Some 63% of drivers are considering an EV for their next car, citing environmental benefits, being able to charge at home and being taxed less on their salary as the top three main reasons. Tusker runs a fleet of almost 20,000 cars, which is being transformed by the green revolution with EVs accounting for 50% of orders in 2020. In turn, its fleet has gone from 3% EV to 20% in just 12 months, … [Read more...]
E-vans benefits not explained say fleets
The new zero per cent benefit-in-kind rate for electric vans that takes effect on 6 April has been “underpublicised” when it should be helping lead to faster, wider adoption, says the Association of Fleet Operators. Chair Paul Hollick said that a key element of success in boosting demand for electric cars over the last year has been the low level of taxation, and that something similar needs to … [Read more...]
Fleets taking on more evs in business
New data from epyx suggests that 14% of cars and vans operated by fleets are now either hybrid or battery electric vehicles. The figure is taken from the company’s 1link Service Network platform, used by fleets totalling four million vehicles to buy and manage service, maintenance and repair (SMR) from nearly 9,000 franchise dealers, independent garages and fast-fits. The 14% figure covers a … [Read more...]
Volvo XC60 range widens
Volvo's award-winning XC60 mid-size SUV is now available with a full range of electrified powertrains. The former World Car of the Year is offered purely with hybrid power, from mild-hybrid petrols and diesels to petrol-electric plug-in hybrids. Every mild-hybrid powertrain in the XC60 range combines a powerful 2.0-litre engine with a 48-volt battery and a KERS kinetic energy recovery system to … [Read more...]
Continuing disagreement over evs “green” credentials
While more and more companies are focusing on electromobility in order to meet climate targets, the scientific community has by no means reached a consensus on what the propulsion system of the future will look like. This is shown in a new infographic from Block-Builders.net (right). The CO2 balance of an electric car looks much less attractive than that of a conventional combustion engine when … [Read more...]
Call for new thinking towards net zero challenge
The UK automotive sector is a valuable asset to the UK economy, generating £82bn and providing 832,000 jobs in the UK, said Matt Western MP, chair of the all party parliamentary motor group. Writing the forward to a new report on Government plans to reach net zero carbon by 2050, which will be a huge challenge for society and industry in Britain, he said there is no silver bullet to kill the … [Read more...]
Ineos Grenadier to get fuel cell version
A hydrogen-powered Ineos Grenadier will be introduced after the new 4x4 is launched. Hyundai Motor Company and INEOS announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to explore new opportunities to accelerate the global hydrogen economy after the Korean company has successfully introduced their own Nexo SUV fuel cell car (above). Hyundai and INEOS will jointly investigate opportunities for … [Read more...]
Bumpy road to low carbon future, say experts
The UK Government’s drive towards electric cars and a low carbon future faces a bumpy journey, say experts. Car-makers said they are committed to them and invested billions but the challenge of the next nine years is “immense”, according to Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. "We are pleased, therefore, to see Government accept the importance of hybrid transition technologies – which drivers are … [Read more...]
Tolled roads warning from motoring bodies
British motorists are likely to be facing a new national tolled roads system. The scheme is being put forward again to offset losses from falling fuel duties and taxes, which accelerated during the lockdowns. They left a £40 Billion hole in Government finances and this week it's expected and reported by national media that the tolled roads system will be unveiled in a green industry paper on … [Read more...]
Used electric cars now growing sales
Second-hand battery and electric cars are being sought by drivers, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in their latest report on the used car market. The UK’s used car market increased by 4.4% in Q3 after two consecutive quarters of decline, according to the latest figures published today by the SMMT. During the busiest quarter since the end of 2016, some 2,168,599 transactions … [Read more...]