It has become clear that, however well-meaning its intentions, the ZEV Mandate needs to change, and it is good news that the government has recognised this fact relatively soon after being elected and appears to be taking the issue seriously, said Paul Hollick, chairman of the Association of Fleet Professionals. It is also positive that the consultation announced by Jonathan Reynolds last night … [Read more...]
E-vans myths’ exposed
With the government laying out its Net Zero Strategy1 to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy by 2050, fleet owners and van drivers are feeling the pressure to make the switch to EVs. In fact, Vansdirect has spotted searches for ‘how much are electric vans’ are up by 100% over the last three months, while searches for ‘best electric vans’ have increased by 24% in the same … [Read more...]
Weighty problem for electric vans & drivers
Operational restrictions and uncertainties are creating issues for fleets adopting new 4.25 tonne electric vans, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. A special concession was created by the Department of Transport for electric light commercial vehicles in 2019. Normally, the holder of a standard B licence would only be able to drive a van up to 3.5 tonnes but recognising the extra weight … [Read more...]
Motorists reconsidering ev options for new cars
The latest survey of 300 UK motorists by Venson Automotive Solutions revealed that the anticipated 54% rise in electricity and gas bills next month is impacting car buyers’ decisions on switching to electric vehicles. Although electrified vehicles accounted for more than a third of all new cars leaving dealerships in February, Venson’s survey showed that a third of motorists currently exploring … [Read more...]
UK drivers shunning electric cars over costs
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...]
Sunday drive: Suzuki Across PHEV SUV 2.5
Partnerships between automotive manufacturers are now commonplace as they share costs to bring to market more and more lower exhaust emission models, writes David Miles. They're needed to meet tightening CO2 targets and avoid financial penalties if overall range emissions fail to meet new targets. One of these emerging partnerships is between Japanese brands Toyota and Suzuki. Toyota is … [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...]
New Nissan Leaf bursting with technology
The new more powerful Nissan Leaf EV will go on UK sale early next year with a dramatically increased range and completely new look. The range to be built in the UK was shown off in Japan and features advanced driver aids including partial autonomous mode and multi-function e-Pedal, a 40 mins charging time, 110KW motor and range over 200 miles. … [Read more...]
Majority business motorists thinking of EVs
Venson Automotive Solutions says 85% of motorists would now consider buying an electric vehicle or choosing one as their company car. However, concern over a lack of charging points is a significant ownership hurdle for those surveyed (69%). People living in the South East of England (88%) were more concerned about the availability of charging points than those living elsewhere in the … [Read more...]
EV claims overlook payload range cost
The range of an electric van can almost halve when it is carrying a full payload in real world conditions, according to a new trial by Arval, a leading vehicle leasing and fleet management company. The study showed that, over the same 33.58-mile course, an EV with a full payload lost over 85% of its range compared to a 45% loss for one that was carrying nothing. Eddie Parker, Commercial … [Read more...]