Testing the lifespan of new electric vehicle battery designs could be made four-times quicker by a new streamlined process, researchers at the University of Michigan (UM) have claimed and reported by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. The new ‘optimisation framework’ developed by the team could also reduce the cost of assessments for new designs, they said. "The goal is to design a better … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 July
The Honda Civic was launched 50 years ago today. It has sold 27.5m around the world and the 11thgeneration order books have opened today from £29,595 and deliveries commence in September. Ferry and motoring trips to Europe are expected to escalate this summer as airports and airlines slash flights. The cost of flying and queues with the possibility of last minute cancellations after airports … [Read more...]
Seven in ten stolen cars never recovered
Seven in ten stolen cars are not now recovered with sophisticated gangs stealing them and breaking for parts and a lot of money, according to the latest study. One of the most popular to pinch because of easily bypassed security system is the Range Rover and its also one of the most expensive worth a lot in stripped out parts sold on the black market to back-street mechanics and owners. That’s … [Read more...]
Beat the heat & plan ahead
The current heatwave is expected to last all week, with warnings remaining in place while the temperature soars into the mid thirties (33C/91F). It is important to make safety a priority when you're driving this summer, which is why you should always prepare for long journeys ahead, including your commute to and from work. Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing shares nine useful … [Read more...]
Price cuts not being passed onto motorists
Fractional falls of under a penny a litre in the average price of both petrol and diesel over the course of a week when wholesale prices have plummeted are an irremovable stain on major retailers' reputations, said RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams. "It's frightening to think this is going on under the nose of the Competition and Markets Authority. Whatever the situation is with the issue it has … [Read more...]
EV anxieties overblown and benefits overlooked – NFU
Research by electric vehicle insurer NFU Mutual suggests that concerns about electric vehicle range and charging are overblown when compared to the reality of owning an EV, and that non-EV owners are overlooking some key benefits of the technology. NFU Mutual, which offers insurance tailored to plug-in and hybrid EV owners, recently conducted a UK-wide survey of 1,107 people to find out attitudes … [Read more...]
PHEVs face new emissions check
The climate ratings of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) will become a lot more realistic after the EU agreed to reassess their CO2 emissions based on how much they actually emit on the road. Green group Transport & Environment, which has campaigned for years to highlight the true impact of so-called ‘fake’ electric vehicles, said the new system would end the emissions scandal that is … [Read more...]
Lexus sail in with a raft of updates
This year marks the arrival of two new landmark Lexus models: the all-new RX large luxury SUV and the RZ 450e, a new all-electric SUV. The RX is a core global model for Lexus and the new generation line-up will include a first plug-in hybrid version and a performance-focused model that uses a new parallel hybrid electric powertrain (below). The RZ 450e is the first Lexus to be built on a new … [Read more...]
MG pushing boundaries in EV design & performance
MG Motor UK has revealed the first UK images of its all-new MG4 EV, ahead of the launch in September. The key new model will utilise MG’s innovative Modular Scalable Platform - state of the art battery architecture that will underpin the next generation of MG models. Designed for a wide range of vehicles, the MSP can be used flexibly in models across different vehicle segments, from hatchbacks … [Read more...]
Formula Student takes to the grid next weekend
With Covid restrictions lifted, spectators will be back in full force at Silverstone for Formula Student, which will take place at the famed circuit across the weekend of 9-10 July. For the first time in two years, more than 130 teams from over 30 countries will have the chance to showcase the results of their hard work in formal presentations and dynamic events at the home of British … [Read more...]