More than 6.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) have been sold worldwide, and that number is set to grow due to the phasing-out of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from as soon as 2025 (Norway), with the UK targeting 2030 and the 27 EU member states EU aiming for 2035. In anticipation of this, personal finance guidance and comparison website Forbes Advisor has looked at EV-readiness around … [Read more...]
Are EVs green or greenwash?
Thousands of drivers who collect the keys to a brand new ‘72’ plate electric car tomorrow will have a nagging doubt at the back of their minds as they glide silently off the forecourt – are battery-powered cars truly better for the environment, or is zero-emission motoring just ‘greenwash’ hype? Sales of electric cars are soaring, up 49.9% year-on-year (January to July), as motorists take … [Read more...]
Britain unprepared for ev switch in eight years
Rising electric costs are blowing the fuse on plans for expanding ev sales in Britain. A comprehensive survey by Rivervale Leasing found that the escalating cost of energy is the most common concern, as 21% say that they think the potential of higher home charging tariffs could stop the UK from switching to electric. Vince Pemberton, Chief executive officer at Rivervale Leasing admits, “It’s … [Read more...]
Most JLR models on stop in September
Jaguar Land Rover is facing assembly problems at its plants in September. No Land Rover Discovery, Evoque and Velar models will be built through September due to parts shortages but some production continues with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Defender. Jaguar XE, XF and F-Pace models are also on stop but F-Type will still be assembled. Ironically, its only full electric model, the … [Read more...]
Electricity rise new threat to fuel pump prices
The Petrol Retailers Association has warned that electricity rises will affect their costs and possibly lead to further increases in pump prices. It is extremely concerned about rising energy costs and their implication as costs associated with operating a forecourt will triple, Gordon Balmer, Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association, who has urged Government action to stem the … [Read more...]
Car production improves but issues remain
Though the outlook is beginning to look more positive as production levels rise for the third month in a row and the industry shows signs of recovery, persistent issues will continue to cause turbulence in the coming months, said Lisa Watson, Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance. “The ongoing conflict in Ukraine means the well-documented semiconductor shortage is continuing to cause … [Read more...]
Damning skills shortage must be addressed, says IMI
The IMI predicts a 160,000 shortfall of workers in the UK automotive sector by 2031 based on figures from its Automotive Sector Employment report. "We’re trying to turn the tide. We’re lobbying government, the automotive industry and the education sector to invest in addressing the shortage of qualified EV technicians, and the majority have stepped up to the challenge. But our latest report … [Read more...]
As the 72-plate looms, take advice on getting a good deal
The 1 September sees the second vehicle plate change of 2022 in England, Wales and Scotland, with the arrival of the new “72” vehicle registration. A car is often the second most significant purchase after buying a property and The Motor Ombudsman dedicated to the automotive sector is highlighting ten handy tips for motorists when looking to get behind the wheel of a new vehicle. Shop around … [Read more...]
Fleets see savings in EVs
Cost advantages and lower environmental impact head the list of reasons why UK businesses are electrifying their company cars, suggests research from the latest Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer. The factors mentioned by fleet and mobility decision makers in the research were topped by reduced fuel expenses (66% of those questioned – up from 54% in 2021) and, in second place, tax incentives … [Read more...]
Newslines 23 August
The Swedish electric performance car company Polestar confirmed plans to put their electric roadster concept into production. The production car is expected to launch in 2026 as the Polestar 6 electric performance roadster and interested customers can now reserve a car online. Latest research shows that an increasing number of young Brits are bracing themselves for the huge … [Read more...]