Over half of UK drivers say electric cars cost too much and charging points are too scarce. The Opinium survey of 2,000 UK drivers, commissioned by InsuretheGap, a supplier of Guaranteed Asset Protection, asked drivers what they thought of electric cars. Cost is the biggest concern for most drivers, with 56% saying electric cars cost too much (58% men and 54% women), rising to 65% of 55 and … [Read more...]
Vauxhall Corsa-e deal expands
Vauxhall in partnership with British Gas has expanded its offer of 30,000 miles of free electricity and a free Home Charging Unit for new Corsa-e customers, to include vehicles purchased on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Conditional Sale (CS). The offer gives buyers access to an exclusive British Gas Dual Fuel Tariff, with Vauxhall crediting each customer’s account to cover the cost of … [Read more...]
UK needs major rethink for EV charging network
Solving the infrastructure challenge is one of the final pieces of the electric vehicles puzzle, said Dan Hutson, head of motor insurance with comparethemarket.com. Ofgem’s focus on building capacity for 11 million electric cars in the UK will be welcome news to many who want an electric car but are concerned about the volume of charging points. He said, “Improving the electrical infrastructure … [Read more...]
Warnings to drivers of furloughed EVs
Electric vehicle drivers may need to unplug their cars and vans during the coronavirus lockdown in order to reduce the risk of battery damage, Arval UK has suggested. David Watts, consultant at the fleet management and leasing company, explained that leaving an EV permanently on charge while the vehicle was hardly being used could cause issues. He explained: “General manufacturer advice is that … [Read more...]
Budget of hope to smooth rough ride ahead
The Budget provides something for today’s and tomorrow’s drivers, said RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes. “Today the Chancellor has given a boost to drivers of today’s vehicles with a fuel duty freeze while also investing in tomorrow with funding for rapid charging hubs for electric vehicles, an extension to the plug-in car grant, funding to repair Britain’s roads and a commitment to spend on … [Read more...]
Newcomers 28 January
The electric-only smart EQ range of small two or four seater cars with 82hp motor and 70miles range is now on sale from £16,850 after the £3,500 Government plug-in grant. Rapid charging takes 40 mins to near capacity or under six hours via a domestic wall box, it will reach a governed 81mph and deliveries begin in March for the restyled and highly specified models of coupe, convertible or saloon … [Read more...]
Newslines 29 November
Vale of Glamorgan Council is working with providers to install several charging locations for 50 e-bikes in Penarth. It will not only provide transport in the town but also intended to link with a similar scheme in Cardiff which has been successfully running for two years. A second trade union has voted for taking strike action over conditions and pay for gritting staff. On Monday members of … [Read more...]
Petrol & diesel popularity dominates buying plans
Petrol and diesel cars will dominate vehicle sales in the foreseeable future, according to a poll for information agency Somo. Despite the environment being the biggest driver for switching to an electric vehicle, new research by digital transformation agency, Somo, has identified that the interest in petrol vehicles is not declining. In fact, over half would consider purchasing a … [Read more...]
Mapping the range of EVs
Today’s electric cars with the longest range can travel over 250 miles on a single charge but for many potential buyers a perceived lack of range is still a major barrier to going electric. To help overcome this misconception and give drivers the confidence to make the switch, the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) have together produced a … [Read more...]
Charging, range and costs are keys to starting ev drive
Ease of charging, distance travelled on one charge and saving money are the top considerations for drivers when it comes to buying an electric car. In a national Opinium survey of 2,000 UK drivers, commissioned by InsuretheGap, a leading supplier of Guaranteed Asset Protection insurance for new and second-hand cars, four-fifths of drivers answered what would make them more likely to buy an … [Read more...]