Latest Electric Vehicle News
Fleets need to work with insurers on EVs
Industry body says that evidence from its members indicates that some insurers have recently been increasing premiums for EVs, based on what appears to be incorrect and, in some instances, irrelevant information. The repair profile of Teslas is applicable only to Teslas, in the same way as any other manufacturer, and has very little relevance to commercial vehicles. Fleets and insurers need to be working together to create a situation where premiums can be calculated based on much better and directly applicable data.
Few fleets consider journeys when electrifying
The 2023 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer shows that among businesses that are already operating electric vehicles (EVs), just 3% are using them first in urban areas because of air quality benefits and only 2% on those routes thanks to better access to charging. Overall, more than a third (38%) said that they haven’t thought about initial use of their EVs on different road types, while more than half (58%) said that they planned to use them effectively everywhere.
Do fleets need to check Chinese manufacturers for credibility?
FleetCheck says exporting to markets like the US and Europe is one obvious way for manufacturers to attempt to survive in the kind of disruptive situation that China is seeing, and it seems credible to suggest that not all of the car and van makers who come here will end up staying.
Roadchef and Gridserve announce Electric Super Hub in Chester
This comes on the heels of Roadchef launching its first Super 8 roadside hotel where there is a growing need for well-considered EV charging options to suit an overnight stay. The new Electric Super Hub will have 12 High Power chargers for those stopping on their journeys and six AC chargers to provide easy on-site EV charging facilities for hotel customers, allowing guests to charge their vehicles overnight at an inclusive and affordable price.
Stellantis unveils green LCV range
Stellantis is offering both BEV and fuel-cell options. The renewed commercial vehicle lineup brings with it a second generation of zero-emission technologies, including in-house EV battery systems that deliver greater range.
Report shares recommendations for fleet decarbonisation
The report features research amongst 742 businesses and fleet decision-makers across Europe, North America and Asia, which found that the cost of decarbonisation is perceived as the biggest challenge to fleets looking to achieve their sustainability goals.
Plans to introduce a new bp pulse EV charging hub at South Mimms
Proposals include 32 covered ultra-fast EV charging bays along with an enhanced M&S retail unit selling convenience items and providing washroom facilities. The plan will also retain 10 of the existing 16 petrol and diesel pumps.
Electric vehicles – separating fact from fiction
Advanced driver coaching business Lightfoot unpacks three of the major myths surrounding EVs, so you can learn the truth about transitioning your fleet ahead of the new 2035 deadline.
InstaVolt plugs into Octopus Electroverse in charge towards EV future
InstaVolt is the UK’s largest ultra-rapid public charging network, operating 1,300+ ultra-rapid and rapid charge points across 550+ locations up and down the UK. An ultra-rapid charge point can charge an average EV from 20% to 80% in 15-20 minutes - enough time for a quick coffee break.
AFP urges fleet to step up lobbying re 4.25 tonne e-van confusion
In 2019, a special concession was created by the Department of Transport (DFT) for electric vans. Normally, an individual with a standard B licence would only be able to drive a light commercial vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes but recognising the extra weight added by batteries, this was extended to 4.25 tonnes.However, with 4.25 tonne electric vans starting to come to market in quantity during the last year, a situation has emerged whereby OZEV believe the vehicles have been deregulated from all of the operator responsibilities that normally apply to vans over 3.5 tonnes whereas the DVSA and the DFT believe some still apply.
Report highlights crucial role of fleet electrification in achieving net zero
Report examines the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) and fleet electrification has emerged as a vital strategy to decarbonise the transportation sector, with the potential to significantly impact emissions reduction. The report underscores that fleet vehicles account for 50% of emissions within the transportation sector, while constituting 25% of the total European road vehicle population.
Are you happy with your EV?
While the average mileage driven per week has risen to between 100-200 miles per week in 2023, this has not dented the positive perception of EV range. 60% of drivers are now covering between 51-200 miles a week, and 27% covering more than 200 miles a week. Based on these average mileages, overall, 82% of drivers only need to only charge once a week to cover off their driving needs.
Data shows EV tyres lasting 6,350 miles fewer than petrol or diesel
The first tyre change for electric cars is taking place at an average of 17,985 miles and 551 days old, compared to 24,641 miles and 585 days for hybrids, and 24,335 and 670 days for petrol and diesel cars.
MFG passes 500 ultra-rapid charger milestone
MFG hubs comprise between four and eight Ultra-Rapid 150kW EV Chargers per site. 150kW chargers can add 100 miles range in approximately 10 minutes, subject to the charging capability of individual car batteries. These will be augmented with 300kW and 400kW chargers as vehicle battery technology improves to maintain the fastest charging times across the MFG network, ensuring that MFG remains first choice for EV drivers across the UK
Allstar unveils EV payment solution
Allstar Chargepass is the UK’s only solution that allows fleet and business electric vehicles to be charged at home and on the road, eliminating the need for separate transactions, and offering customers a single monthly invoice. This also applies to businesses operating mixed fleets (electric and fuel), giving them ultimate flexibility across their total fuel and charging expense.
Fleet Alliance reports strong uptake in EV salary sacrifice
Fleet management specialist, Fleet Alliance said that since the start of this year, dozens of companies have taken advantage of its salary sacrifice scheme, which is aimed primarily at SMEs but which is available to businesses of all sizes. A typical example is Glasgow-based full-service property, data services and energy provider, HFD, which has introduced a salary scheme with Fleet Alliance for all 135 of its employees.
Fleets continue to charge ahead with EV adoption
Writing in Cox Automotive’s latest quarterly insight, AutoFocus, Co-Founder of 360 Media Group Ian Richardson said there had been, generally speaking, ‘impressive’ uptake in EV sales over the past three years but stressed that concerns about affordability and charging infrastructure show no sign of abating.
Largest public EV charging hub opens at the NEC Birmingham
The Gigahub will help serve the seven million visitors attracted to the NEC Campus annually, along with a wide range of other road users that make up the area’s average yearly traffic count of 60 million. Accessed via the main NEC Campus through road, less than 1 mile from junction 6 on the M42 and just 2.4 miles from junction 7A for the M6.
VEV reveal fleets are ‘over-specced’ by up to 20% in their electrification plans
The problem is largely down to fleets embarking on electrification themselves for the first time. The transition will involve multiple providers and stakeholders, and navigating the complexities requires specialist knowledge to anticipate and consider all factors, including vehicles, charging infrastructure, energy sources, energy management and operational patterns. Every EV fleet needs a bespoke design, it’s not a one-size-fits-all.
Research reveals UK hot spots for public rapid chargers
The lack of rapid electric vehicle charging points across many parts of the UK, and the inconsistency in terms of the fast charging network coverage, will frustrate EV drivers. For example, why does the Orkney Islands, where the mainland only takes 45 mins to drive around, have a higher density of rapid chargers than almost anywhere else in the UK?