• Bookstore

The King Review was launched by the Chancellor at Budget 2007, to examine the vehicle and fuel technologies which could help to decarbonise road transport, particularly cars, over the next 25 years. The Review is led by Professor Julia King, working with Sir Nicholas Stern.

The initial findings of the Review are that:

• Urgent progress is needed from road transport to help meet emission cuts for the developed world of 60-80 percent by 2050 outlined in the Stern Review.
• At low cost and by 2030, per-kilometre emissions could be reduced by 50 percent - equivalent to a 30 percent reduction in the absolute level of emissions. These significant reductions in CO2 from road transport are achievable in the short term through progress on fuels, bringing new technologies to market and smart consumer choices such as buying a low-carbon vehicle.
• Almost complete de-carbonisation of road transport is a realistic long-term objective, through electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles. This will require major technological breakthroughs as well as substantial progress towards decarbonising the power sector.
• Fuels must be considered on the basis of their life-cycle CO2 emissions. Biofuels can occupy a segment of the UK fuel market but care must be taken not to expand demand too quickly, before crop breakthroughs and robust environmental safeguards are in place.

Professor Julia King said:
"Within ten years we could be driving equivalent cars to those we choose today, but emitting 30 percent less CO2 per kilometre. The technology is available. The urgent challenge for the short term is to develop a strong and rapidly growing market for low emissions cars."

The next stage of the Review will develop recommendations on how Government can play a role in decarbonising transport, reporting in early 2008.