hybrid, electric and other green cars news articles 
Car manufacturers are more realistic on electric vehicles pricing
According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), just 812 buyers have taken up the Government’s £5000 Plug-In-Car Grant so far this year, suggesting that electric vehicles are still too expensive for most consumer and fleet buyers. “More than a dozen new electric and hybrid vehicles are set to hit the UK market over the next year, but most of them will be decorating showrooms unless manufacturers are more realistic on pricing,” said BVRLA chief executive, John Lewis. “Ultra-low carbon transport is a necessity and electric vehicles have a big part to pl... [more]
EVs and hybrid cars remain too expensive for many
Research from TheGreenCarWebsite has found that, in spite of concerns over charging infrastructure, just a small majority of motorists would prefer one these cars over a fully battery-dependent model. Just 52 per cent said they would be more likely to buy one of these combustion engine-supported models than a full electric car, assuming these vehicles were all priced around the same. As the UK prepares to welcome the first plug-in hybrid models and range-extended cars, motorists are only marginally more open to the idea of buying a next-generation hybrid car or range-extended model as th... [more]
New Rio hatchback showcased at EcoVelocity
At this month’s EcoVelocity Low Carbon Motor Festival, held from the 8th – 11th September in the grounds of Battersea Power Station in London, Kia showcased a selection of its environmentally conscious EcoDynamics models, including the UK public debut of the all-new Rio hatchback. Visitors to the show had the opportunity to get up close with the all-new Rio, the new Picanto city-car as well as low-emission versions of the cee’d family hatchback and Sportage crossover on a purpose built test route. The new Rio is set to be the cleanest non-electric vehicle in the world – emitting just 85... [more]
Toyota unveils the new Avensis and the new Prius
At this year’s Frankfurt motor show, Toyota unveils the new Avensis and the new Prius family of full hybrid models. The new 2012 Hilux is also making its European debut and the three-door version of the recently launched new Yaris will be on public view for the first time. The changes to the British-built Avensis include revised exterior styling, incorporating a frontal treatment that follows Toyota’s new design language. The quality look and feel of the interior have been improved and strategic changes have been made to the powertrains and driving dynamics. Together, these changes represen... [more]
Ford's Focus ECOnetic Technology and Fiesta ECOnetic Technology debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show
At the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, Ford will show two new ultra-efficient models packed with advanced fuel saving technology. The new Focus ECOnetic Technology – featuring first lean NOx adsorbing technology in a Ford diesel – achieves 89 g/km, and the new Fiesta ECOnetic Technology – the first Fiesta with Auto-Start-Stop technology – which delivers 87g/km. The Focus will be able to travel 100 kilometres on 3.4 litres of fuel (83.1 mpg), making it the most fuel efficient non-hybrid family car (C segment) in Europe. The Fiesta also achieves top-notch fuel economy, travelling 100 kilomet... [more]
