Alex Grant
Ford boosts EV R&D ahead of new launches
Ford is to begin developing and manufacturing electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in China, for local customers, by the end of the decade.
UK rush for hybrids and EVs ahead of April VED changes
Electrified vehicles accounted for one in 25 registrations during the first three months of the year, figures from the SMMT reveal, with hybrid and electric cars recording the fastest growth.
Road Test: Toyota C-HR Hybrid Dynamic
The C-HR feels like a meeting of worlds for Toyota; a convergence of its aggressive new family styling, lighter and sharper-driving platform and more versatile hybrid technology, all sensibly rolled into a car engineered … Read More »
Road test: Toyota Prius PHV
It’s unquestionably clever, but the Prius PHV has a major sticking point, explains Alex Grant.
Chargemaster offers free upgrades as Source East network closes
Former Plugged-in Places charging scheme, Source East, is to close at the end of the month, with Chargemaster offering hosts complimentary upgrades to join its own POLAR network.
First Drive: Tesla Model X
Insurgent luxury brand Tesla can only widen its appeal with an electric SUV, reckons Alex Grant.
Road Test: Tesla Model S 60D
For all the notoriety it gained with its extraordinary acceleration and all-digital dashboard, the real achievement of the Tesla Model S is how much it’s normalised electric driving.
One in four European PHEVs registered in the UK last year
The UK remained Europe’s largest market for plug-in hybrids during 2016, accounting for almost a quarter of the total volume, figures from manufacturers’ association ACEA reveal.
Vattenfall plans 100% electric fleet
Swedish power company Vattenfall is to convert its 3,500-strong fleet to electric vehicles as part of aims to be climate neutral by 2050.
First Drive: Renault ZOE Z.E. 40
Doubling the ZOE’s range takes it into the mainstream company car market, says Steve Moody.
Tesla Model S gets industry-leading 393-mile range
Tesla has launched its longest-range Model S to date, capable of travelling 393 miles to a full charge under European test cycle conditions.
Plug-in sales likely to overtake diesel in Norway this year
Over 40% of Norway’s new cars were a hybrid, electric or hydrogen fuel cell models last year, with plug-ins set to overtake petrol and diesel volumes during 2017.
2021 launch for 360-mile, fast-charging EV battery
Samsung SDI has developed an electric vehicle battery said to offer a range of 360 miles and recharge to 80% in 20 minutes, and expects to begin mass production by 2021.
Outside the Box
Using Nissan LEAF battery cells, Hyperdrive Innovation has developed a modular battery pack which will enable small-volume vehicles to take advantage of the latest EV technology without the huge R&D costs of going bespoke, … Read More »
Ford confirms electric SUV, hybrid Transit and Mustang
Ford will launch an electric SUV and hybrid versions of the Transit Custom, Mustang and F-150 by the end of the decade, as part of plans to broaden its line-up of electrified options.
Toyota targets fun and frugality to next hybrids
Toyota is targeting lighter, more efficient and more engaging drives from its next-generation hybrid system, which it says will feature in 60% of vehicles it sells in Europe, Japan, the US and China by … Read More »
New Opportunities for Electromobility
Commercial vehicles and the start of a broader mobility solution are driving new opportunities for Nissan’s electric range, explains Gareth Dunsmore, electric vehicle director at Nissan Europe.
2017 launch for 350kW European EV charging network
A network of 400 ultra-fast charging stations for electric vehicles along major European routes is to begin construction next year, equally funded by a joint venture comprising BMW, Daimler, Ford and the Volkswagen Group.
Autumn Statement backs UK’s plug-in market
The Autumn Statement has identified several new incentives for businesses to run plug-in vehicles, including tax breaks for charging equipment, additional public infrastructure and a new Benefit in Kind system from 2020.
Free EV charging at Birmingham and Luton airports
POD Point and Airparks have partnered to offer free electric vehicle charging at Birmingham and Luton airport car parks.
