Electricity networks’ publication to support decarbonisation of Scottish transport

SSEN Distribution, SP Energy Networks and Zenobē have published The Guide for Fleet Operators and Leading the charge: electric vehicle batteries and battery performance for fleet operators. The new guide assists with transport decarbonisation.

The publication aims to support the switch to electrification. It comes courtesy of Scottish electricity distribution network operators (DNOs), Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), SP Energy Networks, and battery storage specialist Zenobē.

Scott Mathieson, Director of Regulation and Planning at SP Energy Networks, touched on the usefulness of the guide for fleet operators, “This new guide will equip fleet operators with the tools they need to start working towards their own decarbonisation targets. We have already helped a number of companies, including First Bus, Stagecoach and Lothian buses, to decarbonise their fleet and we stand ready to help others on their journey.”

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As fleet operators replace their vehicles with greener alternatives, they will need to understand their electricity and charging infrastructure requirements. To this end, the collaboration aims to build information about fleets to support operators with their zero carbon ambitions.

Fleet operators can use the new publication for assistance with electric vehicle batteries, battery performance, engagement, design, and connections processes necessary for working with local network operators. It also enables the required charging infrastructure.

The guides were developed with all fleet operators in mind and are not just for bus and coach operators.

Andrew Scott, Director of Connections at SSEN also commented on their investments into the sector and their excitement at the collaborative potential, “We will invest £4 billion ($5.3 billion) in our networks up to 2028 to create the modernised local electricity grids of the future. We are delighted to be working alongside Transport Scotland, SPEN, CPT and Zenobē on this project and hope the guide will be a helpful resource for UK fleet managers across the wider transport sector.”

This news comes in as the Scottish government sets internationally competitive targets to reduce their contribution to climate change by 2045.

Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth said: “Only through collaboration can we effectively decarbonise fleets with the speed that the climate emergency requires. I welcome the effort made by Scotland’s distribution network operators and Zenobē who are sharing their experience and expertise on vehicle charging to bus and other fleet operators through these new guides.”

SSEN and SP Energy Networks are hosting a webinar on 23rd March 2022 at 10am to discuss the published guides. They will outline charging solutions, available smart technology, the key steps before electrifying a fleet, and case studies of real-life examples.

Andrew Scott added: “I would encourage all fleet operators to join our webinar and learn how we can assist in their transition to net zero.”

Fleet owners and other interested stakeholders are invited to sign up for the free event here.