Business Class Motoring James Stinson

The All-Electric Grand Tourer

Audi e-tron GT has pace and grace, writes James Stinson

Tesla might have been the first to truly see and embrace the potential of electric cars but legacy car makers are catching up fast.

In every segment of the market traditional car makers are rolling out a raft of new models.

And now, at last, they are turning their attention to the upper end of the market where performance and a degree of pedigree count for everything.

Hence there’s a lot of excitement about this new Audi e-Tron GT – and with good cause: it’s an £80k electric supercar to rival the likes of Tesla’s Model S and its VW Group stablemate, the Porsche Taycan.

GT stands for Gran Tourer, which conjures up images of a comfortable four-seater, able to eat up the miles and at some pace, which until recently has been a bit of a challenge for electric cars. But technology is moving on apace.

The GT is fitted with a sizable 93kWh battery and two electric motors, one driving the front wheels and one for the rear. In standard form, those motors produce some 469bhp, but for a 2.5 second burst they can draw on 523bhp – big numbers for any car – and good for a 0-62mph time of just 4.1 seconds. And, thanks to four-wheel drive, it’s delivered without any fuss.

If you really must, there’s a sportier and much pricier RS model that produces 590bhp, with a 2.5 second burst of 637bhp, reducing the 0-62mph time to a fairly unnecessary 2.9 seconds. Incredibly, even that is a little slower than the Porsche Taycan Turbo S (2.8 seconds) or the Tesla Model S Plaid which takes only 1.9 seconds.

Range is adequate rather than stellar and, again, a little behind the Tesla. The GT will do a claimed 295 miles on a full charge – probably around 230 in real-world driving – which is still enough to avoid much or any range anxiety.

When it comes to charging, the e-tron GT will charge at rates up to 270kW, which would allow you to charge from 10% to 80% in around 20 minutes, but chargers like this are rarer than hen’s teeth. More common 50Kw chargers will do the same job in 90 mins while an overnight charge using a wallbox – the likely default option – will take around 13 hours.

So, it’s fast and it will travel some distance between charges but how does it drive? Weighing 2.3 tonnes, it’s a heavy car but a powerful one. It sits low and wide on the road while the batteries are placed under the seats, giving a low centre of gravity and near perfect 50:50 weight distribution front and rear. The result is an incredibly planted motor, with raillike handing through the corners.

The Taycan S, with which the GT shares much of its underpinnings, is sportier (and more expensive) but Audi says this is deliberate and befits its Gran Tourer badging. Given the sleek silhouette, it’s relatively spacious too. There’s room for four adults and a reasonable boot as well as a mini-sized one under the bonnet.

The range starts at £82,635 for the entrylevel e-tron GT quattro but Audi expects the e-tron GT quattro Vorsprung (from £108,965) to be the big seller. It isn’t any faster but adds a bucketful of extras like electrically adjustable heated steering wheel, heated/ ventilated sports seats with pneumatic bolster and massage function, premium B&O sound system, all-wheel steering, as well as a host of driver aids.

Eye-watering stuff, but more relevant are the ultra-low tax rates for electric cars… which mean that company bigwigs who are in the market for some high-end, high performance bling would be hard pushed to look past this new Audi.

Agnew Fleet Manager

18 Boucher Way, Belfast, BT12 6RE W: agnewleasing.com T: 028 9038 6600

VW Taigo –A Refreshing Twist on the SUV Theme

Despite the popularity of SUV-type cars, big and chunky isn’t the only way to go, judging by this new VW Taigo.

It’s best described as a good-looking T-Cross, VW’s smallest crossover, eschewing the T-Cross’s boxy rear for a smoother fastback look. It’s different, more refined looking and a welcome addition to VW’s burgeoning range of crossovers.

The sloping rear hatchback is the most striking thing about the new Taigo but there are lots of other nice little styling touches that give it a sportier edge including LED headlights, some nice body panel creases, a deep front bumper and a full-width light bar at the rear which links the light clusters.

The entry-level Taigo Life starts from £21,960, and comes with a generous kit list, including an 8.0-inch digital instrument panel and a wireless charging pad. A multifunction steering wheel and lumbar support for the front seats also feature inside.

Outside, the Life receives black 16-inch wheels, LED headlights, front fog lights and a black contrast roof. Logo projection lights are fitted to the door mirrors, which are also heated and electrically adjustable.

Life models are equipped with VW’s Park Assist system with front and rear parking sensors along with a multifunction camera and safety features such as fatigue detection, lane-change assist and adaptive cruise control.

The range then splits in two divergent paths: the Taigo Style focuses on comfort and luxury, while the R-Line majors on sportiness.

Despite the sloping roofline, there’s a decent boot with some 438 litres of space to call on, not far off what its T-Cross sibling offers.

There is a choice of 1.0 and 1.5 litre engines. The 1.0 litre TSI three-cylinder engine – in either 94bhp or 108 bhp – will make up the bulk of sales, the former with a five-speed manual gearbox and the latter a six-speed manual. A seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is offered on the 108bhp TSI 110 as an option.

The 94bhp model can launch from 0-62mph in 11.1 seconds, going on to a top speed of 114mph. Claimed fuel economy is 51.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 124g/ km.

The 108bhp unit cuts the 0-62mph time to 10.4 seconds, or 10.9 seconds when equipped with the dual-clutch gearbox, and top speed is 119mph for both options. Surprisingly, no hybrids are being offered.

More Electric Charging Stations for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland lags some way behind other countries when it comes to electric charging points. There aren’t enough of them and too many don’t work. But the network is about to get a major boost with operator ESB rolling out a plan to upgrade the network to faster charging points, some of which able to charge several cars at one time.

ESB says it will install the “fastest, most reliable and advanced technology available” across the network, shortening the time it takes to charge electric vehicles (EV) and increasing the number of cars which can be charged at one time in certain locations.

ESB has 380 fast charge points and 18 rapid charge points in Northern Ireland and says it will replace all existing fast (22kW) and rapid (50kW) EV chargers.

ESB plans to double the existing number of rapid chargers and will also introduce high power (200kW) charging for the first time in Northern Ireland through the delivery of five high power charging hubs in “strategic locations”.

The high power charging hubs can charge multiple vehicles simultaneously and can provide an EV with 100km of range in as little as six minutes.

“This is very welcome news and will provide confidence to existing and new drivers of electric vehicles here through the enhancement of our charging infrastructure,” said Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon. “A modern and efficient EV charging infrastructure is essential at this time as we address the climate emergency and make the transition to cleaner and greener modes of transport.”

The UK government has awarded £3.27 million from the Levelling Up Fund, designed to support infrastructure projects, to rollout the upgrade and ESB said it is also using some of its own capital.

ESB, previously ecarNI, has operated and maintained the public EV charging network in Northern Ireland for more than 10 years.

Agnew Fleet Manager

18 Boucher Way, Belfast, BT12 6RE W: agnewleasing.com T: 028 9038 6600

RECYCLING FOR A GREENER FUTURE

By Joseph Doherty, Managing Director of Re-Gen Waste.

Recycling is the future.

Recovering as much as we possibly can from our waste by recycling makes sense from both a financial and environmental point of view.

That is certainly the mantra which we at Re-Gen Waste live by, constantly improving the amount we recycle by using the latest technology.

At present, there remains a small proportion of waste which isn’t recycled as it isn’t economically viable to do so. Over time, as a wave of government legislation and funding emerges, this will change and it will soon become possible to take advantage of some of the latest sorting techniques to increase the percentage of waste recycled.

While these new technologies are being developed, the materials currently not recycled are manufactured into waste derived fuels, preventing it being sent to landfill.

Currently, we export it to Sweden and Norway where it is turned into both electricity and heat in heat and power plants. The environmental value in this is something which is unique to those regions. Their towns and cities have underground district heating systems, large pipe networks which take hot water from the central heat source and deliver to homes and businesses. UK and Ireland based plants can make electricity from the waste fuels but without a district heating system in place, the heat is lost to the atmosphere. Such plants are neither energy efficient nor environmentally friendly use of the Waste derived fuels.

Most of the fuels are exported by sea freight as ‘backloads’ on ships relocating back to the Baltic to load further cargoes of timber. A recent document from the Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Industry group found that shipping RDF to Sweden accounts for only 4% of total CO2 emissions from the waste treatment process per tonne of waste. Once the backloading is factored in, that figure falls to just 1% of the total CO2 emitted from each tonne of waste treated.

It must be said that exporting is merely the interim solution which will only be necessary as industry hones the techniques to maximise recycling from our waste to create a true circular economy.

The alternative, a £240 million incinerator proposed by arc21 for Mallusk, would see all Northern Ireland’s waste burned using inefficient, dated technology. Little wonder that MPs in England are calling for a moratorium on the development of new waste incineration plants following the release of an all-party parliamentary group report.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland has yet to decide on whether or not to give planning permission for the Mallusk incinerator, one which would have such a large capacity that the province would have to become an importer of waste just to keep it fed over its 25-year lifespan.

That doesn’t sound like the type of future many of us would want for ourselves or for our children.

One where we recycle nearly all our waste? Now that is a future we would all like to be a part of.

Re-Gen Waste Ltd 7 Shepherds Dr, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry, BT35 6JQ T: 028 3026 5432 www.regenwaste.com

NEW PRE-LOVED FURNITURE AT UNBELIEVABLE PRICES

Northern Irelands leading cancer charity, Action Cancer will be opening a new Pre-Loved furniture outlet at 30/32 Peter’s Hill, Belfast in February.

The store will offer quality Pre/Loved living room, bedroom and dining room furniture at value prices, along with electrical goods.

The store will be the charities largest retail offering at over 2,000 sq ft and will offer a free collection service for customers and donors. A door to door chargeable delivery service is also available for customers who wish to have their purchases home delivered.

Action Cancer stores rely on donations from the general public and you can help by donating to your local store directly or by visiting the shops page at www.actioncancer.org or by emailing: retail@actioncancer.org.

GLOBAL LOGISTICS DELIVERED

Challenges in abundance over the last few years, TR Logistics, have proven the importance of being a local company emulating global expertise. With over 50 years’ experience, they not only meet but exceed customers’ expectations, every time.

Despite the trials faced, their team have worked tirelessly to ensure that they overcame every situation presented.

Proud of their customs clearance team, a pioneer in Northern Ireland to implement CDS software, ensuring that TR Logistics remain fully compliant with HMRC.

So how can they help?

Whether your need is airfreight, ocean, road, customs warehousing, solutions or customs clearance. Just ask.

www.Tr-logistics.com info@tr-logistics.com

LASER HAIR REMOVAL AT BELFAST SKIN CLINIC

Belfast Skin Clinic are delighted to announce the arrival of the most advanced laser for hair removal; The ‘Splendor X’. This incredible piece of equipment, operated by experienced dermatology nurses, is a step change in hair removal treatment.

SPLENDOR X is unlike any other hair removal system in the world. It is the fi rst Nd:YAG and Alexandrite laser system to be powered by BLEND X™ technology for unprecedented power, speed, versatility and coverage rate.

Hair removal can be painful, messy, and ine ective. But SPLENDOR X laser hair reduction with BLEND X technology is di erent. It combines Alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths for a perfectly tailored treatment that is fast, e ective, and comfortable. It also features a unique square-shaped laser spot that safely covers every single inch of skin being treated.

• Ideal for all skin types, even tanned skin • Faster and fewer sessions • Long-lasting results • Comfortable treatments

For more information or to book an appointment visit: www .belfastskinclinic.com or email: info@belfastskinclinic.com

MANAGE YOUR FLEET WITH INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE

At Agnew Leasing they have mindfully invested in technology to keep them ahead of the competition. They have identified what is needed in the market and developed free software for their customers that gives them greater control of their fleet.

Agnew Fleet Manager (AFM) has many different features that simplify the fleet management experience. The innovative ethos of AFM is that you can manage by exception, which means you are immediately alerted to what needs to be actioned, instantly and easily.

Your entire fleet can be viewed with just one click, providing automatic vehicle details including Co2, P11d values, rental, maintenance and much more.

Their software allows you to contact your drivers by SMS for free, with mileage updates, service reminders and announcements. This gives your company greater control of your fleets spend, maintenance and mileage. Their software provides you with the capabilities to record fuel spend, schedule services, and run reports so that your business can make informed decisions regarding your vehicles.

If you would like to hear more or are interested in implementing this innovative software, a dedicated system specialist will be on-hand to provide expert advice and to take you through the process of the initial set up right through to aftercare and maintenance of AFM.

Contact the team today on 028 9038 6600 or email: david.mcewen@agnews.co.uk

DUBLIN AIRPORT AWARDED ENERGY LEADER 2021

Dublin Airport recently won the Energy Leader 2021 award at this year’s Business Energy Achievement Awards (BEAA). The BEAA aim to recognise excellence and achievements from all companies and organisations across the island of Ireland who can demonstrate effective sustainable energy initiatives which are delivering significant benefits to their organisation and the environment.

The fact that the Energy Leader award is made at the discretion of the judges makes the win all the more impressive. In the eyes of the judges, the sustainability leadership team at Dublin Airport has gone above and beyond with their decarbonisation program. This is fantastic recognition for the work done by the teams on Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) targets and the ACI Airport Council International Carbon Accreditation programme and a great achievement for the business.

As a business that operates on both a national and international scale, daa understands that its passengers and customers, its people and its local communities expect it to be a responsible business that strives to enhance its economic contribution in a sustainable and fair manner.

Throughout 2021, the aviation industry has had to continue to navigate its way through a global pandemic which has devastated the sector. There is an unwavering recognition, that despite the unprecedented challenges the industry faces, aviation must take account of climate change and the environment when re-building the industry post-pandemic.

In June of last year, daa – the operator of Dublin and Cork airports - achieved a significant milestone by publishing its first consolidated Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy.

The ESG Strategy was developed on the foundations of work that has been ongoing across the airport operating company over the past number of years. It sets out clearly how daa will work to improve conditions for colleagues and communities, contribute to a thriving economy, and tackle the impacts of global challenges including climate change over the coming years.