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Cramlington firm to play key role in government carbon reduction mission

Cramlington-based AVID Technology has been named as one of 20 UK consortia to participate in a £20m government project to improve air quality.

The firm will work on a programme to increase the number of electric vans and lorries running as hybrids or on hydrogen dual-fuel from mid-2017 onwards.

The project, which will be delivered by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and Innovate UK, was unveiled by Transport Minister John Hayes at the Sustainable Road Transport Conference in London.

Avid is working with Magnomatics, a high-technology company formed in 2006 as a spin-out from the University of Sheffield, to implement its innovative Magsplit hybrid system into trucks which will be operated by Calor as part of its delivery fleet.

AVID’s role will be to convert, commission and deliver the hybrid electric vehicles, including electrified ancillaries, to enable the vehicles to run in electric mode with zero emission capability. Overseeing the project will be DAF LF manufacturer Leyland Trucks.

In a year-long trial, two 18 tonne DAF trucks operated by Calor will be fitted with Magnomatics’ innovative transmission technology, which has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by one million tonnes per annum by 2025.

Ryan Maughan, founder and managing director of AVID Technology, said: “Climate change, urban air quality and the rising cost of energy are major issues of our time.

“The energy consumption and exhaust emissions of heavy duty vehicles are a major contributor to these issues, despite being essential to everyday life.

“Over the past 11 years, we have developed the skills and know-how which gives us a unique position in the market place, leading to our involvement in this prestigious project.

“Our mission is to help our customers improve the efficiency and emissions of their vehicles and machinery through the design and manufacture of electrified ancillary systems for heavy duty and high performance vehicles.”

Transport Minister John Hayes said: “This project will help cut vehicle emissions, improve air quality and reduce pollution in towns and cities.

“This is yet another important step towards this government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions from transport to help tackle climate change.

“We are already making headway through our investment in low emission vehicles, greener public transport and walking and cycling, as well as grants for innovative advanced biofuels projects.”

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