Technology and Zero Emission Vehicle Study

A study by Peninsula Transport, the Sub-national Transport Body (STB) for Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay, has identified opportunities to revolutionise transport in the South West by using digital technology and Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). In the study we identify two imperatives that are essential to all forms of transport technology: a dependable energy supply and robust, all-inclusive digital communications.

Our work on technology and ZEVs will focus on supporting these two imperatives, as well as developing relationships with National Grid, UK power networks and private renewable energy generators and distributors to collaborate on ways to balance energy supply and demand. We hope that these partnerships will unlock transport benefits including electric vehicle charging, industrial decarbonisation and hydrogen production, storage and supply as well as rail electrification.

Working with public and commercial energy sector organisations will also help us to develop an energy supply roadmap for the Peninsula, and to attract investment and grant funding for future transport schemes in the South West. Another part of our collaborations will be to carry out joint technology pilots and trials, and to meet the government’s requirement for STBs to produce regional assessments to support the development of an electric vehicle charging network.

In addition, we will develop our relationships with wired and wireless network operators, major transport operators, digital enablers and OFCOM. Working together will create a digital communications roadmap for the peninsula and provide insights that will support improvements in the transport system.

The study will inform our transport strategy, which is expected to be published later this year.

The Technology and ZEV study is available here