Fleet operators will be supported in their transition to net zero by new guidance published today (Feb 24). Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution, SP Energy Networks and EV fleet and battery storage specialist Zenobē have worked collaboratively through Scotland's Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce to produce guidance on how fleet operators can switch to electric by making informed technology choices and working with their network operator. Stakeholders are invited to a webinar to learn more.
The Scottish Government has set world leading targets to end Scotland's contribution to climate change by 2045 and the transport sector is playing its part. Scottish electricity distribution network operators (DNOs), SSEN and SP Energy Networks, and Zenobē, are working to support operators' zero carbon ambitions and to build information about fleets to ensure the network is ready.
As fleet operators look to replace their vehicles with greener alternatives, they will need to understand and analyse their current and future electricity and charging infrastructure requirements. To support operators in their decarbonisation journey, Zenobē have published a guide to electric vehicle batteries and battery performance. The DNOs' guide provides an overview of the engagement, design and connections processes for working with local network operators to enable the charging infrastructure required.
Publication of the Connecting your Fleet: A Guide for Fleet Operators and Leading the charge: electric vehicle batteries and battery performance for fleet operators has been welcomed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), which is working to ensure that the four billion journeys made each year by bus and coach in the UK are aligned with net zero targets. The Guides were developed with all fleet operators in mind and are not just for bus and coach operators.
Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth said:
"The Scottish Government's Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce is accelerating the transition to net zero by creating new partnerships.
"I am pleased to see yet another important output from the Taskforce through these new guides for operators wanting to making the switch to electric vehicles.
"Only through collaboration can we effectively decarbonise fleet with the speed that the climate emergency requires. I welcome the effort made by Scotland's distribution network operators and Zenobē who are sharing their experience and expertise on vehicle charging to bus and other fleet operators through these new guides."
Andrew Scott, Director of Connections at SSEN said:
"We are committed to helping power our communities to net zero and are sharing guidance that will help smooth the customer journey. I would encourage all fleet operators to join our webinar and learn how to we can assist in their transition to net zero.
"We have announced that we will invest £4bn in our networks up to 2028 to create the modernised local electricity grids of the future. We are delighted to be working alongside Transport Scotland, SPEN, CPT and Zenobē on this project and hope the guide will be a helpful resource for UK fleet managers across the wider transport sector."
Scott Mathieson, Director of Regulation and Planning at SP Energy Networks said:
"Electrifying all transport in Scotland - domestic, public and commercial - will significantly help Scotland towards its climate change targets. We're about to start work on a multi-billion pound investment in our electricity networks, providing the essential infrastructure needed to enable this change and ensure all communities benefit on the road to Net Zero.
"Working with our partners, this new guide will equip fleet operators with the tools they need to start working towards their own decarbonisation targets. We have already helped a number of companies, including First Bus, Stagecoach and Lothian buses, to decarbonise their fleet and we stand ready to help others on their journey."
Steven Meersman, Co-founder and Director of Zenobē said:
"The decision to transition fleets to electric can be daunting with many decisions to be made ranging from grid supply and on-site storage to charger speeds, vehicle type, route and schedule. These all need to come together, with decisions in one area impacting the other for years to come.
Supporting over 700 vehicles across more than 23 depots and 7 countries has taught us that it is critical to consider everything upfront before you put a shovel in the ground. We hope that with our guide we can remove some of the mystique and make clear the many options that exist to make electrification easier and more cost effective without having to compromise on your operational needs"
Duncan Cameron, Chair of the CPT Scotland said:
"A key aspect of facilitating fleet decarbonisation will be identifying and addressing operational hurdles, and the provision of information to allow operators to make informed investment decisions. The Guides will be a catalyst for this, sparking conversations between DNOs and operators around electricity requirements and infrastructure."
SSEN and SP Energy Networks are hosting a webinar on 23rd March 2022 at 10am, that will discuss the published guides, outlining the various charging solutions and smart technology available, the key steps to consider before electrifying a fleet, and sharing case studies of some real-life examples. Fleet owners and other interested stakeholders can sign up to the free event below.
Stakeholders based in the north of Scotland and Central Southern England can sign up here, while those based in Central & Southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire, North & Mid-Wales and North Shropshire can sign up here.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
ABOUT SSEN
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is the electricity distribution arm of the FTSE-50 energy company, SSE. We serve over 3.8 million customers across the diverse and unique geographies of the north of Scotland, and central southern England. Our role has never been more important. The communities we serve depend on us to deliver a safe, reliable supply of electricity to their homes and businesses so they can thrive today. And for us to deliver the infrastructure to create a net zero tomorrow. To do this we're inspired every day by our vision to be powering change with every connection'.
ABOUT SP ENERGY NETWORKS
As a distribution and transmission network operator SP Energy Networks (SPEN) keeps electricity flowing to over 6m customers across 3.5m homes and businesses throughout Central & Southern Scotland and Merseyside, Cheshire, North & Mid-Wales and North Shropshire. We do this through our network of over 110,000km of power cables and 30,000 substations across our licence areas and we are investing approximately £7 billion into the electricity network to create a better future, quicker for our customers and communities.
ABOUT ZENOBĒ ENERGY LTD. (ZENOBĒ):
Zenobē is an EV fleet and battery storage specialist. It provides intelligent power and battery storage services for commercial EV fleet operators, power grid operators and large businesses. Zenobē is helping organisations power towards net zero by switching diesel fleets to electric and by accelerating the uptake of renewable energy. It has c.225MW operational and contracted storage assets, 394 e-buses and an estimated 25 per cent of the UK operational e-bus market, rising to c.540 contracted e-buses, its own proprietary software and a large portfolio of projects in the pipeline.
Zenobē's EV fleet solution is driving the adoption of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure by providing fleets operators and local authorities with a full solution for a pay-per-mile or per-month fee. The company's battery storage offering helps electricity networks provide clean, reliable and affordable power. With the full life cycle of its products in mind, Zenobē is also a leader in second-life battery solutions by repurposing batteries after their first life.
For further information please contact:
SSEN's Media Team: 0345 0760 530
SPEN's Media Team: pressoffice@scottishpower.com
Zenobē's Press Team: zenobe@standagency.com
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (Distribution)
www.ssen.co.uk
