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 Volvo believe this principle is now unfair and outdated, and the statistics back up the claim.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.
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