Research by Vauxhall reveals motorists throughout the nation are placing their religion in native councils to assist electrical automobile (EV) drivers with on-street charging provision
75% of UK drivers count on their native councils to be the principle driving power behind putting in accessible on-street charging to assist EV possession
Fewer than one-in-10 drivers are proud of on-street charging of their space
Research comes forward of May’s native and mayoral elections, as motorists word an absence of dialog round charging infrastructure from candidates
Vauxhall’s Electric Streets of Britain initiative was established to assist native councils throughout the nation speed up on-street charging infrastructure
Research by Vauxhall has highlighted the rising reliance drivers are putting on their native councils to extend on-street charging provision for electrical automobile (EV) drivers. According to its findings, Vauxhall revealed that 75% of motorists are relying on Local Authorities to put in on-street charging to fulfill the calls for and growing numbers of EV homeowners.
The new analysis comes forward of England and Wales’ native and mayoral elections, set to happen on 2nd May. While points regarding motorists are by no means removed from the information, Vauxhall’s research discovered that solely 25% of respondents observed points round charging infrastructure taking part in a task within the political manifestos and canvassing of native candidates, suggesting it has dropped off the political agenda.
According to Vauxhall, solely 30% of respondents say motorists who personal or need to personal an EV are supported by their native council, with numbers noticeably decrease in areas outdoors of London. Highlighting the problems additional, solely 10% of drivers advised Vauxhall they had been proud of the degrees of on-street charging of their space, with satisfaction charges in Wales dropping to as little as 4%.
Vauxhall launched Electric Streets of Britain to deal with the shortage of on-street charging provision within the UK, and assist councils throughout the nation with the acceleration of native charging infrastructure. On-street charging entry is crucial to make sure drivers can cost electrical autos with ease and comfort, particularly for the 40% of drivers within the nation with out entry to a driveway1.
Alongside a web-based database for drivers to register charging wants of their space, Vauxhall has established an ‘Enablement Fund’ to assist Local Authorities, working with main charging operators char.gy, Connected Kerb and SureCharge.
Registrations to Vauxhall’s Electric Streets of Britain hub mirror considerations expressed by the most recent analysis, with excessive ranges of curiosity for cost level installations logged in cities together with Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham – all in localities the place a big share of drivers advised Vauxhall EV homeowners require additional assist from their Local Authority.
Recent figures present London holds as much as 60% of the UK’s on-street chargers2, with wider areas lagging. This lack of parity is obvious in Vauxhall’s most up-to-date analysis, as London was discovered to be the one area of the nation the place the vast majority of motorists (60%) say EV drivers are supported by their native council. London was additionally the one space the place over 50% of drivers observed points round EV infrastructure taking part in a task in political campaigning forward of native elections.
James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, mentioned: “Electric automobile charging infrastructure is only one of many considerations that needs to be mentioned in nice element forward of this 12 months’s native and mayoral elections. While latest figures present cost level numbers are growing, our newest analysis highlights how drivers are more and more reliant on their Local Authorities to ensure infrastructure wants are being met.
“Our Electric Streets of Britain initiative was launched to support Local Authorities, working with our partners to educate councils on the importance of installing more accessible on-street charging to ensure no driver is left behind on the UK’s journey to electric. We hope to see local councils listening to these drivers who are reliant on their support to provide confidence and ensure motorists across the country feel they can join the electric transition efficiently and safely.”
By the tip of this 12 months, Vauxhall will provide a completely electrical model of each automobile and van mannequin in its line-up. Vauxhall was the UK’s best-selling electrical van producer in 2023, whereas the Corsa Electric was the UK’s best-selling small electrical automobile and the Mokka Electric the best-selling electrical compact crossover mannequin final 12 months.
UK motorists who need to have on-street residential EV chargers put in close to them can register their curiosity at www.electricstreets.co.uk.
Electric vehicles are now not simply toys or runabouts for native journey. Advancements in battery technology have made EVs able to lengthy highway journeys and day by day driving with out vary nervousness. Advancements in charging technology have made these longer journeys a lot much less painful as properly. EVs are practically on the level the place the comfort is parallel with an ICE automotive.
In phrases of on-the-go charging, Tesla is king, with its absolutely massive Supercharger network. The American producer has made it a degree to construct out as many charging stations because it might up to now decade-plus. Tesla made the daring alternative of renaming its charging system to North American Charging Standard (NACS) in 2022, and declared that because it had a bigger community than all different choices mixed, different automakers ought to simply undertake its commonplace. It labored.
Now most automakers are agreeing by 2025 that they are going to undertake and work with Tesla’s charging expertise. This signifies that just about each single EV consumer could have entry to about 2,000 charging stations nationally, and over 12,000 charging ports at these stations. Here’s what we learn about all different EVs that may have entry to the Tesla Supercharger community within the 12 months of 2024.
In order to provide the newest and correct info potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer press releases, compiled utilizing the NACS Charger Adoption Tracker.
With numerous automotive manufacturers becoming a member of Tesla clients at Supercharge Stations, here is why this might spell bother for the corporate down the highway.
1Ford
Ford has its personal particular community of charging stations, called the Blue Oval. Blue Oval shouldn’t be proprietary Ford chargers, however entry to quite a lot of totally different personal charging networks across the nation. Now Ford has struck a cope with Tesla to get on its community as properly, which means Ford EV homeowners could have entry to nearly each single public EV charger within the nation.
Ford Is Rolling Out NACS Adapters This Spring
Ford and Tesla introduced this deal in May 2023.
Ford will present free adapters for F-150 Lightning and Mach-E.
Ford’s CEO confirmed in January that the adapters will likely be obtainable for reservation quickly.
Tesla is constructing the adapters, which is probably going why the exact launch date has not been set. Tesla has struggled to release recent products on time.
The subsequent era of Ford EVs could have an NACS port.
With Tesla holding the reins to Ford’s entry vis-a-vis the adapter, we’re not 100-percent positive when this connection will really occur. Now that it’s formally Spring 2024, we might assume there can be a extra actual timeline. Alas, there may be not. We hope that this will all go off with no hitch for Ford EV homeowners, however the Blue Oval community should do till then.
2Nissan
Nissan
Nissan was one of many few contemporaries with Tesla within the trendy electrical revolution, however by no means partnered with the American Automaker. The Leaf has been kicking round since 2010, although the corporate does plan to part it out quickly. If that could not be extra clear, the Leaf won’t have entry to Tesla’s Supercharger community, however its youthful electrical brother will.
Based on the press release, it seems Nissan is constructing the adapter.
It is unclear whether or not will probably be a free adapter like Ford’s.
Despite claiming a 2024 date for the adapter final 12 months, no additional timeline has been introduced.
NACS ports will likely be commonplace on new Nissan EVs in 2025
The Nissan adapter state of affairs is a little more within the air than the Ford one. Regardless of how and when this will get made, it is vital to understand the adapter won’t be wanted as soon as the subsequent spherical of Nissan EVs is offered. The new commonplace for charging is right here.
Ford and Tesla’s charging partnership goes into impact quickly, and here is what it is advisable to learn about charging your Ford EV at a Tesla supercharger.
It’s unclear who will construct the adapters for Volvo’s EVs
Volvo will embody NACS ports on its EVs beginning in 2025
It’ll additionally embody a backward adapter from NACS to CCS (its present commonplace) for future EVs
The Swedish automaker is all aboard the NACS practice. Much like the opposite automakers, there isn’t any actual date for when will probably be on the brand new commonplace. However, Volvo plans to not go away its present customers excessive and dry with the CCS chargers they might have put in of their houses, which is good.
4Kia
Kia
The Korean producer is at the moment on the CCS commonplace. However, it seems CSS will fall by the wayside, despite being on the vast majority of brands. Kia will likely be one of many first non-Tesla manufacturers to have an NACS cost port.
Kia Will Release EVs With The NACS Port In 2024
Kia entered into an settlement with Tesla in October 2023.
In distinction to most different manufacturers on this listing, Kia could have automobiles with NACS ports this 12 months, and adapters for its different automobiles subsequent 12 months.
It claims that its EVs launched in late 2024 could have NACS charging ports.
The Niro, EV6, and EV9 will get an adapter in 2025.
Kia is speeding to place out its EVs with NACS functionality. Frankly, this looks as if one of the best answer, to maintain the timeline out of Tesla’s unreliable palms. It may also make its EVs extra engaging choices for the 2024 vacation season, which is a savvy enterprise play. Well completed from Kia right here, one thing we’ve not mentioned a lot lately.
These 10 corporations are at the moment trailblazing the electrical automotive charging trade internationally.
5Jaguar
Jaguar Image Gallery
Jag‘s EV foray has been an attention-grabbing one. So far, solely the small SUV I-Pace exists, however quickly the corporate says it’s going to have the high-end, powerful sedans that it is known for in totally electrical variations. However, earlier than that occurs, it desires to place the I-Pace onto NACS charging, and Tesla’s Supercharger community.
The I-Pace Is Getting An NACS Adapter
Jaguar introduced its partnership with Tesla in September 2023.
Jag has actually not dedicated to a timeline, merely saying the adapter will likely be prepared “when available”.
Jaguar goes to let Tesla deal with the development of the adapter, and clearly is conscious of that being a probably delayed course of.
It introduced the brand new line of Jaguar EVs coming in 2025 could have NACS charging.
The aforementioned EV sedans will help guide Jaguar into the future. Hopefully, entry to the NACS equipment can lead the corporate to the success that it has been lacking in latest occasions. We’d hate to see the outdated cat go anyplace.
6Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz was lately touting its personal line of superchargers for its wide EV range. It claimed it’s going to have 400 High Power Charging Stations in-built North America by 2027. As of late 2023, these plans are nonetheless on. However, Mercedes clearly could not wait till 2027 to be on top of things with EV charging capabilities. It needed to make a transfer within the current, and that was becoming a member of the NACS bandwagon (or ought to it’s “bandwagon”?).
Mercedes Will Have Access To Tesla’s Network In 2024
Mercedes-Benz struck the cope with Tesla in July 2024
Adapters for present EVs will likely be obtainable in late 2024.
Mercedes will construct the adapter for the NACS system.
NACS ports will likely be obtainable in its new EVs releasing in 2025.
With the dream of high-end charging stations throughout the nation beginning to hit actuality, Mercedes is full-speed forward with electrical automobiles. With its partnership announcement, Mercedes mentioned it plans to incorporate NACS in all of its High Power Charging Stations. Nice ally for Tesla to have, no?
As Mercedes rolls out extra EV fashions, it goals to create the infrastructure essential to hold them charged in opposition to Tesla’s established community
7Rivian
Rivian
Rivian is amongst Tesla’s major rivals within the luxurious electrical auto area. Another American upstart, with a give attention to luxurious branding, and a super-cool pickup truck. Fortunately for Rivian, its EVs tend to deliver on the promises they make. Unfortunately for Rivian, its automobiles do not promote practically in addition to Tesla. Despite the perceived rivalry, Rivian can be becoming a member of the NACS world.
Rivian Is Joining The Supercharger Network This Year
Rivian teamed up with Tesla in June 2023.
Rivian claimed an adapter would launch as “early as Spring 2024”.
It’s unclear who will make the adapter, and no additional timeline has been introduced
New Rivian EVs from 2025 on, together with the R2 platform, will characteristic the NACS port.
Rivian couldn’t afford to remain out of the NACS recreation. NACS is now not simply branding from Tesla, it’s the reality concerning the charging system, it’s the usual for the continent. We’ll see how quickly Rivian can really get on it.
8Hyundai
Hyundai
As with Kia, the whole Hyundai Motor Group will likely be on the NACS practice. The Korean giant has big EV plans, and won’t let a foolish factor like charging requirements stand in its means. Much like Kia, Hyundai will push for NACS ports earlier than adapters.
NACS Ports Will Be In Hyundais Late 2024
Hyundai was additionally a part of the October 2023 cope with Tesla.
NACS ports will likely be on its automobiles this 12 months.
Adapters for older fashions just like the Ioniq 5 and 6 will likely be obtainable in Q1 2025.
It’s unclear whether or not the adapters will likely be on the market or complimentary, although we might guess the previous, for the reason that port will likely be in new automobiles first.
Again, we see the technique of pushing for NACS ports earlier than a nebulous adapter as a successful technique. The finest means is availability, and controlling the supply of entry to the Tesla Supercharging community will likely be an enormous boon for Hyundai.
Automated valet charging guarantees to revolutionize EV charging by providing easy comfort.
9General Motors
Chevrolet
GM is all in on EVs with its Ultium Platform. Now it seeks to step its charging recreation up. GM solidifies its dedication to electrical energy with its bid to affix the Tesla Supercharger Network.
GM Will Access The Network Via Adapter This Year
GM brokered the cope with Tesla in June 2023.
GM confirmed an adapter will likely be obtainable in 2024.
No additional timeline is offered, and it is unclear who will assemble the adapter.
GM will embody NACS ports in its EVs from 2025 on.
GM additionally plans to offer a reverse adapter for NACS automobiles to CCS commonplace.
GM, like all the opposite automakers on this listing, wants entry. It wants charging stations, and it can’t construct them anyplace close to quick sufficient to succeed in the extent of Tesla’s community. NACS guidelines the continent.
10Genesis
Genesis
The ultimate piece within the Hyundai Motor Group, Genesis, its luxurious line, won’t be not noted of the NACS enjoyable. The Korean automaker has a transparent plan right here. Be first.
Hyundai’s Luxury Brand Has Adopted NACS Charging For 2024
Genesis was additionally included within the October 2023 settlement.
Like Kia and Hyundai, it’s going to have NACS ports in its automobiles by This autumn 2024.
Eventually, adapters will likely be obtainable for older EVs as properly, in Q1 2025.
Beating everybody to the punch will seemingly go over fairly properly for Genesis. Since there would not appear to really be an adapter coming within the close to future, the Hyundai Motor Group manufacturers may very well be the primary on this listing to entry the Supercharger community.
One of the principle takeaways right here is that regardless of most of those automobiles already being on the identical CCS commonplace for charging, the shortage of precise infrastructure to cost the automobiles was considerably extra impactful than sharing the identical charging expertise. Tesla’s means to really exit and construct chargers all around the nation was by far an important and clever choice in latest reminiscence for the EV world. Tesla now controls charging for all main EV manufacturers, bravo.
The UK will apply “robust measures” to make sure a degree taking part in discipline for native automotive makers within the face of elevated competitors from Chinese EV producers, Mark Harper, secretary of state for transport, advised the viewers of the SMMT Connected occasion right now.
The strain has elevated on the UK to reply to the EU’s toughened stance on subsidy-backed Chinese automotive makers. In March, the European Commission mentioned it had proof to indicate Chinese EVs had been being supported straight by state subsidies following an investigation begun in October into Chinese automotive costs.
The EU is broadly anticipated to extend tariffs on Chinese
Recently, a girl from Nebraska found a gasoline station pump glitch at her native fillup spot. And, naturally, she exploited it, filling up without spending a dime for over six months, in keeping with 1011 Now, a neighborhood information outlet.
I, personally, make no judgment—have you ever seen the value of simply…dwelling as of late—however the police are, as local 1011 Now states “Lincoln Police got a call from Bosselman Enterprise’s loss prevention manager on Oct. 20, 2023. The manager got word from the Pump and Pantry near West O Street and Sun Valley Boulevard that someone had been participating in a fuel scam.”
The police then realized that the gasoline pumps on the Pump and Pantry had acquired a software program replace in “November of 2022,” which “managed orders and reward cards”. But that replace had a glitch that allowed clients to make use of their rewards card to “enter the pump into a demo mode” as long as they swiped twice and…pump free gasoline.
Hell yeaaa…I imply, that’s flawed. That’s unhealthy. Very unhealthy, certainly.
According to police, the suspect used the rewards card exploit 510 occasions, and it used a number of occasions a day, permitting others to make use of it, and sure made off with round 7,413 gallons throughout the time she began till she tried to promote the cardboard and was stopped by police.
“The manager estimated the average fuel cost between those months to be approximately $3.758 per gallon, bringing total losses to $27,860.27,” stated the report on 1011 Now. That’s a hell of a variety of gasoline.
Again, I’m not right here to go judgment. I ain’t the cops, nor your mother. But this entire saga bought me questioning: What would you all do with $27,000 value of free gasoline?
For me, I’m pondering I’d begin some form of race sequence in my yard. It’s already arrange for pit-bikes, so why not get all my pals, household, the coworkers I like, and perhaps even those I don’t, and get them over for a festival-style pit-bike championship? We might barbeque, hit sick jumps, and usually trigger some good old school yard chaos. And, clearly, it’d be a multi-day occasion. I imply, we have now $27,000 value of free gasoline. We’re gonna tear issues up.
I watched Michael Dunlop dominate my native highway race, the Walderstown Road Races, extra occasions than I can bear in mind. After the races, I’d comply with the followers as much as the paddock (learn “field”) to congratulate the riders, gawk at their fire-breathing liter-bikes, and take a look at the campervans. Bear in thoughts, that it is not required to have a bike license to compete in a highway race in Ireland.
But Dunlop is not simply any racer. He’s arguably probably the most profitable residing highway racer. And since he is simply three years my senior, I’ve watched him race and win since I obtained into the game. So, after I discovered that he did not have a bike license, to say I used to be “shocked” can be an understatement.
Getting the license
Though Dunlop has been racing bikes on public roads for greater than half his life, at 34 years previous, he lastly determined it was time to get a bike highway license. Assisting him on his path to turning into road-legal was Moto Training NI.
A social media submit from the college learn:
So I get this cellphone name from a man who stated he had a lot of expertise using on the roads, however appeared to be having issue retaining a motorbike lined up and each wheels on the bottom.
Thankfully we have been capable of get him sorted and he handed his closing highway check in the present day within the worst of circumstances!
Has been nice craic – have a secure and profitable season Michael and thanks for selecting Moto Training NI
It appears like Dunlop did his check on a Kawasaki Z650, which most likely made a pleasant change of tempo from his 200+ horsepower Hawk Racing’s Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.
Dunlop’s subsequent check
It’s out of the frying pan and into the hearth for the Dunlop, who may make historical past across the mountain course this 12 months. He unofficially held the quickest common pace file across the IOM TT final 12 months, clocking 135.351 mph, and took 4 victories. This gave him a total of 25 IOM TT wins, only one lower than the file of 26 held by his uncle Joey Dunlop since 2000.
If Michael Dunlop can win only one race on the TT this 12 months, he’ll equal the file as probably the most winningest rider of all time.
And if he wins any extra, properly, he’ll make historical past. He can then go for a celebratory tour trip across the island. But this time, totally road-legal.
Let’s say, for a second, that you just’re attempting to drum up tourism to your native space. And you do not simply need of us to return from the subsequent city over. No, you need to pull in a world crowd, so that you’re considering massive. Really massive. Over 1,000 kilometers (or 621 miles) to start out, and maybe increasing over time if it looks like a good suggestion.
While tourism is not the solely cause that organizers began the Cain’s Quest worldwide snowmobile endurance race in Labrador, Canada again in 2006, it is actually a particularly essential cause.
After all, what does Newfoundland and Labrador have that different areas possibly do not? An prolonged winter, with masses and a great deal of snow. What are you able to do with that a lot snow? I believe you’ve not less than a small thought. Cold, snowy climate may be very a lot a function and not a bug right here.
In reality, if the circumstances aren’t stuffed with loads of snow and chilly, it could possibly throw a wrench in works. In 2023, the race was cancelled after one staff went by means of the ice. No one desires that, so scouts doing reconnaissance driving forward of the 2024 race say the riders shall be exercising loads of warning when the race kicks off in Labrador City on March 3, 2024. If all goes in line with plan, the racers will full their mission again in Labrador City as soon as extra on March 10, 2024.
To offer you some thought of what it is like, the CBC put collectively a superb brief documentary concerning the 2020 run, which they’ve posted in its entirety right here:
How Does Cain’s Quest Work?
Teams of two shall be flagged off from the beginning line with a minute between them, with every staff’s official time not beginning till they do. Riders can have crews to assist them, however solely underneath very particular guidelines and at very particular instances.
Riders are given checkpoints they have to discover one of the best route to satisfy, and shall be touring by GPS. Riders additionally do trip at night time, though there are a number of scheduled layover stops the place the clock is paused so racers can cease and relaxation earlier than they proceed.
The 2024 route ought to take round 3,500 kilometers to finish, which is just below 2,175 miles. This 12 months’s route contains a complete of 15 checkpoints, with 5 layovers scheduled alongside the way in which at Happy Valley Goose Bay (10 hours), L’Anse Au Clair (12 hours), Northwest River (eight hours), Nain (12 hours), and Churchill Falls (eight hours).
Cain’s Quest 2024 – Route Map
Cain’s Quest 2024 – Layovers
During layovers, the snowmobiles are parked and racers inspired to relaxation. Wrenching is supposed to happen on the clock, not off it; so everybody, barring distinctive circumstances, is avoided their machines throughout these relaxation durations.
Some racers scouting earlier than the 2024 occasion informed the CBC that they discovered the circumstances regarding, however satisfactory. The 2023 race was lower brief someday after the sixth checkpoint, so opponents aren’t hoping for a repeat.
Prepping for the 2020 Cain’s Quest run.
In all, 37 groups are scheduled to compete within the 2024 occasion. In previous years, opponents have largely come from Canada, with participation notably excessive amongst riders from the native Newfoundland and Labrador space. Some others have come from the US, Finland, and elsewhere to compete. Both female and male riders are allowed and inspired to hitch the enjoyable.
Temps have gotten right down to -40C (which can also be -40F) previously. However, the 2024 forecast solely requires a low of round -27C (or -16F) in a single day on Sunday. Here’s hoping the contributors are capable of full this 12 months’s Quest with none severe difficulties.
Would you take part in Cain’s Quest if you happen to might? It seems like a real check of heated gear to us. Let us know the way you are feeling about it within the feedback. If you have participated or are planning to take part sooner or later, we would love to listen to from you!
Interested in a vehicle with 5000lb ft of torque making weekly tours through your local streets? That’s what Lunaz is offering.
This kind of pulling power is about double what the largest heavy-haulage vehicles can offer. And believe it or not, this vehicle can accelerate from 0-50mph in six seconds, despite weighing 17 tonnes when empty.
Lunaz, the Silverstone-based company known for electrifying premium classic cars, is about to deliver its first ‘upcycled’ electric bin lorry to Buckinghamshire Council. The company has garnered investment from high-profile investors, including David Beckham. Although it’s unlikely that Mr Beckham will be involved in the waste management operations, his support adds to Lunaz’s environmental credentials.
Lunaz Applied Technologies, the company behind the electric bin lorry, is poised to be the main revenue generator for the brand. Founded only five years ago by David Lorenz and Jon Hilton, the company has developed the lorry in its new 250,000sq ft building.
Upcycling is Lunaz’s unique selling point. Instead of requiring local authorities to invest in an all-new heavy commercial EV, Lunaz repurposes a bin lorry, using the chassis, cab and body from a vehicle that has reached the end of its UK service life. Lunaz replaces the diesel drivetrain with an electric one, producing around twice as much power and seven times the torque.
The concept allows the Lunaz lorry to retain 80% of the donor vehicle, with the electric components being the main upgrade. This results in 80% of the lorry’s embedded carbon being saved, compared to a brand-new commercial EV, which has to be manufactured from scratch.
Lunaz says its bin lorry is just the start, with the potential for over 1100 upcycled electric commercial vehicles to be produced yearly. Details about the specific derivatives have not been revealed.
Tesla could have a local manufacturing facility set up in the next two years to produce a made-in-India EV
Back in June 2023 – when the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US – Tesla’s founder, Elon Musk, had met him and confirmed that the EV marque will set foot in India. Fast forward to November and that’s yet to happen but it now seems much more on track. Here’s everything that’s known about Tesla’s India arrival so far:
Possible Reduction In Import Taxes
The discussion around the Indian government’s import rates has been long discussed, which has also been the key reason in the EV maker’s delayed Indian arrival. It now seems that global brands like Tesla could benefit from tax reduction for a period of five years as the Indian government authorities have reportedly agreed upon but only if these EV makers commit to setting up local manufacturing in India.
Local Manufacturing To Be Set Up Soon
There have also been talks about the American EV maker setting up a local manufacturing plant in India within the next two years. Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are the states that are the frontrunners for having the Tesla facility being established, with a reported investment of more than Rs 16,000 crore.
First Few Models To Be Imports
Given the time that Tesla could take to have a manufacturing hub in India, it is quite possible that the EV maker will first start by importing some of its global products here. While it was eyeing bringing electric cars from China, the recent cross-border tensions are likely to push Tesla to import models from its Germany plant.
In early 2023, we got to know that there’s a new entry-level electric vehicle being developed by Tesla. This upcoming EV is set to become Tesla’s smallest and most cost-effective model, likely named the ‘Model 2.’ Based on the teaser, it appears to be a tall crossover with a steep roofline and prominent shoulder line. Its design is expected to borrow elements from Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, the larger models in the lineup.
Which Ones Will Come To India First?
We think models such as the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y could come to India first via the import route, and both were spied on test a few times already. If reports are to be believed, Tesla could also introduce a small made-in-India EV, which could be priced around the Rs 20-lakh mark (ex-showroom).
When do you want to see Tesla cars on our roads and which one do you think should come first? Let us know in the comments.
$1.9 million investment brings 4T Academy to local schools
BLUE SPRINGS, Miss.(Nov. 1, 2023) – Juniors and seniors at New Albany and Union County Schools will soon have a unique opportunity to learn and earn. Toyota announced Wednesday—in collaboration with local partners—the investment and launch of its 4T Academy, a hands-on training program designed to place students directly into Toyota production jobs right out of high school.
Toyota’s commitment of $1.9 million to implement this game-changing program is match funding following a grant awarded to New Albany School District and the 4T Academy from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
The announcement was made Wednesday at the automaker’s Workforce Readiness Forum where lawmakers, community leaders, and educators convened to address common issues and goals surrounding talent development, retention, and educational support.
“The 4T Academy will provide our students the skills, experience, and confidence they need to move into high-wage careers in manufacturing right here in their backyard,” said Erik Skaggs, president of Toyota Mississippi. “Imbedding innovative programs like 4T in our schools changes the landscape of workforce readiness and puts students in the driver’s seat for their careers.”
Students enrolled in 4T will follow a state-approved curriculum pathway in traditional high school classes while learning and training in a mock factory environment to gain essential skills needed for production jobs at Toyota. This state-of-the-art classroom will be housed at New Albany School District’s (NASD) future “New Albany Center for Innovation”—an enhanced version of its current School of Career & Technical Education.
The 4T Academy will have a collaborative classroom space, electric and pneumatic tool-training stations, a simulated vehicle production line, virtual reality simulators, cobots, and many other high-tech components—all integral to developing talent while still in high school. Seniors enrolled in 4T will earn an hourly wage while on the production floor, getting certified and working alongside industry experts to build the world’s best-selling vehicle, the Toyota Corolla.
“We are excited to work with Toyota Mississippi to implement the first 4T Academy in Mississippi,” said Lance Evans, superintendent for New Albany School District. “As a result of this partnership, our students will be afforded opportunities that are very unique to our region. When schools and industry partner together, the results are meaningful to not only students and schools but also families and our community.”
Toyota also announced a gift of $100,000 to support the Center for Innovation as it undergoes renovation.
Toyota’s 4T Academy started at Toyota Indiana in 2020 while partnering with Purdue IN-MaC—a partnership that has continued through its expansion to Toyota West Virginia in 2022, and plans to launch at other Toyota manufacturing facilities in the U.S. are underway. For more information on 4T, visit www.4TAcademy.com
A study conducted by Citroën UK has discovered that the ten largest local authorities in the UK have issued more than 137,000 fines to drivers for not parking within the designated parking bays.
These fines have potentially cost British drivers around £18 million since 2019.
Edinburgh Council handed out the highest number of fines, recording 19,800 offenses.
The Citroën Ami, measuring 2.41 meters long and 1.39 meters wide, can fit in half the size of a standard parking bay. If everyone drove an Ami, local authorities could double the number of available parking spaces in their areas.
The Citroën Ami 100% Electric offers a groundbreaking approach to urban mobility, with an electric range of up to 46 miles and a top speed of 28mph.
According to new research conducted by Citroën UK, British drivers living in cities could be held accountable for fines of up to £18 million due to Penalty Charge Notices for failing to park their vehicles inside designated parking bays. A total of 137,000 fines were issued to motorists who parked outside the marked lines of parking bays since 2019, as revealed through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made to the largest ten local authorities running cities in the UK, including all 32 London Boroughs*.
The study found that Edinburgh Council handed out the largest number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to drivers who parked outside the marked bays, with over 19,800 PCNs issued since 2019. In comparison, Tower Hamlets Council in London only issued 52 PCNs for the same offense during the same period.
Glasgow Council came in second place, issuing 17,800 PCNs since 2019, while Havering Council in London issued over 15,700. According to the AA, drivers who receive a PCN for a parking violation can face fines of up to £130**, meaning that the 137,000 fines received could have cost drivers up to £17.9 million. In London alone, over £9 million could have been collected from drivers who parked outside designated areas.
The Citroën Ami 100% Electric is specifically designed for navigating and parking in cities across the UK. With dimensions of just 2.41 meters long and 1.39 meters wide, the Ami 100% Electric can fit in half of a standard parallel parking space. The British Parking Association recommends parking spaces to be 4.8 meters long and 2.4 meters wide, which means that local authorities could double the number of available spaces in crowded urban areas if everyone used an Ami. This would also prevent drivers of larger vehicles from the risk of not fitting into a parking space.
Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, stated, “Our research shows that people are having difficulties parking their cars in urban environments, potentially making millions of motorists across the country liable for fines. The Ami 100% Electric is the perfect solution for driving in urban areas and represents an innovative and revolutionary way of navigating cities. It exemplifies the best of Citroën, offering creative and enjoyable solutions to real problems.”
As an electric mobility solution, the Ami produces zero emissions when used and features a 5.4kWh battery that can be fully charged in just four hours. With a range of up to 46 miles and a top speed of 28mph, the Ami 100% Electric is a modern and inventive solution that fulfills Citroën’s commitment to providing affordable and eco-friendly mobility solutions for all.
