The next Vauxhall Astra will include a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and a station wagon version, CEO Michael Lohscheller told Automotive News Europe. The car will be based on the same Stellantis EMP2 platform as the forthcoming new Peugeot 308 due on sale later this year while the Astra will be introduced early 2022 but its still uncertain if the newcomer will be assembled in Ellesmere … [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...]
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...]
Tradelines 7 April
While the pandemic has taken a toll on many people’s finances, others are emerging with a nest egg after months of lockdown living and this could ensure the car industry, along with the wider economy, bounces back quicker than originally anticipated, said James Fairclough, CEO of AA Cars. He was speaking after the SMMT released March car sales figures showing a dramatic rise compared to the last … [Read more...]
Electric car sales surge, but Wales sees big loss
Electric car sales are charging ahead on British roads. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show ev registrations hit a record and hybrid sales last month were higher than September 2020, the previous best for the dual fuel vehicles. It's also the first month that the Tesla Model 3 EV, pictured above, has been officially recognised in the figures after Tesla withdrew … [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...]
Tradelines 31 March
Select Car Leasing crunched the numbers and found with the introduction of connected cars in 2022, the annual average commute will reduce by 25%, equating to 55.5 hours less commuting every year. Drivers will also benefit from increased safety features such as repair hazard warnings as your car will be able to “listen” to waveforms or vibrations, analyse them and upload them to a cloud-based … [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...]
Rising concerns over EV initiatives and charging
There's rising concern among car makers that the British public and Government are not behind the drive to boost electric car sales. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders wants greater support for private retail uptake of electric vehicles. It follows new figures showing businesses are twice as likely as consumers to make the switch from petrol or diesel. This week the plug in grant … [Read more...]