As part of measures to reduce carbon emissions, the level of plant-based ethanol in petrol sold on Irish forecourts is set to double from 5% to 10% from April 1st. But what is plant-based ethanol and what does this increase mean for the average motorist in Ireland? Firstly, What is Bio Ethanol? Plant-based bio ethanol is a type of fuel...
Why do we have Euro 6 emissions standards? The Euro 6 car emission standard is the sixth level of the EU directive to reduce harmful vehicle car and van exhaust pollutants for both petrol and diesel cars including hybrids. Euro 6 has been in operation since September 2015 and this standard is becoming increasingly important in many European cities, such...
H2 fuel cell vehicles When it comes to driving and its fuel source there is no easy option, regardless of whether the source is petroleum, biofuels, electrons in a battery, or hydrogen fuel cell cars. If you wish to purchase the ‘best’ type of fuel-powered car, you will be faced with many different options nowadays. This decision will come down...
Global vehicle production falls bringing oil prices with it Vehicle production is falling at an enormous rate since the financial crisis, having a knock-on effect on manufacturing output, goods and consumption of oil. Motor vehicle output was down by 1% last year which is the first decline seen since 2009 and is only the third time to fall in 20...
The head of Toyota Ireland is saying that buyers are being confused and rushed into electric vehicles. The outgoing government has implemented a plan to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, but this is causing major confusion according to Toyota motor executive, Steve Tormey. Mr Tormey of Toyota has even said that not only is this...
Brake dust may be as bad as diesel exhaust fumes New research funded by theMedical Research Councilin the UK and published in the journalMetallomics, is suggesting that the metal particles released by worn-out brake pads may be just as harmful as diesel fumes to human health Lab tests have shown that there may be side-effects on the immune system as...
Main advantages and disadvantages of Hybrid vehicles What are hybrid cars and what are the advantages and disadvantages? Find out about these cars need in our useful guide. A hybrid car uses more than one means of propulsion, combining a petrol or diesel engine with a battery-powered electric motor. One of the main advantages of owning a hybrid car is...
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Emission Levy Budget 2020 introduced charges for VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) but many motorists are wondering what this will mean in practical terms when it comes to their own budgets? The NOx levy will be applied to all VRT category A vehicles (passenger and SUVs). The new charges being introduced will mean an increase in VRT for...
New emissions tax on all new cars and used imports A new tax based on the NOx emissions is to be introduced in 2020 that will replace the current diesel surcharge of 1 per cent. This comes on foot of inflated fuel prices related to the carbon tax. The nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions tax will be applied to all new...
Double the chance of owning an electric vehicle if you are rich We all know electric vehicles are more expensive than your regular run of the mill vehicle. Which is why in Norway, one of the largest electric vehicle markets, it is the rich who enjoy this luxury. Almost half of all the car now sold in Norway are electric,...