Difficult and expensive engineering solutions might bring plug-in hybrids’ CO2 figures down, such as bigger batteries to extend electric-only range and smaller combustion engines to cut fuel consumption, but one estimate suggests the minimum battery size required might be 30-40kWh, pushing a plug-in very close to an EV’s battery capacity. And with the EU creating a… Continue reading New EU emissions rules to accelerate decline of plug-in hybrids
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Skoda could build Czech ‘gigafactory’ and other VW Group cars
Skoda main production facility in Mladá Boleslav is likely to build cars for other Volkswagen Group brands in the coming years as the company ramps up its electrification programme. Mladá Boleslav currently produces the Skoda Enyaq iV and the Skoda Octavia, and the Czech firm has just opened a new plant there to assemble battery… Continue reading Skoda could build Czech ‘gigafactory’ and other VW Group cars
Autocar Business unveils Power List 100; Carlos Tavares at the top
Carlos Tavares has been named the most powerful person in the automotive industry by Autocar Business. The Stellantis CEO, a man in charge of 14 of the world’s biggest car brands, topped the inaugural Power List 100, which names the 100 most influential people in the automotive industry. Tavares finished ahead of other industry giants… Continue reading Autocar Business unveils Power List 100; Carlos Tavares at the top
Dacia boss: timing is right for design team shuffle
Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot has paid tribute to former head of design Miles Nurnberger, who left the company earlier this month after less than a year at the helm. Although the announcement of Nurnberger’s departure from Dacia gave no details of the circumstances behind the decision, Le Vot told Autocar: “I regret Miles leaving. He was… Continue reading Dacia boss: timing is right for design team shuffle
Squad Mobility unveils Citroën Ami-rivalling Solar City Car
Dutch start-up firm Squad Mobility has unveiled its new Solar City Car, a small Citroën Ami-rivalling quadricycle that can be charged up by the sun. The electric quadricycle features built-in solar panels and is now available for preorder after three years of development work by Squad Mobility, a firm that was founded by Robert Hoevers and Chris Klok… Continue reading Squad Mobility unveils Citroën Ami-rivalling Solar City Car
Why now is the time to buy a proper high-mileage hero
The first thing to say about a high-mileage Prius, indeed any seriously high-mileage car, is don’t expect the dealer selling it to set much store by opening hours, a smart premises and a welcoming cup of coffee. The profits in high-milers don’t encourage such practices. Although I was at his Portakabin for 10am sharp and… Continue reading Why now is the time to buy a proper high-mileage hero
The ultimate track toy? Flat out in 500bhp Revolution SC500
It’s one thing to bottle out of something because you don’t know whether it can be done, quite another to wimp out despite knowing absolutely that what you’re trying to do isn’t just possible but has been done before. What I’m trying to do is turn into the Craner Curves at Donington Park without lifting… Continue reading The ultimate track toy? Flat out in 500bhp Revolution SC500
New Ora Funky Cat touches down at £30,495 with 193-mile range
The Funky Cat measures 4235mm long by 1825mm wide and 1596mm high, making it a close dimensional match for the Volkswagen ID 3, while a wheelbase of 2650mm means even six-foot-tall adults can sit comfortably in the rear. The Cat is expected to ultimately be offered in four trim levels, all of which will qualify… Continue reading New Ora Funky Cat touches down at £30,495 with 193-mile range
UK ‘megafleets’ to help close kerbside EV charging gaps
The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has launched an initiative to create the UK’s largest database of kerbside charge point requirements, aimed at stimulating targeted investment and enabling faster electric vehicle deployment. Announced at the association’s first annual conference last week, the project will combine members’ operational data to map out locations where vehicles are… Continue reading UK ‘megafleets’ to help close kerbside EV charging gaps
Special-edition Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Estrema open for orders
The order books have opened for the special-edition Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio Estrema, with the first deliveries expected in the coming months. The Giulia Estrema, driven by a 276bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, is priced from £50,579, while the cheapest Stelvio Estrema, powered by a 207bhp 2.2-litre turbo diesel, is £57,999. The… Continue reading Special-edition Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Estrema open for orders