October’s new car market grew by 14.3% to reach 153,529 registrations, 7.2% above pre-pandemic levels and marking the best performance for the month since 2018, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The 15th month of consecutive growth was driven almost entirely by large fleet registrations, which grew 28.8% to reach 87,479 units. Private demand was stable at 62,915 … [Read more...]
Global warming needs new fuel approach to crisis
The world cannot wait for alternative fuel sources and needs to take action now to cut the impact of fossil fuels, said a leading international fuel tech company. New analysis has revealed that human fossil fuel emissions are threatening the key 1.5C climate threshold twice as quickly as previously thought. Researchers say the limit could be continually breached as early as 2029, rather than the … [Read more...]
Wales’ drivers get more out of evs in winter
South and West Wales drivers will suffer less than the north of Britain as winter sweeps in and cuts the mileage from their electric cars and vans. Technical components distributor Distrelec estimates that the ideal climate for an EV is 21°C to get the most miles out of a single charge. Comparatively, EVs tend to achieve more mileage in climates that are milder. Distrelec’s research found Truro … [Read more...]
Car makers call for push-back from cliff
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, automotive industry leaders have joined forces to call for immediate action to prevent unnecessary tariffs being imposed on vital electric vehicle trade between the EU and the UK. With around two months to go until the current rules of origin (ROO) in the EU-UK trade and cooperation agreement (TCA) expire, European automotive … [Read more...]
Fleets warned of possible Chinese burn
Fleets need to check new entrant Chinese manufacturers for credibility before committing to buying their vehicles, FleetCheck is warning. Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet management software company, said that electric vehicle manufacturers from China were undergoing a period of rapid consolidation, and that some were likely to export simply as a survival strategy. “The Financial … [Read more...]
EVs price fall expected as fleets change
Second hand electric cars and vans are expected to dramatically fall in price as businesses contracts roll-over. According to independent transport research group New Automotive, companies now run around 475,000 electric cars, and 200,000 plug-in hybrids, most of which will be held for 2-4 years before being resold into the second-hand market for 50% of the original value. Thanks to … [Read more...]
EV charging network to get a welcome boost
The Government’s recently announced new electric vehicle (EV) Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 will improve EV drivers’ charging experience as the industry enters the crucial mass adoption phase. These include improved payment methods and a 99% reliable public rapid charging network. This is very good news for EV drivers. Here’s everything you need to know from Adam Hall, Director of Energy … [Read more...]
RAC calls for fuel price cut at pumps
The RAC is today urging the UK’s biggest fuel retailers to cut the price of petrol by at least 5p a litre to 150p to reflect their far lower wholesale costs. As it stands the Government’s 5p duty cut brought in shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year is not benefitting drivers struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis and, instead appears only to be helping retailers who have … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 October
The RAV4 Plug-in, Toyota’s flagship hybrid model, has been named as the most satisfying new car to own in a survey of more than 50,000 motorists by consumer champion, Which?. The survey, conducted annually, lists the nation’s favourite and least favourite cars, based on customer satisfaction scores and the likelihood of an owner recommending their car model to a friend. Transport for Wales is … [Read more...]
Tradelines 25 October
Toyota hydrogen fuel cells will be fitted in ten Iveco coaches to be used at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. They will ferry about 5,000 visitors to the games in the wider Paris region and after the event go into long-distance service on regular bus routes to demonstrate the possibilities of converting traditional diesel buses with fuel cells. About 10,000 Jaguar Land Rover cars are awaiting spare … [Read more...]