18th May 2012
Fuel For Thought
1st Sep 2005
Crude oil prices peaked to an all time high last month, partly due to a major production issue in the USA. Things do not look good for the consumer in the long, with issues of dwindling supplies, an increasing domestic market, (The Office of National Statistics confirms that vehicle movement has increased by a further two per cent and ownership is up 6opc since 1980),and a rapidly expanding overseas market. Many businesses are handing over the reigns of fleet ownership and offering employees the right to opt out of company car schemes. The environmental impact of this can be extremely damaging because at least when company cars were operated they were maintained and serviced to achieve fuel efficiency. If you still offer fleet vehicles as part of your company’s benefits package, like any asset owned by a business you need to ensure that you use the right tool for the job. A gas-guzzling environmentally damaging vehicle is not the best thing for your bottom line nor your company image. Those who maintain fleets tend to be moving towards Euro 1V compliant diesels but this seems to be becoming just like my PC - every time I look, it’s time to upgrade to Version 7.2 and my system is obsolete. Surely it’s better to be ahead of the game. Hydrogen cell technology is by far the cleanest of emissions and a long term renewable source. BMW has made momentous strides with it’s H2R but the time when this technology is available to fleets, to more affordable models and among other manufacturers is a long way off. One Option is the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (the Honda Civic TMA or the Toyota Prius, for example), with an engine that runs on petrol and electricity and makes zero emissions when stationary. The technology is at a more advanced stage and already is beginning to work its way down to more affordable models. All diesel vehicles - even Euro IV compliant engines - benefit from using 5pc blended mineral and bio diesel. The lubricity is far greater and therefore improves engine performance, sulphur emissions are lower and it even cleans the engine as you drive. In short you spend less money. Bio diesel, in particular Bio ethanol, is an area we can expect to see many rapid changes in the next few years. With at least one dedicated UK facility under development we could become self sufficient in our own fuel - what a fantastic thought. Fuel additives, such as Envirox, can benefit commercial vehicles. Additives improve burning efficiency of diesel and reduced emissions of more than 10pc. For Petrol cars; LPG is widely accessible in our region and grants are available to assist with the cost of conversion. The Business Travel Initiative, is funded via Bedfordshire County Council and the European Union Social Fund, helps businesses for free to tackle this issue as part a travel plan. To find out more Call: 01234 228289, Click: www.btravel.info or contact: steve.macey@bedscc.gov.uk.
For further information:
http://www.btravel.info
Steve.Macey@bedscc.gov.uk
Contact Steve Macey
