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...]
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...]
Newcomers 12 September
Volkswagen has added extra style, performance and exclusivity to its range with the new Golf Black Edition, now on sale. The Golf Black Edition sits between the R-Line and GTE models and comes packed with exciting and exclusive features. In addition, it has all the style customers have come to expect from any Volkswagen Black Edition. Additional items compared with the R-Line include 18-inch … [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...]
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...]
Weekend roadtest: Subaru Solterra Touring
Subaru made its name in Britain with some compact go-anywhere estates before its reputation accelerated through the World Rally Championship. Both disciplines relied on a thoroughly designed and engineered all-wheel-drive system which would put much more expensive and complicated, if less reliable, rivals to shame. Subaru was better where it matters, as their marketing speak says, but that’s … [Read more...]
Welsh new car sales leap over 26%
The new car market grew 24.4% in August with 85,657 new vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. While August is typically a quieter month with many buyers choosing to wait until the September numberplate change, an increase of 16,799 units means the sector is now entering a second year of growth. Despite this improved performance, … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 September
The fifth generation, all-electric MINI Cooper will be unveiled at the German Motor Show in Munich this week. It will be available in E or SE grades with 190 or 250 miles range and priced from £30,000 next Spring. EDF’s small and medium-sized enterprise business customers can now save up to 40% on the cost of an electric vehicle through DriveElectric’s salary sacrifice scheme. Building upon … [Read more...]
Ford Nugget revealed for campers
Ford is revealing the all-new, next-generation version of its popular Nugget camper, including an advanced electrified powertrain with a flexible new plug-in hybrid model. The all-new Nugget camper has been developed in partnership with leading camper converter Westfalia, and features the popular multi-zone unique interior layout that continues to set Nugget apart from its competitors. The … [Read more...]