“New OEM incumbents want to heavily redefine the status quo in automotive,” said Pedro Pacheco, vice president of research at Gartner. “They brought new innovations that simplify production costs such as centralised vehicle architecture or the introduction of gigacastings that help reduce manufacturing cost and assembly time, which legacy automakers had no choice to adopt to survive.”

Gartner believes that by 2027, next-generation battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will be less expensive to construct than similar internal combustion engines (ICEs). As OEMs continue to disrupt their manufacturing operations in tandem with product design, BEV production costs will fall far faster than battery costs in the next years.

“This means BEVs will reach ICE cost parity much faster than initially expected, but at the same time, it will make some repairs of BEVs considerably costlier,” said Pacheco.

Gartner projects that by 2027, the average cost of an EV body and battery catastrophic accident repair would rise by 30 percent. As a result, automobiles involved in an accident may be more likely to be written off since the repair costs more than the residual value. Similarly, more expensive collision repairs may result in higher insurance rates or the refusal of insurance companies to cover specific automobile models.

The cost of EV repair cannot be underestimated

According to Gartner, rapid reductions in BEV production costs should not come at the expense of increasing repair costs, since this may result in customer backlash in the long term. New means to manufacture a BEV must only be used in conjunction with processes that assure minimal repair costs.

“With the perceived promise of easy gains, many start-ups gathered into the EV space – from automakers to EV charging – and some are still heavily dependent on external funding, leaving them particularly exposed to market challenges,” said Pacheco.“ In addition, EV-related incentives are being progressively phased out in different countries, which makes the market more challenging for incumbents.”

Gartner predicts that by 2027, 15% of EV companies founded since the last decade will be acquired or bankrupt.

“This does not mean the EV sector is crumbling. It is simply entering a new phase where companies with the best products and services will win over the remaining,” said Pacheco.

This implies that OEMs success in this market is now significantly influenced by their ability to meet the demands of early mass EV adopters.

As ever, the topic of EV and fleet electrification is a hot topic at the moment. Many of our clients are constantly chasing ESG targets with the TCO cost of EV and the impact of fleet budgets overall. Costs are clearly coming down for EV production but getting your fleet strategy in place is very important to ensure a sustainable and efficient fleet.

The post A new phase of Electric Vehicle production outlined by Gartner appeared first on Fleet360.

A PHEV would soon become at least 40 eur more expensive per month, rising to 150/200 eur per month towards 2026. The end of the PHEV?

Until TCOFleet, (credit where credit is due) questioned the interpretation of the calculation of the minimum CO2 contribution. This led to a written question to the relevant authorities and they confirmed that one must first calculate the amount of the CO2 contribution using the normal formula with new factors to then look at the evaluation against the minimum amount of 31.34 eur/month (for 2023).

For a petrol PHEV of e.g. 30 gr CO2, this means:

[(30 x 9 EUR) – 768] / 12 x 1.5046 x 2.25 = -140.49 eur but with a minimum of 31.34 eur.

Based on the published table, we learn that one pays more than the minimum from 79gr of CO2 emissions. This means that all PHEVs pay the minimum contribution of 31.34 eur per month (until further notice and like the full electric cars).

So nothing to worry about?

Surely so because from 2025 a maximum tax deduction of 75% applies, from 2026 50%, 2027 25% and 2028 0% for non-zero emission vehicles ordered before 1 January 2026.

But what does this mean financially?

Take a look at the following example:

With the deduction limitation to a maximum of 75%, the (average) car in the example has an impact of +/- 5.4% of the TCO or 66 eur per month (all other tax costs not indexed). A further deduction limitation in 2026, 2027 and 2028 has a doubling, tripling and quadrupling of the additional cost. Spread over a 5-year term (July 2023- July 2028), this gives an average monthly extra cost of +/- 107 eur per month.

The TCO increases from 1243 eur per month in July 2023 to 1511 eur in July 2028 or an average TCO of 1350.20 eur per month over the 60-month term.

Is it better to have a shorter lease term?

A shorter lease term usually results in a higher lease price. In our example:

Shortening the lease term to 48 months increases the lease price to 936 eur per month (in this example) but reduces the additional tax cost to an average of 78 eur per month. The TCO increases from 1282 eur per month in July 2023 to 1490 eur in July 2027 or an average TCO of 1372 eur per month over the 48-month term.

On average, the TCO is 22 eur per month more at 48 months than at 60 months. In this example, it is better to lease at 60 months. It is worth setting up this exercise for the chosen car list or available budgets.

Is PHEV more expensive?

107 eur more expensive per month in our example at 60 months is not insurmountable for those who (mentally) prefer range comfort or those who cannot recharge at home and drive quite a lot of kilometres and still want a tax-friendly car. After all, the benefit in kind due to private use of the PHEV remains minimal or close to the minimum of 1540 eur (for 2023, to be “indexed” for future years).

Moreover, we analysed that an equivalent electric car (e.g. BMW i4 Gran Coupe eDrive35 286hp) is on average +/- 60/70 eur more expensive in lease price per month, albeit with a slightly lower cost for energy.

This means that, until electric cars get closer to the lease prices for plug-in hybrid cars, the TCO for both will be quite close, with a slight advantage for the full electric car (in our example).

Long live the PHEV?

Yes, if the PHEV is used optimally. That is, it runs mainly on electricity and only on petrol/diesel to a limited extent (maximum 30% is put forward as a benchmark).

The electric range of the latest PHEV models goes up to 80 km and above, for smaller cars it’s 50 km and above. This means that most trips (one-way travel) should not exceed 50km with the ability to charge at home and at work. For example, ideal profile is a person who lives less than 50km from work, can charge at home as well as at work. This person will only need to use non-electric mode for longer professional or private journeys, resulting in an optimal energy cost.

If the company fails to profile this correctly in its choice of power train or to include this charging rule in its car policy and/or not to monitor it, it will end up with a substantially higher fuel cost than originally budgeted. Consumptions six times higher, than stated consumption figures by the car manufacturer, are no exception resulting in an exploding TCO.

Not the right profile? Then opt for full electric if the charging options are there. If they are not and many kilometres are driven with trips over 50km, then still opt for diesel or hybrid (not PHEV).

Long live the PHEV for the right usage profiles and charging attitude!

If you would like to review your car policy or strategy with regard to drives or your ideas with regard to your mobility solutions and get full transparency to make decisions on the right basis, do not hesitate to contact us.

The post PHEV is dead, long live PHEV appeared first on Fleet360.

In recent years, companies have been placing more emphasis on CSR. This is partly due to changing consumer attitudes, increased regulatory requirements, and the need to build long-term relationships with stakeholders. As part of their CSR efforts, companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, minimize waste, and improve working conditions.

Fleet Management and CSR

Fleet management is an essential aspect of many businesses, particularly those that rely on transportation for their operations. Fleet managers are responsible for overseeing the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of a company’s vehicles. Fleet management can have a significant impact on a company’s CSR efforts.

By implementing sustainable fleet management practices, companies can reduce their environmental impact, lower costs, and improve their reputation. Fleet managers can use data analytics to monitor vehicle usage, optimize routes, and reduce fuel consumption. This can lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

Benefits of Sustainable Fleet Management

Sustainable fleet management can have numerous benefits for companies, including:

Reduced Costs

Sustainable fleet management can help companies reduce their fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and insurance premiums. By optimizing routes and reducing idling time, companies can also improve their efficiency and productivity.

Improved Environmental Performance

Sustainable fleet management can help companies reduce their carbon footprint and other pollutants. This can help companies comply with regulatory requirements and meet stakeholder expectations.

Enhanced Reputation

Companies that implement sustainable fleet management practices can enhance their reputation and brand image. Customers, employees, and investors are increasingly concerned about environmental and social issues, and companies that demonstrate a commitment to CSR can build trust and loyalty.

Steps to Achieving CSR Goals through Fleet Management

Achieving CSR goals through fleet management requires a systematic approach. Here are the steps that companies can take to implement sustainable fleet management practices:

Step 1: Set Goals

The first step in achieving CSR goals through fleet management is to establish clear objectives. Companies should identify their environmental and social impacts and set targets for reducing their carbon footprint, minimizing waste, and improving working conditions.

Step 2: Collect Data

Data is essential for implementing sustainable fleet management practices. Fleet managers should collect data on vehicle usage, fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and other relevant metrics. This data can be used to identify inefficiencies, optimize routes, and reduce environmental impact.

Step 3: Analyse Data

Data analytics can help fleet managers identify patterns and trends in their data. By analyzing data, fleet managers can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.

Step 4: Implement Sustainable Practices

Based on the data analysis, fleet managers should implement sustainable practices, such as:

• Optimise routes to reduce fuel consumption and emissions
• Use telematics to monitor vehicle usage and driver behavior
• Use eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric or hybrid vehicles
• Implement a maintenance program to reduce breakdowns and prolong vehicle life
• Reduce idle time to improve fuel efficiency

Step 5: Monitor and Report Progress

Fleet managers should monitor their progress towards achieving their CSR goals and report on their achievements. This can help companies demonstrate their commitment to CSR and build trust with stakeholders.

Case Study: UPS

UPS is a global package delivery and logistics company that is committed to sustainability. UPS has implemented numerous sustainable fleet management practices, including:

• Using alternative fuel vehicles, such as electric, hybrid, and natural gas vehicles
• Optimising routes to reduce fuel consumption and emissions
• Using telematics to monitor vehicle usage
• Implementing a maintenance program to reduce breakdowns and prolong vehicle life

As a result of these initiatives, UPS has achieved significant reductions in its carbon footprint. In 2019, UPS announced that it had achieved its goal of driving 1 billion miles in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, which helped the company reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5 million metric tons.

UPS has also implemented a reporting system to track its progress towards achieving its sustainability goals. The company publishes an annual sustainability report that details its environmental and social performance, including its progress towards reducing its carbon footprint, improving working conditions, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Conclusion

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an essential aspect of modern business operations. Companies have a responsibility to ensure that their activities are sustainable and ethical, with minimal negative impacts on the environment and society. Fleet management can play a significant role in achieving CSR goals, as it involves managing the vehicles that companies use for their operations.

By implementing sustainable fleet management practices, companies can reduce their environmental impact, lower costs, and improve their reputation. Achieving CSR goals through fleet management requires a systematic approach, including setting clear objectives, collecting and analyzing data, implementing sustainable practices, and monitoring and reporting progress. Companies that demonstrate a commitment to CSR can build trust and loyalty with customers, employees, investors, and communities, while also contributing to a more sustainable future.

The post The Role of Fleet Management in Achieving Corporate Social Responsibility Goals. appeared first on Fleet360.

Cost of Components for Electric Vehicles Compared to ICE Vehicles

One of the most significant differences between electric vehicles and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is the components they use. EVs have fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles, which means that they require less maintenance. However, the components used in electric vehicles tend to be more expensive than those used in ICE vehicles.

For instance, the battery pack in an electric vehicle is one of the most expensive components, and it will eventually need to be replaced. The cost of replacing a battery pack can be significant, but the good news is that battery technology is improving rapidly, and the cost of batteries is expected to continue to decline over time.

Additionally, other components in EVs such as electric motors and power electronics are also relatively expensive, mainly due to the cost of the rare-earth metals used in their manufacture. These components, however, are expected to become more affordable as manufacturing processes improve, and the demand for EVs increases.

On the other hand, ICE vehicles have more complex engines and transmissions that require regular maintenance, such as oil changes and filter replacements. While these components are generally less expensive than those in electric vehicles, the cost of regular maintenance can add up over time.

EV Maintenance Cost vs. ICE Maintenance Cost

The maintenance cost of electric vehicles is generally lower than that of ICE vehicles. As mentioned earlier, electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles, which means that there are fewer components that can break down and require maintenance. Additionally, the regenerative braking system in electric vehicles helps to reduce wear and tear on the brake pads and discs, which can also save on maintenance costs.

According to a recent research study, (EVs), on average, cost €120 to service, significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel models. Diesel cars were the most expensive to service, costing €184  on average, with hybrid vehicles ranking second (€180), followed by petrol cars (€171). The study also found that EVs require less frequent maintenance and that the cost of maintenance decreases over time.

The nature of EV powertrains not requiring engine oil changes, fuel filters, air filters or spark plugs means that servicing an electric vehicle requires less labour and fewer replacement parts and fluids, helping to lower costs for motorists.

However, when it comes to repairs, electric vehicles can be more expensive than ICE vehicles due to the high cost of replacement components. Additionally, electric vehicles require specialised technicians who are trained to work on electric systems, which can also increase the cost of maintenance and repairs.

Servicing is still essential for EVs from a safety perspective.

What is the impact of tyres?

Tyres wear for example should always be considered like you would with ICE vehicles.

EV tyres can be more expensive than regular tyres because they have some very specific characteristics.

Electric cars are much heavier than their petrol or diesel equivalents. An Openl Corsa-e can weigh up to a third more than its petrol peer because of its batteries. The tyres must be able to support that extra weight, so they need to have a stronger and more expensive system of belts.

EV tyres are also designed for quieter rolling, as EVs make a lot less noise compared to petrol engines, which means you can hear more of the outside noise, including the tyres.

As part of this, the engineers also build EV tyres to have lower rolling resistance. This means it takes less energy to get the tyres moving, which makes them more efficient and improves battery range.

Last but not least, EV tyres must be able to cope with the extra forces that an electric car puts through them. An EV instantly gives you all the power that drives you forward, known as torque. Applying all that torque to the road surface at once can cause regular tyres to wear faster.

All these things start to add up in manufacturing EV tyres.

But, while EV tyres might be slightly more expensive than conventional ones, they’re usually more durable. And that means they’ll actually work out cheaper over time than if you were to use cheap, faster-wearing tyres, not designed for EVs.

What is the typical lifespan of an EV tyre?

In short, it’s mostly down to you and how the car is driven you drive. Tyre lifespan depends on your driving style and how you maintain them.

Looking after your tyres will increase their life too. Keeping them inflated to the car manufacturer’s recommended air pressures will cut wear. It will also reduce rolling resistance, increase EV efficiency and boost range.

Correct wheel alignment will help get the most out of your tyres. Inspect tyres regularly and if you notice the tread wearing more heavily on one side, your wheels may be out of alignment so get a professional’s guidance.

Assuming you do drive sensibly and look after your tyres, you can expect to get between 20,000 and 30,000 miles out of them. You might even get more tyre miles from an EV than from a petrol or diesel car. This is because EVs have much more efficient traction control systems that are better at preventing wheel spin and preserving tyres

What is the impact on TCO

The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a key consideration for fleets when deciding whether to switch to electric vehicles. While the initial cost of purchasing an electric vehicle is generally higher than that of an ICE vehicle, the lower maintenance and fuel costs over the life of the vehicle can make up for the difference.

In addition, electric vehicles have a longer lifespan than ICE vehicles, which means that they can provide a better return on investment over time. A recent study by the International Council on Clean Transportation found that electric vehicles can save fleet operators up to 60% on maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle compared to ICE vehicles.

However, fleets will need to carefully consider the upfront costs and ongoing maintenance costs when making the decision to switch to electric vehicles. The cost of charging infrastructure and the availability of charging stations also need to be factored into the TCO analysis.

How Fleet360 Can Help

At Fleet360, we understand the challenges that fleets face when considering the switch to electric vehicles. That’s why we provide consultancy services to help fleet managers make informed decisions about transitioning to EVs. Our team of experts can help assess the TCO of electric vehicles, evaluate the available charging infrastructure, and develop a customized plan for transitioning to electric vehicles.

We can also help fleet managers understand the maintenance requirements of electric vehicles and how they compare to ICE vehicles. By working with Fleet360, fleet managers can optimize their operations and reduce their costs while also contributing to a more sustainable future.

The impact of electric vehicles on maintenance costs for fleets is significant. While EVs have more expensive components, they generally require less maintenance than ICE vehicles, which can lead to lower overall maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle. The TCO analysis should include factors such as the cost of purchasing and charging infrastructure, the availability of charging stations, and the cost of maintenance and repairs. Fleet managers who are considering the switch to electric vehicles can benefit from working with Fleet360 to assess their options, evaluate the TCO, and develop a customized plan for transitioning to electric vehicles. With our consultancy services, fleet managers can optimize their operations, reduce their costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The post The Impact of Electric Vehicles on Maintenance Costs for Fleets appeared first on Fleet360.

Cost Savings

One of the most significant advantages of switching to electric vehicles is cost savings. EVs are significantly cheaper to operate and maintain than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. EVs have fewer moving parts, meaning less maintenance and lower repair costs. Additionally, EVs are more energy-efficient, resulting in lower fuel costs. In a previous article we looked at EV versus ICE efficiency where we see that an EV can cost as little as 2-4 cents per mile to operate, compared to 10-15 cents per mile for an ICE vehicle. Over the life of a vehicle, these savings can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.

One key topic that it is always on the mind of a fleet manager is that of TCO and mobility. Take a look at these articles that goes into more detail.

> Fleet Electrification of your fleet
> How to create a Mobility Budget

Environmental Benefits

Switching to electric vehicles can also have a significant impact on the environment. EVs produce zero emissions, which can help companies reduce their carbon footprint and meet sustainability goals. The barriers to electrification are falling away and the whole life proposition and TCO calculations show the benefits of switching to reach CSR and cost saving goals. By transitioning to EVs, companies can play a significant role in reducing these emissions.

Brand Image

Switching to electric vehicles can also help improve a company’s brand image. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, and many are actively seeking out environmentally responsible companies. By transitioning to EVs, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, which can help improve their reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers.

Tipping Point

The transition to electric vehicles is happening now. We are at a tipping point as more companies make the switch, the cost of EVs will continue to decrease, making them even more attractive. Additionally, governments around the world are offering incentives and tax breaks to companies that transition their fleets to EVs, further reducing the cost.

Range

One of the main concerns companies have about switching to electric vehicles is range. However, what range do you think most drivers actually need? The average daily driving distance for most fleets is well within the range of most EVs. Additionally, the range of EVs is improving rapidly, with some models now able to travel over 400 miles on a single charge.

EV World is Moving Fast

The transition to electric vehicles is happening rapidly, and companies that don’t make the switch risk falling behind. Electric vehicle sales now account for one in ten of new cars registered in the EU as of August 2022. It’s clear that the shift to electric vehicles is not a passing trend, and companies that don’t make the switch risk being left behind.

There are several compelling reasons for companies to switch to electric vehicles. EVs offer significant cost savings, environmental benefits, and can improve a company’s brand image. Additionally, we are at a tipping point, and the transition to electric vehicles is happening rapidly. Companies that make the switch now will be well-positioned to reap the benefits of this shift.

The post Why should a company switch to electric vehicles? appeared first on Fleet360.

Yep, things are going fast in the EV world.

Here are some facts to help gain EV interest from your employees:

• Toyota and Lexus provide a 1,000,000 km battery warranty
• 300 km range on a 15 minute charge is already possible with mid-size cars
• Nio swaps a battery in 5 minutes (75 or 100 kWh, 150 kWh SSB by the end of this year)
• Rimac charges at 500 kW, but home charging at 11 kW will be standard
• Tesla and BYD both sold more than 1 million EVs by 2022
• BYD aims for 4 million EVs by 2023
• Half of the batteries at Tesla and BYD are LFP, so do not contain cobalt
• Tesla’s electric motors are fantastic, yet Lucid scores 2.5x better in kW/kg
• Many brands offer a Vehicle to load feature (V2L) and soon also Vehicle to Grid (V2G) (as with Nissan Leaf)
• Going on holiday with an EV works perfectly, the proliferation of fast chargers along motorways is already present (check ABRP)
• More mid-range cars with a range of +600 km will appear this year (2023)
• Chinese brands will flood our market in the coming years
• EVs are getting cheaper and cheaper, in 2025 VW will come out with an ID.2 of €25,000

EVs are superior.

There is no reason to doubt the future of electric cars. All other cars will soon be relegated to the history books. If you think our grid will not be ready for charging all this technological ingenuity: don’t, we are going to be ready for it.

Moreover, EV’s will be part of the solution acting like a giant battery to store electricity when abundantly available when the sun shines and wind blows and providing energy to grid when consumption exceeds production (V2G).

Don’t forget:
Governments across Europe are planning for the ban of ICE vehicle sales by 2035.

And what about the concern over raw materials? News stories are filling our inboxes about new technologies and battery chemistry which increases range and battery size. And on top of that, Manufacturers such as Volkswagen have already begun a project to recycle batteries. A plant in Salzgitter, Germany, can recycle 90% of a battery’s raw materials. These materials include lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt, which are expensive and time consuming to mine and process.

Europe is exploring its land mass for these rare raw materials (eg in Sweden) to decrease its independence from other parts of the world.

EV batteries also have a 2nd life when they come to the end in an EV. For example, older Nissan Leaf batteries are being used to power mobile recharging stations for EVs.

The future can be more sustainable with EVs and all studies suggest that Europe is making the charge to make the switch as easy as possible for all. There will be a few bumps in the road but look how far we have come in 10 years!

If you want to know more how Fleet360 can help you in your journey, we are happy to discuss our experience gained in more than 50 projects!

The post The EV world is moving at a crazy pace appeared first on Fleet360.

This is the first time that the American brand of the Stellantis group has won this prestigious trophy, which this year celebrates its 60th edition. The all-electric Kia EV6 won the Car of The Year award in 2022.

1st place – Jeep Avenger

Jeep’s first 100% electric model achieves a range of 400 km powered by a 54 kWh battery. The iconic Jeep look was retained for the exterior design and contributes to its muscular and sporty appearance. The 4 m long electric adventurer is powered by one 115 kW (156 hp) electric motor. In addition, 24 minutes are sufficient to charge the battery from 20 to 80% charge.

2nd place – VW ID.Buzz

The re-imagined Volkswagen ID.Buzz is all-electric, fully connected with a visionary and attractive design. The sustainable ID.Buzz is delivered net-carbon-neutral, drives around emission-free and has an interior made partly from recycled and 100% animal-friendly material. It is equipped with a powerful 150 kW (204 hp) / 310 Nm electric motor and a battery with a capacity of 77 kWh, bringing the WLTP range of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz to 402 or even 423 km.

3rd place – Nissan Ariya

The all-electric coupé crossover strikes the perfect balance between power and unparalleled handling with its e-4ORCE technology, twin electric motors and unique all-wheel drive system. The spacious, electric SUV achieves an impressive range of 533 km. The Nissan Ariya features innovative technology such as the ProPILOT driver assistance system and Heads-up Display. The Nissan ARIYA is equipped with a 63 kWh battery or an 87 kWh battery and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in only 5.7 seconds.

4th place – Kia Niro

With its futuristic lines, the Kia Niro brings a stylish, sleek and striking design to the streets. The car is equipped with technological features designed for all-round connectivity. With its 64.8 kWh battery, the Kia Niro has a driving range of 460 km. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.

5th place – Renault Austral

The all-new Renault Austral is a mid-sized SUV with sporty design elements. The range consists of a number of electrified powertrains, culminating in a 1.2 three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine supported by a 50 kW (68 hp) electric motor in the E-Tech Hybrid engine. The infotainment of the Renault Austral runs on Android Automotive OS.

6th place – Peugeot 408

The Peugeot 408 saloon is characterised by its dynamic “fastback” stance. Its modern elegance gives it a powerful presence on the road. With its raised ground clearance yet limited height, it looks sporty, while its flowing lines underline its aerodynamic character. The car is equipped with a powerful 115 kW (156 hp) electric motor, achieving a driving range of more than 400 km.

Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X

The 4.690 m long Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X SUVs are almost identical, except for different bumpers and proprietary LED headlamps for the Solterra. Subaru is launching a front-wheel drive model and an all-wheel drive model. Both versions are equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery. The front-wheel drive model is equipped with a 204 hp electric motor and has a driving range of up to 530 km. Motive power on the four-wheel drive Solterra comes from dual 109 hp electric motors, somewhat increasing its performance with a system capacity of 218 hp, and however decreasing range to 460 km. The fastest version accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The post European car of the year 2023 appeared first on Fleet360.

The top safety performers come from the safety organisation’s best-in-class winners from 2022 – and include two Chinese newcomers as well as two Tesla models.

The winners are:

• Hyundai Ioniq 6 – Large Family Car category
• Ora Funky Cat – Small Family Car Category
• Tesla Model S – Executive Car category and Pure Electric category
• Tesla Model Y – Small Off-Roader category
• Wey Coffee 01 – Large Off-Roader category

Amid a record year for testing, all five cars achieved the highest overall scores, based on their results for Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable User Protection and Safety Assist technologies.

Delving further, the list of top performers reveals that the Ioniq 6 achieved exceptionally high results in Adult Occupant Protection with 97%. In the case of child occupants, it provided good protection for all critical body regions of both the 6 and 10 year old dummies in the frontal offset and side barrier tests scoring maximum points in this part of the assessment.

The rise of the Chinese brands

The line-up also underscores that 2022 was notable for the number of new Chinese brands coming to Europe and achieving great results. This is on the back of some less than successful attempts to break into the European market in the past.

Euro NCAP’s testing found the Ora Funky Cat, a rival to models such as the Cupra Born and Renault Zoe, is exceptionally well equipped and outperformed several well-established brands.

The second Chinese brand car in the list is the Wey Coffee 01, again highly equipped and performing well in all categories – but Euro NCAP noted that Lexus RX came in a close second in this category.

Tesla also performed well. The Model S and Model Y were both high achievers in Adult Occupant Protection and both vehicles achieved the highest score of 98% in Safety Assist of all the vehicles in this list. Tesla Model S was also the best-in-class achiever in the Pure Electric category.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s secretary general, said: “2022 has been one of Euro NCAP’s busiest years yet and we have seen a lot of new carmakers and new technologies. It’s clear a good Euro NCAP rating is seen by car manufacturers as critical to success in Europe. This can only mean better safety equipment and safer cars for European consumers all round.”

This news is welcome, however, there have been concerns over the weight and size of modern EV’s, in particular for pedestrian safety.

It is hoped that EV weights will begin to decline once solid state batteries prove viable for road cars. With their much higher energy density compared to lithium-ion chemistries, there should be a reduction in mass.

The post EURO NCAP winners 2022 all EV appeared first on Fleet360.

Range anxiety is still discussed amongst many fleet drivers. This will soon become a distant topic. The Zeekr 001 (Parent Geely) aims to end that discussion once and for all with the announcement of 1000+ KM range from their recently launched SUV.

Zeekr and CATL announced that a Zeekr 001 with a range of over 1,000 km (621 miles) will become available in Q2 2023. This announcement most likely refers to the Zeekr 001 Plus. Zeekr and CATL say that the Zeekr 001 that can travel up to more than 1,000 km (621 miles) on a full charge will have Qilin batteries.

Qilin batteries are based on CATL’s third generation cell-to-pack (CTP) technology. CATL says that these batteries achieve the world’s highest integration level, with a volume utilization efficiency of 72% and an energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg. They support hot start in five minutes and fast-charging in ten minutes.

With the same chemical system and the same pack size, it can deliver 13% more power than the 4680 battery which is current used in Tesla models for example.

This new batteries can accomplish an all-round improvement in range, fast-charging, safety, service life, efficiency and low-temperature performance. 

The road ahead for Zeekr

In an interview with Bloomberg (via YouTube) in April 2021, An Conghui, CEO of Zeekr, revealed that the brand plans to go global early this decade. European countries are the first targeted overseas markets, and later, the United States and Canada may also get Zeekr EVs. “We will focus on the Chinese market this year, and we expect to enter the European market by the end of 2022 or in 2023,”

Geely – the parent brand of Zeekr

Geely has more brands in its stable than the Volkswagen Group. It owns Volvo Cars, Polestar, Proton, Lotus, the British carmaker formerly known as Daimler, Geometry, Link & Co, the EV Taxi Company, and probably a few more we don’t even know about. Zeekr cars are built at a state of the art vehicle assembly plant it calls the Intelligent Factory in Ningbo, China, a coastal city south of Shanghai.

It’s too early to say how Europeans will react to the Zeekr brand, but if the price is right, they most definitely will – and clearly the battery advancements will certainly charge up enthusiasm.

Taking into account the entry of new high quality “exotic” brands, companies need to challenge their brand strategy, certainly in times where brand loyalty is not always balanced with premium delivery conditions.

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PHEVs are losing ground to EVs

While electrified models continue to gain traction, growth has slowed when compared with previous months. In July, these vehicles totaled 157,614 units – down by 2% due to falling demand for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).

According to JATO Dynamics data, PHEVs posted a 22% decline during July, in response to recent announcements that these vehicles will no longer qualify for incentives in several European markets. PHEVs appear to be losing regulatory favour and this is already impacting their position within the market as governments try to steer the industry towards pure electric vehicles. Hybrids do still have an important role to play if we are to see widespread uptake of low emissions vehicles across Europe, but BEVs are becoming more popular.

In Germany – the largest market for BEVs – electric vehicle sales increased by 13%, and by 69% in France, the second largest market. These cars accounted for 14% of total registrations in Germany, 12% in France, 11% in the UK, and 3% in both Spain and Italy.

The segment was led by Volkswagen Group, which accounted for almost 29% of total registrations with a volume increase of 17%. This is however notably lower than the gains posted by the segment’s second largest player, Stellantis (+41%), and Renault Group – up 66% in third position.

BEV as % of total registrations

The rise of Chinese Brands

China’s OEMs (including MG, excluding Geely Group) posted a 72% increase, with 3,501 electric cars registered during the month. MG led with almost 3,000 units, up by 56%, followed by BYD with 238 units.

China’s manufacturers are slowly climbing the rankings, becoming a credible alternative for those looking for an affordable and appealing electric car. Almost half of the Chinese electric cars sold in July 2022 were registered in Sweden and Norway.

Chinese brands account for 15% of sales in the entire automobile market globally. For the EVs, they hold 45% of global sales. Vast R&D investments and futuristic plans of Chinese EV makers point to the growing role of China in the industry.

Chinese EVs should do well in Europe. They are coming in at price points that are very attractive, with products that are extremely competitive.

Hans Damen

Familiarise yourself with these brands. You are going to be seeing more of them on the roads.

Aiways – U5

Nio EC6

Xpeng G3i

BYD Tang

GWC Ora (From Great Wall China)

Zeekr 001 (from Geely)

Vehicle choice and powertrain strategy is key to a healthy fleet. As always, global events are looming over the industry, but successful policies are built on robust planning that we can help you with.

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