Tuesday 31 July 2007


DfT Acts On Co2

Today sees the launch of the ActOnCO2 government (Department for Transport) website designed to give car buyers on-line data on the lowest CO2 emission cars available on the market.This site at
www.dft.gov.uk/ActOnCO2 provides a listing of the lowest CO2 rated cars in each of the What Car? defined categories provided.This is tied into a colour-coded new car labelling scheme introduced in July 2005.The message being reinforced is low emissions equals low cost motoring, as a general rule.The information provided is in easily read tabular form for each car category ,and is derived from easy drop-down lists.You have to know what you are looking-for in type of car.It is not the most visually appealing presentation.

Sources of easily accessed information to cut down CO2 emissions are always to be welcomed, whether people will flock to use this particular facility only time will tell.There is a danger of information overload today, and as with all communications it is not always what is said that is paramount but what is actually heard by the target audience.

Overall,the site promotes sensible new car buying combined with a drive for smarter motoring - Smarter Driving Tips

Monday 23 July 2007


Toyota's hybrid races into history

Back to the cutting-edge of racing cars!Last month, I reported to you(June 12th) the historical first bio-fuelled car win in a major British motorsport championship by the Aston Martin DBRS9.Following fast on the heels of my earlier report comes word of the Denso Toyota Supra HV-R which made history ,the weekend before,by winning the Tokashi 24-Hour race.With this feat,the Toyota became the first hybrid to win a competition.

Last year ,Toyota entered its first hybrid for the Tokashi.The Lexus GS450h made a creditable 17th place in the race.Based on the Supra GT raced in Japan's Supra GT events,this year's Toyota entrant took first spot.The Toyota engineers see such races as a development test bed for their production cars- the Toyota Prius uses a hybrid system- to achieve a lighter more efficient product.

Helping the Supra HV-R's hybrid system along were two technological advances.Firstly, instead of rechargeable batteries, a quick-charging capacitor system was incorporated.This was reckoned to be better suited to the repeated acceleration and deceleration necesssary under race conditions.Secondly,two electric in-wheel(front) motors, and one rear axle-mounted electric motor, enabled greater recovery of energy on deceleration and braking at high speeds.

The frequent technological advances which will continue to feed back into the production of cars for sale to the general public are extraordinary and exciting for future greener motorists.

Friday 20 July 2007


Paul and Dom talk green cars on the One Show

Today I follow the theme of last Wednesday's post.Paul Clarke, founder of the Green-Car-Guide, took the opportunity on the BBC1 The One Show to talk to Dom,one of the show's team, about the relative mileage performances of three types of green car available to buy in the UK.To view this tv video segment,you should click here to go to
Green-Car-Guide.com

Wednesday 18 July 2007


When Dom used less gas than Dim in the tv fuel CO2t challenge

Always good to see a general interest tv programme (BBC1 ,The One Show, 7 pm this evening) giving a slot over to fuel efficiency and low emission cars. Especially when that programme has as a guest, green car expert Green-Car-Guide's Paul Clarke.
First up in the programme we saw 'twin' brothers, Dom Littlewood (real) and Dim Littlewood (false character).

In identical cars doing the same distances, Dom (the sensible one) demonstrated how to drive efficiently - no heavy loads, no speeding, and so on. Dim showed how it should not be done - not checking out competitive petrol prices, driving with side windows open, speeding, driving with heavy boot loads,and so on. Dom proved over his dim brother that his expenditure on fuel was half that of his brother's. Good tips for all for saving money by greener driving .

Now in his turn,Paul explained to Dom the mileage benefits to be gained out of three green cars. First up was a hybrid (60 mpg),second the electric car (600 mpg), and third the bio-power car which can run on bio-ethanol (33 mpg). All three had good credentials as low emitters, but in terms of other features buyers look for in a car there were differences of cost to purchase and what one might call style features. One drawback of the bio-power is the lack of ethanol refuelling pumps in the country, but this is expected to change with demand. Still the message was well received. Dom eventually accepted that a flashy gas guzzler sport car was not for him and chose instead a ...bike? Presumably, because the economy would be greater depending on how far his little pumping legs would take him. 'til next time,then. Happy motoring.

Tuesday 17 July 2007


You May Soon Be Able To ZAP!Your CO2 Car Emissions

Last week or two, we have been looking at the currently available, and therefore in production, sub-120 g/kms. So for a moment, lets go back from the sublime to the 'cor blime'(or is it?) and look across the 'pond' at what is coming round the corner in the world of the electric car.

ZAP! (above image from ZAP! site) is constructing the ZAP-X electric SUV possibly to come out in US at the end of 2008.Simultaneously,Zap are working on a sedan derivative of the ZAP-X. This version is expected to achieve a top speed of 100 mph and 100 miles on one charge.The intriguing aspect is the target price:$30,000. The SUV's price is still to be agreed.If,it goes into production (there are many sceptical on likely price-see below)this will be no mere run-about.At 350 miles to the charge - 10 minutes to top-up- the ZAP-X is expected to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, its 644 bhp delivering a top speed of 155 mph from its all-wheel hub motors.By any stretch, this is a high performance crossover electric car.Its credentials were enhanced when Zap enlisted the talents of Lotus Engineering to produce the lightweight aluminium body design and strong chassis. Will it work commercially and deliver- we'll have to wait and see. Pretty though!

Accordiing to CNET News,Ian Wright at Wrightspeed,a motor startup, is building his own dream electric machines.He has decided,though, to concentrate his energies on concepts for super cars likely to cost above $100,000 . His X1 prototype will only ever be a concept from which to develop future production cars. In his view, say CNET News," You can't make cheap electric cars.You can now make good cars,but not cheap ones."

The price debate rages around the lithium-ion batteries essential to the electric car.Again ,let's wait and see if Zap have done their sums right when they take to the road with the SUV (and the sedan?)as a product for sale.

If you wish to follow the story why not go to the ZAP! site for further details.

Copyright (c) 2006-2007 M P Ryan and CFM(Services) Limited. All Rights reserved.

Thursday 12 July 2007


Renault sign in with eCO2

Using the expertise gained in Brazil producing the FlexFuel adaptations of the Clio and Megane, Renault is to introduce into the UK for sale the 1.6 litre 16v Megane Hatch E85,at the end of this year.

This is Renault's first UK launch of a bioethanol car and is part of its commitment,called eCO2,to produce environmentally-friendly vehicles for whole of life, including end of life recycling.In the challenges facing manufacturers to reduce CO2 emissions, Renault believe biofuels will have a major role.For More about bioethanol (E85)

Tuesday 10 July 2007


The New Peugeot Urban Move is a 107+2

Continuing the theme of sub-120 g/km performers, my post today is about a new Peugeot 107 special edition model. Why 107+2? Well, it emits a mere 109 g/km. It is another in the unsung hero class of sub-120s that are expected to be exempt from the London congestion charge if Ken Livingstone's proposals go through for next year.

Although a petrol, this C1 ,with a top speed of 100mph, has a possible combined consumption of 68.8 mpg from its 1.0 litre engine, and clearly demonstates what can be squeezed out of the 'old conventional' ( or non- hybrid) cars. Already a sales winner the 107 Urban is enhanced in the Urban Move model with many extras, including air conditioning and rev counter. This,though, is a small and light 3- and 5-door car, but at £7,995 it represents excellent value.

Friday 6 July 2007


Peugeot continues to build on success with the 207 SW

The 207 is a best selling car in Europe. In its new estate, it will continue to be highly economical (at 60.1 mpg for the two 1.6 litre HDi diesels,which will be environmentally-friendly with a CO2 emission rating of just 125g/km.)

Although not quite in the sub-120g/km club, this new model will still appeal to customers who are looking for a little more space and lower carbon emissions. This 207 SW will provide more headroom and interior space from the same wheelbase as the 207 five door hatchback, yielding an extra length of 119mm and height of 38mm.