AAMPLYFI™ LATEST NEWS

ARRIVAL - A better approach.

studio@pistondesign.co.uk (Barry Parker) — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 08:18:33 GMT

CLEANER CITIES POWERED BY EV PIONEER ARRIVAL

About Arrival

Arrival was founded in 2015 with a mission to make air clean by replacing all vehicles with affordable electric solutions - produced by local Microfactories. Seven years and over 2,000 people later, they are driving the transition to EVs globally by creating products that are zero-emission, more desirable, more sustainable and more equitable than ever before. The in-house technologies enable their unique new method of design and production using rapidly-scalable, local Microfactories around the world. This method facilitates cities and governments in achieving their sustainability goals whilst also supercharging their communities. Arrival are a technology company, a product company, a supply chain company, an automotive company, a mobility company, a fintech company and a service company - all rolled into one with a shared goal of true sustainability. This vertically integrated business model is how we can have the radical impact our world needs today.

Arrival’s zero-emission Van is purposefully designed to be an environmentally sustainable and economically efficient commercial electric vehicle, compared to traditional Vans. It features Arrival’s advanced in-house hardware and software technologies throughout the vehicle to create an elevated experience and provide operators with the data and tools they need to optimise the running of a fleet. The vehicle is made from Arrival’s unique lightweight composite materials, which are designed to be recyclable, durable and lower in cost. The Arrival Van will be manufactured using Arrival’s pioneering new method of production - using Microfactories placed in cities all around the world. Microfactories are expected to have a lower Capex and cost of assembly, shorter commissioning time and be more environmentally friendly than traditional methods of production.

A new era for production.

“Our customers are tremendously excited about the Arrival Van and the unique offering it provides them. With an unrivalled user experience and lower total cost of ownership it will help them accelerate their transition to zero-emission vehicles. This version of the vehicle we started in 2020, so to have passed all certification tests in this short time frame is a truly monumental achievement by the whole team. We now look forward to starting production later this year and delivering vehicles to our customers, in order to help to make cleaner air for cities all over the world,”

Denis Sverdlov, Founder and CEO at Arrival.

Arrival takes a modular and flexible approach to the design and production of its vehicles, which means the hardware and software is upgradable over a vehicle’s lifetime. The company will continually update and test its vehicles, in order to deliver the best possible product and experience for customers.

Arrival has over 140k non-binding LOIs and orders for variants of the Arrival Van. The rapid growth of e-commerce has led to an increase in demand for light commercial transport in cities, increasing both congestion and pollution. At the same time, there is an urgent need from cities, fleet operators and national governments to decarbonise operations in line with global public policy.

Arrival Van has achieved EU certification and received European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (EUWVTA).Arrival successfully completed all the required functional and safety testing to achieve EUWVTA, which is a critical step towards starting trials with customers in the coming months. The company is expected to start production of the Van in Bicester, UK in Q3 2022.

Find our more// www.arrival.com/uk/en

How eco-friendly are EV's?

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 22:25:33 GMT

The stigma surrounding Electric Vehicles and what is the real truth.

Common Misconceptions About Electric Vehicles.

AAMPLYFI™ are keen to promote the electric vehicle revolution, however we are also aware of the 'grey areas' that surround this developing technology.

As we all become more aware of the climate crisis, and want to do our bit to fight it, the re are necessary questions to ask. When everything from your washing-up liquid to your food is claiming to be good for the planet, it’s natural to want to know how impactful and good for our planet the electric vehicle revolution is. .

Like ‘eco-friendly’ the term ‘green’ generally means being kind to the Earth, often by trying to have a lighter carbon footprint. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, being eco-friendly means being ‘designed to have little or no damaging effect on the environment’. ..

That said, let's look at the common misconceptions, debunk any of the unknowns and highlight the key facts that surround Electric vehicles...

Electric vehicles (EVs) are too expensive.

Reality:

EVs do cost more to buy outright, but in many cases, have a lower cost over 4 years. According to recent industry estimates, an EV can save £176 in running costs for every 1,000 miles driven. This means it can cost as little as 2p a mile to run an EV when charging on off-peak electricity. This is compared to over 20p per mile for petrol and diesel. As EVs have far fewer moving parts, there’s also less maintenance to be done. There are also tax incentives in place for owners of EVs, including zero road tax and favourable company car tax rates. These can save some drivers over £2,000 per year. All this means that the market for more affordable zero emission vehicles is growing rapidly. As of May 2022, 24 models are priced under £32,000 compared to 15 at the same time in 2021. With production costs reducing, some forecasts show that some EVs could be the same price to purchase as a petrol or diesel car well within the 2020s.

EVs do not have the battery range to travel as far as people need.

Reality:

99% of car journeys in England are under 100 miles. This means most drivers’ needs are easily met by an EV. For those travelling further, there are over 20 models available with a quoted 200-plus mile range. There are also some new electric cars coming soon with a range of over 300 miles, enough to get from Exeter to Leeds. With battery prices having fallen to 80% of what they were in 2010, continued price decreases in 2021 and further drops forecasted in the long term, we expect to see more EVs available with greater range.

Building an EV generates more greenhouse gas emissions than it saves.

Reality:

This has been debunked in numerous well-respected studies. A new battery-electric car has just a third of the lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of an equivalent new petrol car, even when taking into account battery production and disposal. EVs are getting progressively cleaner as electricity generation decarbonises.

The battery will need replacing after five years.

Reality:

There are well over 10 million EVs on the world’s roads already. There is no evidence to suggest their lifespans are any different from a petrol or diesel vehicle. Most EV batteries have warranties of around 8 years (or 100,000 miles) but are expected to last much longer, and their lifespan continues to improve. EVs are in daily use across the UK’s roads as taxis and in other high mileage roles. The government has committed £330 million to the Faraday Battery Challenge to support the research, development and scale-up of world-leading battery technology right here in the UK, including pioneering work on improving battery lifespan.

Total and rapid public charging devices per 100,000 of population by UK region 1 April 2022

Batteries cannot be recycled and will all end up in landfill.

Reality:

Existing regulations ban the disposal of EV batteries to landfill and incineration. Car manufacturers are obligated to take back EV batteries free of charge and ensure they are treated at permitted facilities that meet the required recycling efficiency standards. With the increasing number of EV batteries, we are reviewing these regulations to strengthen them. The government’s £330m Faraday Battery Challenge has an aim of increasing recyclability of an EV battery to 95% by 2035, increasing the amount of minerals, like lithium and cobalt, that can be extracted and reused. We want to create a circular economy for EV batteries to maximise the economic and environmental opportunities of the transition to zero emission vehicles.

Materials used in batteries come from questionable sources.

Reality:

It is true that there are current challenges in ensuring the transparency and sustainability of materials used in batteries and electric motors. However, this applies across many manufactured goods including smartphones and laptops. The UK is part of international efforts to secure a transparent, sustainable and ethical supply of raw materials, protecting the lives and livelihoods of miners. EV manufacturers are already committed to the responsible sourcing and reduction of ‘rare earth’ raw materials in their supply chains. They are also focusing on both transparency and security in their supply chain (for good business reasons) and on minimising the use of elements like cobalt and ‘rare earths’ in their designs.

Government is funding schemes to trial the recycling of key raw materials in batteries, and to localise more of the battery supply chain.

There is not enough lithium to manufacture the batteries needed.

Reality:

There are more than enough global resources for EV batteries to meet the UK and global demands until at least 2050. Production will need to scale up in line with the increasing demand for EVs. Recycling facilities and techniques are also improving to ensure a circular economy.

Achievements in battery technology and chemistries are further decreasing pressure on resources.

EVs cannot be driven or charged in the rain.

Reality:

Not true. EVs have to comply with tough technical rules prior to entering the market, including crash and electrical safety. This means they are safe to drive and charge in a wide range of weather conditions. Drivers should take the usual precautions by following the manufacturer’s instructions, only using the correct charging cable and ensuring the EV and cable are not damaged. As with any vehicle, drivers should also consult the owner manual for guidance on the maximum depth of water a car is safe to drive through.

EVs cannot tow or be towed.

Reality:

Like all other cars, electric vehicles need to be ‘type approved’ to tow a caravan or trailer. An increasing number of EVs are coming to market with this capability. A caravan or trailer towed by an EV can also display a green number plate.

When an EV is being towed by another vehicle at higher speeds and longer distances, many manufacturers require that they must be towed with the wheels off the ground. This is also the case for any automatic petrol and diesel vehicles, so this is not a new challenge for vehicle recovery companies. If an EV breaks down and is in immediate danger (for example, when in a live traffic lane), it can be towed slowly a short distance to a safe location, to await further assistance, just like any other vehicle. 5

There are not enough charge points to meet demand.

Reality:

Research has found that the UK has one of the most extensive rapid charging networks in Europe. Industry statistics show that there are over 31,000 public chargepoints available across the UK, a significant increase from 7,211 in 2017. There are also more than 5,800 rapid chargers. We expect continued, accelerated deployment of public chargepoints. On average, over 600 new chargers are being added to the UK’s road network each month, of which over 100 are rapid. Today, a driver is never more than 25 miles away from a chargepoint anywhere along England’s motorways and A roads.

Most drivers charge at home and we expect to see this trend to continue. There are nearly 900,000 plug-in vehicles on UK roads and evidence suggests that those with off-street parking can meet the vast majority of their charging needs at home while their vehicles are parked.

It takes too long to charge an EV.

Reality:

Most charging will be done at or near home overnight. However, some new cars are capable of charging up 200 miles in as little as 20 minutes – the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee. Potential charging speeds have increased by a factor of 5 in the past few years as businesses have started to focus seriously on EVs as the future of road transport.

Only people with off-street parking will be able to easily charge their EV.

Reality:

We want to ensure that lack of access to off-street parking is not a barrier to realising the benefits of owning a plug-in electric vehicle. The On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) is available to all UK local authorities (LAs) to provide public chargepoints for their residents without access to private parking. This year, £20 million is available under the scheme to ensure more LAs and residents can benefit. The scheme has supported over 150 different LAs to fund more than 11,000 chargepoints for residents who do not have off-street parking.

In March 2022 we announced our £450m Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. This will deliver a step-change in the rollout of EV infrastructure and focus on providing for households without off-street parking. We have launched a first tranche of £10m as a springboard for the development of the full fund, which closed to applicants on 17 June 2022.

Government’s £950m Rapid Charging Fund (RCF) aims to future-proof electrical grid capacity at service areas on motorways and major A-roads to prepare the network for uptake of zero emission cars and vans ahead of need. Rapid charging hubs and electric forecourts (equivalent to current petrol or diesel refuelling) are emerging as further options for EV drivers to recharge.

Charging at workplaces is also growing; Government has supported the installation of over 26,000 workplace charging sockets as of April 2022.

There are loads of chargers in London but hardly any in other cities or in rural areas.

Reality:

All regions in the UK have seen increases in publicly available chargepoints in the year to April 2022.

In addition to the ORCS scheme, government has also supported the installation of chargepoints in residential buildings and workplaces across the UK, including rural areas, through the EV Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) and the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). London has received the second lowest number of grants per household in England under the EVHS and the lowest number of chargepoint sockets per person in the whole of the UK under the WCS.

Government will also be providing additional funding to install chargepoints for small accommodation businesses, which are disproportionately found in rural areas. This will help boost destination charging across the UK in such locations.

Public charge points are all broken.

Reality:

EV users should expect a reliable public network wherever they drive in the UK. Having chargepoints out of action is inconvenient, frustrating and can be unsafe. However, according to Zap-Map, 9 out of 10 chargepoints are working at any point in time.

We are working to ensure that all consumers have a positive experience using the public charging network and any poor performing chargepoint operators are held to account. We are mandating a 99% reliability standard for rapid chargepoints in the UK and a free 24/7 helpline for consumers struggling to charge. We will lay legislation later this year.

There are too many different apps and different types of connectors.

Reality:

We will lay legislation later in 2022 to mandate payment roaming. This means chargepoint operators will have to work with each other to ensure that consumers can pay without having to download an app each time you use a different charging network. This will also support the business sector to electrify their vehicle fleets.

We legislated in 2017 to ensure all new and replacement public chargepoints must offer standardised connectors (plugs). This means that the vast majority of EVs can charge on the entire UK public charging network. The notable exceptions are the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander, which can charge at over 95% of public chargepoints. As manufacturers are increasingly standardising their connectors, government has no plans to intervene in the vehicle market.

The grid will not be able to cope if everyone switches to EVs.

Reality:

The Committee on Climate Change suggests that electrifying the vehicle fleet could result in road transport making up 15% to 20% of total electricity demand in 2050.

We are confident the grid will be able to cope, through the robust processes in place for bringing forward new generation and grid updates. Government has given Ofgem, the energy regulator, legal responsibilities and powers to deliver an energy system fit for both current and future consumers. We are also ensuring that Ofgem considers our energy policy priorities for delivering net zero in its regulatory decisions.

Smart charging is an important part of this process. Smart charging technologies allow EV charging to take place when demand for electricity is lower. For example, at night, or when there is lots of renewable energy on the grid. This reduces electricity system costs, lowering prices for everyone. The motorist pays less for charging their EV and the electricity powering the EVs is greener.

EVs are not ‘greener’ because of emissions from electricity generation.

Reality:

Since 1990, we have reduced greenhouse gas emissions in our electricity system by over 70%. Taken together, renewables and other low carbon generation, such as nuclear, currently provide over 50% of our electricity.

Government continues to support the deployment of low carbon and renewable technologies to deliver a cleaner greener system at least cost to consumers and that maintains a secure supply of electricity. Our plans could see 95% of our electricity come from low carbon sources by 2030. By 2035, all our electricity will come from low carbon sources, subject to security of supply.

You will have to dig up all of the country to lay more cables.

Reality:

Ofgem, ensures that electricity network companies are funded to meet the additional demand from EVs. This incentivises them to plan and deliver the work as efficiently as possible. This includes minimising unnecessary disruption and expense, for example by laying larger cables to avoid reopening roads twice.

You could easily just switch all petrol and diesel cars to burn hydrogen without going to all this trouble.

Reality:

Government remains technology-neutral. However, currently, combustion hydrogen in a conventional engine still produces NOx and some CO2 exhaust emissions. This means that for now this is not zero emissions. By comparison, the only exhaust emissions from hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is water.

As set out in the government’s hydrogen strategy, we expect hydrogen to play a significant role in decarbonising transport. We expect it will probably be most effectively used in heavier transport applications ‘that batteries might not reach’ like large trucks, maritime and aviation.

For cars and vans, battery electric technology is the chosen route for a clear majority of manufacturers and motorists.

Sources:

Office for Zero Emission Vehicles //

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) is a team working across government to support the transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). We are providing support for the take-up of plug in vehicles, as well as funding to support chargepoint infrastructure across the UK.

Department for Transport //

We work with our agencies and partners to support the transport network that helps the UK’s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country. We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move.

Charging Speeds - The Facts

studio@pistondesign.co.uk (Barry Parker) — Sat, 23 Jul 2022 21:59:53 GMT

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CHARGE AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

1 in every 4 cars sold in Europe will be electric by 2025. Below is the representative charge rate time for the different solutions currently available...

3 Pin Plug

Many electric cars come with a standard cable that you can simply plug in to any 3 pin socket and whilst these can be useful in an emergency or e.g. when visiting friends, they provide a very slow rate of charge (called Mode 2 charging) – generally just over 9 miles of range per hour of charging. If your car is left to charge overnight then it is likely to take about 17 hours to charge up a 40kWh battery from empty, although there is always likely to be some charge remaining.

3.6kW Charge Rate (1.6 x faster than a 3 pin plug)

The Rolec Wallpod and other charge points offer a lowest rate of charge at 3.6kW. This means that there is up to 15 miles of charge per hour added to the battery. A 40kWh battery would take about 11 hours to charge from empty.

7.2kW Charge Rate (3 x faster than a 3 pin plug)

The fastest rate of charge on a domestic (single phase) property is 7.2kW (this rate is also offered by many public charge points). In this case, about 35 miles of range is added per hour and a 40kWh battery takes about 5.5 hours to charge up. This much better charge rate is recommended for domestic properties as long as there is sufficient electrical capacity.

11kW Charge Rate (5 x faster than a 3 pin plug)

This rate of charge is only available on 3 phase supplies but is the lower of the 2 charge rates for this type of supply. About 50 miles of range is added per hour of charge and a 40kWh battery would be completely charged from empty in just over 3.5 hours.

22kW Charge Rate (10 x faster than a 3 pin plug)

This is the fastest charge rate available with standard charge points. It enables about 100 miles of range to be added per hour of charge and a 40kWh battery would be charged in just under 2 hours. This rate of charge is ideal for roadside locations, cafes, restaurants, etc. as it allows a decent amount of range to be added in 1/2 hour or an hour whilst having a coffee or meal.

Battery Conservation

Of course, whilst you might tend to always start a journey on full charge, there are an increasing number of opportunities to top up the charge levels without running to empty. It is always suggested that you use mobile or vehicle integrated applications consulted to enable journey planning and that you check the charging rates of the equipment at the locations where you intend to re-fuel.

Need more help?

Be aware, the charge rate of some car batteries is restricted and some cables also cause restrictions. The times stated will depend on the equipment, gateway, charging balancing and the vehicle - Consult with the vehicle manufacturer of your vehicle or reach out to the AAMPLYFI™ team for more information.

hello@aamplyfi.com

Electric cars make up 70 per cent of sales

studio@pistondesign.co.uk (Barry Parker) — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 16:41:04 GMT

Quick off the spark: electric vehicle sales continue to soar in green revolution

Electric vehicles ( EVs ) have more than doubled in the north of England, revealed through new figures released today (24 May 2022), as the government’s drive towards cleaner, affordable travel boosts tens of thousands of green jobs across the UK.

New statistics show the UK’s transport revolution is well underway with EV registration numbers in the north of England rising to 74,677 in 2021.

More than a quarter of a million EVs now travel on UK roads and sales of plug-in vehicles have reached all-time highs, with 327,000 registered last year alone – a 77% rise compared to 2020.

The statistics were released by the Department for Transport today ahead of the Transport Secretary meeting with northern leaders and mayors this afternoon, as part of the Northern Transport Acceleration Council, to discuss green transport innovation and the government’s mission to build strong infrastructure, transport links and economic growth in regions across the nation.

The Secretary of State for Transport will discuss the government’s recently published Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy , backed by £1.6 billion funding, to boost on-street EV charging by tenfold and eradicate so-called ‘range anxiety’ across the UK.

By 2030, the UK expects to reach 300,000 public electric vehicle chargepoints – equivalent to almost 5 times the number of fuel pumps on our roads today.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

With a £2.5 billion cash injection, the UK continues to be a global front-runner in the switch to electric vehicles – helping drivers to save money on fuel while moving towards our net zero targets.

I’m pleased to be meeting with colleagues today to ensure the north of England has the support it needs for an emission-free transport future, as we clean up our air and support green jobs across the nation.

During the meeting, the Transport Secretary is expected to highlight the UK’s world-leading progress in the switch to EVs to date, with around 600 new public chargepoints installed each month and one of the most extensive networks of rapid charging in Europe.

The Transport Secretary will also reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring all regions are equipped to go electric and nowhere is left behind, with £500 million recently pledged to transform local on-street charging and boost reliability.

Not only is the UK’s move towards emission-free transport supporting up to 40,000 new automotive jobs, but it’s cleaning up the country’s air with average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for cars decreasing by 11% last year.

In the drive to net zero transport, the government has committed to phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 , ensuring all drivers benefit from EVs and their significantly lower running and refuelling costs.

This ambition, combined with billions of pounds of support from the industry, will cement the UK’s leading position in the design, manufacture and use of zero emission vehicles, which are providing new economic opportunities by boosting employment, investment and exports.

Schedule your residential, commercial or retail review with AAMPLYFI

The Porsche Taycan 2022: One of the best EVs?

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 15:27:01 GMT

Ever since the Porsche Taycan was unveiled in 2019, it was seen as one of the standout EVs around. But as the industry has evolved, and with more and more exciting models being released, does the Taycan still class as one of the best EVs around?

Over the past few years, Porsche has revealed a number of different variants to the Taycan, with the Cross Turismo, GTS and 4S models all now part of the manufacturer’s electric offering. Whilst these higher-end electric models can reach up to almost £140,000, Porsche’s entry-level model – simply named the Porsche Taycan – is available from “just” £70,690. It is far from cheap, but it is also far from your average EV. With all that in mind, does the Porsche Taycan justify its price-tag in 2022?

How it looks

The Taycan has pure Porsche DNA running right through it, with influences from other models, such as the Panamera, plain to see. However, as is the case with most car manufacturers and their electric cars, Porsche has included a few subtle differences in the Taycan’s design.

At the rear of the car, there is the traditional EV light bar that stretches all the way along the back end. There are also a couple of fake air vents at the side, but other than that, Porsche has created a car that can fit seamlessly into a lineup of some of its best-looking models.

This entry level model features 19” standard wheels which can be upgraded to 20”, and there are other beautiful details such as the 4-point LED headlights. Even the colour, which is officially known as ‘frozen berry’ works well. The Porsche Taycan is quite simply a very good-looking car.

That colour does come at an added cost, however, as does pretty much every other detail on this car. Including VAT, this model starts from just over £72,000 but with all the optional extras, the on-the-road price comes in at £86,500.

These extras range from electric folding mirrors which are £200, the black trim on the windows are another £250, the colour is an extra £750 and even the matrix LED headlights will set you back over £2,000.

On the inside

The interior of the Taycan is an absolute dream. There are more extras included on the test version of the car, such as the blackberry leather seats, the sound system and the parking assist. As standard, you will still receive a 16.8-inch curved display and the centre console with Direct Touch Control.

It also features a multi-function sports steering wheel and the fabric roof lining which gives the car the premium feeling you would expect from a car of this calibre. In terms of tech, you have two USB-C ports and wireless charging for your phone, which can connect with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even the standard audio setup comes with 10 different speakers all around the car.

Despite the sport nature of the car, it still offers a great sense of practicality with 407L of boot capacity and 84 litres at the front.

On the road

The Taycan is a full-blooded Porsche and offers you everything that you would expect from any other Porsche model. That includes lightning-fast acceleration, which in the Taycan’s case, is represented by a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds. That might not sounds overly fast – the Tesla Model 3 beats that time by 2 seconds, for example – but the low driving position, the amplified nose inside the car, and the self-awareness of knowing you’re driving such a good looking car, makes that time feel much, much faster.

The power is achieved through a standard 79kW battery, which on this model, has been enhanced to 93kW with the Performance Battery Plus option, which will set you back just over £4,000. That extra boost gives you 380hp and 357 NM torque to play with, and that does certainly put a smile on your face.

The power also comes in tandem with great stability and balance. Perfectly tuned, the Taycan effortlessly glides along snaking country roads, pushing itself further into the tarmac with every dip of the throttle for extra grip, making you feel as though you are truly glued to the road.

As this is a fully electric vehicle, however, it is not simply about power, but also about range. The entry level Taycan offers a WLTP combined range of 301 miles and charging capabilities of up to 270kW, meaning you’ll be able to charge from 5 to 80% in about 20 minutes.

The beauty of the Taycan is that it offers a perfect blend of playfulness and practicality. It is a joyous experience being behind the wheel of this car, one you will never get bored of, and thankfully it offers a big enough range to be able to drive it in a way a Porsche was designed to be driven, whilst also having enough juice in the battery to go about your daily business.

When it comes to driving this car, Porsche has got it spot on.

Final verdict

For years now, the Porsche Taycan has been synonymous with the best that the electric vehicle industry has to offer. It’s a super-fast, gorgeous looking EV, manufactured by one of the biggest, most prestigious automotive companies in the world.

The industry has moved on, however. There are a number of amazing new models coming to the market, and there are many more set to come, all of which will drive the EV movement further forward.

And yet, despite all the progress that has been made, the Porsche Taycan, which has only received a few minor tweaks for this 2022 version, still occupies a spot in the EV industry’s top drawer.

Sure, some cars might be slightly quicker, have much more tech inside or have bigger ranges, but there is something truly unique about the Taycan. Its design is unrivalled amongst all other electric vehicles, and the driving experience is second to none. The range is still at the top end of the market, and the fast-charging capabilities means it is fit for the new wave of EV chargers.

It might cost a pretty penny, but if there is ever an electric vehicle that could justify such a hefty fee, it is the truly amazing Porsche Taycan.

FIND OUT MORE:

https://www.porsche.com/uk/models/taycan/taycan-models/taycan/

Volta Trucks reveals its full-electric Volta Zero range

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 15:14:49 GMT

Volta Trucks, the leading and disruptive full-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and services provider, has revealed the forthcoming 7.5- and 12-tonne Volta Zero variants – the second product family in its full-electric vehicle range.

The 7.5- and 12-tonne Volta Zeros have been designed by Volta Trucks’ partner, Astheimer Design in Warwick, UK alongside Volta Trucks’ own engineering teams. The new full-electric vehicles bear a close but evolutionary visual relationship to the larger 16-tonne vehicle which is now undergoing extensive engineering development and testing ahead of customer evaluation during 2022.

The 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles will be visually identical at the front, with the 12-tonne vehicle having a longer chassis and body, and second set of rear wheels and tyres, to accommodate the increased vehicle payload.

The 7.5-and 12-tonne models carry over the principles of the innovative cab and premium working environment for drivers. The vehicle’s ground-up design, without the traditional internal combustion engine, has enabled designers and engineers to completely rethink truck design in this segment. The driver of a Volta Zero has a wide 220-degrees of direct vision around the vehicle. This panoramic view of the surroundings through a glasshouse-style cab is designed to deliver a Transport for London five-star Direct Vision Standard rating for optimum visibility and the reduction of blind spots. The protection of vulnerable road users is also enhanced by the use of rear-view cameras that replace traditional mirrors, a 360-degree birds-eye camera showing the driver their complete surroundings, and blind-sport warning systems that detect objects down the sides of the vehicle.

Without the legacy internal combustion engine, the driver of a Volta Zero sits far lower than in a conventional truck, with their eye-line at around 1.8 meters. This mirrors the height of pedestrians and other road users nearby for easy visual communication. And thanks to the Volta Zero’s innovative central driving position, the driver can enter and exit the vehicle on either side, always onto the pavements for their own safety, and through sliding rather than swinging doors to also ensure the safety of passing cyclists.

The new 7.5- and 12-tonne Volta Zero will also change the experience and workspace for drivers. With near-silent operations and minimised cognitive overload, thanks to a intuitive dashboard and interfaces, the driving experience is more akin to a premium car than today’s traditional commercial vehicle.

The ground-up development of the 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles is being delivered at the same industry-leading pace as other vehicle developments. Having confirmed the start of the project in December 2021, a Pilot Fleet of vehicles is expected to be launched for customer trials in 2024, with series production due to commence in early 2025. The forthcoming 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles will make a significant contribution to the company’s objective to sell over 27,000 per year by 2025 and increasing in the years beyond.

Revealing the new 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicle range, Essa Al-Saleh, Chief Executive Officer of Volta Trucks, said; “The forthcoming 7.5- and 12-tonne models complete the full-electric Volta Zero product family. They’ll sit alongside our 16-tonne vehicle, that’s currently engaged in extensive testing ahead of the first customer use later this year, and the 18-tonne vehicle that will start production in mid-2023. Our customers tell us that they really appreciate the safety and zero-emission attributes of the 16-tonne Volta Zero, but also need smaller 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles in their operations. Our engineering teams are now scaling rapidly to be able to deliver all four vehicles at pace, as our customers ask of us.”

FIND OUT MORE:

https://voltatrucks.com/