Alex Grant
Tesla releases European pricing for Model S saloon
The Model S will launch in left hand drive markets during the first half of 2013, and Tesla’s European arm, based out of Maidenhead, is appointing a team of fleet experts to establish the … Read More »
Global Lexus hybrid sales pass half a million mark
The carmaker said it sold 26,000 vehicles in the first year, but by 30 November this year the annual total was already at 113,000. Around a quarter of the worldwide total, 126,000, have sold … Read More »
IBM takes steps to create Europe-wide charging network
The intiative is part of the Green eMotion project, in which IBM is one of 43 European partners, and a step towards establishing a Europe-wide electric vehicle charging infrastructure by 2015. Named B2B Marketplace, … Read More »
Nissan opens largest EV battery plant in United States
Positioned adjacent to the carmaker’s existing factory, which has just been re-tooled to manufacture North American market Nissan LEAFs, the plant is aimed at meeting the demands of a scheduled ramp-up in production for … Read More »
Hertz adds Nissan LEAF to Milan rental fleet
Available to rent by the hour or by the day, the vehicles can be booked at the pickup point or pre-arranged online. As an electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF is eligible for free access … Read More »
Revised E-Class Hybrid ups efficiency
The figures retain the car’s position as the most efficient model in its class, due to its unique drivetrain. Under the bonnet is the 2.1-litre 202bhp diesel engine from the E250 CDI, but combined … Read More »
Chargemaster to acquire Elektromotive for £8.5m
The acquisition will form one of Europe’s largest joint charging networks, with Elektromotive’s strong sales bases in Belgium and Ireland complementing Chargemaster’s coverage in France, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Elektromotive has 15 … Read More »
Endesa begins 12-month SEAT EV trial
The battery-electric Altea XL Electric Ecomotive and plug-in hybrid Leon TwinDrive will be used by eight participating drivers, each for three months, with SEAT noting feedback to inform the development of a mass-production electric … Read More »
Holden Volt helps Telstra improve its fleet efficiency
The cars will be the first time Telstra has had plug-in vehicles on its fleet, and all are wrapped in environmentally-friendly decals made with latex inks and vinyl. National manager of Telstra fleet, Brendan … Read More »
Fisker to open Technical Centre in Midwest
The centre will be located close to key component suppliers and technical expertise, as well as bringing the company closer to its planned production facility in Delaware, where the Atlantic is likely to be … Read More »
Stakeholders meet in Brussels to discuss EV component standardisation
Held in Brussels, the meeting pulled together technical experts from the automotive industry, government and stakeholders in the electromobility market. Discussions centred on setting priorities for which systems should be standardised first to avoid … Read More »
US Volt owners cover 65% of mileage on electricity
The data is collected in real-time via the Volt’s built-in OnStar telematics system and shown as a live counter Chevrolet’s website. This reveals that an average owner spends 65% of their time travelling with … Read More »
Asian markets to lead fuel cell adoption
Industry analysts Frost and Sullivan studied the market for fuel cell electric vehicles in 2011, and said Japanese and South Korean manufacturers were readying the technology for commercial release. By 2020, fuel cell vehicles … Read More »
First Drive: Toyota Auris Hybrid
So while there are few clues alluding to it, most of the platform and drivetrain are left unchanged here. Toyota got running costs, practicality and reliability right the first time. Instead, the new Auris … Read More »
Renault launches Twizy sharing service in France
Open on weekdays between midday and 7pm, the store will allow customers to subscribe to the service and collect their badge. Designed to be as flexible as possible, the shared vehicles can be left … Read More »
GM adds Spark to electric vehicle market
Unveiled at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, the Spark EV uses a GM-developed 130bhp electric motor and lithium ion battery pack designed based on knowledge gained from the Volt. It will also be … Read More »
Tesla to establish European fleet team
Developed entirely in-house, the Model S offers performance on par with large executive sports saloons and a choice of three battery options offering ranges of up to 500km. Importation costs will lift prices higher … Read More »
GM announces ambitious electromobility plans
Mary Barra, senior vice president of global product development told media attending the GM Electrification Experience in San Francisco: ‘The plug-in offers a unique opportunity to change the way people commute/ Plug-based solutions will … Read More »
Ampera reaches 2,000 European fleet orders
Some fleets have ordered up to 20 vehicles, the manufacturers claim, with many including the Ampera in choice lists alongside conventional petrol and diesel models. The Association of Car Fleet Operators has also named … Read More »
Fisker reports first UK sale for Karma EV
Fisker Europe is based in Munich and began deliveries in February, with all European-market Karmas built in Finland by contract manufacturer Valmet. Customers in France, Italy and Germany have all had cars delivered, while … Read More »
