The People's Eco-Rally 2008

In 2007 we showed what the motor industry is doing to kick the carbon habit. This year, you're in the driving seat!

Are you already a part of the ‘green’ transport revolution and want to compare your lifestyle with others? Join Revolve on 21st June and find out what eco-pioneers are already doing and how you can cut your car’s carbon emissions now without costing the earth.

Inspired by World Environment Day and the LoveLondon sustainability festival, Revolve is challenging eco-motorists to prove you are really kicking the carbon habit. As a sequel to their inaugural event last year, Revolve is inviting members of the public to drive from Brighton to London in the greenest way you can.

With an emphasis on personal stories, this year’s event will offer a tangible demonstration of what we can all do right now to 'kick the carbon habit' without having to invest in a new car or wait for new infrastructure.

Lowering emissions is only part of the story, so Revolve has teamed with isanyonegoingto.com and invited all the major car-clubs to promote car-sharing (i.e. using a shared car and car-pooling). If you need a lift to any destination on the Eco-Rally route then register with isanyonegoingto.com today and you can catch a ride!

If you've like to show off your lean green machine on the day or would like to volunteer as a marshall contact us now. We're giving away the latest widescreen Navman S90i and eco-friendly cleaning products from AquaNought (as seen on BBC Dragon's Den) as prizes.

Greenfleet: Specialists in “Eco-Driving” at Revolve 05.06.07

Revolve is drawing on the expertise of GreenFleet to ensure that you get the most out of World Environment Day at Trafalgar Square. Hydrogen fuel cell cars may be out of our reach for the time being, but GreenFleet can help you make the right choices, lower your carbon-footprint and save money now.

In association with the Institute of Advanced Motorists, GreenFleet will be at Trafalgar Square from 9.00am until 5.30pm, presenting information on how to save fuel through defensive driving techniques on the big screen. Click on the banner below for a flavour of what they do.

Biofuels: An Ecological Risk?

"Most of the traits that are touted as great for biofuel crops—no known pests or diseases, rapid growth, high water-use efficiency—are red flags for invasion biologists. We want to start a dialogue and approach the question of biofuels systematically."

—Robert N. Wiedenmann (A researcher at University of Arkansas)

Mr Wiedenmann and his colleagues have published a study warning of the potential for biofuel crops to cause both ecological and economic harm. They are chosen for their ability to grow very quickly but such plants are becoming weeds with the potential to invade neighbouring crop fields (i.e. cotton and soybean).

The study calls for ecological specialists to be included when planning new biofuel projects. You'd think that would already be the case, but obviously not.

Wood + Charcoal-Powered Car

Seen at Automechanika Frankfurt 2006, was this biomass “blast from the past”. A 3.5l V6 1938 Opel Kapitän which ran on wood and charcoal almost seventy years ago.

According to greencarcongress.com, "Charcoal burning conversion kits, which are really wood gas generators, enjoyed a brief civilian and military niche market in England, Germany, Australia, the United States, and other countries up to and during World War II. Wood gas generators were used to power taxis in Korea as late as 1970."

Fuel economy: 100 km / 38 kg of charcoal. The exhibitors, Alternative Kraftstoffe und Hybridantreibe didn't mention the CO2 emissions data.

Crop Rotation

Fiona Leggate is the highest placed female in British Touring Car Championship history. In 2005 she was voted by BTCC Fan's as their Rookie of the Year. Women are no longer seen as a novelty in motor-racing. What is more novel is Fiona's choice of fuel; her Vauxhall Astra Coupe has been converted to run on bio-ethanol. No offence to the other bio-ethanol teams (both racing MGs) but I'd rather see Fiona and her mean-green machine at revolve 2007!

Read more about mean, green racing machines.
Read more about Fiona's support for British farming.
Should America be fuelling its vehicles with corn-based E85?