All participants line up as Regent Street is closed to traffic
The winning GFEI car is refuelled at the finish
David Ward and Tim Keown with the Future Car prize
The Global Fuel Economy Initiative has taken part in the Brighton to London 'Future Car Challenge', entering two cars on the 60 mile event which aimed to showcase the performance of low energy impact vehicles.
In total, 63 vehicles were put to the test at the inaugural RAC Future Car Challenge, in which participants were asked to use the lowest amount of energy possible. The two cars entered by the GFEI were the Toyota Prius and the BMW 320d, with the latter winning its category for most efficient use of fuel by an internal combustion engine passenger car.
Both cars were chosen as they are among those achieving a maximum 5 star rating in EcoTest, the environmental assessment service which has been supported by the FIA Foundation. As well as entering the cars, the FIA Foundation sponsored the Future Car Challenge under its role in the GFEI.
The event started just before 7am on 6 November when the cars gathered at Madeira Drive by Brighton’s seafront for the official check and to have a fuel reading data logger attached.
FIA Foundation Director General David Ward drove the winning BMW, accompanied by BBC Business Features Editor Jorn Madslien and co-driver Avi Silverman. Driving the Toyota Prius was FIA Foundation Trustee Tim Keown with Director of Environment Sheila Watson as co-driver.
A range of on-road, concept and development vehicles were entered including: the Gordon Murray T.25 City Car, the Tesla Roadster, Tata’s Indica Vista Electric and the ‘Nemesis’ developed by wind power entrepreneur Dale Vince. Other entries were from VW, Skoda, Mercedes, Vauxhall, MG, Mitsubishi and Ford.
The route was the reverse of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which took place the following day. Drivers were given advice on fuel efficient driving including keeping acceleration to a minimum, gentle braking and low use of the car’s electrics.
The FIA Foundation was awarded the prize for first place in its category after a parade in Regent Street which had been closed off for the afternoon.
Commenting on winning the award and taking part in the Challenge as a whole, FIA Foundation Director General David Ward said:
“Our car was an example of what can be done using today’s technology. It was a highly fuel efficient run, with just a conventional internal combustion engine. I was particularly impressed with the ‘stop start’ feature which allowed us to save fuel when we were kept stationary in heavy traffic just outside London.
“Through the GFEI, we are working to make huge improvements in the fuel economy of all cars globally. While the Future Car Challenge has been a great opportunity to communicate the importance of fuel economy to the public, it’s also been a valuable demonstration of the environmental performance of these cars in real-life conditions on the road.”
The initiative sets out a path to a reduction in fuel consumption per kilometre of 50% for all new cars by 2030, extending to the entire global fleet by 2050, the ’50 by50’ challenge. The GFEI is engaging with governments around the world, the car industry and other stakeholders to work towards the '50 by 50' goal. The agenda should be achievable just using existing, cost effective technologies such as better engines and drive trains, more efficient components such as tyres, and lighter materials.
Click here for the BBC report >
Click here for further information on the RAC Future Car Challenge >