Toyota will build a new battery electric vehicle factory that will begin production of new models in 2026 powered by a range of new, advanced batteries. Details of four next generation batteries have been revealed, demonstrating state-of-the-art advances in both liquid and solid electrolytes. Toyota has also previewed further progress with solid electrolyte battery technology. Takero Kato, … [Read more...]
Features
Concerns of more lower speed limits around the corner
A Welsh Government Minister has refused to rule out more speed limit reductions on major roads after fighting off an opposition bid to scrap the 20mph default limit beginning Sunday. After losing the vote to Labour and Plaid Cymru members in the Senedd, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Natasha Asghar, MS said, “Labour and Plaid Cymru refused to listen to public opinion, I sought … [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...]
£600 M investment for MINI evs in UK
The new generation of pure-electric MINI Cooper and Aceman models will be assembled in Plant Oxford in three years time after a £600 Million investment led by BMW. The UK Government is reportedly giving £75 Million towards the cost of reconfiguring the factory and erecting new logistics facilities, it was announced yesterday. The investment will also see the end of petrol and diesel models … [Read more...]
Last ditch attempt to block incoming 20mph speed limit
A last ditch attempt to block the controversial 20mph default speed limit in Wales coming into effect on Sunday will be made on Wednesday by Welsh Conservatives. The Welsh Conservatives have tabled a motion in the Senedd on Wednesday calling for The Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 to be repealed. Blanket 20mph speed limits in Wales will cost at least £33 million to … [Read more...]
From mining to making cars
The Austin J40 pedal car is a miniature motoring marvel. Originally built by Welsh miners who had developed lung disease as a result of a lifetime working in the coal mines, the impact made by these diminutive Austins is way beyond anything imagined when the hand-built prototype of Austin Chairman Leonard Lord’s ‘little idea’ first appeared in 1946. The fact that over 70 years after the first … [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...]
Get paid for fitting a home charger
Octopus Electric Vehicles has announced a partnership with Co Charger to help unlock the potential of community charging to make EVs better value for everyone. Community charging addresses an awkward truth in the switch to EVs: those who can’t have home chargers are over five times less likely to go electric. By making it easy for those with private chargers to share them with neighbours who … [Read more...]
Call to boost ev charging legislation
Electric vehicle and renewable energy campaign group FairCharge, in partnership with the RAC, have created the UK’s first charter for electric vehicle public charging with the aim of improving the reliability, transparency, accessibility, and usability of the UK’s rapidly growing charging network. Supported by Robert Llewellyn’s Fully Charged Show, trade body Recharge UK, and EV disability … [Read more...]