Study urges switch to hybrid cars

Ireland could massively reduce CO2 emissions if just 10% of motorists switched to hybrid or electric engines, experts claimed today.

The move would have the same effect as taking 100,000 cars off the road and bring down CO2 levels by 0.35 million tonnes a year.

According to Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) fleet vehicles in cities should be targeted first with the council, gardaí and public transport benefiting most from a switch to hybrid or battery.

The SEI study said the most effective way of cutting emissions would be to target petrol motors, replacing them with electric cars or to diesel hybrids.

Brendan Halligan, SEI chairman, said: “Ireland has targets to meet in terms of reduction of CO2 and with the transport sector currently accounting for 35% of energy related emissions.

“It is imperative that we prioritise measures to bring about meaningful reductions in the short to medium term.”

SEI called on the Government to review the motor tax regime after the new rules on Vehicle Registration Tax come into play next month.

The body warned the country was facing huge and difficult targets to meet its obligations under the Kyoto protocol.

It said in 2006 transport was the only sector not to show a reduction in C02 emissions or low growth compared to the previous year – emissions went up by 7.1% and it now accounts for 35% of energy related emissions.