UK-based Axon Automotive previewed a pre-production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of its lightweight city car at the Milton Keynes Science Festival. The Axon gasoline-powered city car uses existing engine technology and carbon fibre material advances to offer 100 mpg UK (83.3 mpg US, 2.8 L/100km).
The Axon 8080 plug-in hybrid is built to accommodate two adults, with plenty of luggage space. On of the main design features of the Axon 8080 plug-in hybrid are the seats which were designed by a fashion house and made from recycled fabrics.
Using a typical UK powerstation mix to account for emissions generated during electricity generation, the Axon PHEV emits just under 50 g/km of CO2 for the mix of electric and gasoline used in the Government test. This is half the level needed for free annual road tax in UK for this car (band ‘A’ is below 100 g/km of CO2 = zero road tax in the UK).
The Axon 8080 plug-in hybrid price has not been announced yet, but the manufacturer says it will go on the market in 2011.
[Source: Axon-Automotive]
