Taking a break from the usual public appearances featuring dramatic, loud and fast demonstrations to thousands of fans, the Spéirling spent two days on show statically last month at the 14th annual Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle Event at UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground on 22-23rd September.
The Low Carbon Vehicle Event is a technology showcase exhibiting a wide range of technologies from across the low carbon spectrum, from early stage R&D projects through to commercially available products and complete vehicles. The event also hosts the latest in connected mobility innovation.
Cenex, an independent non-profit research and consultancy organisation, helps devise ultra-low emissions vehicles strategies for both the public and private sector with the aim of assisting British automakers with the transition to low carbon technologies. The Low Carbon Vehicle Event is well attended, with Cenex ensuring the decision makers of the UK industry including all major stakeholders, key manufacturers, supply chain representatives and government officials are present.
Offering a broad overview of what innovation is taking place in the UK for the future of propulsion, the event this year focused on battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell technologies and even flywheel energy recovery. Supplementing the networking between attendees of all types, from niche vehicle specialist consultants to multi-national OEMs offering fleets of vehicles, was a programme of seminars throughout the event. With the common theme of accelerating the industry towards zero emissions, topics such as battery charging infrastructure, motor manufacture, and autonomous driving algorithms were discussed.
UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground has a wide range of world class automotive testing and evaluation circuits. Famously, Millbrook played host to some stunt filming for the James Bond franchise’s Casino Royale: filming of a vehicle rollover scene saw a world recording breaking number of rolls achieved in a cannon-assisted barrel roll, seven! All vehicles stayed the right way up at the Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle Show however, as manufacturers with road car offerings took guests on test drives to demonstrate their technologies live; including hydrogen fuel cell cars and converted-to-electric sports cars. An e-Scooter test ride area saw guests practicing the ‘commute of the future’ in their smart attire.
Over the two days we met some interesting people who will undoubtedly contribute to the future success of the McMurtry Automotive. Thank you to Cenex for organising the event and hosting us. The end of this show signals the final show we plan to attend this year. The Spéirling will now enjoy the rest of its high speed testing programme at tracks in the UK and abroad.
Featured image courtesy of Cenex-LCV