Volvo’s campaign was created to address what the carmaker considered as an unfair charging structure under the old rules, which allowed drivers of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles to avoid the 8 pounds (EUR9 or $12.5) entry charge despite emitting more CO2 that certain conventional petrol or diesel engine cars. The new rules state that any vehicle, regardless of powertrain, will receive a 100 percent discount on the London Congestion Charge.
“With electric and hybrid plug-in vehicles set to arrive in the UK over the next 18 months, all of which will have significantly lower emissions levels than today’s cars, Transport for London said it would continue to monitor developments in the market and keep discount criteria under review. Another review will be conducted in 2012, when officials will decide whether or not to reduce the 100% discount threshold to vehicles emitting under 80g/km CO2,” stated the press release.
Volvo’s current line-up includes three 99 g/km CO2 models: the C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe. The company has also showcased a V70 estate with a plug-in hybrid technology that emits less than 50 g/km CO2.
“This decision recognizes the huge progress made by manufacturers in reducing the emissions of conventional petrol and diesel engines to levels that are, in some cases, cleaner than those of hybrid vehicles. It levels the playing field for drivers seeking a true low-emission vehicle and is a genuine victory for Volvo and emissions equality in the UK,” Peter Rask, Volvo Car UK’s Managing Director.
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