British company Axon Automotive previewed its plug-in hybrid car at the Milton Keynes Science Festival last weekend. Featuring a lightweight, aerodynamic body the car is due to start production in 2011.
Carbon fibre is used for the exterior to keep weight down. Developments in manufacturing technology are claimed to keep production costs under control.
The shape has been designed for low aerodynamic drag and resembles Honda's original Insight hybrid coupé. Another similarity with the Insight is the two-seat accommodation with decent luggage capacity. To emphasise the car's recyclable credentials the interior is trimmed in old jeans and pinstripe suits with recovered carbon fibre door panels.
Technical details are limited but the hybrid can run in full electric mode for short journeys while an internal combustion engine - which can run on either petrol or bio-ethanol - provides power for longer runs. On the official test cycle, with a mix of petrol and battery power, the CO2 emissions are 50g/km. According to Axon that figure takes into account the greenhouse gasses produced by generating electricity.
Rather than having one large factory, production will take place in a series of small plants in Spain, France, Ireland, Denmark, Holland and the UK. The first cars will go on sale in 2011 with manufacturing reaching full capacity in 2012.
John Lambert - 28 Oct 2009
