More Britons are getting back into the driving seat following the pandemic, according to new annual Motorparc data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. However, the provision of public ev charge points has slowed and has not kept up with increasing registrations of PHEVs and BEVs. The Moorparc data shows the number of cars in use on UK roads in 2022 rising by 124,393 units to a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: GWM Funky Cat 1st Edition
The UK’s electric car revolution is becoming a bloody affair. From initially resisting the new technology on cost grounds including writing off established investments in petrol and diesel engine technology and having to develop hybrid or pure electric powertrains, along with making tens of thousands of workers redundant, manufacturers have struggled to convince buyers into showrooms or on-line … [Read more...]
Tradelines 5 April
Zero-emission, long-range hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle innovator, Hydrogen Vehicle Systems, has confirmed its state-of-the-art zero-emission hydrogen-electric Heavy Goods Vehicle will have a range of up to 370 miles depending on load and route coupled with an industry-leading refuelling time of just 15 – 20 minutes. The eagerly anticipated HGV will be revealed at the Commercial Vehicle … [Read more...]
Welsh green law is just another tax on business, claims body
Business group Logistics UK is querying the impact that the Welsh government’s new Environment Bill could have on air quality across the country. As Kate Jennings, the organisation’s Policy Director, explains, its members – which power the Welsh supply chain both nationally and internationally – are concerned that the planned rule changes could become a straight tax on hauliers, rather than the … [Read more...]
Government likely to miss its zero carbon goal
The Government threatens to miss its own zero carbon targets for transport, say car makers. It set out obejectives it wants to attain in a new consultation document last week but critics say it is late, lacks choice, does not address costs and is confusing for vehicle makers. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said, “Automotive is on track to deliver zero emission motoring, so we welcome this … [Read more...]
Vehicle makers want EU emissions move
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association want the European Commission and the Council to come to a resolution to the current impasse on the EU legislation on CO2 emissions from cars and vans. It was due to be signed into law in early March and the car makers' bodoy says the fundamental transformation for the European automotive industry needs planning security. ACEA takes note that … [Read more...]
Government changes will affect safety, says transport group
This week's announcement of a consultation on proposed Driver Certificate of Professional Competence reforms from the Department for Transport raises serious safety concerns and devalues the professionalism of the road haulage sector. That's the opinion of business group, Logistics UK. Chris Yarsley, Senior Policy Manager – Road Freight Regulation at Logistics UK, who went on to say, “Logistics … [Read more...]
Government EV plan must include CVs, says industry body
The £56 million funding announced yesterday by government to increase the provision of electric vehicle charge points must create provision for commercial vehicles, according to business group Logistics UK. This will be necessary if the industry is to hasten its transfer to Net Zero, said Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK, Denise Beedell. “Figures released in October 2022 by the Department … [Read more...]
Hang on, here’s power from above
A new era for the trolley bus and truck could be around the corner. Hofer powertrain, a development and technology partner of the global automotive industry, unveiled a new megawatt charging concept unlocking a whole new dimension of efficiency compared to the present megawatt charging infrastructure. The approach makes e-trucks long-haul capable while ensuring 100 % fleet availability, takes … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 November
Government plans that could see novice drivers being allowed to automatically drive lorries have been condemned by the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart. A recent government consultation suggested that drivers who possess a category B car licence should be instantly entitled to a category C1 licence, which allows motorists to drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes … [Read more...]