Bridgestone is embarking on a tyre safety drive with Cardiff motorists, after 75% admitted to never checking their tyres and only 11% described them as the most important safety feature on their cars. A survey amongst 200 drivers across the capital revealed that despite tyres being the only contact points between a vehicle and the road – and responsible for 159 deaths or serious injuries from … [Read more...]
Disabled drivers obstacles to evs and charging
Britain’s gradual move to more electric vehicles and charging will be a challenge for disabled drivers in particular, said one leading provider of mobility solutions. Andrew Miller (right), chief executive of Motability Operations, told members of the BVLRA at their annual meeting that his business had already moved more than 34,000 people into EVs and currently buys more than 7% of all … [Read more...]
Theory test questions fail experienced drivers
Less than 1% of UK drivers correctly answered a sample of current driving theory test questions posed to them. The research from ATS Euromaster of the 1,010 drivers tested, found shockingly only eight got all the answers correct. Some 45 to 54-year-olds, with up to 30 years of driving experience, were revealed to be the least knowledgeable drivers in the UK, averaging just 1 in 3 correct … [Read more...]
EVs tyres are wearing sooner
Tyres on electric cars are wearing out sooner than on other models, say service analysts. Tyres fitted to electric vehicles are lasting, on average, 6,350 fewer miles than those fitted to petrol or diesel cars, new fleet data from epyx suggests. The first tyre change for electric cars is taking place at an average of 17,985 miles and 551 days old, compared to 24,641 miles and 585 days for … [Read more...]
Young drivers’ premiums soaring to unaffordable level
The cost of car insurance for young drivers has surged by an average of £594 (50%) in the past year, according to new Young Drivers research from Compare the Market. There are concerns that driving is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many young people. Premiums for motorists aged under 24 now reach up to £1,792 in August 2023 compared to £1,198 in the same period last year. As a result of … [Read more...]
Green motoring u-turn is sickening says industry
Applying the brakes to the 2030 electrification deadline by the Government is a poor and insincere reflection on the needs of business and the environment, according to the head of Britain’s fleet professionals. Paul Hollick, chair of the AFP, said, “This is a crucial subject where massive investments have been made and is not just something that should be politicked in the expectation of … [Read more...]
Ark Zero electric quadracycle launched under £6K
Two adults and a dog maybe an unusual way to pitch a new car sale, but that’s the practicality of the new Ark Zero quadracycle city car from £5,995. It costs less than a pound to charge the lithium-ion battery for its 50.3 miles claimed range at up to 28mph. The aluminium two-door body and chassis has a slim design, a centrally positioned driving seat with a small bench behind for one person … [Read more...]
Running costs drive motorists’ buying decisions, says Startline
The effect of rising living costs on which used cars are chosen by consumers has grown strongly in the last six months, according to September’s Startline Used Car Tracker. Running costs are the most important factor now named by 74% of motorists compared to 62% in April, followed by the cost of living, which is now at 65% against 61% over the same period. Similarly, inflation has risen from 26% … [Read more...]
Businesses are paying too much for EVs
VEV, the e-fleet solutions provider backed by Vitol a world leader in energy, finds a significant proportion of fleets currently undergoing electrification have ‘over-specced’ when it comes to their charging infrastructure needs. The problem is largely down to fleets embarking on electrification themselves for the first time. The transition will involve multiple providers and stakeholders, and … [Read more...]
Plan for prototype hydrogen truck
A partnership of leading automotive technology companies confirmed its aim to radically overhaul the architecture of clean hydrogen powertrains. It wants to create a new and commercially competitive 44-tonne proof of concept truck for heavy goods vehicle manufacturers and operators. With funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Viritech, HORIBA MIRA and Intelligent Energy will bring together … [Read more...]