No CARbon emissions from this all electric family car

Why am I excited? Well, just a few moments ago, Tesla Motors took the wraps off the Model S, an all electric family car that carries seven people and travels 300 miles on one charge (pictured above alongside the Roadster)

Why the excitement? Apart from the fact that it will likely be the world's first mass-produced EV for the open road?

From the time of the first publication of low-emission-cars.co.ukin 2006,I have followed off-page,as it were, the reported highs and the lows of the historic journey from prototype ( as occasional subject of mirth from certain sections of the automotive industry) to the real prospect of a feasible and stylish production EV which people will want to buy. Yes, there have been great development difficulties along the way. This you would expect ,given the complexities of developing such a groundbreaking product - remember GM ditched its first plans for an EV. Perhaps we can go more into these fascinating histories, another time

In the here and now,the Model S carries its charger onboard, and can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. By recharging their car while they stop for a meal, drivers can go from LA to New York in approximately the same time as a gasoline car. Moreover, the floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations.

"Model S doesn't compromise on performance, efficiency or utility -- it's truly the only car you need," said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. "Tesla is relentlessly driving down the cost of electric vehicle technology, and this is just the first of many mainstream cars we're developing."

Tesla expects to start Model S production in late 2011. The company believes it is close to receiving $350 million in federal loans to build the Model S assembly plant in California from the Dept of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program.

Building on Proven Technology

Tesla Motors say it is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the waiting list.

The Model S has been described as having unparalleled luggage space and versatility, more than any other sedan on the market, and more than most SUVs.

The anticipated base price of the Model S in the US is $49,900, after a federal tax credit of $7,500. This price is said to compare well (after taking into account running costs) with a similar conventionally-engined car costing around $35,000.

Showrooms are to be opened in the UK later this year. For further information check out the Tesla blog site here

ECOFLEX Zafira now rates with best on low CO2 emissions



Vauxhall’s latest addition to the Zafira line-up has all the right credentials to become the first ecoFLEX model in the range.
Using a new-to-range 1.7-litre advanced diesel engine emitting combined emissions of just 139g/km means that it’s one of the greenest and most fuel efficient seven-seat compact MPVs on the market.

Why so? Well, the motor industry SMMT report that CO2 emissions from new cars fell by their biggest ever margin in 2008 with the average model now emitting just 158.0g/km - 4.2% less than the 2007 figure and 16.8% down on the 189.8g/km base level in 1997.

With its lower emissions, the ecoFLEX is also the first Zafira to enter Band C for Vehicle Excise Duty – costing just £120 per year – while its BIK tax for company car drivers drops four levels to 18 per cent, the lowest taxation class for a seven-seater car in the UK.

The ecoFLEX also gains a significant improvement in fuel consumption compared with other models in the range. With a combined figure of 53.3mpg (47.1mpg for the 1.9 CDTi), this Zafira now has a theoretical range of 680 miles, meaning fewer trips to the pumps and less damage to drivers’ wallets.

But as with Vauxhall’s other ecoFLEX models, turning greener hasn’t impacted on its performance. The 1.7 CDTi engine – which can also be found in the recent Astra ecoFLEX – produces 110PS and 260Nm of torque, giving acceleration of 0-60mph in 12.6 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. A different final drive ratio also raises the gearing, improving both fuel economy and offering a more relaxed cruising gait.

Vauxhall also says, that with a starting price of £17,310 for the Zafira Exclusiv ecoFLEX, buyers will pay a mere £100 premium over the equivalent 1.9 CDTi 120PS model. But since all Zafiras are available with Vauxhall’s ‘You Pay, We Pay’ deal, buyers benefit from zero per cent interest from two to four years (with no deposit to pay on the two year package) while also collecting a cheque equivalent to five per cent of the amount financed.

As well as Vauxhall’s clever Flex7 seating, allowing the ecoFLEX to be transformed from a capacious load-lugger to seven-seat people carrier in a matter of seconds, six full-size airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and radio/CD player are standard on all of its five trim levels.

Lowest CO2 emissions family five seater in UK

The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic

Model/Engine size: ECOnetic 1.6 TDCi
Fuel: Diesel
Fuel economy combined: 76.3 mpg

The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is officially the lowest emission five seat family car available in the UK, with just 98g/km of CO2. So does that mean it’s dreadful to drive?

Find out more. For a full road test report on the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic click here now for the Green-Car-Guide

Even Better Greener Volkswagen Polo


Styled by a team led by Walter de Silva (Head of Design, Volkswagen Group) the fifth generation Polo, Volkswagen’s evergreen supermini,has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, 34 years after the original went on sale in the UK. It’s sharper, lighter, safer and more cutting edge than ever before ,and is set to establish new standards in the small car class. Not only does the new Polo weigh 7.5 per cent less than the vehicle it replaces – despite being marginally wider and longer – but it’s also stronger, promises greater refinement and efficiency and features new packaging to make it the most versatile model yet.

The stylish Polo sports a new look as well as highly efficient TSI and common rail TDI engines to set new benchmarks in efficiency – bettering even the high standards set by the outgoing car. In addition, advanced safety systems and an all-new construction allow it to meet the criteria for the recently introduced five-star EuroNCAP standard.

Continuing the programme of efficiency improvements established by Volkswagen, the new Polo is powered by a mix of advanced naturally aspirated 1.2- and 1.4-litre engines as well as a new turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI petrol unit joining another all-new 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine. All are equipped with either five- or six-speed manual gearboxes as standard and, for the first time on the Polo, selected variants can be specified with Volkswagen’s advanced and lightweight seven-speed DSG gearbox.

A Polo BlueMotion model will also join the range shortly after launch. Powered by a highly efficient 1.6-litre 90 PS TDI common rail diesel engine and linked to a five-speed gearbox with lengthened ratios in third, fourth and fifth, the new BlueMotion achieves 74 mpg while emitting just 96 g/km of CO2 – bettering the outgoing Polo BlueMotion model which is itself one of the most fuel efficient vehicles currently on sale.

The new Polo features a comprehensive roster of standard safety equipment including for the first time on all models four airbags, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) and ISOFIX anchor points all fitted as standard.

Production of the new Polo for the UK market starts this summer with first deliveries due in October. Prices will be announced nearer this time.

For the latest on a range of green cars click here