Category Archives: Electric Cars

News and reviews of the latest electric cars (full electrics and plug-in hybrids).

Who Will Educate The Masses About Electric Vehicles?

October 24, 2022Electric Cars, News, Reviews and Comment, OpinionRepost

The latest advertising from General Motors promotes the company’s slogan: Electric vehicles for everyone! The EVs look great, and the prices are very attractive. But — who educates the masses? Who dispels the FUD (much of which was, until recently, promulgated by GM)? I had hoped that established carmakers would do so. But it looks like the ad campaign is based on feelings, not facts. Maybe that is the only way to sell a car?

So, who educates the masses? Will the slick ads and low prices get buyers into the dealership where well trained and enthusiastic sales staff will inform the innocent about range and charging times? “No sir, you don’t have to hold the charging cord for 10 hours as the car charges overnight.” Amazed gasp! No, madam, there is nowhere to put petrol in the vehicle. I hope so. I would like to hear of training programs for sales people.

I think that the reality will be that I will still be explaining EVs to people for several years to come at EV and off-grid expos (I have been to 8 in the last year), coffee mornings (we have one once a month at the local tavern), and even in my driveway as I water the garden. Yesterday morning, a lovely couple who were walking their dog saw the Tesla and stopped to ask the usual questions: How much does it cost? How far does it go? How long does it take to charge? Where do you charge it?

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Licensed BEVs reach half-a-million despite slowdown of adoption amid energy crisis

October 21, 2022Buying/Leasing, Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentRepost

Figures released by the RAC Foundation has disclosed that the number of pure battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) has exceeded half-a-million to reach 519,266 at the end of June 2022.

The rise in BEVs on the UK’s roads continue to grow significantly as the nation races towards the internal combustion engine (ICE) ban that will come into play from 2030. Because of this, many UK drivers have been exploring the possibility of adopting electric vehicles (EVs).

This can also be recognised with licensed BEVs one year earlier standing at 282,977 and 130,246 at the end of June 2020, stated the RAC who analysed data released by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Although there are many factors as to why BEV adoption has surged in recent years, one striking correlation is the rise in EV charging infrastructure across the UK, providing drivers with plentiful areas to recharge on the road.

“This is a very significant milestone in terms of getting more battery-powered cars onto our roads, but we still have a long way to travel before we achieve a truly green fleet given that there are around 33 million cars in Britain,” said Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation.

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Sweden’s BEVs Take Over Third Of Market

October 20, 2022Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentRepost

Sweden’s plugin electric vehicle share recovered in September, gaining 55.2% of the auto market, from 53.9% a year ago. Full electrics saw 35.3% share, their 2nd highest ever from last December. Plugin hybrids fell slightly year on year. Overall auto volumes were down 3% YoY, and some 21% down from pre-2020 seasonal norms. The bestselling BEV in September was again the Volkswagen ID.4.

September’s combined plugin result of 55.2% comprised a near record 35.3% battery electrics (BEVs), and 19.8% plugin hybrids (PHEVs). These compare with respective shares of 32.9%, and 21.0%, a year ago. Thus BEVs have grown share modestly, but PHEVs have fallen. The BEV share was nevertheless the highest YTD, and second only to the December 2021 peak (see timeline graph below).

In terms of volume, in an overall auto market shrinking 3% YoY, BEVs grew slightly (7,454 to 7,777), and PHEVs lost volume (4,751 to 4,370).

Plugin growth is obviously lacklustre overall in September, and YTD, though not for lack of BEV demand. Tesla’s recent production pauses meant that their Sweden delivery volume was only 915 units in September, down by over 1,000 units YoY (from 1,979 units).

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The American EV boom is about to begin. Does the US have the power to charge it?

October 19, 2022Buying/Leasing, Charging, Electric Cars, Energy and Climate Change, News, Reviews and Comment, OpinionRepost

States have plans to ban gas-powered cars and the White House wants chargers along highways, but implementation is a challenge

Speaking in front of a line of the latest electric vehicles (EVs) at this month’s North American International Auto Show, President Joe Biden declared: “The great American road trip is going to be fully electrified.”

Most vehicles on the road are still gas guzzlers, but Washington is betting big on change, hoping that major federal investment will help reach a target set by the White House for 50% of new cars to be electric by 2030. But there are roadblocks – specifically when it comes to charging them all. “Range anxiety,” or how far one can travel before needing to charge, is still cited as a major deterrent for potential EV buyers.

The welcoming entrance of Disney’s magic kingdom (Image: L. Larkum)

The auto industry recently passed the 5% mark of EV market share – a watershed moment, analysts say, before rapid growth. New policies at the state and local level could very well spur that growth: the Inflation Reduction Act, which passed this summer, offers tax credits of $4,000 to purchase a used EV and up to $7,500 for certain new ones. In August, California, the nation’s largest state and economy, announced rules that would ban all new gas-powered cars by 2035. New York plans to follow.

It’s Time to Go Green!

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CUPRA BORN REVIEW: THE EV FAMILY HATCH WITH ATTITUDE

October 18, 2022Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentRepost

I have to be honest, this is a painful article for me to write because I really like the Cupra Born – I just don’t think I could live with it.

Let’s start with the positives. It’s an electric hatchback. SUVs are all very well, but they are two a penny and not everyone wants to sit high up, largely disengaged from the road.

It shares a platform with the acclaimed VW ID.3, which is no bad thing. In fact, Cupra’s done a great job giving the sporty-looking Born a character all of its own with some eye-catching design features. It’s also practical with plenty of space for the family and has a decent 385-litre boot.

And as I’ll explain, even though it would be wrong to call it a hot hatch, there is still fun to be had, while its official range is between 260-340 miles, depending on the size of battery chosen.

However, like most new Cupra and (sister brand) Seat cars, along with many of the other Volkswagen Group models (eg the latest Golf), the Born has an infuriating infotainment system.

And I’m sorry, but for me it’s a deal breaker. Cockpit minimalism is all very well, but channelling so much functionality through a centre touchscreen is a step too far for me. Add touch-sensitive sliders (on the steering wheel) too, and it’s seriously frustrating.

It’s Time to Go Green!

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GRIDSERVE begins construction of Electric Forecourt at London Gatwick Airport

October 17, 2022Charging, Electric Cars, GRIDSERVE, News, Reviews and CommentRepost

Electric vehicle (EV) charging company GRIDSERVE has started construction of a first-of-its-kind “Electric Forecourt” at London Gatwick Airport with plans to commence operation in 2023.

The site will feature 36 chargers on site at the Electric Forecourt, which includes high power chargers with up to 350kW of power, supplied by 100% renewable energy from the firm’s own hybrid solar farms.

GRDISERVE’s Forecourt will also have multiple connectors available to cater for all types of EVs whilst increasing accessibility via the use of contactless payments.

The site’s development follows the success of similar projects in Braintree and Norwich, all of which contributing to GRIDSERVE’s commitment to deliver over 100 Electric Forecourts.

Proposed Electric Forecourt (Image: GRIDSERVE)

The Norwich Forecourt offers visitors without EVs the opportunity to learn more and chat with EV gurus, while in the coming weeks visitors will be able to test drive electric cars from a variety of brands as part of GRIDSERVE Car Leasing.

This could potentially increase the adoption of EVs with the general public being informed on the positives of switching to EVs whilst also being able to trial one for themselves.

It’s Time to Go Green!

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Green Updates: EV Demand Accelerates Ahead Of Charging Capacity

October 14, 2022Charging, Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentRepost

5 October: EV Drivers Say Infrastructure Not Fit For Purpose

Three quarters of EV drivers (57%) believe the UK’s current charging infrastructure is not fit for purpose, writes Bethany Garner.

The Novuna Vehicle Solutions research, which surveyed 2,000 UK motorists, also revealed that 31% of EV drivers frequently face queues for a charger, and four in five say the UK government should do more to improve charge point availability.

Although the government aims to install 300,000 new charge points by 2030, Novuna’s analysis suggests this goal may not be enough to serve the growing number of EVs on UK roads.

The majority of petrol and diesel car owners — 59% — plan to purchase an EV when it’s time to replace their vehicle. Among young drivers demand is even higher, with 79% of 18 to 34-year-olds planning to switch to an EV.

The government is planning to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030.

John Berry, head of decarbonisation at Novuna said: “Demand for EVs has accelerated at a relentless pace, yet we’re rapidly facing the prospect of failing to realise the level of adequate public charging infrastructure to support mass adoption of EVs by the start of the next decade.”

It’s Time to Go Green!

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UK drivers ditching petrol cars to save £3,000 more a year with an electric vehicle

October 13, 2022Charging, Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentRepost

Electric car drivers can save £3,000 a year despite the price of energy rising, with some motorists able to benefit from free charging today.

The RAC recently updated its Charge Watch data which showed that the average price of using a public electric car rapid charge point had risen to 63p per kWh. This represents a 42 percent increase since May for public charging, causing alarm to many EV drivers who cannot charge at home.

However, Ed Carpenter, head of EV at Vanarama, highlighted how not all EV drivers would suffer from the expensive costs.

He pointed out that drivers could still save thousands of pounds a year in other ways.

He said: “It’s worth noting that many EV drivers predominantly charge from home so the above will impact some EV drivers, but not all.

“By comparison, those drivers who charge mostly from home will see a small rise in electricity costs from 28p to 34p per kWh as part of the Government’s October energy price cap.

“The price cap will remain in place until 2024 so it’s a good news story for those who are able to charge at home, especially as domestic electricity prices were set to rise to 52p per kWh from October 2022 with further price increases anticipated in 2023.”

Vanarama’s research found that EV drivers could save £175 a month through exemptions in Low Emission Zones, Clean Air Zones and the London ULEZ.

It’s Time to Go Green!

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BMW iX1 review

October 12, 2022BMW, Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentRepost

Not the most engaging to drive, but a seriously comprehensive and recommendable electric prospect

If you’re hoping for echoes of the BMW i3’s art deco design and originality in the new BMW iX1, you’ll be disappointed.

Let’s face it, the iX1 is rather derivative-looking; as with the vast majority of its rivals, from the Audi Q4 e-tron to the Mercedes EQA and Lexus NX, it’s not ugly but it’s not pretty or even terribly memorable, either. Which is why we’ll actually start with the inside of the BMW iX1, because it’s here that it really makes an impact. Don’t worry, we’ll get to the 308bhp all-electric, four-wheel drive powertrain in just a moment.

First, check out the curved touchscreen; a focal point in an interior that feels every bit as plush and high-class as that of an X3, and is deliberately reminiscent of the BMW iX.

Complete with a 10.7-inch touchscreen and a 10.4-inch driver’s information screen, the operating system 8’s graphics are second to none. With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on ever iX1, native features such as the excellent nav will be defunct for most. If you do use them, the configurable shortcut icons on the touchscreen’s home page will be useful.

It’s Time to Go Green!

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Mini Electric review

October 11, 2022Cooper Electric, Electric Cars, MINI, News, Reviews and CommentRepost

The Mini Electric – like a Georgian-style country house that’s just been built – takes appealing retro aesthetics and gives them a thoroughly modern twist.

In fact, while the Mini has its roots in the Fifties, this version of the car has the heart of a Generation Z eco-warrior. It runs purely on electricity as the name suggests, yet – with 181bhp – it’s more powerful than the petrol-powered Cooper S.

By electric car standards, it’s attractively priced, managing to undercut a lot of its rivals, including the Honda E. However, before you rush to put down your deposit, it’s worth bearing in mind a couple of things.

Firstly, one of the reasons the Mini Electric can be temptingly priced is that it doesn’t have a very big battery, and the official range is only around 145 miles. You won’t even get that far in real-world driving, and don’t expect Tesla-esque charging speeds when you do need a top-up.

Secondly, squeezing the battery under the rear seats has reduced the amount of space in the back compared with a conventionally powered Mini (and there wasn’t a huge amount to begin with).