Recognition of the role potentially played by hydrogen and low-carbon fuels are sought by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) in its response to the government’s call for evidence (CfE) on infrastructure needs for zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and coaches.
Published on 21 December, CPT’s consultation response also focuses on the need for a “robust and reliable network” of charging infrastructure and opportunities for sharing of facilities between coaches and HGV.
The document says: “It is important that any infrastructure strategy remains technology-agnostic and supports both hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric technologies, as well as low-carbon fuels to ensure operators can select the technology that best suits their operations.”
CPT also says the government should give consideration to low-carbon fuels such as biodiesel and hydrotreated vegetable oil by offering a fuel duty incentive to offset the higher costs.
The trade body highlights the possibility of hydrogen being used as a combustion fuel in an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). It adds that this method is much greener than using diesel and that such use would stimulate the demand for hydrogen, which would help create the necessary infrastructure. The government says that it does not regard hydrogen combustion as a zero-emission technology.
CPT highlights the range limitations for battery-electric coaches and says that only 45% of journeys can be made using current technology using a model where vehicles return to the depot to recharge.
With depot charging alone not being sufficient to fulfil 100% of all operators’ needs, CPT says “recharging infrastructure at motorway stations as well as tourist attraction destinations is going to be key”.
The similarities between HGVs and coaches “provides an opportunity to share infrastructure”, it says.
Acknowledging the international nature of the work of many operators, CPT adds: “A universal standard across the UK as well as internationally is crucial to ensuring both UK and international coach operators can confidently charge at any infrastructure site where needed.”
The response highlights the many barriers for operators in switching to zero-emission technology, such as the fact that some lease depots, the cost, space limitations, grid capacity and confidence in the supply of hydrogen.
Responses to the CfE closed on 14 December. The government says that submissions will inform the development of an infrastructure strategy which will be published in 2024.
In an earlier published response, RHA similarly highlighted the common ground shared by coaches and HGVs in terms of zero-emission infrastructure.
