If leasing companies electrify their fleets earlier, 18 million more households in the EU will have access to cheaper EVs and save on their car spending. At current rates of electrification, 33 million households in the EU will have access to second hand electric cars from today until 2035. But if the leasing sector accelerates its uptake of EVs, this would go up by 56% - up to 51 million, says … [Read more...]
ECA criticises Government over mixed messages in King’s Speech
Leading electrotechnical and engineering services body ECA said the King’s speech had little to offer the sector, despite it being a driving force in the transition to Net Zero carbon. The association, which represents over 60,000 professionals, welcomed the prospect of accelerated investment in renewables and grid connections. However, it sees additional oil and gas licensing as an unnecessary … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 March
European countries are failing to provide enough ev charging or hydrogen refuelling points for their aim to cut carbon emissions, according to vehicle makers. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation agreed last week was welcome but “Already today, a lack of charging and refuelling stations is severely hampering the market uptake of zero-emission vehicles,” stated ACEA Director General, … [Read more...]
Electrical apprenticeships lead to some of best careers
A new guide published by the Department for Education and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education has highlighted the fact that electrical apprenticeships can offer some of the best career prospects for young people. ECA Director of Workforce and Public Affairs Andrew Eldred said, “This endorsement from the Department for Education and IfATE confirms what we in industry already … [Read more...]
Higher charging costs threaten electric cars, says RAC
There’s potential for the Government’s net-zero transport ambitions to be derailed if higher electricity prices put drivers off from switching to an electric model, said RAC EV spokesperson Simon Williams. The 34p per kilowatt hour Energy Price Guarantee will significantly cushion the impact of rising energy prices affecting drivers of electric cars. “From 1 October it will cost on average … [Read more...]
Britain’s ‘not spots’ for vehicle charging revealed
A new national map that shows for the first time where UK businesses need kerbside charging close to the homes of 75,000 company van drivers has been unveiled by the Association of Fleet Professionals. The map shows where drivers employed by AFP member companies need kerbside charging in order to adopt an electric vehicle. Key findings include that nearly four out of 10 homes (38.7%) are without … [Read more...]
Councils threats to low income families’ cars
The poorest will be hit hardest by future car bans in cities, say filling station owners. While there is a need to reduce tailpipe emissions, especially in cities, local mayors should be mindful that any extra charges will significantly impact low income households who are already struggling with high energy costs, said Gordon Balmer Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association, … [Read more...]
Full throttle drive to boost evs and manufacturing jobs
Car makers have called for millions of new charging points to be installed in Britain and for Government help towards building enormous factories to manufacture traction batteries for new cars if the UK is to hit its low and zero emissions goals. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders ambitious plan, ‘Full Throttle: Driving UK Automotive Competitiveness’, is intended secure the future of … [Read more...]
Government statements slowing car sales recovery
Continuing confusion over Net Zero targets is slowing the recovery of motor sales. Seán Kemple, Managing Director of Close Brothers Motor Finance, said, “March marks a year since the first UK national lockdown, and the industry has evolved remarkably during this time. “New car sales are going ahead through click and collect, or click and deliver, services, and dealers continue to adopt new ways … [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...]