Electric vehicles - Page 79

Technology enters a new phase with new refuelling points at conventional filling stations and new money to support the purchase of vehicles for some fleets.

The move follows legal direction from the Welsh Government, which agreed to take action to tackle illegal levels of air pollution in the country at a hearing at the High Court recently.

Gain Solutions is claiming that poor preparation at both manufacturer and dealer network level could wreck converting electric vehicle interest into sales.

The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) has updated the environmental label for new cars to highlight which models will be hit by diesel tax supplement rises this month.

Despite pressure from Government, the city authority will not confirm plans until after its local elections. Stephen Briers reports.

Allianz’s collaboration with IVR (Institute of Vehicle Recovery) to deliver free EV and hybrid training marks an “industry first” and creates skills benchmark.

Fleet News editor Stephen Briers comments on the effectiveness of autonomous ADAS systems

By Richard Lowden, founder and CEO of Green Motion

By Paul Singh, founder and CEO of SmartWitness

Vehicles not meeting the latest Euro emission standards could be charged to enter the centre of Bath under air quality plans revealed by the local council.

Mitsubishi UK has confirmed a three-year preferred supplier contract with Pod Point to compliment the “world’s best-selling” Outlander PHEV.

Europcar UK’s former head of fleet procurement, Bob Maclachlan has been promoted to fleet director, to ensure its fleet stays ‘relevant’.

A lack of government co-ordination in the roll out of agreed vehicle charging types and infrastructure were among causes for frustration for fleet decision-makers in ensuring companies do their best to limit environmental damage and drivers’ tax bills.

Fleets want certainty from Government while manufacturers reveal diesel alternatives.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond made the commitment in last November’s budget. But, MPs have questioned the Government’s commitment.

New research commissioned by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) found that 75% of drivers feel extra government subsidies would make electric vehicles more accessible.

London mayor and TfL admit that sophisticated road-user charging, which takes account of emissions and miles driven, will not be introduced in London any time soon.

The National Grid said it supports the more ambitious target while giving evidence to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee yesterday (March 27).

GMB calls on the Government and National Grid to invest now and upgrade infrastructure to ensure Britain is ready for mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

‘Real-world’ emissions conversion tool, which changes a new WLTP value into an NEDC figure for tax purposes, increases CO2 values by 10% or between 10-15g/km on average.

By Erik Fairbairn CEO Pod Point

By Craig Smith research director of transportation security at Rapid7

Submarine-inspired range extender management system allows an electric-powered truck to match range of a conventional ICE-powered one, James Gordon discovers.

The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) has outlined its three-year strategy, putting consumers at the centre of its focus.

Zap-Map has launched a peer-to-peer EV charging network, allowing charge point owners to share electricity with other registered users.

The Government says clean air funding could be available for locally targeted scrappage schemes and the retrofitting of vans and trucks to LPG.

Do we need a national charging infrastructure, or just home and work? This has implications for both the charging providers and the traditional forecourts as people migrate away from petrol and diesel.

Three-quarters (78%) of people broadly support the idea of driverless vehicles on city streets, provided they are safe and resistant to a cyber attack.

Charging points for electric vehicles in Europe has grown by 20% between 2016 and 2017, with Germany showing the largest increase.

Key issues confronting the fleet industry include, the continuing ‘demonisation’ of diesel and the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation.

The number of electric vehicle chargepoints available to drivers has increased in both London and Southampton.

EVision Electric Car Hire has added 10 Renault Zoe models to its rental fleet.

Skanska has had 67 electric vehicle chargepoints installed at its Hertfordshire head office for employee use as part of its commitment to lower fleet CO2.

Small and medium-sized enterprises do not believe driverless cars will be a feature of our roads by 2021 and see them as a potential threat to business.

Volkswagen has added a new 1.5-litre TSI ACT engine to the Golf range, which promises fuel consumption of 58mpg.

Two-way batteries on electric vehicles open up the possibility of fleets selling power back with Vehicle to Grid technology.

Local authority says it is sceptical that a clean air zone in Derby will help the city improve air quality and wants £35 million scrappage scheme instead.

Technology overcomes challenge of simultaneously recharging an entire fleet of EVs, without the need for the expensive upgrade to the power supply grid.

Renault has confirmed that the 2018 Renault Zoe will be priced from £18,420 and offer a 186-mile real-world range.

Britain’s largest union Unite is calling for a national car scrappage scheme to promote the sustainable take up of electric vehicles (EVs).