Motoring the rise of the EV

10 Motoring

Electric cars set to overtake diesels in popularity

According to research by DrivingElectric.com double the number of drivers are planning to buy an EV compared with two years ago. More than one in five drivers now say their next car will be all-electric - overtaking diesel and hybrid buying intentions for the first time - shooting EVs into second place as motorists’ preferred power option. The findings are especially significant because they come from the mainstream car market, rather than an audience specifically interested in electric vehicles. Vicky Parrott, Associate Editor of DrivingElectric.com, said: "This is a big moment for the EV market, with electric cars poised to become the second most popular type on the road. We’re now seeing a breakthrough in the perceptions of electric vehicles, from a niche phenomenon to a genuinely mainstream choice.” EVs have now shot up to 22%, with diesel sliding to 19%, hybrids falling to 16% and petrol also significantly down, at 37%. Motoring News

Kia e-Niro Wins Best Electric Car 2019 Kia scooped the title at the Business Car Awards 2019. These awards recognise manufacturers that demonstrate outstanding customer service as well as innovative products, and are judged by industry experts, including well-known road testers. Delivering the verdict from the judges, Stuart Thomas, Director of Fleet and Accident Management at the AA, commented: “The Kia e-Niro combines the range capability of a premium electric car with the accessibility of a high-specification family crossover. The Kia makes the ownership experience of an electric car very easy and sets a new benchmark.” All New Maserati Models to be Electrified Maserati has announced that all of its new models will adopt hybrid and battery electric propulsion systems. It has also said that all new Maserati, including the updated current models, will offer a range of autonomous driving capabilities. This is earmarked to happen in 2020 and the Maserati Ghibli, produced in Turin, will be the first hybrid electric propulsion for the brand. They add: “The first of the totally new Maserati to appear will be the eagerly anticipated sports car –packed with technology and reminiscent of Maserati’s traditional values.”

through the door

Business Profile 11

Delivery services have come a long way since the Pony Express! Today, customers do not want to wait and courier services have flourished. Ex-Taxi driver Russell Skinner of Door to Door Couriers, Bognor, realised this potential almost 30 years ago and with Jason who joined him shortly afterwards, they have been taking parcels here, there and everywhere ever since. Russell told Sussex Local, “driving boxes is a lot easier than driving people”. Big or small they deliver it all! Delivering the goods Urgent package to Dubai - Russell drew the short straw!

The personal touch is key says Russell. “The same voices on the end of the ‘phone builds confidence”. Russell was also in the Royal Navy, “I have been to the North Pole, America, Africa, Middle East and the Falklands, I love travelling as well as a good old logistical challenge”. With vehicles at their disposal from a small van to a 7.5 tonne tail lift truck, there is little they cannot tackle and they operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “Primarily we are a same day courier for UK and Europe but we also offer an overnight service to rival the Post Office for parcels, Ebay goods or even Christmas presents”. www.dtodcouriers.co.uk 01243 829222