Freezing weather and increased cabin heating could see some of the UK’s most popular EV models lose more than 30 miles of range this winter. The data from Vertu Motors finds that a cold snap could cause an EV to lose up to nine per cent of its range overnight, due to the intense energy usage required to power through the freeze. Most popular EVs Range miles Range lost Range … [Read more...]
Assisted Driving tech is getting better say testers
Thatcham Research and Euro NCAP are encouraged by the results of their latest Assisted Driving Gradings, which show all seven of the mainstream vehicle manufacturers whose cars were tested, are committed to fitting robust Assisted Driving technology at every price point. The world-first Assisted Driving Grading assessments were introduced in October 2020 and are designed to support the sensible … [Read more...]
Kia’s generation game changer
For a generation of motorists it’s difficult to think that Kia Motors UK never existed and for others it’s hard to believe how far they have come in 30 years. Entering UK showrooms in 1991 with the rebadged Mazda 121 selling as the Kia Pride, the Korean brand registered 1,800 sales, but that was just a ripple of what was to come. The following year registrations doubled and they have … [Read more...]
Repairers are poorly prepared for rising EV sales
The steep rise in electric vehicle sales is a pivotal moment for all EV stakeholders, writes Adrian Watson, Head of Engineering Research at Thatcham Research. September 2021 was the UK’s best month ever for new battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Not only did the 32,721 new BEV registrations account for 15.2% of the market, … [Read more...]
Global net-zero target moves back half a century
COP26 has confirmed that world-wide net zero emissions by 2050 won’t happen. The drive to tackle climate change needs to start with solutions that are available here and now, argues Ben Richardson, CEO of greentech company SulNOx Group PLC. One of the key aims of the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow was to get the world to agree to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Even if that had been … [Read more...]
EV charging network is in shocking state – claim
As more British drivers swap petrol pumps for an electric hook-up, Channel 4 Dispatches has new figures tonight revealing the shocking state of Britain’s electric car charging network. Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder of ZapMap said, “I think it's an issue that that needs to be improved. When I talk to the network operators, they are very aware of reliability and they know that is the … [Read more...]
Younger drivers most likely to lead switch to electric cars
According to the latest research discovered by Carvine from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the race is well and truly on for motorists to make the switch to electric. With more than half of motorists between 16 to 49 years likely to switch to all-electric vehicles before the ban of new petrol and diesel cars comes into effect in 2030, the future of UK driving is set to change for … [Read more...]
Tradelines 17 November
Isuzu UK has launched a new Quick Check programme which will enable all pick-up customers to have a comprehensive safety check carried out by their local Isuzu dealer at no cost, while also benefiting from a set of free wiper blades, washer fluid top-up and an air freshener. The Isuzu Quick Check is a full 38-point check to ensure the customer’s vehicle is safe and ready for the upcoming winter … [Read more...]
Technology take-over warning to car makers
As car makers look for new ways to differentiate their products, they must think carefully before allowing tech giants Apple and Google to dominate their customers’ experiences, says vehicle connectivity pioneer VNC Automotive. With electric vehicles gaining in popularity, opportunities for car manufacturers to create distinguishing features and engineer-in character are diminishing. Component … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 November
British chemicals specialist and sustainble technology company Johnson Matthey has pulled out of the UK battery industry. The company said potential returns would not justify future investment and it is instead looking into hydrogen and decarbonisation systems for transport. Vertu Motors says Brits need to save £6,098 to afford to be a new driver for their first year in the UK. The … [Read more...]