Mobility News | March 2024

100% Electric. smart #1 joins Motability scheme.

04 How much does it cost to run a hybrid or electric car?

08 New features for the all-electric Lexus UX 300e

32 DS3 Crossback Louvre: the art in travel

40 Volvo EX30 excels as Carwow Car of the Year

46 New vehicle payment

16 Volvo returns to the

How much does it cost to run a hybrid or electric car?

While many drivers in the market for a new car would love to get an electric or hybrid vehicle, many believe it is out of their budget. However, the cost of getting and running an electric car can be much lower than most people think. In this article, we’ll help you make your leasing decision by comparing the true cost of running and maintaining an electric or hybrid car.

Different types of electric vehicles (EV) and how much they cost: electric vs plug-in vs hybrid cars

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for well over a decade, with more and more electric and hybrid cars hitting the roads in the last few years. Today, many car manufacturers have electric options, and while more choice is great, potential EV

owners need to be informed before making a decision, starting with which type of EV is best to suit their usage and budget. There are three main types of cars with electric motors:

• Battery electric vehicles: have no petrol or diesel engine at all and must be charged using an electric vehicle charging station or at-home charger.

• Plug-in hybrids: that can

be charged at a charge point (but do have a standard combustion engine that can be used as well).

• Hybrid vehicles: use an electric motor alongside a combustion engine –however, this vehicle cannot be charged externally. While lots of EVs share similar technology, each type of vehicle has different qualities and financial advantages.

Hybrid cars (HEVs) are more economical than petrol or diesel cars, particularly for those taking lots of shorter trips. There is no need to plug them in to charge. They are a great city run-around car, but are less economical when driving on motorways because they use fuel to reach higher speeds. While Motability Scheme users are exempt from road tax, other hybrid drivers will be liable to pay this.

Plug-in cars (PHEVs) are great in the city, especially thanks to their zero-emissions electric motor, meaning they produce no CO2. But plugin vehicle drivers will need charging facilities, either at home or on the roadside. These cars benefit from road tax discounts, so anyone considering purchasing or leasing their own outside of the Motability Scheme will enjoy cheaper road tax.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are less expensive to run, as they don’t use combustion engines at all. You only need to pay for the electricity used to charge your electric vehicle and there is no road tax.

The real costs of getting, charging and running an electric car

Buying or leasing an EV

The cost of buying an EV car outright is currently more than buying a petrol-fuelled equivalent. However, leasing an EV is a much cheaper option, making the cost of electric vehicles accessible to many drivers. The added benefit of leasing is that it allows you to keep up with fast-moving technology by upgrading your car as new versions come through.

Set-up costs

The main cost involved in getting an EV is the installation of an at-home charging point which allows users to charge the vehicle conveniently. The cost of installation can range from between £400 and £1500 depending on the type and speed of charging required (as of January 2022). However, Motability Scheme customers are able to get a home charger installed at no additional cost when leasing their first fully electric car. You can learn more about the support that the Scheme offers to new EV customers here.

The Motability Scheme’s free home charge point installation does not apply to customers opting for a plug-in hybrid, so drivers will need to consider the additional cost of home charger installation or on-street charging. Charging

cables for public charge points are cheaper, but they still cost a few hundred pounds.

Charging costs

Charging costs for electric vehicles vary depending on the size of the battery, the strength of the charger and how long it takes to reach full charge, as well as where you charge the car (at home or at a public charging station, many of which are free to use when located in supermarket or shopping centre car parks, for example). As of January 2022, it can cost between £7 and £15 to fully charge your EV. For most electric cars, this will provide around 150-200 miles of driving – making them much more cost-effective than filling up a tank of petrol or diesel.

Ultimately, the key thing to know is that charging a car with electricity it is far cheaper than filling up diesel or petrol, as the cost to fill a standard car with petrol varies both by the size of the car’s fuel tank and the cost of fuel at that time. Most cars have 45-70 litre capacity fuel tanks, which means filling up at a petrol station could cost from £65 and £101.50 (based on fuel prices in January 2022). That’s over six times the cost of electric vehicle charging.

Maintenance costs

With no oil to change and fewer mechanical parts such as clutches or gears that get worn down over time,

electric vehicles can be much cheaper to maintain. The core maintenance cost for EVs is likely to be the battery, which would need to be replaced every 10 years or 100,000 miles. However, Motability Scheme customers get a brand new vehicle every three years, so this need not be a factor in choosing an electric vehicle. Plus, maintenance is included as part of your worry-free lease, so if something does go wrong, your dedicated dealer will be on hand to help.

EVs and road tax

Motability Scheme customers don’t have to pay road tax as it is already included as part of their worry-free motoring package. However, other drivers considering getting an electric vehicle will need to consider the cost of road tax when budgeting for a new car. Road tax, or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is calculated based on the CO2 tailpipe emissions from the vehicle. As some electric cars have fewer or no CO2 emissions, road tax discounts are in place in the UK.

depending on their CO2 emissions (figures correct as of January 2022). Again, Motability Scheme users are also exempt from this tax, thanks to their all-inclusive lease.

What else do I need to consider when choosing an EV?

For people with reduced mobility, there are some important considerations when thinking about going electric – particularly when it comes to private and public infrastructure. One important thing to think about is that charging cables are often quite heavy, and they also need to be plugged in –sometimes at both ends.

So what are the true costs of running an EV?

Compared to petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, EVs are certainly cheaper to use and maintain.

While Motability Scheme customers leasing a fully electric car get their home charge point installed for free, other customers will have to cover the initial cost of a home charging station. However, as EVs become more common and the electric charging infrastructure improves, people will be able to drive an electric car without installing their own home charge point.

The Motability Scheme allows you to exchange all or part of your mobility allowance for leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair. For more information about joining the Scheme and possibly leasing one of the vehicles in this article, use our eligibility checker and request a free information pack.

Home charging stations can include a simpler pull cable system; the placement of the charge point is critical to ensuring wheelchair users can operate it. Access to public charging stations can sometimes be a challenge if they don’t sit near disabled parking spaces or are on a pavement without a drop kerb.

• Battery electric vehicles

– because they are fullelectric, owners do not pay any road tax.

the and

• Plug-in and hybrid cars

– road tax cost varies between the first year and following years, costing up to £150 per year.

A premium rate of up to £335 needs to be paid for cars worth £40,000 or more,

Costs are subject to change and are taken as averages true at the time of writing (January 2022).

Increased range, new features for the all-electric Lexus UX 300e

• Lexus’s all-electric, compact luxury SUV has driving range extended by more than 40 per cent, to up to 279 miles

• Suspension tuning and increased chassis rigidity enhance the Lexus Electrified driving experience

• New multimedia systems – Lexus Link Pro and Lexus Link Connect – with greater functionality and larger displays

• More capabilities added to Lexus Safety System+ active safety and driver assistance systems

Car

Wide-ranging upgrades have strengthened the appeal of the Lexus UX 300e, the urban crossover launched three years ago as Lexus’s first allelectric model. These revisions enable the UX 300e to go further between charges; raise

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the cabin’s aesthetic appeal, comfort, and convenience; and make the car – Lexus’s “Creative Urban Explorer” –even more enjoyable to drive.

The changes also affirm how well-suited electrification is to the characteristics of Lexus vehicles, complementing quiet refinement with rewardingly responsive road behaviour.

The most notable change is a new battery system which increases driving range by more than 40 per cent, to up to 279 miles in the combined

the self-charging hybrid electric UX 250h enjoyed a series of upgrades in summer 2022.

As Lexus’s first BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), the UX 300e has evolved from the brand’s 18 years of leadership in electrification, which started with the introduction in 2005 of the RX 400h, the world’s first luxury hybrid. Today, more than 2.4 million electrified Lexus cars are on the road around the world, 550,000 of these in Europe. The Lexus Electrified initiative continues

WLTP cycle. Meanwhile, the Lexus Electrified driving experience benefits from detail alterations to the car’s suspension, body, and chassis.

Inside the car, the most evident improvement is the revised multimedia system. This has greater connectivity, faster and easier operation, cloud-based navigation, and larger eight and 12.3-inch touchscreens. The interior is also offered with new upholstery choices.

The upgraded UX 300e debuted in UK showrooms in spring 2023. Its sister model,

to drive progress through the brand’s world-class know-how in battery design, manufacturing, and battery management systems. This is creating a new generation of vehicle refinement and driving pleasure, with the classleading quality and reliability that are hallmarks of the Lexus brand.

For increased control and battery life, sensors monitor the voltage of each battery cell and block, and the battery cell temperature. With the advanced Battery Management System, this

results in maximum usable battery cell capacity and an extended driving range. Cool air is circulated inside the battery pack for stable battery output even at high speed and during repeated charging. Heating elements under each battery module minimise cold weather impact on the driving range and ensure full power is available from the start.

The UX 300e benefits from detail changes to enhance the driving experience. Finetuning the electric power steering and shock absorbers has sharpened the driving dynamics, as has increasing the body rigidity with additional spot-welding points. These alterations further improve the car’s planted feel and responsiveness, characteristics accentuated by the low centre of gravity and placement of the battery pack beneath the floor.

The 2023 UX 300e features new multimedia systems –Lexus Link Connect on the entry model and Premium Pack and Lexus Link Pro on the Takumi Pack. Equipped with a touchscreen in place of the previous touchpad control, this is more intuitive to use than its predecessor, offers increased functionality, has greater connectivity and responds more quickly to commands.

The UX was Lexus’s bestselling model in the UK in 2022, with 3,767 sales, behind the all-new NX introduced that year. The UX 300e took more than 10 per cent of these – a proportion that is expected to rise in the coming years.

Energy saving tips: small ways to lower your energy consumption

You will have heard about the big rise in the cost of energy, which will affect households across the UK this year. From April 1 2022, something called the “Default Tariff Cap” will rise by 54%. This means that the price you pay for energy will increase substantially – and unfortunately, you will see an increase in your household energy bills.

The average UK household spends around £1,277 a year on energy, so a 54% hike in the cap means that average bills are soon going to be around £2,000 for a UK family. However, it’s important to remember that the price cap does not limit the total cost of your energy bills – it limits the rate that you pay per unit of energy. Your total energy bills will vary depending on how much energy you use.

With that in mind, you may be thinking: “how can I make this huge energy cost hike as bearable as possible?” The answer is to use less energy –which might sound simple, but can also feel quite challenging. Thankfully, there are lots of small ways that we can all reduce the amount of energy we use. Here are some tips to help you cut down on your energy consumption where possible.

Top tips for reducing your energy consumption

1. Turn off standby appliances

Whenever you leave an appliance on standby (rather than switching it off at the plug), it continues to drain energy. Whether it’s charging your mobile phone overnight or leaving the TV on at the switch, there are lots of everyday things that can waste energy without you even realizing it.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, between 9-16% of the electricity consumed in homes is used to power appliances that are in standby mode. That’s a huge amount of energy being used that doesn’t really bring you any benefit. If you don’t already, try to make a habit of switching things off at the plug – it can really make a difference over time.

2. Turn down your thermostat

We all know that heating plays a big part in our energy consumption, which is why a small change can make a significant difference. Energy experts at uSwitch have said that turning down your thermostat by just one degree could save you £80 each year on your bills.

If you are using an electric heater and don’t have a

thermostat, you can save energy by putting the heater on a timer if possible. Radiator valves can also help you manage your energy usage, and can help you heat your home more efficiently.

3. Wash clothes at a lower temperature

According to the Energy Saving Trust, washing clothes at 30 degrees uses around 40% less electricity over the course of a year, compared to washing at higher temperatures. Modern washing powders and detergents work just as well at lower temperatures, so unless you need to get heavy-duty stains out, you won’t notice a difference. You may still need to do the occasional hot water wash when needed, but by making 30 degrees your default setting, you’re likely to lower your energy use over time.

It’s also worth noting that fewer weekly washes will use less energy, so if you can, try to wait until you have a full load before putting on a wash.

4. Be smarter about water

Along with heating, hot water is one of the biggest uses of household energy. You can save around £25 a year by washing up in a bowl of warm water, rather than using a running

tap. It might not feel like a big saving over the whole year, but small changes like this can add up.

It’s also said that buying a more efficient and well-directed shower head can also save you as much as £18 per person a year on energy bills, plus an additional saving if you have a water meter. Things like this do have an upfront cost, though, so if you don’t want to make this expense then try some of the other cost-free tips mentioned above.

5. Choosing your new appliances

If you need to buy a new appliance (like a washing machine or fridge), check how much power it uses and if possible, opt for one which uses less. You can do this by

looking out for its energy label. Appliances are rated on a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient. An A+++ washing machine will typically use £65 less energy than an A+ one over an 11-year lifespan.

And energy efficiency isn’t just about big appliances. Even small things like opting for an LED bulb rather than a standard lightbulb (if you can) will make a big difference over time.

6. Monitor, monitor, monitor your usage

Keeping a watchful eye on your consumption levels can help you decide if and when you have to change the way you use energy. To give one simple example: if you have radiator valves, use them to limit your

heating use in the rooms that you may not occupy as much, such as the hallway.

If you have a smart meter, this can make monitoring your energy use even easier, so make sure you check it regularly. If you don’t have a smart meter, you might want to consider getting one, if you feel it will help you keep an eye on your energy usage.

Something to keep in mind…

Although these tips might not offset April’s 54% energy price hike, they will help sweeten the pill a bit. And something to remember as Spring rolls on – the longer days and higher temperatures mean that we use less energy anyways, so hopefully that will help things feel a bit more manageable.

WhAT’S NEw WITH GWM ORA SOUTH WEST

It’s an exciting time at GWM ORA South West, with the recent release of the ORA Funky Cat First Edition+ ! Explore exclusivity with the GWM ORA’s distinctive limited edition model.

What is the ORA Funky Cat First Edition+?

The brand new Special Edition of the ORA Funky Cat is here. There’s a limited number of the new models, making them entirely exclusive.

In addition to some cosmetic and mechanic enhancements, the special model is kitted out with ‘First Edition+’ accessories, including the mats, keys, and a centre console with the edition plaque.

Convenient Comfort

GWM ORA have taken comfort to another level, with heated and massaging seats, a heated steering wheel for those frosty mornings, and memory functions to keep your favourite settings ready for you. Privacy glass and a panoramic sunroof have been added for your comfort, exclusivity, and enjoyment of driving.

Perfecting Practicality

Front sensors have been added to help you navigate those tricky parking spaces, and auto parking assist helps with reversing; backwards driving has never been so forwardthinking! Featuring a new auto-opening tailgate, it’s also a game-changer when it comes to convenience.

The battery capacity in the brand new model is 63kWh, with a WLTP electric range of 260 miles; more than enough to eliminate range anxiety!

Exclusive Elements

There are a number of colourways available, including Aurora Green and Moonlight White, Mars Red, Starry Black, and Nebula Green; the ORA Funky Cat promises individuality. With the additions in the First Edition+, including the irresistible comfort features, the new model is going to be hard to leave.

With just 50 models in production of the limited edition ORA Funky Cat, you’ll truly be one of kind.

Contact the GWM ORA South West team on info@gwm-ora-southwest.co.uk, or call 03330341658 to talk through your requirements and book your test drive of the ORA Funky Cat.

After a two year absence as of early December 2023 Volvo returned to the Motability scheme with highly competitive terms

Volvo’s XC40 is far more than simply a smaller version of the Swedish brand’s larger SUVs. It gets its own platform, and a very distinct design that offers lots of potential for electrification. The result is a somewhat unusual alternative to premium-branded compact SUVs like Audi’s Q3 and the BMW X1, and a choice of mild hybrid and full-EV powertrain options. The drawback for Motability Scheme customers is premium pricing but otherwise, a lot of boxes seem to have been ticked here.

Volvo car prices have come down. The XC40 range now starts at £1499, down from £1999 last quarter (section updated January 2024).

Volvo took its time in developing a contender for the industry’s fastest-growing market segment, that for compact family hatchbackbased SUVs. Back in 2017, the XC40 put that right.

Since then, it’s been usefully updated, but plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the XC40 Recharge have been removed from the UK line-up.

The XC40’s ‘Compact Modular Architecture’ platform has been based around provision for a whole range of future cuttingedge Volvo powerplants. All the combustion units now fuel from the green pump, you can only have front wheel drive and auto transmission is mandatory. The range kicks off with the B3

mild hybrid 163hp variant, which sits alongside a 197hp B4 mild hybrid model.

If you need your XC40 to be fully battery-powered, there are two Pure Electric variants on offer. The base rear-driven single-motor model offers 238hp and goes 290 miles between charges of its 69kWh battery. The alternative AWD model offers the twin electric motor set-up (one on each axle) offering a 334 mile range between charges of its larger 82kWh battery. That AWD variant has 408hp on tap (yes, you heard that right), which seems like it’d be rather excessive for the needs of most likely customers, sprinting you to 62mph from rest in just 4.5s with more torque than you’d get in a Nissan GT-R super sports car - 660Nm of it, at which point, the motor’s spinning at a heady 14,000rpm.

This XC40 has recently been updated with a smarter front bumper and a frameless front grille. That latter feature is blanked off in the Pure Electric model, which is the main visual difference marking out that full-EV XC40 variant from the

CambridgeGarage Volvo Cars Havant

Cambridge Garage Havant has now celebrated over 50 years as an authorised franchise dealer with our manufacturer. We share Volvo’s ethos, that people are at the very heart of all we do.

Volvo’s award-winning cars continue to set new benchmarks in automotive safety and connectivity & with a strong belief in taking care of our planet for future generations, we fully support Volvo’s industry leading, commitment for an all-electric future.

Our conveniently located retail premises offer luxury facilities, a spacious showroom and easy parking, with the full range of new Volvo models along with an extensive selection of approved used Volvo Selekt cars. We also offer a comprehensive aftersales programme and are the only approved Volvo Service and Parts Centre in Havant.

The Volvo Havant team bring with them a wealth of experience and are looking forward to welcoming you and providing an outstanding personal service to Volvo owners.

MOTABILITY SPECIALISTS

At Cambridge Garage we have built up an excellent reputation for the quality of our Motability service in both sales and aftersales. Our Motability specialist Ross Stanton is always on hand to make sure you find a Volvo that suits your specific needs and enhances your day to day life. We are committed to providing outstanding service and building long-standing relationships with both our returning customers and potential customers. We provide courteous, friendly and expert advice to help every individual customer find a Volvo that suits their every requirement.

23 Bedhampton Road, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 3ES

0239 2492 422

Volvo Cars Havant

combustion-engined versions of this design. In addition, the car’s signature Thor’s Hammer headlights have been augmented with state-of-theart pixel LED light technology, enabling them to automatically adapt to traffic in front and efficiently light up the road ahead without dazzling other drivers.

Otherwise, the XC40 is much as it was when we first saw it back in 2017. It’s an interesting combination this. A Swedishbranded product, financed by a Chinese conglomerate, styled by a British designer and built in a Dutch factory. We’ll start with the penman, a young Englishman Ian Kettle who says that the look of this car was inspired by robots he’d seen in sci-fi movies. In styling this contender, his brief was to give the XC40 its own identity, rather than simply making it a down-sized XC60. So while this car shares its bigger stablemate’s ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights and clamshell bonnet, it also gets unique touches like an inverted front grille and coupe-like rear styling.

Not too much is different with the latest model inside, though if you delve into the workings of the central portraitstyle 9-inch screen, you’ll find that the infotainment system is powered by Android, which means you get a raft of over-the-air Google features, including Maps and YouTube Music built in.

What else might you need to know about the cabin? Well because the XC40’s basic architecture was designed to accommodate a full-electric

powertrain from the start, there are no compromises with the EV model over combustion versions when it comes to rear seat legroom. Or luggage space. Which is just as well because trunk capacity isn’t huge, though the 452-litre capacity figure will probably be quite sufficient for the needs of most owners.

Whatever kind of powertrain you choose for your XC40, there are now three levels of trim available - ‘Core’, ‘Plus’ and ‘Ultimate’.

As standard in the combustion range, even entrylevel ‘Core’ variants come with LED headlights with optional active high beam, two-zone climate control with a ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, rear parking sensors, a 12.3-inch TFT instrument binnacle display and 19-inch alloy wheels, plus roof rails and a power-operated tailgate. Plusher ‘Plus’-spec gets you keyless entry, LED front fog lamps, a Park Assist system, a flexible load floor and heat for the front seats and steering wheel. Top ‘Ultimate’ trim gives you 19-inch wheels, Volvo’s ‘Pilot Assist’ with Adaptive Cruise Control setup and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. There’s also a powered sunroof, a 360-degree camera system and a headlamp cleaning system.

As ever with Volvo, a key focus is safety. An autonomous braking system is standard-fit and this system can specifically detect people and animals. There’s also an ‘Oncoming Lane Mitigation’ set-up that not only stops you from pulling out into the path of an oncoming

vehicle but can also steer you away from such an impact. Pilot Assist, Volvo’s innovative semiautonomous drive feature, is an optional extra on every XC40, as is ‘Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation’. And Cross Traffic Alert with brake support’, which warn you of oncoming vehicles when you’re reversing out of a space.

Volvo clearly felt that to break into the premium brand compact SUV segment, it had to offer something distinctively different to its German rivals, so that’s exactly what we’ve got. Not everyone will like the looks but there’s no doubt that they will help the brand to target buyers who would never previously have considered a Volvo.

Will these people pass up a premium German-branded alternative to own this car though? Well, the classleading safety standards may be tempting for some. And the personalisation options a deciding factor for others. Overall, if you’re looking for a quality option that’s a bit more unique in this segment, Volvo thinks it has a car that’ll interest you very much.

People with a disability and carers who choose a new Volvo XC40 through Motability will receive a brand new car, delivered by a Motability Specialist at a local Volvo dealership, complete with insurance, servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance, replacement tyre cover, windscreen repair or replacement cover plus a mileage allowance of 60,000 miles over three years.

Citroën UK announces revised new ë-C4 Electric line-up

Citroën UK has revised its New ë-C4 Electric lineup for 2022, in response to customer demand for more accessible vehicle specifications and trim levels. A new entry-level ‘Sense’ version joins the all-electric New ë-C4 range from January – helping more customers to make the switch to electric.

Effective 11 January 2022, the UK range of New ë-C4 Electric models will change to create more logical steps in terms of price and specification, whilst maintaining the simplicity

of a three-variant range, and respecting Citroën’s commitment to fair pricing as part of its ‘Fair Price’ promise. The 2022 New ë-C4 range now includes ‘Sense’, ‘Shine Edition’ and ‘Shine Plus’ models, with the ‘Sense Plus’ trim no longer being offered.

‘Sense’ is an all-new version within the New ë-C4 Electric range for 2022, with prices starting at MRRP OTR £29,995. As it is eligible for the OZEV Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG), this results in an OTR price of just £28,495 after grant is applied, offering

a genuinely accessible entry point to the world of 100%-electric motoring.

New ë-C4 Electric ‘Sense’ trim features a wealth of standard specification, with LED headlights, 18-inch ‘Crosslight’ alloy wheels, power folding mirrors, rear parking sensors and Keyless Entry & Start all featuring. A suite of safety equipment is also included as standard, including Active Safety Brake (video assisted), Speed Limit Information, Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision Warning.

Inside, infotainment is provided via a 10-inch touchscreen, featuring Bluetooth® telephone and audio streaming, DAB digital radio, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto. The front passenger also benefits from Citroën Smart Pad Support™, which provides an integrated mount for tablet devices without distracting the driver. From a comfort perspective, New ë-C4 ‘Sense’ has owners completely covered, with Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension and Advanced Comfort®, seats, as well as dual zone climate control all featuring as standard.

Another addition to the New ë-C4 Electric UK range is the ‘Shine Edition’. This replaces the outgoing ‘Shine’ trim level and offers the same generous level of specification at an OTR price of £30,495 (after PiCG). ‘Shine Edition’ enjoys further safety and convenience features over and above ‘Sense’ models, including a head-up display, Active Cruise Control, Active Blind Spot Detection and the Safety Plus Pack. The latter includes Extended Traffic Sign Recognition and Active Safety Brake (video and radar assisted), with night-time and cyclist detection.

‘Shine Edition’ models also benefit from Citroën Connect Nav (with a free, three-year subscription to real time traffic updates), front and rear parking sensors, colour reversing camera, heated steering wheel and a two position boot floor.

The current best-seller in the

New ë-C4 Electric range in the UK – the ‘Shine Plus’ trim –remains in place at the top of the range. ‘Shine Plus’ models add wireless smartphone charging, a HiFi speaker system with subwoofer, heated front seats and a ‘Hype Black’ interior ambience featuring black ‘Siena’ leather and black leather-effect textile seats with ‘Zephyr Grey’ stitching.

All these updates to the New ë-C4 Electric range are effective from today (Tuesday 11 January). They follow the changes already made from October 2021 production, which further improve the efficiency of all New ë-C4 Electric models. Changes have been made to both the heat pump and transmission system, with the biggest improvements seen in terms

of real world use, with a range that can be increased by nearly 18 miles depending on usage conditions (outside temperature, type of roads, driving mode, etc.). These changes add yet more versatility and further peaceof-mind for everyday use and longer journeys.

GWM ORA UK are pleased to announce the appointment of three new Sales and Service Centres for the GWM ORA brand – Charles Hurst Group located in Belfast, Chorley Group located in Chorley and City West Country in Exeter.

These three new Retail partners will also open Service Centres in Blackpool, Burnley, Wigan, Bolton, Plymouth, and Truro.

These latest appointments are part of the brands plans to scale network infrastructure across the UK in 2023 with the aim of achieving around 5,000 sales by the end of the year.

Already, the brand has Sales and Service centres with Wessex Garages, Lookers Group and Peter Vardy located in Braintree, Wolverhampton, Bristol and Glasgow. These existing retailers will soon open Service Centres in Cardiff, Dundee, Edinburgh, Gloucester, Kirkcaldy,

Motherwell, Perth.

Although the brand emphasises the importance of a robust retail network, GWM ORA UK has adopted an omni-channel approach, with ‘ORA Online’ also available to customers - enabling services like online reservation and home delivery for added convenience.

Speaking about network growth, Toby Marshall, Managing Director, GWM ORA UK said: “As we scale the GWM ORA brand in the UK, it is vital that we have the right infrastructure in place to give customers a quality brand experience. We are delighted to partner with Chorley Group, Charles Hurst Group and City West Country who will be a fantastic addition to our network of retailers, providing a premium service to customers.”

The first of the three retailers to go live and open its showroom will be Charles Hurst in Belfast, from the 6th March 2023. Established in 1911, Charles Hurst Belfast now represents 23 brands including Land Rover, Toyota, Renault, Kia and Lexus, Bentley, Aston Martin and

GWM ORA UK appoints trio of new retailers Car

Lotus with pure electric brand GWM ORA as the latest edition to the portfolio. Charles Hurst is the largest Dealer Group in Northern Ireland, operating across 8 sites in Northern Ireland and 2 sites in the Republic of Ireland. Charles Hurst, part of motoring giant Lookers PLC, is renowned for its 40-acre dealership complex on Boucher Road Belfast, where the new GWM ORA dealership will be located.

Commenting on the recent appointment, Sue Corkin, Group Operations Director, Chorley Group said: “GWM ORA is one of the most exciting brands to launch in the UK this year. With standout styling, innovative tech and a premium fit and finish, we’re confident it will be a huge success”

City West Country have been located in Exeter for over 20 years as a retailer for various premium brands. As experts in retailing high-end products, City West Country are ideal retail partners for the GWM ORA brand.

ORA Funky Cat now available on Motability at £1999 Advance Payment.

Photo supplied by Chorley Group

Discover more independence – exchange your mobility allowance for a brand-new car, through the Motability Scheme.

· Available with manual or automatic transmission

Pre-Collision Safety System with Cyclist & Pedestrian Detection

Smartphone integration incl Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™

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Jemca Toyota Croydon 602 Purley Way, Croydon Surrey CR0 4RF

Jemca Toyota Sidcup 146-150 Maidstone Road

Sidcup, Kent DA14 5HS

miles over three years are allowed on the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. O er valid between 1st January 2024 and 31st March 2024. Motability Scheme vehicles are leased to customers by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No.1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) and

ORA Funky Cat has achieved Euro NCAP best-in-class results for 2022 in the Small Family Car category

Today, GWM ORA is delighted to announce that their first product to launch in the UK has achieved best-in-class results in the ‘Small Family Car’ category as part of Euro NCAP safety tests.

This prestigious safety award is testament to the efforts of GWM ORA to produce a safe, quality and reliable electric vehicle that not only meets European safety criteria, but exceeds it – out performing many key rivals.

ORA Funky Cat achieved the highest score in the ‘Small Family Car’ category overall, based on its results for Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable User Protection and Safety Assist technologies

Commenting about the safety performance of ORA Funky Cat, Euro NCAP commented: “Several manufacturers are showing that Chinese brands can now compete on safety with wellestablished European brands. In the Small Family Car category, the ORA Funky Cat is exceptionally well equipped and, being at the top of its class, outperformed several familiar brands.”

Earlier this year, Thatcham

Research also announced ORA Funky Cat as one of the top 10 safest cars to be launched into the UK market, applauded for its impressive active safety tech.

Toby Marshall, Managing Director, GWM ORA UK, commented: “We are delighted with the performance of ORA Funky Cat in the latest Euro NCAP results. It highlights the brands level of commitment

to providing customers with a quality, safe and reliable electric vehicle that continues to perform above and beyond expectations.”

As standard, ORA Funky Cat comes equipped with 360 degree cameras, adaptive cruise control with lane centring function, lane change assist, blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert and brake.

The all new ORA Funky Cat awarded ‘Best Urban Electric Car’ at the 2023 DrivingElectric Awards

After a very successful launch in the UK and following a series of very positive reviews by automotive press, ORA Funky Cat has received an award for ‘Best Urban Electric Car’ at the 2023 DrivingElectric awards.

Prior to receiving this award, ORA Funky Cat was awarded 4/5 stars by DrivingElectric in a full in-depth review, where the vehicle was praised for it’s quality materials, spacious interior and stable and sturdy ride.

Toby Marshall, Sales and Marketing Director, GWM ORA UK, commented: “We are delighted with the response to our brand launch and our first exciting launch model, ORA Funky Cat. This award is further confirmation that we’re on the right track to offer customers a

great quality EV experience at an accessible price point.”

Richard Ingram, Editor, DrivingElectric, commented: “One of the biggest surprises of the year, the Ora Funky Cat is a fantastic small EV. Its quirky personality is only bolstered by the spacious interior, agreeable driving experience and flashy First Edition spec sheet. Look out, Europe, China’s on the march…”

As a very highly specified launch vehicle, the ORA Funky Cat First Edition will start with a competitive price of £31,995, available with a 48kWh battery offering a WLTP range of 193 miles.

To offer complete peace of mind, the vehicle will be backed by a very comprehensive 5-year vehicle, unlimited

mileage warranty with cover on the battery for 8-years or 100,000 miles. Service intervals are in-line with best-in-class competitors, scheduled every 2 years or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The vehicle will come equipped with a very high standard specification, including: Adaptive & lane Centring Cruise Control, 360 Degree Cameras, Voice Assistant, LED Headlights, 18” Alloy Wheels, Wireless Phone Charging and Electric Front Seats. Early adopters will also benefit from an 18 month entertainment bundle*. In addition, the vehicle has comprehensive charging capability with Type 2 singlephase AC and three-phase AC charging as standard. Funky Cat First Edition will also feature DC rapid charging and come equipped with a CCS socket as standard.

The ORA Funky Cat First Edition will be available in a choice of four colour variations, informed by the ORA community in a poll earlier this year. As standard, the vehicle will be presented with a Nebula green exterior paint finish and a black interior, customers can also opt to upgrade to a Starry black metallic exterior paint.

Kia leads the charge in 2024

Kia UK has ended January as the best-selling brand in the UK car market, the first month the brand has achieved this in its 30-year history. Kia sold 10,504 units in January, and achieved its highest-ever market share of 9.1 per cent.

This success for the Korean brand was led by the everpopular Kia Sportage, which was the best-selling vehicle in the UK for the month, with 3,458 units sold. The top 10 chart also featured the Niro, which finished in third place overall 2,372 units sold.

The fully electric e-Niro continued its sales success, finishing the month as the best-selling EV in the market. Bolstered by the EV6, which

was recently crowned What Car? Car of the Year, and the award-winning Soul EV, Kia’s all-electric range contributed 19 per cent of the brand’s total sales for the month.

The brand’s electrified range now comprises 10 models featuring either EV, Plug-in Hybrid or Hybrid. Between them, these accounted for one third of the brand’s sales in January, further cementing Kia as a leader in electrification.

Commenting on the record

sales, Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK Limited said, “This is a fantastic achievement for our brand and our dealer network, who have all worked hard to deliver our award-winning model line-up to customers. These record results are partly down to us having better supply than many, but they also clearly reflect the growing demand for our brand and for our range of new cars, which we have seen progressively increase since last summer.”

Kia UK ended 2021 on a high, with 90,817 new car sales and a record market share of 5.5 per cent. These record January sales continue the brand’s exciting and ambitious momentum that will be enhanced by the EV6’s first full year of sales, the allnew Sportage, and the all-new Niro family due to be launched later this year. Combined, these three models are expected to account for 60 per cent of Kia UK’s 2022 sales.

DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE: e art in travel

DS Automobiles is introducing the exclusive new DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE to its range, cementing the LOUVRE as a majestic and exclusive signature of the DS Automobiles range.

LOUVRE, a signature of majesty, exclusive to DS Automobiles

Since its launch in 2014, DS Automobiles has been a patron of the Louvre museum, a relationship based on combining legacy and modernity to build the future. This vision is underpinned with quality, expertise and innovation in order to make France and Paris shine on the world stage.

Hints of the museum are replicated by craftsmen in DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE with special ‘Louvre’ badges incorporated onto the bonnet, tailgate and doors. At the front, the Onyx Black DS WINGS and grille are set beneath a bonnet adorned with subtle pyramid symbols on its central rib, beneath the lacquer.

The 18-inch LUXOR alloy wheels also feature the pyramid symbol, along with black centre caps, while the two-tone door mirror housings are laser-etched with a pyramid emblem on the black casing, with a body-coloured lower half. Completing the look, the standard LED rear lights are complemented by gloss black trim on the tailgate.

DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE is offered in a choice of four colours: Perla Nera Black, Artense Grey, Platinum Grey and Pearl Crystal, always with a Perla Nera Black roof.

An interior stamped with luxury and history

DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE is fitted with the DS OPÉRA

interior, offering unequalled sophistication in its segment. With its iconic Art Basalt Black Nappa Leather watchstrap upholstery seats, it also introduces Art Basalt Black Nappa Leather trim on the dashboard and door panels. The steering wheel is also handcovered in full grain leather, including the spokes and centre, while ‘Pearl’ stitching and ‘Clous de Paris’ embossed inserts indulge the senses.

An embossed Pyramid symbol and a ‘Louvre’ badge adorn the dashboard, while the gloss black gear lever sports a laser-engraved Pyramid logo.

One day at the Louvre: an exclusive artistic and immersive experience

The love of art and culture comes in a variety of new and exclusive ways. With DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE, travellers are encouraged to discover the most iconic works from the most beautiful museum in the world.

To delight the senses, DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE shows these pieces of art on the large, high-definition 10.3-inch central touchscreen. Each work is also transformed into a source

of inspiration by listening to a podcast that reveals their secrets.

182 works have been selected by teams from the Louvre museum and DS Automobiles to represent every collection and department of the museum. They can be viewed each week or found through a search engine and displayed on the central screen to enhance the interior of the DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the portrait of the Monna Lisa painted by Léonardo da Vinci, The Wedding at Cana by Véronèse, The Consecration of the Emperor Napoléon 1st by Jacques-Louis David, The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault, Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix and the Egyptian statue of the Seated Scribe are among the works to be discovered.

100 per cent electric or petrol from 130hp to 155hp

DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE is offered with a choice of 100 per cent electric E-TENSE power unit, with no tailpipe emissions, or two petrol powertrains, PureTech 130 Automatic and PureTech 155 Automatic.

The DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE is available to order now, priced from £34,420 OTR for the PureTech 130 Automatic. For more information on the DS 3 CROSSBACK LOUVRE visit www.dsautomobiles.co.uk/dsmodels/ds-3-crossback/louvre.

Driven by technology: the future of connected cars

The cars we use are increasingly driven by technology. With rear-view cameras, emergency brake assist and lane departure warnings now coming as standard in many new models, technology has helped make driving a far safer experience. At the same time, the introduction of GPS navigation and Bluetooth connectivity has helped make journeys more enjoyable.

As technology continues to advance, its influence on the driving experience will evolve. At present, we are seeing car manufacturers working with technology companies and software developers to create a network of fully connected cars, improving safety and enhancing the driver/ passenger experience.

To understand how technology will change our driving experience, we need

to understand the basics. Here’s what you need to know about the future of connected cars.

What is a connected car?

A connected car is a car that is connected to the internet, allowing it to share data with other devices both inside and outside the vehicle. At present, some cars can access the internet via a smartphone app, allowing

people to unlock their car doors remotely, locate a vehicle if you forget where you’ve parked, and even change the car’s temperature settings before you get in.

For passengers, 4G-connected cars are able to create Wi-Fi hotspots that make it easy to stay online and keep passengers entertained on even the longest journeys. The days of bored children asking “are we there yet?” are starting to fade away.

Connected cars are an

exciting development, but technology has the potential to take things even further.

How fully connected cars could improve the driving experience

Fully connected cars are connected on a far wider, more ambitious scale than what is currently seen in the market. In simple terms, the ultimate aim is to have as much of the world connected to the internet as possible, with all the elements seamlessly linking to each other. If you have a smart speaker in your home that is part of that connectivity, along with smartphones which many of us have come to rely on. Your car is another, more complicated piece of the same puzzle.

In built-up areas such as towns and cities, fully connected cars will be able to communicate with other vehicles on the road, as well as with pedestrians and the wider infrastructure. This ‘talking’ between cars will enable them to share information, so that your car will be able to reroute away from congestion or accidents, and locate parking spaces without the driver needing to plan as much.

How do connected cars work?

To help improve the driving experience, fully connected cars will rely on three main pillars: telematics, infotainment and infrastructure. This may all sound a bit futuristic, but

the cars of today are already starting to use some of these elements to help people have a better driving experience.

To achieve this, fully connected cars will rely on three main pillars: telematics, infotainment and infrastructure. This may all sound a bit futuristic, but the cars of today are already starting to use some of these elements to help people have a better driving experience.

Telematics connects the car to ‘the cloud’, which allow it to gather and share information on the car’s performance and the driver’s behaviours, in order to improve both aspects.

Infotainment will enable cars to access more rich and up-to-date information, which will in turn improve the vehicle’s navigation, displays, audio and in-car entertainment offering. This can enhance the travelling experience for both drivers and the passengers Infrastructure, however, is the most significant element, in terms of creating a truly connected network of vehicles. This is known as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, which is an umbrella title covering three key forms of communication:

• Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)

• Vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P)

• Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I)

What are V2V, V2P and V2I?

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) is the technology that enables connected cars to share information with other connected cars wirelessly. Vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P)

technology allows connected cars to communicate with people walking or cycling. And vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology allows connected cars to share and receive information with devices on or close to roads, including lane markers, road signs and cameras.

In all three examples, communication is carried out via 4G, the fourth generation of broadband cellular network technology. The aim is to lower the risk of collisions, improve road safety and make the journey a more enjoyable experience.

What’s needed for Vehicleto-Everything (V2X) to work?

Connected vehicles are already built to communicate with the world around them using 4G. In the past many cars have used 3G, but this is now being replaced by 4G as standard in newer vehicles because it has fewer speed limitations. However, even 4G has significant limitations. While it can connect us all to the internet, it doesn’t have the speed to power complex infrastructures – such as the infrastructure that connects cars to roads around different cities and countries.

That’s where 5G will change things. Around 10 times faster than its predecessor, most of the UK is expected to have 5G at some point during 2022 (1). It’s been predicted that globally, one in four cars will have 5G connectivity by 2025 (2). The rollout of 5G will power a technological

revolution.

Why do cars need to be connected?

As well as improving road safety and traffic efficiency in vehicles – which will help lower emissions – the longerterm goal of connected cars is to make autonomous and fully driverless vehicles a reality. Nobody can say for certain when driverless cars will become mainstream, with some estimating it could come within a decade while others suggest it could be several decades away (3). Either way, it’s clear that vehicle-to-everything (V2X) is driven by a future where we no longer need to push the pedals or steer the wheel.

At present, many new cars come with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) which can improve safety by warning of hazards, congestion, adverse weather conditions and similar issues. This is partial automation, and the driver is still responsible for driving their vehicle. As we move towards fully driverless cars, we will see even more advanced driver assistance systems, which will become crucial to maintaining safety on the roads.

Are there security issues involved with connected cars?

Any time data is shared wirelessly, there will always be the challenge of keeping that data from falling into the wrong hands. Powered by 4G and 5G, connected cars share an almost endless supply

of data with other vehicles and the infrastructure around them. Just like laptops and mobile phones, a connected car needs to be protected against cyberattacks as it will be sharing data wirelessly.

This is why in 2020, the United Nations put regulations in place that are aimed at protecting a connected vehicle against cyberattacks. These cybersecurity regulations will come into force in July 2022 and will be mandatory for all new vehicles (4). Of course, cyberattacks may evolve over time, but technology will also evolve to improve connected cars’ security against them.

When will connected cars be the new ‘normal’?

This is hard to pinpoint. It has been predicted that all new cars will have vehicleto-vehicle (V2V) technology installed by 2023 (5), and that more than 11 million vehicles will be equipped with some form of V2X system by 2024 (6).

The arrival of 5G broadband will move us closer to a fully connected network of autonomous vehicles, but it is an incredibly complex operation. It will take years to build, align and regulate the infrastructure needed to make this a reality.

There will be no grand unveiling of V2X on a specific date in the future. Instead, with each new model of car released and each new software update, an everevolving version of V2X will inevitably become the new standard.

The 2030 fossil fuel car ban and what it means

In 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that new cars and vans powered wholly by petrol or diesel will not be allowed to be sold in the UK from 2030. The ban was previously scheduled for 2040, however it has been moved forwards as part of the government’s plan to reduce the UK’s impact on climate change and generate more jobs.

Why are fossil fuel cars being banned after 2030?

Standard petrol and diesel cars have combustion engines, which produce emissions that are harmful to the environment.

In order to tackle the significant causes of climate change, emissions will not only need to decline, they have to get down to zero (known as net-zero) by 2050.

The government put its signature to a legally binding agreement to reach the netzero goal. This means that there’s no time to waste, and pushing the diesel and petrol ban forward by a decade may help the UK hit its objective sooner.

The ban is part of a ten-point plan that the government are using to reduce our contribution towards climate change. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has named this “a green industrial revolution.”

Will all petrol and diesel vehicles be banned from sale?

The 2030 ban applies to new cars and vans that are powered wholly by petrol or diesel. It does not apply to second-hand cars, or to hybrid cars that have a “significant zero-emissions

capability,” such as plug-in hybrids and full hybrids.

What the ban means for Motability Scheme customers

Rest assured that as a Motability Scheme customer, the ban won’t affect you and your Scheme car for a while. The rule only relates to the sale of brand-new diesel and petrol vehicles – and there are still eight years to go. With the Motability Scheme, leases usually last for three years, so you have no cause for concern.

If you are nearing the end of your Scheme car lease, or if you’re looking to join the Scheme, it’s worth considering an electric car. There are a variety of electric and hybrid vehicles available on the Scheme – use our Car Search tool to view the full list.

Volvo EX30 excels as Carwow Car of the Year

The all-new, fully electric Volvo EX30 continues to enjoy an exceptional debut awards season, achieving all-round acclaim as the Carwow Car of the Year 2024.

The small SUV triumphed from among the hundreds of cars reviewed by Carwow in the past year for its hugely popular and influential consumer online channels. Carwow operates YouTube’s largest automotive channel, with more than eight million subscribers, and a website that helps thousands of motorists choose the right car every year.

Mat Watson, Carwow Chief Content Officer, declared:

“Volvo has smashed it out of the park. The little EX30 is the best all-round electric car – and the best car all-round – that I’ve driven all year, and it’s priced to appeal to the head as much as its design and driving experience appeal to the heart.

“It has bags of character, drives really nicely, is efficient and is one of the most affordable small electric SUVs you can buy. There’s loads of space in the front, and it is really good at soaking up bumps for a relaxing and comfortable drive. It is a persuasive argument for anyone thinking about going electric.”

In addition to the EX30’s overall success, the model was highly commended in

the awards’ Outstanding EV category, while its muchanticipated sister model, the forthcoming EX90 fully electric large SUV, was likewise highly commended in the Most Anticipated New Car class. To seal the brand’s all-round success, Volvo Cars collected a further high commendation in the Brand of the Year category. The awards were determined by the Carwow content team, applying their decades of experience in assessing cars to help buyers make the best choice. Their judgement considers the full spectrum of buying and owning, including price, performance, efficiency, comfort and practicality, together with special qualities and innovations that make the best models stand out from

the crowd.

Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “Once again, the EX30 has proved its strength in depth, demonstrating how it goes further than being an exceptional, practical and –importantly – keenly priced fully electric car to offer qualities that make it an all-round winner. Carwow’s prestigious award is a wonderful affirmation of our efforts to ensure Volvo Cars leads the premium market into this exciting new era of electrified motoring.”

The EX30 and EX90 are key players in Volvo Cars’ ambition for 50% of its worldwide new car sales to be fully electric by the mid-2020s and to be a fully electric car maker by 2030.

Volvo takes you farther...

Technical updates to the Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge pure electric models have delivered improvements in driving range and energy efficiency beyond initial expectations.

Homologated performance figures just released for the revised cars show increases of up to 64 miles in the distance that can be covered on a full charge, which now stand at up to 342 miles for the C40 crossover and 334 miles for the XC40 SUV. This equates to an improvement of up to 24% on the figures of the outgoing models.

Energy efficiency has also improved, with the most efficient C40 and XC40 versions now capable of up to 3.7 miles per kWh.

The gains have been achieved through a combination of enhancements, including a switch from front- to rear-wheel drive for the single-motor Recharge versions of both

models, and the adoption of a second-generation permanent magnet electric motor. This e-motor is more powerful than the one in the outgoing car –offering 238hp, up from 231hp – plus it is the first e-motor to be developed in-house at Volvo Cars. Battery performance has also been improved thanks to enhancements to cooling efficiency.

Where the dual-motor C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin are concerned, there is the further benefit of increased battery capacity to a nominal 82kWh (79kWh usable capacity), up from 78kWh (75kWh usable) in the outgoing versions. Both the C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin also adopt different front and rear e-motors, with 150hp and 258hp respectively, in place of the 204hp units previously used on both axles. The total power output remains the same as before, at 408hp.

Customers enjoy the

convenience of speedier recharging times for the C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin allwheel-drive models, too. An increase in their maximum charging rate from 150kW to 200kW translates into a nineminute reduction in the 10 to 80% recharging time, which drops to just 28 minutes when using a 200kW DC rapidcharging system.

Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “These results are independent validation of the constant efforts we are making to deliver the best possible balance of performance and efficiency. In addition to being committed to offering a fully electric car line-up by 2030, we are also determined to develop and refine the technologies in our existing pure electric models to ensure our customers can benefit from real-world performance that meets their needs.”

Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid drivers skip the fuel stops to slash their CO2 emissions in Europe’s best-selling PHEV

Drivers of Europe’s bestselling plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) potentially each saved in one year the equivalent CO2 emissions of a return trip from London to Buenos Aires, according to the latest data from Ford.

Analysis of anonymised data from Kuga Plug-In Hybrid

customers across Europe showed the average annual distance travelled was just over 10,000 km. Based on homologated WLTP overall emission figures, a Kuga Plug-In Hybrid would emit approximately 1,110 fewer kilograms of CO2 than a comparable Kuga 1.5-litre

EcoBoost petrol model over the same distance.

The data also revealed that Kuga Plug-In Hybrid drivers are keen to keep their vehicle charged up, with almost half of all charging events taking place overnight. Short daytime top-up charges of one to two hours were also popular,

and Ford anticipates the frequency of charging events by PHEV drivers to increase even further as charging infrastructures continue to expand across Europe.

The Kuga Plug-In Hybrid was the best-selling PHEV of any brand across all European markets in 2021 and outsold its nearest segment rival by more than 17 per cent. Sales of plug-in hybrid and allelectric vehicles accounted for 19 per cent of all new vehicles sold in 2021, compared to 21.7 per cent for diesel-engine vehicles, and more than half of all Kugas sold in 2021 were plug-in hybrid or full hybrid.

“Not every customer is in a position to jump straight

from petrol or diesel to a fully electric vehicle. That’s why we designed our Kuga PlugIn Hybrid to offer the best of both worlds, and selling more than any other PHEV in Europe suggests we have the recipe just right,” said Glen Goold, Ford Kuga vehicle line director. “Ford is committed to an electrified future, and cars like the Kuga Plug-In Hybrid are helping customers take that step with us.”

Customers benefitting from electric power

Anonymised vehicle usage data collected by Ford to help understand and optimise the PHEV ownership experience provided insights into how

customers are making the most of the Kuga Plug-In Hybrid’s versatility:

Customers are regularly charging their Kuga PlugIn Hybrids – For every 100 drive days there were 71 charging events, indicating that customers are more often than not charging on the days they use their Kuga. In addition, the average state of charge when plugging in was 30 per cent, suggesting customers rarely drive until the battery is depleted and instead keep it topped up to maximise electric driving range.

Kuga Plug-In Hybrid’s driving range gave customers the flexibility to meet their needs –

The average distance travelled per day and the number of journeys over 100 km peaked through the summer months of July, August and September, suggesting that customers were able to exploit the model’s petrolelectric hybrid driving range to enjoy their summer holidays and activities.

Customers are taking advantage of overnight charging at home to reduce their motoring costs – Of the 5.7 million Kuga PlugIn Hybrid charging events recorded during the most recent 12 months of data, 46 per cent occurred overnight with the most frequent charging duration being 12

hours or more overnight. In addition to enabling owners to benefit from cheaper rate electricity, the popularity of overnight charging suggests customers are adopting similar behaviours as when charging their smartphones and other devices that have rapidly slotted seamlessly into everyday life.

The second most popular charging duration was between one and two hours during the day, suggesting that Kuga Plug-In Hybrid drivers are also keen to make use of quick top-ups during the day where public charging facilities allow.

Kuga Plug-In Hybrid helping the EV charge

The Kuga Plug-In Hybrid was the best-selling PHEV across all segments in 2021 with more than 48,000 examples sold, 2 outselling its nearest segment rival in eight months of the year.

The SUV’s intelligent powertrain delivers efficiency and convenience, with an all-electric overall range of 35 miles WLTP giving drivers the ability to make frequent journeys on electric power alone. Energy consumption from 14.8 kWh/100 km WLTP is also lower than key competitors.

In addition, Kuga Plug-In Hybrid offers the driving range and convenience of a petrolpowered vehicle, while using battery power to supplement petrol performance for enhanced efficiency even when not in all-electric EV

Now mode. Fuel efficiency of 0.9-1.3 l/100 km WLTP and CO2 emissions from 21-29 g/ km WLTP is better than key rivals and means drivers can leave the vehicle in EV Auto mode knowing it will operate in the most efficient way possible.

Drivers can also use EV Later mode to save battery charge for later, giving them full control of how and when to deploy battery power. In addition to charging from an external power supply, the Kuga Plug-In Hybrid can automatically replenish its battery on the move using regenerative charging technology that captures kinetic energy normally lost during braking. Even if the battery is fully depleted, Kuga Plug-In Hybrid offers better fuel consumption than key competitors of 5.2-6.0 l/100 km.

Kuga Plug-In Hybrid also offers lower total cost of ownership compared to its key segment rivals, with a potential saving of more than €1,800 over a typical three-year/60,000 km period, supported by low fuel and power consumption, low servicing costs and strong residual values.

Ford’s range of all-electric, plug-in hybrid, full hybrid and 48-volt mild hybrid passenger vehicles also includes Mustang Mach-E and Mustang Mach-E GT, Kuga Hybrid, Mondeo Hybrid, S-MAX Hybrid, Galaxy Hybrid, Puma, Fiesta and Focus EcoBoost Hybrid models.

New Vehicle Payment introduced for Motability Scheme customers

With rising energy and fuel prices and other everyday living costs increasing, we have introduced a £250 ‘New Vehicle Payment’. We hope that giving customers this amount back from the price of the lease will help them to make the most of their next car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV).

Who is eligible for these payments?

Customers newly joining the Scheme during 2022 will receive the ‘New Vehicle Payment’ when they take delivery of their new car or WAV. This means if you take delivery of your first vehicle in 2022, or place an order during 2022, you will be eligible.

Anyone who is already a customer as of 31 December 2021 will become eligible for the payment when they take delivery of their next vehicle, whenever that may be.

The same timeframe for ordering and delivery applies to scooter and powered wheelchair customers, who will receive the £100 ‘New Product Payment’.

When will I receive my payment?

You will receive this payment shortly after you take delivery of your new car, WAV, scooter or powered wheelchair.

The payment is only available once per customer and the quickest way to receive it is by bank transfer.

You can select bank transfer as your preferred payment method in your Motability Scheme online account. Payment by bank transfer will be made within a few days of taking delivery of your new vehicle or product. The alternative option is by cheque, but this could take a couple of weeks to arrive.

To us, Adrian Flux means celebrating the

understanding that your insurance cover

your personal needs. That’s why we offer car insurance for people with disabilities that’s tailored to

We know the independence that driving can bring, which is why we cover adapted and modified vehicles, whether it’s you or your carer in the driving seat. We also provide insurance for wheelchair accessible vehicles, mobility scooters, and cover for when you’re travelling further afield.