New WLTP rules for vans could potentially disincentivise fleets from adopting fuel-saving designs, says Arval UK. The WLTP data being used for converted and bodied chassis only take into account the frontal dimensions of the vehicle and do not include any streamlining measures fitted by body builders such as aerodynamic collars and bulkheads. The issue is likely to affect Luton and box bodies … [Read more...]
50mph permanent limit proposed for M4 around Newport
A permanent 50mph limit along the M4 around Newport has been proposed as an alternative to building a new motorway bypass south of the city. South East Wales Transport Commission set up to look at an way of improving traffic flow after First Minister Mark Drakeford axed the recommended new road on environmental and cost grounds said the lower permanent limit would be a "fast-track" measures to … [Read more...]
SUVs are driving up pollution, claim
The demand for sports utility vehicles is threatening the UK’s attempts to clean up the transport sector. Sales of new SUVs now outnumber electric vehicle sales at a rate of 37 to 1. In its 2019 annual Review of Energy Policy, published yesterday, the UK Energy Research Centre examines some of the challenges of meeting the 2050 net zero emissions target. The Review highlights how the trend … [Read more...]
Petrol & diesel popularity dominates buying plans
Petrol and diesel cars will dominate vehicle sales in the foreseeable future, according to a poll for information agency Somo. Despite the environment being the biggest driver for switching to an electric vehicle, new research by digital transformation agency, Somo, has identified that the interest in petrol vehicles is not declining. In fact, over half would consider purchasing a … [Read more...]
Falling out of PHEV or bridging a gap
The issues facing the British car market with the decline in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle sales in the UK this year has been outlined to media by Conor Twomey, General Manager Internal Communications and Government Affairs for Mitsubishi Motors in the UK. Mitsubishi with their Outlander PHEV more or less pioneered the launch of the PHEV market quickly becoming not only the best selling model … [Read more...]
SUVs now seen as growing polluters
A new report that indicates SUVs have become a major source of increases in CO2 emissions during the last few years should prompt businesses to consider their role on company fleets. Fleet software company FleetCheck says that the International Energy Agency document shows that growing demand for SUVs was the second largest contributor to increases in global CO2 emissions from 2010-2018. During … [Read more...]
Opinion: Size matters in congestion & emissions battle
The motor industry is facing doom and gloom or opportunity and expansion, depending on your viewpoint, writes Robin Roberts. Whatever happens with Brexit at the end of this month and its implications for Britain, a bigger sea change for the industry has been underway for some time. Environmental issues have driven the move towards electrification of vehicles and for the bigger stuff it’s … [Read more...]
Green drive threatens to push makers into the red
Alternatively fuelled vehicles, pure electric, petrol-electric hybrids and plug-in hybrids saw a 21% increase in UK new car sales last year to 141,270 units but only 15,474 of those vehicles were pure electric models, writes David Miles. So far this year only around 2,000 battery electric cars were sold in the first five months of the year. Still small steps might lead to big strides as … [Read more...]
E-scooters offer real environmental benefits
Ground-breaking research from Cenex found that moving to electric scooters and mopeds from petrol equivalents significantly lowers energy use and emissions. Cenex’s first study of its type, the report shows that electric scooters use 72–91% less energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70–90% compared to a 250cc scooter of similar specifications. Electric cars typically use 50–70% less … [Read more...]
Government asked to explain breathing pace
Paul Davies AM has asked the Welsh First Minister to explain how the Welsh Government intends to slow the increase in pollution-related deaths in Wales. The Welsh Conservative Leader used his question in the Welsh Parliament to highlight the Welsh Government’s record on meeting emission targets. Despite declaring a climate change emergency last month, the Welsh Government has achieved only a … [Read more...]