EV impact decades away
July 16th, 2010 by Richard Aucock
GREEN car gains in the short and medium term will mainly be driven by current engine tech say experts.
Dave Greenwood, project director at Ricardo UK, said it would be several decades before EV and fuel cell technology made significant impacts on overall transport CO2 emissions.
’90 percent of the CO2 reduction in the next decade will come from lower weight, better engines and improved aerodynamics,’ he told delegates at the SMMT International Automotive Summit.
‘Even in the decade after that, they will still account for 80 percent of the reductions.’
This means that although car dealers should take steps to develop electric car and fuel cell knowledge, they should not underplay the current technology in their showrooms. It will remain core to reducing CO2 emissions for car buyers, and a staple of their sales.
What may change for dealers, though, is the diversity offered within this.
‘Retailers need to educate themselves on the diversity of powertrains in their product range, and provide the consumer with the best-fit for their needs.’
Examples include promoting petrol-electric hybrids for urban customers, but diesel models for high-mileage users.
Customers, said Greenwood, would be reliant on dealers to advise on the best solution for their needs – so must ensure they are sufficiently knowledgeable themselves.
How is your car dealership tackling the challenge of ensuring customers make the right green car choice?
By Richard Aucock