ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MOTORING

A Greener Future Means YOU Need a Greener Car!

What’s the issue?

A ‘greener car’ is a vehicle that produces less harmful emissions to the environment than regular vehicles. It’s a common misconception that it will cost the consumer more to have a greener car. Smaller regular cars are greener to an extent because they use less fuel and therefore burn off less emissions. As well as saving money on vehicle tax and petrol.

CO2 emissions contribute towards the greenhouse effect, which causes climate change. This in turn effects the worlds weather conditions and causes extreme weather conditions to happen more frequently with more severity.

In order to prevent this, a concerted effort towards reducing ones carbon footprint must be taken. A big step towards this would be the changing the transport used in favour of a more eco-friendly transport.

Alternative forms of fuel

There have been different fuels provided for use in cars and other vehicles that significiantly lower CO2 emissions.

Diesel; Diesel reduces CO and HC emissions but does however emit greater levels of Nox. This can reduce air quality in urban areas.

LPG & CNG; These are generally converted from pertol fuelled cars, either by the orginal manufacturer or an aftermarket converter. LPG and CNG vehicles tend to be bi-fuel, meaining they can run on petrol or gaseous fuel. LPG vehicles tend to fall between petrol and diesel in CO2 performance. LPG tend to fall between petrol and diesel in terms of CO2 emissions. This is due to the lower carbon and higher energy content by mass of the fuel. CNG offers even lower CO2 emissions than LPG. LPG could be seen very similar to diesel. CNG also emits CO, HC, Nox and particles. In terms of performance, CNG and LPG are as good as petrol.

Hybrids; Hybrids combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery. The Hybrid’s 3 energy sources can work with each other in various ways in order to perform. Hybrid’s offer reduced fuel consumption and reduced CO2, as well as possible reduction in some pollutants.

Bio fuels; Bio fuels reduce CO2 emissions drastically when compared with petrol and diesel. Most bio fuels are sold in a blend of petrol/diesel counting for 5% of fuel used by the vehicle.

Flexi-Fuel; Flexi-fuel is a blend that runs on 85% bio ethanol and 15% Petrol. However, there are currently limited retailing sites that offer this fuel. Flexi-fuel is compatible with existing vehicles.  Some manufacturers offer 'flexi-fuel' vehicles that can run on bio ethanol blends up to E85 - a blend of 85% bio ethanol and 15% petrol, as well as fossil petrol. There are currently limited retailers that will sell this bio-fuel, but this number is set to grow.

Steps already taken in the UK to reduce emissions

In the March 2001 Budget the Chancellor announced the extension of the lower rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) to cover cars in the Private and Light Goods (PLG) taxation class with an engine size of 1549cc or less.

Since March 2001, a system of Graduated VED has been in operation for new cars based primarily on their level of CO2 emissions.

Since April 2002, Company Car Tax has been based on the CO2 emissions of the vehicle provided to an employee for their private use.

In the March 2006 Budget, the Chancellor introduced a zero rate for cars with the lowest carbon emissions and a new top band for the most polluting cars.

Steps you could take to help

Pump up to cut down

Under-inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving, which means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced.

Less clutter in your car means less CO2

Clutter in your boot is extra weight your engine has to lug around. By removing it, you could reduce your engine's workload.

Less stopping and starting means less CO2

Every time you stop then start again in a traffic queue, the engine uses more fuel and therefore produces more CO2. Keep an eye on the traffic ahead and slow down early by gently lifting your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear.

Over revving accelerates emissions

Modern car engines are designed to be efficient from the moment they are switched on, so revving up like a Formula 1 car in pole position only wastes fuel and increases engine wear. Using your gears wisely by changing up a gear a little earlier can also reduce revs.

Idling is wasting fuel

When the engine is idling you're wasting fuel and adding to CO2 emissions. If you're likely to be at a standstill for more than 3 minutes, simply switch off the engine.

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