Jesse Crosse What else can e-motors do for cars?

To ensure a safe, resilient network, a longer-term approach and significant investment is needed

falling apart is the absence of ice and snow. ”

But as this winter bites, ice and snow have already struck. This and strained budgets are likely to mean more potholes. According to the RAC, potholes already top the list of motorists’ concerns and 86% of those who responded to the organisation’s 2022 Report on Motoring said they have had to steer to avoid potholes on several occasions.

Its findings are supported by the AA, which says that in the first two weeks of November, it attended an extra 225 daily callouts related to punctures and damaged wheels caused by potholes.

AA president Edmund King said: “[This] is shocking and will only worsen as the weather turns cold. ”

One bright spot on the horizon is the government’s second pledge, made in July, to introduce measures to penalise utility and construction companies that leave road surfaces in a bad condition after completing street works.

There were fears that the pledge may become a victim of the recent government turmoil but the Department for Transport has confirmed that it will go ahead. Motorists will be hoping that in the absence of sufficient cash for road repairs, it’s a stick that councils will use forcefully and liberally. JOHN EVANS

H O W T O C L A I M F O R P O T H O L E D A M A G E

If your car has been damaged because of a pothole and the local authority hasn’t cared for the road properly, you can claim compensation. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Gather evidence As soon as possible, take photographs of the pothole and measure it.

2. Make a report Let the relevant local authority know about the pothole. Tell them the place, road name or number, and contact details for witnesses. Send them the photos and measurements. 3. Find out when the road was last inspected by the council Do this by submitting a Freedom of Information request to the authority responsible for the road (most likely the local council). This evidence will be useful if your claim is rejected.

4. Make your case clearly and include full details Write to the local authority concerned, explaining why you think it is responsible for the damage. Give full details. Remember it’s their legal responsibility to maintain the road network.

It’s important to photograph and measure the pothole

UNDER THE SK IN

JESSE CROSSE ELECTRIC MOTORS ARE THE TECH THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Nissan’s e-4force all-electric, all-wheel drive system can tweak the vehicle balance in 1/10,000th of a second.

AIR-CON’S QUIET REVOLUTION

With EVs, everything needs to be electrified, including those unsung comfort heroes air-con compressors, which in conventional vehicles are usually mechanical and belt driven by the engine. They need to be compact, vibration free and quiet. The latest example from Mahle’s electric range designed for passenger cars and up to large trucks is this mighty 18kW beast.