Thatcham Research and Euro NCAP are encouraged by the results of their latest Assisted Driving Gradings, which show all seven of the mainstream vehicle manufacturers whose cars were tested, are committed to fitting robust Assisted Driving technology at every price point. The world-first Assisted Driving Grading assessments were introduced in October 2020 and are designed to support the sensible … [Read more...]
Kia’s generation game changer
For a generation of motorists it’s difficult to think that Kia Motors UK never existed and for others it’s hard to believe how far they have come in 30 years. Entering UK showrooms in 1991 with the rebadged Mazda 121 selling as the Kia Pride, the Korean brand registered 1,800 sales, but that was just a ripple of what was to come. The following year registrations doubled and they have … [Read more...]
Repairers are poorly prepared for rising EV sales
The steep rise in electric vehicle sales is a pivotal moment for all EV stakeholders, writes Adrian Watson, Head of Engineering Research at Thatcham Research. September 2021 was the UK’s best month ever for new battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Not only did the 32,721 new BEV registrations account for 15.2% of the market, … [Read more...]
Global net-zero target moves back half a century
COP26 has confirmed that world-wide net zero emissions by 2050 won’t happen. The drive to tackle climate change needs to start with solutions that are available here and now, argues Ben Richardson, CEO of greentech company SulNOx Group PLC. One of the key aims of the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow was to get the world to agree to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Even if that had been … [Read more...]
EV charging network is in shocking state – claim
As more British drivers swap petrol pumps for an electric hook-up, Channel 4 Dispatches has new figures tonight revealing the shocking state of Britain’s electric car charging network. Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder of ZapMap said, “I think it's an issue that that needs to be improved. When I talk to the network operators, they are very aware of reliability and they know that is the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 17 November
Isuzu UK has launched a new Quick Check programme which will enable all pick-up customers to have a comprehensive safety check carried out by their local Isuzu dealer at no cost, while also benefiting from a set of free wiper blades, washer fluid top-up and an air freshener. The Isuzu Quick Check is a full 38-point check to ensure the customer’s vehicle is safe and ready for the upcoming winter … [Read more...]
Technology take-over warning to car makers
As car makers look for new ways to differentiate their products, they must think carefully before allowing tech giants Apple and Google to dominate their customers’ experiences, says vehicle connectivity pioneer VNC Automotive. With electric vehicles gaining in popularity, opportunities for car manufacturers to create distinguishing features and engineer-in character are diminishing. Component … [Read more...]
Councils need Government money to meet charging goals
The UK Government’s zero-emissions drive at risk because councils don’t have the money to install electric vehicle public charging points, they have told a major trade body, A freedom of information request issued by leading electrotechnical and engineering services trade body ECA has revealed that over half (52 per cent) of local authorities in the UK said that electric vehicle charge points … [Read more...]
Training skills risk ev boom going flat
As EV adoption accelerates a shortfall of 35,700 technicians is predicted from 2026 if retraining isn’t urgently addressed. According to new analysis from the Institute of the Motor Industry, 90,000 automotive technicians will be required to provide sufficient workforce to service the volume of zero emissions vehicles predicted to be on UK roads by 2030 - the government’s Road to Zero … [Read more...]
Technical challenge to keep UK charged
Rebalancing the electrical grid to cope with large scale overnight charging is one of the many challenges the UK faces in its transition to all-electric vehicles, but Vattenfall UK’s managing director Stewart Dawson is confident the technology exists to keep the nation fully charged. “With electric vehicles set to become dominant in the future everyone is going to want to charge them up … [Read more...]