The message from Eminox and the LowCVP is, if operators want accredited retrofit emission abatement systems that enable Euro IV or V coaches to comply with the London ULEZ and regional CAZs, they need to help identify which models would be commercially viable to upgrade as soon as possible. Andy Izatt reports
Implementation of the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) in London from April 8, 2019 is drawing ever nearer. However, there continues to be no accredited retrofit emission abatement system available that would enable a Euro IV or V coach to comply with the ULEZ or any of the other CAZs (Clean Air Zones) being introduced around the country.
As the team at Eminox explains, it is not the lack of willingness to develop a system or the availability of test slots that are the issue. It’s the lack of clarity from the coach industry as to what it wants, and perhaps most crucially, willingness to commit money to get the process moving. Eminox has yet to take a deposit from anyone for even one installation in a coach.
“We’re looking for certainty,” explained Eminox Retrofit Sales Director Carlos Vicente. “We can’t do the development work unless we’re sure that there’s sufficient demand to make it a commercial proposition.
“The LowCVP (Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) and Energy Saving Trust (EST), which are responsible for the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS), are taking a pragmatic approach to ensure we have a credible process that doesn’t involve testing every model type. Millbrook is the accreditation centre, and it’s not holding anything up either. We have numerous slots booked into next year, but we can’t fill them. It’s the lack of orders. If operators want the systems, they need to come and talk to us as soon as possible.” […]
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