What does the UK public want to drive?
Submitted by MikeWhelan on 4 July, 2010 - 13:08
Designers and engineers are facing a dilemna. In a recent poll, 90% of the public voted for the UK to be self-sustainable in terms of power generation. However, when asked about personal transport, many say they want eco-friendly vehicles to be no different from the cars they drive today: quick to re-fill and lots of power. So, can the Bridgestone Eco-Rally deliver?
Sustainable transport will benefit us all: better air quality, a greater choice of energy sources, quieter roads, less congestion, and it has a huge role to play in combating climate change. The Bridgestone Eco-Rally 2010 national survey reveals that over three-quarters of the British public are ready to make the switch. But what about the 23% who are still reluctant?
Out of the remaing 23%:
- More than four in ten (42%) believe electric and hydrogen-powered cars and motorbikes would be a hassle to fill up or charge.
- 37% of this group believe low or zero emission vehicles would be too expensive to buy and 17% think they would be too expensive to run.
- Another concern for almost a third (32%) of these people in the UK is whether such a car or motorbike would be as powerful as a standard vehicle.
The UK Government is offering subsidies for eligible plug-in and hydrogen vehicles and the Bridgestone Eco Rally 2010 proves that, right now, it is possible to drive further than the average journey, on conventional roads, in celebrity-style comfort, whilst producing little or no emissions. You can see a summary of confirmed entrants here: http://www.eco-rally.org/green-vehicle-guide. Use the filters to discover if there's a vehicle for you. If you like what you see, click on the vehicle image to find out more.
The guest drivers will square up sporty hybrid and electric cars and superbikes against conventional supercars like the Chevrolet Corvette. Several teams will compete to see how much battery charge is left after a trip from the coast to the Capital.
At the finish line, we'll display solar vehicles that can travel over a thousand miles on the power of a hairdryer and super-lightweight racing cars made from exotic materials. Bridgestone will also celebrate the conceptual vision of Royal College of Art's Vehicle Design graduates. Press and public can pre-book test drives of selected vehicles and learn eco-driving techniques here: http://www.eco-rally.org/register-interest
The cars will also be joined by a display of 21st century 'mod' scooters & rocker bikes', fold-up electric scooters and electrically-assisted bicycles, plus zero emission luxury public transport and bicycles for hire - all bringing the message that maybe you don't need a car at all!
TV motoring journalist, Quentin Willson has driven in the last three Eco-Rallies;
“These stats prove that there is a lot of confusion and myth about green cars, particularly about range, cost and performance. The biggest challenge is getting people to drive these cars. Once they do, all doubts evaporate.
“However, huge strides are being made in this area and we are keen to demonstrate at the Bridgestone Eco Rally that sustainable motoring really has hit the mainstream. For motorists who want cheaper fuel and energy choices, this is only event in the world that showcases just how clever, usable and desirable green cars have become.”
