Axon Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Unveiled

Beware all car manufacturers, as there is a new player in town... or market... UK car manufacturer Axon Automotive had just unveiled its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle at the Milton Keynes Science Festival. The manufacturer is the only UK owned car company making a plug-in hybrid EV and is funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board and private investment.

But getting to the point, the new PHEV not only makes use of carbon fiber technology similar to those of racing cars, but also combines full electric mode with a petrol or bioethanol powered engine for local or long distance travel respectively.

“By designing light cars and giving them good aerodynamics you can radically lower vehicle emissions,” said Axon’s Managing Director, Steve Cousins.  ”As a plug-in hybrid we have no limitation on range but we can maximise the benefits of electrics day to day without the cost and weight of large batteries.” he added.

The first Axon PHEV units are set to go on sale in 2011, with production planned to start in 2012 in small factories in the UK and in Europe including Spain, France, Ireland, Denmark, and Holland.

The Axon vehicle was designed to accommodate two adults and a great volume of luggage. Furthermore, the vehicle also has seating made from recycled fabrics (jeans and recycled pinstriped suits) and door panels made from recycled carbon fiber to complete the company’s approach in environmentally friendly design.

“We have had our greenhouse gas emissions calculated to include typical UK powerstation emissions when driving in electric mode. The result gives us just under 50g/CO2 per km for the mix of electric and petrol used in the Government test. This is just half the level needed for free annual road tax in UK for this car,” Cousins concluded.