Collision Concierge » UK

UK extends electric vehicle tax credit to 2015, adds utility vehicles

Danny King — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:54:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, UK

The UK government has extended its tax credit for electric-vehicle buyers to 2015 and will now include electric vans in the generous incentive.

UK electric-vehicle buyers will receive a credit for as much as 25 percent of the value of their new vehicle, up to 5,000 British pounds, or just under $7,800 U.S. at today's exchange rates, Autoblog's sister publication in the UK reported. Purchasers of electric commercial vehicles may receive a credit worth as much as 20 percent of the vehicle's cost, up to 8,000 pounds ($12,500).

With the credit, the price of a Nissan Leaf is reduced about 14 percent, to 25,990 pounds ($40,500), while the price of a Renault Kangoo Z.E. is dropped an even 20 percent to 16,990 pounds ($26,500). Among the other electric-drive vehicles set to debut in the UK this year are the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan eNV200 van.

The UK's tax credit for EVs is slightly more generous than the flat $7,500 incentive offered by the U.S. federal government, though many U.S. states offer additional tax credits to EV buyers.

UK extends electric vehicle tax credit to 2015, adds utility vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drayson Racing presents 850 hp electric racer at Low Carbon Racing Conference

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:06:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, UK, Racing

Last year, Drayson Racing and Lola announced they would partner on an all-electric race car and now, at the 6th MIA International Low Carbon Racing Conference, the very impressive result of their collaboration has been revealed. The Lola-Drayson B12/69EV is an 850-horsepower (640-kW) monster that will seek to destroy many an electric vehicle speed record this year, while simultaneously serving as a development platform for a different design Drayson Racing will bring to the 2013 FIA Forumula E series.

If, however, a racing series is announced that will accept the Lemans-style prototype as is, they might very well campaign it. It should be interesting to see then, if the just-announced ALMS-IMSA-Quimera initiative might be a viable option for them. With projected acceleration numbers of 0-to-60 miles per hour in 3 seconds, 0-to-100 mph in 5.1 seconds, and a top speed somewhere north of 200 mph, it should be pretty competitive.

The B12/69EV gets all that motive power from four YASA-750 axial flux motors running on a 700-volt system. The 60-kWh battery setup that provides the asphalt-sizzling energy consists of three separate packs of A123 cells - cylindrical ANR26650M1-B's sourced through Mavizen, to be exact - that are structurally integrated into the Lola carbon fiber chassis. Charging is also appropriately high tech, using an inductive system from Qualcomm Halo.

Besides an incredible amount of power and torque, the racer weighs in at about 1000 kg (2205 lbs), which is within 100 kg of a typical internal combustion LMP1, so handling should be pretty similar. Of course, the proof of the racecar pudding is in the driving and we look forward to seeing this machine in action once video is dished out.

Drayson Racing presents 850 hp electric racer at Low Carbon Racing Conference originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More reasons to choose car-sharing: serious health benefits

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 20:49:00 +0000

Filed under: Transportation Alternatives, UK

The next time you go visit your doctor for a check-up, go ahead and take a car-sharing vehicle. Why? Because that way you can say that you're actively engaging in a mode of transportation that helps your health.

According to a recent report by researchers at the University College London (UCL), making "rational, economic decisions about the most appropriate mode of travel for each individual journey (on foot, by car, bicycle, bus, train etc)" is a key factor in improving your health. When you are part of a car-share, you can still access a private vehicle when you need one but you are also more conscious about how you get around, and this choice often leads to increasing your physical activity level. This, in turn, can make you healthier. The UK's Department for Transport commissioned the report, which found that, "the only way to increase walking and cycling significantly is through reducing car use" and that "the recent growth of car clubs, neighbourhood car rental schemes, car sharing and pay-as-you-go insurance helps to make this possible." You can get the full report in PDF.

More reasons to choose car-sharing: serious health benefits originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FedEX to trial the Nissan NV200 EV prototype in London

Domenick Yoney — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:59:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, UK

The trial of Nissan's NV200 EV prototype by Japan Post last summer must have had some amount of success as the all-electric van is now poised to take on the streets of London, England. This time around, it will be rocking the colors of the courier FedEx as it begins a two-month stint of package schlepping.

Performance specs for the prototype have not been released, but since it does use the same 80-kW motor and 24-kWh battery drivetrain as the Nissan Leaf, it likely puts up slightly lower acceleration and range numbers than the consumer hatchback. FedEx Express already has a few EVs operating in London - its world-wide electric fleet now totals 48 vehicles - and so it should be able to take advantage of quick-charging opportunities through the day as needed.

Nissan will continue these trials in other locations in 2012 including, we presume, the United States. Likewise, we imagine the company will eventually offer an electric version for sale, though if they do, we hope they can bump the energy storage up to, say, 35 kWh and thereby increase its utility as a commercial vehicle. Official press release awaits after the break.

Continue reading FedEX to trial the Nissan NV200 EV prototype in London

FedEX to trial the Nissan NV200 EV prototype in London originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear producer Wilman praises YouTube parody

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:46:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, UK

For all of its glory, Top Gear can be a bit formulaic. Any given episode likely includes Jeremy Clarkson saying something absurd about one vehicle/ethnicity or another, at least two of the hosts embroiled in a ludicrous challenge and, of course, plenty of quick editing and stunning videography. It's the hosts and the execution that separates Top Gear UK from its various international incarnations and keeps us coming back for more. Two of the show's fans recently demonstrated how easily the recipe can be applied to even the most bizarre premises by pretending to race two electric cars through the streets of London.

The parody, cardboard boxes and all, is genuinely hilarious, and we aren't the only ones who think so. We showed you the video previously, but now Top Gear UK producer Andy Wilman has released a quick video praising the duo for their creativity, which we think is pretty excellent. Hit the jump to revisit the original as well as watch Wilman's reaction to the clip.

Continue reading Top Gear producer Wilman praises YouTube parody

Top Gear producer Wilman praises YouTube parody originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smaller hybrid drivetrain coming to Lexus GS

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:54:00 +0000

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Lexus

The flavors of Lexus GS on offer in Europe will differ slightly from those here: we will both get the GS 450h, but we'll only step down to the GS 350 for an entry-level model, while the Europeans will make do with a GS 250 housing a 2.5-liter V6. That smaller-capacity sedan is meant to challenge the BMW 520 and Mercedes E250 CGI, but Lexus is planning a more frugal drivetrain for the UK to challenge even more popular competitors: diesel executive sedans.

The BMW 520d SE automatic gets 60.1 imperial miles-per-gallon combined, the Audi A6 2.0T multitronic gets 56.5 imperial mpg. According to Autocar's review the estimated fuel economy for the 2.5-liter V6 in the 2012 GS 250 is just 35 imperial mpg. Giving up 20 mpg is a huge disadvantage.

But Lexus doesn't do diesels, so it's developing what is thought to be a four-cylinder lump hooked up to an electric motor and putting out 180 horsepower combined. That would put it right in between the BMW and Audi outputs, but Auto Express suggests a 50 mpg rating, perhaps due to an almost-certain weight penalty. The exact details on the hybrid setup should come "imminently."

Smaller hybrid drivetrain coming to Lexus GS originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla says Top Gear still hurting UK sales

Mark Sumner — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:06:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, UK

It's not always easy to tell how a company is performing just by looking at the numbers. In the second quarter of 2011, for example, Tesla Motors revenues hit a record $58 million, with losses of $59 million. This fell just short of Wall Street expectations, and Tesla stock took a beating. In the third quarter, Telsa matched its second quarter revenue numbers, but losses increased to $65 million. However, this was better than analysts had predicted, and Tesla's stock made a sharp turn for the better.

The third quarter losses were expected, since Telsa is still ramping up to produce the upcoming Model S and is also in development of the unrevealed Model X crossover. With the Model S sold out and a possible new deal to supply drivetrains to Daimler, analysts were more than willing to overlook Tesla's current red ink.

When it comes to sales of the signature Roadster, Tesla's numbers look very good overall. Sales of the electric sports car are up 22 percent from a year ago, and Tesla has now moved over 2,000 of the Lotus-bodied beauties. However, there's one area where Tesla's sales have not lived up to expectations. While potential buyers in some areas have have a hard time coming up with a vehicle, there remains a surplus of right-hand drive models.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk had a simple explanation for the EV's underperformance in the UK: he blamed the slow sales on "the continuing adverse impact on the Roadster via reruns of Top Gear."

Though a British court recently ruled that Top Gear's 2008 test drive of the roadster did not constitute libel, the shows summation of the car as something that, "in the real world, it doesn't seem to work" still has Tesla executives fuming. Musk has previously referred to the show as a "complete phony" that is "about as authentic as a Milli Vanilli concert."

Tesla says Top Gear still hurting UK sales originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qualcomm aquires HaloIPT, announces London wireless charging trial

Domenick Yoney — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 13:55:00 +0000

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, UK

Over the past year and a half, HaloIPT has been working hard at moving inductive power transfer - a wireless charging technology - from the labs at the University of Auckland where it was developed into actual vehicles, such as the Rolls Royce 102 EX. Apparently they've been doing something right because tech giant Qualcomm has just snapped them up, lock, stock and patent portfolio.

Just two days after that transaction, Qualcomm has announced it will hold a Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) trial in London in a collaborative effort with various UK governmental authorities. The plan is to install a number of chargers and invite companies to enroll vehicles into the scheme and see how wireless charging can meet their individual needs. The UK's largest taxi company, Addison Lee, has already declared itself a participant and as many as 50 vehicles can take part. Companies interested in giving it a go can hit them up on the WEVC website.

As usual, you can get all the details in a pair of official press releases after the break.

Continue reading Qualcomm aquires HaloIPT, announces London wireless charging trial

Qualcomm aquires HaloIPT, announces London wireless charging trial originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Judge: Tesla will need to prove financial damage to win suit

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:58:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, UK

Tesla's much publicized lawsuit against Top Gear has not been going well for the upstart electric car company. The British judge hearing the case tossed out the automaker's libel claim, and now this. According to The Guardian, Justice Tugendhat has issued a written judgment ordering Tesla to show how it has been financially damaged by the BBC's popular car show.

To put it quite simply, the judge is asking Tesla to show him the money, or he'll strike out the automaker's claim.

The Guardian also mentions that Tesla's claims against Top Gear can only be based on reruns of the infamous broadcast aired after March 2010, not the original trashing of the Roadster that aired back in 2008. This because of "strict time-period rules governing claims for malicious falsehood," says The Guardian.

It will be interesting to see how Tesla responds to this latest request, as the original suit named a value of "not more than £100,000."

Judge: Tesla will need to prove financial damage to win suit originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michel Motorsports Gitano debuts with EVDrive range-extended craziness

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:58:00 +0000

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, SEMA Show, Pacific Region, UK, USA

Michel Motorsports has chosen the SEMA 2011 convention to debut the Gitano, its first original design effort. The Filipino company has spent its first 23 years building replicas of classic sportscars, and that history has clearly influenced this rear-wheel-drive coupe. But lift the long hood and underneath you'll find a beating heart unlike anything found in its faux-Lotus Sevens - a 150 kW (200 horsepower) electric motor with sundry supporting components. If that sounds somewhat underwhelming, consider that it can pump out 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque continuously from 0 to 5,000 RPM. Good times, yes?

But wait, there's more! Open the trunk and you'll find a 25 kW (34.53 hp) range-extending rotary engine ready to take you 250 additional miles past the 100-mile all-electric range. About the size of a spare tire and able to burn a number of combustible fuels, it runs at its peak efficiency to pump energy back into the battery pack during those long distance drives.

The power plants and their associated bits come courtesy of EVDrive. This outing represents their first foray into the commercial market as well, after spending the past few years developing their secret sauciness. AutoblogGreen actually covered their original electric dirt bike project back in 2008.

In addition to the system in the Gitano, the San Diego-based firm also has on display an all-electric version that's specifically engineered to be used in conversions of BWM E46 series vehicles. They say it should be available in the 2nd quarter of 2012 and be the first of a whole family of modular systems with outputs ranging from 65 to 1,000-plus hp.

As for the Gitano itself, there's no word yet on the pricetag or when it is expected to begin rolling out the door. The first examples will be constructed in Britain and die-hard petrolheads will be pleased to learn that the electric drivetrain isn't the only available option. The company says it can offer offer a variant powered by an LS-series gen IV V8 capable of 430 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque.

Continue reading Michel Motorsports Gitano debuts with EVDrive range-extended craziness

Michel Motorsports Gitano debuts with EVDrive range-extended craziness originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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