There are loads of reasons to go a little more eco… and they’re not just about saving the planet… they can save you time and money too:

  • Electric Cars

    Why would you want to think about getting one?
    Think Electric Vehicles are no good? Think again! They are a real option now that the technology is improving and the batteries are providing more power and longer ranges between charges. How often do you actually drive more than 100 miles in one go? The cost to run an Electric Vehicle is around 3p per mile, which is much cheaper than the 17p per mile just in fuel that it costs to run a petrol or diesel car (6 times as cheap!). You get zero-rated Vehilcle Excise Duty (road tax), a government grant towards the cost and with new leasing options now available, you can get one for around the same price as a 'normal' car. So next time you're looking for a new car, why not at least give an electric car a thought?

  • Electric Bicycles

    Give your legs a bit of break from the hills and enjoy the ride!
    Electric Bikes are starting to get really popular. You get all the fun of cycling, the fresh air, the wind in your face, but you've got a little electric motor that will give you a boost when you need it. Most cost just a few pence per day to run, have a range of about 50 miles, will get you up to speeds of about 15mph (which is quick for a bike!) and will recharge in around 5 hours. Decent electric bikes start at around £500, which is similar to a mid-range normal bike. Most electric bikes from bike dealers are totally legal to use on UK roads and don't require any special licences or insurances (although we recommend bike insurance to all cyclists). You can even get an electric bike through a workplace Cycle to Work Scheme too. So if you want to get out and about on 2 wheels but think that it may be a bit much for your legs, go electric instead.

  • What about a Hybrid?

    Want to do your bit but still need the range of a petrol car?
    A hybrid car is simply a normal petrol or diesel car that has an electric motor that assists the engine, making it more economical. The battery doesn't need charging either, as it gets it's power from the energy that would normally be wasted during braking. You can get over 70mpg from many hybrid cars, which might be around twice as much as from a normal family car. To put that into perspective: A hybrid could halve your fuel costs! Tempted? There are loads of hybrids to choose from, they generally look like an 'ordinary' car and cost around the same. Reduce your emissions and your running costs.

  • Share Your Car Trips

    Car Sharing is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint
    Car Sharing is a great way to save money on regular journeys. It simply means getting a lift with someone else, or them getting a lift with you. The more people share the car journey with you, the more you'll save because you can split the fuel and parking costs with the others. Does half price fuel sound appealing? Perhaps you work with someone who lives near you and you could start to share the journey? If not, don't panic as there is now derbycarshare.com which will help you to find a car share partner. Simply register the journeys you make, such as your commute, and when you make it and the website will search the database for a potential match for you. It's easy to use, secure and there's never any pressure to share with anyone. Why not give it a go? You could be saving money tomorrow!

  • Maximise Your MPG

    It's easier than you think to get more miles out of a tank of fuel
    Fuel costs a lot, so don't waste it! You wouldn't leave all the lights in your house on 24hrs a day and then moan about the cost of the electricity... so why waste fuel and then moan about how much it's costing you?! There are loads of ways to reduce the amount of fuel your car uses. Change up a gear before you reach 2,500 revs in a petrol car or 2,000 in a diesel car. Drive as smoothly as possible and avoid harsh breaking or accelerating. Turn off air conditioning as it increases fuel use at all speeds. Remove items from the boot as every 45kg removed from the car can save 1% on fuel. Take off roof racks and boxes as they cause drag. Driving at 70mph uses 15% more fuel than at 50mph. Speeding on a motorway will use even more fuel. To find out more, check out this article. A motorist who drives 10,000 miles per annum can save £400 per year just by increasing their fuel economy by 10mpg.