A new UK car manufacturer has rolled out a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The car, built by Axon Automotive, can run on full electric mode in the city and uses a petrol or bioethonol combustion engine for long journeys.
A CO2 figure of 50g/km has been achieved, helped by the use of lightweight materials and a slippery shape.“By designing light cars and giving them good aerodynamics you can radically lower vehicle emissions,” said Axon’s managing director, Dr Steve Cousins.
“As a plug-in hybrid, we have no limitation on range but we can maximise the benefits of electrics day to day without the cost and weight of large batteries,” he added.
Inside, the car uses recycled jeans for its seating and door panels made from recycled carbonfibre.
Axon says the first cars will be on sale in 2011 with full production scheduled to begin in 2012.
The manufacturing roll-out will be via small factories in UK and Ireland, and continental Europe including Spain, France, Denmark, and Holland.
