In 2011 one of the major issues concerning people in the UK are the effects our activities have on the environment. Therefore at the heart of the government's priorities, is a policy to reduce emissions and offset your carbon footprint. The area of transport is where this policy really comes into focus. According to government figures, 21 per cent of UK emissions come from transport. Car manufacturers and transport companies therefore are required to release more environmentally friendly models. With more manufacturers and car companies releasing electric cars and focusing on more low emission cars, there has been an urging both from government circles and pressure groups, for lower emission vehicles, and an identification of the benefits which these provide.
Car manufacturers have begun their journey to develop these low emission models. Peugeot, whose recent models have maintained a more environmentally friendly focus, are dedicated to producing low emission vehicles with low fuel consumption. One such example is the fuel efficient 3008 Hybrid 4 Hatchback, the world's first diesel hybrid car. The production of this new model has benefits for the customer in terms of zero car tax and a discount from London's congestion charge under the Greener vehicle initiative. Furthermore the Hybrid was voted 2010's car of the year, showing the potential which low carbon cars can have.
Lowering emissions from your car engine is not the only way your vehicle can stay environmentally friendly. The latest 308 Peugeot model has energy saving tyres and emissions as low as 98g. The Peugeot 508, on sale since the spring, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 15 per cent. The importance of transport and car manufacturing companies to achieving the goal of lowering the carbon footprint has is a high priority, and as demonstrated, has the potential to be greatly successful. More so, it is cost efficient, meaning it's cheaper to lower your carbon footprint with low emission and more environmentally friendly cars.
The growth in production and manufacture of electric cars can also offset this 21 per cent figure of transport emissions. Peugeot are again setting the trend with their iOn electric car. With zero tailpipe emissions it is the future in electric cars. More so, it is cost effective and may be tempting to customers who are city dwellers, with fixed monthly costs and minimal recharging costs, providing a practical incentive to move towards the electric car. The iOn is also amongst the list of electric cars available for the government's eco car grants, which have been in force since January 2011. The competitive price of electricity makes fuel costs low and the customer can make savings of up to at least ?2000, based on the lower car tax and greener credentials electric cars provide.
A few years ago, electric cars were simply a possibility for the future, with a few car companies stating they were simply in production. Now, all car companies are bringing out their own models, many of which can be used with the new recharge areas in regions across the country. The goal, therefore, to reduce the carbon footprint, certainly in transport circles, is becoming more achievable.
Ben J White is an online journalist from Birmingham covering a range of green, environmental issues and the automotive industry. He has been writing articles and blog posts for online publications and specialises in electric cars, low emission cars, 7 seater cars and city cars.
No comments:
Post a Comment