Cenex-LCV2018 has announced a record 4,385 visitors and exhibitors attending its event for low carbon vehicles.  

The record attendance levels reflects the growth of the low carbon vehicle industry, and equated to a 13.5% rise on 2017 numbers.

Held at Millbrook, Bedfordshire between September 12-13 2018, Cenex-LCV2018 was opened by Rt Hon Richard Harrington, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Industry & Energy with Rt Hon Jesse Norman, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, and Rt Hon Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales, also in attendance. 

Cenex’s chief executive Robert Evans said, “Since Cenex-LCV began 11 years ago we’ve seen enormous growth, and we’re very grateful for the range and breadth of support we’ve received from across government and industry, 2018 was a record in terms of attendance. 

“The UK has a vibrant research and development community bringing forward the next generation of enabling technologies for vehicle electrification and driverless vehicles. 

"We are very proud that the Cenex-LCV event has become a defacto meeting place for the motor industry innovation community. Our work on Cenex-LCV2019 has already begun.”

Now firmly established as the event to announce new innovations, products and initiatives, highlights of the event included:

New UK battery manufacturer launched. Hyperbat, a joint venture between Williams Advanced Engineering and Unipart Manufacturing Group announced plans to open a new UK facility to produce batteries for future hybrid and electric vehicles, beginning with the Aston Martin Rapide E.

Westfield Technology Group (WTG) revealed a new autonomous vehicle. WTG and Korean company OnCar shared their plans to co-design and build a 12-14-seater autonomous vehicle, to complement WTG’s existing 4-6-seater model.

Niche vehicle technology competition winners share £3m investment. It was announced that 30 projects will receive grant funding from the Niche Vehicle Network competitions, collectively supported by Innovate UK, the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).

Digital Resilience Lab drives security in connected vehicles. Roke and Ricardo launched their new Digital Resilience Lab, which aims to help automotive manufacturers design and produce the next generation of secure vehicles and realize the vision of future transport systems.

Ford debuts plug-in hybrid electric Transit. Ahead of its first commercial trial in London, Ford’s Transit Custom van made its debut at Cenex-LCV2018.

Innovate UK showcases low-emission freight trials. Operators taking part in the Department for Transport’s Low Emission Freight and Logistics trial showed off electric, natural gas, KERS, dual-fuel hydrogen, smart charging and aerodynamic lightweight vehicles at Cenex-LCV2018