Kolkata-based companies Vikram Solar and SnapE Cabs signed the UK-supported Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Declaration and became part of the Accelerating to Zero Coalition platform. The platform with the names of new signatories will be launched today (November 17) at COP27 in Sharm El Shaikh.
The signing took place in the presence of British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis.
The High Commissioner marked the COP27 Solutions Day in Kolkata.
The event provided a platform for companies and businesses who have signed the ZEV Declaration to share and exchange best practices on their journey to 100% zero emission vehicles. During the interaction, the business leaders got an opportunity to network and explore collaborative opportunities with the UK.
British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis said: “I am delighted to be in Kolkata, one of the world’s most innovative cities in the fight against climate change. Be it on electrification of public transport system or the new Electric Vehicle policy, the UK is a partner of Kolkata and India on this journey. Congratulations to the two companies for joining the Accelerating to Zero Coalition platform, which will provide greater access to finance, technology and innovations.”
British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, Nick Low said: “I am delighted to see companies like Vikram Solar from the east expand into the UK. Our office has also partnered with Snap-E Cabs to promote electric mobility. We are happy to support Kolkata’s climate ambitions. Regional tie-ups such as this will help bolster the UK-supported Accelerating to Zero Coalition at the COP27.”
- Zero Emission Vehicles Declaration and Accelerating to Zero Coalition
The ZEV Declaration, which has more than 200 signatories, was launched by the UK Government at COP26 and sets out commitment for all new cars and vans sales to be zero emission by 2040 globally and by 2035 in leading markets. It provides a platform to countries, states, cities, businesses and other organisations to publicly commit to accelerate the global transition to ZEV. It is a non-legally binding declaration. The UK worked with Indian government who signed the Declaration at COP 26 in Glasgow highlighting its priority of transition to electric two and three wheelers. 15 other organisations from India signed the Declaration at COP 26.
The Accelerating to Zero Coalition builds off the momentous foundation of the “Zero Emission Vehicles Declaration” (ZEV Declaration) generated at COP26 and hosted by the UK COP Presidency in collaboration with the Climate Change High-Level Champions and the Climate Group. A2Z Coalition will be launched on November 17th—Solutions Day at COP27 with new signatories.
The Coalition will host the ZEV Declaration and undertake the following activities:
- Growing membership: Activities to support and coordinate efforts between different initiatives that work with differing actor groups to bring more governments and businesses in line with an accelerated ZEV transition and secure additional sign-ups to the ZEV declaration, sending the strongest supply and demand signals to the global market.
- Showcasing leadership: Giving profile to new members of the A2Z Coalition, who have made ambitious commitments, as leaders in the global ZEV transition.
- Connecting signatories to support: The secretariat will consult with members on their needs and signpost to our key partners in the existing International Community of Best Practice on ZEV transition.
- Monitoring: The secretariat will also track progress made on the ZEV transition in line with commitments made through the declaration.
Source: British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee