Lord Mayor’s car to reduce carbon emissions thanks to MINI Countryman plug-in hybrid

The new vehicle, a MINI Countryman PHEV, will replace the previous car, a Toyota Prius T4. It has been borrowed from MINI for one year and will be used by the civic office holders including the Lord Mayor of Oxford for civic and ceremonial events across the county.

The plug-in hybrid is capable of up to 12 zero emission miles on a full electric charge, and will see a 52% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions (49g/km) in comparison to the previous Toyota Prius T4 (104g/km). The new car is compliant with the proposed standard for Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council’s Zero Emission Zone proposals.

Earlier this year, Oxford City Council, and Oxfordshire County Council published updated proposals for a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) in Oxford city centre. The aim of the ZEZ is to tackle Oxford’s toxic air pollution and protect the health of everyone who lives in, works in and visits the city. It is expected that the ZEZ will improve air pollution levels across Oxfordshire because the buses and taxis that serve Oxford also serve towns and villages across the county.

The City Council currently has 17 electric vehicles in its fleet, along with 9 electric bikes and 22 hybrid electric vehicles.

Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Colin Cook, said: “MINI is an iconic marque and has a long and successful history here in Oxford.  I am thrilled that the Lord Mayor’s car reflects that history and the continuing link between MINI and the City of Oxford.  I am also delighted that the vehicle is zero emission capable and is another step on the journey to improving air quality in the city."