Microlise to capture data from low emission freight trials

Vehicle software firm Microlise is to provide telematics technology to capture data for four projects to test low emission freight and logistics vehicles, which have been awarded up to £5.5 million in government funding.

The projects, which are being funded through the government’s Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trials (LEFT) involve vehicles powered by both electric engines and gas, and some dual fuel vehicles.

Gloucestershire headquartered Howard Tenens (pictured), a partner in the Air Liquide consortium, is one of the UK hauliers to introduce dedicated gas vehicles into its fleet

Microlise is installing telematics hardware to capture and store vehicle data separately for each consortium; with the creation of a ‘Big Data lake’ for each, where analysts can access activity information, driving data and performance data.

Projects

Among the projects is an initiative led by Air Liquide Group, which received the largest pot of funding — £2.57 million — for a biogas trial in 86 lorries, ranging from 26 tonnes to 44 tonnes.

In addition, five refrigeration units will be using a prototype liquid nitrogen system. Several haulage operators are involved in the trial, including Kuehne + Nagel, Wincanton, ASDA, Brit European, Howard Tenens and Great Bear.

Global transport firm Kuehne + Nagel is also leading on two of the four projects, one is a collaboration to deploy 29 of the latest generation 44 tonne dual fuel and Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) articulated trucks.

The project will deploy three state-of-the-art truck technologies with a high-profile fleet and promote the reintroduction of liquid bio methane into the UK market.

The other Kuehne + Nagel is a demonstration and study of zero emission capable trucks and refrigeration units in urban environments.

The final project is with multifuel firm G-volution Ltd for the development and demonstration of 15 dual fuel (diesel/gas) 44 Tonne road vehicles that comply fully with Euro VI emissions regulations by utilising combustion and emission control technologies to reduce methane slip and improve overall combustion efficiency.

Technology

Commenting on the projects, Matthew Hague, executive director — product strategy for Microlise, said: “With all new cars and vans set to be zero emission by 2040 — we are pleased to be part of the biggest practical trial of low and zero emission heavy goods vehicles in the UK.

“We are hoping the outcome of the projects will be research conclusions and recommendations as well as exploitable developments which will expedite the rollout of alternative technologies in UK fleets. It’s also great experience for us as a company to get hands-on with leading edge technologies in development now.”