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Toyota's hydrogen cars come to Europe

Toyota has become a new international auto partner of the Clean Energy Partnership, adding impetus to CEP's programme of advancing sustainable mobility through the development of hydrogen filling stations and a fuel supply network in Germany.

CEP's activities are supported by the German Government, which is investing around €2 billion to support the development of hydrogen fuel cell and electric vehicle technologies. Toyota will contribute five of its zero-emissions FCHV-adv hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to the programme in Germany by 2011.

Tadashi Arashima, President and CEO Toyota Motor Europe, said: "We firmly believe that fuel cell hybrid vehicles will play a major role in reducing emissions and achieving sustainable mobility, alongside petrol and plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles. These various applications of full hybrid technology will each play their role and co-exist in the future."

"Toyota aims at the commercialization of fuel ... More »

£5,000 Plug-in Car Grant confirmed

Pioneering motorists will receive up to £5,000 to buy an ultra-low carbon car, and the roll-out of supporting infrastructure will begin in selected regions, the Government announced today.

The Plug-in Car Grant will be distributed directly to the consumer at the point of purchase and will be available across the UK from January 2011, by which time a range of eligible vehicles is expected to be available.

Also included in the Government's plans is the roll-out of a £30m fund for a network of electric vehicle hubs, called Plugged-In Places, which will see charging infrastructure appearing in car parks, major supermarkets, leisure and retail centres, as well as on the street. The first Plugged-In Places were today named today as London, Milton Keynes and the North East; and between them they will be installing over 11,000 vehicle recharging points during the next three years.

Honda 3R-C EV debuts at Geneva

The Honda 3R-C, a revolutionary one-person electric vehicle concept, will make its world debut in Geneva alongside the EV-N concept, to be displayed for the first time in Europe. Both the three-wheeled 3R-C and the EV-N urban concept draw on Honda's vast working knowledge of vehicles utilising electric motors.

This revolutionary 3R-C, shows what a future minimal urban transport vehicle for one person might look like. The battery electric drivetrain is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, therefore keeping the centre of gravity low and thus improving stability.

The 3R-C has a clear canopy that covers the driver's seat while it is parked and not in use. When 3R-C vehicle is in motion, the canopy becomes an enveloping wind-shield that provides the pilot, who sits low in the vehicle, with significant protection from the bodywork and doors.

The high sides of the ... More »

Foreign office to fly economy for 10:10

The 10:10 project ambitiously aims to unite every sector of British society with one simple aim: to cut our carbon emissions 10% by the end of 2010. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff will be making significant contributions with changes to their travel arrangements.

Air travel for an ambassador has always been particularly glamorous in the business class seats, with premium air mile accounts and late night cocktail parties in the highest available comfort. However, all is about to change. Even Her Majesty’s representatives will be curtailed by the government's drive to reduce carbon emissions through the new 10:10 campaign.

Foreign and Commonwealth travellers have been asked to fly using economy class seats – even the top members and their families. The shift from wide seats with bags of legroom to the 'cattle class' is said to make significant impact upon climate change. Joining more ... More »