Alex Grant
In Detail: GM Voltec Range-Extended Electric Drivetrain
Designed to bridge the gap while hydrogen fuel cell and public charging infrastructure develops across Europe, both vehicles feature an efficient petrol engine to maintain battery charge once it drops below one third of … Read More »
First Drive: Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid
But the business case for large hybrids has often been tricky. Lexus and Infiniti both cater for markets such as the United States and Japan, where air quality regulations make petrol-electric hybrids the powertrain … Read More »
First Drive: Vauxhall Ampera
At just shy of £30,000 for the forthcoming entry-level model, ranging to £34,000 for the top of the range 'Electron' version, that high-tech drivetrain doesn’t come cheap. But that’s likely to be the only … Read More »
Electric trucks to eliminate 12 million miles of diesel emissions in California
The Sacramento-based sales and development company, which has both hybrid and electric vehicles in its range, said it was designed to support California governor Edmund G. Brown Jr’s recent EV Executive Order, which aims … Read More »
Infiniti makes M35h more fleet-friendly
The new 159g/km figure means businesses can claim twice the Write Down Allowance for the car, up from 10% of its value to 20%, while 40% taxpayers would see a significant reduction in Benefit … Read More »
ABB cuts fast charging costs for fleets
Available in the second quarter of this year, ABB’s Terra Smart Connect (SC) unit will be priced at £8,989 for small volume orders and can fully charge most electric vehicles in 30 to 120 … Read More »
Ampera finishes first at Monte Carlo rally
French duo Bernard Darniche and Joseph Lambert finished first, beating a field which included a Tesla Roadster sports car, Renault Fluence Z.E., Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Peugeot iOn. The remaining three Amperas in the top … Read More »
Vauxhall partners with British Gas for Ampera fast-charging
The agreement furthers the utility company’s near monopoly on manufacturer-approved home charging solutions. British Gas already has similar agreements to install charging equipment for the Nissan LEAF, Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Renault’s Z.E. … Read More »
Tesla takes first fleet orders for Model S electric luxury saloon
The two companies have already worked together to offer the Roadster and Roadster Sport in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands last year, while the Model S will also be available in … Read More »
Smith Electric Vehicles unveils Newton Step Van in United States
The Newton Step Van was unveiled at this week’s NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, and uses a walk-in body made by Indiana-based converter Utilimaster. It offers a 100-mile electric range, with a gross … Read More »
Volkswagen introduces diesel-electric hybrid SUV concept
Given its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the revisions offer a 50% economy improvement compared to the Tokyo concept car, which returned 104.6mpg and emitted 62g/km CO2. But it’s also more powerful, … Read More »
Audi begins electromobility trial in United States, using electric A3 e-tron
Unveiled at the TED2012 engineering conference in Long Beach, California, the A3 e-tron offers a fully electric range of 90 miles and 199lb-ft torque from its motor. Audi said the powertrain has resulted in … Read More »
British Gas trials Nissan electric van
The vehicle, one of only two ever made, was handed over at Nissan dealer Glyn Hopkin in Milton Keynes, having recently completed a similar trial with FedEx in London. Ahead of the production vehicle’s … Read More »
Mitsubishi Partners with AeroVironment for US Charging Points
The company will provide a nationwide installation and support service for the vehicle’s indoor and outdoor charging units, including training, 24/7 customer helplines and a three-year warranty. MMNA is waiving the $99.99 site consultation … Read More »
Revised Volt Gains Tax and Convenience Incentives
Originally designed for vehicles with two or more occupants, in 2004 the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes were opened to individual occupancy cars capable of running on electricity alone and with 45mpg or greater … Read More »
Fleet Demand Driving Ampera Sales in Europe, says Opel
The carmaker said these clients were mainly big leasing companies who had ordered the Ampera as part of a car plan. Big names included are Leaseplan, ALD Automotive and Europcar, while a number of large … Read More »
Time for sensible EV advice
The main issue is a complete lack of neutrality about electric vehicles, in all forms, which I think is breeding blurred perceptions of the whole market. While the concept itself isn’t new, the reality … Read More »
Edinburgh College EV Test Fleet to Double in Size
Led by Jewel and Esk College, the project launched with four cars last August, based at its campuses in Midlothian and Edinburgh, with one each at Stevenson College Edinburgh and Midlothian Council’s headquarters in … Read More »
Study Shows Chinese Grid Emissions Counteract EV Benefits
The study, which was undertaken by the university’s assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering, Chris Cherry and graduate student Shuguang Ji, analysed emissions for five vehicle technologies in 34 Chinese cities and focused … Read More »
Lexus GS 450h UK Pricing Announced
The model was unveiled at last year’s Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, featuring the carmaker’s new ‘spindle grill’ front end as shown on the popular CT 200h compact hybrid. As well as its traditional rival … Read More »
