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The countdown has started for this year’s SMMT Electrified, which is being held at the QEII Centre in London on 12 March.
Organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the event brings together 450 senior figures from across government, manufacturing and the wider mobility ecosystem to look at the latest developments and challenges in the transition to zero emission vehicles.
SMMT Electrified will explore the policies, investment and collaboration needed to accelerate the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and other zero emission technologies, supporting the UK’s journey to net zero.
Keynote speakers include Keir Mather, DFT Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonization and Professor Sir Jim Skea, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Other speakers include Jan Kohlmeier, MAN Truck and Bus managing director, Ian Macaulay, DHL Supply Chain decarbonisation programme lead, Amy Stokes, Volvo trucks UK & Ireland decarbonisation director, and Michael Boxwell, Voltempo Group corporate development director.
SMMT said the event was taking place this year against the promising backdrop of the return of consumer incentives for ZEVs, additional funding committed for charging infrastructure rollout and promised reforms to the electricity market and grid connections, which are expected to drive ZEV uptake.
The Society added: “The £2.5bn secured for a decade-long research and investment programme, coupled with long overdue commitment through the Industrial Strategy to reduce business energy cost and the completion of several trade deals with key partners, will go a long way towards making the UK competitive again as a location for manufacturing the cleanest, greenest vehicles.
“There is no time to lose. A razor-sharp focus must now be trained on delivering these measures at pace and keeping the UK on the right track towards net zero.”
Mike Hawer, SMMT chief executive, said: “SMMT Electrified will play a vital role in bringing together industry, policymakers and the wider industry to focus the ways in which the UK can support and accelerate the transition to zero emission mobility while remaining internationally competitive.”
He added that the event “will look towards the steps needed to scale EV production, strengthen charging and grid infrastructure, secure battery supply chains and unlock investment – all vital for delivering ambitious decarbonisation plans.”
Tickets are available to purchase here or email electrified@smmt.co.uk.
