Four of the recharging industry’s major players – ABB, Ecar Connectors, ENSTO and Rolec Services – have taken space in the event’s indoor exhibition area in order to explain to fleet managers how they can provide the optimum on-site recharging solution for electric vehicles.

The availability of a public charging infrastructure will be necessary to ensure widespread adoption of EVs and, while electric vehicle charging points are currently publically available in a number of local authorities and shopping centres throughout the UK, much still needs to be done to provide the necessary facilities.

Event organiser and Fleet World managing editor, Ross Durkin (Inset), said: 'The EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show is going to bring together exhibitors from right across the supply chain and none are more important now than the companies that can install recharging systems for fleets. 

'Whether companies have dedicated parking bays with EV recharging points or pay for the installation of domestic units at drivers’ home addresses, it is essential that they seek advice from organisations that can demonstrate a clear understanding of the market,' he added.

The event has also attracted a number of contract hire and leasing companies, including Venson Automotive Solutions and Inchcape Fleet Solutions, allowing fleet buyers to discuss the supply and funding of electric vehicles as well as the full range of other low-emission cars and vans with contract hire providers. 

Venson Automotive Solutions’ managing director, Samantha Roff, said: 'It’s essential for us to be able to provide our customers with concise and impartial advice on all vehicles. Interest in the EV market has been growing steadily over the last two years with many fleets reviewing the potential for integrating the technology into their operation.'

The 2012 EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show is being organised by Fleet World magazine in association with the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association, the trade association of the UK’s leasing and rental industries. It is being sponsored by the Energy Saving Trust, a non-profit organisation jointly funded by the Government and private sector to help fight climate change" climate change and cut the UK's carbon dioxide emissions.

The show will be based in the new state-of-the-art Silverstone Wing conference and event facility, situated in the heart of the Grand Prix Circuit, and boasting two exhibition halls, a conference hall, banqueting facilities and the latest technical and AV equipment.

The EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show will allow visitors to:

• Test drive the latest petrol-electric hybrids, diesel-electric hybrids, fuel-cell hybrids and electric range-extenders, as well as the latest low-emission petrol and diesel engine vehicles
• Discuss future drivetrain strategies with leading motor manufacturers
• Find out more about low-emission light commercial vehicles
• Talk to charging point suppliers and recharging infrastructure providers
• Discuss low-carbon vehicle supply with leading leasing suppliers.

The day will also include an interesting and informative seminar session presented by leading academics and top company executives. Full details will be announced nearer the event.

There will also be a Question Time-style debate, sponsored by Venson Automotive Solutions and chaired by BVRLA Chief Executive, John Lewis, at which fleet decision makers can discuss some of the topics presented earlier in the day.

All test-driving of electric, hybrid and other low-CO2 vehicles will include two or three laps of the Stowe Circuit, a separate infield circuit with its own facilities, and there will be provision for visitors to book provisional test drives in advance directly with the relevant motor manufacturer.  

 For more details please phone 01727 739160 or visit the event website HERE