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...]
Newslines 19 April
The RAC predicts petrol could hit 150pp litre and diesel 160pp litre as tensions rise in the Middle East over coming weeks. The motoring body said retailers had pushed up profits since January and this added £5.00 to fill up a typical car. Labour and Plaid Cymru have voted against a Welsh Conservatives' motion in the Senedd to roll back the controversial 20mph default speed limit and end the ban … [Read more...]
Octopus Energy partner with Omoda for EV drivers
Octopus Energy Group and Omoda have launched first-of-its-kind offering for electric vehicle (EV) drivers in the UK. Octopus has become the UK’s go-to energy company for all things EV – offering specialist tariffs, home charging installations, charging roaming service and various leasing options. The EV pioneer from China is the first car manufacturer to partner with Octopus across its entire EV … [Read more...]
E-vans myths’ exposed
With the government laying out its Net Zero Strategy1 to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy by 2050, fleet owners and van drivers are feeling the pressure to make the switch to EVs. In fact, Vansdirect has spotted searches for ‘how much are electric vans’ are up by 100% over the last three months, while searches for ‘best electric vans’ have increased by 24% in the same … [Read more...]
Tyre companies must pay for recycling, says expert
Business Waste is advocating for a change in the UK's tyre disposal and recycling regulations. As one of the UK’s leading waste management companies, it says Britain produces over 50 million used tyres every year, which is currently costing the population over £270 million to recycle. Current industry laws mandate responsible tyre disposal to prevent environmental harm, but BusinessWaste.co.uk is … [Read more...]
Wales trails by a long way in EV charging
Manchester topped the electric vehicle home charger installation charts during 2023 according to data from home EV charge point installers Smart Home Charge. The West Midlands was a close second with South West London in third place, whilst Northern Ireland had the lowest percentage of home EV chargers installed – just 0.11% of the overall total and in South Wales, just 1.69% of motorists have … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 April
The all-new Honda CR-V e:HEV and e:PHEV models with SENSING 360, have been awarded the maximum five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests. Embodying Honda’s commitment to zero road fatalities involving any of its products by 2050, the sixth generation CR-V features a number of improved and upgraded technologies to achieve one of the highest levels of passenger and pedestrian safety in … [Read more...]
Van sales soar but drive must be with EVs
Following the best February performance in 26 years experienced by the new light commercial van market, it is positive to see that the market has continued this trend with another month of growth, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association commenting on the latest SMMT’s new van registration figures. "March witnessed a significant surge in fleet renewal … [Read more...]
Agency dealers are giving poorer service
Adoption of the dealer agency model appears to be leading to poorer quality vehicle deliveries in at least some instances, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Members of the organisation have complained of a fall in standards, with electric vehicles (EVs) being delivered with little charge and internal combustion cars with only a small amount of fuel. Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 April
The first electric Metro train ran north of Cardiff to Pontypridd during daylight hours on a test of the latest Stadler 756 model combination, which will be the backbone of the new Valleys services. Following the test run, further routes on the Core Valleys Network will see testing take place in the coming weeks before the start of an intensive train crew training programme and before entering … [Read more...]