GSR2 safety regulations have made at least 20 technologies standard on all new cars sold in the EU and the UK – and will legislate some out of existence. The arsenal of standard safety equipment, brought in under the anonymously titled General Safety Regulations 2 (GSR2), will also add more costs to cheaper cars, likely… Continue reading GSR2: The rules making cars safer but more expensive
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Electric Alfa Romeo keeps saloon shape despite SUV popularity
The electric Alfa Romeo Giulia, due on sale by 2026, will retain its classic saloon silhouette despite the overwhelming popularity of SUVs. The Giulia EV is one of two new D-segment cars Alfa Romeo will launch in 2025 and 2026, the other being an electric Stelvio replacement. A large E-segment model will follow in 2027,… Continue reading Electric Alfa Romeo keeps saloon shape despite SUV popularity
New 800V Zeekr EV battery can charge at 500kW
Zeekr has unveiled its first in-house-developed battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) unit that features in the Chinese EV firm’s new 007 saloon. Called the Golden Battery, it’s billed as the world’s first mass-produced 800V LFP battery to offer ultra-fast charging capability. It can accept rates of up to 500kW. Zeekr claimed the Golden Battery, which is also planned to be used… Continue reading New 800V Zeekr EV battery can charge at 500kW
New 800V Zeekr battery can charge at 500kW
Zeekr has unveiled its first in-house-developed battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) unit that features in the Chinese EV firm’s new 007 saloon. Called the Golden Battery, it’s billed as the world’s first mass-produced 800V LFP battery to offer ultra-fast charging capability. It can accept rates of up to 500kW. Zeekr claimed the Golden Battery, which is also planned to be used… Continue reading New 800V Zeekr battery can charge at 500kW
BMW Z4 gains manual gearbox for 2024
BMW will begin production of a manual version of the Z4 M40i roadster in the first quarter of 2024. It will be the first time that BMW has put a clutch pedal in the current-generation Z4 since it was launched in 2019. The previous-generation Z4 could be equipped with a manual but not in top-spec 35i guise, which… Continue reading BMW Z4 gains manual gearbox for 2024
Volkswagen brings back physical buttons for all new cars
When it reaches production, it will sit under the ID 3 in the firm’s EV line-up, with VW describing it as being “as spacious as a Golf and as inexpensive as a Polo”. Significantly, the ID 2all showcases an entirely new design language that will feature on all of the firm’s future EVs. This is… Continue reading Volkswagen brings back physical buttons for all new cars
Alfa Romeo Milano: electric SUV named ahead of April reveal
Alfa Romeo has named its new small SUV the Milano, as a tribute to the company’s Italian home city, and confirmed it will reveal the car in April next year. The new crossover – which appeared for the first time in leaked images recently – takes Alfa Romeo back into the B-segment for the first… Continue reading Alfa Romeo Milano: electric SUV named ahead of April reveal
Volkswagen previews small £25,000 electric SUV based on ID 2
Volkswagen has given an early look at the SUV version of its upcoming ID 2 supermini, due on sale in 2026 at less than €30,000 (£25,800). It will serve as an electric replacement for the Volkswagen T-Cross, much as its lower-slung sibling – previewed earlier this year by the ID 2All concept (below) – replaces the… Continue reading Volkswagen previews small £25,000 electric SUV based on ID 2
Nio to launch Europe-focused affordable EV brand imminently
Nio has outlined plans for the establishment of two new EV brands – and said the first right-hand-drive prototypes of existing Nio cars have been constructed. Speaking to the media ahead of the Chinese firm’s annual Nio Day presentation (set to take place on 24 December), CEO William Li confirmed Nio had progressed its second “family car”… Continue reading Nio to launch Europe-focused affordable EV brand imminently
Could a Japan-style mini EV kei category really work in Europe?
The city car segment has been shrinking for years as manufacturers have struggled to make decent profits from vehicles that are regulated just the same as a Range Rover or BMW 7 Series. The problem has been compounded by the move to electrification because the cost of the battery is even harder to mask in something… Continue reading Could a Japan-style mini EV kei category really work in Europe?