London goes electric to cut smog

London goes electric to cut smog

Green Ideas editorial team

Tags electric vehicle , pollution

Up to 3000 electric cars are set to help London clean up its dirty air, as a new car-sharing scheme comes to the British capital.

Smog in the city is currently so bad that the EU is likely to fine England $600 million every year for exceeding legal limits on nitrogen dioxide from traffic fumes.

However, there are hopes that a switch to emissions-free electric cars could make a big difference, with a ‘Bluecars’ scheme launching next year.

Bluecars will be available from recharging points all over the city, to anyone paying a small regular membership fee, and are accessed with smart swipecards, which then bill drivers based on use. The system will be similar to the popular ‘Boris bikes’ scheme for bicycles.