The initiative is expected...
The initiative is expected to be rolled out across dealers in time for September"s new 55 registration and, although voluntary, all the makers have signed up to it. Cars will be graded according to C02 emissions and categorised into six coloured bands - similar to the system used for fridges. This information will be displayed in the windscreen, along with data such as likely annual fuel costs.
Two eco-friendly bays...
Two eco-friendly bays in London"s West End offer a three-hour stay. That"s enough time to recharge most cars, according to Westminster council. Interested owners of electric cars first need to register on the borough"s eco-mark scheme. It already has 280 members, but for a ÷£50 deposit, they get a special cable to plug into the sock-ets. The UK has the world"s largest number of electric vehicles, currently at more than 10,000.
One machine that can make use of the power points is the first diesel-electric hybrid, created by British firm Zytek. It has unveiled a new prototype based on the Smart ForFour, and it claims the tech÷nology is ready to go.
The car uses a 1.5-litre diesel and a lithium ion battery in the boot. The results are impressive; 0-60mph in less than 12 seconds, a 100mph top speed, economy of 88mpg economy and CO2 emissions of 85g/km.
A spokesman said: "There is currently no diesel hybrid on sale, but this system could change that fairly soon."