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Report shapes the future of electric transport globally Urban Foresight


Q 024


Groundbreaking ideas that will shape the future of electric vehicles (EVs) across the world have been unveiled at The Core in Newcastle’s Science Central.


Urban Foresight, which is based at The Core, has worked with global partners to look at the 50 most innovative developments in EVs.


The company has released ‘EV City Casebook 50 Big Ideas’ which profiles the best ideas on how global targets can be met. This includes the UK government’s vision that from 2040 every new car will be an ultra low emission vehicle and that there will be an effectively decarbonised fleet by 2050.


The report highlights issues around how EVs can make the transition from niche-market to mainstream consumers featuring ideas such as ‘EV Vending Machines’ as seen in Hangzhou, China, through to Smart Fleet Management software developed by Gateshead’s Route Monkey.


David Beeton, Director at Urban Foresight, said: “This document profiles 50 examples of transformative policies, projects, technologies and business models that have been implemented in 23 countries across six continents.


“We put out a call for submissions earlier this year which saw over 150 nominations from across the world, spanning the full spectrum of applications related to electric mobility.


“A panel of experts from national governments and international NGOs met in Copenhagen, Denmark, in May 2014 to identify the measures that offered the greatest potential. This led to the 50 Big Ideas which highlights areas of considerable promise for the future of electric mobility.”


The report was produced by Urban Foresight, the Clean Energy Ministerial’s Electric Vehicles Initiative (EVI) and the international Energy Agency’s Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Implementing Agreement (IA-HEV).


Ideas covered in the document include Wireless Charging, which takes place in Gumi, South Korea. In the city a seven-and-a-half mile stretch of inner-city road has been fitted with a wireless charging system to power an all-electric bus. The Online Electric Vehicle system (OLEV) consists of electrical cables buried under the road which create magnetic fields picked up by the bus and converted into electricity.


Software company Route Monkey, with prominent offices based Considerate Constructors Scheme


in Gateshead, has developed a tool to help Fleet Managers use EVs for more cost-effective fleet management. The company’s sophisticated algorithm calculates the optimum deployment of EVs, helping Fleet Managers to define how EVs will best work for them and demonstrating the cost and emissions savings they can expect.


Hangzhou, China, is home to the world’s first EV vending machines. Kandi Machines are automated multi-storey vehicle garages and part of a city-wide car-sharing scheme that allows users to hire a fully-charged electric vehicle at the push of a button. Users can hire an ultracompact EV for around $3 an hour and drop it off at another Kandi station near their destination.


Urban Foresight moved to The Core in November of this year after looking at various locations across the UK.


Dr Beeton said: “We chose to base ourselves at The Core as much of our business is focussed on the smart and sustainable transformation of cities, communities, businesses and industry.


“There is nowhere more suitable in the country for us to be based than at The Core on Newcastle’s Science Central which will itself set a standard for smart, sustainable city-centre living.”


Lisa Tolan, Centre Manager for The Core, said: “Urban Foresight is an ideal match for The Core. Through research, strategy and projects, the company helps public and private sector organizations to shape a brighter future.


“They are spearheading the kind of pioneering technologies and knowledge exchange that the building is all about.”


Elev8 Interiors Ltd and Kier Services, Sheffield scoop top prize Q 025


The splendour of Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London played host to the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s 2014 National Company Awards in November. More than 300 industry professionals saw over 80 awards being presented, and for the first time in the Scheme’s history, the prestigious title of Most Considerate Company was shared between two companies: leading commercial refurbishment and re-fitting company Elev8 Interiors Ltd and local authority local authority housing repairs and maintenance contractor, Kier Services, Sheffield.


Introduced by John Maddock, Chairman of the National Federation of Builders, the Scheme’s much-anticipated National Company Awards are one of the highlights of the construction industry calendar. The awards recognise companies that have registered with the Scheme and have demonstrated exceptional and ongoing commitment to considerate construction and an appreciation of the impact of their work on the community, the environment and their workforce.


This year, the Scheme presented a total of 85 awards including 37 Bronze, 27 Silver and 16 Gold. From the Gold Award winners, a shortlist was produced of the very highest performers and 2 companies received the top accolade of Most Considerate Company while 3 other companies that were considered for this award were presented with the title of Most Considerate Company


Runner-up.


The Scheme praised both Elev8 Interior’s and Kier’s exceptional commitment to their consistent, considerate approach at all stages of their projects from planning to completion. The Scheme's awards panel could find no way of separating these two winners who have equally demonstrated the utmost consideration in the work they undertake. Both organisations are a fantastic example to the industry and have proved what can be achieved with thoughtful and intelligent planning, consultation and management.


Elev8 Interiors were praised for their inclusive staff culture, open door policy, community support and commitment to continual improvement. Kier Sheffield were congratulated for their exceptional commitment to site appearance, environmental standards, health and safety training and workforce development.


e-mail your news to shirley@qubeonline.co.uk Q 025 9


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