Autonomous vehicle

DEFINITION: A vehicle that uses artificial intelligence, sensors and global positioning system to sense its environment and guide itself without human conduction. An autonomous vehicle is also known as a ‘driverless’ or ‘self-driving’ car.

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REA and UK EVSE merge to deliver unified voice on electric vehicle infrastructure

The REA has announced that members of the UK Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Association (UK EVSE) will join its 75-strong group of companies involved in the delivery and operations of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and services in the UK.

Triodos Bank joins Tesco in funding Pod Point's EV charging rollout

Ethical finance firm Triodos Bank has joined Tesco and Volkswagen in providing funding to Pod Point to accelerate access to electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the UK, including 600 supermarket locations.

Ground broken at UK's first rapid-charging EV forecourt

Work has begun today (10 March) on the installation of an "electric forecourt" featuring rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers, battery storage and onsite renewables in Essex, meaning the facility will open for public use this summer.

UK companies to invest £12bn in switch to electric vehicles

British companies are expected to spend more than £12bn switching their fossil fuel vehicles for clean electric versions over the next two years.

Policy gaps stifling profitability of digital revolution for clean transport

A new report from think tank The Green Alliance has warned that policy gaps and the uncertainty of Brexit is halting investment from manufacturers into the "new competitiveness frontier" of smart technology for electric vehicles (EVs), which risks pushing the UK's net-zero emissions goal out of reach.

Manchester City Council spells out five-year action plan to halve emissions

Manchester City Council hopes to approve a new action plan that would commit to halving the council's carbon footprint by 2025, in assistance with the city's wider ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2038.

National Express vows to deliver zero-emission bus and coach fleets

Transport operator National Express Group has pledged to transition to a "fully zero-emission" UK bus fleet by 2030 and UK coach fleet by 2035.

Five key considerations for businesses investing in electric vehicles

On Thursday (27 February), edie undertook a masterclass with EDF on electric vehicles (EVs) and accelerating the electrification of business fleets. Here, edie rounds up five key ways businesses can kickstart their EV journey. 

Northern Powergrid and OVO Energy make fresh bids to spur EV uptake

Northern Powergrid has launched a new digital tool to help business customers install electric vehicle (EV) charging points, in the same week that OVO Energy partnered with Mitsubishi to offer free EV miles to individual customers.

COP26: Boris Johnson to move diesel ban forward to 2035 and call for global net-zero transition

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use the COP26 climate conference to call on other nations to follow the UK in setting a net-zero target and is also set to reveal plans to move the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars forward five years to 2035 as part of a "year of climate action".

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: The EV masterclass with EDF Energy

Episode 79 of the Sustainable Business Covered sees edie's content editor Matt Mace sit down with episode sponsors EDF Energy to discuss electric vehicle (EV) integration as well as talking to the Wates Group about how transport will be tackled as part of its new net-zero commitment.

DPD to add 300 electric vans to UK delivery fleet

Parcel delivery firm DPD has issued an agreement to integrate 300 Nissan electric vans into its fleet by May 2020, put the firm on track to have the largest electric vehicle (EV) delivery fleet in the UK.

Carmakers renew calls for low-carbon revolution as grim sales figures loom

Some of the EU's largest auto players have called once for a mass rollout of electric vehicle (EV) recharging points and refuelling stations for fuels like hydrogen, as the industry offered up more clues as to how it intends to lessen its climate impact.

Big names including Amazon and Ikea spearhead new corporate EV alliance

A new alliance aimed at helping businesses to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is being spearheaded by some of the world's most recognisable corporates, including Amazon, Ikea and Siemens.

Government boosts funding for on-street EV charging

The government has doubled its funding for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers on residential streets to £10 million.

Electric buses to operate in Glasgow for first time in 60 years

Electric buses will run on a commercial route in Glasgow for the first time since the 1960s, after bus operator First Glasgow introduced two new vehicles to assist with the city's net-zero aspirations.

Massive rise in EV charging points needed to reach EU climate goals, analysis finds

Europe needs a fifteen-fold increase in electric vehicle public charging points by 2030 to support the EU's goal of becoming "climate neutral" by mid-century, according to new research published Wednesday (8 January).

Electric car registrations surged to record levels in 2019

More electric cars were registered in the UK during 2019 than any other year to date, as diesel car registrations fell by more than one-fifth on a year-on-year basis.

Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot merger aims to lead 'new era of sustainable mobility'

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA, the parent companies of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot, have claimed their merger will place the newly created entity at "the forefront of a new era of sustainable mobility".

Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Charlie Jardine, EO Charging

This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Charlie Jardine, founder and chief executive of EO charging.

Is revoking Uber's London licence an environmentally sustainable choice?

Earlier today (25 November), Transport for London (TfL) confirmed that ride-hailing firm Uber will not be able to renew its licence in the capital. But will this move help or hinder the sustainable mobility transition?

Top five tips to integrating electric vehicles into business fleets

Last week an electric vehicles webinar supported by Centrica Business Solutions looked at how businesses could scale up their low emissions transport programmes. Here, edie rounds-up five key takeaways presented by the expert speakers.

Available to watch on demand: edie's webinar on electric vehicles

Speakers from UPS, Nottingham City Council and Centrica Business Solutions appeared on edie's webinar on Tuesday (22 October) to discuss game-changing developments to business efforts to increase the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). It is now available to watch on-demand.

Morrisons launches first round of rapid EV chargers

Morrisons has installed 50 rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers across its supermarket customer car parks this week.

Government consults on green license plates for electric vehicles

The UK Government has launched a consultation on introducing green license plates for electric vehicles (EVs) to make them easily recognisable and gain access to benefits such as cheaper parking and access to bus lanes.

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Employee Engagement & Behaviour Change - Scottish Power

With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Employee Engagement & Behaviour Change Award, Scottish Power.

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Employee Engagement & Behaviour Change - Scottish Power

With entries now open for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020, this new feature series showcases the achievements of the 2019 winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: The winner of our Employee Engagement & Behaviour Change Award, Scottish Power.

Conservatives hint at plans for earlier petrol and diesel car sale ban

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said he would like the Government to "thoroughly explore" the feasibility of bringing its current 2040 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars forward.

Carmakers accused of trying to use coronavirus crisis to avert EU emissions crackdown

The motor industry has been accused by campaigners of trying to use the coronavirus crisis to avert stricter environmental regulation, after correspondence showed carmakers had lobbied the EU to defer impending laws.

BYD to offer electric vehicle components to auto rivals

Chinese automaker BYD has announced that it will "open its technology and products to the whole world" by sharing its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing components with rivals and the rest of the industry, on the same week that it fully formed a joint research venture with Tesla.

Government presses forward with plan to align 'every single mode of transport' with net-zero

The Department for Transport (DfT) has said it is on track to deliver a policy roadmap for decarbonising "every single mode of transport" in line with the UK's 2050 net-zero target this year, despite fears that the coronavirus pandemic would slow progress.

Survey: Half of passengers use Uber over environmental concerns

Around half (47%) of UK adults who regularly use Uber have claimed they do so due to their concerns around environmental issues, it has been revealed, in the same week that the ride-hailing giant's London licence was extended.

Coronavirus: London pauses ULEZ as Birmingham asks to postpone Clean Air Zone launch

In the same week that Transport for London (TfL) suspended charges for the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), Birmingham City Council has asked the UK Government for permission to postpone the launch of its Clean Air Zone.

In numbers: Tracking coronavirus' impact on energy and the environment

The economic slowdown borne by the Covid-19 pandemic has altered energy demands, impacted emissions from transport and industry and seen key green policy meetings postponed. Here, edie rounds up 19 key stats and facts about the energy and nature context of the outbreak. 

Coronavirus: Tesla pauses EV production at two key sites as BYD pivots manufacturing

Tesla will temporarily suspend production at two of its US factories from the end of today's (23 March) working hours - making it the latest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer to scale back plant operations in light of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Oxford's Zero Emission Zone launch postponed over coronavirus disruption

Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council are delaying the launch of the city-centre Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ), originally slated for December 2020, in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

Labour to commit to big increase in charging points for electric cars

Labour will build a national network of charging points for electric vehicles at a cost of £3.6bn to kickstart its planned "green industrial revolution" if elected, the party will say today (23 September).

Coronavirus: Carmakers including Nissan pause EV manufacturing

Several of the world's largest carmakers, including Nissan and Toyota, have paused manufacturing lines in light of the coronavirus pandemic, including those producing electric vehicles (EVs).

Online climate strikes: XR turns to digital activism amid coronavirus pandemic

Extinction Rebellion's (XR) Youth arm has taken its campaign to demand that fossil fuel representatives are excluded from COP26 negotiations online, after pausing mass demonstrations in light of the coronavirus.

Chanel sets 1.5C science-based targets, pledges 100% renewable energy

Luxury fashion and fragrance giant Chanel has committed to halve its carbon emissions by 2030, under a new 1.5C-aligned set of sustainability targets.

UK Government funnels £90m into electric scooters and delivery drones

The UK Government has unveiled a £90m funding package to be spent on "making journeys easier, smarter and greener", with the bulk of funding set to be allocated to electric scooters and low-carbon deliveries by drone.

UN tightens carbon offsetting rules for aviation sector

The UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will introduce stricter rules on carbon offsetting for airlines next year, in a bid to reduce greenwashing and ensure robust carbon accounting.

Nissan and EDF partner to launch V2G EV charging offer for businesses

Nissan and EDF have signed an agreement to collaboratively develop and launch a "smart" electric vehicle (EV) charging package for businesses, including vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capacity.

edie's next webinar: Driving transport towards net-zero with EVs

The continuing challenge around the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and achieving a 'net zero' transport future forms the basis for edie's new free webinar, which will take place on 22 October.

General Motors unveils $20bn electric vehicle transition plan

General Motors (GM) will spend $20bn (£15.25bn) on electrifying its vehicle portfolio by 2025, as part of a new electric vehicle (EV) strategy.

UK's net-zero target possible with 'unprecedented' low-carbon innovation

Reaching net-zero emissions in the UK by 2050 is possible but would require "unprecedented innovation across the economy" that could see electricity generation triple, hydrogen generation grow exponentially and land use to be radically overhauled across the country.

E10 petrol, hydrogen and biomethane: Is the UK on the cusp of low-carbon heat and transport?

As the UK Government consults on a low-carbon fuel mix for petrol stations, two industry associations have called for refined government policy to enable the uptake of hydrogen and biomethane use to help decarbonise heat and transport.

Gloucestershire police force adds 75 EVs to its fleet

Gloucestershire Constabulary is set to add 75 electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet over the next few weeks, meaning that more than 20% of the force's entire fleet will be fully electric.

TODAY AT 1PM: register for edie's business fleet electrification masterclass

Readers have a few hours left to register for edie's next masterclass webinar, focusing on how businesses can move from petrol and diesel to fully-electric vehicle (EV) fleets.

UK bus industry targets petrol and diesel phase-out

Organisations representing more than 95% of the UK's bus industry have pledged to only invest in low-emission vehicles from 2025, over concerns surrounding climate change and air pollution.

Network Rail helps passengers to ditch three million plastic water bottles

By installing drinking fountains at its stations as part of the Refill campaign, Network Rail has helped to mitigate the use of three million single-use plastic water bottles over the past two years.

Accelerating climate action: edie evolves flagship energy and sustainability event into Net-Zero Live 2020

The UK’s largest energy and sustainability event has been transformed into Net-Zero Live, a free-to-attend experience which will unite businesses, policymakers, investors, NGOs, product and solutions providers around a common purpose: to spark new ideas and actions on the path to a net-zero carbon future.

EU auto industry forms unlikely alliance with NGO on electric cars

Long-time adversaries Transport & Environment and ACEA have signed a partnership to accelerate the roll-out of electric vehicle charging points, as the auto industry seeks to rebrand with a focus on digital and electric.

Tesla Gigafactory halted over German forest clearance complaint

Tesla's plan to build a new Gigafactory for electric vehicle (EV) production in Germany has been temporarily halted by a court order concerning the clearance of more than 90 hectares of forest in Brandenburg.

EDF takes over EV charging giant Pod Point

Energy giant EDF has acquired a majority stake in one of the UK's largest electric vehicle (EV) charging firms, Pod Point.

UPS unveils 400km range-extending electric vehicles

Logistics giant UPS has introduced a new collection of range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) to its fleets across Birmingham and Southampton.

EU starts to chart shipping's new green course

The shipping industry will soon have to pay for its environmental impact in the EU, as both the European Commission and Parliament are moving forward with plans to include vessels in the bloc's flagship carbon market. But there are choppy waters ahead.

Sector coupling: Electrification of transport and buildings could slash emissions by 60%

Mass-Scale electrification of the transport, buildings and industrial sectors could enable Europe to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% over the next 30 years, according to a new report published today by research company BloombergNEF (BNEF).

'Climate risk is financial risk': TCFD surpasses 1,000 global supporters

The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) has revealed that more than 1,000 organisations are supporting its recommendations, including corporates with a combined market cap of $12trn and investors with $138.8trn of assets under management collectively.

Plan to expand Bristol airport rejected after climate protests

A scheme to expand Bristol airport has been rejected following protests that it would exacerbate the climate emergency, damage the health of local people, and harm flora and fauna.

Lack of vehicle supply stifling corporate uptake of EVs

Corporates are spurring demand for electric vehicles (EVs) across the globe, but concerns persist about a lack of vehicles supply, according to an annual update from the group behind the EV100 initiative.

Can HS2 comply with the UK's net-zero target?

With Prime Minister Boris Johnson giving the green light to the £100bn HS2, edie examines whether the controversial high-speed rail project can align with the UK's net-zero emissions future.

Automated EVs and SC Johnson's sports stadium plastic: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

Lloyds Banking Group commits to net-zero fleets and 100% renewable electricity

Lloyds Banking Group has today (6 February) joined all three of The Climate Group's business sustainability initiatives, committing to source 100% renewable electricity, reach net-zero fleets and improve energy productivity.

Ryanair: 'We're reviewing everything around environmental sustainability'

EXCLUSIVE: Amid increasing pressure from the general public, policymakers and investors, Ryanair's first director of sustainability has said the airline is reviewing its environmental targets and processes.

UK aviation launches net-zero commitment for 2050, but won't cap growth

Key members of the UK aviation industry, including Boeing, Virgin Atlantic and London City Airport are among a coalition that has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the sector by 2050, to assist with the UK's overall net-zero strategy.

Boots purchases electric vans for prescription deliveries

Boots has announced it has purchased its first electric vans and will trial them in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as part of its prescription delivery service.

Report: Stronger green policies for transport and homes would save NHS £3.7bn each year

By implementing stronger policies around walking, cycling, electric vehicles and energy efficiency in homes, the Government could save the NHS at least £3.7bn per year.

Switching fleets to electric vehicles: edie launches free business guide

Businesses looking to deploy electric vehicles (EVs) in their fleets now have access to a comprehensive guide providing key information required to successfully make the EV transition.

Business guide to fleet electrification

This new business guide breaks down everything there is to know about deploying electric vehicles (EVs) across your business fleet.

Net-zero cities: Oxford's mission to become carbon-neutral by 2030

edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time with a look at how Oxford and its Citizens' Climate Assembly are aiming for net-zero by 2030.

Single-use Plastics: The Business Leadership Inspiration Sessions (16 January 2020)

The Business Leadership Inspiration Sessions: an afternoon of three live, interactive webinar presentations and discussions – all dedicated to helping businesses collaborate, innovate and actuate to eliminate single-use plastics, is available to watch on-demand.

Green groups slam Government proposals to cut air passenger duty amid FlyBe rescue plans

Green groups have criticised Ministers for considering measures to cut air passenger duty on domestic return flights, accusing the government of placing short-term plans to rescue FlyBe from collapse over its long-term climate targets.

UPS and Trinity College Dublin partner on new urban eco package hub

Logistics giant UPS has launched a five-year partnership with the University of Dublin's Trinity College Dublin to integrate a sustainable last-mile delivery service on campus and offer internships and graduate opportunities.

Urgent boost to offshore wind and CCS required for UK's net-zero target, report finds

The UK will need to facilitate a four-fold increase in low-carbon energy, including expanding offshore wind capacity by up to 75GW, in order to reach its net-zero emissions commitment for 2050.

Decade of ascendency: New hydrogen fuel cell capacity surpassed 1GW in 2019

More than 1GW of global hydrogen fuel capacity was added in 2019, marking the first time the sector has surpassed the gigawatt milestone, with experts claiming that this could be a decade of "ascendency" for the technology.

Oxford unveils proposals for city centre zero-emissions zone

Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council have published proposals on a zero-emission zone (ZEZ) for a city centre, which could be rolled out to a small part of the city by December this year.

Hi Fly goes plastic-free on all flights

Portuguese wet-lease airline Hi Fly has removed all single-use plastic items from its fleet of aircraft, after successful pilots of plastic-free flights in 2018.

British Airways begins offsetting domestic flight emissions in first step towards net-zero

British Airways has begun offsetting all emissions generated through domestic flights within the UK, at no additional cost to passengers.

Shipping giants debut LNG and hydrogen vessels

Multinational fuel giant Tristar has added a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker to its international shipping fleet for the first time, in the same week that Kawasaki Heavy Industries debuted the world's first ship capable of transporting large volumes of liquid hydrogen.

Shipping fuel regulation to cut sulphur levels comes into force

Sulphur will be cut drastically from global shipping transport fuels in 2020, in a move that should reduce some forms of air pollution, and may help towards tackling the climate emergency - but which could also lead to a rise in the price of flights.

Government doubles funding for on-street EV charging

The Department for Transport (DfT) has today (12 August) announced that it will provide an extra £2.5m of funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure on residential streets, bringing its total investment since 2017 to £5m.

Rapid EV charging rolled out across West Yorkshire

A network of 88 rapid charging points for electric vehicles is being installed across West Yorkshire as part of the local authority's drive to improve air quality in the region. 

UK's EV registrations almost triple as diesel sales tumble

Almost three times as many electric cars were registered in the UK this July than in July 2018, research from one of the nation's largest automotive trade associations has concluded.

Arriva 'on-track' to meet ambitious decarbonisation goals

Public transport provider Arriva has revealed that it is "on-track" to achieve its decarbonisation ambitions across Europe, including a 2026 goal to reach zero emissions in Limburg, the Netherlands.

A decade in review: Vote for the defining sustainability moment of the 2010s

As the 2010s draw to a close, edie has analysed the key moments and announcements that push sustainability and climate action from a niche activity to a global necessity. Cast your vote to decide which of the seven moments was most profound.

Report: Economics of petrol and diesel in 'irreversible decline'

Oil production costs must fall to $10-20 per barrel for petrol and diesel to compete effectively against renewable power in the transport sector, a new report has claimed.

City of London Corporation outlines plans for capital's first zero-emission street

Plans to launch the first zero-emission street have been put forward by the City of London Corporation in a bid to improve air quality.

Zero-carbon ships 'on the horizon' under fuel levy plan

Shipping companies would have to pay a small levy on every tonne of fuel they use under proposals aimed at developing zero-carbon vessels within 10 years, transforming the high-carbon global shipping business.

7 tips for accelerating transition to electric fleets

Experts across energy management came together at edie’s SPARK! 2.0 event to discuss how organisations could accelerate their transition away from ICE vehicles to all-electric fleets.

Net-zero cities: Nottingham's mission to be carbon-neutral by 2028

edie's new mini-series exploring how local authorities are collaborating with businesses to actuate community-centred sustainability schemes on the road to net-zero emissions continues, this time with a look at how Nottingham plans to become the UK's first carbon-neutral city by 2028.

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Christmas special deliveries and festive feasts

Episode 77 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees the edie editorial team return to discuss business CSR initiatives over the festive period, featuring four exclusive interviews with CSR & redistribution platform Neighbourly, e-commerce firm Tinggly and business networks Team London Bridge and the UKSSD.

London businesses turn to cargo bikes to slash Christmas logistics emissions

During the Christmas period, workplace deliveries of personal online shopping rose by nearly two-thirds (62.5%) with 77% concerned about environmental impact, according to Transport for London (TFL).

OVO Energy and Mitsubishi forge net-zero transport partnership

OVO Energy and Mitsubishi Motors have announced a new UK partnership to help accelerate the decarbonisation of the transport sector in order to assist with the legally enshrined net-zero target for 2050.

Food-to-go giants support Dubai Airport's ban on single-use plastics

A string of big-name food-to-go brands including McDonalds, Costa Coffee and Pret A Manger have unveiled plastic-free offerings to be piloted at Dubai Airport next month, as part of the airport's commitment to eliminate single-use plastics.

Car giants 'driving with the brakes on' towards climate goals, report warns

The world's 25 largest car manufacturers are collectively failing to act in line with the Paris Agreement in terms of both electrifying their portfolios and strengthening climate governance, new analysis from CDO and the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) has warned.

Businesses with science-based targets on course to slash emissions by one-third

Businesses that have committed to aligning their emissions reduction strategies with the aims of the Paris Agreement will spur more than $18bn in climate-mitigation investment and up to 90TWh of annual renewable electricity generation.

Bloomberg: Petrol and diesel bans reaching critical mass in European cities

Businesses with fleets across mainland Europe will have to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles within a decade or risk losing business in key cities, new research from Bloomberg has suggested.

BNEF: Battery prices have plummeted 87% since 2010

The global market for battery energy storage - from car-sized units to utility-scale arrays - has grown rapidly in 2019 amid falling costs, new research from Bloomberg NEF (BNEF) has found.

Report: One in three transport companies aligning with Paris Agreement as investor pressure mounts

A survey of 57 of the world's largest transport companies, including airlines and carmakers, has found that more than one in three (35%) have set emissions targets in line with the Paris Agreement.