Volvo has called on the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to review the criteria for London Congestion Charge exemption.

Since the charging zone began operating in 2003 Hybrid cars have been exempt from the charge (currently £8.00 per day) and can freely enter and exit the city centre zone. Volvo believe this principle is now unfair and outdated, and the statistics back up the claim.

The disparity was highlighted to Boris Johnson by Stuart Kerr, Regional President for Europe from Volvo Car Corporation when he collected the What Car? Green Car of the Year award from The Mayor recently.

Currently available hybrid-powered cars have a wide range of CO2 outputs, ranging from the all new Toyota Prius at 89g/km up to the Lexus LS 600h which emits 219g/km, compare these figures to the range of the latest low emissions vehicles hitting the showrooms, such as Volvo’s DRIVe range including the S40, C30 and V50, and it becomes apparent that judging a car’s environmental credentials cannot be based on its engine and or electric motor. Further complications are just around the corner when plug-in hybrids, diesel hybrids, and the next generation of conventional powered engines are made available.

Hybrid-powered cars have CO2 outputs ranging from 89g/km to 219g/km, yet all are exempt from the London Congestion Charge. Volvo’s What Car? Green Car of the Year-winning S40 1.6D DRIVe with Start/Stop technology emits just 104g/km yet drivers are charged £8.00 to enter the capital. Similarly, Volvo’s DRIVe C30 Sportscoupe and V50 Sportswagon models also emit 104g/km but none of them are exempt from the charge.

At the end of 2008, there were 13 non-hybrid cars from other manufacturers emitting less than 105g/km of CO2 on the market. Using the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders sales figures, this would equate to over 9,500 owners of low-emission cars that should, given a level playing field, be exempt from the London Congestion Charge. The number of conventionally-powered low emission cars will increase substantially throughout 2009, as will the number of affected owners.

Let us know your thoughts below.

The Automobile Association has joined an international consortium to support the development of a world-class electric vehicle infrastructure in the North East of England.

The AA joins Tesco, British Gas, CE Electric, and Capital Shopping Centres together with the Regional Development Agency One North East as it aims to place the region at the forefront of global electric vehicle development.
The group will provide high-profile locations for charging points, along with vision and technical advice and vital promotional work and leadership for the North East, as the region moves towards a low-carbon economy.
It is intended that this strategic approach will help the region show the world how to roll out electric vehicle infrastructure.

One North East will install 750 charging points over the course of 2010 and 2011 to provide future electric vehicle owners with the comfort that infrastructure exists in the region to charge them. The first 40 of these are already being installed in Newcastle and Gateshead.

Today’s announcement follows the North East being named as one of the UK Government’s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator areas. The £10.7million project will see an initial 35 new electric passenger vehicles developed in the North East, including 15 Nissan cars, 10 Smith electric taxis, five Smith people carriers, a Smith executive minibus, two AVID saloon cars and two Liberty urban Range Rovers.

The development of electric vehicles alongside a network of charging points is part of One North East’s £30m plan to base the car industry of the future in the North East, harnessing the region’s global fame for engineering and manufacturing, and its developing renewable energy sector. Tesco will be supporting the project by installing electric car charging points at selected supermarket locations in the region.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “The North East is already planning for a low carbon future and the AA is supporting that vision. The North East electric car strategy has the potential to spark a personal transport revolution in UK cities.

“For the vision to work we need infrastructure, incentives, clean electricity and affordable, practical vehicles. Drivers want change. In a recent AA/Populus survey of 15,000 members 62% said they would consider buying a more environmentally friendly car. The AA will be working with Newcastle University and ONE NE to help this amazing vision become a reality.”

Like VW’s Touareg, the Qashqai is named after desert-dwelling nomadic tribe, but unlike the Saharan Touaregs, the Qashqais hail from South Western Iran. What you may not know is that the new Qashqai n-tec comes with the full Nissan Connect infotainment system and, in this case, a new 1.5dCi engine.

Nissan Qashqai+2 lease prices
Nissan Qashqai+2 new and nearly new prices
Nissan Qashqai+2 consumer reviews

The Qashqai 1.5dCi’s official mpg figures are 45.5 (urban), 56.5 (extra urban) and 52.3 (combined). At the end of my 843 mile test the trip computer read 45.5mpg, but as almost all of those miles were either ‘at speed’ on motorways abroad or in London, and the car was laden, so I reckon that’s also pretty good. CO2 at 149g/km means annual road tax of £120, while insurance is a not too frightening group 6. Despite looking a bit like a biggish 4×4, this model is front wheel drive, can seat seven and takes up no more road space than a Ford Focus. £20,200 OTR is not insignificant, but Qashqais are currently selling like hot cakes and I’d happily own this n-tec.

Read the full Nissan Qashqai+2 1.5dCi n-tec road test

RoadTestReports.co.uk provides road tests reports written by members of the Guild of Motoring Writers. These reports are complemented by car reviews submitted by the members of the public who drive the vehicles day in day out.

Newly launched, Newcastle based company, Future Transport Systems, FTS, is pioneering the introduction of sustainable transport across the UK having won a number of major contracts to introduce electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure to Britain’s roads.

FTS has already employed 4 low carbon transport and automotive specialists and has ambitious plans to recruit another 6 before the end of the year. The team will be based at the company’s head office in Newcastle and its technical centre in Hethel, Norfolk on the Hethel Engineering Park, a hub for automotive and engineering development.

The company is the UK’s first consultancy specialising in integrating low carbon vehicle technologies with transport and electrical infrastructure. The team is well placed to deliver these projects, as its sister company is leading independent energy consultancy, TNEI Services. FTS will draw a wealth of transferable expertise in electrical networks, systems integration, planning and the environment from TNEI.

FTS is already using in-house GIS and electrical network modelling capabilities to design the charging networks required for electric vehicles, and assess their impact on existing infrastructure.

One of the key aspects of this work is to analyse and test how electric vehicles could be deployed and to identify and resolve any constraints on their successful implementation and roll out.

One of the projects the team is managing is the ultra-low carbon vehicle demonstrator project, awarded to the North East region by the Technology Strategy Board to deploy electric vehicles in the North East region. FTS is working closely with One North East, Nissan, Smiths Electric Vehicles, Avid, Newcastle University and Liberty to deliver this project.

Commenting on the FTS launch and plans for the future, MD Matthew Lumsden said:

“Our goal is to be the leading low carbon vehicle infrastructure consultancy for sustainable transport in the UK and beyond. We are already on course to achieve these goals with a very substantial order book at the company’s launch.”

“We expect significant growth in the electric vehicle sector over the next 5 years with many opportunities arising from the parallel development of smart metering, smart networks and renewable generation. These are very exciting times for those of us involved in systems integration and deployment and for those pioneering the new business opportunities that will arise from these new technologies and systems.”

FTS is committed to developing a base of low carbon transport infrastructure expertise within the North East. In addition to working closely with the team at One North East on the TSB project, FTS is teaming up with the Universities of Newcastle and Durham to develop design software for mapping out Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

Margaret Fay, chairman of One NorthEast, said: “The North East has plans that are already well advanced to spearhead the development of electric vehicles.

“FTS has a major role to play in these plans, which will influence the way electric vehicles are used not just in the North East but nationally and internationally.”

Sarah Green, regional director CBI North East said:

“FTS is one of the first of many new businesses that we hope will take advantage of the opportunities created by the Great North Revolution.  If the UK is to meet its carbon reduction commitments, Government must encourage the development and take up of electric vehicles. FTS is exceedingly well positioned to advise businesses and Government on how to make this happen and it’s brilliant that entrepreneurs in the North East have recognised this opportunity to develop this new niche consultancy.”

Viv Stephens, head of business strategy, Cenex:

“The emergence of the North East region as an early adopter of electric vehicles reflects the growth of its capabilities in terms of local industry, academia and specialist consultancies such as FTS. As the national Centre of Excellence in low carbon vehicle technologies, Cenex is looking forward to working in collaboration with the North East region’s key partners in the field of electric vehicle deployment. We congratulate FTS on taking the initiative to develop its specialist capability in infrastructure development, which supports the region’s broad objectives in the adoption of sustainable transport solutions.”

The Green Piece – Tuesday 30th June 2009

It was a clear winner in our poll to determine the ‘Green Car Manufacturer of the Year’ in 2008 – but 2009 has been much more difficult for Toyota.

After establishing itself as a leader in the green car race, Toyota has been pegged back in recent times. Despite the shortcomings of US manufacturers General Motors and Chrysler, the Japanese manufacturer has faced competition closer to home from Honda and Nissan with the former temporarily out-selling the Prius with its Honda Insight (read more in our article ‘Insight the top hybrid performer’) and the latter claiming the hybrid route is full of shortcomings and that electric cars are the best way forward.

Through it all Toyota has had a clear ray of hope, with the launch of the 2010 Toyota Prius just around the corner. The vehicle has earned almost iconic status, lauded by celebrities and generally seen as the ‘ultimate green car’. However, in recent weeks even its reputation has been tarnished.

How green is this green car?

The Prius came under fire in The Washington Post, which openly questioned its manufacturing process as explained in our article ‘Could the Prius be harmful to the environment?’

Among its criticisms, it pointed out that the nickel used for the vehicle’s battery is mined at the notorious site in Sudbury, Ontario, where there have been reports of various environmental issues.

From there, it embarks on a lengthy, and presumably environmentally harmful, journey around the world. First it heads to Wales… then to China… and finally to Japan where it is then shipped for sale worldwide.

The company has also faced criticism because some of its manufacturing plans could threaten historical Japanese rice paddies as outlined in our article ‘Could Toyota manufacturing hit rice paddies?’ Environmentalists have hit out at the test centre plans which could lead to the destruction of some of the natural habitat of the rare gray faced buzzard and the oriental honey buzzard.

Toyota hits back

For its part, Toyota is not taking the criticism lying down. It responded by issuing a Press release pointing out the positives of its manufacturing process and in particular its so-called eco-factory in Tsutsumi, Japan – you can read more on this subject in our article ‘Toyota highlights its eco-factory’.

It points out that it has five eco-factories around the world and that Tsutsumi in particular meets some impressive environmental standards. For example, it has held the ISO14001 green standard for environmental management since 1996; it meets half of its electricity requirements through solar panels; it uses energy saving lighting; and the building even utilises photocatalytic paint that reacts to the sunlight and breaks down harmful nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere.

Our verdict

Both sides of the argument certainly have merits and it’s easy to see why the processes involved in the production of the Toyota Prius have been focused on. After all, this is the world’s most popular green car – so the shortcomings of its manufacturing process are perhaps more eye-catching than those of a vehicle you don’t expect to be green.

However, where the critics are perhaps missing the mark is that the Prius’s manufacturing is no less green than those of a conventional vehicle and while battery toxicity is a concern there has been clear progress in this sector. What’s more is that Toyota has made huge strides in cleaning up its manufacturing process – seemingly at least on a par with any other manufacturer – and while there is still a long way to go, its efforts should be applauded.

If we accept that the manufacturing process from all vehicle manufacturers has its faults, but that Toyota is among the greenest, then perhaps the focus should be on the end result – and the Toyota Prius is significantly greener than the conventional cars that are manufactured in a similar way and will do more harm to the environment over their lifetime.

Of course there may be greener alternatives in the future – electrics and fuel cell cars for example, when the infrastructure is in place – but for now hybrid cars remain the most realistic alternative for most. It would be wrong to use their manufacturing as an excuse to stick with the norm and keep on gas guzzling.

Faye Sunderland

It may already be established as Europe’s top selling small car – a position it has held since 2007 – but the Peugeot 207 is set to be re-styled with an even greener outlook.

The vehicle, which has sold more than 167,000 units in the UK alone since its introduction in June 2006, will benefit from particularly fuel efficient engines with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. It is optimised not only aerodynamically, but in terms of the engine itself and the use of rolling resistance tyres, which collectively brings its carbon dioxide (CO2) emission levels down to a mere 99g/km.

The gradual introduction of engines sees the vehicle meet the Euro5 emission standard and there has also been a gear change indicator placed on the manual gearbox models, which will help the driver to perform in a more environmentally efficient way.

Of course it’s not just about the environmental credentials of the car as there have been a number of exterior and interior changes too. These include a redesigned front for a softer visual appearance, increased use of exterior body colouring and chrome detailing, new instrument panel designs, new trims and detailing.

In addition there is a range of new standard equipment such as an in-car entertainment system, a one-touch direction indicator function for safe lane changes and a remote controlled window closure.

Further details about the Peugeot 207’s pricing have yet to be released.

Put this one firmly on the rumour mill, but a report from Reuters suggests that Volkswagen (VW) is exploring a co-operation deal with its Japanese rival Suzuki.

The theory behind the potential collaboration is that the German manufacturer’s position in the ultra-small car sector could be greatly enhanced. Currently, Suzuki dominates Japan’s 660cc mini-vehicle market along with Toyota unit Daihatsu Motor Company. So, collaboration could yield a new vehicle for VW.

According to the report, VW is looking to secure the co-operation deal by taking a 10 per cent stake in Suzuki. However, some investors are said to be wary about the deal with Kazuyuki Terao, the director at investment fund RCM Japan, telling Reuters that a capital tie-up will not stimulate demand – but if they are going to make cars together, as well as bring together production facilities and link their logistics, it could be beneficial to both parties.

Terao claims that Suzuki’s profits are coming mainly from India and Japan, whereas Europe does not have a big impact. Currently, Suzuki’s Indian unit Maruti Suzuki is that country’s largest car maker thanks mainly to the best-selling Alto mini car.

Eighty five ethanol powered buses could soon make their way to the streets of Stockholm after Scania sold the fleet to Busslink, operator of bus services for Storstockholms Lokaltrafik, the regional transport company in the capital.

The order is Scania Sverige’s largest single bus transaction in the market since 2004 and represents a continued commitment to ethanol power. The ethanol bus includes a modified diesel engine that runs on a mixture of 95 per cent ethanol and five per cent ignition improver.

It is an adaptation of Scania’s nine-litre diesel engine and includes charge-cooling and exhaust gas recirculation. The engine delivers 270hp of power with torque of 1,200Nm. It also offers thermal efficiency up to 43 per cent, which is only narrowly behind that of diesel at 44 per cent.

What’s more is that the engine meets the enhanced environmentally friendly vehicle standard, which is stricter than Euro 5. It is believed that compared to a conventional diesel engine, these ethanol powered vehicles can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 90 per cent.

Currently, Stockholm has the world’s largest fleet of ethanol buses. Indeed 40 of the Busslink buses are specifically designed for urban traffic whereas the others will be adapted for regional services. Deliveries will begin during spring next year.

Hybrid cars should be all about fuel efficiency and miles per gallon shouldn’t they? Well if you’re familiar with any of Lexus’s models you’ll realise that while the fuel consumption has improved compared to their conventional alternatives, they are far from returning the economy ratings typically associated with a green car.

Indeed here lies a problem – with hybrids linked to economy, buyers almost expect 40-plus miles per gallon. When they don’t get it, they might just walk away, no matter what the level of luxury available.

So it’s understandable that such hope is being pinned on the first high mileage Lexus, and indeed the first hybrid luxury car from any car maker, which is due to arrive in the USA in about six weeks. The vehicle in question is the new HS250h.

The HS boasts some impressive statistics, achieving better fuel economy and lower emissions while offering all the trimmings you expect from a luxury vehicle.

The vehicle is certainly not sporty, but its road holding and dynamics have received critical acclaim. Its hybrid system is an updated version of the US’s Camry Hybrid, and the vehicle seems edgier than Lexus’s other hybrids thanks to a bold horizontal chrome grille and separate air intake vents for the 2.4 litre engine and hybrid components.

It produces 147 horsepower and when assisted by the 650volt electric motor can increase this to 187hp. Its combined city-highway rating is 35mpg which is still some way behind the Prius’s 50mpg, but highly impressive for a luxury vehicle.

So how much will all this set you back? Well, the price remains a wild card – Lexus won’t announce it until shortly before its debut in August.

Could Japanese manufacturer Nissan help to solve the US’s unemployment rate and the scarcity of green cars in the country in one swoop?

The company is preparing to out-source the production of electric cars to the United States, according to reports – marking the first time that the car company has mass produced an electric car outside Japan. It is asking for low-interest rate loans from the US government and is said to be planning to pour at least $518million into the production of a fleet of electric cars, which will be produced at its North American headquarters in Smyrna, Tennessee.

It hopes that its production line will be capable of producing 50,000-100,000 electric cars by 2012. Indeed from its US factory, along with its factories in Japan and Europe, the company hopes to produce 200,000 cars before the end of Obama’s first term.

In addition, Nissan is reportedly looking to team up with computer giant NEC to produce the lithium-ion battery that is needed to propel the vehicle.

As demand increases it is expected that Nissan will build its own operation – but for now, the USA is expected to benefit from its windfall.