The lack of an effective national strategy for creating kerbside charging infrastructure is emerging as the biggest barrier to adoption of electric vehicles by businesses, says the Association of Fleet Operators. The current government approach to installation of kerbside charging means that 75% of the cost is met by a national fund and 25% paid by local authorities. However, explained AFP chair … [Read more...]
Routes to 1000 Mile Battery Vehicles are varied
It is easy to make 1000-mile battery-electric vehicles, and the effect on market uptake will be profound, reports IDTechEx For example, a typical city-dweller might charge only once every two months and holiday where chargers are rare. With solar bodywork having done some of the job, even feeble existing chargers will cause little delay. Indeed, solar bodywork is a get-you-home feature capable … [Read more...]
Government statements slowing car sales recovery
Continuing confusion over Net Zero targets is slowing the recovery of motor sales. Seán Kemple, Managing Director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, said, “March marks a year since the first UK national lockdown, and the industry has evolved remarkably during this time. “New car sales are going ahead through click and collect, or click and deliver, services, and dealers continue to adopt new ways … [Read more...]
EV sales soar and so do drivers’ travel plans
Sales of new electric vehicles hit new records in March as Tesla tops with 31% market share and Kia, Nissan and Hyundai battle it out for second place, revealed New AutoMotive’s Electric Car Count tracker. The independent research organisation will publish the tracker each month and it looks at the top ten EV manufacturers and their market share as well as new EV sales. If there’s anything extra … [Read more...]
Governments must invest to reach zero target
Car makers have called on Governments to invest in electric vehicle charging points and hydrogen stations to ensure zero emission targets are met over coming decades. The EU automobile industry is open to higher CO2 reduction targets for cars in 2030, provided that they are directly linked to binding commitments from member states to roll out the required charging points and hydrogen … [Read more...]
Hybrid rally cars agreed for WRC from next season
All three current WRC manufacturers have embraced the sport’s exciting new hybrid era by committing to register and participate in the FIA World Rally Championship from 2022 to 2024. Hyundai, M-Sport Ford and Toyota have pledged their futures to the production car-based series, which will undergo a landmark change in 2022 when top tier cars will be powered by a mix of an electric motor and the … [Read more...]
Tax change is major opportunity for fleets
The 130% capital allowances superdeduction that comes into effect on 1 April presents a “major renewal opportunity” for van fleets, FleetCheck is forecasting. The fleet software specialist says that businesses who have been considering buying Euro 6 compliant light commercial vehicles to meet the needs of Clean Air Zones or electric and hybrid vans as they begin EV operations for the first time … [Read more...]
How to keep the heart of your EV car in good health
The battery in your electric vehicle is by far its most valuable component part, but do you know how to keep it in good health? Manufacturers give surprisingly little information about how to keep an EV battery in good shape on a day-to-day basis, and drivers tend to be focussed on the battery range or charge. The Li-ion battery and electric motor combination in an EV do the work not just of the … [Read more...]
Welsh business will drive future heavy EVs
A Welsh automotive components company has won support for a £31.9 million project to develop lightweight electric powertrains for heavy goods vehicles in the latest round of R&D funding guided by the Advanced Propulsion Centre. The Electric Powertrain Integration for Heavy Commercial Vehicles project will see Cwmbran-based company – Meritor – develop zero-emission ‘smart’ powertrains for … [Read more...]
Optimism rises among parts’ makers
Automotive suppliers have become significantly more optimistic with their outlook on 2021, with 38% of surveyed suppliers showing positive forecasts compared to just 8% six months ago. Yet, 31% of respondents still hold a notably negative view, a much higher share than in pre-Corona times. This follows from the latest CLEPA Pulse Check survey on business sentiment in the sector, held late … [Read more...]
