Category Archives: EVs and Automotive News

New guide to ensuring higher power quality in EVs

In 2021, EV car sales in the UK increased by 76.3 per cent. As the electric car market continues to boom, the number of electrical components needed will also increase. E-mobility power component expert REO UK has created an infographic to show some of the different types of electrical components that are key to an EV’s safety, functionality and efficiency. REO UK’s infographic on EV electrical components can be downloaded on the company’s website.

As global supply chains continue to evolve to accommodate the growing EV market, EVs have become more accessible. Sky News reports a forecasted EV price drop in the next few years because of advancements in car batteries and the production of mass-market cars. The demand for EVs will increase following a price drop, so more car manufacturers will need a supply of electric vehicle components to keep on top of the market.

REO UK has created this infographic for design engineers, mechanics and automotive companies to help them understand the importance of integrating components that address issues around power quality and longevity. This will be important as EV manufacturing and production increases. The infographic can also be used as an educational tool for engineering students who are interested in learning more about the purpose and impact of specific electrical components on EVs.

“The quality of components is important, particularly as the EV industry continues to develop,” explained Steve Hughes, managing director of REO UK. “We want to share our expertise in ensuring power quality to help engineers design innovative EV car systems that are safer and more efficient, from the road to the charging station.”

REO UK’s infographic serves as a visual reference to some of the electrical components used in EVs and EV infrastructure that is important in improving energy efficiency and reliability. Harmonic filters, for example, are important in limiting harmonic distortion. Harmonics impact the electromagnetic compatibility of electrical equipment and can cause losses or damage to components in a charging EV or be injected into the electricity grid if not monitored. This could result in power failures or power quality issues.

You can download the EV components infographic from the REO UK website. For more information about REO UK’s range of EV components, visit https://www.reo.co.uk/e-mobility-solutions.

Formula E Tops Global Sustainability in Sport Rankings

  • Formula E rated highest of more than 50 elite global sports by leading independent sustainability organisation
  • Rating announced as the new Gen3 – the world’s first net zero race car in the world’s first net zero sport – is on track for the first time at pre-season testing in Valencia  

Formula E has been ranked as the Best Total Performer from more than 300 global sports organisations in the 2022 Global Sustainability Benchmark in Sports (GSBS) annual report.

GSBS is an independent, global not-for-profit organisation, which analyses and benchmarks the sustainability performance of professional sports organisations through an unbiased, science-driven and data-based process.

The study analysed more than 50 elite sports organisations of more than 300 invited to take part.  Sports federations and leagues ranked in the report include the NFL, NBA, FIFA, Formula 1, UFC and WWE as well as clubs including the New York Yankees, FC Barcelona, LA Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Paris Saint Germain and Manchester United.

Formula E achieved a record-breaking benchmark score to win Best Total Performance 2022. Formula E was also ranked highest in three of the remaining four categories: Best Corporate Performance, Best Environmental Performance, and Best Governance Performance. Italian football club Juventus won the Best Social Performance title.

 

Jamie Reigle, Chief Executive Officer, Formula E, stated: “Setting the global standard for sustainability in sport has been a core characteristic of Formula E since we began in 2014. We welcome the top ranking by GSBS as recognition for the dedication of our employees, teams and partners. We also acknowledge the efforts and achievements in sustainability by other major sports organisations around the world and welcome that progress. Together, we have the potential to engage billions of fans in the mission to combat climate change and make a positive difference to the lives of future generations.”

 

Now entering Season 9, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship mission is to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles. The championship also operates as a testbed to push the development of new technologies needed for an electric, low-carbon future. Leading international car brands including Jaguar, Maserati, McLaren, Mahindra, Nissan and Porsche are among the 11 teams in the championship.

Formula E is the only sport in the world to achieve net zero since inception and is a founding member of UNICEF’s Safe and Healthy Environment Fund, specifically designed to help and educate children affected by climate change.

Ahead of the first race of Season 9 in Mexico City on 14 January, pre-season testing is underway in Valencia this week where the all-new Gen3 race car is on track for the first time.

 

The Gen3 is the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric race car ever built. Key sustainability characteristics of the Gen3 include:

  • The carbon footprint of the Gen3 has been measured from the design phase to inform all reduction measures taken to reduce environmental impact, while all unavoidable emissions will be offset as part of Formula E’s net zero carbon commitment.
  • Linen and recycled carbon fibre are used in bodywork construction for the first time in a formula car featuring recycled carbon fibre from retired Gen2 cars and reducing the overall amount of virgin carbon fibre used. This reduces the carbon footprint of the production of the Gen3 bodywork more than 10%. All waste carbon fibre will be reused for new applications through adoption of an innovative process from the aviation industry.
  • Gen3 batteries are among the most advanced, sustainable batteries ever made consisting of sustainably-sourced minerals while battery cells will be reused and recycled at end of life.
  • Natural rubber and recycled fibres make up 26% of new Gen3 tyres and all tyres will be fully recycled after racing.
  • All Gen3 suppliers operate in line with top international standards to reduce environmental impacts of manufacturing (ISO 14001) and be FIA Environmental Accreditation 3-Star rated.
  • Fastest Formula E car yet with a top speed over 322 kph / 200 mph.
  • Most efficient formula racing car ever with more than 40% of the energy used within a race produced by regenerative braking.
  • Around 95% power efficiency from an electric motor delivering up to 350kW of power (470BHP), compared to approximately 40% for an internal combustion engine.
  • First-ever formula car with both front and rear powertrains. A new front powertrain adds 250kW to the 350kW at the rear, more than doubling the regenerative capability of the current Gen2 to a total of 600kW.
  • Ultra-high speed charging capability of 600kW for additional energy during a race, almost double the energy of the most advanced commercial chargers in the world.
  • The first formula car that will not feature rear hydraulic brakes with the addition of the front powertrain and its regenerative capability.

Despite positive electric vehicle take up, more must be done to educate the masses

Written by Tomas Edwards, CMO, Daloop 

Sustainability is a heavily discussed topic right now, with individuals and businesses seeking to have less impact on the environment as they become more aware of the increasing threats to our planet.

One of the clearest moves toward a more sustainable environment is the purchase of an Electric Vehicle (EV).  EV sales are continuing to rise alongside correlating proposals over infrastructure and manufacturing developments. With sales of new combustion-engine vehicles set to end in 2030 and the UK government’s latest proposal to legislate that 50% of automakers’ sales must be electric by 2028, the trend is clear.

However, challenges and anxieties over the transition remain ever-present in conversations that I have with fleet managers, drivers and in some of the more negative articles I’ve read.

 

The switch to EV is happening 

The transition away from combustion engines is set to become mainstream. Recent surveys show that investment in EVs continues to rise with more EVs purchased in any one month in the first quarter of 2022 than in the whole of 2019.

Alongside this impressive statistic, the trends indicate that increasing numbers of businesses and people are planning on making the switch.

According to research from BP, 43% of managers and 41% of drivers expect to make the switch to EVs within two years. Survey results in May from major tyre manufacturer, Bridgestone, revealed that 67% of motorists intend to switch. Of that figure, 47% want to change to an EV to save on fuel bills, while 56% are sold by the environmental benefits. This is interesting and highlights the conscious effort being made to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability.

This is happening not only on an individual level but also across the vehicle industry. Over the past year, we have seen Ford, Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi all making commitments to massively invest in EV production. It is the same for luxury carmakers, with Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, and Jaguar-Land Rover all announcing pledges to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Anxieties persist 

Despite these positive statistics, anxieties remain around the EV transition process but some of these problems are simply out of most businesses’ and governmental control. Take for example, the issues surrounding global supply chains. Volkswagen announced earlier this month that they will deliver no new EVs to customers in Europe and the US for the rest of 2022 due to sell-out of battery-powered models, citing issues within supply chains as primary cause.

Away from supply chain issues, unfortunately, and broadly reflecting the same issues facing individuals, general anxieties around fleet electrification amongst businesses persist. The main concerns regularly discussed relate to the driving range of EVs and whether necessary infrastructure will be in place to support transport decarbonization. This is where education needs to occur, because such worries can only exist if you believe that the roadside on-demand fuel supply model will be replicated come 2030 and beyond.   It won’t.  Charging facilities will be found at home, at work, at leisure and retail sites – anywhere where vehicles are parked for the necessary length of time. That being the case, charge will be obtained before it’s necessary and road-side facilities will be used en-route for seldom taken longer journeys.

 

Regardless, the UK government’s promise to increase the number of electric charge points by more than ten times to 300,000 by 2030 was broadly welcomed across the industry.

This announcement included new standards and legislation which means EV operators will have to provide real-time data for customers to check the status of charge points, and apps for customers to find the nearest available charger. Enterprises clearly have a role to play in supporting this proposal. To reduce EV charging anxiety, it is imperative that the infrastructure to support the EV transition is in place.

 

This is where companies like Daloop, with our data-driven mobility management software, can deliver clear benefits to fleets and businesses and alleviate concerns that some may have about EV charging and range anxiety. The software that fleet managers and businesses use to manage their EV operations is just as essential in keeping their vehicles on the road as the charge points themselves. With the correct, data-driven approach, the EV transition can be a seamless and valuable choice for any individual or business without compromising on either efficiency or costs.

 

Invest in our planet 

Sustainability and ‘saving our planet’ is clearly one of the top drivers for switching to EVs and, in April, we had the annual World Earth awareness day.  This provided an opportunity for us all to reflect on our impact on climate change and assess what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint. The theme this year was “invest in our planet”. Evidently a key investment individuals and businesses are making to reduce their carbon footprint is with the purchasing of an EV. This remains an important step, especially as the transport sector has continuously been a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions across the globe.

Aside from the environmental factor, it also makes economic sense. Research from Compare the Market found that driving an electric car for a year cost almost £600 less than a petrol equivalent after recent fuel price increases. Moreover, for businesses’ by using the right software fleet managers can safeguard journey routes and ensure that EV fleets are maintained and operated efficiently.

With the government setting clear commitments for all new HGVs to be zero-emission by 2040 and all car and van sales similarly needing to hit 100% zero-emission by 2035. EVs are now one of the most important investments that can be made to achieve global net-zero by the mid-century.

 

Your potential to reduce carbon emissions 

This year, to support Earth Day 2022, Daloop launched a new online platform: Daloop.Earth. This platform provides business owners with an accurate, visual reflection of their potential to reduce global carbon emissions. The platform uses a simple calculation to illustrate the potential impact of a business’s fleet transition and quantifies emissions for focus and action as we all begin to make efforts toward a more sustainable transport industry.

Almost two-thirds of Drivers won;t go electric until they ‘Absolutely have to’

As the cost-of-living rockets, price comparison experts Quotezone.co.uk asked consumers how they really feel about electric versus fossil fuel cars (petrol/diesel) and which they found most cost effective.

The new survey reveals that 59.3% of petrol/diesel drivers will only consider buying an electric or hybrid vehicle ‘when I absolutely have to’.  26.2% said they would buy ‘within the next 5 years’, 10.3% said they would ‘buy now / as soon as is feasibly possible’ and only 4.3% said they’d buy ‘just before the deadline’ – 2030, when the government plan on banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.

The research also found that the main barrier that is stopping people from buying an electric car is the price, with 35.7% of drivers saying they are too expensive, followed by 20% of people who said range anxiety was a major concern, while worries about the availability of public charging points were cited as an issue by 19.3% of respondents.

Interestingly though, 57.8% of those with electric cars said they were saving over £100 per month compared to their previous fossil fuel vehicle – with 36.6% saving under £100 per month.  Only 5.6% didn’t believe they were making savings.

When electric vehicle owners were asked what they didn’t like about their cars, 24.8% said there weren’t enough readily available charging points, followed by range anxiety (20%), broken charging points (19%) and rising energy costs (18%).

The data, compiled by Quotezone.co.uk, was taken from a survey of 500 electric and petrol / diesel car insurance policyholders, completed in August 2022.

Quotezone.co.uk’s Founder, Greg Wilson, comments: “It’s really interesting to see what’s holding people back from going electric and again, lack of infrastructure and car price, appear to be the top offenders that are making it impractical for many to make the switch.

“The hike in car prices is most likely due to the new car shortage, brought about by lack of materials and logistical issues across Europe, causing a spike in shoppers choosing ‘nearly new’ second-hand petrol cars.

“One positive point to bear in mind for those worried about costs is that electric car insurance is now more readily available as the majority of insurance providers have added electric cars to their offering – making it easier for consumers to shop around and get a competitive premium.”

Currently only 2% of cars are hybrid and 3% are electric in the UK.  Data from Quotezone.co.uk shows a small increase in customers with electric or hybrid cars of 0.2% from June 2021 compared to June 2022 – with the average cost of those electric vehicles increasing by £5k from £34,000 to £39,000.  The government has been increasing investment in charging points, including grants for motorists, as well as tax relief to help make electric vehicles more affordable.

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products including electric car insurance, Tesla car insurance and standard car insurance. Quotezone.co.uk is recommended by 97% of reviewers on Reviews.co.uk.

Companies go ‘Business in Kind’ on electric cars as eco revolution accelerates

Employees at companies in the UK are increasingly switching to electric cars due to a combination of environmental, tax relief and regulatory reasons, it emerged today.

Unprecedented demand is being seen by Azets, the UK’s largest regional accountancy firm and business advisor to SMEs, following a new strategic partnership with Total Motion, a major UK fleet management and leasing provider which offers salary sacrifice car schemes via trading company Pink Salary Exchange.

Richard Goddard, partner and head of tax at Azets South West and Wales, provides advice to employers looking to move away from diesel and petrol towards a green fleet, including plug-ins.

He said: “The UK’s net-zero carbon strategy is rightly focusing minds in a way we’ve never witnessed before and this is showing through increased demand for electric battery company cars. We are inundated with requests from companies keen to reward staff with a government-approved tax ‘benefit in kind’ through zero carbon or low carbon emission vehicles.

 Around 90% of our advisory work on company cars used to involve internal combustion engines (ICE), with the remaining 10% covering electric – now the position seems to have reversed. The trend is toward a very strong focus on the provision of electric vehicles as part of the overall employee reward package. This seems to be the trend across the UK.Not only that, employers, with Environmental, Social and Governance on the boardroom agenda feel it is the right thing to do for the environment as we move away from polluting fossil fuels. There is the perception aspect to consider these days – pulling up to a meeting in a diesel car may leave customers wondering if your company is practising what it preaches. There’s also the regulatory side – companies are looking to pre-empt any bans on diesel and petrol vehicles in certain locations. It is perhaps only a matter of time before diesel and petrol cars are prohibited from travelling in ‘smog cities’ and it is worth bearing in mind that the government has announced new proposals which would see more than 50% of all new cars sold to be fully electric by 2028, just six years away. One more factor is also driving demand – diesel and petrol costs are at record highs.”

Demand for new electric cars is borne out by industry data – nearly 191,000 were on the roads in 2021, an 11.6% share of the new-car market in the UK.

Richard said: “According to industry forecasts, pure-electric cars are poised to make up one in six new cars on the roads this year and this will undoubtedly accelerate as the supply chain improves and the charging infrastructure grows.”

He added: “Where an employee receives a company car by reason of employment, this gives rise to a taxable ‘benefit in kind’, known as BIK. Income tax, payable by the employee, and Class 1A NICs, payable by the employer, are due on the ‘cash equivalent’ of the benefit. But conventionally fuelled vehicles are more expensive for both employee and employer – electric vehicles, and to a lesser extent, hybrid vehicles, provide significant advantages in this regard.” An illustrative example is included below.”

Azets’ strategic partnership sees the Top 10 accountancy firm provide advice to businesses on tax planning and Total Motion matching demand and marques.

Total Motion Director Simon Hill, based at the company’s headquarters in Leicester, said: “Our partnership with Azets is helping decarbonise road traffic as more companies look to the environmental, tax, staff retention and reputational benefits of pure-play electric vehicles for directors and employees. From 2030, which is not that far off the horizon, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned. That cut-off date is focusing many minds.”

 

Example EV vs ICE BIK comparison

Vauxhall Corsa SE BMW 330d M Sport Nissan Leaf Tekna Tesla Model 3
Fuel Type Petrol Diesel Electric Electric
List Price £15,356 £44,035 £34,440 £48,490
CO2 Emissions (g/km) 93 137 Nil Nil
2022/23 BIK (%) 23% 32% 2% 2%
Cash Equivalent £3,530 £14,091 £689 £970
Employee Marginal Tax Rate 20% 40% 20% 40%
Income Tax on BIK £706 £5,636 £138 £388
Class 1A NI costs £262 £2,121 £51 £146
Total Tax Cost £968 £7,757 £189 £534
Tax Saving (employee) £568 £5,249
Class 1A NI saving (employer) £211 £1,975

Record high for green car registrations

Record numbers of motorists are switching to electric vehicles according to new research from the Department for Transport.

Plug-in vehicles are leading the race with a 77% increase for new registrations in 2021 compared to the year before. They accounted for 327,000 car registrations out of a total of nearly 1.7 million.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles were next with 264,000 registrations, a 57% increase over the same time period.

Battery electric made up 11% of all new registrations with 190,000 cars, and plug in hybrids were 7% of the total, some 114,000 motors.

By contrast, there was a 10% fall for petrol cars, and a 36% drop for diesel cars.

Looking over a five-year period, petrol cars decreased by 32% and diesel by 85%. However, 54% of all new registrations in 2021 were petrol cars – 12% were diesel.

 

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading car insurance comparison sites, comments: “Even though it will be 2030 before the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK, the pace in the uptake of electric vehicles and Hybrids is already impressive.

“Lockdown factors may have played a part, with the shift towards remote working cutting or eradicating commuting journeys, encouraging many to try greener driving solutions that were once not practical.

“However, it’s interesting that over half of all new registrations are still for petrol cars – showing there is still work to do on expanding the electric infrastructure.  The rising cost of living and ever-increasing energy prices are likely to slow the move to electric vehicles, so households need further government grants and incentives to help make this green revolution a reality for all.”

 

Households should check which vehicles are eligible for government grants, which sees up to £1,500 taken off the price of these new low–emission vehicles.  There’s also support available to install at home chargers, up to 75% of the cost of installation from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.

Average CO2 emissions for cars registered for the first time in the UK decreased by 11% in 2021 compared to a year earlier.

Quotezone.co.uk compares a huge range of auto insurance products, such as motor trade insurancefleet insurancemotorbike insurance and van insurance, helping around 3 million users every year, with over 400 insurance brands across 60 different products.

Leading electric scooter company zooms ahead with six-figure funding from HSBC UK

The E-Scooter Co. has received a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK to support its continued growth as the use of electric vehicles continues to surge.

Established in 2019, The E-Scooter Co. is one of the leading electric scooter retailers in the UK, stocking top global brands such as Kaabo and Dualtron and offering expert purchasing advice to customers. Following a substantial increase in demand, the funding by HSBC UK will enable the company to expand its product range and grow globally.

The predicted growth of electric scooters and the continued growth of the e-retail market, means that The E-Scooter Co. also has expanded its reach, serving customers globally.

Zoe Botbol, Co-Founder at The E-Scooter Co., commented: “Over the past two years, we’ve seen a major increase in interest for electric scooters for the use on privately owned land and settings. The support from HSBC UK has been invaluable in allowing us to meet this demand and pursue relationships and business deals which will support our company growth”.

Raj Yadav, HSBC UK Southwest London Senior Commercial Manager, added: “The sustainable transport market is growing, and we’re delighted to be able to support The E-Scooter Co. with funding to increase stock and meet demand responsibility. The company has a clear commitment to educating people on safely riding electric scooters and ensuring that the public and businesses are well informed to choose the best scooter for their needs.”

Rising fuel costs coupled with demand for more sustainable modes of transportation has resulted in more people turning to electric vehicles. As a result, global insights company Research and Markets predicts that the electric scooter market will experience annual growth of over 30 per cent from 2021 to 2028, reaching $677.2 billion by 2028.

Since July 2020, local councils have been trialling rental e-scooters for use on public roads, cycle lanes and tracks to reduce carbon emissions in cities around the country, with London the latest city to begin trials.

Daloop Launches Daloop.Earth to Coincide with World Earth Day 2022, Helping Businesses Calculate their Carbon Impact

  • Formerly known as GoWithFlow, Daloop has rebranded as part of its global expansion efforts, bringing expertise honed in Portugal to the wider world.
  • Daloop launches website, Daloop.Earth, in support of World Earth Day.
  • Daloop.Earth’s carbon calculator shows business owners the impact that electrifying their fleets could have on the planet.

 

Daloop (formerly known as GoWithFlow) today launched Daloop.Earth, a live carbon calculator that provides business owners with an accurate, visual representation of their potential to reduce global carbon emissions. Launching on World Earth Day 2022, the new platform leverages data and insights to illustrate the projected positive impact of each business’ fleet electrification journey. The site reflects the importance of understanding not just our individual impact, but also our potential to reduce carbon emissions significantly.  Decarbonisation of combustion engines is a key goal for Daloop as it expands its footprint across the globe.

World Earth Day focusses on how business, governments and citizens can invest in our planet and help solve the climate crisis, to build a prosperous and sustainable future, by protecting, managing, and restoring nature.

Formerly known as GoWithFlow, Daloop is dedicated to enabling mobility change for good. With unrivalled experience and expertise from working with key organisations in Portugal electrification journey, Daloop has harnessed that knowledge to develop and provide software and services that enable business around the world to decarbonise their fleets, whilst becoming the ‘back-office’ of Charge-Point Operators and E-Mobility Service Providers alike. Today, with significant expansion into the UK, Spain, and the U.S.  Daloop’s ‘Mobility Change Platform’, or ‘MCP’ solves all of the issues that those wishing to be a part of the EV charging ecosystem face.  Financially backed by Galp Energia, the team has already built and operated an integrated national EV charging infrastructure that now administers over 1 million charges a month and has a goal of connecting 1,000,000 assets (vehicles or chargepoints) to the Daloop Platform by the end of the decade.

Daloop.Earth’s carbon calculator combines easy to understand analytics and one simple number from the user to reflect the potential carbon reduction of transitioning to an electric fleet. The projected carbon saving, measured in tons of CO2, is helpfully illustrated with a range of easily identifiable objects, from Volkswagen Beetle to saltwater crocodiles. Users need only supply one piece of information by answering the question “How many vehicles are in your fleet?”. Alongside this tool, the website features a digitally rendered Earth clouded in CO2, with a scroll feature that shows the growing impact around the world of 0 to 1 million assets attached to the Daloop electric charging network.

Daloop CEO, Jane Hoffer, says of the launch and rebrand: “Daloop.Earth is a highly visual way for businesses and individuals to more easily understand the impact that they are having on the planet through their mobility choices and we hope it inspires and encourages others to get involved.  As for the name change, Daloop represents what we do in a much more concise and impactful way. Our tagline “Mobility change for good” not only highlights the positive aspects of decarbonisation that we are immensely excited about, but also reinforces its permanence.”

Launching in early May is Daloop’s new ebook ‘Change Anxiety’, which compiles the firm’s extensive experience in implementing and streamlining electric vehicle infrastructure for businesses, public organisations and municipalities alike to create guidance for fleet managers and those working in sustainable mobility. The ebook will feature insights gleaned from the many assets already attached to Daloop’s Mobility Change Platform to illustrate the current electric vehicle infrastructure, its successes, as well as some of the challenges the industry faces.

 

About Daloop (formerly GoWithFlow)

Daloop and its Mobility Change Platform (MCP) help enterprises manage the transition of their fleet to low- or no-emission vehicles while reducing overall fleet and energy costs. Daloop’s MCP provides an integrated view of vehicle and energy data, enabling fleet and facilities managers to plan and operate a network of combustion and electric vehicles along with managing fuel and electricity consumption. Named Portugal’s top cleantech startup in 2020. Daloop’s majority shareholder is Galp, one of Europe’s energy companies leading the transition into renewable energy and sustainable fuels. For more information, visit Daloop Earth.