Category Archives: Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles, News, North of England

York-based supply specialists saves more than 29,000 tonnes of CO2 per year thanks to electric vehicle investment

Family-owned supply specialists, PPS, has demonstrated its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by purchasing three electric vans, saving more than 29,000 tonnes of CO2 per year*.

The six-figure investment has seen the business enhance its fleet of delivery vehicles with the addition of the new Maxus eDeliver9, along with the installation of four rapid charging points at its warehouse in York.

Two of the new vans will enable PPS to commit to zero emission deliveries in the York area – PPS delivers to more than 600 businesses and schools in York, which equates to more than 10,500 deliveries per year. The third van will replace PPS’ current diesel van serving its several hundred Leeds city centre customers, representing another 5,000 plus deliveries a year that will now be zero emission.

Electric vans have a lower payload than their diesel counterparts. PPS conducted a full review of its delivery and route planning strategy, to modify it to make zero emission deliveries not only possible but more efficient.

Dedicated to promoting cleaner ways of operating, the investment in these new electric vans is just one of the steps the business has taken towards a more sustainable future. PPS has recently launched a natural, plant-based cleaning chemical collection, and has had a comprehensive range of compostable food packaging for several years.

Speaking about the investment, PPS Managing Director, Joseph Fitzpatrick, said: “Working towards a more sustainable way of operating is something I and the rest of the team at PPS are very passionate about.

“We’re one of the first SMEs in Yorkshire to have started investing in electric vehicles as part of its fleet. In the past six months alone we’ve invested, or committed to invest, over £250,000 in zero emission vehicles, which is something we’re incredibly proud of.

“We’ve already transferred our external sales team across to electric vehicles – there are now three on the road, with another two on order – so the next natural step for us was to introduce this technology to our delivery fleet. Utilising electric vehicle technology as part of our delivery service means that we’re completely removing over 60,000 miles worth of CO2 emissions from the roads every year.

“As well as the addition of the new vans, we’re also encouraging our team members to move to electric vehicles by offering subsidised charging options across all of our sites, as we look towards a cleaner future.”

Electric Vehicles, News

How EV Charging Stations Need to Evolve to Meet Market Demand

Written by Neset Yalcinkaya, VP of Products, Quectel

According to Berg Insight, there are expected to be around 23 million electric vehicle (EV) charging stations installed globally by the year 2025.

So, a dense charging station network is needed to keep the growing number of EVs on the road. The typical EV today has a range of anywhere from 100 miles to 520 miles, with most in the 200-300-mile range, according to an Insideevs report. While those ranges are fine for typical daily commuting needs, more extensive travel requires conveniently located EVs at appropriate locations on the road as well as at the home and office.  These stations do not only avoid issues such as running out of charge, but also combat “range anxiety”, the fear of running out of charge before the next charging station is reached.  Overcoming range anxiety is one of the major factors – outside of price – of consumers opting to replace their petrol/diesel vehicle with an EV when it’s time for a new one.

To meet this demand for EV charging stations, the providers – most of whom are private firms – will need to roll out both plug-in and wireless charging stations. The plug-in stations will primarily be used in the home and at certain office locations, while wireless charging stations will make the most sense for the publicly available charging stations.

Connectivity is the answer

These charging stations need reliable, fast connectivity in order to monitor meter usage and identify and bill users, collect vehicle ID information, charging volume, the status of the charge (SOC), the capacity of charging, and recharging current the charging point or pile ID and location information.

With connectivity, the provider can see all critical aspects of the charging station in real-time, which is even more important for EV charging stations than for the more traditional service stations.  Unlike traditional service stations, EV charging stations are unlikely to have attendants present. So, EV charging station providers will want to have immediate notification if a station isn’t working properly, goes down completely, or is the victim of attempted theft or vandalism.

Such connectivity can also provide communication advantages for potential users by informing them of locations of charging stations’ availability (charging times can be lengthy), as well as other important information.

There are several areas where there is the right existing technology and other infrastructure to provide this type of state-of-the-art connectivity. However, there are still several areas where providing such connectivity through a wired charging station would be too complex, costly, or would simply take too long to connect and test before going live with it, meaning lost revenue for the provider.

Wireless connectivity can help speed the rollout of these charging stations, enabling providers to meet the need more quickly.

Even if the provider chooses to deploy one or more plug-in charging stations, adding wireless connectivity, as well, provides an important backup if the wired connection fails for any reason.

In most of the UK, 4G – and in an increasing number of areas – 5G infrastructure already exists to provide fast, reliable connections for EV charging stations. Yet the EV market still faces some challenges.

Despite the positive forecast from Berg Insight and others for the EV market outlook, much of the growth will come near the end of the forecast period. Though EV sales have set records each of the last couple of years, the reality is that there are still relatively few on the road, so the current incentives to develop the market are low. Providers are looking at lengthy return-on-investment (ROI) times.

Shortening the ROI time provides the best path to profitability. Wireless connectivity does just that because it avoids adding the additional costs and time needed to install plug-in stations.

To obtain the best ROI in the shortest amount of time, EV charging station providers need wireless equipment compliant with global standards and that can communicate with all wireless carriers. The ability to minimise power consumption is also critical. Many of these stations sit dormant a large percentage of the time.

The hardware must also have integrated security features and architectures that allow developers to easily design new applications for consumers and providers alike, as well as antennas to ensure optimised, stable connections.

By deploying the right hardware to provide connectivity, providers can quickly meet the growing demand for EV charging stations while maximising their ROI.

Electric Vehicles, News

A World Where EV Vehicles Become the Norm – for Everyone

Written by André Dias, Founder and CTO, GoWithFlow

Petrol prices have hit a record high, as oil and gas costs soar and the global price of crude oil, international exchange rates and supply and demand around the world all affect what we have to pay at the pump.

While there is little we can do to influence this surge in costs, there are measures that businesses and fleet owners can look to put in place to counter big fuel and energy costs.  Certainly, with the UK Government’s 2030 ban on combustion car sales looming, a move to electric vehicles is a sensible step forward.

The train has already left the station

The trend towards EVs has already picked up pace in recent years. Driven by pressure from society, corporate strategy and influenced by government mandates and carbon emission reduction targets, individuals, corporations, and public bodies are already raising the priority of their own transition away from internal combustion engines. This, in turn, will place significant demand on the fuelling and charging landscape in our communities.

 In 2022 and beyond, rather than seeing fancy electric vehicles as anomalies and therefore noteworthy, we are now witnessing an increasing number of makes and models of PHEVs and PEVs alongside new changing infrastructure, which is making decarbonised mobility more commonplace.

More needs to be done

That said, there is still a way to go.  What will really drive acceptance is when the infrastructure is in place because for adoption to become widespread, we need to improve the UK’s EV charging network.  Without confidence in related infrastructure and supporting services, some of the anxieties around switching to EVs, such as range, convenience, lack of charging points, etc, will continue.

To meet the steepening adoption curve, we need to ensure the infrastructure, management tools, and ancillary services are all in place to provide a smooth and cost-effective transition towards a green mobility service.

However, enabling decarbonised mobility is extensive and incorporates many different infrastructure elements as well as cultural and behavioural aspects.  We must move away from “glutton fuelling”, where we fuel, drive until the tank is empty and fuel again, and move towards “graze fuelling” – topping up every day.  For this we need to have better home charging facilities; this includes ensuring that any new build homes and offices

automatically have electric vehicle charge points.

New builds to install electric vehicle charge points

The good news is that these discussions are in already in play.  Proposals requiring new builds to install electric vehicle charge points were first discussed in 2019. This proposed law change can be compared to the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, in which new buildings and renovations including car parks are mandated to have the necessary connectivity for smart chargepoint installation. This law is a necessity, as reliance on a roadside, on-demand fuel supply model will not be cost efficient, nor will it be possible for an audience of majority-electric vehicle users. Electricity prices are rapidly increasing, and further national demand will only amplify this trend.  Home charging, however, will remain cheaper and when you are buying the exact same product for a fraction of the price, customers are unlikely to tolerate spending more money elsewhere – except in exceptional circumstances.

Therefore, it is key that places such as homes, workplaces, retail, health, and hospitality spaces going forward are developed to provide electricity-as-a-service, attracting and retaining customers in the process.   Government efforts to expand the electric charging network must happen at the infrastructural level for this to be effective. Alternative options, such as rent-a-driveway schemes, have been around for years but will likely never see mass adoption because they rely on individuals giving up the freedom of use of their own charger and driveway for someone else.

Adapting infrastructure to bring charge points to the spaces that vehicle users already frequent, such as offices, retail destinations, and homes, makes the change to electric vehicles far easier for consumers, both practically and psychologically.

Meeting the needs of a diverse population

Additionally, the UK’s 2030 deadline will affect all drivers, which is why it is essential to consider the needs of a diverse population as we build out the infrastructure for electric vehicle users. A recent report from the Energy Saving Trust reveals the barriers that disabled consumers may face in using public charging infrastructure and highlights the need for clarity on the location of accessible charge points for those planning routes. This insightful report only highlights that, to work, technology aimed at improving our futures must ensure that its benefits are inclusive for all.

While local councils are investing in building and expanding the UK’s electric charging network, accessibility must be central to the design of hardware and software alike. Different people and organisations have different mobility behaviours, and unequal access to resources. A woman with a young family, for example, is less likely to ride-share than others, and finds public transport less accessible because of the mobility behaviour that she has. In terms of electric vehicle infrastructure, we need to ensure it is inclusive, accessible, and safe – requirements that haven’t necessarily been considered to date. For this reason, it is heartening to see Motability and the British Standards Institute’s work to bring the needs of disabled users to the foreground of the electric revolution.

Obtaining the right level of support

When designing smart mobility solutions and charge points, it is essential that we embrace an approach that doesn’t just focus on those most likely to adopt electric vehicles: higher income working individuals, predominately male and so on. If we build for a diverse community, we will ensure that the true potential of electric vehicle adoption is met, encouraging more people to transition to electric automotive worldwide.

Finally, any transition towards electric vehicles, whether this is part of an overall ‘sustainability’ effort, or a standalone project, requires conscious, defined strategy and real commitment to carbon reduction.  Without this, and without the knowledge of the advice and expertise that exists, the steps required might be seen as too complex at this stage in industry and infrastructure development.  This is where we can help – our Mobility Change Platform helps enterprises manage the transition of their fleet to low- or no-emission vehicles while reducing overall fleet and energy costs.

Electric Vehicles, News

Can mass adoption of EVs solve the air pollution problem?

Written by Kunal Sawhney, CEO, Kalkine Media

The government’s historic step towards climate control and transition to zero-emission cars and vans by 2030 has again come under fire with the introduction of new increased car tax changes from 1 April 2022. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), which is calculated using the vehicle’s age and CO2 emissions, has increased drastically in line with the Retail Price Index measure of inflation.

Households that are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis will face one of the biggest rises in car tax when fuel remains at a record high, despite some decline due to the US release of oil from its strategic reserve.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and its implications

The UK car owners have to pay car taxes Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), which is made up of two components: The first-year rate and the standard rate. When one buys a car or van, he has to pay a tax known as the first-year tax or the showroom tax. It depends on the CO2 emission figures when the vehicle was built.

The other component of VED is the standard tax, which the car owner has to pay annually, and its calculation is done by keeping the vehicle’s age and CO2 emissions into consideration. All those cars and vans with bigger and older engines that usually produce more CO2 are bound to be levied higher taxes, while it could be zero if the car doesn’t emit CO2.

As per the regulations, those cars producing emissions between 1 and 50g of CO2 per kilometre are liable to pay £165 and a first-year rate of £10, while cars emitting 51 to 75g of CO2 per km will have to pay £165 and first-year rate of £120, and so on.

Electric Vehicles exempt from VED

At the same time, electric vehicle (EV) owners don’t have to pay any standard rate, and this has become a major issue when the VED, which is popularly known as the road car tax, has risen for the majority of drivers. It is being said that electric vehicle users’ use of roads in the UK is being subsidised by other taxpayers.

Electric Vehicles have gained popularity in the last sometime in the UK, with the data showing a constant rise in registration for EVs. However, people are still concerned about range anxiety despite huge developments in battery manufacturing. Also, the availability of charging stations, the long charging time of batteries, and most importantly, the high upfront cost of the EVs have been restricting the transition from traditional fossil fuel cars to EVs. However, their benefits too can’t be ignored as they will not only lead to the government’s goal of zero-emission vehicles but will also create jobs and deliver public health benefits by improving air quality, and over half of the Britons would consider adopting an EV if it was available at a right price for them.

Course of action

It’s true that EVs don’t produce CO2 or exhaust fumes, but it is also a proven fact that they produce large amounts of tiny pollution particles from brake and tyre dust, which has been linked with cardiopulmonary toxicity and can result in serious illness.

Putting the tax burden on those who cannot afford to transition will only add to the woes of the households when the energy cap has gone up by 54 per cent, National Insurance rates are rising, and inflation is at its peak. The number of vehicles needs to be reduced from the roads and mass transit system to be expanded, not just the CO2 level of cars and vans with the forced mass adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

Electric Vehicles, News

Simple EV charging solution set to revolutionise new-build industry

AN INNOVATIVE new electric car charge point is set to revolutionise the house building industry, saving time and money for developers.

With the UK Government due to make it a requirement to introduce mandatory charge points in new homes and commercial buildings in England, the BriXcell is a simple, compact solution which can be easily installed during the construction phase of any new build.

Developed by a team of industry experts, it contains the entire EV charging point infrastructure within a brick-sized construction pack which can be fitted as part of the existing building process.

BriXcell is being launched in partnership with Scottish-based solutions firm Eco Group, as part of its EcoGoZero range of products aimed at helping businesses, homeowners and the UK achieve net zero targets. Eco has exclusive UK distribution of the product, which will lead its Eco V range of electric vehicle solutions.

The BriXcell construction pack is built into an external wall during the construction process, with the internal cabling contained within the infrastructure of the property. 

The electrical connection system is wired at the first fix stage, with a decorative cover fitted. The decorative cover is swapped for a charge point when it’s needed by the new homeowner, ensuring the warranty begins at the point of requirement.

Tim Gardner, who is part of the four-strong team behind the BriXcell, said: “We see this product as a game changer for the new-build industry. 

“What started as a sketch on a piece of paper almost three years ago has developed into a fit-for-purpose product which we can now take to the market.

“Traditionally these types of products have been surface mounted but we challenged ourselves to restrict it to the size and shape of a standard brick so it can form part of the construction process.

“The BriXcell has been through a rigorous testing process and the feedback we have received so far from the industry has been extremely positive.

“The main advantage of the BriXcell to a house builder or developer is that they don’t need to change any of their existing processes to install it, which saves money and time. It really is as simple as laying a brick.

“And when the homeowner moves into the property, the charge point is ready for them to use.

“We’ve been told that it’s so simple yet so cleverly designed that it could be ground-breaking for the industry.”

Eco Group’s EcoGoZero portfolio of products focus on decarbonised travel, decentralised energy and infrastructure innovation. 

The firm, which is based in Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, has a proven track record of creating and delivering solutions for businesses across the UK.

Eddie Black, Managing Director of Eco, said the BriXcell had the potential to play a key role in the electric car charging industry. 

He said: “The BriXcell is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a great concept, design and technology comes together to create a simple yet innovative solution.

“We believe it can make a big difference in the move towards a more sustainable future, and we are excited to be collaborating with the BriXcell team to bring it to market.”

Tim brings more than 30 years of experience in the new-build industry to the BriXcell team, which also includes Jonathan McFarlane, who is Managing Director of plastic injection moulding company Plastic Engineering Solutions; Nick Glover who is Managing Director of electronics firm Cursey Technology; and James Glover who is a director of Viridian EV which specialises in electric car charging products. They are all based around Cirencester in Gloucestershire.

Tim said the strength of the team lay in the knowledge and experience each member brought to the project.

He said: “We are all running busy and successful businesses and have put this momentum into establishing the BriXcell product. From the point of concept, we all believed 100 per cent in this project and, by bringing together our joint expertise, we were able to make it a reality.”

The team’s in-depth understanding of their specialist sectors has influenced the design features of the BriXcell which include 32 amp (7Kw) fast charging; flame retardant polymers (UL94-VO) which meet Glow Wire test 960; either type 1 or type 2 plug holder for the charge cable when not in use; and IP54 water and dust resistance. It also includes an LED halo for charger status; luminosity for night time charging; security features; and a cable tidy.

Plans requiring new homes in England to have an electric car charging point were announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in November as part of efforts to help the UK reach net zero.

Under the plans, new-build homes will need at least one charging point per dwelling with associated parking. The new regulations would also apply to new-build supermarkets, workplaces and buildings undergoing major renovations. 

The measures aim to support the growing uptake of electric vehicles, with new petrol and diesel car sales banned from 2030.

Around 10 per cent of cars sold in 2020 were electric, up from 2.5 per cent in 2018.

To find out more about the BriXcell visit www.ecogozero.co.uk or email hello@ecogozero.co.uk

Electric Vehicles, News

myenergi supports upcoming changes to EV charging regulations

myenergi, pioneer of the world’s first eco-smart EV charger, has thrown its full support behind the UK’s impending Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. Set to come into force from 30 June, the new rules will play a pivotal role in future-proofing our national energy system.

Introduced in-line with the rapid uptake of alternatively-fuelled vehicles, the new regulations aim to establish standardisation. Alongside protecting the grid by reducing the impact of simultaneous EV charging, the regulations aim to ensure that EV chargers are interoperable, that customers don’t get locked into services from energy suppliers, that new standards of cybersecurity are adopted and that off-peak charging is delivered as standard to reduce ‘rush hour’ periods on the grid.

As a global leader in EV charging technology, myenergi believes that these changes are not only essential, but will work as a steppingstone to help create the energy system of tomorrow.

Dr Chris Horne, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at myenergi, explains: “With motorists quickly switching from fossil fuels to electric, there is obviously a number of knock-on implications that need to be considered. Overall demand on the National Grid has been in decline since 2002 and, even if all internal combustion engine-powered vehicles switched to electric powertrains overnight, we’d only experience an increase in national energy demand of around 10%. Having said this, the transition to electrification has impacts for network inertia and balancing.

“The problem we could face in the future is that, if everyone decided to charge their EVs at the same time, the increase in demand would be too quick for the grid to handle. In result, the unnecessary pressure could result in power cuts.

“Fortunately, the transition to electrification hasn’t come out of the blue and this situation is no shock to the system. However, to protect energy supply for the future, we need to adopt new regulations to protect our national energy systems – it’s an essential step towards the smart energy grid of the future.”

Alongside provisions around cyber security of and management of customer data, the regulations introduce three new requirements:

  1. Default off-peak charging
  2. A random delay at the start of the charge
  3. Steps to promote customers to sign up to Demand Response Services

Dr Horne adds: “From July, all new charging points will be automatically set up to charge EVs at the best time for the electricity network. The peak demand happens in the mornings and afternoons so, by default, your EV will only charge overnight or during the middle of the day.

“What’s more, every new EV charger sold will be programmed to calculate a random delay of up to 10 minutes every time a charge starts. This might be unnerving the first few times it happens, but it will prevent EV chargers all over the UK from immediately turning on when the low price tariffs kick-in.

“Finally, provisions have been included to better enable access to Demand Side Response services; a complex system of variable procurements that operate as a stable, competitive marketplace. This will enable aggregators to dial up and down your charge to manage and maintain grid frequency. It won’t happen continuously – it’ll just kick in when the grid is under strain, much like ramping up a generator or connecting a battery during periods of high demand.”

As a pioneer of next-generation energy solutions, myenergi believes that the regulatory changes are essential to balancing the grid. Dr Horne concludes: “At myenergi, we’re committed to leading the charge when it comes to the future of energy. Our state-of-the-art range of eco-smart technologies have been designed to ensure that customers always receive the best possible experience when it comes to powering their homes and vehicles. Embracing new regulation is essential for the health of the national energy system and our products are future-proofed to make it easy for users to adapt.

“Change is important. While it may result in disruptions in the short-term, the long-term benefits are countless. Indeed, these new regulations will allow the UK to transition away from fossil fuels and move towards a cleaner, greener transport network of the future. We should seize this opportunity with both hands, not shy away from progress.”

For more information about myenergi, or the UK’s Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021, visit https://myenergi.com/guides/smart-charge-point-regulations/.

 

Electric Vehicles, News

Electric vehicles and charging stations are engines of growth as Autotech M&A holds steady during Covid – Hampleton Partners’ report

London, UK – 16 February 2022. The latest Autotech & Mobility M&A Market Report from Hampleton Partners, the international M&A and corporate finance advisory firm for technology companies, reveals that the appetite for Autotech & Mobility deals has remained consistent despite the impact of Covid disruption, the global semiconductor shortage and supply chain issues. Hampleton recorded 46 deals in the second half of 2021 and a total of 97 across the whole year, in line with previous years.

Valuation multiples also showed a reliable trend development on both a revenue and EBITDA basis: the trailing 30-month median revenue multiple increased and came in at 3.2x, while the corresponding EBITDA multiple has remained steady at 11.8x.

Electric vehicles and charging stations

Michel Annink, director, Hampleton Partners, said: “As EV sales take off, demand for charging solutions is exploding. Forecasts predict that EV charging will be a €36 billion market in Europe for passenger cars alone in 2030.

“New revenue pools are emerging within EV charging, including recurring revenues from mobility services and payments, operations and energy management and asset ownership and electricity representing the lion’s share of this market.”

Key 2021 deals included Chargepoint’s acquisition of ViriCiti, a provider of electrification solutions for eBus and commercial fleets, for $88 million, and EVgo’s acquisition of PlugShare, an e-mobility software company for $25 million.

Electrification of the passenger car market reached a tipping point in December, when Europe recorded more EV than diesel sales for the first time in history and annual diesel sales dropped by more than 50 per cent.

The future of M&A in the Autotech & Mobility sector

Michel Annink continued: “Despite continuous pandemic-related market challenges, Autotech M&A activity remained strong in 2021. The year saw the largest Autotech & Mobility M&A transaction since 2017, Qualcomm’s $4.5 billion acquisition of Swedish ADAS technology provider Veoneer, and other major deals including Toyota’s acquisition of Lyft’s self-driving division for $550 million.

“As for the future, there is great promise for the many companies that are already or could become active in the public EV charging market, such as infrastructure companies, charging equipment manufacturers, companies that install or maintain public charging points, charging station operators, site owners and providers of charging software that offer apps for payment and location search.

“We believe that 2022 will be a year of increased M&A activity in the industry as the automotive sector undergoes mass reinvention, with carmakers scrambling to seize upon the vast growth of EVs and autonomy. Across the board, we expect continued activity and robust valuations in the sector.”

Hampleton’s Autotech & Mobility M&A Report analyses transactions, trends and activity across the Enterprise Applications, Internet Commerce & Content, Embedded Software & Systems, and Mobility & Fleet Management segments of the sector.

Download the full Hampleton Partners’ Autotech & Mobility M&A Market Report 1H2022:

https://www.hampletonpartners.com/reports/autotech-report/

Electric Vehicles, News

Vmoto takes pole position as the UK’s top-selling electric brand in 2021  

Vmoto brand Super Soco becomes the first all-electric motorcycle manufacturer to appear in the list of top 10 UK-registered brands

 Vmoto, global manufacturer and distributor of electric scooters, today announces that the brand was the UK’s number one top-selling electric brand in 2021.

Super Soco, one of Vmotos’s primary brands has also achieved remarkable success by featuring in the list of top 10 UK-registered brands. The brand registered 236 vehicles last year, joining the likes of brands such as Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki on the list. For the first time ever, an all-electric motorcycle manufacturer has made it into the overall top 10 UK registration statistics, beating some of the longstanding established petrol manufacturers in the process.

The news reflects Vmoto’s growing global success across multiple sectors and countries. Vmoto has one of the widest global distribution networks of any electric scooter manufacturer in the world, being represented by more than 30 distributors in 29 countries in the geographic regions of Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South America and South Africa. Vmoto’s distribution of electric scooters has helped countries make the transition to electric-powered transport easier, and at scale.

With the mission to supply next generation of electric vehicles that is sustainable, smart and environmentally friendly to modern commuters and travellers, Vmoto and its UK distributor and B2B partner GreenMo have been a prominent contender in the electric vehicle industry. Electric fleet vehicles supplied by GreeMo for top delivery services such as Just Eat, Deliveroo and Getir successfully completed 10 million miles last year. This equates to 467 million litres of CO2 saved compared comparing a Honda PCX and a Super Soco bike charged on a typical UK household electric supply.

Commenting on the news Richard Jordan, UK Managing Director said: “We are delighted with the news that Vmoto is the UK’s number one top-selling electric brand and Super Soco being the first-ever brand to make it onto the list of the UK’s top 10 registered vehicles. Whilst there is unfortunately still apprehension surrounding electric transport and we have been faced with additional disappointing cuts to the Government’s revised plug-in grants, we’re glad consumers are seeing and experiencing the benefits of using our bikes.”

He continued, “The popularity of our vehicles reflects the growing change in attitude from commuters and vehicles owners towards transitioning to alternative cheaper and sustainable personal transport options. This type of innovation is not a luxury, it is a vital need. Industries and consumers have to fully embrace electric vehicles to make transportation easier, quicker and cheaper. For electric options to gain mass market adoption they have to out compete petrol in terms of both capability and cost, our vehicles do just that.”

Vmoto and its primary brands including Super Soco are continuing to improve the transport industry through aiding the UK to reach the net-zero target. With last year’s success proving that plug-in vehicles are growing in popularity, consumers can expect an exciting future that is electric.

 

About Vmoto

Vmoto Limited is a global scooter manufacturing and distribution group. The Company specialises in high quality electric powered two-wheel vehicles and manufactures a range of western designed electric scooters from its wholly owned 30,000sqm state of the art manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China. Vmoto combines low-cost Chinese manufacturing capabilities with European design and offers high performance and competitive products to international markets.

Electric Vehicles, News

Industry reacts to the government’s action plan for increasing zero-emission vehicle support

“The recent reductions in the plug-in grants for electric motorcycles and mopeds was a major step in the wrong direction for the government, but the Action Plan shows positive signs that the UK can transition to a greener, electric future.” Richard Jordan CEO at Super Soco UK

Following the launch of the joint Government and Industry Action Plan for zero-emission Powered Light Vehicles (PLVs), leaders in the electric transport industry gathered on the 2nd of February to discuss the plan and the future we can expect to see for PLVs.

Reflecting on the governments’ Action Plan, Richard Jordan, CEO at Super Soco UK, the UK’s top-selling electric motorcycle brand in 2021, said: “The recent reductions in the plug-in grants for electric motorcycles and mopeds was a major step in the wrong direction, with some grants for the most affordable PLV options cut by up to 90%. However, the introduction of the Action Plan shows that government is listening, and is hopefully the start of a more collaborative, market-led approach.”

In the UK Government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan: Build Back Better and Greener Britain released in July last year, the Government tasked the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) and Zemo Partnership to set out the steps needed to improve the PLV Industry and accessibility.

The Action Plan outlines ten recommendations for collaborative working between Government, local authorities, industry and wider stakeholders to utilise PLVs in achieving decarbonisation in transport.

The PLV industry encompasses two, three and light four-wheeled vehicles.  Deployment of electric PLVs is essential if Government is to achieve its net-zero by 2050 target and realise the potential benefits for communities and transport systems.

Within the ten-point plan are measures to make PLVs accessible for all, with a review of existing L-Category vehicle regulation and the current grant and incentivisation structure to create public awareness of the benefits of zero-emission PLVs for consumers and businesses. This includes the publishing of a toolkit at the end of last year to help support local authorities in planning and delivering measures to reduce carbon emissions from transport, recognising the important roles PLVs will play.

The Future of Transport Minister, Trudy Harrison, gave a keynote speech at the event and outlined her full support of the success so far of using PLVs in the last-mile delivery industry, as well as her awareness of the availability and price being a high barrier to mobility for people.

The transport minister also advocates the Right Vehicle for the Right Journey approach outlined in the Action Plan and backed giving road users access to a variety of transport solutions that satisfy a particular need at a particular time.

Richard continues “The recent news of budget cuts to the London underground works, as well as funding for walking and cycling schemes being placed on hold, raises concerns about the future sustainable development of our transport network and strengthens the need for the implementation of a stronger plan to activate independent, emissions free travel and goods delivery, such as the Action Plan.

“Being smaller, lighter, and generally less powerful than larger vehicles, PLVs typically consume less energy during both their manufacture and their use on the road. This means lower emissions over the lifetime of the vehicle, meaning they are an essential component in transport decarbonisation.

“The Action Plan and engagement with industry during the subsequent consultation are crucial to ensure zero-emission PLVs are considered and incorporated into the development of the EV infrastructure, and we hope to see a review of grants and existing L-Category vehicle regulation to enable more innovative vehicle design and usage models, combined with effective regulation and a suitably rapid phase out of petrol vehicles, especially lower powered models used for delivery and commuting.

“We must focus on cost and capability to determine how to decarbonise motorcycle, moped and other PLV use.  In my view, electric low-powered mopeds and motorcycles are already more capable than their petrol equivalents and this is reflected in the fleet deployment that we are seeing.  Electric high-powered leisure machines have some way to go, to bring the cost down and the capability (in terms of range) up.  What we need is a graduated, market-led approach to phasing out petrol according to these metrics, and I hope to see this reflected in the outcome of the consultation.”

Super Soco achieved remarkable success last year, with the flagship CPX model featuring as the first electric vehicle in the list of top 10 UK-registered models, proving that plug-in PLVs are growing in popularity and consumers and businesses can expect an exciting future that is electric.

 

About Super Soco UK and GreenMo UK

Super Soco UK is the UK’s most popular brand of electric motorbikes and mopeds, with more than 60 dealers across the UK.  GreenMo UK provides Super Soco mopeds and motorcycles, alongside e-bikes, to the most demanding delivery fleets in the UK. Super Soco UK and GreenMo UK are part of the Go Green group, which operates over 35,000 electric vehicles in 8 countries across Europe.

 

 

Electric Vehicles, News

GoWithFlow, Backed by Galp Energia, Successful in University of Memphis-Led Innovation Coalition

GoWithFlow, a sustainable mobility start-up headquartered in Portugal, will bring its European decarbonisation experience to the US as part of a successful coalition aiming to transform the Metro Memphis economy under the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better programme.

The coalition – led by the University of Memphis – was announced on 13th December as one of 60 finalists in the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge, one of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s American Rescue Plan programmes. As a result, the coalition will receive a $500,000 grant to further develop its proposal and plans, with the aim of securing a full implementation grant.

The successful proposal, titled “Digital Delta“, leverages the existing industry strengths of the Memphis region, strategically improves workforce in key areas, and enables the transformation of the regional economic landscape by building the most connected urban-rural innovation district in the United States.

GoWithFlow’s role in the coalition is focussed on one of five key areas in the plan – Electric and Sustainable Mobility Development.  The project will address final mile logistics and business fleet electrification, micro mobility options such as e-bikes and scooters, as well as shared and public transportation that serves businesses, commuters, visitors, and citizens alike. The project will also establish a regional perspective on mobility for the community by creating a plan for implementation of charging infrastructure, addressing barriers to creating economies of scale, and connecting urban, suburban and rural constituents through Sustainable Mobility programmes.

Jane Hoffer, GoWithFlow CEO and American expat said “We couldn’t be more excited about the news of the coalition’s status as a finalist, which comes after months of preparation.  The coalition’s plans will transform the area and serve as a world-leading example to others in the U.S. and beyond where this type of infrastructure and connectivity is also needed.”

Since 2010, the team behind GoWithFlow have been helping organisations manage fleet transition towards low- or no-emission vehicles and providing Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and Electric Mobility Service Providers (EMSPs) with technology and the crucial support they need to deliver their own products and services.

With unrivalled experience and expertise, and financially backed by Portugal’s Galp Energia (January 2022. Market Cap: $7.43 Billion), GoWithFlow is now taking its technology to key geographies across Europe, LATAM, and the United States.