Abandoned fuel stations to go electric?

A plan to keep the increasing number of electric cars available buzzing along the streets has been revealed by US firm Evoasis.


The San Diego based company has announced that they have plans to turn disused fuel stations, both in the UK and elsewhere, into electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The plan is known as R2G (Red 2 Green), the name coming from London's red buses and tube routes, with green being fairly self-explanatory. The best news is that rather than standing outside in the cold watching your bank balance decrease, EV owners will be able to go inside, watch films and download music and TV in a lounge area. Charges are expected to take around 20 minutes, as this is the typical time for a "fast charge" in many EVs.

The other benefit to the system is that while your EV is plugged in, Evoasis want to offer diagnostics and battery tests, as well as the ability to download content for your in-car entertainment.


The first stations are due to be rolled out this Autumn, likely starting with major locations in London such as Euston or Waterloo station, with others following. This should follow hot on the heels of cars such as the new Mitsubishi iMiev which is due in the Summer, and benefit drivers of cars like the THiNK and NICE which are already becoming popular.

Images ©Evoasis via AutoExpress

The numbers have it: UK car CO2 emissions are falling fast

If ever there was a sign that times are tough and people are trading down to more efficient cars, it's the sharp reduction in the average CO₂ emissions of cars sold in the UK from 2007 to 2008.

Average emissions have dropped by over 5g/km in the past year, continuing a trend that's seen CO₂ plummet by over 30g/km in the last ten years. 2008's figures show a significant fall however, suggesting that the current economic climate, the spike in the price of fuel last year and purse-strings generally being tightened across the country are resulting in people buying much more economical cars than they may have in more favourable times. The figures have been outlined by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) More of the results are illustrated below.

(Images: SMMT)

The trend can also be attributed to the huge efforts that manufacturers have made in recent years too. BMW recently launched their 116d, the most fuel efficient BMW currently available, capable of over 50mpg and with CO₂ emissions as low as 118g/km. Many companies now offer stop-start technology which significantly reduces fuel consumption in city traffic, and companies like Mazda with their 2 and Volkswagen with their upcoming new Polo have worked hard to reduce weight, allowing smaller and more efficient engines to be used without compromising on performance. Volkswagen recently unveiled the new Polo Bluemotion concept at the Geneva Motor Show, which sips a gallon of fuel as infrequently as every 85 miles. It also manages to look very handsome indeed.

With cars such as these, expect the current trend to continue.

(Image: AutoBlogGreen)