Tag Archives: electriconly

News

Volvo produces its final automobile with a diesel engine

Volvo has produced its final ever diesel-engined automobile, accelerating its drive to change into an electric-only model by 2030.

As confirmed by the model, the final diesel rolled off the model’s manufacturing line at its Torslanda plant in Sweden on 26 March. 

This brings an finish to Volvo’s 45-year relationship with diesel engines and makes it the primary main ‘legacy’ producer to completely ditch the gasoline kind. 

The endling is a blue Volvo XC90 outfitted with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot. The SUV might be displayed on the new World of Volvo museum, on account of open to the general public on 14 April.

As just lately as 2019, nearly all of Volvo vehicles bought in Europe had been powered by diesel. Back in 2008, 95% of XC90 gross sales had been diesel.

Volvo mentioned: “For a very long time, our diesel engines had been synonymous with reliability and effectivity, and so they meant an excellent deal to us for a lot of a long time. Indeed, the success of our diesel vehicles performed a major function in our evolution right into a premium model.

“Only 5 years in the past, the diesel engine was our bread and butter in Europe, similar to it was for many different automobile makers. The majority of the vehicles we bought in Europe in 2019 ran on diesel, whereas electrical fashions had been simply beginning to achieve traction.

“The all-electric direction we’re now heading towards is the right one to take, and we do so with our flag held high.”

Volvo will shift to electric-only automobile manufacturing by 2030, with factories being refitted to accommodate the manufacturing of EVs and battery drivetrains. 

It confirmed that it will finish diesel powertrain manufacturing by 2024 in a press release eventually 12 months’s Climate Week occasion in New York.

Boss Jim Rowan beforehand mentioned that “electric powertrains are our future”, claiming that Volvo is “fully focused on creating a broad portfolio of premium, fully electric cars that deliver on everything our customers expect from a Volvo”.

After years of continuous decline, diesel gross sales within the UK have just lately been on the uptick. A 12% rise was reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) final December.

Premium manufacturers account for 40% of diesel gross sales in Europe, marking a ten% enhance over their 2015 share.

The best-selling diesel within the UK in 2023 was by far the Land Rover Defender – a key rival to the XC90.

Volvo just lately launched the EX30 electrical crossover and can quickly launch the EX90 electrical SUV as a part of its EV swap, which is itself a part of a wider objective of turning into a climate-neutral firm by 2040.

News

New Ford Tourneo Connect PHEV boasts 68-mile EV vary

Ford has added a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the Tourneo Connect MPV, touting a 68-mile electric-only vary – one of many longest of any PHEV on sale immediately.

The powertrain takes after that of the bigger Tourneo Custom in that includes a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a high-voltage battery and a front-mounted electrical motor.

The system sends a mixed 147bhp and 258lb ft of torque to the entrance wheels by way of a six-speed computerized gearbox.

The battery may be charged at speeds of as much as 50kW and is seemingly the identical as that used within the intently associated Volkswagen Caddy eHybrid, which hasn’t but reached the UK market.

The Ford’s driver can select between 4 modes: EV Now, wherein the automobile makes use of the electrical motor solely, EV Auto, which lets the automobile resolve which energy supply is greatest within the given state of affairs; EV Later, wherein drive comes from the petrol engine solely; and EV Reserve, wherein the battery cost is held to be used afterward.

The PHEV powertrain is accessible in each the five-seat Tourneo Connect and the seven-seat, long-wheelbase Grand Tourneo Connect.

Boot area hasn’t been compromised by the addition of the hybrid powertrain, with 3100 litres on supply when the third row of seats is eliminated. 

Three specs are supplied: Trend, Titanium and off-road-esque Active.

As commonplace, vehicles include 16in alloy wheels and a ten.0in digital instrument panel. Higher-grade fashions get chrome exterior detailing, bigger 17in alloys and a panoramic-glass roof.

A mess of driver help applied sciences come as commonplace, together with pre-collision help, lane-keeping help, driver consciousness alert, adaptive cruise management, hill-start help and entrance and rear parking sensors.

News

New Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid will get 536bhp, 59-mile EV vary

The new Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid has been revealed with shorter charging instances and an extended electric-only vary than its predecessor – and it is faster off the mark than the BMW M3. 

Available to order now from £90,300, the brand new plug-in hybrid is the newest model of the third-generation Panamera, which was revealed late last year and is due in UK dealerships within the coming months. 

It’s obtainable in two types, each that includes a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine, an electrical motor and a 25.9kWh battery.

Larger in capability by 8kWh (however not a lot bigger bodily) than earlier than, it offers an EV vary of 59 miles. It’s able to charging in 2hr 39min from a home charger, 1hr 26min sooner than its predecessor.

It can be topped up at charges of as much as 88kW by the automobile’s regenerative braking system.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid’s V6 produces 300bhp by itself, however with the assistance of a brand new, weight-optimised motor within the PDK eight-speed automated gearbox, complete output is put at 463bhp and 480lb ft. 

That means a 0-62mph time of 4.1sec and a prime pace of 173mph. 

The £102,100 Panamera 4S E-Hybrid makes use of the identical engine however with an additional 48bhp, taking it to a mixed 536bhp and 553lb ft, which trims the 0-62mph time to only 3.7sec and hikes the highest pace to 180mph.

The 59-mile EV vary and CO2 emissions of 22-34g/km, relying on spec, put the brand new Panamera PHEV within the UK’s 8% BIK tax bracket.

An much more highly effective Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is predicted to affix the ranks down the road. It might surpass the 671bhp and 626lb ft of the earlier iteration, which might make it one of many quickest plug-in hybrids on sale. 

News

Mercedes-Benz to launch electric-only ‘little G’ SUV in 2026

A smaller model of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class shall be electric-only when it launches later within the decade.

The mannequin shall be developed by Mercedes’ new specialist G division because the third mannequin in an expanded G vary, after the upcoming Mercedes EQG.

Mercedes technical chief Markus Schäfer confirmed the powertrain plans to Autocar on the current CES in Las Vegas, dismissing options that the mannequin is also provided with hybridised inside combustion engines.

The mannequin was first confirmed by firm CEO Ola Källenius on the Munich motor show, the place he referred to it because the “little G… a son or daughter of the iconic big G”.

Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener advised Autocar that the brand new machine will take sturdy design cues from the “iconic DNA” of the present G-Class, saying: “It will have its own character, but it will be a G.”

The G-Class line-up will develop first later this 12 months with the new electrical Mercedes EQG, and Autocar understands the brand new ‘little G’ will observe in 2026.

Mercedes has launched a brand new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) that shall be used for a variety of entry-level automobiles within the coming years, beginning with the brand new Mercedes-Benz CLA, however Schäfer confirmed that the ‘little G’ will sit on a distinct platform, utilizing modules from Mercedes’ bigger rear-driven automobiles, as a result of its want to supply true off-roading potential.

That means the platform shall be completely different – however prone to take learnings from – that of the full-sized EQG, which can use a reworked model of the present ICE G-Class’s ladder-frame chassis and shall be powered by 4 electrical motors.

As properly as giving Mercedes a foothold within the more and more in style rugged crossover market, the newborn G-Class shall be essential in establishing G as a Mercedes sub-brand in the identical vein as Maybach and AMG, constructing on the success of its blocky Land Rover Defender rival. Indeed, G is now its personal specialist division inside Mercedes, similar to Maybach and AMG

Källenius stated final 12 months: “Most luxurious firms construct their portfolio on the premise of 1 or two true icons. Mercedes-Benz has the great fortune to have a number of iconic merchandise and types on the higher finish of its portfolio, such because the S-Class, the SL, the G-Class in addition to the AMG and Maybach manufacturers.

“We see great potential here to expand our top-end portfolio with even more fascinating products.”

His feedback trace on the chance for every of these 4 manufacturers to spawn extra complete line-ups.

Like the upcoming CLA, the brand new compact SUV is prone to have an 800V electrical structure, permitting for 248 miles of vary to be added in simply quarter-hour through a 250kW charger.

News

UK-built electric Nissan Juke aims to match petrol model’s pricing

The upcoming Nissan Juke is scheduled to debut as an all-electric version with a revamped design inspired by the striking Hyper Punk concept.

Nissan’s goal is for the next-generation Juke EV to be priced similarly to the current petrol-powered model, which starts at around £21,000. However, the company acknowledges that this is a challenging target.

Nissan has not provided a specific timeframe for the launch of the next Juke, allowing some flexibility due to the varying adoption rates of electric cars in different markets. 

The current model was introduced in 2019, suggesting that a successor would typically be expected around 2027.

It is manufactured at Nissan’s Sunderland facility, with the company investing up to £1.19bn to develop, engineer, and produce the next-generation EV variants of the Juke and Qashqai in the UK. The Nissan Leaf successor will also be manufactured in Sunderland.

The Hyper Punk concept was initially showcased at this year’s Tokyo motor show, offering a glimpse into the future design direction for Nissan’s upcoming electric-only vehicles. It is described as a blend of virtual and physical features, characterized by “functional and styling” elements.

Technical details

Nissan has not yet disclosed specific details about the vehicle. However, all three upcoming cars built in Sunderland are expected to utilize the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-EV platform, a tailored electric architecture designed for C- and D-segment vehicles.

This suggests the Juke might potentially increase in size, as the current model utilizes the CMF-B platform designed for smaller B-segment cars. 

The Alliance also has a CMF-BEV platform that will underpin the next-generation Nissan Micra, which will be produced in France along with the Renault 4 and Renault 5.

Nissan Hyper Punk concept rear

Despite sharing a platform and being developed and built alongside each other, the Juke, Qashqai, and Leaf will each maintain distinct characteristics. Nissan European research and development chief David Moss stated that they would have different wheelbases, ensuring their individual identities.

Citreon

C5 AIRCROSS HYBRID 136 AND Ë-SERIES VARIANTS NOW OPEN FOR ORDERS

  • Order books open for new 48V Hybrid powertrain offering electric-only driving in urban areas
  • Powertrain improves fuel economy by up to 30% in urban use
  • New C5 Aircross ë-Series versions add distinctive style and enhanced levels of technology to Citroën’s electrified model range
  • C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 priced at £32,295 OTR, ë-Series variants priced from £33,530 with deliveries expected to commence in July

 

Citroën has opened orders for the C5 Aircross with the new 48V Hybrid powertrain. The model is now also available in the ë-Series trim level. Prices for the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 start at £32,295 on the road (OTR). The ë-Series variants are available with either the Hybrid 136 powertrain or as a Plug-in Hybrid, with prices starting at £33,530 OTR.

 

NEW 48V HYBRID POWERTRAIN

 

The new powertrain is based on the latest compact and lightweight hybrid technology. It includes a 48V battery pack that charges in use, a specially designed 136hp PureTech petrol engine, a new electrified dual-clutch ë-DCS6 gearbox, and a 21kW electric motor.

 

With CO2 emissions of only 129g/km on the combined WLTP cycle, the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 emits 15% less CO2 than the equivalent non-electrified petrol version. It also emits almost 12% less CO2 than the diesel-powered version. The C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 enhances the Citroën electrified range, which also includes the Plug-in Hybrid 225.

 

The introduction of the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 is part of Citroën’s electrification strategy, which now consists of 10 models, ranging from hybrid to 100% electric, including Plug-in Hybrids and models from Ami to New C5 X, catering to different customer needs.

 

Ë-SERIES TRIM

 

The C5 Aircross with the new 48V Hybrid powertrain is available in Shine or the new ë-Series trim level.

 

Shine variants come with generous standard features, including 18” diamond-cut bi-tone ‘Pulsar’ alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, a customisable 12.3” digital instrument cluster, and a 10” infotainment system with Citroën Connect Nav, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay®. Shine variants also include a Dark Chrome colour pack, glossy black roof bars, electric heated folding door mirrors with LED welcome lighting, and the Drive Assist Pack with the latest safety technology.

 

Ë-Series is based on the C-Series variants and offers unique style cues, additional technology, and the use of recycled materials. Ë-Series variants include 19” Onyx Black ‘Art’ alloy wheels, ë-Series exterior detailing and badging, a bi-tone roof, and a panoramic glass sunroof. Inside, they feature light grey Alcantara® R-Evolution fabric and leather-effect cloth, Next-Generation Advanced Comfort Seats with electric driver seat adjustment, heated front seats, and the Drive Assist Pack with Highway Driver Assist.

 

The ë-Series versions of the C5 Aircross use quality materials such as Alcantara® for the seats, backrests, and armrests. The fabric is manufactured using an innovative process that incorporates 68% recycled fibres, enhancing the interior’s perceived quality and providing better support for occupants.

 

The C5 Aircross features Citroën’s Advanced Comfort® Programme, with enhanced suspension and supportive seating for a smoother ride. It also includes Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion® technology, which improves control on damaged surfaces by integrating hydraulic bump stops into the suspension system.

 

Inside, the C5 Aircross comes with Advanced Comfort® seats that offer comfort and relaxation with broad cushions, seat backs with high-density foam, and a layer of extra textured foam on the surface.

 

To learn more about the C5 Aircross and Citroën’s electrified range, visit: https://www.citroen.co.uk/

 

TRIM LEVEL

POWERTRAIN

CO2 g/km

MRRP OTR

C5 Aircross Hybrid 136

Shine

PureTech 136 PureTech petrol + 48V hybrid

129

£32, 295

C5 Aircross Hybrid 136

ë-series

PureTech 136 PureTech petrol + 48V hybrid

131

£33, 530

C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid ë-series

PureTech 180 petrol + 80kW plug-in hybrid

29

£38,375.00