King Review

The King Review of low-carbon cars was launched in 2007 by the British Government to examine the vehicle and fuel technologies which could help to decarbonise road transport over the next 25 years. [http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk./independent_reviews/king_review/king_review_index.cfm The King Review of low-carbon cars ]

The Review is being led by Professor Julia King CBE FREng, Vice-Chancellor of Aston University and former Director of Advanced Engineering at Rolls-Royce plc. [http://www.aston.ac.uk/about/julia_king.jsp Prof. Julia King career biography ]

The interim analytical report was published in October 2007 [http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk./pbr_csr/reviews/pbr_csr07_king_index.cfm King Review of low-carbon cars issues analytical report] , and focused on the potential for the reduction of CO2 emissions from road transport. It concluded:

* Urgent progress is needed from road transport to help meet emission cuts for the developed world of 60-80 percent by 2050 outlined in the Stern Review.
* At low cost and by 2030, per-kilometre emissions from road transport could be reduced by 50 percent.
* Electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles have the potential to make near complete decarbonisation of road transport a realistic long-term objective.
* Biofuels have a role in the future UK fuel market, though demand must not be allowed to grow too quickly without robust environmental safeguards in place.

The final stage of the Review is due in March 2008, and will develop recommendations on how the Government can play a role in decarbonising transport.

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