Nottingham City Council is set to showcase its work supporting the development of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) this week at the UK’s largest low carbon vehicle event.

Nottingham is leading the way in becoming an ULEV-friendly city through a series of ambitious projects that will result in cleaner air, less congestion and a more sustainable environment.

The council will be presenting its plans to industry professionals at the 10th annual CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle event in Bedfordshire, on Wednesday and Thursday, 6 and 7 September.

Last year Nottingham was one of four cities which received a share of funding – £6.1m – from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles to progress projects that will support the anticipated growth of 8,000 new ULEVs, including both electric and plug-in-hybrid vehicles, in Nottingham.

The City Council has already looked at its own vehicles, and is well on the way to converting 20 per cent of its fleet – 80 vehicles – to ULEVs before 2020.

So far the council has 20 Ultra Low Emission Vehicles and in 2016 joined the likes of Microsoft UK and Transport for London in receiving Go Ultra Low company status, recognising its commitment. A further three ULEV cars and two vans are on order to be used by the Community Protection team.

A number of projects to support the uptake of ULEVs are underway in the city, including installing 230 fast and rapid charge points across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Derby before 2020, providing the necessary infrastructure and support for drivers.

Councillor Sally Longford, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Local Transport, said: “The City Council is continuing to lead the way in supporting new, cleaner technology, and we’re proud to be showcasing what we’re doing at this year’s CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle event.

“All our activities will support local economic growth and help reduce carbon and nitrogen dioxide from transport, meaning cleaner air for our citizens, while maintaining our position as one of the leaders in local integrated transport.

“There are still some misconceptions about electric cars and other low-emission vehicles, and an important part of the Go Ultra Low project is to address these with the public and businesses, while creating an environment that supports increased use of greener technologies.”

Among the other activities Nottingham City Council is delivering are:

  • Business engagement package – making available grants of up to £25,000 for businesses, public sector and voluntary organisations to spend on electric vehicle charge points at their premises or to encourage alternative initiatives such as cycling. The council is also delivering ULEV trials – offering a ‘try before you buy’ option to businesses
  • Community engagement – running a series of ULEV experience events across the city to promote sustainable transport and providing advice and myth busting information
  • LEVEL (Low Emission Vehicles Enterprise and Learning) hub – organising workshops aimed at businesses introducing and explaining new technologies and their benefits
  • UK’s first ULEV lane – piloting the use of a shared bus and electric vehicle priority lane as part of the Daleside Road Improvement Scheme which is currently under construction