The UK could be using its tax system to discourage the growth of large new SUV sales, which recent T&E analysis found had grown by 23% between 2022 and 2023. With the Budget due next week, the environmental group said that the UK has shown some leadership with its tax system, however as company car drivers in the UK are benefiting from a progressive … [Read more...]
Newslines 22 January
If those who drive the furthest ditched fossil fuels, the UK could save all of the oil – 13.6 million tonnes – expected to be extracted from the North Sea by the 2040s, according to analysis by the New Automotive group. The 25% group also accounts for more than half of all miles driven and more than half of costs spent on motoring, a report by transport … [Read more...]
Electric SUVs charging into van market
Electric SUVs are being chosen by some fleets as an alternative to diesel and electric vans, Arval UK is reporting. The company says that as long as the space, payload and towing capacity offered by eSUVs is adequate, they can bring a wide range of advantages over their electric van (e-van) counterparts. Ben Edwards, Consultant, said, “We’re at … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Audi Q8 e-tron 55 quattro
Audi’s flagship all-electric model is on course to make waves in the luxury sector. The Q8 e-tron available in both SUV and Sportback coupe bodystyles comes with different battery sizes, charging and range potential but all get 4WD. There are four trim levels beginning with Sport, moving onto S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung. All versions can be … [Read more...]
Makers dropping small cars pick up criticisms
Carmakers are prioritising the production, marketing and sale of larger vehicles like SUVs and e-SUVs over more affordable, smaller EVs. Smaller EVs could help those on lower incomes gain from the benefits of using EVs as well as more efficient use of critical raw materials essential in efforts to achieve net zero. The arrival of more affordable, smaller … [Read more...]
Lords looking into Government’s ev plans
An electric vehicles inquiry is being launched by Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee. Given the importance of decarbonising transport to reach net zero, the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee is launching an inquiry into electric vehicles (EVs) today. The aim of the inquiry is to understand how the Government will achieve … [Read more...]
Government damaging confusion over cleaner vehicles
This week’s government ambivalence over the longstanding 2030 EV sales deadline is potentially “damaging for fleets” who are committed to electrification, says FleetCheck. Peter Golding (below), managing director at the leading fleet software provider, said that prime minister Rishi Sunak’s equivocation when asked about the deadline by an interviewer had … [Read more...]
Green-taxi trials to boost business
Cardiff Capital Region launched a Green Taxi ‘Try before you buy’ scheme in partnership with Welsh Government and Day’s Rentals, of Swansea. The scheme gives licensed taxi drivers within ten local authorities in the Cardiff Capital Region the opportunity to trial a fully electric, wheelchair accessible taxi for free for 30 days. This also includes free … [Read more...]
EVs are too expensive, drivers tell Go.Compare
A new survey from Go.Compare Car Insurance found that cost is the main barrier stopping drivers from getting an electric vehicle. In light of the government’s 2030 and 2035 EV targets, the comparison site asked motorists whether they were planning on buying an EV in the next five years. Over half of the respondents (57.9%) stated they weren’t thinking of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Cupra Born V2
As growth accelerates in the electric car market, some traditional manufacturers like SEAT are refining and introducing new sub-brands. The sector has pulled in completely new brands from China alongside off-shoots of European and Asian manufacturers who all want a piece of this increasingly important “green” branch of the high earning business. SEAT … [Read more...]
