Motorists' biofuel analysis could be driven by cost concern

Vehicular biofuel analysis undertaken by potential car-buyers could be more of a cost assessment than a carbon calculation.

There are a number of eco-friendly engine types to choose from - ranging from petroleum mixes with more biofuel composition to battery-powered electric and hybrid cars.

However, the final electric or biofuel analysis could come down not to the emissions of the various vehicles, but to their relative fuel efficiency.

Automobile review site carbuzz surveyed motorists in early December and found 16 per cent are concerned about fuel economy, whereas one per cent prioritise low CO2 emissions when buying.

Neil Wallis, head of communications at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, says: "The fuel savings are going to be the most important feature for most people."

However, he adds that motorists with more fuel-efficient vehicles "will be producing less CO2" as a consequence of that fact, without the issue being a direct concern for them.