British Plug-In Hybrid Unveiled

Axon Plug-In Hybrid

Axon Automotive Present Carbon Fibre Plug-In

By Sam Stockley
October 28, 2009 6:38 PM
Filed Under: European, Hybrid, Specialty Marques

Axon Automotive, a newly-established British car company that aims at manufacturing Europe's most fuel efficient vehicles, has unveiled its first stab at a plug-in hybrid, the Axon hatchback. Previewed at the Milton Keynes Science Festival in the UK, the Axon employs revolutionary manufacturing techniques and an innovative concept to achieve a light and affordable multipurpose 2-seater vehicle.

By reducing kerbside weight with specially manufactured carbon fibre technology and taking away the need for a bulky battery by way of plug-in technology, the Axon is significantly lighter than competing models, while a suitably aerodynamic body helps at lowering emissions and maximising fuel efficiency. A figure of 100 mpg has already been mooted.

Efficiencies don't stop at fuel economy and emissions. Stressing carbon fibre's status as a recyclable material, the Axon hatchback re-works recycled jeans and pin-striped suits into 'designer' seating.

Unlike the majority of manufacturers and advertising houses, Axon Automotive wish to be clear about emissions 'generated' - if not at the point of use then at source. Axon's math equates to a figure of 50g/km of C02 for a mix of electric and petrol driving - taking into account an average of the smog ejected from the UK's power stations. Nonetheless, it will still qualify as a zero-emissions vehicle under road tax rules.

The Axon hatchback is expected to be rolled out 2011 with full production following by 2012 at selected small factories across the UK and across Europe.

Source: Axon Automotive

Press Release (Click to expand)

UK manufacturer AXON AUTOMOTIVE unveils Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

New UK car manufacturer Axon Automotive has previewed its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle at the Milton Keynes Science Festival. The vehicle combines full electric mode for local travel and uses a petrol or bioethanol powered engine for long distance or motorway travel.

Axon Automotive uses revolutionary manufacturing techniques to make carbon fibre technology, which has been associated with racing cars, affordable for eco cars. "By designing light cars and giving them good aerodynamics you can radically lower vehicle emissions," says Axon's Managing Director, Dr 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 Axon car is a multipurpose vehicle built for two adults plus substantial amounts of luggage. Stressing that carbon fibre can be recycled, the car has fashion house designed seating made from recycled fabrics (jeans and recycled pinstriped suits) and door panels made from recycled carbon fibre to complete this new approach to cars in a low CO2 world.

Axon insists that electric powered vehicles should be clear about the emissions to make the electricity they use. "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," (band ‘A' is below 100g/CO2 per km = zero road tax in the UK).

Axon Automotive Ltd. 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. The first cars will be on sale in 2011 with full production in 2012. The manufacturing roll-out will be via small factories in UK and in Europe including Spain, France, Ireland, Denmark, and Holland.