Electric vehicles set for 2014 MPG Marathon
Three new classes have been added to this year's famous eco-driving extravaganza MPG Marathon: pure electric, range extenders and plug-in hybrids.
Now in its fourteenth year and organised by Fleet World magazine, this year's event will be held in the Cotswolds and the rugged Brecon Beacons on Wednesday 8 October and Thursday 9 October.
Several electric vehicle entries have already been received these drivers will have to make the best possible use of the recharging network at service stations on the 360-mile route, and will be judged on how much power their cars consume over the course.
Electricity will be measured at 13p per kilowatt-hour, while any carbon fuel that the petrol or diesel hybrid vehicles consume in their own classes will also be taken into account.
Event organiser Ross Durkin said: "This year's MPG Marathon is showcasing the very latest developments in alternative fuelled vehicles, including pure EVs, range extenders and plug-in hybrids, for the first time. They will compete in their own class alongside the more conventional but increasingly fuel-efficient internal combustion engined models.
"Drivers will have to plan their recharging stops very carefully and at pre-identified recharging points to ensure they keep their EVs as fully charged as is practically possible.
"In doing so, they will be replicating the real life driving conditions that the growing number of fleet drivers who use EVs encounter every working day. It promises to be an interesting challenge," he said.
"It will again set out to demonstrate that a combination of fuel-efficient cars, advanced fuels, route planning technology and eco-driving skills can be employed to successfully manage the rising cost of fuel.
"As with last year's event, competitors will again be required to find their own route between a series of fixed points, in much the same way that any normal driver would be required to do.
"All cars will again be fitted with Tracker tracking equipment, so we will know exactly where each car has been and how far it has travelled. Entries are now open and it is looking like we will again have a varied and highly competitive field for this year's event." Durkin added.
The event is open to fleet managers, representatives from fleet services, contract hire and leasing and fleet management companies, and from the motor industry plus anyone associated with it.
For more details of the MPG Marathon visit the event website at http://www.thempgmarathon.co.uk/
by: Danielle Bagnall