Monthly Archives: June 2020

Tesla upgrades Model S with 402-mile range

June 30, 2020Electric Cars, Model S, News, Reviews and Comment, TeslaRepost

Tesla has upgraded the Model S, its flagship electric sedan, with a new range of 402 miles — thanks to several improvements, including new wheels.

Earlier this year, Tesla released a new “Long Range Plus” version of the Model S with an EPA-rated range that was later updated to 391 miles on a single charge.

The new version of the vehicle was achieved through several small changes over the last year, and Tesla needed to change the name in order for the EPA to give it new rating.

Around the same time, CEO Elon Musk claimed that Tesla is close to having a 400-mile electric car.

During Tesla’s Q1 2020 results, Musk claimed that they already achieved it because the EPA made a mistake when testing the new Model S Long Range Plus.

The CEO claimed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) left a door open with the key inside the vehicle during their cycle test — resulting in the electric car not going to “sleep” and draining the battery a little too much.

The EPA has denied that.

Now a few months later, Tesla is announcing that it achieved an official EPA range of 402 miles:

This significant achievement reflects Tesla’s obsession with efficiency and energy frugality, and is realized through several changes, both iterative and transformational, in core hardware and system architecture development by the Tesla engineering, design, and production teams. These changes went into production earlier this year when we first started manufacturing Model S Long Range Plus at our factory in Fremont, California. All Model S Long Range Plus vehicles will receive the new 402-mile rating.

It should mean that all Model S Long-Range vehicles produced since February should achieve this range.

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Green ‘flash’ number plates to encourage the switching to electric cars and avoid congestion charges

June 27, 2020Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, SalesRepost

The transport secretary has also announced millions in funding for battery and hydrogen vehicle research.

Drivers of zero-emission cars are to have a green “flash” added to the left hand side of their number plates to show they are eligible to by-pass congestion zone charges or secure cheaper parking.

The change, which will be introduced in the Autumn, is aimed at making the switch to electric vehicles more appealing.

Announcing the decision the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

“A green recovery is key to helping us achieve our net zero carbon commitments while also promoting economic growth.

“Green number plates could unlock a number of incentives for drivers and increase awareness of cleaner vehicles on our roads, showing people that a greener transport future is within our grasp.

“We’re supporting small businesses to develop the transport tech of the future through a mult-imillion pound investment, ensuring that UK businesses remain at the forefront of low-carbon innovation and research.”

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Renault UK offer Zoe with cash and wallbox

June 26, 2020Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, ZOERepost

Renault UK is offering new car buyers money off its range of electrified models, with up to £1,000 to switch to an all-electric New Zoe, or £500 towards the deposit on All-New Clio Hybrid and All-New Captur Plug-in models.

As countries across the European region introduce stricter emissions targets as well as higher premiums and subsidies for electric vehicles, Renault has added in its own offers to bring more drivers onto emission-free vehicles.

In Germany, Renault is offering an extra subsidy on top of those recently decided-upon by the German government. In the UK, Renault is offering the £1,000 for an all-electric New Zoe, or £500 towards the deposit on All-New Clio Hybrid and All-New Captur Plug-in models only until 30 September this year.

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The top 5 electric vans

June 25, 2020e-NV200, Electric Cars, Electric Vans, eVito, Kangoo Z.E., Master Z.E., Mercedes, News, Reviews and Comment, Nissan, Renault, VolkswagenRepost

There might not be a big history of electric vans in the UK, but expect this to change rapidly as the number of battery-powered commercial vehicles is set to grow in the coming years. Here we recommend 5 great electric vans…

While you could count the number of electric vans on one hand in recent times, this will be very different in just a few years’ time.

Electric vans provide the same benefits as electric cars, but there are some additional challenges that private drivers won’t have to factor in. The obvious benefit is the lack of emissions, with EV vans able to drive around without producing any tailpipe emissions. These are the factors to consider when deciding whether an electric van will work for you or not.
ULEZ charges
This means that they aren’t subject to any of the inner-city charges that are either already in place or are planned for the coming years. In London they are exempt from the Ultra Low Emission Zone charge that operates 24 hours a day and costs £12.50.

They are also exempt from the London Congestion Charge (£15.00 a day as of 22 June) although that will end in 2025. As all the current electric vans are classified as light commercial vehicles, they are not eligible for the LEZ that applies to heavy duty vans and trucks. Future charge zones are designed to reduce pollution in urban areas above all else so it is highly likely that electric vehicles will be exempt from charges in other cities for the foreseeable future, too.
Range
The range that a van can travel between charges is the biggest barrier for many, and it is fair to say that a battery-powered van will not be able to replace a diesel model if you are going to do anything other than short-distance urban deliveries or predictable daily routes.

As it stands, the longest official range available in an electric van is 143 miles from the Renault Kangoo Z.E. 33, while many, like the VW e Transporter and Mercedes eVito offer an official range of below 100 miles.

This range will be impacted by how fast you drive, how cold the weather is and, crucially, how much weight you carry in the back. Hauling around a full payload could reduce the range by around 10%, or 10 miles or more, so it is a notable factor.

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A fateful decision for Spain: Another COVID-19 recovery package supporting electric vehicle uptake?

June 24, 2020Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, SalesRepost

A few days ago, the German government agreed to a €130 billion COVID-19 economic recovery package.

A significant portion of that stimulus, about €8 billion, is earmarked for the automotive industry in Germany. Previously, President Emmanuel Macron announced a similar €8 billion COVID-19 support package for the automotive industry in France. Next in line is Spain, where a decision by the government about support for the automotive industry is expected any day.

The French and German programs include additional support for electric vehicles. In France, the purchase premium for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) will increase from €6,000 to €7,000 for vehicles with a purchase price of up to €45k. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will be newly eligible for a purchase premium of €2,000. In Germany, the government subsidy for BEVs will double from €3,000 per vehicle to €6,000 for vehicles under €40k, and from €2,500 to €5,000 for vehicles costing between €40k and €65k. For PHEVs the government subsidy will also double from €2,250 to €4,500 for vehicles costing up to €40, and from €1,875 to €3,750 for vehicles between €40k and €65k. In addition, manufacturers remain obliged to pay an additional purchase premium of €2,500 to €3,000 for BEVs and €1,875-€2,250 for PHEVs.

The German government decided to send an even stronger signal for a quick transition to electric vehicles by not including any purchase premium for combustion engine vehicles. Furthermore, it decided to strengthen the CO2-based portion of the vehicle ownership tax. In France, on the other hand, buyers of a new or used combustion engine vehicle can benefit from a conversion premium. However, this subsidy in France is capped at €3,000, is only available for low-income households, and is and limited to a maximum of 200,000 vehicles with emissions below 137 gCO2/km (in WLTP-terms) that replace a vehicle that is at a minimum 9-years-old. Although this policy will have a negative effect on the French vehicle fleet CO2 emission level, as we explain here, this effect is likely to remain limited.

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Revealed: There are twice as many public charging points for electric cars in the UK as there are petrol filling stations

June 23, 2020Charging, Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentRepost

DfT data shows there were 17,947 public electric car charging devices in April
That compares to 8,046 filling stations in the UK, according to latest figures
While availability is up, stats show there is ‘uneven geographical distribution‘

There are officially more than twice as many public charge points for electric cars in the UK than there are petrol stations, the Department for Transport has confirmed.

As of 1 April, there were 17,947 public electric vehicle charging devices available in the UK – 3,107, or 17 per cent, of which are rapid devices, the government said.

BP Chargemaster Rapid Charger at Milton Keynes Charging Hub (Image: T. Larkum)

The UK Petroleum Industry Association’s latest figures show there were 8,046 filling stations as the nation.

The figures were published as part of the DfT’s ongoing tracking of public chargers as ministers continue to push motorists to choose electric vehicles to reduce traffic-related air pollution.

The data, provided by Zap-Map, shows that since 2015, the number of public charging devices has grown by 402 per cent.

A charging device is a unit capable of charging the batteries of one or more plug-in electric vehicles simultaneously. There is often more than one device at a location.

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Renault Kangoo Z.E. Line-up Bolstered by New Business+ Model

June 20, 2020Electric Cars, Electric Vans, Kangoo Z.E., News, Reviews and Comment, Renault, RenaultRepost

New Business+ trim level now available for popular Kangoo Z.E. range
Added to line-up following increasing demand for zero-emission commercial vehicle
New trim features additional equipment for enhanced driver comfort and convenience
Available in medium and long-wheelbase panel vans, Kangoo Z.E. range now mirrors ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) version
Popularity continues to rise since its launch in 2017 with year-on-year sales increase
Latest selection of finance offers from Renault Pro+ add further appeal to the full electric model
Orders open now, with prices starting at £19,836 + VAT and after Plug-in Van Grant

Renault Pro+ today announces the addition of the feature-packed Business+ trim level to the Kangoo Z.E. electric van range. Based on the existing and popular Business trim, the Business+ brings a host of upgrades and equipment delivering enhanced comfort and convenience for drivers.

The Kangoo Z.E. continues to be a hit since going on sale in 2017, with a 217% increase in volume in 2019 compared with the previous year, representing a 30.15% share of the electric van market.

Available in both medium and long-wheelbase panel vans, the Kangoo Z.E. Business+ retains the 33kWh battery and 44kW motor, for the same 143-mile (WLTP) range and zero tailpipe emissions. The Business+ features £1,070 worth of equipment for just £600 compared to the Business version, offering strong value for money.

Sophisticated look and generous equipment list

On the outside, the new Business+ trim benefits from metallic paint with body-coloured bumpers front and rear for a more sophisticated look, while electrically operated and folding wing mirrors are finished in stylish gloss black.

Inside, there’s a comfortable cab environment for the driver and passenger thanks to a central armrest with storage below and an overhead parcel shelf to boost practicality. Further back, the generous load area comes fitted with a practical rubber floor covering.

Making life easier for the driver is standard-fit one-touch functionality for the electric front windows, while rear parking sensors give drivers greater confidence when dealing with tight spaces or difficult manoeuvres.

This all builds on the Kangoo Z.E’s already generous equipment list, payload ranging from 605kg to 640kg and enough space to accommodate a British or Euro pallet. It also benefits from the comprehensive Renault Pro+ three-year/100,000-mile warranty.

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Engie expands GeniePoint network with new rapid installs

June 19, 2020ChargePoint Services / GeniePoint, Charging, Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentRepost

Engie is expanding its GeniePoint network with the installation of thirteen new rapid chargers in the west midlands.

The installations of the 50kW+ chargers are part of a new partnership with Bromsgrove District Council, with BMM Energy Solutions set to carry out the physical installations. Engie will provide ongoing operational, customer service and maintenance services for the next decade.

The first installation is due to start in summer 2020, with all chargers to be installed by the end of the year hopefully.

All of the new GeniePoint chargers will be supplied with 100% renewable energy and will be pay as you go, offering contactless or debit card payments.

Bromsgrove District Council won funding for EV charging as part of the government’s Ultra Low Emission Taxi Infrastructure Scheme, with the new chargers to be free to use for registered Taxi and Private Hire vehicles for the first year. After this initial period, there will be a 75% discount for 2-5 years and a 50% discount after.

Councillor Margaret Sherrey said it was “fantastic news” for the district.

“Now we can get the ball rolling to develop and implement clean transport options for our residents as well as giving EV users from elsewhere in the UK the opportunity to stop or visit Bromsgrove to ‘recharge their batteries’”.

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The Automotive Market Is About To Be Disrupted: Where Will It Leave You?

June 18, 2020Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, SalesRepost

The Tesla Model 3 is now the best-selling vehicle in California in all categories, as it already is in the arguably less representative market of the Netherlands.

The data is published by the California New Car Dealers Association, which is probably contemplating in despair how the best-selling vehicle is precisely one that does not get distributed through dealers. In short, Tesla’s achievement has been to make electric vehicles more desirable than their internal combustion competitors.

In case you hadn’t noticed, the automotive market is changing. GM is launching a new electric delivery van in a bid to prevent Tesla taking over that market the same way they did in the consumer segment, and announces plans to introduce at least 20 all-electric models in all categories by 2023. In the same sense, Amazon is working to add 100,000 Rivian all-electric vans to its delivery fleet.

Electric vehicles are no longer the preserve of the rich: China now produces models with starting prices of around $1,000 that you can buy through Alibaba. More and more manufacturers are accelerating their plans to try to position themselves in a market where it will take them at least several years to cast a shadow on Elon Musk’s company. But one thing is already clear: with much longer lifetimes and significantly cheaper maintenance costs, electric vehicles are changing the economic parameters of driving.

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EV sales predicted to surge as showrooms reopen and demand bounces back

June 17, 2020Electric Cars, SalesRepost

Google Trends data show that, since the PM’s launch of the COVID-19 recovery strategy on 11th May, there has been a significant boom in demand across the UK automotive industry, which is especially evident in the electric vehicle industry judging by a new analysis tool built by LeaseFletcher.

Demand is now parallel with the numbers pre-lockdown according to The Road to Recovery Dashboard: Electric Vehicles, part of a tool built by LeaseFetcher, a car leasing comparison site based in Scotland. Pulling its raw data from Google Trends on a weekly basis, the tool provides an invaluable insight into consumer sentiment and behaviour.

In March, demand across the automotive industry nosedives. Now, following the announcement on the 11th of May, introducing step one of the recovery strategy, demand is once again on the rise. While search volume for ‘electric car’ hasn’t yet returned to its pre-COVID levels, there’s every indication that it will do soon. Specifically, the Tesla Model S and Model X have seen strong recoveries, matching and even exceeding interest this time last year. Demand for the compact BMW i3 has recently returned to its pre-COVID levels, while the higher-end Audi e-Tron has already exceeded this. This is a strong recovery considering the demand fell by 70.1 percent and 63.5 percent respectively from the 8th of March to the 22nd of March.

“The dashboard aims to observe long term and immediate changes in demand and will help inform predictions about the future for the electric vehicle and automotive industry”

said Will Craig, Founder of LeaseFetcher.

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