Meet the sports car that only needs refuelling once a year. The makers of the Fisker Karma say that level of fuel efficiency is possible if you only drive the car up to 50 miles a day, using just the battery, and recharge it at night.

No let down on drive either; 0-60mph in just six seconds and a top speed of 125mph when in “sport” mode, which admittedly is petrol powered.

The four-door plug-in hybrid, launched at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, features a small petrol engine and a lithium ion battery pack. It also has an optional solar panel roof that helps charge the car and provides cooling for the interior cabin.
Henrik Fisker, the chief executive of Fisker Automotive said: “It is a plug-in hybrid so you can plug it in at home like you plug in a cellphone or any electrical device and charge it overnight. Then you can drive the first 50 miles without using any gas. After that there is a gasoline engine that turns the generator that charges the lithium ion battery.”
Mr Fisker, a Dane who designed the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8, also claimed that his lithium ion battery used “different chemistry” to its rivals, giving it a much longer lifespan.
“We’ve solved the overheating problem and also the lifespan of the battery is over ten years. We’re going to be the first ones on the market with a plug-in hybrid with this configuration,” he said.
“It is a rear wheel drive, the car is always being pushed by the rear wheels and the electric motor so the gasoline engine never drives the car, which is the big difference to the normal hybrid of today.”
The proprietary design will make the car emission-free for the first 50 miles driven before recharge, except for a tiny amount on ignition.
The premium sports sedan will have a starting price of $80,000 (with an estimated cost of approximately £55,000 when it is made available in the UK). Expected deliveries of the Karma will commence towards the end of 2009.  Annual production is projected to reach 15,000 cars. The car is already sold out for 2009.

http://www.fiskerautomotive.com/

Korean maker Kia has been developing vehicles with hydrogen power as it is keen to show its green conscious.
The company has a secret Research and Development site near Mabook in Seoul.
The site is jointly run by Hyundai and was constructed in 2005 at a cost of $60 million, and according to the marque will be the leading factory of international fuel cell development by 2010.
Kia has already developed a Sportage Fuel Cell vehicle and a purpose-built hydrogen refuelling station on site. Power in the Sportage comes from a 100kw fuel cell linked to three electric motors and a 76-litre tank stores hydrogen at 700 bar. The vehicle has a top speed of 105mph and can get from zero to 62mph in 10 seconds while it has a range of 373 miles on a full tank.
Kia has confirmed that the car will go into production but there has been no time frame given as yet.
Simon McBride

The new Peugeot 308 is to get ‘six’ appeal with new manual and electronically controlled six-speed gearboxes and it’s green.
This car’s eco-friendly credentials are good too – seven of the range’s models emit only 120 g/km of CO2.
The manual option is available on the S, Sport and SE HDi 110 models.
While the electronically controlled manual gearbox, which removes the need for a clutch pedal, provides a genuine alternative to a traditional manual gearbox. This gearbox will appeal to drivers who like to change gear manually, but also enjoy the stress-free driving provided by ‘automatic’ gear changes.
The remaining new ‘box is a six-speed automatic fitted to the 2.0 litre HDi 136 diesel engine.
It has Tiptronic” sequential control will appeal to customers who are particularly keen on convenience and ease of use, while still having the option for more active driving in the sequential mode. It will be available only as a five door model in SE trim.
More powerful options are offered. The Peugeot 308 Sport version also sees the introduction of two new engine options. One petrol, the 1.4 litre VTi 95 and the other the 1.6 litre HDi 90. Both models become the entry power plants for the Sports range.
The hatchback range starts from £12,295 and is available now.
Simon McBride

Save money and petrol by picking the right tyres.
Investing to make your car more frugal and environmentally friendly can be a minefield. So check out these new Energy Saving tyres.
French giant Michelin claims to have the answer – they’re called Energy Saver and cost £38 per tyre.
For the latest green news log on to www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk
You need to remember that 20% of a car’s fuel consumption is due to the tyre. So to reduce fuel consumption, the forces opposing the vehicle’s movement need to be decreased. Therefore a decrease in a tyre’s rolling resistance leads to a reduction in fuel consumption. By enabling a reduction in fuel consumption, the tyre also reduces vehicle CO2 emissions.
According to Michelin this is where its new tyre will save you money and be more environmentally friendly than its rivals.
“With fuel prices so high, Michelin’s new Energy Saver tyres should be on any cost-conscious motorist’s shopping list. By reducing rolling resistance by around 20% on average, compared with its main competitors’ tyres, this new tyre helps to save money by reducing fuel consumption and thus reduces harmful CO2 emissions. In addition, the Energy Saver offers outstanding tyre life and high levels of safety”, said PR Manager Paul Cordle.
Simon McBride

The lithium-ion battery-powered Denki Cube electric vehicle concept, which was revealed att the New York Motor Show earlier this month; was created to draw attention to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd’s (NML) global environmental efforts.  In creating the Denki Cube Concept, the designers started with a well-defined canvas, the current-generation Nissan Cube.  The iconic Cube has always been the antithesis of traditional automotive style – square, minimalist, asymmetrical and humble. To this solid foundation, the Denki Cube adds a new EV powertrain and unique exterior and interior treatments.
The biggest transformation from production Cube to Denki Cube Concept is one that isn’t visible – the replacement of the standard 1.3-litre in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats.  The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility, versus conventional cylindrical batteries.
Nissan’s compact lithium-ion battery technology, one of the company’s traditional strengths, provides batteries with twice as much energy compared with a conventional cylindrical battery of the same type and safer operation due to the use of chemically stable spine-structured manganese for the electrode material.  In order to better leverage Nissan’s lithium-ion battery capabilities, a new company, Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC), was jointly established with NEC Corp. and NEC Tokin Corp. – with the goal of dramatically enhancing future battery performance and reducing battery costs.
“Nissan first had an electric vehicle on the road in 1947 and has been field-testing lithium-ion batteries for more than 10 years,” said Castignetti.  “Our ongoing goal is to dramatically enhance future battery performance while reducing battery costs.”
About Nissan Green Program 2010
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd’s (NML) mid-term environmental action plan, Nissan Green Program 2010 (NGP 2010), is designed to fulfil Nissan’s environmental philosophy of “symbiosis of people, vehicles and nature” and contribute to a sustainable mobile society.  NGP 2010 is specifically focused on reducing CO2 emissions both from Nissan products as well as from day-to-day corporate activities.
Nissan is focused on three core areas related to the environment: reducing CO2 emissions; reducing exhaust emissions; and accelerating recycling efforts.
 “The Nissan Green Program 2010 provides a transparent view of Nissan’s future commitments to all aspects of environmental management,” said Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officer, NML.  “Nissan Green Program 2010 has been designed to address immediate challenges as well as creating the foundation towards a long-term sustainable business model.”

www.nissan.co.uk

Hydrogen has received a big boost with two leading British technology companies agreeing to collaborate in a unique project to put hydrogen-powered, emissions-free vehicles onto UK roads.

For the latest green news always log on to www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk

ITM Power Plc, Europe’s largest electrolyser and fuel cell development company, and Roush Technologies Ltd, one of the world’s foremost automotive design, engineering and development groups, have signed a co-operative agreement which could see CO2-free, hydrogen-fuelled commercial vehicles being marketed in Britain within months.
Roush Technologies, will be responsible for both adapting existing internal combustion-engined vehicles and researching the development of new power units to utilise hydrogen fuel.
While ITM Power will provide the refuelling solution by enabling vehicle operators to generate their own hydrogen supplies. The company’s development of a hydrogen refuelling station, currently in the final stage of development, will overcome the current lack of a national hydrogen station infrastructure in the UK.
A patented state-of-the-art electrolyser, due to enter production at a special facility in Sheffield later this year, is at the heart of the refuelling station. It can produce hydrogen from water and either off-peak or ‘renewable’ energy – electricity generated by wind, wave or solar power. Unlike petrol or diesel, when hydrogen burns it releases no CO2, merely water vapour.
Jim Heathcote, CEO of ITM Power, commented: “This is a significant co-operative agreement between two companies who are committed to bringing practical hydrogen power into the automotive market place within a dramatically reduced timeframe. Whilst it initially involves the commercial vehicle sector, it will demonstrate the wider potential of hydrogen technology to help cut CO2 emissions and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”
Simon McBride

Danone Waters has went green! The company has just taken delivery of 57 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso VTR+ seven seat MPVs for its newly expanded UK field sales force.

For more fleet news go to www.fleetdirectory.co.uk

But the choice was made easy for Danone Waters as the Picasso, is powered by a green engine – the 2.0-litre HDi 138hp unit.
In the Grand C4 Picasso VTR+ these economical engines are combined with Citroen’s auto EGS (electronic gearchange system).  This efficient gearbox offers a choice of manual, paddle shift or full automatic mode.  The efficient 2.0 HDi 138hp engines/EGS driveline delivers CO2 emissions of just 159g/km and an excellent combined fuel consumption figure of 46mpg.

Vicki Tarr, purchasing manager, Danone Waters (UK & Ireland) Ltd, explains: “Danone Waters wanted a high-spec, business class vehicle capable of fulfilling a number of demanding criteria. Not only did it need to provide all the creature comforts that a busy sales representative expects, but it needed load and volume capability too. We think the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso fulfils all these criteria admirably.”

Danone Waters’ Citroen Grand C4 Picasso VTR+ MPVs have been supplied on 12-month non-maintenance contract hire agreements by Alphabet Fleet Services. The company is well known for its Evian and Volvic mineral water brands, including flavoured versions and its V Energy drink.

For more on contract hire visit www.contracthireandleasing.com
Simon McBride

Seat has launched the Leon FR550 on the eve of the new HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship season, which kicks off at Brands Hatch on Sunday 30th March, and best of all it’s claimed to be a ‘hot hatch with a green conscience’.
Under the bonnet, the ‘550’ shares the same 170PS, turbo-charged 2.0-litre TDI that powers the Leon FR TDI.
It has a top speed of 135 mph car and blasts from rest to 62 mph in a mere 8.2 seconds, yet is also capable of offering 47.1 mpg on the combined cycle, and as much as 56.5 mpg out of town.
All this, and CO2 emissions of just 161 g/km, adds up to a tempting ‘hot hatch with a green conscience’.
For the latest green car news go to www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk
The unveiling of the exciting new Leon FR550 coincides with SEAT Sport UK’s assault on the 2008 BTCC crown. The Northants-based team once again promises to be at the business end of the grid as drivers Jason Plato and Darren Turner bid for glory in their diesel-powered, Leon TDI racers.
The special edition FR550 costs £18,405 to buy – the ‘550’ name represents the total number of these models being made available. The car is based on the popular Leon FR TDI, with a raft of unique styling and equipment additions ensuring it looks every inch the track star.
Simon McBride

Gordon Brown’s cabinet clashed recently over whether to replace British-built ministerial cars with hybrid vehicles, amid claims that that the cabinet are failing to reduce their contribution to CO2 emissions.
John Hutton, the business secretary, led the criticism of the plan along with other senior ministers, including Jack Straw, the justice secretary, and Ed Balls, the schools secretary, who argued that the move sent out the wrong message to domestic manufacturers.
Later this year, all cars used by ministers and senior civil servants will have to have carbon emissions below 130g/km, ruling out British-built cars such as Jaguars and Range Rovers.
The issue sparked a heated row after Ruth Kelly, the transport secretary, opened a debate on whether to change the government car fleet with low-emission cars such as the Toyota Prius.
Ruth Kelly suggested the government could use a more ambitious target of 120g/km, an idea backed by David Miliband, the foreign secretary, and Hilary Benn, the environment secretary.
Although the government policy does not specify the use of any particular make, the Japanese-made Toyota Prius cars are now widely in use across Whitehall.
Mr Hutton set out his views to a Commons committee last year when he explained his decision to choose a ministerial Jaguar. “I support the fact that ministers can choose a hybrid car if that is what they want, but I chose British.
“I would like to see more UK hybrids and there is a real opportunity there for British manufacturers but I do not think that the answer is to force everyone to drive around in bubble cars.”
Mr Brown’s spokesman admitted the government “needs to do more” to meet its own targets to cut carbon emissions, following a critical report by the Sustainable Development Commission. It found that two-thirds of government departments were not on track to meet their 12.5 per cent carbon reduction target by 2010/11, and that emissions from vehicles were “an area of serious concern”.
Rebecca Willis, the vice-chair of the commission, said: “Government as a whole needs to take radical action to put its own house in order if it is to be in a position to lead by example.”

The pressure is now on for British manufacturers to produce lower emission vehicles.

Championing sustainable UK-produced biofuels, the NFU (National Farmer’s Union) has taken delivery of a new low-emissions Peugeot 308, just weeks before the Government announces its commitment to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation targets.

The car runs on a 30 per cent blend of biodiesel made from British oil seed rape and used cooking oil. For the latest green car news - go to www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk

The 308 has a NFU livery to show its connection with agriculture.  Emblazoned with the words ‘Powered by British Biofuel’, it will be driven around the country on business by NFU chief renewable energy adviser Jonathan Scurlock.

“It is vital that we highlight the sustainability of biofuels produced in the UK, and their contribution to energy security and tackling climate change,” said Dr Scurlock.  “Biofuels can be made from a wide variety of plant material such as vegetable oils, wheat and sugar beet, and can greatly reduce carbon emissions while meeting practicable environmental standards of production. By producing clean and secure sources of renewable energy, including biofuels, farmers and growers are already playing an important role in mitigating climate change, while at the same time ensuring UK food security by providing fresh, quality produce.”

The NFU’s new five-door Peugeot 308 S HDi 90 is a low-emissions diesel option. This model complies already with the future EU target of 120g CO2/km, and by doing so falls into the lowest company car tax band from April 2008, and qualifies for only £35/year vehicle excise duty – making it a sound choice on both economic as well as environmental grounds.
Simon McBride