News & Blogs

EcoVelocity reveals top postcode area for green motoring - July 19, 2011

Eco News

Camden, Westminster and Islington are home to the greenest motorists in Britain, according to new research by the low carbon motor festival, EcoVelocity (Sept 8-11).

EcoVelocity studied vehicle registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and found that more than one in four cars (28%) registered in the WC postcode have CO2 emissions of 100g/km or less, the highest proportion of ‘green’ cars in the UK.

London postcodes dominate the 10 areas featuring the highest ratios of eco-friendly vehicle registrations, with SW (including Clapham, Wimbledon and Putney), EC (City of London, Hackney and Tower Hamlets) and N (Barnet, Haringey and Enfield) the next greenest boroughs.

Portsmouth is the most environmentally-friendly town outside the Capital, with 5.9% of cars registered in its PO postcode area low-carbon vehicles.

Postcode area Car registrations 2011 year to date Percentage of registered vehicles under 100g/km CO2
WC (Western Central) 181 28.18%
SW (South Western & Battersea) 5,574 11.09%
EC (Eastern Central) 300 8.67%
N (Northern) 3,590 8.50%
KT (Kingston upon Thames) 8,608 7.54%
NW (North Western) 4,222 6.66%
UB (Southall) 13,911 6.53%
W (Western & Paddington) 3,999 6.28%
PO (Portsmouth) 11,548 5.90%
IG (Ilford) 2,809 5.73%

EcoVelocity Event Director, Giles Brown, said: “It’s perhaps no surprise that drivers in London are cottoning on to green motoring quicker than anyone else – after all, the Capital boasts more charging points for electric cars than any other region of Britain and commercially-available electric cars are all city cars.

“So drivers in other towns potentially have less opportunity to go green but now the rest of the UK needs to take note and understand the fundamental need to fully support the drive towards cleaner, low carbon-emitting vehicles.

“Through the EcoVelocity show, we aim to demonstrate to people that green motoring is here to stay.”

London is a haven for environmentally-friendly drivers, with 93 charge points for electric cars. The region with the least charging points is Wales, with only three in the entire country.

Show organisers have compiled an interactive map of the locations of all charge points across the UK which can be seen here. The northernmost electric charge point in the country is on the Isle of Lewis, 750 miles from the most southerly in Exeter.

Overall, the South East still tops the charts as the UK’s greenest motoring region, with more than 13,000 green vehicles registered in the region over the past year (June 2010-June 2011).

Yorkshire and Humberside come a close second in terms of green vehicle registrations and the SMMT data also revealed that people in this region are also the most concerned about pollution.

Area Percentage of vehicles under 100g/km CO2 registered - year to date
Channel Islands 1.5%
East Anglia 3.4%
East Midlands 3.4%
Isle of Man 1.2%
North West 2.6%
Northern 2%
Northern Ireland 1.9%
Scotland 2.2%
South East 4.3%
South West 2.7%
Wales 2.3%
West Midlands 2.9%
Yorks/Humberside 3.6%

EcoVelocity will run from September 8-11th at the Battersea Power Station* and is a dynamic festival of green motoring, packed with the very latest no-compromise, hi-tech and ultra-low carbon vehicles.

It will feature the latest green models, including electric, hybrid and low CO2-emitting cars, as well as providing test drives on a specially-constructed circuit in the shadow of the famous power station.

Market leading brands attending the event include Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, Vauxhall, Volvo, Volkswagen and Mia Electric.

EcoVelocity is being planned by IMIE, organisers of the British Motor Show and Metro newspaper. Click here to buy your advance tickets now!

Electric Bluebird set to wow EcoVelocity crowds - June 28, 2011

Eco News

The Bluebird Electric, Europe’s fastest electric vehicle, will feature at Metro’s green motor festival EcoVelocity on 8-11 September at Battersea Power Station*.

The Bluebird Electric is one of the world’s most striking, high performance electric supercars and will be driven at the event by land speed record breaker Don Wales, the grandson of the great racing motorist Sir Malcolm Campbell MBE.

Before 2013 Don will attempt to exceed 500mph in the supercar, a new world land speed record. He currently holds the UK land speed record for electric vehicles at 137mph, achieved in The Bluebird Electric in August 2000.

EcoVelocity is a unique live outdoor low carbon motor festival, presented by Metro and sponsored by EDF, for all the family in London. The first-of its kind event will showcase the best economical low and ultra-low emission vehicles currently available and offer test drive opportunities. Visitors will be able to get up-close and personal with The Bluebird Electric at EcoVelocity’s Green Supercar Paddock.

EcoVelocity Director, Giles Brown, said: “This electric supercar will highlight to audiences the capabilities of electric power and battery technology in 2011. We’re delighted to have such a visually extraordinary car at the festival.”

Don Wales said: “One day we’re going to run out of today’s fuels and electric is the future. I’ve felt strongly about this for over a decade and launched Bluebird Electric in the late 1990s. I’m pleased that it’s now being taken seriously by the industry, and events such as EcoVelocity are an excellent way to showcase how far green technology has progressed.”

Kenny Campbell, Editor of Metro, said: “The addition of the Bluebird Electric to the Supercar Paddock is fantastic news. EcoVelocity is as much about enjoying fantastic green cars as it is about educating visitors to the show. This Bluebird Electric story incorporates both elements – a truly futuristic vehicle with a inspirational story behind it.”

At EcoVelocity, motor professionals will present the latest technology and motorists facing soaring costs and environmental pressure can find advice from a wide range of experts.

Set in the iconic grounds of Battersea Power Station*, the outdoor motoring festival will bring to life a new world of motoring for prospective buyers that are keen to experience the latest in eco-transport or just a great fun and interactive day out for those that just fancy coming along for the ride.

A memorable day for all ages, festival visitors will be able to:

  • Test drive the latest low-carbon cars and motorcycles around a specially designed track
  • Get up close and personal with the amazing green supercars of the future
  • Let the kids loose with two driving experiences for 6-11 and 11-15 year olds
  • Experience the winners of the auspicious What Car? Green Awards in daily track parades
  • Relax, unwind and be entertained at an iconic venue in our unique food and entertainment zone

Event partners include EDF, What Car?, TfL, The Mayor of London, Source London, Get On and Green Fleet.

For further information or to buy tickets please click here and for the latest Bluebird Speed Records news visit bluebirdspeedrecords.com


* pending planning and licensing permission

EDF to provide EV recharging solutions to Peugeot & Citroën - June 14, 2011

Eco News

EDF Energy, Britain’s largest producer of low carbon electricity, is partnering with Peugeot UK and Citroën UK to offer residential and fleet customers electric vehicle (EV) recharging products and services with the sale of every Peugeot iOn or Citroën C-Zero.

The partnership between EDF Energy, Peugeot UK and Citroën UK will create a one-stop-shop for customers, ensuring best in class motoring technology and safe and convenient recharging solutions. It will support the development, future marketing and up-take of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Both companies are leaders in electric vehicle research and development, with EDF Energy’s proven expertise in the field of safe recharging† and PSA Peugeot Citroën’s recent involvement in European trials.

The residential package, which includes a free site survey, makes it even easier and faster to charge a new Peugeot iOn or a Citroën C-Zero. Following a free home survey and the installation of a dedicated charging point, drivers can benefit from faster charging times of up to 35 per cent*. The package also includes a timer to enable easy off peak recharging, a smart meter and an EV consumption statement which shows owners the cost of charging the car, along with a full 3 year warranty on the charge point. And, the first 500 residential customers will also receive 1,000 electricity miles free - all for just £799**.

EDF Energy’s low carbon charge point package means households can save money by receiving 20% cheaper electricity during evenings and weekends with the Eco 20:20 tariff. In recent trials, EDF Energy found that 66% of home charging was carried out during the evening and weekends, making Eco 20:20 an ideal tariff for electric vehicle owners¥.

The Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-Zero are becoming increasingly attractive from a cost saving and low carbon perspectiveˆ. Households can benefit with cost savings over a conventional petrol or diesel engine, resulting in a potential annual saving of up to £5,400. It costs £1.92 to charge a Peugeot iOn or Citroën C-Zero from empty, which works out at around 3p a mile, a lot less than a traditional petrol vehicle of 16p a mileˆ.

EDF Energy will offer business fleet customers a range of recharging products and services depending on the organisation’s requirements. These include: site survey, technical report, a range of recharging products, installation services and smart metering technology. EDF Energy has been facilitating the site survey and installation of charge points at all Peugeot and Citroën appointed EV dealers across the UK. In addition, EDF Energy has already provided training to dealership staff on safe recharging.

Eric Salomon, Energy Field Services Director at EDF Energy, said: “We are delighted to be working with Peugeot UK and Citroën UK and to offer an electric vehicles package to the domestic and fleet customers. As Britain’s largest producer of low-carbon electricity, it fits perfectly with EDF Energy’s ambitions to be a leader in low carbon solutions. We understand that the take-up of clean, low-carbon electric transport is crucial to Britain in meeting its carbon reduction targets.”

The development of plug-in and other hybrids is also an integral part of Peugeot UK and Citroën UK’s strategic commitment to offering “everyone an eco-car”. For example, the Group is planning to extensively deploy the Stop & Start micro hybrid system across all of the Peugeot and Citroën model line-ups. Peugeot UK and Citroën UK will also offer full diesel hybrids that will deliver radical improvements in both fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. These developments will enable Peugeot and Citroën UK to consolidate its environmental leadership in the automotive industry.

* Comparison is between a 16A vs 10A recharging

** Based on a standard installation. There are occasions when a Customer’s property will require an individual design package and installation.
† EDF Energy has been involved in two major Government trials installing recharging equipment into residential and fleet premises. EDF Energy have also been offering advice and working with closely with bodies including OLEV, the SMMT, IET, BSI and Cen-Cenelec on safe electric vehicle recharging.
¥ EDF Energy smart ED Technology Strategy Board Trial. Based on 58 users vehicle charging data.
ˆ SMMT Electric Car Guide, 2011 at https://www.smmt.co.uk/shop/electric-car-guide-2010/

Going green by getting fired up in a red Quattro - June 7, 2011

Eco News

His catchphrase may have turned it into a 1980s icon, but surely not even TV detective Gene Hunt would be quite so keen to fire up the Quattro with eight people piling in.

That’s the number who would have to cram into the car made famous by police drama Ashes To Ashes for every journey to to make it as environmentally friendly as four of today’s low-carbon cars put together, new research has found.

In 1983 The Quattro – which also hit the headlines during last year’s election campaign after featuring in both Labour and Conservative propaganda – had estimated CO2 emissions of over 260g/km.

It was compared with four of today’s greenest cars – the Nissan Leaf (0g/km), Citroen C3 Airdream (99g/km), Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion (91g/km) and Toyota Prius Plug-In (59g/km).

They have combined emissions of 249g/km, meaning that DCI Hunt would have to carry eight people on every trip just to put it on a par economically with all four modern cars, assuming they are each transporting the UK average of around two people.

Eight people squeezed into a red Audi Quattro to highlight the advances that have been made in making motoring more environmentally and economically friendly in recent times.

The stunt was carried out ahead of eco motor show EcoVelocity, due to take place at Battersea Power Station in September.

Giles Brown, managing director of EcoVelocity, which is co-owned by Metro, said:’The motoring landscape has transformed dramatically over the past three decades in part due to ever-increasing motoring costs and environmental concerns.

‘To reflect these changes, car manufacturers have made giant leaps with the technology and design of their vehicles, switching from high-octane to high efficiency performance.’

Research also showed that petrol prices have risen by 143% since 1983 and although the average engine size has increased, the introduction of new cleaner technology such as the catalytic converter has vastly increased the number of cars with low emissions

Mr Brown said the ‘very best’ of the latest high efficiency cars will be on show at EcoVelocity, which he described as ’the most important motoring event of the year’.

A show to help you clean up…

THE latest electric, hybrid and low CO2 cars will be on show at EcoVelocity, a ‘festival of green motoring’.

It is being organised by IMIE, who run the British Motor Show, and supported by Metro. It will run from September 8-11th at Battersea Power Station in south-west London.

Test drives will be available on a specially constructed circuit in the shadow of the famous power station. A string of top brands will be attending, including Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Mia Electric.

EcoVelocity will be a family day out, with activities including:

  • The ‘SEAT young drivers’ programme for 8-12 year olds
  • The ‘Honda my first licence’ introduction to motorcycling for young children
  • The What Car? catwalk parade – presenting the best eco cars in each category
  • The Green Supercar Paddock
  • Get On – free motorcycling test ride

Event partners include What Car?, TfL, The Mayor of London, Source London, Get On and Green Fleet.

Click here to buy tickets now!

Mayor switches on new electric vehicle scheme ‘Source London’ - May 27, 2011

Eco News

The Mayor, Boris Johnson, today launched the capital’s first city-wide electric charge point network and membership scheme, making it easier for electric vehicle owners to plug in whilst on the move.

With 150 new charge points operating under a single scheme, Source London is now the capital’s largest charging network. It has significantly boosted existing numbers of charge points operated by a range of different localised schemes. By 2013, Source London will total at least 1,300 charge points, more than the number of petrol stations currently in London, ensuring the infrastructure is in place for significantly more people and businesses to buy an electric vehicle from the expanding range coming to market.

Annual membership of Source London is £100, enabling card holders to charge up at any Source London point as many times as required. Charge points are located on streets and in car parks and are instantly recognisable in Source London branding. Users simply touch their membership card to the reader on the charge point and then plug in their vehicle to charge.

Source London is also working closely with other regions to help drive the creation of a UK-wide charge point network. Plans to enable members to use both Source London and the soon to be launched East of England charge point network are currently underway. The East of England network is also set to use the same Source ‘look and feel’ on their charge points under a scheme called Source East.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: ‘I want to rapidly accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles and make London the epicentre of electric driving in Europe. Increasing numbers of motorists are opting for cleaner, greener electric transport, delivering a host of benefits to the driver including a 100 per cent congestion charge discount. This is set to deliver considerable environmental benefits to our city.

‘Through Source London we want to give drivers the confidence that they can plug into this fantastic new motoring technology. We are working with a mighty coalition of motor manufacturers and private sector partners as well as London’s boroughs to ensure we create world-class support for electric motoring.’

The creation of an electric vehicle network is in line with the Mayor’s pledge to promote quality of life by reducing pollution and CO2 emissions. London already leads the way with the highest number of electric vehicles and charge points in the UK. Source London will maintain this edge and provide drivers with the assurance that they can charge up their vehicles whilst out and about.

In addition to producing no polluting emissions at the tailpipe, running costs for electric vehicles are significantly cheaper than for petrol or diesel vehicles which currently use fuel retailing at well over £1 per litre. The Mayor has also granted electric vehicles a 100 per cent discount for the congestion charge in London. Further savings can be found via the Government’s £5,000 consumer incentive grant which is available for a range of electric cars which also qualify for nil rate vehicle excise duty.

Leon Daniels, Managing Director of Surface Transport for TfL, said: ‘Electric vehicles are no longer just for testing. There are many reasons for Londoners to consider having one of their own. Source London is a significant element of our work to support the Mayor’s aim to make this city the electric vehicle capital of Europe. The new network is destined to increase the number of electric vehicles and give drivers the confidence to use their electric vehicles across the capital.’

Source London consists of a growing consortium (led by TfL) of public and private sector partners committed to helping the capital to embrace electric driving in greater numbers. This includes:

  • Siemens have developed, at no cost to TfL, the IT Infrastructure and back office systems that will allow users to register online at - www.sourcelondon.net - and use the Source London network of points;
  • Scottish and Southern Electric, in partnership with NCP, who have part-funded and installed a large number of charge points;
  • Other partners include: Enterprise, Heathrow Airport, Asda Stores Limited, Capital Shopping Centre Plc, Gatwick Airport Ltd, Heathrow Airport Ltd, IKEA Ltd, Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, Old Ford Housing Association, Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, Southern Electric Power Distribution PLC, The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, London Underground Ltd;

Electric vehicle manufacturer Nissan are offering drivers of their vehicles in London a one year free membership to Source London when they purchase a new electric vehicle. Other leading car manufacturers whose vehicles are currently on the market include Citroen, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Smith Vans and Tesla.

Andreas J. Goss, chief executive of Siemens plc, said: ‘Source London sets a new standard for electric vehicle projects, in its ambition, scale and technology. The scheme has the potential to radically change the transport landscape for the capital. It is an example of our commitment to the vision for London as a truly sustainable city.’

Julian Walker-Palin, Head of Corporate Sustainability at Asda, said: ‘More and more drivers are ready to make the switch to electric vehicles. Our new charging points are part of Source London and offer a greater choice to customers in how they travel to store. The points bolster the total number across London, adding weight to its ambition to become one of the greenest cities on Earth.’

Quentin Willson, motoring journalist, TV presenter and electric vehicle enthusiast, said: ‘Electric cars are here to stay. Quick off the mark, dramatically silent and fun to drive, even old school motoring journalists are now nodding approvingly. And with the current daft price of petrol and diesel, doing a 100 miles for just two quid’s-worth of electricity offers new and urgent possibilities. I’m so impressed I’ve just bought one. Source London’s roll out of more charging points means electric vehicles are going to become very familiar indeed.’

Many of the existing charge points in London boroughs will soon join the Source London network which will provide a growing and comprehensive charging network.

Registration for Source London is now open at www.sourcelondon.net. Anyone who owns an electric vehicle is eligible to register. Siemens are also providing a contact centre that will support Source London’s electric vehicle drivers.

Volkswagen steps up its use of plug-in hybrid technology - May 9, 2011

Eco News

At the 32nd International Vienna Motor Symposium, the Chairman of the Volkswagen Group, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, announced that the Volkswagen Group will be going into production with a range of important models with plug-in hybrid technology starting in 2013/14.

“The electric car will impact the future of individual mobility in crucial ways – and Volkswagen is spearheading this technology. Over the mid-term, the plug-in hybrid offers great potential, because it combines the best of two worlds in one vehicle,” said Winterkorn. The plug-in hybrid offers precisely what many customers expect: unlimited internal combustion engine performance combined with attractive electric mobility ranges in everyday driving. Moreover, Winterkorn noted that there are no limitations to the vehicle’s speed, climbing or towing abilities. He also stated that plug-in technology has excellent potential for reducing CO2 emissions.

“Electric mobility is the task of the century for the automotive industry and the European industrial community as a whole. Manufacturers, suppliers, energy providers, scientists and politicians – everyone must step up to the plate here,” said the Volkswagen chairman. Winterkorn spoke in support of more targeted research funding, especially in the field of electro-chemistry for battery technology.

At the Vienna Motor Symposium Volkswagen also showcased two new engines which will be available shortly: the 1.4-litre TSI Motor E 85 and the new 2.0-litre TDI, which already fulfils stringent BIN5/ULEV emission laws in the USA. Volkswagen’s advanced development of its twincharged 1.4-litre TSI with 118 kW for use with E 85 ethanol fuel, illustrates how the company is extending its line-up of eco-friendly engines and further contributing towards reducing CO2 emissions in internal combustion engines. In the Passat saloon, the combination of the new TSI with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) in E 85 operation yields a fuel consumption value of 8.8 litres per 100 km in the NEDC driving cycle, which is equivalent to 144 g/km of CO2. This represents a seven per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to an engine operated with Super petrol fuel. The engine is earmarked for use in the Passat and Passat CC, initially in Sweden and Finland, where E 85 fuel has been widely available for many years now.

Unlike in the European automotive market, the share of passenger cars with diesel engines is still quite small in the USA. In recent years, just a few carmakers – notably Volkswagen and Audi – have been able to sell appreciable volumes of vehicles with diesel engines. By introducing the new 2.0-litre TDI, the Volkswagen Group is reaffirming its conviction that diesel engines still have great potential in passenger cars in the USA.

The 2nd generation 2.0-litre TDI, familiar from Europe, was modified and further engineered for the new Passat to be produced in Chattanooga exclusively for the North American market. To satisfy BIN5/ULEV emission regulations in the USA, it was necessary to reduce the engine’s raw emissions and install an SCR (selective catalytic reduction) emissions control system.

The 2.0-litre TDI produces 103 kW (140 PS) and has 320 Nm of torque. It accelerates the Passat from 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 113 mph. The car’s diesel fuel economy is 35 mpg (miles per gallon), which is equivalent to about 6.7 litres per 100 km.

British Gas Electric Car Tariff Takes to the Road - May 6, 2011

Eco News

Electric car owners could pay as little as 1.25p per mile to power their car under a new tariff announced today by British Gas - saving themselves £1,200 a year compared to the cost of petrol.

The tariff will enable customers with electric cars to use cheaper off-peak electricity during the night hours to charge their vehicle. Based on current prices, it costs the owner of a typical petrol fuelled car over £65 to fill a 50 litre tank, whereas electric car owners would pay just £6 to charge their car and cover the same mileage. With an average of 10,000 miles per year, this could cut £1,200 from an owner’s annual fuel costs.

The deal will also offer electric car owners priority installation of a smart meter in eligible homes. The smart meter will put an end to estimated bills and show customers how much energy they are using in real time. Smart meters are the key to making the most of electric cars as well as other technologies like solar panels and smart appliances.

The Electric Car Drivers Panel
The tariff will be available to all electric car owners from early in 2012, but British Gas is launching the tariff this summer for up to 150 owners of electric cars to help it gain an in-depth understanding of the energy needs of electric car households and help shape future products and services. In return, customers will benefit from early access to the new tariff and will receive an additional discount to their energy bills dependent on level of participation in the trial.

To join the panel and the tariff, electric cars owners can apply by emailing their name, full address and contact number to [email protected]

Time to tune in to electric? -

Eco Wheels

Nissan Leaf: Arguably the world’s most practical electric vehicle is finally being rolled out. Oliver Stallwood visited a celebrity who became the first person in the country to take delivery

When fellow technophile and radio DJ Johnnie Walker kept outgeeking him with gadgets, former Radio 1 chart show host Mark Goodier needed a secret weapon.

So the 49-year-old DJ, now on Smooth FM, became the first person in Britain to take delivery of a Nissan Leaf electric car and he’s using solar energy to power it. ‘My friend Johnnie took one look at it and said: “You’ve finally trumped me”,’ laughs Goodier.

The Leaf has a 24kWh battery pack under the car’s floor connected to a 108bhp, 206lb-ft, electric motor. It has a dedicated EV platform, five seats, 330-litres of boot space, ABS, regenerative braking and airbags.

The Leaf works on paper but few have lived with one on a daily basis until now. Nissan claims it has a range of 110 miles (177km) with an eight hour conventional charge and an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes. This should be enough for most people, says Nissan, claiming the average daily mileage for 80 per cent of Britain’s motorists is under 30 miles.

Goodier has driven electric vehicles for more than ten years, including a Ford Think and a G-Wiz. ‘I’d been looking forward to the Leaf for a year-and-a-half and was curious to see what it would be like to live with,’ says Goodier. ‘Electric cars in the past have left a lot to be desired, there was always a trade-off, so I wanted to see if this was the solution. So far it is everything I hoped it would be.’ Goodier is especially impressed at being able to use his iPhone to remotely regulate charging and even the climate control.

A row of 14 solar panels on the roof of Goodier’s home, that were installed by British Gas, charge the Leaf, making it carbon neutral. The panels cost £10,000 to install but the government will reimburse £1,200 a year for 25 years for using solar power – paying for them three times over. Goodier estimates he also saves £7,000 a year on not having to pay a Congestion Charge and from discounted parking and fuel savings, so the £25,990 price tag for a Leaf (after a £5,000 government grant) means it pays for itself after three years. Less frequent, rural users will find the hefty price harder to recoup.

Long-term costs are also a grey area. There’s a five-year warranty on the battery and electricals but Nissan admits the cells could lose 20 per cent capacity in five to ten years – and what happens after that? ‘Too early to say,’ says a Nissan spokesperson. ‘Most people wouldn’t keep their car that long. Over the years we will look at it.’ Nissan won’t reveal the price of a battery but it is likely to be eye-watering.

Nissan says the Leaf has the surge of a conventional 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine up until 30mph but Goodier admits he has to drive slowly to conserve power. ‘I’ve changed my behaviour,’ he says. ‘I drive far more sedately. You have to think about usage and plan what you are going to do. You can’t wake up and decide to drive to Scotland.’ Goodier has an antique Volvo tucked away for long-distance trips but only uses it a couple of times a year. While the Leaf is a step in the right direction, he admits 100 miles between charges is still not enough. ‘Nissan needs to work on range,’ he adds. ‘If you travel more than 100 miles this is not for you.’ If electric cars are not run on renewable power, like Goodier’s solar panels, they don’t go far enough to ending our addiction to oil, argues Richard Dyer, of Friends Of The Earth. He says: ‘Electric cars could have a key role to play in creating a cleaner transport future but they are only as green as the electricity powering them.’

Ferrari winning CO2 race - April 15, 2011

Eco News

Ferrari is the European supercar manufacturer making the most impressive reductions in CO2 emissions, according to Autocar magazine. The Prancing Horse recorded an average of 326g/km in 2010, down 46g/km, according to figures from JATO Dynamics, equal to about 12 per cent across its entire fleet. Aston Martin made a 0.6 per cent reduction (357g/km), Bentley 1.9 per cent (397g/km) and Lamborghini 1.5 per cent (372g/km). Lotus made a 3.2 per cent reduction thanks to a reduction from 204g/km to 198g/km.

A3 e-tron debuts -

Eco News

Audi has expanded its concept electric vehicle range to five. A battery powered A3 hatchback is the latest addition to its ‘e-tron’ line-up and is incredibly straight forward in Audi terms with an electric motor driving the front wheels. The 100KW powertrain offers 0-62mph in 11.2seconds, a top speed of 90mph, and a range of 87 miles. The exterior remains the same, but Audi have re-jigged the inside and added some extra tech, like low power consumption air conditioning. Production could start late next year.