Williams Advanced Engineering has developed a new type of lithium ion battery module that could make automotive battery packs up to 30% lighter and 37% more energy dense. The new module, unveiled at the annual Cenex low-carbon vehicle event in Bedfordshire, could have wide-reaching benefits if the tech is licensed to EV manufacturers. The innovation means a battery of… Continue reading Williams reveals lighter yet longer-range EV battery module
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Volkswagen to launch new e-Up with longer range, lower price
Volkswagen will launch a new version of its e-Up electric city car, with an increased range of 161 miles and a reduced base price, at the Frankfurt motor show. The new model will switch the 18.7kWh lithium ion batteries from the current model, with a range of around 118 miles, for 32.3kWh batteries. VW says they will… Continue reading Volkswagen to launch new e-Up with longer range, lower price
Car industry encouraged by rising EV sales
UK new car sales dipped by just 1.6% in August, while sales of electric and hybrid cars continued to surge. In total, 92,573 cars were registered last month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 1521 fewer than in August 2018. While the decline is notably lower than the 3.4% average decline for… Continue reading Car industry encouraged by rising EV sales
Faraday Future appoints former BMW i boss as CEO
Faraday Future, the struggling Chinese-American electric vehicle start-up, has appointed the former head of BMW‘s i electric vehicle division to lead it out of its financial difficulties. Carsten Breitfeld, who played an integral role in BMW’s entry into the electric vehicle market with the all-electric i3 and plug-in hybrid i8, will take over as chief… Continue reading Faraday Future appoints former BMW i boss as CEO
Kia releases plug-in hybrid Ceed Sportswagon and Xceed
Kia has unveiled two frugal new petrol-electric additions to its range: the Xceed and Ceed Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid. The new models represent the first time Kia has electrified its family hatchback mainstay. They come at a time of increased popularity for the Ceed range, with Kia claiming a 40% increase in year-on-year sales in the first… Continue reading Kia releases plug-in hybrid Ceed Sportswagon and Xceed
Ian Callum revives Aston Martin Vanquish for debut project
“There are things on the car I’ve always wanted to fix,” he said. “Now I have the chance.” One strong theme running through the whole car is a unique fabric and trim pattern that Ian Callum, a loyal Scot, calls his “abstract tartan”. It appears in the Vanquish in surprising places, such as air outlets… Continue reading Ian Callum revives Aston Martin Vanquish for debut project
Bugatti Chiron goes 304mph to set hypercar record
Bugatti’s decision to introduce the Chiron with a 261mph speed limiter left the question of what it was truly capable of. Now the company has revealed the spectacular answer, with a slightly modified car smashing both the production car speed record and the 300mph barrier. British sportscar veteran, Le Mans winner and official Bugatti tester, Andy… Continue reading Bugatti Chiron goes 304mph to set hypercar record
The two cars that could transform Fiat and Alfa Romeo
Will an electric Panda come? “Yes. Before 2025, perhaps around 2023.” Alfa Romeo Tonale It takes 10 seconds to sketch the Alfa Romeo Tonale. That’s according to Alfa Romeo design boss Scott Krugger, who reckons this fact is a “beautiful testament” to its design strength, and to one of a pair of unusual processes that… Continue reading The two cars that could transform Fiat and Alfa Romeo
Suzuki Celerio and Baleno axed from UK sale
Suzuki has confirmed it has discontinued its two cheapest models – the Celerio city car and Baleno supermini – in the UK in a revamp of its product line-up. The Skoda Citigo and Honda Jazz rivals are still visible on the company’s UK site, but a spokesman said that from the end of this month, no… Continue reading Suzuki Celerio and Baleno axed from UK sale
Car ownership “not compatible” with emissions targets
Private car ownership needs to end and vehicle use should be cut if the UK is to become a carbon-neutral country by 2050, a committee of MPs has claimed. A scathing report by the cross-party Science and Technology Select Committee claims the Government “should not aim to achieve emissions reductions simply be replacing existing vehicles… Continue reading Car ownership “not compatible” with emissions targets