UK car manufacturer Axon Automotive has rolled out a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that keeps CO2 emissions down to 50g/km.

The vehicle can run on full electric mode in the city and uses a petrol or bioethanol engine for longer journeys.

Axon’s managing director, Dr Steve Cousins, said as a plug-in hybrid, it has no limitation on range but can maximise the benefits of electrics day to day without the cost and weight of large batteries.

Axon says the first cars will be on sale in 2011 with full production scheduled to begin in 2012.

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