800mpg Car Unveiled

Updated:17:00, Monday May 15, 2006

The world's most fuel-efficient vehicle has been unveiled by its British inventor.

Andy Green, 45, from the University of Bath, believes his three-wheel TeamGreen car is capable of doing 8,000 miles to the gallon.

Behind the wheel: Jenny Goodman

His budget eco-motor cost just £2,000 to build and will be the sole British contender for the title of the world's most fuel-economic car in a global competition being later this month.

The car, which weighs less than 5 stone - the average weight of a nine-year-old boy - made its debut at the Somerset university campus.

It will compete against 250 teams from around the world for the Shell Eco-Marathon championships in France from May 19.

It has taken Mr Green more than two years to design and build the car, over weekends, holidays and evenings.

This will be the fourth eco-vehicle he has built. He holds the British record for fuel-efficiency, with 6,603 miles to the gallon in a previous car.

The new vehicle is powered by a single cylinder four-stroke engine with a capacity of just 35cc and runs with a special management system incorporating fuel injection.

"It's a labour of love," said the technician, who works in the University's Department of Mechanical Engineering.

"The car is important because it is a reminder that the way to achieve fuel-savings is to drive lighter cars. It's the weight of this car that is the main reason for its fuel-efficiency."

He has enlisted Frances Rogers and Jenny Goodman as his drivers for the three-day challenge. They were selected because of their slight frames.

Under the rules in France the car has to be driven at an average speed of 18mph.

A spokesman for Bath University said: "Andy Green is keeping the spirit of the lone British inventor who takes on the world very much alive."