(WEV) ELECTRIC VANS

Britain’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew for the ninth month in a row in September, up more than 28% according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

One of the most popular months for new van purchases, plate change September saw robust demand for commercial vehicles – with even more good news for electric commercial vehicles to follow in January.

The record for single month commercial EV registrations had been held by March 2023 with 2,534, but that figure was beaten by almost 14% last month. There are now close to 50,000 commercial EVs on the UK's roads.

One factor here is increased demand, but the upwards trend is also thanks to a large number of new models coming to market, seeing what was once a very small choice of models expand dramatically. Competitive commercial charging tariffs and equipment are also being made more readily available from the major operators.

Various grants, promotions and increasing model choice continues to boost demand for battery electric vans (BEVs). In September, deliveries increased to 2,882 units – with BEVs accounting for one in 16 of all new vans registered that month. Putting it way above any other month in the previous year. WhichEV - link - more like this - link

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Another great freshers event @ Lincoln College more like this - link - Oxford more like this - link

(NAT) 2023 COMEDY WILDLIFE PHOTO AWARDS

The final shortlist for this year's Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards is in, showcasing grin-tastic animal antics captured by nature-loving snappers around the globe – including a dove getting rewarded for not paying attention, an otter auditioning for Swan Lake, and a kangaroo rocking out on air guitar.

The brainchild of professional photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam, the competition was set up in 2015 to focus on "the lighter, humorous side of wildlife photography" while also helping to promote wildlife conservation.

This year the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards team has elected to highlight the work of the Whitley Fund for Nature, a UK-based charity that's funded conservation work in 80 countries to the tune of £20 million during its 30-year existence. 

"We are really chuffed to be able to shine a spotlight on the amazing work they do and hope you will join us in supporting them," said the Awards organizers. Paul Ridden Muck Rack - link - more like this New Atlas - link - more like this photography - link

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(H2V) HH2E, SASOL & DHL TEAM UP ON H2 BASED SAF

An agreement to provide up to 500,000 tonnes of green hydrogen-based sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) to the German market has been signed between HH2E, Sasol and DHL.

The partners plan to produce at least 200,000 tonnes of eSAF each year, with hopes to scale up to 500,000 tonnes utilising HH2E electrolysers and Sasol’s Fischer-Tropsch technology.

With a production facility expected to be located in the east of Germany, the companies hope to serve multiple airports including Leipzig/Halle.

DHL Group, as one of largest logistics players operates a network of over 300 aircraft with operations in Germany, the US and Hong Kong. Planning to use at least a 30% of SAF in its air freight business by 2030, the group is expected to be a significant offtaker of the project.

Additionally, the companies have said Airbus could join the project as the aerospace firm strives to meet its goals of using 30% SAF in its internal operations by 2030. Charlie Currie muck rack - link - H2 View - link - more like this - link

(MUO) PEUGEOT E-3008

Peugeot was one of the European automaker that quickly realized that car buyers were moving away from traditional body styles like the hatchback, wagon, or sedan and opting for SUVs and crossovers instead.

The French automaker has been doing quite well with its model lineup that features plenty of taller vehicles, and with the brand new E-3008, it wants to continue its success as it moves into the age of electric cars.  make use of - link - more like this - link

UK UNIVERSITY ACHIEVES 99% LANDFILL DIVERSION

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BIZARRE LUNCH

(OXN) OXFORD COUNCIL REMOVES RECYCLING BANKS

Recycling drop-off banks overflowing with rubbish and blighted by fly-tipping are to be removed from the city centre.

Recycling bring banks that are operated by Oxford City Council's services company Oxford Direct Services (ODS) and charities are due to be phased out from the end of September.

There are approximately 160 bring banks across 23 sites. Bring banks run by charities on private land such as Sainsbury's at Heyford Hill and Tesco at Oxford Retail Park will remain. Once removed, the city council aims to recycle the steel and plastic from the containers or repurpose them. Oxford Mail - link - more like this - link - more like this (Oxford) - link

GREENWASHING

The EU is combating greenwashing and setting higher standards for companies that make vague, partial or false claims about their environmental impact. The new directive, “Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition,” will strengthen consumer protection by banning misleading advertising. It is predicted to have an impact on the F&B industry, which is filled with products and innovations claiming to be “carbon neutral” or something similarly “green” or “eco-friendly.”

The law, approved by the EU Council and EC, still needs formal approval by the European Parliament and each of the EU27 country national parliaments. If all parties greenlight the initiative, it will come into force in 2026.

According to Ursula Pachl, deputy director general at the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), the future ban on carbon neutral claims is “great news” for consumers.

“There is no such thing as ‘carbon neutral’ or ‘CO2 neutral’ cheese, plastic bottles, flights or bank accounts. Carbon neutral claims are greenwashing, plain and simple. It’s a smoke screen giving the impression that companies are taking serious action on their climate impact,” she highlights.

“The truth is that these claims are scientifically incorrect and should never be used. We are delighted to see that the EU has seized this legislative opportunity to ban carbon neutral claims.” more like this - 🔗

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(OFF) COURT RULES IN FAVOUR OF GE

Judge Richard Meade of London’s High Court has ruled in favour of GE in a patent infringement dispute with Siemens Gamesa over the design of the GE Haliade-X offshore wind turbine.

In its lawsuit against GE, Siemens Gamesa claimed that the Haliade-X infringed its European patent related to the use of bearings in rotor hubs for wind turbines.

GE had denied the infringement and said that the patent was invalid.

Judge Meade has ruled ”…that the Patent is invalid…” and that ”neither the fully assembled Haliade-X nor its hub fall within the scope of claims … of the Patent.”

The appeal hearing should take place in early January 2023, Judge Meade said.

This patent infringement lawsuit is separate from the one Siemens Gamesa had won in the USA earlier this year and which GE is in the process of appealing.

GE said that this case involved the UK counterpart to the patent Siemens Gamesa asserted in the US, and that GE had made arguments consistent with those the company is making in appealing the decision in the patent case against the Haliade-X in the US.

”We are pleased with the court’s ruling, which reinforces our view that not only is the technology in the Haliade-X different from other patented technology, but the patent in question and its counterparts should not have been issued in the first place. We remain committed to bringing the benefits of the Haliade-X to offshore wind customers globally, and we will continue to defend our technology by pursuing all legal and technical options available to us,” a spokesperson for GE Renewable Energy said.

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