M40 closed after lorry overturns in Buckinghamshire crash
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Auto Car
2 hours ago
- Auto Car
Now's your chance to have a say on the UK's rollout of self-driving taxis
The government has launched a consultation on the future of autonomous vehicles, with a view to putting self-driving taxis and buses on the road early next year. It has invited the public and industry to provide their views on issues such as how to allow firms to run autonomous taxis, considering what safeguards should be put in place if permits need to be withdrawn. It will also call for statements on how to ensure autonomous taxi services are accessible to those who cannot drive, such as the elderly and disabled. This will inform a pilot scheme for taxi companies to use autonomous vehicles in the UK, without a human back-up to take control if the car makes an error. A wider rollout is planned for mid-2027, when the Automated Vehicles Act comes into force. The government claims the adoption of autonomous vehicles by taxi firms will create 38,000 jobs, though it is unclear whether that figure takes into account job losses as human drivers are replaced by technology. 'Self-driving vehicles are one of the most exciting opportunities to improve transport for so many people, especially those in rural areas or unable to drive,' said Lilian Greenwood, minister for the future of roads. 'We want to work with passengers and industry to make this new form of transport safe and accessible, as we take our next steps towards adoption.' Autonomous vehicles were first allowed to be tested on public roads across the UK in 2015, and several manufacturers have since tested the technology here. Among the most notable firms has been Nissan, which in March ended trials of a modified fleet of Leaf EVs after eight years. Nissan's engineering chief, David Moss, called the tests 'tremendously successful', with the cars having covered 16,000 miles across motorways, town centres, residential streets and countryside lanes with no recorded accidents.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Four fun EVs to ease the switch for petrolheads – but expert warns of two hurdles brands face despite government grant
THE FUTURE is undoubtedly electric, as manufacturers steadily shift their focus from petrol-powered motors to electric ones. However, it's perfectly understandable that many car enthusiasts aren't quite ready to embrace this change. 2 2 The absence of traditional driving traits, such as the sound, vibration and gear changes associated with internal combustion engine cars is widely regarded as a pretty big loss. But in an interview with EVPowered last year, former Top Gear host James May implored enthusiasts to give electric power a chance, adding: 'If you're a true car enthusiast, you have to take an interest in the future of the car.' Change is hard though, and manufacturers face a tricky few years helping drivers - from petrolheads to casual fans - make the transition. It's something Steve Walker, Head of Digital Content at Auto Express, told Sun Motors in a recent exclusive chat. He said: 'The evolution of performance EVs faces two main challenges. 'Firstly, EVs are inherently heavy due to their batteries, which works against them being as nimble and fun to drive as petrol cars. 'Secondly, enthusiasts tend to love cars partly because they've formed a deep emotional connection to the history and heritage of performance brands and their cars over the years. 'EVs are a real break from this past. They don't have the same authenticity and don't offer the same sounds and sensations that petrol cars do. This makes them less appealing initially. 'That said, manufacturers know they need to engage enthusiasts. These are the people who are willing to pay for premium and performance models. 'They're also the people who help generate the culture and interest around car brands through their passion for the cars, bringing the brand's products to a wider audience. Alpine A290 GTS delivers a hot hatch EV that comes with F1-style 'overtake button' 'So, manufacturers are working on creating EVs that feel better to drive and more connected to that heritage. 'We're already seeing features like simulated engine noises and artificial 'manual gear changes' in performance EVs to mimic that petrol car driving experience. 'Looking ahead, technologies such as lighter solid-state batteries and in-wheel electric motors could reduce weight and improve driving dynamics, helping EVs become more exciting and appealing to enthusiasts.' CHARGING UP Something that might sway some drivers - petrolheads or otherwise - is the introduction of the Electric Car Grant by the government that was announced earlier this week. It sees £650 million set aside for drivers to enjoy a discount of up to £3,750 taken off the price of EVs priced under £37,000. That funding, planned to run until the 2028-29 financial year, also only counts towards models from brands that have committed to a so-called Science-Based Target (SBT) for emissions. Fewer than 50 new EV models would qualify for the grant, providing they meet the required criteria. Among them is the super-fun Alpine A290, starting at £33,000 for the base model, as well as the Abarth 600e - specifically, the 237bhp base model, which just fits within the grant threshold - and the Mini JCW Electric with its 255bhp. Walker said: 'While performance car fans aren't likely to be as excited about EVs as company car drivers or family buyers, who are often more focused on costs or practicality, there are a few current models that deserve to grab enthusiasts' interest. 'The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a prime example - it was actually the first EV to win the Auto Express Performance Car of the Year award in 2024, marking it as a real pioneer of fun electric cars. 'Another interesting option is the Alpine A290, but overall, fun EVs are still very much in their infancy and quite rare compared to petrol alternatives, which remain fundamentally better at delivering the traditional thrills that enthusiasts crave.' MAKING THE SWITCH Switching from a petrol-powered car to an EV can feel like a daunting step for some. The challenge for the industry is to make EVs with emotional appeal Steve Walker, Auto Express However, Walker offers valuable advice for those ready to take the leap into the world of electric cars. 'For enthusiasts making the switch, it's important to recognise that EVs today are different beasts - heavier and quieter, with driving sensations that don't replicate the petrol experience,' he said. 'They're also fast, with an immediate power delivery that most petrol models can't match. 'As the technology improves, expect EVs to become more engaging and responsive. 'Manufacturers still need 'halo' cars that generate interest and showcase innovation. As the legislation stands in Europe, these will have to be EVs. 'Ultimately, without enthusiasts, cars risk becoming just another consumer product like a phone or washing machine. 'The challenge for the industry is to make EVs with emotional appeal through which drivers can express their personality and passion, just as petrol cars have done for decades.' CHARGE ANYTIME OVO's Charge Anywhere gives EV drivers access to everything they need to charge on the go, in one app - everything from route planning to locating working chargers, and paying for charging. And by signing up to a Boost plan, drivers can get up to 15% off public charging. It is open to all EV drivers, you don't have to be an OVO customer, and is free to join, just download the OVO Charge app on the App Store or Google Play. Drivers get access to the biggest charging networks, including over 50,000 UK public chargers and over 400,000 across Europe. More information can be found HERE OVO customers can enhance their energy tariffs by adding Charge Anytime, enabling them to charge their electric vehicles at a market-leading rate of 7p per kWh, any time of the day or night. This rate is 90% cheaper than public charging and 80% less than the cost of petrol. With Charge Anytime, customers can charge their car for just £217 per year, based on average consumption. This represents a saving of £542 compared to the UK's average SVT charging rate. More information can be found HERE. OVO Beyond Customers who sign up to OVO's free rewards programme, Beyond, can enjoy 100 free miles every month for two years. This adds up to 2,400 free miles in total, ready to use when they decide to make the switch to an electric vehicle. OVO Offers OVO customers can benefit from up to 30,000 free EV miles when they purchase or lease an electric car from Volkswagen. This offer applies across all VWG brands, including Audi, CUPRA, Skoda, and VW. Customers receive 10,000 free miles every year for three years, provided they remain OVO customers. Additionally, customers can earn 1,000 free miles on the anniversary of their Charge Anytime sign-up for the first three years.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Iconic hot hatchback hints at swift return in bold new form after it was discontinued
THE end is nigh for the Honda Civic Type R - which is set to be discontinued in the UK by the beginning of 2026. But while this iconic hot hatchback will be sorely missed by petrolheads, its swift return is already being talked up in the form of a performance EV. 4 4 4 4 The Civic Type R, adored for its powerful turbocharged engine, track-ready handling and sometimes-polarising design, has reached the end of the road after a mighty 25 years. It's being taken off the market by Honda across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations - particularly the Euro 6e-bis standards which come into effect in January 2026. But according to Auto Express, Honda has strongly hinted that the future of its sporty number will live on into the electric age. At the launch of the new Prelude, project lead, Tomoyuki Yamagami, said the Type R 'can be anything in future, depending on what the market demands', adding that the famous nameplate isn't necessarily dependent on its turbo powertrain. He added that the 'Type R badge is about the ability to enhance dynamic attributes to the max'. Earlier this year, Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda's BEV Development Centre, hinted that the brand is heavily focused on the fun-factor when it comes to their EVs. He said: 'A battery and motor have different characteristics so we can't come up with something exactly the same as before. 'As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? "We haven't given up of course, but it's not just about power, it's about the sound, vibration, acceleration and the human experience. 'These are the joys of driving.' NEW AGE There was a time when the hot hatchback appeared to be dead and buried. The demise of icons like the Ford Focus ST, Renaultsport Clio and the petrol-powered Abarth 500 all pointed to the beloved sub-genre of performance cars slowly fading into obscurity. However, manufacturers seem determined to keep the spirit of the hot hatch alive in the electric age with a wave of sporty hatchbacks having been recently introduced. Hyundai was arguably the first to prove that a proper performance-focused EV hatchback was possible with the Ioniq 5 N, while the newly launched Alpine A290 is already being hailed as a future classic. Meanwhile, Honda isn't ready to bid farewell to its legendary Type R just yet, with an exclusive 'Ultimate Edition' heading to Europe - though only 40 units will be available. Currently, the Civic Type R is the sole model in the UK to carry the famous Type R badge. Over the years, however, other models such as the Integra Type R and Accord Type R have also proudly worn the emblem.
