The UK's Office for Low Emission Vehicles has appointed Arup and Moorhouse to deliver on its infrastructure programme, Plugged-In Places.
Moorhouse Consulting and Arup have been appointed as delivery partners to provide project management and technical delivery services respectively for the Office for Low Emission Vehicles’ (OLEV) infrastructure programme.
OLEV is a cross-Whitehall team dedicated to creating a flourishing early market for ultra-low-carbon vehicles in the UK.
The Arup Moorhouse team will assist OLEV to achieve this objective by supporting the Plugged-In Places (PIP) programme. This aims to provide the necessary infrastructure to make early adoption of ultra low-carbon vehicles practical and feasible. Establishing the potential for mass market growth is essential if the carbon reduction and air quality benefits of these vehicles are to be realised.
“"We are proud to have been awarded this contract to support OLEV on early market infrastructure deployment within Plugged-In Places. It is a fantastic opportunity for Arup to help OLEV develop infrastructure strategic policy on a national scale, and be a part of leading the way forward internationally on shaping the future for ultra-low-carbon transport through the electrification of transport." Robin Haycock, Arup
The Arup Moorhouse team will work with OLEV to:
- Deliver PIP – a national programme to support the installation of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure, initially in London, Milton Keynes and Newcastle, with some further three to six areas likely to receive funding for infrastructure (subject to the spending review).
- Support development of a national infrastructure strategy – providing insight and options that inform government’s policy development to facilitate a transition to mass market.
The electrification of transport has been identified by the UK Government and industry backed New Automotive Innovation Growth Team (NAIGT) initiative as one of the most significant medium term opportunities to reduce carbon emissions by offering a credible alternative to transport reliant on fossil fuels.
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond recently announced that motorists will receive up to £5,000 towards the purchase of an ultra-low-carbon car from January 2011, emphasising a commitment to vehicle development and creating the right environment for market growth.