Transport minister Andrew Jones said a new accreditation scheme for low-carbon HGV technology will support the UK’s “huge success story” in developing low-emission vehicles.

The Low Carbon Accreditation Scheme for HGV technology has been under development for more than a year, led by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership.

It will enable manufacturers and operators to conduct tests to validate the impact on fuel consumption and emissions of retrofit technology – such as low rolling resistance tyres, aerodynamic additions, or engine efficiency technology - under a range of realistic operating scenarios.

Information will be provided on the operational characteristics of the technology, providing practical data to operators on its potential applicability.

Speaking at the LowCVP’s annual conference today, Jones said: “This new scheme will help the freight industry to embrace the latest technology.

"The UK’s low emission vehicle industry is a huge success story and a source of strength in our economy,” he added.

Commercial vehicles account for more than 30% of CO2 emissions from the road transport sector.  While emissions from HGVs are down by around 9% since 1990, emissions from vans have grown by 48%.

LowCVP MD Andy Eastlake said: “Earlier work by the LowCVP identified that the absence of reliable, robust and accessible data was one of the most significant barriers to the adoption of low carbon and fuel saving technology in trucks.

“We believe that this initiative will encourage the adoption of many positive innovations, saving carbon and costs, and can form the basis for further policy support in this vital road transport sector.”

Andrew Lowery, vice-chair at TfL’s LoCity HGV working group, said: “With a wide range of products and services on the market all aiming to reduce vehicle emissions, it is difficult to know which are the most cost-effective solutions for particular duty cycles.

"LoCity therefore welcomes the launch of this technology certification scheme to help better inform fleet operators.”

Details of LowCVP's new test scenario for urban multi-drop work was highlighted at last month's LoCity conference.

  • LowCVP has been supported on the project by the DfT and Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), with key partners including Horiba Mira, Millbrook, TRL, Michelin, Stobart Group, Mercedes Truck, TfL and Transport KTN.

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