Toyota has hinted that it will deploy solid-state batteries in its hybrid vehicles before introducing the technology to EVs. Hybrids will continue to play a core role in the company’s electrification strategy, and powertrain boss Thiebault Pâquet told Autocar the benefits of solid-state technology include quicker charging, quicker discharging and reduced heat generation. “We can test and… Continue reading Toyota to use solid-state batteries in hybrids before EVs
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Inside the industry: does new UK legislation ignore in-car tech?
Perhaps you, like me, were surprised when the government announced plans to tighten the use of phones while driving last month. From next year, anyone caught holding a phone to take photos, pick music or play a game while driving faces a £200 fine and six points on their licence. Previously, police had to prove… Continue reading Inside the industry: does new UK legislation ignore in-car tech?
Volvo XC90 to offer EV version, new look and tech-led cabin
Unlike the vast majority of mixed-powertrain platforms currently on the market, the SPA2 will be offered in two distinct forms. This will allow the electric XC90 successor to benefit from a completely flat floor, shortened overhangs and a more overtly cabforward stance, whereas the combustion-engined versions will have slightly more familiar interior proportions, given the… Continue reading Volvo XC90 to offer EV version, new look and tech-led cabin
New Morgan Plus 8 GTR is exclusive V8 special edition
Morgan has publically shown its Morgan Plus 8 GTR for the first time, a nine-strong special edition of a car which officially bowed out three years ago. Morgan says the GTR is a “gloves off” version of the Plus 8, with the project made possible after several chassis earmarked for an external project, believed to… Continue reading New Morgan Plus 8 GTR is exclusive V8 special edition
Mazda: Electric vehicles and synthetic fuels must co-exist
Vehicles powered by e-fuels complement rather than compete with electric vehicles and should be considered as a viable alternative on the path to carbon-neutrality, according to today’s guests on the Autocar Business seminar. Mazda European research director Christian Schultze said: “We believe that e-fuels aren’t in competition with the electrification route but complement it. E-fuels can be used already on existing… Continue reading Mazda: Electric vehicles and synthetic fuels must co-exist
Volkswagen Group moves step closer to acquiring Europcar
The Volkswagen Group has moved a step closer towards acquiring French vehicle rental firm Europcar after financial regulators in France approved its takeover offer. The German automotive giant partnered with UK-based asset manager Attestor Limited and Dutch automotive conglomerate Pon Holdings in July to place a €2.9 billion (£2.4bn) offer, at 50 cents per share. “The consortium… Continue reading Volkswagen Group moves step closer to acquiring Europcar
Autocar confidential: Renault’s battery decisions, still no Audi RS8 and more
This week, we asked Audi if there’s any plans for an RS version of the A8 saloon, talked to Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös about EV chargers and found out why the new Range Rover is the perfect vehicle for a global pandemic. But first, we caught up with Renault’s engineering boss to find out what their… Continue reading Autocar confidential: Renault’s battery decisions, still no Audi RS8 and more
Under the skin: how car leather production is being made greener
Leather has long been seen as the ultimate premium material for the interior of a car, but now pressure is on to improve the sustainability of its manufacturing processes and lower its carbon footprint. That said, leather has a head start on modern materials in the sustainability stakes, because the raw material (cow hides) are a by-product of the food industry that would otherwise… Continue reading Under the skin: how car leather production is being made greener
Jewel E is British-built electric double-decker bus
Two companies will partner with London’s biggest bus operator to start in-service trials of an new, electric double-decker bus that will be built in Norfolk. The bus, named the Jewel E, will go into formal, city-based testing at the start of next year. It has been developed by Norwich-based electrification specialist Equipmake and Spanish coachbuilder Beulas. … Continue reading Jewel E is British-built electric double-decker bus
New Ferrari BR20 is one-off V12-powered two-seat coupe
The new Ferrari BR20 is a V12-powered two-seat coupé based on the GTC4 Lusso that is the latest addition to the firm’s ultra-exclusive One-Off series. The styling takes inspiration from 1950s and 1960s Ferrari coupés, with cues that nod to the 410 Superamerica and 500 Superfast. It was designed as the newest coachbuilt one-off project for one of the Italian firm’s “longstanding… Continue reading New Ferrari BR20 is one-off V12-powered two-seat coupe