope at an event hosted by Edinburgh Napier.
The annual conference moved online this year, but Cabinet Secretary for Transport Michael Matheson was again in attendance as delegates discussed a series of related issues.
Motorists will only be able to buy electric or hydrogen cars and vans after the planned ban on the sale of new petrol, diesel or hybrid cars in the UK comes into force in the next 15 years.
The University event heard questions posed about the provision of charging infrastructure, the huge variations between different local authority areas and whether the Scottish Government should set targets for EV charging stations.
Delegates were also keen to get an insight into Government thinking on other sustainable fuel types like hydrogen vehicles, and how road network improvement projects were balanced against commitments to tackle climate change.
There was also discussion about influencing public attitudes, and the measures being taken to persuade motorists that electric vehicles are a viable option.
Speakers from Scottish Power, Dundee City Council, the Norwegian EV Association, Energy Saving Trust and Connected Kerb addressed points about their own areas of interest, with questions covering everything from electric car battery life and the efficiency of heat pumps to charging infrastructure and power grid capacity.
The event, the sixth in the series at the University, also heard from Jamie Pearson, Edinburgh Napier’s Environmental Sustainability Manager, who spoke about the University’s fleet of vehicles, range of charging points, electrically assisted bicycles, working partnerships and future strategy.
For more details see the University’s Transport Research Institute event blog
The recording of the event can be viewed here