Alex Grant
U.S. says electric vehicles must make a noise by 2019
Hybrid and electric vehicles will be required to emit an audible warning at low speeds, following a new federal safety standard set in the United States.
First Drive: BMW 740e & 740Le xDrive
Defying that idea that electrification is mainly a technology for small cars, BMW’s first plug-in hybrid 7 Series perhaps makes a better case for itself than some of the brand’s similarly-powered compact models.
Challenges ahead: Brexit and the UK’s ULEV market
Juha Stenberg, managing director of Ensto Chago, on the post-Brexit environmental landscape and the challenges of the shift to electric mobility.
Road Test: BMW 225xe Sport Active Tourer
The all-to-common problem with plug-in hybrids is the cost of the technology means it’s fitted to large vehicles with usage that often doesn’t suit short EV ranges and the thirsty petrol engines they rely … Read More »
Nissan hints at petrol range-extenders for future EVs
Nissan has launched a range-extended electric drivetrain in the Note compact MPV; the first time it has offered its EV technology with a petrol backup.[/vc_column_text] The e-POWER system was previewed in the Gripz SUV … Read More »
Prices revealed for longer-range Renault ZOE
The updated Renault ZOE is available to order in the UK, now offering a 250-mile range and unlimited mileage leasing options for its new higher-capacity battery.
The UK is now Europe’s largest market for PHEVs
The UK has become Europe’s largest market for plug-in hybrids, with over a quarter of the region’s rapidly-growing volumes sold here during the three quarters of 2016.
New MINI Countryman to include plug-in hybrid
MINI will launch its first plug-in hybrid next year, adding the drivetrain from the BMW 225xe Active Tourer to the new, larger Countryman crossover from June.
DfT proposals aim for easier charging point access
The Department for Transport has put forward plans to make electric vehicle charging points and hydrogen fueling stations easier to access and more widespread.
Knowledge still a barrier for fleet ULEV uptake, says Arval
Take-up of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is being held back by a lack of understanding of the technology and how it can best be used, according to Arval.
Road Test: BMW 330e iPerformance M Sport
Having shown what it’s capable of with the futuristic i3 and i8, the iPerformance line-up is where BMW’s plug-in technology competes for the mainstream. Particularly the plug-in hybrid 330e, which combines the driver appeal … Read More »
Fossilised algae could enable cheaper, longer-range EVs
Researchers in California have discovered a cheaper and greener way to produce long-range lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, using fossilised algae.
European ultra-fast charging network due in 2018
A network of 25 ultra-fast charging is to be installed on a near-700 mile route between Austria and the Netherlands from 2018, offering a seven-fold increase in power output compared to today’s rapid chargers.
Extra EV funding for California’s poorest households
California has tightened its income caps for residents to receive purchase incentives on electric vehicles, while increasing support for low-income households to buy them.
GKN reveals new electric rear axle for PHEVs
Component manufacturer GKN Driveline has developed a lightweight, all-in-one electric rear axle for plug-in hybrids, due to debut in 2019 in a European carmaker’s product line-up and sold globally.
Rolec EV launches expenses-friendly home charging point
Rolec EV has developed an internet-connected domestic charging point, enabling remote tracking of energy use for company cars for expenses and accounting.
Large fleets to drive New Zealand’s EV market
More than 30 private sector companies in New Zealand have committed to switching at least a third of their fleet to electric vehicles by 2019 – set to increase the country’s EV parc by … Read More »
Netherlands begins nationwide smart charging trial
A nationwide smart charging project has begun in the Netherlands, with the aim of establishing a set of international standards for the technology.
49g/km BMW 5 Series PHEV due next March
The new BMW 5 Series will be available as a plug-in hybrid from next March, offering CO2 emissions of 49g/km.
First Drive: BMW i3 94Ah
Despite its futuristic styling, the BMW i3 was a big step towards normalising electric vehicle ownership when it launched three years ago. Not only was the ‘megacity car’ a clever product – lightweight, space-efficient … Read More »
