Are hybrid cars a gimmick?
Cars promoted as eco-friendly emit up to 56 per cent more carbon dioxide than the manufacturers claim, according to tests carried out by Auto Express magazine.
The testers found that one hybrid car on sale in Britain emits 171g/km – over fifty per cent more than claimed by the manufacturer.
A spokesperson from the Environmental Transport Association said: “The CO2 emissions tests carried out by manufacturers do not reflect everyday driving. When we assess the environemntal credentials of a car we take into account its engine size, the noise it creates and a range of its emissions produced in a variety of conditions – CO2 in isolation is a crude indicator.”
Cars with CO2 emission figures below 100g/km pay no vehicle excise duty (road tax). Band B cars emitting up to 120g/km pay only £35 duty a year, compared with £400 for band G vehicles that emit more than 225g/km.
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ETA Car Buyers’ Guide
The ETA is a not-for-profit ethical organisation providing motorists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.
