Artificial trees could become an important part of measures to combat climate change, a report into geo-engineering reveals.

The research paper, ‘Geo-engineering- Giving us time to act’, says that approaches such as developing artificial trees, coating buildings in algae or making buildings reflective so that they reflect the sun’s radiation back should all be explored as an a valuable way of reducing climate impact.

The report published by the respected Institute of Mechanical Engineers (ImechE) advises that in recognition that it is advised that global average temperature should not rise by 2oC above pre-industrial levels, geo-engineering could be an important third approach to combating climate change along with climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation.

These approaches would not solve climate change but could provide the world with extra time to decarbonise the global economy, ImechE says.

More research into geo-engineering potential to reduce global warming needs to be undertaken. Furthermore, a realistic cost analysis and timescale of planetary wide implementation needs to be worked through. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has recommended to the Government that further investigation into geo-engineering should be commissioned while fuding should be ploughed into piloting promising schemes.

Research is already being undertaken into building machines or artificial trees which, like trees, can remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This occurs when air passes through the device (the tree) and CO2 sticks to a sorbent material (the leaves). The CO2 is then removed and buried underground in the same way as conventional carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Algae coating would reduce CO2 because algae naturally absorbs CO2 through photosynthesis. Strips of algae can be fitted to the outside of buildings and then periodically harvested from the surfaces and used as biofuel for cars.

Having already established projects in countries including Denmark and Israel, as well as making breakthroughs in the US state of California, Better Place is now set to embark on projects in Japan and Australia.

Looking at Japan first, the company has received an award from the Japanese government to conduct a pilot project in Tokyo for the world’s first electric taxis with switchable batteries. It will partner with Nihon Kotsu, the capital city’s largest taxi operator.

In Japan, taxis represent two per cent of all passenger vehicles and yet emit a whopping 20 per cent of all carbon dioxide (CO2) from vehicles due to the extensive distances they travel. In Tokyo, there are around 60,000 taxis and it is hoped that the pilot will showcase everyday use of the Better Place model and will see a Better Place battery switch site constructed in the Roppongi Hills area in the centre of the capital.

This isn’t Better Place’s first venture into Japan – it has already performed a battery switch demonstration in Yokohama. The Tokyo scheme however, is expected to begin in January, 2010.

In Australia, the company has formed a partnership with the University of Melbourne. It will see its first demonstration electric vehicle housed on the university campus to evaluate the technology with the hope that the entire university fleet may eventually be converted to electric.

Better Place and the University of Melbourne are also planning to develop an energy education facility at the main university campus that will allow students and guests to gain hands-on access to the latest technologies. Design of the facility is expected to begin in 2011.

Many high-end motoring enthusiasts will tell you that they won’t consider driving smaller vehicles because the cars simply don’t look good enough. Now however, Smart is determined to change that perception with a more stylish, special Fortwo model.

The new vehicle will be characterised by high quality equipment and fine materials, as well as an unusual appearance. It will be known as the Smart Fortwo edition highstyle and will feature exclusive paintwork in chocolate brown metallic as well as 12spoke 15″ alloy wheels. The interior will be made up of a mix of fabric and leather.

The car is loaded with eye catching equipment such as electric windows, air conditioning with temperature control, heated seats, power steering, a lockable glove compartment, a panoramic sunroof with blinds and electric power steering.

Despite the bombardment of new features, this remains a model with a clear environmental conscience. It is available with either a 52kW or a 62kW petrol engine, the latter of which is fitted with an automatic start/stop system.

The Smart Fortwo edition highstyle is Euro 5 compliant with the start/stop system shutting down the engine as soon as the driver brakes and the vehicle’s speed falls below 5mph. It is then restarted when the brake pedal is released – this can create fuel savings of up to 20 per cent in urban traffic.

Once a symbol of gas guzzling Americana, perceptions of the Hummer may soon change for the good after a preliminary road test of the Raser Hummer H3E achieved more than 50 miles of all-electric range.

The plug-in electric vehicle is powered by Raser’s extended range electric vehicle powertrain with propulsion delivered by a 200kW Raser Symetron traction motor which is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, a 100kW Rase Symetron generator which is driven by a GM Ecotec 2.0l SIDI turbocharged engine provides the electrical power.

The electric range exceeded the performance target of 40 miles according to Jim Spellman, Raser’s vice president of business development.

It was achieved using just 60 per cent of the battery pack with the initial test indicating that the vehicle could easily achieve more than 100 miles per gallon in typical daily driving conditions.

The course for the test combined elements of both city and highway driving with an average speed of 45mph up to 60mph.

According to Spellman, the achievement ranks the vehicle in a similar category to the Chevy Volt though he points out that the main difference is that the powertrain used in the Hummer H3E can be used in larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. He even suggests that if the company were to use the method it believes was employed by GM to estimate city fuel economy for the Volt, the electric Hummer would achieve more than 190mpg in city driving using just 70 per cent of the battery pack. 

Raser will now carry out additional testing in a bid to demonstrate the vehicle’s estimated total range of up to 400 miles with an on-board range extender.

The urgency to reduce vehicle emissions was delivered loud and clear, when the States Highway Agencies released preliminary reports suggest that travel during June 2009 on all roads and streets in the US increased by 2.0 per cent – the equivalent of 4.9billion vehicle miles.

The US Federal Highway Administration now estimates that travel during the month reached 256.7billion vehicle miles, despite the fact that cumulative travel for the first six months of the year has fallen by 0.4 per cent.The significant increase supports data that suggests traffic volumes have shown some year-on-year gains earlier this year. Now June represents the first month in which driving was higher in all regions of the United States on all types of roads.

Traffic volumes had started to decline in November 2007 alongside petrol price rises and experienced dramatic drops in 2008. However, it now appears that with petrol prices back to a more normal level the public is back to using private vehicles to fulfil the majority of their transport needs.

Despite this, ridership on public transportation has only shown a modest decline so far this year with the first quarter report from the American Public Transportation Association, released in mid-June, showing a 1.2 per cent drop in year-over-year ridership. Light rail systems performed the best with a 1.8 per cent increase in ridership; while large bus systems experienced a 1.2 per cent drop in ridership.

TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk caught up with Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) in August 2009 following the announcement in June of the formation of the Electric Vehicle Group – to promote a collaborative industry-wide approach to the development of ultra-low carbon technologies and to help place the UK at the forefront of the “green revolution” in the car industry.

Question: Following the recent announcement of Tesla Motors joining the SMMT, do you envisage other electric car producers joining?

Answer: SMMT has members from all across the industry including electric commercial vehicle manufacturers such as Tanfield and Modec. As electric vehicle technology develops, we envisage more companies joining. The development and manufacture of ultra low carbon technology will be key to the future of the automotive industry in the UK and around the world so it is important that SMMT membership reflects this changing dynamic in the industry. SMMT has already created a specific group within its membership to discuss and lobby on issues relating to electric vehicles and this will no doubt encourage more specialist companies to join.

Q: What new ideas do you think Tesla Motors can bring to your organisation?

A: They will play an active part, along with other companies in the Electric Vehicle Group. All our members have the opportunity to sit on various committees and to share experience and respond to issues accordingly. The discussion will feed straight into policy co-ordination at SMMT.

Q: Another recent announcement has been the formation of the Electric Vehicle Group – what are the goals of the group?

A: The Electric Vehicle Group will promote a collaborative industry-wide approach to the development of ultra-low carbon technologies and the diverse group of companies in the group will act to develop the UK’s role in this globally competitive field. It will address a wide range of issues including government policy and legislation, R&D, technical regulations as well as development of the market, supporting infrastructure and consumer incentives. It will also work closely with the newly-formed Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

Q: Do you think that the carmakers you represent are serious about developing electric-powered vehicles?

A: The motor industry is working on a portfolio of technologies to address the need to reduce emissions from vehicles. It includes further improvements in conventional petrol and diesel powertrains, as well as a variety of electric, hybrid and fuel cell capabilities. This range of technologies will help deliver low-carbon vehicles at affordable prices to consumers. The UK has a strong emerging electric vehicle industry. The recent Nissan announcement confirming that it will produce its lithium-ion battery in Sunderland and Toyota producing a hybrid Auris at its UK plants, confirms that the sector takes it seriously. The UK has the opportunity to be at the heart of the low-carbon agenda and to take the lead in ensuring that our manufacturing base is well placed to take advantage of the upturn when it comes. In the meantime a portfolio of technologies will help to lower emissions while sustaining UK manufacturing.

Q: How do you think the UK can position itself at the forefront of electric car production?

A: Manufacturing facilities in the UK are some of the most productive in the world with around 75% of what we produce exported, generating significant revenue for the country. Government has shown its commitment to developing a market for ultra-low carbon vehicles in Britain but we must now ensure that UK design, R&D as well as manufacturing are at the heart of this growing industry.

Q: There is some controversy surrounding electric quadricycles, with several manufacturers claiming of being left out in the cold, do you think there is a place at the SMMT for these companies?

A: Vehicles without Whole Vehicle Type Approval do not fall into the traditional scope of SMMT’s work. However, the future growth of the automotive industry in the UK relies on a cross-section of the industry working together, along with government, local authorities and energy suppliers and SMMT would support this co-ordinated approach.

Q: Currently only London can claim to have, in anyway, a widespread distribution of recharging points for electric vehicles – how do you envisage this problem to be solved? Should public money be used to help the supply of infrastructure?

A: The New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team (NAIGT) has recommended a large-scale pilot scheme called Test Bed UK to demonstrate, experiment and build the new low-carbon personal transportation system of the future, including its infrastructure. A co-ordinated approach across industry, government, stakeholders and energy suppliers is needed, along with bold financial support from government, if we are to send the right signals to consumers about the future use of new technology.

Q: A potential power alternative which appears to have dropped away in recent months in favour of electric batteries is Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology, successfully trialled by Honda in California, where does this fit with the SMMT and the Electric Vehicle Group?

A: SMMT is committed to the development of a portfolio of ultra-low carbon technology that includes both electric vehicles and fuels such as hydrogen along with advances in the internal combustion engine. The New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team’s report sets out a clear roadmap to cut emissions from vehicles over the next 30 years, integrating all existing technology. In the near future, the traditional combustion engine can still be further improved. Manufacturers are bringing new technologies and more fuel-efficient vehicles to market using a portfolio approach to meet different consumer demands and needs.

Q: Regarding the London Congestion Charging Zone, do you believe that the criteria for vehicle exemption should be readdressed, currently the latest generation of super frugal diesel city cars and superminis are still charged the full rate, yet several SUV-style hybrids with higher CO2 output are exempt? Do you agree with Volvo that Boris Johnson should look to peg congestion charging with vehicle CO2 emissions, in much the same way as Vehicle Excise Duty?

A: Vehicle manufacturers have made huge progress in reducing the environmental impact of their products and will continue to do so. The congestion charge is fundamentally a charge to reduce congestion and any reassessment of the criteria for exemptions should aim to encourage take-up of the wide variety of low and ultra-low carbon choices already available to consumers.

Q: Where do you see the UK car industry in 10 years – do you think we will all be driving electric cars?

A: In the short to medium-term, the development of the electric engine will continue to make it a viable choice for not just city motoring, but this will work in tandem with the traditional combustion engine. There are many technologies available to aid the reduction in emissions from petrol and diesel engines such as stop-start technology and improved aerodynamics.

Well they did it. As expected, driver Charles Burnett III successfully broke the land speed record for a steam powered car – which has stood for more than 100 years – achieving an average speed of 139.843mph on two runs over a measured mile.

Driver Charles Burnett III piloted the car, nicknamed the fastest kettle in the world, for both runs reaching a peak speed of 136.103mph on the first run and 151.085 mph on the second. The new international record, which is subject to official confirmation by the FIA, breaks the previous official FIA record of 127mph set in 1906 by American, Fred Marriott, driving a Stanley steamer at Daytona Beach.

As he was congratulated by his jubilant crew, principal driver, Charles Burnett III said: “It was absolutely fantastic I enjoyed every moment of it. We reached nearly 140mph on the first run before I applied the parachute. All systems worked perfectly, it was a really good run. The second run went even better and we clocked a speed in excess of 150 mph. The car really did handle beautifully. The team has worked extremely hard over the last 10 years and overcome numerous problems. It is a privilege to be involved with such a talented crew, what we have achieved today is a true testament to British engineering, good teamwork and perseverance”

Project Manager Matt Candy said: “The first run took place at 7.27am when the air temperature was a cool 63 degrees Fahrenheit, the team turned around the car in 52minutes (with just 8 minutes spare) in preparation for its return run. The British Steam Car takes 2.5 miles to accelerate and after the measured mile, a further 2.5 miles to decelerate – so each run was over 6.5 miles. The FIA requires that the return run takes place within 60 minutes. The times of the two runs are then averaged to obtain the official recorded speed. Compared to the testing we did in Britain, the British Steam Car ran 12 times the distance and twice the maximum speed ¬– all within one hour. It’s been a huge challenge for all.

Pam Swanston wife of the late project manager Frank Swanston was overcome with emotion after seeing Charles power the supercar across the dry lake bed, she said: “If only Frank was here today, it was his vision that made it a reality. He would be incredibly proud of the team’s achievements and always believed we would succeed. Today we celebrate this record for Frank”

Weighing three tons, the sleek 25-ft British Steam Car is made from a mixture of lightweight carbon-fibre composite and aluminium wrapped around a steel space frame chassis. It is fitted with 12 boilers containing nearly two miles of tubing. Demineralised water is pumped into the boilers at up to 50 litres a minute and the burners produce three megawatts of heat. Steam is superheated to 400 degrees Celsius which is injected into the turbine at more than twice the speed of sound.

Well known hybrid models, the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight achieved enviable EuroNCAP results today.

In the latest round of test results released by EuroNCAP, the latest third generation Prius and the newly introduced Honda Insight achieved the highest rating for pedestrian safety among the models tested as well as scoring highly on adult and child occupant safety.

The batch of tests for eight new cars, included seven cars that scored the maximum five star award, whilst one car, the Citroen C3, received a four star result.

The latest results for the Insight and the Prius 3 show that good fuel economy need not stand in the way of a high level of safety performance. The safety organisation particularly commended  these hybrid vehicles for their impressive pedestrian scores of 86 per cent. They not only fulfil Euro NCAP’s current five star requirements, but already meet the organisation’s challenging 2012 targets. Pedestrian protection is an area that has long been underprioritised by carmakers, last year barely 25 per centof the cars tested achieved more than two stars for pedestrian protection. However with the introduction of a new regulation in Europe this year and a stronger focus maintained by Euro NCAP, the tide is quickly turning.

Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s Secretary General says: “The technology and know-how is out there for carmakers to deliver vehicles with better pedestrian protection. Honda and Toyota are giving us a glimpse of the cars of the future that consider the natural and social environment in its entirety.”

The top scorers with five star results included the Honda Insight, Kia Sorento, Renault Grand Scenic, Skoda Yeti, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Prius 3 and the Volkswagen Polo. The Citroen C3 missed out on Euro NCAP’s highest accolade of five stars as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is not expected to be fitted as standard in sufficient number of model variants to qualify for extra points. In contrast ESC is fitted as standard across the model range in the other cars in today’s line-up, or will be standard equipment in the great majority of sales – a direct result of Euro NCAP’s incentive of points under the new rating scheme.

The two French cars – Renault Grand Scenic and the Citroen C3 have both introduced a driver controlled speed limitation system as standard on some variants and as an option on others, which Euro NCAP rewarded during the Safety Assist assessment. These systems greatly assist the driver to maintain the safest speed according to the driving environment.

Some manufacturers have responded quickly to Euro NCAP’s call for better whiplash protection. In this month’s release, the Honda Insight, the Kia Sorento and the Skoda Yeti all have seats and head restraints that offer good whiplash protection. In contrast, the whiplash protection offered by the Citroen C3 was found to be poor.

Motorists who cycle hold the key to less congestion, better health and less pollution, says the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists). Its new study, Cycling Motorists, published today, identifies the enormous potential for many more motorists to take up cycling either for leisure or to replace some car journeys. Bicycles simply aren’t practical for many jouneys, so motorists should look to using bikes for shorter trips.

Neil Greig, the IAM’s director of Policy and Research said: “Millions of motorists are already taking to the roads on two wheels. The IAM study identifies the huge potential for getting them to cycle more, and for getting motorists who know how to ride to take up cycling again. Getting more motorists riding instead of driving for some journeys or simply for leisure could give cycling its biggest boost.”

Cycling Motorists reveals that around half of all motorists own a bike; two in five of them cycle regularly, and half ride their bikes very occasionally. It also shows that twice as many men as women motorists ride regularly, but among motorist who don’t cycle, women are twice as likely to take it up again.

Nearly all motorists who cycle cite exercise, fun, as well as environmental and money-saving benefits as top reasons for switching to pedal power. What deters them are inconsiderate drivers, heavy traffic, lorries, the poor state of some roads and risk of an accident. However, despite an apparent concern about safety, the report found that only half of cycling motorists ride wearing a helmet and one third wear no protective/high visibility clothing at all. However, both cycling and non-cycling motorists agree that the experience of cycling makes drivers more careful.

Mr Greig added: “Britain’s garages, backyards and gardens contain a mountain of bikes just waiting to be ridden. No single initiative will get more motorists to use them. But Cycling Motorists provides powerful evidence for focusing campaigns to promote more cycling by the motorists who already cycle, as well as those who may need just a little push to get them riding again. The IAM will be campaigning for them to do so confidently and safely.”

Better fuel efficiency and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have become staples of new sports utility vehicle (SUV) releases as manufacturers realise that there is no room for compromise on environmental features regardless of the type of vehicle being sold.

Hyundai is the latest to recognise the trend towards eco-conscious car buying with its new ix35. This C-segment crossover vehicle showcases Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design language and replaces the popular Tucscon, previously one of Europe’s best-selling SUVs.

The Hyundai ix35 will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month and has a smaller footprint than most C-segment hatchbacks and MPVs, so it should appeal to buyers wanting a more stylish alternative to conventional cars.

Its environmental statistics are expected to be boosted by enhanced aerodynamics and a more refined powertrain technology that enables the ix35 to deliver better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions than rival SUVs.

Stay tuned for more details when the car is unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15.