6+ mon, 1+ week ago (428+ words) A top Chinese car brand has recently revealed a new SUV that could become a major competitor to one of the UK's biggest motoring marques. A Chinese electric car brand has launched a direct rival to the iconic" Land Rover Defender, with the new model over "40,000 cheaper. The brand new iCar03, built by major Chinese car brand Chery, is on sale for around "14,535 (129,800 Yuan). In comparison, a new UK Land Rover Defender will set road users back by an eye-watering "58,310. It means the new Chinese model would offer an impressive saving of "43,775 in a potential coup for customers. Despite this, there are currently no plans to sell the model in Europe meaning motorists cannot enjoy the major discount just yet. Although, plans for expansion could be just around the corner with the Chinese model already sold in many Asian markets such…...

7+ mon, 1+ day ago (833+ words) A growing number of defence companies have urged employees to be cautious around Chinese-made electric cars, but the manufacturers say there is nothing to fear. A number of defence firms have urged staff to avoid plugging their'smartphones into an'electric car made in China over fears that the vehicles could be used for Chinese state spying. As with many markets in Europe, Chinese cars have rapidly increased in popularity over the past two years, with many Brits choosing one due to their bold designs and affordable prices. However, a growing number of companies have warned their employees to take'several precautions when using a'Chinese-made car to keep themselves and the firms safe. Speaking to The i Paper, an unnamed defence firm executive stated that they felt the need to make employees aware of "sensible" measures due to the rise in Chinese car…...

6+ mon, 2+ week ago (556+ words) The "2.70 figure comes from the cost of charging your car with the E.ON Next Drive EV tariff during off-peak hours, from midnight to 7 am. The energy firm has partnered with Manchester University ... UK drivers spent an average of "48 on petrol the last time they filled up their tank compared with the "2.70 it could cost them to fully charge an electric vehicle overnight, according to the latest research. However, the nation is still in the dark about EV charging costs, with only 4% of drivers knowing they could charge an EV at home for less than the price of a latte. The "2.70 figure comes from the cost of charging your car with the E.ON Next Drive EV tariff during off-peak hours, from midnight to 7 am. The energy firm has partnered with Manchester University economist Dr Sofia Sanchez to highlight the savings drivers…...

1+ mon, 2+ week ago (514+ words) Octopus Electric Vehicles has unveiled its top five electric vehicles for Q3 2025, highlighting the standout electric cars that are shaping choice, value, and excitement for UK drivers, with European brands leading the pack. Despite the OMODA E5 maintaining its position as Octopus' most popular model, with its unbeatable value and high specification being cited, European brands have made a strong showing. The Mercedes EQB, VW ID. 3 and the eagerly awaited Renault 5 have demonstrated that European car manufacturers are responding to drivers' growing interest in electric vehicles. The Tesla Model Y also featured on the list, reflecting the wide range of electric vehicles now on offer " from family-friendly SUVs to chic city hatchbacks. The Government's Electric Car Grant has further boosted consumer confidence in the UK, signalling policy stability and the nation's ambition to be a leader in the EV market. Driven in part…...

1+ week, 2+ day ago (527+ words) Drivers could slash "3,750 off the price of the new Nissan LEAF following the UK Government's decision to broaden its Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme today. The ECG was introduced earlier this year as part of efforts to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to everyone. Starting at "32,249, the Nissan LEAF offers a driving range of up to 386 miles and can charge from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Production is scheduled to begin at Nissan's Sunderland facility, employing its 6,000-strong workforce, from December. In light of the announcement, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Nissan helped pioneer early EV ownership through the original Leaf, so it is great to see them join our drive to make going electric cheaper and more accessible for families. "Alongside saving drivers thousands, this news is also a big boost for manufacturing in the North East " supporting…...

9+ mon, 3+ week ago (642+ words) Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander was urged to tackle an unfair "electric car tax" which means some drivers will pay more than others to power their vehicles. Ms Alexander met electric car manufacturers yesterday to stress that the Government would press ahead with ending the sale of new cars powered solely by internal combustion engines by 2030, reversing a delay of five years introduced by the last Conservative government. But motoring organisation the RAC warned action was needed to deal with a two-tier charging system which means motorists in homes without driveways will be pay more. Currently the Government charges VAT of 20% on energy provided through public electric car charging points, higher than the 5% VAT paid by households able to fit a private charging point at home. In practice it means motorists who don't have off-road parking will pay more. Industry experts…...

4+ mon, 4+ day ago (431+ words) British motorists appear desperate to get their hands on one Chinese electric car as interest in imported models continues.New analysis for Carwow has revealed a surge in demand for Leapmotor, with enquiries up a staggering 867% in the past week. Experts claimed the surge in interest for the Chinese marque has been "one of the most striking developments.After Chinese brands learned they would likely not benefit from the Government's new EV grant, Leapmotor was among the brands to leap into action.Officials decided to copy the Government's discount offer, with motorists set to also enjoy "3,750 off price tags. The news has certainly piqued motorists' interests with consumers starting to take an interest in Leapmotor's larger C10 SUV. Philipp Sayler von Amende, Chief Commercial Officer at Carwow stressed the news was "resonating with drivers who are keen to take a look....

2+ mon, 2+ week ago (422+ words) Safety chiefs have urged drivers to avoid buying one hybrid petrol and electric vehicle after discovering a "fundamental weakness" during crash tests. Euro NCAP has advised drivers to "consider alternatives" to the MG3 due to concerns about seatbelt safety." Euro NCAP chiefs claimed time was also needed for bosses to consider if a "recall" notice should be issued in a potential blow to owners. Safety bosses handed the MG3 an overall four-star rating but noted a major concern during the 31mph frontal offset crash test."During the checks, safety experts" claimed that the MG3 seat latch failed - leading to a seat twist on impact. EuroNCAP said the seat latch mechanism failure had likely led to an extra impact on the driver dummy's right leg."The dummy's head was said to "bottom out' against the steering wheel instead of striking the airbag." The move meant…...

2+ week, 1+ day ago (412+ words) Rachel Reeves" latest "100million car tax plan has been slammed by campaigners, with experts warning the move could be "extremely damaging. It is understood that the Government is considering introducing business rates for electric car public charging operators for the first time. But there are fears that plans to introduce business rates to EV charging bays from April 2026 could backfire. Experts at Charge UK have previously warned that the new scheme would add "100M of additional costs to Charge Point Operators. This could ultimately lead to higher prices for customers, with annual bills likely to rise by as much as "300 if charges are directly passed on to drivers. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Roy Williamson, chair of GRIDSERVE stressed the move could have negative consequences. Roy explained: "We are passionate about providing great charging for our customers and providing a growth…...

2+ mon, 4+ week ago (313+ words) These rates are refreshed every quarter to reflect changes in fuel costs. Each rate is determined based on engine size, average miles per gallon and electricity cost per kilowatt-hour. In a first, electric vehicle owners will now encounter two distinct rates depending on whether they used a public charger or charged their vehicle at home from September 1. This change has been implemented due to varying prices depending on where vehicles are charged. The calculation method for a public charging advisory electric rate remains the same as the home charging advisory electric rate. The only alteration is the underlying price of electricity, which has been updated to mirror the average price of public charging using slow or fast chargers. As of September 1, there have been no changes in the rates for petrol engines, with up to 1,400cc at 12p, between 1,401cc and 2,000cc at 14p, and…...