New car fuel economy label extended to electric and hydrogen cars
Mon 11 February 2013
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An amendment to Government regulations means that electric cars for sale in car showrooms must follow those running on petrol and diesel and display a fuel economy label. The LowCVP and representatives of the car industry have developed a design of the label for electric cars, introducing colour-coded elements (as already exist for conventional vehicles) and other information which will appear on labels under the pre-agreed voluntary commitment by industry.
From 11th February this year, electric and hydrogen cars on sale in the UK have to display a fuel economy label as a result of the amendment to the original 2001 (Fuel Consumption and CO2 emissions Information) Regulations. The amendment reflects the growing number of electric vehicles now available to purchase in Europe and is prompted by changes to the EU Vehicle Labelling Directive.
The LowCVP has worked in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT), the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and several manufactures to create new labels for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles informed by the findings of an in-depth LowCVP research study in 2012.
The mandatory information shown on the new labels is derived from the vehicle certification process defined within European regulations, in the same way as for conventional vehicles. Additional data on electricity consumption and electric range is shown on the voluntary elements of labels for electric and plug-hybrid vehicles. Annual electricity cost is also presented for electric cars, and both annual fuel and electricity costs for plug-in hybrid cars to highlight the benefit of driving in full electric mode. The intention of the labels is to help consumers make more informed choices when purchasing a new car. (Examples of the new label can be viewed via the associated links.)
The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) maintains a guidance document providing advice to car dealers and manufacturers, and to enforcement authorities, on some key issues arising from the 2001 Regulations. The guidance has been updated to reflect these amendments. The VCA also maintains a fuel economy label template for car dealers and manufacturers to use. The VCA will continue to offer support to car dealers, including any queries arising from these Regulations.
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