The latest edition of the NFDA EV Dealer Attitude Survey revealed key insights into retailers’ views about electric vehicles. The survey was launched in May 2018 to monitor retailers’ satisfaction levels with manufacturers’ approach to the EV sector.
A study earlier this year concluded that electric cars are much better for the climate than petrol cars in 95 per cent of the world. Other research last week found that on a yearly basis, electric cars (9,435 miles) are driven 26 per cent more miles when compared to petrol cars (7,490 miles).
Dismal new car registration figures in April conceal a milestone for the UK motoring public – for the first time ever, an all-electric model topped the passenger vehicle sales charts. But when it comes to overall new registrations, top of the heap during the month was a van.
The Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept first seen at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show was a highlight of the car maker’s streamed press conference during the cancelled Geneva International Motor Show 2020’s Virtual Press Day last Tuesday. The concept car, which celebrates the brand’s 30th anniversary and is designed to promise a dynamic driving experience like no other, sits on four bespoke Goodyear concept tyres.
February’s car registration figures were released as the SMMT calls on the Chancellor to use next week’s Budget to announce bold new measures to make new-tech zero emission-capable cars, including plug-in hybrids, more affordable for mass-market buyers. In 2020, manufacturers will bring more than 23 new battery-electric and ten plug-in hybrid electric cars to the UK to add to the more than 65 already on sale, but take-up of these new models depends on affordability and the provision of adequate charging infrastructure.
A new survey of 2,000 UK drivers reveals that almost a third (30 per cent) say that if they were buying a new car or a new second-hand car they would not know whether to buy a petrol, electric or diesel one. Younger drivers, 18 – 34s, are even more undecided with 41 per cent saying they are unsure what type of fuel-powered car to go for.
Earlier in the month, Boris Johnson announced the Government’s ambitious – or as some see it, overambitious – intention to bring forward the ban on new combustion-engine cars to 2035. Many have wondered how the country should go about developing an infrastructure of electric vehicle (EV) charging points within this timeframe. YourParkingSpace, the online parking marketplace, believes homeowners can play a role in keeping a growing EV fleet on the move.
The news that the sale of petrol and diesel cars could be banned in 15 years should propel the automotive industry into addressing the serious need for vehicle technicians to be skilled in electric and hybrid vehicle servicing. According to the IMI, who are actively lobbying Government to get the automotive industry’s workforce appropriately qualified, just 5 per cent of UK vehicle technicians have been trained in electric vehicle servicing. Critically, these untrained technicians could be putting themselves at risk, due to the high voltage nature of electric cars.
Pirelli says its tyres will be become safer and greener in the coming five years, and will come to market more quickly, too. The company has outlined its performance targets for the Pirelli passenger vehicle range within its new 2020-2022 Industrial Plan, which was approved on Wednesday
The motorsport calendar now includes an all-new event – the world’s first all-electric, multi-brand touring car championship. Pure ETCR vehicles will be equipped with a Williams Advanced Engineering battery unit and a 500kW Magelec Propulsion powertrain – the equivalent of a staggering 680bhp – that drives the rear wheels and enables 0 to 100km/h acceleration in just 3.2 seconds. This torquey power will be delivered to the racetrack via products supplied by one of Pure ETCR’s founder partners – Goodyear.
India’s car market leader Maruti Suzuki has unveiled a new concept vehicle ahead of the Auto Expo 2020 show, which begins tomorrow. Called the Concept Futuro-e, the SUV coupe gives a taste of what can be expected from the car maker’s ‘Mission Green Million’ plan to sell a million low emission vehicles in the next few years. Yokohama has developed a BluEarth tyre for the concept.
GQ has awarded the title of ‘Electric Hypercar of the Year’ to the new Automobili Pininfarina Battista at a star-studded Car of the Year (GQ CotY) ceremony in central London. The award coincides with the start of the 90th anniversary celebrations of Pininfarina. No more than 150 Battista hypercars will be created, each by hand in Cambiano, Italy, from the end of 2020. Battista is the realisation of company founder Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina’s enduring dream to see a car produced wearing solely the Pininfarina name.
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