Infrastructure rollout for zero-emission coach and HGV fleets should be prioritised on operators’ depots, followed by public provision such as at motorway services areas and then at destinations, RHA has told the government.
Such a position is outlined in the trade body’s response to a call for evidence (CfE) on infrastructure needs to support zero-emission coaches and HGVs that was published by the Department for Transport (DfT) in October. That will inform the development of an infrastructure strategy for those vehicles.
The CfE acknowledges the similar challenges around decarbonisation faced by coaches and HGVs in a further indication that the government is increasingly coming round to the reality that those sectors will share a largely common pathway on the move away from diesel.
Inclusion of coaches in the work has been welcomed by industry stakeholders, one of whom has suggested that such a position would have been unachievable in the past.
RHA received 475 responses via its engagement with coach and HGV operators around compiling a submission to the CfE. Policy Lead – Environment and Vehicles Chris Ashley says the Association welcomes the work, but cautions that “the picture will evolve in the years ahead.”
To that end, RHA is calling for an annual consultation with industry to continue building an evidence base. It also wants support for the use of transitional fuels such as HVO and compressed natural gas, “so all coach and HGV operators can start decarbonising now with confidence while zero-emission infrastructure is put in place.”
Mr Ashley adds that businesses in both sectors will “need clarity and certainty to be able to invest in the right technology to operate viably and support economic growth.”
That includes whether they should switch to battery- or hydrogen-based energy sources. The government has thus far said that it does not regard hydrogen combustion as a zero-emission technology, although it is much warmer towards hydrogen fuel cell-electric. However, the CfE claimed that battery-electric will develop “to suit the majority of coach applications.”
Responses to the CfE closed on 14 December. A government response will follow, with the infrastructure strategy expected to be published in 2024.
