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 … [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 … [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, … [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 … [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 … [Read more...]
Dealers hold keys to starting shift to evs
The role franchised dealers play in the shift to electric vehicles was the main theme discussed by Stephen Latham, Head of Operations at the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), at the Renewable Energy Association’s EV Experience conference. Latham analysed current consumer attitudes towards electric cars and the challenges they face. He … [Read more...]
Battery life lines
With the right care, car batteries have a life expectancy of up to five years. However, neglect can cut the lifespan down, and even leave you stranded with a flat battery in some instances. To help you get the most out of your car’s battery, Euro Car Parts has provided five easy ways to keep your car battery happy and healthy - helping you to avoid … [Read more...]
How hybrids can be bad for business & society
FleetCheck is warning of poor fuel economy and an increase in emissions for fleets moving to plug-in hybrids, unless accompanied by significant fleet policy changes. The fleet software and management specialist says that a number of issues need to be tackled – from making charging points available to teaching drivers new on-road skills. Peter Golding, … [Read more...]
Charging network must expand to boost EV take-up
The UK’s current charging infrastructure needs development if the growth potential of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid EVs is to be fully realised for fleets, says Arval. Methods of accessing charging points are inconsistent, potentially creating a barrier for fleet drivers, says the leading vehicle leasing and fleet management company. Fleet … [Read more...]
