Alex Grant
Tesla adds fully driverless parking via software update
Added during the Version 7.1 software update, the Summon function enables the Model S and Model X to drive autonomously, in a straight line for up to almost 12 metres, though it’s recommended that … Read More »
49g/km plug-in hybrid E-Class confirmed
Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show today, the E-Class will launch with four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines both equipped with nine-speed automatic gearboxes, and the latter will offer a class-leading CO2 figure of 102g/km. … Read More »
Plug-in registrations doubled in 2015, SMMT data shows
That’s driven by a sizeable shift towards plug-in hybrids and range extenders (which are categorised together by the SMMT). Registrations increased by 10,419 units on 2014 volumes – 76% of the total 13,656-unit uplift … Read More »
200-mile Chevrolet Bolt EV revealed
Named Bolt, as per the concept car shown at the Detroit Motor Show last January, it’s the longest-range electric vehicle outside Tesla’s model range, and will be available for sales and service at any … Read More »
U.S. Congress backs EV infrastructure growth
Included in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which became law in December, the Secretary for Transportation will be required to designate corridors nationwide within a year, which will feature refuelling infrastructure for … Read More »
Volkswagen previews modular EV platform
Unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the BUDD-e is an MPV which is slightly larger than the Touran, and designed to show the potential of the Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit … Read More »
California carpool lane access scheme reaches 85,000 limit
Introduced in 2012, the Clean Air Vehicle decal scheme enabled drivers of eligible hybrid, electric, hydrogen fuel cell and CNG cars to use the state’s High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, without passengers, during rush … Read More »
2016’s biggest electric and hybrid launches
12 reasons to consider an alternative fuel vehicle for your fleet this year. By Alex Grant.
OLEV extends Plug-in Car Grant to 2018
From the 1st of March 2016, the scheme will offer up to £4,500 or 35% off the purchase price for vehicles with a battery range of more than 70 miles and CO2 emissions of … Read More »
AccorHotels rolls out first EV charging points
Provided through a partnership with AccorHotels, which owns the two chains, the charging points will be 22kW or 7kW units, the former enabling the Renault ZOE to be charged in an hour, though it’s … Read More »
Plug-in hybrids a quarter of Audi volume in some markets
Between January and the end of October, Audi sold 9,200 A3 e-trons across Western Europe, with the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, the UK and France as its top five markets. There are around 1,200 registered … Read More »
PSA signs deal on EV battery recycling
The deal extends an ongoing partnership with the Société Nouvelle d'Affinage des Métaux (SNAM), which will be responsible for collecting nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion high-voltage batteries from Peugeot, Citroën and DS dealerships and repair … Read More »
Saab developing five-model electric vehicle range
Speaking at the Di Stora Bildagen (Big Picture) automotive conference, held near Stockholm, Bergman said National Electric Vehicle Sweden – the holding company which owns Saab Automobile AB – remains committed to electromobility, supported … Read More »
Affordable, long-distance electric Volkswagen to break cover at CES
The brand said it will hold a keynote the evening before the show opens on the 6th January, where Dr Herbert Diess, chairman of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, will unveil the manufacturer’s latest … Read More »
Ford adds rapid charging to next Focus Electric
It comes as the manufacturer confirms an additional $4.5bn (£3bn) investment in electrified drivetrains over the next five years, planning for 40% of its global nameplates to include the technology by the end of … Read More »
Foundations for Growth
One year into its new ownership, the Source London charging network isn’t only improving its offering to electric vehicle owners, it’s about to become the basis of a large-scale car sharing scheme. Alex Grant … Read More »
Electric Highway tariffs will still undercut petrol or diesel, says Ecotricity
Speaking at the Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum this week, the Electric Highway’s managing director, Simon Crowfoot, believes there will be a small drop-off in usage as a result, but only at first. … Read More »
Hydrogen market needs government collaboration, says Shell
Speaking at the Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum, Roger Hunter, general manager, alternative energy and fuel development strategy at Shell, said forthcoming vehicle launches and investment in refuelling infrastructure were positive signs for … Read More »
Learning to Drive: On the road with Tesla Autopilot
Tesla’s first steps towards fully-autonomous vehicles, Autopilot is now live in the UK. Alex Grant took a passenger ride to find out more.
EV batteries to reduce demand spikes and fossil fuel use
The partnership is combining batteries from end-of-life LEAFs with Eaton’s uninterruptable power supply technology, enabling users to manage grid-sourced electricity consumption or store energy from renewable sources, reducing demand spikes and reliance on fossil … Read More »
