Alex Grant
Less weight, more choice for 2013 LEAF
The upgrades are available on Japanese-market LEAFs at the moment, bringing the model line-up to three trim levels. Leather upholstery, new alloy wheels and Nissan's Around View Monitor camera-based parking assistance system have all … Read More »
Chevrolet Volt batteries could get second life
The demonstration unit used five Volt batteries to provide power to lighting and audiovisual equipment during the carmaker’s Electrification Experience. Units such as this are claimed to be able to supply three to five … Read More »
First Drive: BMW ActiveHybrid 7
BMW had a go at introducing a 7 Series Hybrid a few years ago, based on the 4.4-litre V8 from the 750i. It was a technological first for the carmaker, and very powerful too. … Read More »
Fiat reveals electric 500
The 500e uses a 111bhp battery-electric drivetrain which can be charged in under four hours to offer an 80-mile estimated range, rising to 110 miles in town. Fiat has used a revised chassis setup … Read More »
Jetta Hybrid hints at European plug-in Golf
The Jetta Hybrid is the first North American market vehicle to use the 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, which combined with its electric motor offers a combined 170bhp and 184lb.ft. It can be driven on … Read More »
BMW's first electric car nears production reality
Presented with single-colour burnt orange bodywork, it’s the biggest hint as to what the production version will look like. Smaller than a 1 Series, the original i3 concept’s transparent doors and blue-accented paintwork haven’t … Read More »
BMW i Ventures invests in mobile app developer
Announced at the BMW i “Born Electric” tour in New York City, it follows investments in MyCityWay, ParkAtMyHouse and Chargepoint ahead of the launch of its plug-in vehicle range. The investments to date are … Read More »
Nissan LEAF joins Hertz on Demand San Antonio fleet
The programme launched in San Antonio in March, and its success has made the city the second in Texas to have an electric vehicle on its fleet. Hertz on Demand is a pay-as-you-go service … Read More »
SAE launches online certification scheme for electric vehicle technicians
Developed in association with experts from the automotive industry, the scheme includes three levels to meet the needs of different personnel, each with their own exam questions to assess the required knowledge. The courses … Read More »
Honda announces 30% more efficient hybrid powertrain
SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive is based on a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, rather than the continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured in IMA. It’s the first time Honda … Read More »
Coca-Cola begins Nissan electric van trial
The e-NV200 will be used a s a regional sales vehicle in Yokohama, recharged only at night to minimise grid impact and test if overnight charging is enough to meet drivers’ needs during the … Read More »
Ford triples plug-in vehicle trained dealers in United States
The carmaker had originally targeted high demand areas of California, New York and New Jersey, from where customers have been able to buy the Focus Electric since this spring. A further 700 dealers are … Read More »
Volvo starts tests of 6x faster on-board charger
The charger will be tested in a few of the company’s own C30 Electric test cars, and offers three charging options for drivers. At 32A, the car can be topped up to offer a … Read More »
Fast charging offered at four Cracker Barrel stores in Houston area
The fast charging units offer a 50-mile range top-up in 15 minutes and are located at Cracker Barrel stores in Kingwood, League City, Pearland and West Houston, with access given to eVgo subscribers 24 … Read More »
Twizy joins Paris firefighter brigade
Co-developed by the manufacturer with its conversion subsidiary Renault Tech and the Paris firefighter brigade, it features an emergency equipment store instead of a rear seat, containing two fire extinguishers, two oxygen tanks, a … Read More »
London residents and businesses offered free charging points
The Low Carbon London trial will offer the units thanks to funding from UK Power Networks via the Low Carbon Networks Fund, and Transport for London through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) … Read More »
Checker Cars adds Toyota Prius to Bristol Airport taxi fleet
The cars are all identical T3 grade, with CO2 emissions of 89g/km and fuel consumption of 72.4mpg. Prius’s hybrid drivetrain also allows the vehicles to be driven on electricity for short distances when not … Read More »
Renault adds windows to the Twizy
Fixed onto the top of the Twizy’s scissor doors, the kit includes a rigid metal frame and transparent window which attaches with a zip. Fitting can be done by the owner and is said … Read More »
Roaming agreement offered for East of England and London charge scheme members
As a result, members of each scheme will be able to use 980 charge points located throughout the region, with some ambitious growth plans ahead. Source London aims to have 1,300 units installed in … Read More »
