Television presenter and Camden resident Gail Porter will open Camden Council's special Green Motor Show where residents and businesses can discover a whole range of eco-friendly vehicles.

Camden Council's Green Motor Exposition (GME) is at Triton Square Plaza from 10am to 4pm on Thursday 24 September. The event is backed by Transport for London (TfL).

Visitors to the Green Motor Expo will get a first hand look at the wide range of green vehicles including cars, vans and bicycles from both major and independent manufacturers. The event will enable visitors to receive up to date information about the performance, environmental and cost benefits associated with green vehicles.

The technologies and fuels on offer include hybrid, electric, biofuel and hydrogen-based fuel cells. Test drives will also be available for visitors who pre-register though the Green Expo website.

Local businesses will also have the opportunity to receive free advice regarding green fleet management from representatives of TfL's Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), and visitors will be able to test their driving skills on an eco-driving simulator.

Ms Porter - who has recently given up her 4x4 - will join representatives from Camden Council and TfL to encourage residents and businesses to consider sustainable transport options and test drive an eco-vehicle. She will also make her own eco pledge in support of Camden Council's Green Promise scheme.

Cllr Knight, executive member for environment, said: "Camden Council is absolutely committed to taking our share of the responsibility for tackling climate change, improving air quality and improving the environment both globally and locally for future generations. Events like the Green Motor Expo are important in helping encourage more alternative environmentally friendly transport options. We know that companies and individuals are prepared to make changes as long as the solutions are reliable and do not compromise their performance. One of the aims of today is to show the huge range of solutions now on offer, many of which will actually improve on operating costs, saving money over the life-cycle of the vehicle".

Gail Porter said: "I am delighted to be involved with the GME as it focuses on a subject very close to my heart, namely sustainable living. Of course actions speak louder than words so I've made my own Green Promise to swap my thirsty car for more eco-friendly transport. I hope residents will make their own commitments to slow down climate change, and improve our air quality".

Camden Council has taken a national lead in promoting and trialling environmentally friendly transport and energy technologies. Recent achievements include introducing the first plug-in hybrid car club, installing a number of on-street electric charging points, trialling a bio-methane waste collection vehicle, installing the UK's first local authority operated bio-methane and hydrogen fuelling facilities, as well as running a range of clean vehicles in their own fleet including a zero emission portable hydrogen fuel cell generator.

Full details of the event and test drive bookings are available via www.greenmotorexpo.com.

Newspress

Pioneering drivers wanting to be part of the MINI E UK research project have less than 10 days to apply to lease one of twenty prototype cars destined for British roads – the the online application form closes at midnight on 30 September 2009.

Each MINI E will be available to lease for six months from December this year. A second round of applications will then be invited in 2010, allowing a further twenty drivers to lease an all-electric MINI for a six month period.

Accounting for current development and manufacturing costs, the monthly lease fee for a MINI E would normally be priced at £550 per month. However, earlier this year a BMW Group-led consortium was awarded part of a £25m fund by the Technology Strategy Board, the Government-backed organisation that promotes technology innovation across the UK. This funding has meant that the monthly lease fee can be reduced to £330 per month, which includes VAT, insurance and maintenance (terms and conditions apply).

The MINI E driver also pays for the electricity used. Fully re-charging the battery using off-peak electricity at current prices will cost around £1.50. Using higher-rate daytime electricity, the cost will still be less than £4.00.

All applicants to the research trial will have to meet certain criteria to be eligible to take part. Firstly, customers must reside in South East England, within a triangular geographical area joining Andover, Oxford and West London. A full list of eligible post codes and a map of the relevant area is available on the website.

MINI E test drivers must also have a private garage, car port or parking space at their home. Not only for safety and security reasons, but primarily to ensure that a high power charging unit in the form of a wall box measuring approximately 0.6m x 0.6m can be installed by Southern Electric. This wall box will be supplied with every MINI E and also includes a 6.5m charging cable. The 240V/32 amp supply provided by the wall box can fully charge the MINI E's lithium-ion battery pack from empty in just 4.5 hours. An adaptor for use with an ordinary 13 amp socket will also be supplied, but the lower capacity for charge means it will take around 10 hours to provide a full charge. Therefore it is only appropriate for occasional use.

Maintenance, servicing and technical assistance will be provided by dedicated BMW Group UK 'flying doctors'. These technicians will be supported by selected MINI dealers within the MINI E research area.

Following the launch of MINI E research projects in North America and Germany, the UK trial is a collaborative effort between a BMW Group UK-led consortium. Additional funding is provided by the Technology Strategy Board as part of a UK-wide programme involving trials of 340 ultra-low carbon vehicles from several manufacturers.

Southern Electric will be responsible for the electricity infrastructure in the research area and is committed to supplying 'green energy' to all drivers of the MINI E. The region in which Southern Electric owns the supply network is an important reason for working with a geographical research sample in South East England.

Brookes University's Sustainable Vehicle Engineering Centre will manage the collation of research throughout the UK project. This will include analysis of driver experiences with the MINI E, as well as reviewing the technical information provided by the data-logging units fitted to every MINI E.

The consortium is strengthened by public sector organisations from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council. These organisations are working to develop high economic growth in their areas through innovation and developing high value job opportunities through projects such as this. A further 20 MINI E vehicles will be distributed among the MINI E consortium members for testing in a fleet environment. This will necessitate the establishment of a technical infrastructure in each organisation's local area and aid a common objective to be at the forefront of sustainable transport initiatives.

With MINI already firmly established in the hearts of British motorists and the opportunity to drive a 204hp, emission-free version of the car in the UK now on offer, a similar rush of interest is expected.

For more information and an online application form, go to: www.electricMINI.co.uk OR enter your details in the online widget below.

With the Frankfurt Motor Show opening its doors this week, there no doubt that electric traction is the car technology of the moment – as can be seen by the incredible variety of concept and close-to-production cars on display.

As environmental issues and the price of oil increasingly play on the minds of consumers and manufacturers, the auto industry is starting to get serious about low emission cars. Electric vehicles seem to offer a way forward for the industry, although the jury is still out on whether EVs can deliver on costs and performance.

That said, 2009 could mark the start of the big switch-over from gasoline/petrol to the plug. WhatGreenCar reports on the most exiting plug-in options being presented at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Renault goes Twizy

Renault have already generated quite a buzz at the opening of this year's Frankfurt motor show, with the unveiling of an unprecedented four electric vehicle concepts, as well as releasing further details on the future infrastructure and technology behind them.

First-up is the Twizy Z.E. Concept, an innovative response to the challenge of urban mobility. With its four-wheel chassis, it offers the driver and passenger, seated in tandem, an all-electric means of transport which produces no CO2 emissions. Wrap-around bodywork creates a safe, reassuring cocoon which offers first-class protection for both driver and passenger. Power comes from a 15kW electric motor which develops 70Nm of torque, making Twizy Z.E. Concept versatile and easy to drive. Acceleration in urban and suburban traffic is comparable to that of a 125cc motorbike.

The second showcar, Zoe Z.E. Concept, is evidence that an all-electric vehicle can also boast smart, appealing looks. Its special roof optimises the management of the climate control system to ensure extended range, while the ambience inside the cabin can be customised. Over and above its traditional role, the climate control system breaks new ground thanks to its 'hydrating', 'detox' and 'active scent' functions which combine to enhance travel. Zoe Z.E. Concept is a compact, versatile car for daily use.

The third all-new´concept at Frankfurt, Fluence Z.E. Concept, an all-electric car with a range of 100 miles, is a statement of Renault's intent to produce a range of zero-emission vehicles that meets the needs of all types of motorists. A genuine four-door family car with attractive styling, comfort and space, it proves that such features can go hand in hand with respect for the environment.

In addition to concept cars on show, there will be three options to re-fuel Renault's zero-emission vehicles: (1) Standard charge: takes between four and eight hours, via a charging socket situated on the outside of the vehicle; (2) Quick charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at specific charging points; and (3) the new 'Quickdrop' system: three minutes at a rapid battery exchange station.

The Kangoo Z.E. Concept is based on the Kangoo and brings zero-emission mobility to the professional road-user. Powered by a 70kW electric motor, delivering 226Nm of torque, in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery, its energy consumption is minimised thanks not only to the careful attention that has been paid to its overall design, but also to energy optimisation, without impacting the high standard of comfort.

All Renault's concept cars on show in Germany preview its electric vehicle range which will be released from 2011, with the Renault-Nissan Alliance targeting the number one status mass-market zero-emission vehicle sales.

Volkswagen goes tandem

Powered by an electric motor capable of delivering a peak of 81 PS (54 PS constant) and 154 lbs ft of torque channelling drive through the front wheels, the Volkswagen E-Up! can accelerate to 62 mph in 11.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 84 mph. The E-Up! weighs just 1,085 kg – a remarkable figure given that the lithium-ion batteries powering the vehicle account for 240 kg of this total.

The batteries have a capacity of 18 kWh which allows a theoretical range of over 80 miles. Through the use of proposed public charging stations 80 per cent of the vehicle's battery capacity can be made available within an hour. Using a 230-volt domestic system would require a charging time of around five hours. This process is aided by a series of solar panels measuring 1.4 square metres mounted on the roof.

On unveiling the E-Up! Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group said: "Cars with pure petrol and diesel engines – which in the foreseeable future will continue to be unbeatable for mid- to long-range distances – will be supplemented by cars like the E-Up! in coming years. And that will happen starting in 2013. The concept now being presented in Frankfurt very realistically shows how we envision such a Volkswagen with pure electric drive technology, visually and in terms of size."

The Frankfurt Motor Show also marks the debut of the Volkswagen L1 Concept (also main picture top) – a diesel-electric hybrid vehicle constructed from aluminium and carbon fibre weighing just 380 kg and capable of returning 189 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 39 g/km of CO2. The L1 can seat two occupants in tandem. They enter through a side-hinging, electrically operated canopy to maximise the aerodynamic efficiency of the L1 Concept. The result is a remarkable co-efficient of drag figure of just 0.195.

Not only is the body extremely aerodynamic but it's also very light and strong. The safety cell, constructed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, weighs just 124 kg. At 3,813 mm in length, the L1 Concept is comparable to the Fox yet at just 1,143 mm in height it's as low as a Lamborghini Murcielago. Its width, at just 1,200 mm, is narrower than any conventional car on sale today.

The driving environment shares more in common with an aircraft than a car. The adjustable front seat is thin and constructed from carbon while the rear passenger sits in a fixed seat built into the monocoque. The driver has an excellent view of the road and sits behind an instrument panel set into the body of the car. The rear view mirror is replaced by an organic light-emitting diode display while the main controls for the operation of the vehicle are grouped around the steering wheel.

Every element of the L1 Concept is intended to maximise efficiency. At its heart is a tiny 800 cc two-cylinder common rail, direct injection TDI engine. In ECO-mode the engine develops 27 PS at 4,000 rpm, in 'Sport' mode this rises to 29 PS and 74 lbs ft of torque developed at 1,900 rpm.

The modest kerb weight of the L1 Concept linked to efficient aerodynamics mean that it is capable of accelerating to 62 mph from rest in 14.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 99 mph. Despite having only a 10-litre fuel tank the L1 Concept’s incredible efficiency means that it is capable of travelling 416 miles between stops.

Reva goes M1

Following on from their very successful G-Wiz electric quadricycle, today sees the world launch of the REVA NXR (NeXt Reva), a new lithium-ion powered electric car from REVA Electric Car Company (REVA), which is scheduled to go into production early 2010. Also being unveiled for the first time is REVA’s show-car, the REVA NXG (NeXt Generation), which is the company’s 2011 model.

REVA NXR is an M1 category three-door, four-seater hatchback family car that is suitable for urban driving. Top speed is 104 kph (65 mph) with a range of 160 kms (100 miles) per charge. If using the 90 minute fast charge (normal charging is eight hours), the REVA NXR offers an effective range of 320km a day. A fast charge for 15 minutes will provide a 40 km (25 mile) range.

Styled by Dilip Chhabria, the REVA NXG is a M1 category, two-door, two-seater car with a targa top. The REVA NXG has a range of 200km (125 miles) per charge and a top speed of 130 kph (80 miles per hour). It features the same telematics as the REVA NXR, including REVive and, using the fast charge, it has an effective range of 400 kms (250 miles) a day. This showcar, the REVA NXG, is REVA’s 2011 model and its first showing is at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). Pricing in Europe excluding batteries is from 23,000 Euros plus a monthly mobility fee.

Prices of the NXR will vary across Europe depending on taxes and subsidies. Customers will be offered the option of purchasing the car and batteries separately, or at an all-inclusive price. If bought separately, the benefit will be a lower purchase price, with the batteries paid for on a monthly basis – just like petrol – as part of a monthly mobility fee, which could also include electricity, telematics and other services. Average prices in Europe, excluding batteries, will be around 14,995 Euros for the lithium-ion NXR Intercity version. The REVA NXR City, with lead acid batteries that has an 80 km (50 mile) range and a speed of 80 kph (50 mph) is also available from 9,995 Euros and a small monthly mobility fee.

Chetan Maini, deputy chairman and chief technology officer of REVA said today; "The NXR is a stylish city car packed full of user-friendly technology. You can order one from today and production will start early next year, so you can be one of the first to own the latest generation of electric cars."

Toyota Prius gets a plug

And last, but certainly not least or unexpected, Toyota is at last unveiling its new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the Frankfurt motor show, signalling further progress towards its ambition of building the ultimate eco-car. The concept model is a development of the new, third generation Prius, and builds on the core technology of Hybrid Synergy Drive specifically to meet the needs of urban motorists.

Using lithium-ion batteries, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid provides clean, fuel-efficient electric-powered running in urban areas for longer distances and at higher speeds than the conventional, third generation full hybrid Prius. Over longer distances, or when the limit of battery power is reached, the system automatically shifts to conventional petrol power. Advanced battery technology allows for full recharging in around an hour and a half and the extended EV capability brings CO2 emissions down to around 60g/km.

More than 500 Prius Plug-in cars will be released around the world early next year for lease programme, with more than 150 of these on the road in Europe. This will let Toyota evaluate all the technical aspects of the new model in a real-world environment, an essential step in preparing the vehicle for a potential market launch. The lease programme will also yield valuable intelligence on market response and which characteristics drivers find appealing, and why.

Newspress

Peugeot will introduce at the end of 2010 a new edition to its comprehensive model range, the i0n zero-emission electric vehicle. This vehicle, developed in co-operation with Mitsubishi Motor Company (MMC), is aimed at both retail and fleet customers.

Peugeot has a long history in electric vehicles and, with the Peugeot 106 Electric which was produced between 1995 and 2003, remains to this day the manufacturer who has sold the most zero-emission electric vehicles in the world. The i0n marks the return of Peugeot to the production and selling of EV in Europe.

With four doors and four seats, a compact length of 3.48 m and a turning circle of 4.50 m, the i0n is designed with urban driving in mind. The car develops a maximum power output of 64 bhp and a torque of 180 Nm and is capable of a maximum speed of 80 mph.

The i0n is reported to have an operating range of 80 miles on a single charge of its lithium-ion batteries, which can be recharged in six hours using a conventional mains power supply or recharged to 80% capacity within thirty minutes on a fast-charging system.

If you think you have seen the i0n before, it's because you have. Peugeot have developed the i0n is close cooperation with Mitsubishi, the original designers of the iMiEV electric car which is due to be launched in the UK in Autumn 2010. It appears that the i0n/iMiEV will be launched in parallel under the two respective brands.

In addition to the standard features found in most production cars, the i0n also comes with a 'localised communication unit' – this unit not only authorises the emergency call system for which Peugeot is a leader in terms of deployment throughout Europe (location of vehicles at the time of an accident and triggering the dispatch of suitable emergency services) but also authorises data transfer (battery status, distance covered, distance to travel before maintenance is due) thus providing assistance especially for fleet operators.

In common with several other car manufacturers, the i0n illustrates Peugeot's commitment to integrate within their model range different automotive solutions, suited to different urban mobility needs. It also represents one of the key elements of the Brand's strategy, to reduce its environmental footprint and the dependence on fossil fuels.

Newspress

The rise of mobile phones have left the streets of Madrid, and many other European countries littered with increasingly redundant telephone booths. But the underused installations in Spain are now set to play a key role in government plans for an electric car revolution by making them part of a network of electric charging stations for vehicles.

Some 30 telephone boxes have been earmarked to form part of a test network of 546 state-subsidised recharging points in Madrid, Barcelona and Seville. What makes this project possible is the fact that phone boxes are often ideally placed close to the curbs of pavements and already have their own electricity supply, making them relatively easy to adapt.

The Spanish government will spend €10m (£8.7m) on kick-starting the use of electric cars over the next two years, with €1.5m going on recharging points. Madrid city council said that telephone boxes were a possibility, but that it was still in the process of identifying the recharging spots it planned to build.

Barcelona city council said it already had an agreement with the Endesa electricity company to install recharging points attached to "intelligent lampposts" in the street. It will have 191 recharging points installed within two years.

Companies tendering for services to town halls and government offices will earn extra points if they can show that they are using electric-powered vehicles. "The aim is to introduce some 2,000 vehicles into cities over the next two years," industry ministry Miguel Sebastián said.

The Mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, said owners of electric cars would be able to park for free in the city and would have their car tax cut by 75%. He predicted that electric cars would eventually become obligatory in city centres.

The Guardian

REVA Electric Car Company (REVA) will be unveiling two new M1 classified electric cars next week at the 63rd Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA).

First of the two new cars is the family hatchback REVA NXR. The four-seat, three-door car is suitable for urban driving and can be ordered at the show, with production scheduled to commence at the beginning of 2010.

The showcar, REVA's model for 2011, is the REVA NXG; a sporty two-seater with a targa roof. The design came from Dilip Chhabria of the internationally renowned automotive design company DC Design.

Another world-first for REVA is the launch of REVive, a technology unique to REVA that addresses 'range anxiety' and acts like an invisible reserve fuel tank. The customer just has to telephone or text REVA for an instant remote recharge should they run out of charge.

Both the REVA NXR and the REVA NXG will feature the REVive telematics technology. Further technology and pricing announcements will be made at the IAA.

REVA's new website, Revaglobal.com, will go live at the time of the vehicle launches in Frankfurt and customers can register on the priority list for the new cars on-line.

The company is building a new ultra low carbon vehicle assembly plant in Bangalore, with a capacity of 30,000 units per annum, to accommodate increased production and is planning to introduce even more measures to ensue that it has the cleanest and greenest production.

Today, REVA is selling, or being test marketed, in 24 countries worldwide and has the largest deployed fleet of electric cars on the market with over 3,000 EVs on the road and more than 70 million kilometres of user experience.

For more information go to www.revaglobal.com.