Alex Grant
Diesel-electric V60 Plug-in Hybrid is sold out for now, says Volvo
Developed in partnership with Swedish utility company Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid uses a five-cylinder, 215bhp diesel engine to power its front wheels and a 70bhp electric motor to drive the rear wheels. This … Read More »
More power for 2013 Honda CR-Z, but no extra CO2
On sale from January 2013, the revised CR-Z is marked out by new front and rear bumpers, the latter featuring a new aerodynamic diffuser, and 17-inch alloy wheels on the range-topping GT. There are … Read More »
Auris Touring Sports to join Toyota hybrid family
The carmaker unveiled its new Auris and Auris Hybrid at the event, revealing it would be launching the additional bodystyle to compete for the 25% of mainstream C-segment sales which were wagons. Auris Touring … Read More »
Kia to launch downsized Optima Hybrid in Europe
The Optima Hybrid has proved popular in South Korea and the United States, where it is sold with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and competes against a crowded sector of full-size hybrid saloons. When it … Read More »
Electric and hybrid technology confirmed for new Golf
The Group’s new modular platform, which underpins the Golf, new Audi A3 and new SEAT Leon, allows for an unprecedented selection of powerplants. By standardising the way engines are fitted to the car, the … Read More »
Ford and Schneider Electric develop Focus Electric charging package
As part of the agreement, both fleet and retail customers for the Focus Electric will be offered a Schneider EVLINK charging station, including installation by and a five-year warranty as part of the purchase … Read More »
BVRLA: Government's plug-in strategy not working
In particular, the association fully endorses the committee’s criticism of the way in which the Treasury changed the framework of financial incentives available for early plug-in vehicle adopters without any consultation. Although the Government … Read More »
Twizy fleet for Wales
The recently launched Eco Travel Network is offering visitors to the Brecon Beacons National Park the chance to explore the area in one of its six Twizy two-seater EVs. Powered by electricity generated by … Read More »
Driven: Toyota Prius Plug-in
It’s been a long time coming. The Prius Plug-in was subjected to a year-long global trial, which has informed the production model, and launched as part of a range-wide facelift earlier this year. These … Read More »
BMW plug-in hybrid concept hints at new compact MPV
To date, the carmaker has stuck vehemently to its rear-wheel drive formula in the premium compact class, despite all of its rivals using front wheel drive. It’s seen as a growing sector, too, with … Read More »
Nissan unveils four-wheel drive hydrogen fuel cell concept
The TeRRA uses the same electric drive system as the LEAF to power the front wheels, but with a pair of in-wheel motors for the rear wheels, allowing on-demand four wheel drive. This setup … Read More »
Economy boost for 2013 Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4
The upgrades are said to be based on the experience Peugeot has gained launching its three HYbrid4 models, and comprises new software for the electric motors which optimises the power use and energy recovery … Read More »
Nissan begins rural field trial of e-NV200 electric van in Japan
The two-week trial will include using the test vehicle to collect produce from local farmers and deliver them to roadside markets, to see whether electric vehicles are suitable for out-of-city use. Nissan said it … Read More »
Peugeot announces Partner Electric van
Based on the recently-facelifted conventionally-powered Partner, the electric version uses a 67bhp electric motor co-developed with Mitsubishi Motors , similar to the one which powers the C-Zero. Two lithium-ion batteries are fitted either side … Read More »
Ricardo and Intelligent Energy partner on fuel cells
Although the partnership includes preferred supplier status for both parties, Gemini and Intelligent Energy will work independently on the project, and will be able to seek other partners in the field. The project is … Read More »
45mpg Range Rover Hybrid confirmed
The all-new Range Rover was revealed at the Royal Ballet School in London this week, and uses lightweight suspension components and an all-aluminium bodyshell claimed to be 39% lighter than its predecessor, yet stiffer … Read More »
Near-100g/km Mondeo Hybrid is coming to Europe
The latest incarnation of the flagship Ford features the same front end styling as the Evos concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, and is aimed at boosting the carmaker’s footprint within … Read More »
£13m UK battery research centre announced
Based within the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at the University of Warwick, which opened last year to research new material use in manufacturing, the UK Energy Storage R&D Centre is the result of £9m … Read More »
Saab sale finalised, with electric 9-3 due within two years
Under the deal, which was completed on 31st August, NEVS owns the main assets of Saab Automobile AB, Saab Automobile Powertrain AB and Saab Automobile Tools AB. Included are the intellectual property rights for … Read More »
Better Place opens first Battery Switch Station in the Netherlands
Initially just for use by the fleet of 10 Renault Fluence Z.E. taxis, operated by Dutch private hire operators Connexion, Bios and TCA, the station allows depleted batteries to be swapped for fully charged … Read More »
