Electric vehicle charging is replacing maintenance as the most onerous day-to-day managerial task facing many fleet managers, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Chair Paul Hollick explained that in terms of working to maximise operational efficiency and minimise costs, feedback from members showed that charging was taking up huge amounts of time. “In the last few years, maintenance has … [Read more...]
EV News
EU tariffs will slow EV adoption, say carmakers
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association is calling for a three-year postponement to restrictive rules on EU-UK electric vehicle trade beginning in six months. Otherwise, tariffs could total €4.3 billion, potentially reducing electric vehicle production by some 480,000 units. Goods exported under EU free-trade agreements must comply with ‘rules of origin’ to obtain tariff … [Read more...]
4×4 AI vision of legendary Land Rover Defender
Artificial intelligence has predicted what a future Land Rover Defender might look like. Combining historical trends with advancements in automotive technology, Heritage Car Insurance have harnessed the power of Midjourney, an advanced image generation AI system, to reveal what a Land Rover Defender will look like 100 years from now and the results are shocking. Featuring a vast array of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Nissan Ariya Evolve Sportpack
The Nissan Ariya not only turns heads but has the ability to change minds about electric vehicles. Striking styling both outside and in comes with deep carpets, arm-chair comfort, double-glazed windows and cabin-filling air conditioning, so it's better equipped than many homes costing four or five times the Ariya’s list price. It also has a genuine range of about 300 miles. What you get for … [Read more...]
Creating order out of chaos
The vital role the remarketing sector is playing in the electric vehicle transition needs to be more widely recognised and supported if it is to succeed, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Philip Nothard, VRA chair, said without an efficient and properly functioning EV service, logistics, storage and remarketing industry to support the volumes of electric cars and vans about to enter the … [Read more...]
Weighty problem for electric vans & drivers
Operational restrictions and uncertainties are creating issues for fleets adopting new 4.25 tonne electric vans, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. A special concession was created by the Department of Transport for electric light commercial vehicles in 2019. Normally, the holder of a standard B licence would only be able to drive a van up to 3.5 tonnes but recognising the extra weight … [Read more...]
Green-taxi trials to boost business
Cardiff Capital Region launched a Green Taxi ‘Try before you buy’ scheme in partnership with Welsh Government and Day’s Rentals, of Swansea. The scheme gives licensed taxi drivers within ten local authorities in the Cardiff Capital Region the opportunity to trial a fully electric, wheelchair accessible taxi for free for 30 days. This also includes free insurance, charging and breakdown … [Read more...]
Fleets will drive European sales this decade
Europe’s vehicle components industry says fleet purchases will dominate future sales. Boston Consulting Group and parts makers CLEPA looked at the anticipated after market business by the end of the decade. Results show that fleet vehicles are capturing a significant and rising share of the European aftermarket. Five countries alone (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Poland) will … [Read more...]
Legend car makers facing end of the road
Around 51% of car dealers think that the arrival of new Chinese electric vehicle companies in the UK market will force some established manufacturers out of business. Startline’s June Used Car Tracker also shows that 31% believe some existing brands are already falling behind and 36% say that the next few years will see them fold thanks to tougher competition. In terms of who will be affected, … [Read more...]
VW ID.Buzz launched as an electric camper-van
An Volkswagen ID Buzz has been converted into a fully functioning electric campervan for the first time - and it even has a pop up roof to create extra space. TC Conversions have adapted the vehicle to create the first fully developed camper on this platform. The company believes the camper will be a ‘gateway vehicle’ as people switch to electric camper-vanning. The conversion company based in … [Read more...]