Initially developed...
Initially developed in Norway, the device has subsequently been trialled in France, where tests showed that around 95 per cent of the toxic vapour was eliminated. British environment minister Ben Bradshaw explained: "Petrol fumes from service stations contribute to air pollution and lead to smog in warm weather. Fitting new equipment which can capture these fumes will help to cut risks to public health and the environment."
Going green could soon...
Going green could soon be as simple as ticking the right box on your car’s options list.
That’s thanks to a new plug-in hybrid conversion kit, which could cost around ÷£2,000 and be retro-fitted to any current model, according to its maker.
Automotive designers at vehicle testing centre MIRA say the technology, dubbed H4V, could potentially save motorists up to 61 per cent on fuel costs, and reduce emissions by as much as 39 per cent.
Converted cars would be partly powered by a removable battery that can be plugged into the mains and drives two in-board motors, plus a petrol engine. It’s already been tested on a Skoda Fabia at MIRA’s track facility in Nuneaton, Warks. A spokesman said: “One manufacturer is already interested in adding the hybrid system to its range.” He added that it could end up on car makers’ options lists as early as 2010.