Government should reform its dated Plug-in Truck Grant introduced eight years ago to reflect the progress made by the sector in developing new zero emission truck technology and help cut CO2 by 18.8 million tonnes a year, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Following billions in investment from manufacturers, there are now 27 models of zero emission trucks available to UK … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Kia EV9 GT-Line S AWD
Kia is riding the crest of a new wave with its range-topping luxury EV9 SUV this spring. The Kia EV9 achieved a remarkable dual victory at the 2024 World Car Awards at the New York International Auto Show in March, being voted World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle., taking KIA to five titles in the prestigious awards. Kia has given a strong incentive to buy an EV 9 which is now … [Read more...]
Increase taxes on bigger private cars, says T&E
The UK could be using its tax system to discourage the growth of large new SUV sales, which recent T&E analysis found had grown by 23% between 2022 and 2023. With the Budget due next week, the environmental group said that the UK has shown some leadership with its tax system, however as company car drivers in the UK are benefiting from a progressive tax system, otherwise known as the … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 January
If those who drive the furthest ditched fossil fuels, the UK could save all of the oil – 13.6 million tonnes – expected to be extracted from the North Sea by the 2040s, according to analysis by the New Automotive group. The 25% group also accounts for more than half of all miles driven and more than half of costs spent on motoring, a report by transport research organisation New AutoMotive found … [Read more...]
Electric SUVs charging into van market
Electric SUVs are being chosen by some fleets as an alternative to diesel and electric vans, Arval UK is reporting. The company says that as long as the space, payload and towing capacity offered by eSUVs is adequate, they can bring a wide range of advantages over their electric van (e-van) counterparts. Ben Edwards, Consultant, said, “We’re at a moment in time when, having largely … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi Q8 e-tron 55 quattro
Audi’s flagship all-electric model is on course to make waves in the luxury sector. The Q8 e-tron available in both SUV and Sportback coupe bodystyles comes with different battery sizes, charging and range potential but all get 4WD. There are four trim levels beginning with Sport, moving onto S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung. All versions can be charge up to 80% capacity in about 30 … [Read more...]
Makers dropping small cars pick up criticisms
Carmakers are prioritising the production, marketing and sale of larger vehicles like SUVs and e-SUVs over more affordable, smaller EVs. Smaller EVs could help those on lower incomes gain from the benefits of using EVs as well as more efficient use of critical raw materials essential in efforts to achieve net zero. The arrival of more affordable, smaller electric cars would hasten the uptake … [Read more...]
Lords looking into Government’s ev plans
An electric vehicles inquiry is being launched by Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee. Given the importance of decarbonising transport to reach net zero, the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee is launching an inquiry into electric vehicles (EVs) today. The aim of the inquiry is to understand how the Government will achieve its target of decarbonising cars and vans … [Read more...]
Government damaging confusion over cleaner vehicles
This week’s government ambivalence over the longstanding 2030 EV sales deadline is potentially “damaging for fleets” who are committed to electrification, says FleetCheck. Peter Golding (below), managing director at the leading fleet software provider, said that prime minister Rishi Sunak’s equivocation when asked about the deadline by an interviewer had set alarm bells ringing across the … [Read more...]
Green-taxi trials to boost business
Cardiff Capital Region launched a Green Taxi ‘Try before you buy’ scheme in partnership with Welsh Government and Day’s Rentals, of Swansea. The scheme gives licensed taxi drivers within ten local authorities in the Cardiff Capital Region the opportunity to trial a fully electric, wheelchair accessible taxi for free for 30 days. This also includes free insurance, charging and breakdown … [Read more...]