Alex Grant
Kia hints at fuel economy for hybrid and plug-in Optimas
It’s unconfirmed as yet whether the Optima Hybrid will be available in right-hand drive markets this time, but Kia has said the new version will target a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to … Read More »
Kia previews <90g/km hybrid crossover
Unveiled as a pair of sketches, it’s likely that the Niro will be positioned in the B-SUV segment against the Nissan Juke, though Kia hasn’t confirmed this, and is said to offer the practicality … Read More »
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid priced from £26,195
On sale now, the hybrid uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine with electric motors at the front and rear axles, similar to the system used in the platform-shared Lexus NX 300h. CO2 emissions and fuel … Read More »
Driving, Unwired
Technology which could enable electric vehicles to charge is about to be trialled in the UK, and the benefits go beyond curing range anxiety, as Alex Grant explains.
Audi buys hydrogen fuel cell patents
The manufacturer has an ongoing co-operation with the company, which lasts until 2019, and says the patents will underpin developments in hydrogen fuel cell systems for the Volkswagen and Audi brands. Concept versions of … Read More »
BMW UK confirms four PHEVs by next summer
The first, the 225xe Active Tourer, arrives in March 2016 with a choice of Sport and Luxury trim levels. This uses a 134bhp three-cylinder petrol engine to drive the front wheels, and an 88bhp … Read More »
Californian EV manufacturer eyes first factory location
Faraday Future, which describes itself as a “well-funded” mobility company, said it is developing a full range of 100% electric vehicles with a technology-first approach and a high level of connectivity, claiming that “today’s … Read More »
First Drive: Nissan LEAF 30kWh
It’s indicative of the relatively low consumer understanding of electric vehicle technology that the most important update for the Nissan LEAF since it launched in 2011 isn’t flagged up by a badge or marked … Read More »
The UK is Europe's fastest-growing plug-in market
Figures from ACEA show the European market for electric, plug-in hybrid and range-extended electric vehicles grew 79.5% year on year, from 64,235 units in the first nine months of 2014, to 115,297 units in … Read More »
Lexus hints at hydrogen fuel cell LS luxury saloon
The LF-FC concept is 5.3 metres long – bigger than the current LS and is designed to look a little like a four-door coupe. There are four individual seats inside, and the dashboard features … Read More »
Next Honda Clarity Fuel Cell gets 2016 European launch date
The Clarity Fuel Cell is said to be the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell car to package the fuel cell stack and the drivetrain in the space normally used by the engine and transmission … Read More »
Nissan's autonomous EV concept previews next-gen LEAF technology
The IDS concept continues Nissan’s goal of developing electric mass-produced vehicles which offer at least the same convenience as petrol or diesel-powered models. It’s powered by a 60kWh battery – twice that of the … Read More »
TfL sets out timescale for 'zero emission' taxis and minicabs
Taxi operators face the nearest deadlines – as of the 1st January 2018, all newly registered vehicles will have to be capable of driving electrically. TfL has set out a target of 9,000 ‘zero … Read More »
Renault-Nissan provides all-electric fleet for COP21 summit
Driven by a team of 200 professional drivers and 200 Renault and Nissan volunteers, the fleet is expected to cover around 240,000 miles providing a 24-hour, seven-day per week shuttle service to and from … Read More »
First Drive: Toyota Mirai
Although Toyota isn’t aiming for Corolla-esque volumes with the Mirai, the brand’s first production hydrogen fuel cell car is probably the most important new model it’s launched in the UK since the original Prius.
Fleets to lead five-fold growth in UK ULEV share
Speaking at ‘The Future of Business Mobility’ summit in London, hosted by Go Ultra Low, Jones said the fleet sector was already accounting for almost two thirds of the 20,992 sales during the first … Read More »
Aston Martin previews 2017 electric vehicle
The RapidE concept was developed in partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering in Grove, Oxfordshire, and the next phase of development is being explored with Chinese investment group, ChinaEquity. If successful, the RapidE could be … Read More »
Nissan and Ecotricity call for standardised EV network signage
The two companies have suggested that, with 9,000 charging points, British roads need universal symbols to show standard and rapid charger locations nearby, and they are hoping to encourage the Department for Transport and … Read More »
ABB and Microsoft launch cloud-connected charging points
The collaborative project enables ABB’s charging points to use the Microsoft Azure cloud, in turn meaning networks can communicate across the globe, new units can be added easily and there are opportunities for machine … Read More »
Oslo city centre to be car-free by 2019
Formed of the Oslo Labour Party, the Green Party in Oslo and the Socialist Left Party after three weeks of negotiations, the new government will now serve a four-year term and begin plans to … Read More »
