£25m for low-carbon car testing

June 25, 2009

The government has pledged £25 million of funding to a new project to run real-life trials of eight low-carbon vehicles.

It is hoped the new scheme will accelerate the progress of new low-carbon vehicles to market and has been described as “the most significant step in the UK to date” towards eco-friendly transport.

Transport secretary Lord Andrew Adonis said: “We want Britain to be at the forefront of ultra-low carbon automotive technology, blazing a trail for environmentally-friendly transportation.”

According to the Environmental Transport Association (ETA), an organisation that provides breakdown cover for most of the electric cars in Britain, the scheme “paves the way for an electric equivalent to the Ford Model T; a green and affordable car that will revolutionise the way we travel.”

The funding will pay for 340 cars to begin trials on British roads within the next six to eighteen months. The majority of the vehicles are electric, with a small number being plug-in petrol/electric hybrids.

Lord Drayson, Science Minister in the newly formed Department for Business Innovation & Skills, said: “Today’s announcement signals our intent to reduce our dependence on petrol- and diesel-based engines, and determine the best practical alternatives.” He added that low carbon need not mean low performance.

Are the cars available for me to drive?

Potentially, yes. The projects will bring together car manufacturers, power companies, councils, academic institutions and drivers like you and me at eight locations across Britain.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is an organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products – including a specialised service for electric vehicles.

Information correct at time of publication.

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