New UK car manufacturer Axon Automotive has revealed its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, which combines full electric mode for local travel and uses a petrol or bioethanol for long distance or motorway travel.

Its greenhouse gas emissions were calculated to include typical UK powerstation emissions when driving in electric mode, giving the Axon car just under 50g/km for the mix of electric and petrol used in the Government test.

This is just half the level needed for free annual road tax in UK for this car.

“As a plug-in hybrid we have no limitation on range, but we can maximise the benefits of electrics day-to-day without the cost and weight of large batteries,” explained Axon’s managing director Dr Steve Cousins.

Axon Automotive is funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board and private investment. The first cars will be on sale in 2011 at a price range yet to be revealed and full production will start in 2012.

The manufacturing roll-out will be via small factories in UK and in Europe including Spain, France, Ireland, Denmark, and Holland