Latest news with #Motorpoint
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?
The government is set to make it cheaper for people to buy an electric vehicle (EV). Grants for new electric cars are being reintroduced after being scrapped in June 2022, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced on 14 July, with drivers now able to reduce the purchase cost of a new electric car by up to £3,750. Officials hope the measure – restricted to vehicles priced at up to £37,000 – will encourage more drivers to switch to electric motoring. The DfT said 23 new electric car models are available for less than £30,000 and that the new grants will be funded through a new £650 million scheme. Labour has also retained a Conservative plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030. But how much does it really cost to charge an electric car? And what are the best and most cost-effective ways to do so? Yahoo News spoke to a leading EV expert to find out. What's the cheapest way to top up an electric car? Overall, it's cheaper to 'fuel' an electric vehicle than it is to fuel either a petrol or diesel car – so long as you have access to a home charger, says Mike Vousden, resident EV expert at car retailer Motorpoint. But the cost of electricity varies drastically depending on where you charge your car, he says. Some owners end up paying as little as £3.50 to fully charge their battery, by cleverly using electricity tariffs and charging at night. The cheapest way to top-up electric cars is at home using a domestic electricity supply, says Vousden. This can be even cheaper if you choose an EV-specific electricity tariff that rewards you for charging at night. But it's worth noting that normal three-pin sockets charge EVs very slowly, so it's best to invest in installing a 3 kilowatt (kW) or 7kW home charger to top up vehicles overnight. V'Many EV owners who charge at home actually pay less than the standard rate of 24.5p per kWh to charge their cars, with some EV owners paying as little as £3.50 to fully charge their 50kWh battery (7p/kWh)," Vousden says. 'This is because they charge overnight when electricity demand is lower, using EV-specific energy tariffs that offer cheaper rates in return.' How can you work out what you are spending? It's fairly easy to work out how much charging your EV at home will cost, Vousden explains. You simply multiply the number of kWh you put into your car's battery by the rate you pay for electricity. 'For example, if your EV has a 50kWh battery pack and you want to fully charge it from 0-100%, you'll need 50kWh of electricity. At the time of writing, UK electricity prices are 24.5p per kWh (or £0.245) – 50 x 0.245 = 12.25 – so a full 0-100% charge will cost £12.25," Vousden explains. Read more: Is it cheaper to run an electric vehicle or a petrol car? It's worth shopping around for a new electricity tariff at the same time as buying an EV, Vousden advises. Some energy providers offer EV-specific tariffs with discounted rates for home charging, often in exchange for a slightly higher standard rate, he says. These discounted EV rates are normally only available at night-time when overall demand for electricity is low – you can schedule the vast majority of EVs to only charge at these times. In fact, using an EV-specific tariff and charging at night can cut costs to as little as 7p per kWh. What about public chargers? Public EV chargers tend to be much more expensive – if you're forced to rely on these, it will wipe out the fuel-cost savings of driving an EV. Rates of 70p per kWh are typical, and can be higher in high demand areas. Not all public chargers are equal, though, Vousden explains. Read more: What we know about plans to install solar panels on all new homes Vousden says, 'Motorway service stations tend to have the highest prices of around 85p/kWh, whereas supermarkets are cheaper at around 30-40p/kWh – and occasionally free for slow charging. 'However, council-run chargers can vary depending on the location, so be sure to check these when planning your route – by avoiding more expensive chargers, you could cut your charging costs by up to 50% on longer trips.' What's going to happen to prices going forward? Prices for public chargers are likely to remain relatively high in the near future, says Vousden, but could drop over the long haul, driving more demand for EVs. 'We don't expect public EV charging prices to fall drastically any time soon, because charge point providers will look to recoup the cost of installing new charging stations on a wide scale," Vousden says. 'However, in time EV charging prices could fall. With increased competition among charging stations, we could see a supermarket-style pricing model where one network offers a lower price than another in order to attract customers. Drivers' groups, such as the RAC, are also campaigning for a reform for public EV charging prices, to reduce the disparity between home charging and the more expensive public networks.' Read more: EVs could power homes if UK suffers major power cut – think tank (PA Media) Signs for EV chargers to be fitted on major roads (The Conversation) Where does the UK most need more public EV chargers? (PA Media)
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Car tech common in UK is illegal in three European countries
There are a number of unusual driving laws in Europe that tourists should be aware of to avoid being fined while on holiday Millions of Brits are gearing up for a European getaway this year, with many opting to hire a car or take on a continental road trip in their own. But beware – driving regulations differ across the continent and ignorance could cost you dearly in fines. Tim Rodie, a motoring expert from Motorpoint, has some advice for those planning to get behind the wheel abroad: "When driving in the EU, you'll be held to account if you break the rules of the road just like at home in the UK. While many rules are the same, it's important to make sure you're familiar with the rules and road customs of the countries you'll be driving in." He warns that despite changes in cross-border enforcement, penalties can still apply under certain conditions: "Even though cross-border enforcement of traffic fines between the UK and EU countries has ended for the most part, some fines may still be issued under specific circumstances. If you do receive a fine, make sure to pay it promptly, as they can increase significantly if ignored." Driving laws to watch out for in Europe In Spain, parking could land you a hefty £500 penalty Take extra care when parking on one-way streets in Spain; you might need to shift your vehicle more often than anticipated. In certain areas, parking is only permitted on one side of the street for half the month. To dodge a penalty ranging from €100 to €600 (£85 to £515), keep an eye out for blue and red signs marked 1-15, indicating that parking is allowed in the first half of the month, and 16-31, signifying parking is permitted in the latter half. In certain Spanish towns, non-residents are barred from entry and parking rules can vary throughout the week from one city to another. So, it's wise to do your homework on the local regulations beforehand to steer clear of fines. Keep your headlights ablaze in Scandinavia If you're planning a trip to any Nordic countries in 2025, remember to keep your headlights on at all times. In 12 countries, including Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, drivers are legally obliged to have their headlights on due to rapidly changing weather conditions. If caught without them, local police can issue immediate fines starting from €100 (£85). Enjoyed a tipple? Use the back seat in Macedonia If you've indulged in a drink or two in Macedonia, ensure you take a back seat to prevent your designated driver from facing a fine of more than €45 (£38). Here, it's against the law for anyone under the influence of alcohol to occupy the front passenger seat, so make sure to slide into the back. Keep your petrol tank topped up in Germany Germany's Autobahn is famed for its extensive motorway network devoid of speed limits, but that doesn't mean it's a free-for-all. Running out of petrol on any motorway can be perilous for you and other drivers, so ensure you're fuelled up for the journey ahead to dodge a fine of at least €50 (£40). This rule isn't exclusive to Germany; you can also be penalised for this in the UK. In both nations, you could potentially face a heftier fine if your car comes to a halt and triggers an accident or poses a risk to other motorists. Ditch your dashcam in these countries While it might be a standard gadget for many UK motorists, operating a dashcam is prohibited when driving in Portugal, Luxembourg and Austria, as they're viewed as an intrusion of privacy and carry substantial fines. Dashcams are favoured by UK drivers as they can save you thousands of quid in insurance claims. However, they could land you with a staggering €25,000 (£21,300) fine for repeat offenders in Austria. Safety essentials needed in Eastern Europe Numerous European countries mandate that you have reflective jackets, warning triangles and spare headlight bulbs in your car at all times. If you're planning a road trip to Eastern Europe, be aware that each country has its own specific safety requirements. In nations such as Bulgaria, Poland and Romania, it's mandatory to have a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. Failure to comply can result in fines equivalent to around 825 Romanian lei (£140). If you're hiring a car, this should be provided, but if you're driving your own motor, ensure you've packed all necessary safety gear. In France and Spain, keep the tunes on the speakers Both France and Spain strictly prohibit the use of headphones or in-ear Bluetooth devices while driving, with penalties reaching up to €135 in France and €200 in Spain (£115 and £171 respectively). In both countries, all calls must be routed through an external speaker and microphones or hands-free kits without earpieces. Keep an eye out for this sign in Austria Austria takes speeding very seriously, especially within controlled emission zones (known as Immissionsschutzgesetz Luft areas). So, if you spot an 'IG-L' sign whilst motoring in Austria, be warned that speeding fines can be significantly higher than usual under the Air Pollution Control Act. Considering the minimum penalty for speeding in Austria is €150 (£128), it's not worth taking chances. In Germany, keep your cool behind the wheel Most motorists have vented their frustrations at fellow road users at some point, but if you lose your temper on German roads, you could be hit with severe penalties. Verbally abusing or making offensive gestures towards the public or police officers could result in hefty fines of up to €4,000 (£3,418) and even a prison sentence of up to one year. Italian city centres are no-go zones Planning to drive through a bustling Italian city centre? You might need to reconsider your itinerary. Numerous Italian cities with historic town centres have restricted areas known as ZTLs. These zones are off-limits to non-residents during specific hours. It might be worth getting some exercise instead, otherwise, you could face a fine of around €100 (£85) each time you enter and exit a ZTL zone. Bicycles must be roof-mounted in Portugal It's not uncommon to see bike racks attached to the rear of cars on UK roads, but in Portugal, it's against the law to transport bicycles on the back of, rear-mounted or towbar-mounted on your car. Roof racks are mandatory for carrying bikes in Portugal, failing which you'll be slapped with a fine between €60 and €300 (£51 and £256). Even if you're staying within the UK, you could risk a substantial fine if you don't properly attach a bike rack to the back of your car. If your brake lights or number plate aren't fully visible, this can lead to a staggering £5,000 fine.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drivers who drive their children around warned over losing £850
Parents are spending over £850 driving their kids around, with a third (33%) of mums and dads of children aged 18-25, report "feeling like a taxi". New data has shown that three in 10 (28%) 20-34-year-olds in the UK still live in their childhood home. Findings show parents today are continuing to support their children well into adulthood, as fewer 18-25s are taking their driving test or are unable to afford their own car. Read more: New PIP rules will see 'millions plunged into hardship' Research from Motorpoint took data from 1,000 UK drivers with families and investigated the dynamic of parents with their adult children, particularly when it comes to giving them lifts in the car. The study found that just under half (47%) of parents with children aged 18-25 were happy to drive their children to social activities – 9% lower than the UK average. Looking at the hours spent driving their children around, the study found parents of under 18s spend 213 hours on average each year driving to extracurricular activities and social events – the equivalent of almost nine full days. In comparison, parents of adult children (aged 18–25) spend an average of 169 hours per year giving lifts - only 26% less than the overall average. This equals an extra £853 spent on fuel by parents driving their adult children around. When they were asked whether lifts were expected from their children, almost a fifth (18%) of parents with children age 18-21 said they feel that their children expect them to drive them wherever they want to go. The same number say they wish their child was more independent with local transport. However, three in ten (28%) parents for this age group said they value the quality time in the car with their adult children. The highest of any age group and 7% higher than the national average, suggesting that living at home into adulthood strengthens the bond between parent and child. Discussing the findings, Tim Rodie, Motorpoint's resident driving expert, and dad of two, said: 'With so much time spent driving children to activities and social events well into adulthood, family cars need to be versatile to suit the lifestyle of everyone at home. 'That's why it's important to consider your family's needs to make sure you're picking a car that'll work for you. "Every family's needs are different, so it's important there's enough comfort and space for you and your grown-up children – especially for the parents that are giving lots of lifts.'
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Do Its Financials Have Any Role To Play In Driving Motorpoint Group Plc's (LON:MOTR) Stock Up Recently?
Motorpoint Group (LON:MOTR) has had a great run on the share market with its stock up by a significant 31% over the last three months. Given that stock prices are usually aligned with a company's financial performance in the long-term, we decided to study its financial indicators more closely to see if they had a hand to play in the recent price move. Specifically, we decided to study Motorpoint Group's ROE in this article. Return on Equity or ROE is a test of how effectively a company is growing its value and managing investors' money. In simpler terms, it measures the profitability of a company in relation to shareholder's equity. We've found 21 US stocks that are forecast to pay a dividend yield of over 6% next year. See the full list for free. Return on equity can be calculated by using the formula: Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) ÷ Shareholders' Equity So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Motorpoint Group is: 12% = UK£3.2m ÷ UK£27m (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2025). The 'return' is the profit over the last twelve months. That means that for every £1 worth of shareholders' equity, the company generated £0.12 in profit. Check out our latest analysis for Motorpoint Group So far, we've learned that ROE is a measure of a company's profitability. Depending on how much of these profits the company reinvests or "retains", and how effectively it does so, we are then able to assess a company's earnings growth potential. Assuming all else is equal, companies that have both a higher return on equity and higher profit retention are usually the ones that have a higher growth rate when compared to companies that don't have the same features. To begin with, Motorpoint Group seems to have a respectable ROE. Especially when compared to the industry average of 8.2% the company's ROE looks pretty impressive. For this reason, Motorpoint Group's five year net income decline of 53% raises the question as to why the high ROE didn't translate into earnings growth. We reckon that there could be some other factors at play here that are preventing the company's growth. For example, it could be that the company has a high payout ratio or the business has allocated capital poorly, for instance. However, when we compared Motorpoint Group's growth with the industry we found that while the company's earnings have been shrinking, the industry has seen an earnings growth of 7.5% in the same period. This is quite worrisome. Earnings growth is an important metric to consider when valuing a stock. The investor should try to establish if the expected growth or decline in earnings, whichever the case may be, is priced in. By doing so, they will have an idea if the stock is headed into clear blue waters or if swampy waters await. Has the market priced in the future outlook for MOTR? You can find out in our latest intrinsic value infographic research report. In spite of a normal three-year median payout ratio of 27% (that is, a retention ratio of 73%), the fact that Motorpoint Group's earnings have shrunk is quite puzzling. It looks like there might be some other reasons to explain the lack in that respect. For example, the business could be in decline. Additionally, Motorpoint Group has paid dividends over a period of nine years, which means that the company's management is rather focused on keeping up its dividend payments, regardless of the shrinking earnings. Upon studying the latest analysts' consensus data, we found that the company's future payout ratio is expected to rise to 35% over the next three years. Regardless, the future ROE for Motorpoint Group is speculated to rise to 76% despite the anticipated increase in the payout ratio. There could probably be other factors that could be driving the future growth in the ROE. On the whole, we do feel that Motorpoint Group has some positive attributes. Yet, the low earnings growth is a bit concerning, especially given that the company has a high rate of return and is reinvesting ma huge portion of its profits. By the looks of it, there could be some other factors, not necessarily in control of the business, that's preventing growth. With that said, we studied the latest analyst forecasts and found that while the company has shrunk its earnings in the past, analysts expect its earnings to grow in the future. To know more about the company's future earnings growth forecasts take a look at this free report on analyst forecasts for the company to find out more. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
14-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Deutsche Bank Sticks to Its Buy Rating for Motorpoint (MOTR)
In a report released today, Alison Lygo from Deutsche Bank maintained a Buy rating on Motorpoint (MOTR – Research Report), with a price target of £1.70. The company's shares closed today at p165.50. Confident Investing Starts Here: Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Lygo covers the Consumer Cyclical sector, focusing on stocks such as JD Sports Fashion, Motorpoint, and Currys plc. According to TipRanks, Lygo has an average return of 3.9% and a 73.68% success rate on recommended stocks. Motorpoint has an analyst consensus of Hold.
