Fleet Electrification Forum

The Fleet Electrification Forum gathered transport and energy professionals from both public and private sectors to advance fleet decarbonisation efforts. This inaugural event is distinct in its focus on best practices for fleet electrification and offered fully funded participation for public sector attendees, alongside private sector delegates responsible for fleet decarbonisation initiatives. The forum aimed to address the multifaceted challenges of decarbonising fleets while emphasizing actionable, collaborative solutions to be implemented immediately. The event's attendance was intentionally limited to foster meaningful connections between sponsors, exhibitors, and delegates, enhancing relationship-building opportunities throughout the day.Featuring a diverse lineup of key speakers from transport, energy, and other relevant fields, the event employed a cabaret-style seating arrangement that facilitated interaction and collaboration. Attendees benefited from networking breaks designed to encourage discussions and audience participation through Q&A sessions. The program included insights from key officials responsible for finance, procurement, and sustainability strategies from various government policy groups, energy network providers, and commercial vehicle manufacturers. The goal was to create an environment conducive to learning, networking, and engaging with over 60 key officials involved in fleet decarbonisation projects. The event's 'FEF Marketplace' showcased leading suppliers of technology, services, and expertise that could assist both public and private fleet operators in advancing their electrification strategies. Additionally, the forum provided exhibitors with unparalleled access to decision-makers, maximizing their marketing impact through face-to-face interactions.Throughout the day, the agenda featured significant discussions including a fireside chat with Lyndsey Hetherington, EV Charging Specialist at Drax Electric Vehicles, and another led by Duncan Webb, Fleet Director at The AA, addressing roadside assistance advancements. Sessions also included expert insights on decarbonising the construction sector, shared EV charging infrastructure strategies from First Bus, and discussions on the electrification of emergency services, chaired by Carl Christie from Cenex. Panel discussions covered a range of topics, including the challenges of transitioning to electric vans and the electrification needs of commercial vehicles, featuring industry leaders from Network Rail, BVRLA, and other organizations. The closing remarks emphasized the critical need for collaboration between public and private sectors to effectively tackle the challenges of fleet electrification, highlighting that freight transport is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. The forum concluded with a strong call for continued dialogue and effort to align infrastructure development with the needs of transport operators, ensuring a sustainable future for fleet operations.