Local authorities called on to boost public EV charge point numbers A new league table highlights those areas with good or poor coverage The Transport Secretary has written to local authorities in the UK, urging them to make use of funding available to increase electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The calls from Grant Schapps MP come after the Department for Transport has published a ‘league table’ of data, showing public EV charge point numbers across areas of the UK. Using data from Zap-Map, the information shows how many public EV charge points there are per 100,000 population, broken down by local authority. There is also a separate column indicating how many rapid chargers there are in each area. The government wants driving an electric vehicle to be convenient and viable for those anywhere in the country, and that local authorities have a key role to play in the roll out of infrastructure. London is leading the way in terms of charge point numbers, with the region having almost 4,000 devices. All but two areas to have more than 100 charge points per 100,000 people are London local authorities. The City of London is comfortably top with 414 – well ahead of Westminster in second place with 190 charge points per 100,000 residents. Considering two island local authorities in Scotland are the other areas to have more than 100 points per 100,000 people, it should come as no surprise that Scotland as a region is in second place behind London. At the other end of the scale, there are still 100 local authorities that have fewer than 10 public chargers per 100,000 population. While in itself this may not be much of an issue, considering most EV charging is carried out at home, it does indicate a tougher time of things for those either visiting the area or looking to run an EV without access to off-street parking at home. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Your postcode should play no part in how easy it is to use an electric car, and I’m determined electric vehicles become the new normal for drivers. “It’s good news there are now more charging locations than petrol stations, but the clear gaps in provision are disappointing. I urge local councils to take advantage of all the government support on offer to help ensure drivers in their area don’t miss out. “To help increase the provision of charging locations, the government is offering grants for the installation of charge points on the street, in work and at home. We are also offering grants to lower the upfront cost of these cars so everyone is able to experience the benefits.” Minister for the Future of Transport George Freeman said: “Mapping charge points and producing a league table of availability by council area is intended to raise awareness. “There are now more than 22,500 public charge points and at least one rapid charge point at over 95% of all motorway services areas. To help level up the country, we’ve recently doubled the funding available for councils to build charge points on residential streets.” To take a look at the league table and a map of how local authorities perform per population, visit the DfT website here. Alternatively, click below to find public EV charge points in your area on Zap-Map.
Origin: Local authorities called on to boost public EV charge point numbers
Public
Hardcore Alpine A110S makes public debut at Tokyo
The Alpine A110S has made its public debut at Tokyo motor show, having first been revealed in August. The flagship model, which went on sale in September, is priced from £57,590 in the UK, including the cheapest paint option. The S commands a £6780 premium over the mid-range Légende variant, and can be specced in a range of five colours, the most expensive of which, matt grey, costs £4440. A new set of 18in black alloy wheels is exclusive to S trim, and a contrasting carbon roof can be equipped for £2208. Inside, the standard leather-Alcantara sports seats can be replaced with a pair of carbon-backed buckets for £1656, while bespoke floormats with blue stitching can be added for £110. Driving aids such as hill start assist, cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring are equipped as standard, but a rear parking camera is optional at £480. The new A110 S is, according to the company, a true “focused sports car” with a “very different character” from existing versions of the two-seater. The new range-topping variant of the mid-engined Alpine is built around a reworked version of the 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, with the turbo boost pressure increased by 0.4 bar. That means the unit’s peak power output has risen by 49bhp to 288bhp, which arrives at 6400rpm, 400rpm higher than previously. Torque remains at 236lb ft but is available from 2000rpm to 6400rpm, 1400rpm higher than in a standard A110. Retaining the seven-speed automatic gearbox from the standard Alpine, the A110 S can cover 0-62mph in 4.4sec – a 0.1sec improvement – and its top speed is 162mph. The A110 S retains the same aluminium body but has a different chassis configuration, with new stiffer coil suspension springs, retuned dampers and firmer anti-roll bars. The ride height has been lowered by 4mm to increase stability. There are new wheels and new bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres (215mm at the front, 245mm at the rear) for increased mechanical grip. Brembo brake calipers with 320mm bi-material discs – available as an option on other A110 variants – are standard and the firm has reworked the electronic stability control. Overall, the changes have increased the car’s weight slightly, from 1103kg to 1114kg. Jean-Pascal Dauce, Alpine’s engineering boss, said the changes were all designed with a focus on “high-speed stability and handling precision”. But he added that it would remain a “usable everyday car. The A110 S wouldn’t be a true Alpine if it was too firm or too hard riding to be driven day to day.” As well as the mechanical changes, the A110 S features a number of bespoke styling elements, including carbonfibre and orange flag details on the rear pillars, orange brake calipers and a new wheel design. Inside, the A110 rangetopper comes with new upholstery and stitching, a leather steering wheel and aluminium pedals. Buyers can also opt for a carbonfibre roof, which reduces the car’s weight by
Origin: Hardcore Alpine A110S makes public debut at Tokyo
New Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle makes public debut
Toyota’s dramatic new Mirai Concept, which previews the second-generation version of its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, has been shown in public for the first time at the Tokyo motor show. A production version of the car will go on sale in late 2020. The new hydrogen-powered concept is described as “a final-stage development model of the second-generation Mirai” and Toyota promises a major step forward in fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology. It claims the new model offers a 30% increase in driving range over the current model, which has a range of just over 300 miles, along with improved driving performance. The new Mirai Concept is built on Toyota’s latest TNGA platform and features dramatic new styling, including a revamped front with a bold grille and a sweeping, coupé-esque rear. Toyota claims increased body rigidity and a lower centre of gravity than the original Mirai. The concept measures 4935mm long and 1885mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2920mm. It sits on 20in wheels and retains the four-door saloon layout of the original Mirai, which was launched in 2014. The interior has also been reworked. It features a 12.3in central touchscreen and a digital instrument display, with many of the controls moved to the centre of the dashboard. Notably, the Mirai now has five seats instead of the original’s four, which, Toyota says, has been enabled by a reworking of the hydrogen fuel cell configuration. Aside from the claimed increase in range, Toyota has not given specific details of development work done on the fuel cell powertrain. But it says the system, including the fuel cell stack, has been entirely redesigned and offers increased hydrogen storage. It also claims the work on the system ensures a smoother, linear response, along with improved
Origin: New Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle makes public debut
New BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé makes first public appearance
BMW has rounded out its new 8 Series line-up with the Gran Coupé. The new four-door 8 Series will go on sale in September after its Frankfurt motor show debut, priced from £69,340. The Gran Coupé joins the 8 Series Coupé and Convertible with a line-up that will comprise six-cylinder and V8 models, including the rapid new 516bhp M850i xDrive Gran Coupé. The 8 Series Gran Coupé replaces the discontinued 6 Series Gran Coupé in a growing market segment that will place it up against high-end versions of the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS, as well as the Porsche Panamera. At 5082mm long, 1932mm wide and 1407mm tall, the 8 Series Gran Coupé is 239mm longer, 30mm wider and 66mm taller that its coupé sibling. This added length is partly the result of a 201mm-longer wheelbase than that of the 8 Series Coupé and Convertible, at 3023mm. It allows for two extra frameless doors and rear seat space that’s on a par with its predecessor’s. The 8 Series Gran Coupé has a traditional boot at the rear, with a 440-litre capacity. The load length can be extended when the 40/20/40-configured rear seat is folded down. The engine choices for the 8 Series Gran Coupé mirror those of its siblings. The entry point to the new line-up is the 840i turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol unit, which develops 335bhp and 369lb ft of torque. It can be had in rear- or four-wheel drive and the 0-62mph times are 5.2sec and 4.9sec respectively. Fuel consumption is 39.2mpg combined. Also available is the diesel 840d, with a 3.0-litre inline six making 316bhp and 501lb ft. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in 5.1sec and claimed economy is 47.9mpg. Crowning the initial 8 Series Gran Coupé range is the M850i xDrive, which has a 523bhp turbocharged 4.4-litre V8. With a kerb weight of 1995kg, it is claimed to hit 62mph from rest in 3.9sec and return 28.8mpg combined economy. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with the 840i and M850i xDrive both featuring an M Sport rear differential. Rearwheel steering is standard on four-wheel-drive cars and optional on rear-driven models. Later this year, BMW’s M division will launch even more powerful M8 and M8 Competition variants of the new four-door featuring a twinturbo 4.4-litre petrol V8 with 592bhp for the M8 and 616bhp for the M8
Origin: New BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé makes first public appearance
New Audi A1 Citycarver: rugged supermini makes public debut
The new Audi A1 Citycarver, a more rugged, off-road-inspired version of the firm’s compact supermini, has made its public debut in Frankfurt. Based on the standard A1 Sportback, the Citycarver receives roughly 2in of additional ground clearance with the addition of larger wheels and an upgraded suspension set-up. However, it is positioned as a more city-focused ‘urban crossover’ than the brand’s fully-fledged Allroad models. Adding to its robust image is a protective bodykit similar to that fitted to Audi’s range of larger Allroad models, comprising contrasting wheel arches and side sills, with a stainless steel skidplate enhancing the supermini’s off-road credibility and durability. At the front, the Citycarver is differentiated from the standard A1 with two distinctive slots below the bonnet shut line and a matt black honeycomb grille, while the rear bumper has been redesigned to more closely resemble Audi’s Q2 and Q3 compact SUVs. The Citycarver can be equipped with two petrol engines taken from the A1 line-up: the 114bhp 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged 30 TFSI engine, or the larger 148bhp 1.5-litre 35 TFSI. Nine colours are available, with buyers able to select a grey or black contrasting roof. The stainless steel and grey exterior trim elements can be finished in black with the addition of an optional styling package. Inside, trim accents finished in copper, mint, orange or grey mark the Citycarver out from the standard A1. A 10.1in touchscreen, voice control, Bang and Olufsen sound system and digital instrument cluster feature as standard, too. Three trim levels will be available at launch. Design Selection adds interior mood lighting over entry-level Advanced, with range-topping S Line offering a leather interior, roof spoiler and larger alloy wheels. To celebrate the new model’s arrival, a special edition will be available for a limited time. The A1 Citycarver Edition One is finished in grey or orange, sits atop range-topping 18in alloy wheels, has tinted light clusters and features black exterior trim all round. The A1 Citycarver will be available to order in the UK from September, with deliveries to follow later in Autumn. Prices are yet to be announced, but given the level of standard equipment equipped it can be expected to exceed £30,000 in higher
Origin: New Audi A1 Citycarver: rugged supermini makes public debut
Ian Callum’s Vanquish 25 project makes UK public debut
The Vanquish 25, debut project of former Jaguar design boss Ian Callum and his new Callum design group, has made its first public appearance at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance. Callum is planning to build a batch of comprehensively rethought and re-engineered Aston Martin Vanquish V12s as the new business’s first bespoke car project. The Vanquish 25 project forms part of a series of R-Reforged edition cars fully endorsed by Aston Martin, with customers able to upgrade their existing car, or have R-Reforged source one for them. UK-based R-Reforged has previously worked with Aston Martin on other projects, and will play a key role in the Callum project’s customer experience. Each finished car is expected to cost £550,000 including a sourced V12 Vanquish. Delivery of finished cars is due to start late this year and the full batch of 25 should be completed and delivered at the end of 2020. The Astons will be returned to bare metal and rebuilt from scratch in Callum’s new Warwick-based workshops. They will incorporate dozens of subtle and not so subtle changes, some of which Ian Callum has wanted to make since his original Vanquish design hit production in 2001. “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 and speaker grilles, as well as seating and trim panels and will be used on Callum cars in future. The partners at Callum have already built two Vanquish prototypes, one to show off their body and cabin developments and another to perfect a new suspension set-up that runs to bigger wheels and tyres, stiffer springs and dampers plus changes to anti-roll bars and suspension bushes. All cars also get larger-diameter carbon-ceramic brakes plus new 20in wheels that use the Vanquish’s original pattern but are now offset to improve stability and stance. Each V12 engine gets software, camshaft and exhaust changes to boost its power by around 60bhp to between 500bhp and 600bhp, depending on the model. A modern six-speed torque-converter automatic is offered, although many owners are expected to stick with the Vanquish’s original automated manual gearbox. Ian Callum’s “new old” Aston is still very recognisable as an original Vanquish but has many modern details. There’s a new-style front bumper and grille, the latter subtly framed with carbonfibre and its horizontal bars most prominent. The lights are new LED units and the old, round foglights (Callum calls them “frog eyes”) are dropped in favour of air scoops for the bigger front brakes. There are new-design exterior mirrors (“we’ve dropped the old boxing gloves”) plus handsome side skirts incorporating a four-notch design that will become a feature of future Callum cars. The exhaust’s back box has been reduced in size and incorporated into the rear bumper assembly to improve the efficiency of the rear diffuser and the car gets new LED tail-lights, an unusual and expensive feature (but necessary, Ian Callum insists). More subtle improvements abound. Special Michelin tyres carry the Callum tartan on their sidewalls. The side windows are framed with specially fabricated trim pieces (not the Jaguar cast-offs of the original). The interior is completely retrimmed over new architecture, with the emphasis on high-quality materials and execution. The new front seats adopt a more sporting profile and the tiny rear seats have been ditched in favour of better accommodation for those in the front. There’s a new screen-based HMI and a demountable Bremont watch is fitted into the centre of every fascia. Although Ian Callum left Jaguar only a couple of months ago, his design partners — David Fairbairn, Adam Donfrancesco and Tim Bird — have been working on the project for much longer. “We want to get back to making things,” said Ian Callum. “The idea is to do bespoke projects for customers as individuals.” “I like that the Callum team’s first project is based on the original V12 Vanquish designed by Ian,” Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said. “Aston Martin Lagonda is very proud of the cars created during Ian’s time and they are an important part in both our heritage and evolution.” The original Vanquish, born from a 1998 concept designed by Ian Callum before he joined Jaguar, introduced a new era of Aston design and construction in 2001 that led directly to the successful years of the DB9 and smaller V8 Vantage. The car, although handsome, never found buyers as readily as others and was discontinued in favour of a new, DB9-based Vanquish in 2007. Donor Astons for the Callum treatment will come either from existing owners or the company will source suitable cars itself. A fairly restricted series of colours and interior treatments will be offered: Ian Callum
Origin: Ian Callum’s Vanquish 25 project makes UK public debut
Karma SC1 Vision Concept will make first public debut at Pebble Beach Concours
Karma Automobile is bringing its brand-new SC1 Vision Concept to life and is prepared to show it at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, set to be the first public showing of the futuristic-looking vehicle.The SC1 Vision Concept is Karmas vision for the future of motoring, and if the future looks anything like the SC1, were in.The SC1 is a signpost to Karmas future, says Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou.Designed and engineered in less than 12 months, SC1 is a full battery-electric vehicle that explores the brands striking design language and the innovative technology integration possible through our collaborative Open Platform strategy.The most important thing about this vehicle is the tech: its been future-proofed to accept full self-driving when it becomes available. Eight radars, six lidar sensors and half a dozen external cameras help the car see what humans see. Almost. The infotainment system also has a humanized communication system with touch, voice, eye and graphical interfaces and a camera-based eye-tracking system that is capable of biometric identification. That all sounds like something out of Blade Runner, but we like it.As for power, we dont really know whats motivating it yet, but we think its safe to say this vehicle will be more on the sporty side of electric, rather than economical.The SC1 Vision Concept will be displayed on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance on Sunday, August 18. The 2020 Karma Revero GT will also make be on display next to the Karma GT during Monterey Car
Origin: Karma SC1 Vision Concept will make first public debut at Pebble Beach Concours
Analysis: why the public is split on speed limiters
The recent burst of publicity around the mandatory introduction of speed limiters on new cars from 2022 has certainly brought them to the attention of car buyers. But how will they be received? Are they seen as a brilliant safety initiative that will save lives or an Orwellian intrusion adding to the danger of our roads by taking control away from the driver? Market research firm Simpson Carpenter questioned more than 1000 car buyers on behalf of Autocar to find out. Supporters of speed limiters outnumber opponents by two to one: 49% are in favour of speed limiters, while 24% are opposed. But those with strong feelings on an issue are always the most vocal and here the gap is much narrower – 18% are strongly in favour while 12% are strongly opposed. Support for speed limiters is strongest among women and those intending to buy a hybrid or electric car next time. The most strongly opposed are those whose car has an engine size of 2.0 litres or bigger. Among this group, there are as many opponents as supporters (39% in each camp) and opponents are nearly twice as likely to feel strongly about the issue as supporters. Reasons given spontaneously for favouring speed limiters focus on the expected improvement in road safety and the reduction in the number of people speeding. Among supporters, those intending to buy a hybrid or electric car next time round are much more likely to point to road safety and reducing accidents as the reasons for their support. Older drivers are more likely to cite the reduction in the numbers speeding. Questioned in more detail, a strong majority of car buyers agree that reducing speeds will be good for the environment and will save thousands of lives each year. Nevertheless, there are major reservations: more than half think that drivers are better than technology at deciding on the right speed. Nearly half (47%) think speed limiters are a major intrusion into personal liberty and 41% believe they’ll cause more accidents than they prevent. What is remarkable is the stark difference in opinion between those in favour and those opposed to speed limiters, particularly in relation to their safety benefits and their intrusiveness. Nine in 10 of those in favour believe speed limiters will save thousands of lives each year. In contrast, more than eight in 10 of those opposed believe speed limiters will cause more accidents than they prevent. Almost nine in 10 opponents see them as a major intrusion into personal liberty, with as many as six in 10 feeling very strongly about their intrusiveness. The bad news for the industry is that many new car buyers plan to take avoiding action. Half of those against speed limiters say they will delay their next purchase so they can keep on driving without restriction and a further 30% say they will buy used rather than new. Even among those in favour of speed limiters in principle, nearly one in four will seek to avoid them. The good news is that one in four of those who support speed limiters say they would now be more likely to buy a new car. However, the net effect looks like being another drag on new car
Origin: Analysis: why the public is split on speed limiters
Ferrari invites public to its factory for the first time
If you, like many of us, cannot afford to don a pair of Italian leather driving gloves and slip into your Ferrari to go for a Sunday drive, chances are you havent been to the Maranello factory where these masterpieces are built.But now, the Prancing Horse is letting John Q. Fezza-fan into its stable for the first time ever, for a special event that showcases many highlights from the storied brands past.The event is called Universo Ferrari, and it will have exhibits cover everything Ferrari, including but not limited to classic cars; racing; and its latest vehicles. Universo Ferrari will be open to the general public, which for fans of the brand will be a very special thing, and something Ferraris never done before.The highlight of the event will be the brands new flagship, the SF90 Stradale, shown there for the first time outside of an auto show. The SF90 Stradale is more powerful than the LaFerrari but will have a regular production cycle like the other vehicles in the lineup, which means no production cap. Universo Ferrari will take place in a standalone structure that has been built especially for the event, which means it may become part of the regular Ferrari calendar of events if its popular (which it will be). Currently, Ferrari Racing Days commemorates the brands racing efforts and history annually.Ferrari will make more information over the next few weeks typical
Origin: Ferrari invites public to its factory for the first time
GM’s first public autonomous cars will probably have manual controls
In this Jan. 16, 2019, file photo, Cruise AV, General Motors autonomous electric Bolt EV is displayed in Detroit.Paul Sancya / AP If GM has its way, it will be setting loose onto the roads of North America up to 2,500 driverless taxis a year. The vehicles would be requested by users with smartphones, and then commanded with touch screens inside once it arrives. What they wouldn’t be able to do, however, is be driven by a human in the traditional manner. But despite requests to put out its first fleet of publicly available self-drivers sans manual controls this year, a GM executive in charge of the autonomous division says the upcoming fourth-gen Cruise AV will “most likely” feature manual controls, meaning a human could grab the literal wheel, step on the pedals and pilot the vehicle using traditional methods if need be. The comments first highlighted by Automotive News suggest that, due to the U.S. government’s hesitation to hand out exemptions for vehicles that don’t meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards’ idea of a safe vehicle, GM’s upcoming initial wave of public-serving, self-driving cars will include such manual controls. Until we have exemptions, which we filed a petition for, and/or law changes, we probably wouldn’t go forward with Gen 4, Doug Parks, GM vice president of autonomous and electric vehicle programs, said during a recent conference in California. But we think it’s really something we’ve got to talk about, we’ve got to work on. The third-generation Cruise AV, which is currently being tested in San Francisco, includes manual controls as well as “safety driver” there to take over for the autonomous system should an issue arise. Would you feel comfortable in a self-driving car with no steering wheel or pedals? Or would you prefer to know that an actual foot on an actual brake could still bring the vehicle to a halt?
Origin: GM’s first public autonomous cars will probably have manual controls
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