Charging up your EV fleet – for a greener route

Charlotte Davies

Research findings from energy company Centrica Business Solutions indicate that fleet owners are set to raise their EV spending by 50% within the next 12 months. However, HGV electrification is still in its infancy owing to various challenges. Costlier and heavier batteries and lack of charging infrastructure along long routes are the major bottlenecks in the realisation of HGV electrification for long-haul freight transportation.

Examining the incentives

The incentives behind fleet EV adoption are numerous. With their simpler and more compact design, EVs use less money-consuming energy than alternatives powered by internal combustion. They have lower maintenance overheads, with a total cost of ownership that can be recovered within five to eight years, depending on the vehicle’s range. And of course, they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut noise pollution in urban areas, and are more recyclable.

Currently, there are around 4,000 zero-emission trucks operational across Europe, but this will have to expand to 400,000 trucks by 2030 if the continent’s carbon emission targets are to be met. Today’s 2% of total truck sales will have to hit double-digit levels in short order.

The charging conundrum

The electrification of HGVs is progressing at a different pace to that of smaller vehicles, like cars and vans. This is because eHGVs demand costlier and heavier batteries than smaller vehicles and suffer from a shortage of appropriate charging infrastructure on long-haul routes. The upfront capital costs of electric HGVs can be high, making it critical to weigh the total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s operational lifespan.

The main problem with lithium-ion batteries is that they have the possibility of overheating and blowing up, even igniting serious fires that can destroy the entire car. These batteries also have a shorter life than expected due to the constant recharging that must be done.

For example, on a full charge, most EVs can only travel 300 to 400 miles before finding a place to charge up. That charge can take up to 12 hours if a level II charging station is unavailable. When traveling over short distances, this will not be much of a problem, but for long-distance traveling, it becomes a big issue to keep the schedule created. This is because the current technology is not good enough to offer longer distances.

Range anxiety is a serious barrier to the widespread adoption of electric EVs, and this is further intensified with eHGVs. It is therefore to be taken seriously. A recent survey done by Statista, shows that range anxiety and charging accessibility are the biggest consumer obstacle to investing in an EV car, with price ranking second, and battery environment impact being third.

However, a study conducted by manufacturer Volvo reports that while 65% of EV drivers had range anxiety when they first bought an EV, this sensation fades after a few months of use.

Battery technology is progressing

On the plus side, battery technology is evolving. Solid-state batteries promise nearly double the energy density of lithium-ion ones on the basis of weight, while permitting faster charging and in all probability increasing the safety and stability of cells. Being smaller and lighter means that manufacturers can put far more power in the same space, giving an EV or hybrid vehicle something like twice the range of one dependent on lithium-ion. This has radical implications for the commercialisation of the EV. But solid-state technology is a work in progress, and there are manufacturing and longevity hurdles to be overcome on the way to mass production.

Charging technology is also moving on. Electric drivers can now use ultra-fast charging or high-power charging (HPC) where available, giving them between three and seven times faster charging than conventional stations.

Fleet managers may well seek to evaluate how the potential of EVs sits alongside that of vehicles using biofuels. Both options, in truth, have merits and demerits. EVs have the edge in performance, and note should be taken of huge increases in the number of available charging points. Innovation is making batteries better and cheaper. EVs commonly have higher upfront costs than biofuel vehicles, but lower long-term operating costs. EV evangelists point to the impact that biofuel production has on the use of land resources, arguing that it impacts food production. But biofuel technology is also evolving in ways that might cut that impact.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are the future for some. At COP28, more than 30 countries supported the role of clean hydrogen in decarbonisation. EV batteries are many times heavier than biofuel or hydrogen cells and can take hours to fully recharge. Refuelling a hydrogen-powered vehicle takes around the same time as filling up a conventional petrol car.

Looking ahead

It is essential for policymakers, and industry stakeholders to remain vigilant in their assessments of the most environmentally sound options for the future of electric vs biofuel-powered vehicles. When it comes to lithium-ion batteries, the industry must invest in alternative solutions, while in in parallel remediating and reducing the impact of lithium mining. Recycling and increasing the lifetime of these batteries is key in reducing the need to mine huge quantities of the precious material. This effort should be accompanied by new lithium mining operations with strict environmental laws and regulations and investment in advanced mining methods capable of extracting lithium from seawater.

On a positive note, technological advancements are well underway. The technology is evolving with options multiplying to determine how we can decarbonise road transport and benefit from greener fleets. Easily chargeable greener fleets are on the horizon.

By Thierry Grenut, Sales Director, Milexia France

Source: Innovation News Network

Greening your fleet – examining the case for EV adoption

Charlotte Davies

Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is one obvious solution if we are to decarbonise our highways and head off the climate crisis. EVs are growingly popular in the UK, thanks to technology advances and supportive government policies.

The country’s fleet operators are at the forefront of this trend, their EV acquisitions accounting for 53.3% of last year’s 2.3m new vehicle registrations. Research findings from energy company Centrica Business Solutions indicate that fleet owners are set to raise their EV spending by 50% within the next 12 months.

The incentives behind fleet EV adoption are numerous. With their simpler and more compact design, EVs use less money-consuming energy than alternatives powered by internal combustion. They have lower maintenance overheads, with a total cost of ownership that can be recovered within five to eight years, depending on the vehicle’s range. And of course, they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut noise pollution in urban areas and are more recyclable.

So why delay?

There are nonetheless reasons why some fleet operators might be hesitant to migrate to electric transport. For one thing, the electrification of HGVs is progressing at a different pace to that of smaller vehicles, like cars and vans. eHGVs are still in relative infancy thanks to various challenges. They demand costlier and heavier batteries than smaller vehicles and suffer from a shortage of appropriate charging infrastructure on long-haul routes. The upfront capital costs of electric HGVs can be high, making it critical to weigh the total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s operational lifespan. They do at least have the same lower running costs compared with diesel vehicles, as well as less frequent maintenance needs and potential tax advantages.

The eHGV market will need to change. There are currently around 4,000 zero-emission trucks operational across Europe, but this will have to expand to 400,000 trucks by 2030 if the continent’s carbon emission targets are to be met. Today’s 2% of total truck sales will have to hit double-digit levels in short order.

It’s not just HGV fleet managers that might have EV reservations. Most of today’s EVs depend on lithium-ion batteries which come with the occasional propensity for overheating and catching fire. Commercial EVs can in any case expect to have a shorter lifespan than domestic ones due to the constant battery recharging that must be done.

There’s the matter of range. On a full charge, most EVs can only travel 300 to 400 miles before needing to stop and charge up. This can take up to 12 hours at a Level 1 charging station, should a Level 2 or Level 3 station be unavailable. This makes a world of different where hauling freight over long distances is involved.

Battery technology moves on

On the plus side, battery technology is evolving. Solid-state batteries promise nearly double the energy density of lithium-ion ones on the basis of weight, while permitting faster charging and in all probability increasing the safety and stability of cells. Being smaller and lighter means that manufacturers can put far more power in the same space, giving an EV or hybrid vehicle something like twice the range of one dependent on lithium-ion. This has radical implications for the commercialisation of the EV. But solid-state technology is a work in progress, and there are manufacturing and longevity hurdles to be overcome on the way to mass production.

Charging technology is also moving on. Electric drivers can now use ultra-fast charging or high-power charging (HPC) where available, giving them between three and seven times faster charging than conventional stations.

Fleet managers may well seek to evaluate how the potential of EVs sits alongside that of vehicles using biofuels. Both options, in truth, have merits and demerits. EVs have the edge in performance, and note should be taken of huge increases in the number of available charging points. Innovation is making batteries better and cheaper. EVs commonly have higher upfront costs than biofuel vehicles, but lower long-term operating costs. EV evangelists point to the impact that biofuel production has on the use of land resources, arguing that it impacts food production. But biofuel technology is also evolving in ways that might cut that impact.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are the future for some. At COP28, more than 30 countries supported the role of clean hydrogen in decarbonisation. EV batteries are many times heavier than biofuel or hydrogen cells and can take hours to fully recharge. Refuelling a hydrogen-powered vehicle takes around the same time as filling up a conventional petrol car.

Clearly there are no easy answers in determining how we can decarbonise road transport and enjoy greener fleets. But technology is evolving and options multiplying, offering hope to a logistics sector that wants to do its best to contribute to an environmentally friendly future.

By Thierry Grenut, Sales Director, Milexia France

Source: Logistics Voices

Greening your fleet – examining the case for EV adoption

Charlotte Davies

Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is one obvious solution if we are to decarbonise our highways and head off the climate crisis. EVs are growingly popular in the UK, thanks to technology advances and supportive government policies.

The country’s fleet operators are at the forefront of this trend, their EV acquisitions accounting for 53.3% of last year’s 2.3m new vehicle registrations. Research findings from energy company Centrica Business Solutions indicate that fleet owners are set to raise their EV spending by 50% within the next 12 months.

The incentives behind fleet EV adoption are numerous. With their simpler and more compact design, EVs use less money-consuming energy than alternatives powered by internal combustion. They have lower maintenance overheads, with a total cost of ownership that can be recovered within five to eight years, depending on the vehicle’s range. And of course, they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut noise pollution in urban areas and are more recyclable.

So why delay?

There are nonetheless reasons why some fleet operators might be hesitant to migrate to electric transport. For one thing, the electrification of HGVs is progressing at a different pace to that of smaller vehicles, like cars and vans. eHGVs are still in relative infancy thanks to various challenges. They demand costlier and heavier batteries than smaller vehicles and suffer from a shortage of appropriate charging infrastructure on long-haul routes. The upfront capital costs of electric HGVs can be high, making it critical to weigh the total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s operational lifespan. They do at least have the same lower running costs compared with diesel vehicles, as well as less frequent maintenance needs and potential tax advantages.

The eHGV market will need to change. There are currently around 4,000 zero-emission trucks operational across Europe, but this will have to expand to 400,000 trucks by 2030 if the continent’s carbon emission targets are to be met. Today’s 2% of total truck sales will have to hit double-digit levels in short order.

It’s not just HGV fleet managers that might have EV reservations. Most of today’s EVs depend on lithium-ion batteries which come with the occasional propensity for overheating and catching fire. Commercial EVs can in any case expect to have a shorter lifespan than domestic ones due to the constant battery recharging that must be done.

There’s the matter of range. On a full charge, most EVs can only travel 300 to 400 miles before needing to stop and charge up. This can take up to 12 hours at a Level 1 charging station, should a Level 2 or Level 3 station be unavailable. This makes a world of different where hauling freight over long distances is involved.

Battery technology moves on

On the plus side, battery technology is evolving. Solid-state batteries promise nearly double the energy density of lithium-ion ones on the basis of weight, while permitting faster charging and in all probability increasing the safety and stability of cells. Being smaller and lighter means that manufacturers can put far more power in the same space, giving an EV or hybrid vehicle something like twice the range of one dependent on lithium-ion. This has radical implications for the commercialisation of the EV. But solid-state technology is a work in progress, and there are manufacturing and longevity hurdles to be overcome on the way to mass production.

Charging technology is also moving on. Electric drivers can now use ultra-fast charging or high-power charging (HPC) where available, giving them between three and seven times faster charging than conventional stations.

Fleet managers may well seek to evaluate how the potential of EVs sits alongside that of vehicles using biofuels. Both options, in truth, have merits and demerits. EVs have the edge in performance, and note should be taken of huge increases in the number of available charging points. Innovation is making batteries better and cheaper. EVs commonly have higher upfront costs than biofuel vehicles, but lower long-term operating costs. EV evangelists point to the impact that biofuel production has on the use of land resources, arguing that it impacts food production. But biofuel technology is also evolving in ways that might cut that impact.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are the future for some. At COP28, more than 30 countries supported the role of clean hydrogen in decarbonisation. EV batteries are many times heavier than biofuel or hydrogen cells and can take hours to fully recharge. Refuelling a hydrogen-powered vehicle takes around the same time as filling up a conventional petrol car.

Clearly there are no easy answers in determining how we can decarbonise road transport and enjoy greener fleets. But technology is evolving and options multiplying, offering hope to a logistics sector that wants to do its best to contribute to an environmentally friendly future.

By Thierry Grenut, Sales Director, Milexia France

Source: Logistics Voices

Greening your fleet – examining the case for EV adoption

Charlotte Davies

Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is one obvious solution if we are to decarbonise our highways and head off the climate crisis. EVs are growingly popular in the UK, thanks to technology advances and supportive government policies.

The country’s fleet operators are at the forefront of this trend, their EV acquisitions accounting for 53.3% of last year’s 2.3m new vehicle registrations. Research findings from energy company Centrica Business Solutions indicate that fleet owners are set to raise their EV spending by 50% within the next 12 months.

The incentives behind fleet EV adoption are numerous. With their simpler and more compact design, EVs use less money-consuming energy than alternatives powered by internal combustion. They have lower maintenance overheads, with a total cost of ownership that can be recovered within five to eight years, depending on the vehicle’s range. And of course, they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut noise pollution in urban areas and are more recyclable.

So why delay?

There are nonetheless reasons why some fleet operators might be hesitant to migrate to electric transport. For one thing, the electrification of HGVs is progressing at a different pace to that of smaller vehicles, like cars and vans. eHGVs are still in relative infancy thanks to various challenges. They demand costlier and heavier batteries than smaller vehicles and suffer from a shortage of appropriate charging infrastructure on long-haul routes. The upfront capital costs of electric HGVs can be high, making it critical to weigh the total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s operational lifespan. They do at least have the same lower running costs compared with diesel vehicles, as well as less frequent maintenance needs and potential tax advantages.

The eHGV market will need to change. There are currently around 4,000 zero-emission trucks operational across Europe, but this will have to expand to 400,000 trucks by 2030 if the continent’s carbon emission targets are to be met. Today’s 2% of total truck sales will have to hit double-digit levels in short order.

It’s not just HGV fleet managers that might have EV reservations. Most of today’s EVs depend on lithium-ion batteries which come with the occasional propensity for overheating and catching fire. Commercial EVs can in any case expect to have a shorter lifespan than domestic ones due to the constant battery recharging that must be done.

There’s the matter of range. On a full charge, most EVs can only travel 300 to 400 miles before needing to stop and charge up. This can take up to 12 hours at a Level 1 charging station, should a Level 2 or Level 3 station be unavailable. This makes a world of different where hauling freight over long distances is involved.

Battery technology moves on

On the plus side, battery technology is evolving. Solid-state batteries promise nearly double the energy density of lithium-ion ones on the basis of weight, while permitting faster charging and in all probability increasing the safety and stability of cells. Being smaller and lighter means that manufacturers can put far more power in the same space, giving an EV or hybrid vehicle something like twice the range of one dependent on lithium-ion. This has radical implications for the commercialisation of the EV. But solid-state technology is a work in progress, and there are manufacturing and longevity hurdles to be overcome on the way to mass production.

Charging technology is also moving on. Electric drivers can now use ultra-fast charging or high-power charging (HPC) where available, giving them between three and seven times faster charging than conventional stations.

Fleet managers may well seek to evaluate how the potential of EVs sits alongside that of vehicles using biofuels. Both options, in truth, have merits and demerits. EVs have the edge in performance, and note should be taken of huge increases in the number of available charging points. Innovation is making batteries better and cheaper. EVs commonly have higher upfront costs than biofuel vehicles, but lower long-term operating costs. EV evangelists point to the impact that biofuel production has on the use of land resources, arguing that it impacts food production. But biofuel technology is also evolving in ways that might cut that impact.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are the future for some. At COP28, more than 30 countries supported the role of clean hydrogen in decarbonisation. EV batteries are many times heavier than biofuel or hydrogen cells and can take hours to fully recharge. Refuelling a hydrogen-powered vehicle takes around the same time as filling up a conventional petrol car.

Clearly there are no easy answers in determining how we can decarbonise road transport and enjoy greener fleets. But technology is evolving and options multiplying, offering hope to a logistics sector that wants to do its best to contribute to an environmentally friendly future.

By Thierry Grenut, Sales Director, Milexia France

Source: Logistics Voices

Greening your fleet – examining the case for EV adoption

Charlotte Davies

Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is one obvious solution if we are to decarbonise our highways and head off the climate crisis. EVs are growingly popular in the UK, thanks to technology advances and supportive government policies.

The country’s fleet operators are at the forefront of this trend, their EV acquisitions accounting for 53.3% of last year’s 2.3m new vehicle registrations. Research findings from energy company Centrica Business Solutions indicate that fleet owners are set to raise their EV spending by 50% within the next 12 months.

The incentives behind fleet EV adoption are numerous. With their simpler and more compact design, EVs use less money-consuming energy than alternatives powered by internal combustion. They have lower maintenance overheads, with a total cost of ownership that can be recovered within five to eight years, depending on the vehicle’s range. And of course, they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut noise pollution in urban areas and are more recyclable.

So why delay?

There are nonetheless reasons why some fleet operators might be hesitant to migrate to electric transport. For one thing, the electrification of HGVs is progressing at a different pace to that of smaller vehicles, like cars and vans. eHGVs are still in relative infancy thanks to various challenges. They demand costlier and heavier batteries than smaller vehicles and suffer from a shortage of appropriate charging infrastructure on long-haul routes. The upfront capital costs of electric HGVs can be high, making it critical to weigh the total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s operational lifespan. They do at least have the same lower running costs compared with diesel vehicles, as well as less frequent maintenance needs and potential tax advantages.

The eHGV market will need to change. There are currently around 4,000 zero-emission trucks operational across Europe, but this will have to expand to 400,000 trucks by 2030 if the continent’s carbon emission targets are to be met. Today’s 2% of total truck sales will have to hit double-digit levels in short order.

It’s not just HGV fleet managers that might have EV reservations. Most of today’s EVs depend on lithium-ion batteries which come with the occasional propensity for overheating and catching fire. Commercial EVs can in any case expect to have a shorter lifespan than domestic ones due to the constant battery recharging that must be done.

There’s the matter of range. On a full charge, most EVs can only travel 300 to 400 miles before needing to stop and charge up. This can take up to 12 hours at a Level 1 charging station, should a Level 2 or Level 3 station be unavailable. This makes a world of different where hauling freight over long distances is involved.

Battery technology moves on

On the plus side, battery technology is evolving. Solid-state batteries promise nearly double the energy density of lithium-ion ones on the basis of weight, while permitting faster charging and in all probability increasing the safety and stability of cells. Being smaller and lighter means that manufacturers can put far more power in the same space, giving an EV or hybrid vehicle something like twice the range of one dependent on lithium-ion. This has radical implications for the commercialisation of the EV. But solid-state technology is a work in progress, and there are manufacturing and longevity hurdles to be overcome on the way to mass production.

Charging technology is also moving on. Electric drivers can now use ultra-fast charging or high-power charging (HPC) where available, giving them between three and seven times faster charging than conventional stations.

Fleet managers may well seek to evaluate how the potential of EVs sits alongside that of vehicles using biofuels. Both options, in truth, have merits and demerits. EVs have the edge in performance, and note should be taken of huge increases in the number of available charging points. Innovation is making batteries better and cheaper. EVs commonly have higher upfront costs than biofuel vehicles, but lower long-term operating costs. EV evangelists point to the impact that biofuel production has on the use of land resources, arguing that it impacts food production. But biofuel technology is also evolving in ways that might cut that impact.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are the future for some. At COP28, more than 30 countries supported the role of clean hydrogen in decarbonisation. EV batteries are many times heavier than biofuel or hydrogen cells and can take hours to fully recharge. Refuelling a hydrogen-powered vehicle takes around the same time as filling up a conventional petrol car.

Clearly there are no easy answers in determining how we can decarbonise road transport and enjoy greener fleets. But technology is evolving and options multiplying, offering hope to a logistics sector that wants to do its best to contribute to an environmentally friendly future.

By Thierry Grenut, Sales Director, Milexia France

Source: Logistics Voices

Greening your fleet – examining the case for EV adoption

Charlotte Davies

Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is one obvious solution if we are to decarbonise our highways and head off the climate crisis. EVs are growingly popular in the UK, thanks to technology advances and supportive government policies.

The country’s fleet operators are at the forefront of this trend, their EV acquisitions accounting for 53.3% of last year’s 2.3m new vehicle registrations. Research findings from energy company Centrica Business Solutions indicate that fleet owners are set to raise their EV spending by 50% within the next 12 months.

The incentives behind fleet EV adoption are numerous. With their simpler and more compact design, EVs use less money-consuming energy than alternatives powered by internal combustion. They have lower maintenance overheads, with a total cost of ownership that can be recovered within five to eight years, depending on the vehicle’s range. And of course, they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut noise pollution in urban areas and are more recyclable.

So why delay?

There are nonetheless reasons why some fleet operators might be hesitant to migrate to electric transport. For one thing, the electrification of HGVs is progressing at a different pace to that of smaller vehicles, like cars and vans. eHGVs are still in relative infancy thanks to various challenges. They demand costlier and heavier batteries than smaller vehicles and suffer from a shortage of appropriate charging infrastructure on long-haul routes. The upfront capital costs of electric HGVs can be high, making it critical to weigh the total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s operational lifespan. They do at least have the same lower running costs compared with diesel vehicles, as well as less frequent maintenance needs and potential tax advantages.

The eHGV market will need to change. There are currently around 4,000 zero-emission trucks operational across Europe, but this will have to expand to 400,000 trucks by 2030 if the continent’s carbon emission targets are to be met. Today’s 2% of total truck sales will have to hit double-digit levels in short order.

It’s not just HGV fleet managers that might have EV reservations. Most of today’s EVs depend on lithium-ion batteries which come with the occasional propensity for overheating and catching fire. Commercial EVs can in any case expect to have a shorter lifespan than domestic ones due to the constant battery recharging that must be done.

There’s the matter of range. On a full charge, most EVs can only travel 300 to 400 miles before needing to stop and charge up. This can take up to 12 hours at a Level 1 charging station, should a Level 2 or Level 3 station be unavailable. This makes a world of different where hauling freight over long distances is involved.

Battery technology moves on

On the plus side, battery technology is evolving. Solid-state batteries promise nearly double the energy density of lithium-ion ones on the basis of weight, while permitting faster charging and in all probability increasing the safety and stability of cells. Being smaller and lighter means that manufacturers can put far more power in the same space, giving an EV or hybrid vehicle something like twice the range of one dependent on lithium-ion. This has radical implications for the commercialisation of the EV. But solid-state technology is a work in progress, and there are manufacturing and longevity hurdles to be overcome on the way to mass production.

Charging technology is also moving on. Electric drivers can now use ultra-fast charging or high-power charging (HPC) where available, giving them between three and seven times faster charging than conventional stations.

Fleet managers may well seek to evaluate how the potential of EVs sits alongside that of vehicles using biofuels. Both options, in truth, have merits and demerits. EVs have the edge in performance, and note should be taken of huge increases in the number of available charging points. Innovation is making batteries better and cheaper. EVs commonly have higher upfront costs than biofuel vehicles, but lower long-term operating costs. EV evangelists point to the impact that biofuel production has on the use of land resources, arguing that it impacts food production. But biofuel technology is also evolving in ways that might cut that impact.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are the future for some. At COP28, more than 30 countries supported the role of clean hydrogen in decarbonisation. EV batteries are many times heavier than biofuel or hydrogen cells and can take hours to fully recharge. Refuelling a hydrogen-powered vehicle takes around the same time as filling up a conventional petrol car.

Clearly there are no easy answers in determining how we can decarbonise road transport and enjoy greener fleets. But technology is evolving and options multiplying, offering hope to a logistics sector that wants to do its best to contribute to an environmentally friendly future.

By Thierry Grenut, Sales Director, Milexia France

Source: Logistics Voices

Milexia confirms the integration of CEL – another important step in our growth plan

Charlotte Davies

CEL will be rebranded as Milexia France, marking a significant milestone in our company’s history.

After almost a year of meticulous planning, tireless efforts, and the integration of people, processes, and tools, we are delighted to confirm the finalization of the cultural and operational integration. This journey has been a testament to our unwavering commitment to growth and expansion.

We look forward to the next chapter of our story, as we continue to build on this success and take Milexia to new heights.

CEL, founded in 1986 and historically based in Lyon, offers a wide range of products and services to major industrial players in France and Europe. Its customized services are based on the supply and implementation of complete technical solutions, from defining the customers’ needs to the design, delivery and integration phases.

As a value-added distributor of electronic components and subsystems, telecom connection products and chemical products mainly in the railway and industrial fields, CEL’s dynamic team of more than 30 employees brings complementary know-how to Milexia France. This integration creates a powerful synergy, combining our strengths and expertise and significantly adds value to the Milexia family. It greatly expands our offering, enhances our capabilities, and extends our overall market reach, bringing numerous benefits to our customers and partners.

“CEL’s team, with their expertise and presence in markets complementary to those of Milexia, reinforces the positioning of our group as the European leader of value-added technology distributors. This aligns with our growth ambitions in Europe to better serve our ecosystem of customers and partners”, said Xavier Gaillard, CEO of Milexia Group.

Alain Gorrec, CEO of CEL, reflected this optimistic outlook:

“The CEL teams are delighted to join those of Milexia Group; our culture and values are identical. The priority given to customers and suppliers is a common value of the CEL group and MILEXIA, guaranteeing our interlocutors’ expertise and a real added value to the proposed products, solutions and services. This merger is a guarantee of continuity and reinforcement of our presence with our customers and suppliers”.

This is an important step in Milexia’s ambitious growth plan as it diversifies its presence in promising technology markets and strengthens its technological offering. The integration of CEL expands our market reach and brings tangible benefits to our stakeholders and the general public. It allows us to provide a wider range of products and services, enhance our technological capabilities, and create more opportunities for growth and innovation.

About Milexia: Founded in 1971, the Milexia group is one of the leading European suppliers of high-tech electronic components, systems and scientific instruments. It has offices and warehouses in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany. The group has technical centers in France and the UK, which offer customized solutions, installation, training and maintenance for the defence, space, transportation, Satcom, Scientific Instrumentation and other civil industries.

https://staging.milexia.com/fr/francais/

About CEL: Since 1986, CEL has been offering reliable, high-performance, and customized solutions thanks to its partnership policy with the best manufacturers on the market.

https://www.cel-electronic.com/

Delivering essential comms for UK International Search and Rescue

Charlotte Davies

Milexia, together with ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, Holkirk Communications, a communications manufacturer of lightweight satellite uplink design, and Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, partnered to provide UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) with vital communications capabilities. 

New Holkirk Scorpion-Lite portable communication terminals, powered by the ST Engineering iDirect iQ 200 modem, were rolled out during the first responder search and rescue operation following the devastating earthquake in Morocco on the 8th of September 2023.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, struck the northern coast of Morocco, causing widespread destruction to buildings, infrastructure and communication networks. The affected areas included the ancient section of Marrakech and remote settlements in the Atlas Mountains. As a result, the Moroccan government declared a state of emergency, and rescue teams and humanitarian aid were mobilised to support the affected population. 

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the UKISAR team led by Russ Gauden UK-ISAR National Coordinator deployed to  Morocco on the 10th of September, on behalf of the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) equipped with the new state-of-the-art communication technology. The Scorpion-Lite, pre-configured and certified to operate within the Intelsat FlexMove network, provided the UKISAR team with reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity, enabling them to establish seamless communication with their headquarters.

The Intelsat FlexMove network provides enterprise grade connectivity for mission critical applications everywhere. Powered by the ST Engineering iDirect Velocity® platform, FlexMove played a pivotal role in ensuring that the UKISAR team had access to always-on high-speed data, video, and voice communication in any environments they encountered.  The vital connectivity provided communications on the move to first responders to coordinate rescue missions, access to critical information and welfare networks for the team’s well-being and provided onsite central operations for medical support.  

The combined technology solution provided the UKISAR team with end-to-end connectivity that was easy to set up, offered a user-friendly interface for easy operation and a rugged design with the reliability and resiliency they needed to run their mission-critical operations.

Aghia Pal Singh MBE, Command & Control, UKISAR said:

“The Scorpion-Lite VSAT Terminal was used during the Morocco Earthquake rescue for the first time. Once set up, the terminals were reliable and fast with a data connection that is great value for money.  This also allowed us to provide internet connectivity for welfare facilities to the UKISAR team for the first time.” 

Dave Nicoll, Group Business Development Manager – Satcom Division at Milexia, commented: 

“The success of this partnership showcases ST Engineering iDirect and Milexia’s commitment to providing fast and efficient satellite communication solutions, even in challenging and remote scenarios. It’s great to see that the Holkirk Scorpion-Lite terminal and the Intelsat FlexMove network were able to contribute to the UKISAR team’s operations during such a critical mission.”

 
Craig Bowley, Regional VP, EMEA at ST Engineering iDirect, added: 

“ST Engineering iDirect is immensely proud of our long-term partnerships with industry leaders like Milexia and Intelsat. Collaborations such as the recent mission in Morocco exemplify the impact we can make when it truly counts. Our cutting-edge technology, represented by the ST Engineering iDirect iQ 200 modem and Velocity® platform, plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity, as seen with the deployment of the Holkirk Scorpion-Lite terminals during the UK International Search and Rescue operations. These partnerships underscore our commitment to delivering innovative and robust satellite communication solutions that empower first responders and aid organisations to efficiently carry out their missions, particularly in challenging and remote environments.” 

Delivering essential comms for UK International Search and Rescue

Charlotte Davies

Milexia, together with ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, Holkirk Communications, a communications manufacturer of lightweight satellite uplink design, and Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, partnered to provide UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) with vital communications capabilities. 

New Holkirk Scorpion-Lite portable communication terminals, powered by the ST Engineering iDirect iQ 200 modem, were rolled out during the first responder search and rescue operation following the devastating earthquake in Morocco on the 8th of September 2023.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, struck the northern coast of Morocco, causing widespread destruction to buildings, infrastructure and communication networks. The affected areas included the ancient section of Marrakech and remote settlements in the Atlas Mountains. As a result, the Moroccan government declared a state of emergency, and rescue teams and humanitarian aid were mobilised to support the affected population. 

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the UKISAR team led by Russ Gauden UK-ISAR National Coordinator deployed to  Morocco on the 10th of September, on behalf of the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) equipped with the new state-of-the-art communication technology. The Scorpion-Lite, pre-configured and certified to operate within the Intelsat FlexMove network, provided the UKISAR team with reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity, enabling them to establish seamless communication with their headquarters.

The Intelsat FlexMove network provides enterprise grade connectivity for mission critical applications everywhere. Powered by the ST Engineering iDirect Velocity® platform, FlexMove played a pivotal role in ensuring that the UKISAR team had access to always-on high-speed data, video, and voice communication in any environments they encountered.  The vital connectivity provided communications on the move to first responders to coordinate rescue missions, access to critical information and welfare networks for the team’s well-being and provided onsite central operations for medical support.  

The combined technology solution provided the UKISAR team with end-to-end connectivity that was easy to set up, offered a user-friendly interface for easy operation and a rugged design with the reliability and resiliency they needed to run their mission-critical operations.

Aghia Pal Singh MBE, Command & Control, UKISAR said:

“The Scorpion-Lite VSAT Terminal was used during the Morocco Earthquake rescue for the first time. Once set up, the terminals were reliable and fast with a data connection that is great value for money.  This also allowed us to provide internet connectivity for welfare facilities to the UKISAR team for the first time.” 

Dave Nicoll, Group Business Development Manager – Satcom Division at Milexia, commented: 

“The success of this partnership showcases ST Engineering iDirect and Milexia’s commitment to providing fast and efficient satellite communication solutions, even in challenging and remote scenarios. It’s great to see that the Holkirk Scorpion-Lite terminal and the Intelsat FlexMove network were able to contribute to the UKISAR team’s operations during such a critical mission.”

 
Craig Bowley, Regional VP, EMEA at ST Engineering iDirect, added: 

“ST Engineering iDirect is immensely proud of our long-term partnerships with industry leaders like Milexia and Intelsat. Collaborations such as the recent mission in Morocco exemplify the impact we can make when it truly counts. Our cutting-edge technology, represented by the ST Engineering iDirect iQ 200 modem and Velocity® platform, plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity, as seen with the deployment of the Holkirk Scorpion-Lite terminals during the UK International Search and Rescue operations. These partnerships underscore our commitment to delivering innovative and robust satellite communication solutions that empower first responders and aid organisations to efficiently carry out their missions, particularly in challenging and remote environments.” 

Delivering essential comms for UK International Search and Rescue

Charlotte Davies

Milexia, together with ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, Holkirk Communications, a communications manufacturer of lightweight satellite uplink design, and Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, partnered to provide UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) with vital communications capabilities. 

New Holkirk Scorpion-Lite portable communication terminals, powered by the ST Engineering iDirect iQ 200 modem, were rolled out during the first responder search and rescue operation following the devastating earthquake in Morocco on the 8th of September 2023.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, struck the northern coast of Morocco, causing widespread destruction to buildings, infrastructure and communication networks. The affected areas included the ancient section of Marrakech and remote settlements in the Atlas Mountains. As a result, the Moroccan government declared a state of emergency, and rescue teams and humanitarian aid were mobilised to support the affected population. 

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the UKISAR team led by Russ Gauden UK-ISAR National Coordinator deployed to  Morocco on the 10th of September, on behalf of the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) equipped with the new state-of-the-art communication technology. The Scorpion-Lite, pre-configured and certified to operate within the Intelsat FlexMove network, provided the UKISAR team with reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity, enabling them to establish seamless communication with their headquarters.

The Intelsat FlexMove network provides enterprise grade connectivity for mission critical applications everywhere. Powered by the ST Engineering iDirect Velocity® platform, FlexMove played a pivotal role in ensuring that the UKISAR team had access to always-on high-speed data, video, and voice communication in any environments they encountered.  The vital connectivity provided communications on the move to first responders to coordinate rescue missions, access to critical information and welfare networks for the team’s well-being and provided onsite central operations for medical support.  

The combined technology solution provided the UKISAR team with end-to-end connectivity that was easy to set up, offered a user-friendly interface for easy operation and a rugged design with the reliability and resiliency they needed to run their mission-critical operations.

Aghia Pal Singh MBE, Command & Control, UKISAR said:

“The Scorpion-Lite VSAT Terminal was used during the Morocco Earthquake rescue for the first time. Once set up, the terminals were reliable and fast with a data connection that is great value for money.  This also allowed us to provide internet connectivity for welfare facilities to the UKISAR team for the first time.” 

Dave Nicoll, Group Business Development Manager – Satcom Division at Milexia, commented: 

“The success of this partnership showcases ST Engineering iDirect and Milexia’s commitment to providing fast and efficient satellite communication solutions, even in challenging and remote scenarios. It’s great to see that the Holkirk Scorpion-Lite terminal and the Intelsat FlexMove network were able to contribute to the UKISAR team’s operations during such a critical mission.”

 
Craig Bowley, Regional VP, EMEA at ST Engineering iDirect, added: 

“ST Engineering iDirect is immensely proud of our long-term partnerships with industry leaders like Milexia and Intelsat. Collaborations such as the recent mission in Morocco exemplify the impact we can make when it truly counts. Our cutting-edge technology, represented by the ST Engineering iDirect iQ 200 modem and Velocity® platform, plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity, as seen with the deployment of the Holkirk Scorpion-Lite terminals during the UK International Search and Rescue operations. These partnerships underscore our commitment to delivering innovative and robust satellite communication solutions that empower first responders and aid organisations to efficiently carry out their missions, particularly in challenging and remote environments.” 

Delivering essential comms for UK International Search and Rescue

Charlotte Davies

Milexia, together with ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, Holkirk Communications, a communications manufacturer of lightweight satellite uplink design, and Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, partnered to provide UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) with vital communications capabilities. 

New Holkirk Scorpion-Lite portable communication terminals, powered by the ST Engineering iDirect iQ 200 modem, were rolled out during the first responder search and rescue operation following the devastating earthquake in Morocco on the 8th of September 2023.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, struck the northern coast of Morocco, causing widespread destruction to buildings, infrastructure and communication networks. The affected areas included the ancient section of Marrakech and remote settlements in the Atlas Mountains. As a result, the Moroccan government declared a state of emergency, and rescue teams and humanitarian aid were mobilised to support the affected population. 

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the UKISAR team led by Russ Gauden UK-ISAR National Coordinator deployed to  Morocco on the 10th of September, on behalf of the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) equipped with the new state-of-the-art communication technology. The Scorpion-Lite, pre-configured and certified to operate within the Intelsat FlexMove network, provided the UKISAR team with reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity, enabling them to establish seamless communication with their headquarters.

The Intelsat FlexMove network provides enterprise grade connectivity for mission critical applications everywhere. Powered by the ST Engineering iDirect Velocity® platform, FlexMove played a pivotal role in ensuring that the UKISAR team had access to always-on high-speed data, video, and voice communication in any environments they encountered.  The vital connectivity provided communications on the move to first responders to coordinate rescue missions, access to critical information and welfare networks for the team’s well-being and provided onsite central operations for medical support.  

The combined technology solution provided the UKISAR team with end-to-end connectivity that was easy to set up, offered a user-friendly interface for easy operation and a rugged design with the reliability and resiliency they needed to run their mission-critical operations.

Aghia Pal Singh MBE, Command & Control, UKISAR said:

“The Scorpion-Lite VSAT Terminal was used during the Morocco Earthquake rescue for the first time. Once set up, the terminals were reliable and fast with a data connection that is great value for money.  This also allowed us to provide internet connectivity for welfare facilities to the UKISAR team for the first time.” 

Dave Nicoll, Group Business Development Manager – Satcom Division at Milexia, commented: 

“The success of this partnership showcases ST Engineering iDirect and Milexia’s commitment to providing fast and efficient satellite communication solutions, even in challenging and remote scenarios. It’s great to see that the Holkirk Scorpion-Lite terminal and the Intelsat FlexMove network were able to contribute to the UKISAR team’s operations during such a critical mission.”

 
Craig Bowley, Regional VP, EMEA at ST Engineering iDirect, added: 

“ST Engineering iDirect is immensely proud of our long-term partnerships with industry leaders like Milexia and Intelsat. Collaborations such as the recent mission in Morocco exemplify the impact we can make when it truly counts. Our cutting-edge technology, represented by the ST Engineering iDirect iQ 200 modem and Velocity® platform, plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity, as seen with the deployment of the Holkirk Scorpion-Lite terminals during the UK International Search and Rescue operations. These partnerships underscore our commitment to delivering innovative and robust satellite communication solutions that empower first responders and aid organisations to efficiently carry out their missions, particularly in challenging and remote environments.” 

Delivering essential comms for UK International Search and Rescue

Charlotte Davies

Milexia, together with ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, Holkirk Communications, a communications manufacturer of lightweight satellite uplink design, and Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, partnered to provide UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) with vital communications capabilities. 

New Holkirk Scorpion-Lite portable communication terminals, powered by the ST Engineering iDirect iQ 200 modem, were rolled out during the first responder search and rescue operation following the devastating earthquake in Morocco on the 8th of September 2023.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.8, struck the northern coast of Morocco, causing widespread destruction to buildings, infrastructure and communication networks. The affected areas included the ancient section of Marrakech and remote settlements in the Atlas Mountains. As a result, the Moroccan government declared a state of emergency, and rescue teams and humanitarian aid were mobilised to support the affected population. 

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the UKISAR team led by Russ Gauden UK-ISAR National Coordinator deployed to  Morocco on the 10th of September, on behalf of the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) equipped with the new state-of-the-art communication technology. The Scorpion-Lite, pre-configured and certified to operate within the Intelsat FlexMove network, provided the UKISAR team with reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity, enabling them to establish seamless communication with their headquarters.

The Intelsat FlexMove network provides enterprise grade connectivity for mission critical applications everywhere. Powered by the ST Engineering iDirect Velocity® platform, FlexMove played a pivotal role in ensuring that the UKISAR team had access to always-on high-speed data, video, and voice communication in any environments they encountered.  The vital connectivity provided communications on the move to first responders to coordinate rescue missions, access to critical information and welfare networks for the team’s well-being and provided onsite central operations for medical support.  

The combined technology solution provided the UKISAR team with end-to-end connectivity that was easy to set up, offered a user-friendly interface for easy operation and a rugged design with the reliability and resiliency they needed to run their mission-critical operations.

Aghia Pal Singh MBE, Command & Control, UKISAR said:

“The Scorpion-Lite VSAT Terminal was used during the Morocco Earthquake rescue for the first time. Once set up, the terminals were reliable and fast with a data connection that is great value for money.  This also allowed us to provide internet connectivity for welfare facilities to the UKISAR team for the first time.” 

Dave Nicoll, Group Business Development Manager – Satcom Division at Milexia, commented: 

“The success of this partnership showcases ST Engineering iDirect and Milexia’s commitment to providing fast and efficient satellite communication solutions, even in challenging and remote scenarios. It’s great to see that the Holkirk Scorpion-Lite terminal and the Intelsat FlexMove network were able to contribute to the UKISAR team’s operations during such a critical mission.”

 
Craig Bowley, Regional VP, EMEA at ST Engineering iDirect, added: 

“ST Engineering iDirect is immensely proud of our long-term partnerships with industry leaders like Milexia and Intelsat. Collaborations such as the recent mission in Morocco exemplify the impact we can make when it truly counts. Our cutting-edge technology, represented by the ST Engineering iDirect iQ 200 modem and Velocity® platform, plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable and high-speed broadband connectivity, as seen with the deployment of the Holkirk Scorpion-Lite terminals during the UK International Search and Rescue operations. These partnerships underscore our commitment to delivering innovative and robust satellite communication solutions that empower first responders and aid organisations to efficiently carry out their missions, particularly in challenging and remote environments.”