Author: Ryan Hayes

Lepas has confirmed UK specifications for the L6 EV, the Chery-owned brand’s first fully electric SUV. The model will offer up to 279 miles of range from a 65 kWh LFP battery and will be available in two trim levels. UK order books are scheduled to open in early Q4 2026, although pricing has not yet been announced. Two Trim Levels for UK Market UK buyers will be able to choose between the Essence and Elevate versions of the L6 EV. The Essence includes a range of technology, safety and comfort equipment, while the higher-spec Elevate adds additional luxury and…

General Motors is reconsidering plans to relaunch Cadillac in the United Kingdom, citing rapidly changing market conditions and increasing competition from European and Chinese automakers. The US company has yet to confirm a launch date for right-hand-drive Cadillac models despite previously indicating that the brand would return to the British market. Cadillac UK Launch Remains Uncertain Former GM Europe CEO Pere Brugal told Autocar last year that Cadillac would return to the UK “soon,” with the Lyriq expected to serve as one of the initial models. https://evmagz.com/cadillac-launches-limited-edition-lyriq-v-electric-suv-in-china/ The electric SUV would enter a competitive segment alongside models such as the…

JLR is reportedly delaying the launch of a battery-electric version of its Defender SUV, with the next generation of the off-road model now expected in the early 2030s rather than 2028 or 2029. The Times reported that the delay is linked to limitations of the Defender’s current platform, which was not designed to accommodate a fully electric powertrain. The move would push the full-size electric Defender further into the future as JLR continues to develop its broader electrification strategy. Current Defender Platform Not Designed for EVs The current Defender was introduced in 2020 and is built on JLR’s D7x platform.…

Hyundai has opened reservations for the Ioniq 3 in the UK, introducing the compact electric hatchback with two battery options, four trim levels and prices starting at £22,245. The larger 61 kWh battery is expected to provide up to 308 miles (496 kilometres) of range, although the figures remain subject to final homologation. Battery Options and Range The entry-level Ioniq 3 Advance is available with either a 42.2 kWh or 61 kWh battery. The 42.2 kWh Advance starts at £22,245 and uses a front-mounted electric motor producing 107.8 kW and 250 Nm. Hyundai expects the version to achieve 213 miles…

Vauxhall has confirmed UK pricing and specifications for the new electric Corsa GSE, with the 207kW hot hatch set to open for orders in September ahead of customer deliveries from winter. The Corsa GSE has an official on-the-road price of £34,495, while the UK Electric Car Grant reduces the entry price to £32,995. Vauxhall positions the model as the electric successor to performance-focused small cars including the Nova GTE and GSi, Corsa GSi and Corsa VXR. Most Powerful Production Corsa The Corsa GSE is the most powerful production Corsa developed by Vauxhall, using a front-mounted electric motor producing 207kW and…

Kempower has completed its first electric vehicle (EV) charging project in the United Kingdom financed through its leasing partnership with DLL, marking the first UK deployment under a financing model designed to lower the upfront cost of installing public charging infrastructure. The charging hub, located at Astwick Service Station on the northbound A1 near Hitchin in Bedfordshire, forms part of the partnership launched by Kempower and DLL in 2024 to support the rollout of DC fast-charging infrastructure across Europe. Financing Model Targets Independent Operators The financing solution combines equipment leasing with maintenance services, allowing charging operators to spread investment costs…

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched a new 58kWh battery option for the ID. Buzz Cargo in the UK, introducing improvements in driving range, performance and onboard technology across the electric van range. The update replaces the previous 59kWh battery variant while lowering the vehicle’s entry price. Longer Range and Higher Output The new battery increases the ID. Buzz Cargo’s WLTP driving range to 218 miles (351 kilometres), up from the previous version by 17 miles (27 kilometres). Maximum power output has also increased from 125kW to 140kW, with Volkswagen attributing the improvements to more efficient battery cell technology. The new…

Hyundai Motor UK has announced that the Kona Electric now qualifies for the highest tier of the UK’s Electric Car Grant (ECG), making the all-electric crossover eligible for the full £3,750 government incentive. The upgrade follows a review of the model’s environmental supply chain and manufacturing credentials, increasing the available grant from the previous Band 2 level of £1,500. Full Government Incentive With the revised classification, customers purchasing the Hyundai Kona Electric will receive an additional £2,250 discount, bringing the total government incentive to £3,750. https://evmagz.com/hyundai-opens-dutch-orders-for-ioniq-3-starting-at-e27995/ The updated grant reduces the model’s starting price from £35,000 to £31,250. The UK…

Volkswagen has opened order books in the United Kingdom for the new ID. Polo, with prices starting at £23,945 ahead of regular customer sales beginning in September. The compact electric hatchback is initially available in Life Launch Edition and Style Launch Edition variants, while the standard production lineup is scheduled to go on sale on Sept. 10. UK Orders Begin The ID. Polo is offered with two battery options featuring net capacities of 37 kWh and 52 kWh, paired with power outputs of 116 PS, 135 PS and 211 PS. Depending on the variant, the model offers a WLTP driving…

Hertfordshire County Council has appointed Zest to deploy more than 1,000 public electric vehicle (EV) charge points across three districts as part of a 15-year programme to expand access to charging infrastructure. The project is supported by £1.8 million from the UK government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund alongside private investment. Installation of the first charge points is expected to begin later this year. https://evmagz.com/zest-surpasses-3000-public-ev-charging-points-across-the-uk/ Project Targets Residents Without Home Charging The council has divided Hertfordshire into several rollout areas, with Zest selected as one of three charge point operators responsible for delivering the network. Under the agreement, Zest…

London Ambulance Service (LAS) has expanded its electric vehicle fleet with the addition of 77 battery-electric emergency vehicles, further strengthening what it says is the United Kingdom’s largest fully electric ambulance fleet. The latest deployment includes 37 electric ambulances and 40 electric fast-response vehicles, bringing the organization’s fleet to 41 electric ambulances, 81 electric response cars and three electric motorcycles. https://evmagz.com/go-ahead-london-deploys-electric-midibuses-on-tfl-route-322/ Charging Network Expands Alongside Fleet The new vehicles are being introduced throughout the summer as LAS continues investing in charging infrastructure across London. Last year, the service installed 288 electric vehicle charging points at 18 ambulance stations, with 27%…

Denza, the premium automotive brand owned by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, has confirmed UK pricing for its flagship Z9 GT, opening customer orders ahead of deliveries planned for the fourth quarter. The company said the plug-in hybrid Z9 GT equipped with its Super DM powertrain will start at £95,000 in the UK, while the fully electric version has been priced from £105,000, positioning the model in the premium performance segment. https://evmagz.com/denza-z-tops-1000-global-pre-orders-within-24-hours-of-china-pre-sales/ The launch marks the next phase of Denza’s European expansion after the brand made its regional debut in Paris in April. At that event, BYD announced plans to…

Range Rover has confirmed the addition of a fifth model to its lineup with the introduction of the new Range Rover GT, the brand’s first fully electric vehicle and the first production model to be built on its new Electric Modular Architecture (EMA). First Production Model on New Electric Platform The Range Rover GT will launch initially as a battery electric vehicle, with a full hybrid version scheduled to follow. https://evmagz.com/jaguar-land-rover-says-armoured-electric-range-rover-not-feasible-for-uk-pm/ According to the company, the model has been developed as a grand tourer while maintaining the off-road capability associated with the Range Rover brand. The vehicle will be manufactured…

Nissan has surpassed 1.25 million electrified vehicle sales in Europe, marking a milestone as the Japanese automaker broadens its range of electric and hybrid models to meet increasing demand for low-emission transportation. The total includes nearly 350,000 battery-electric vehicles, reflecting the company’s continued investment in electrification across the European market. Expanded Electrified Portfolio Nissan said its current lineup represents the broadest range of electrified vehicles it has offered in Europe. The portfolio now includes the all-new MICRA electric vehicle, the third-generation LEAF, the updated Ariya, and the refreshed X-Trail equipped with Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid technology. The vehicles were recently showcased…

The Scottish Government has announced nearly £2 million in new funding to help accelerate the transition of the country’s haulage industry toward zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The funding package includes £1 million to help small and medium-sized fleet operators plan the transition away from diesel vehicles, alongside an additional £900,000 to strengthen workforce skills needed to support battery-electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. https://evmagz.com/scotlands-first-megawatt-ev-truck-charging-hub-goes-live-at-russell-group-depot/ Funding Supports Fleet Transition Planning The largest portion of the funding has been allocated to the SME Fleet Analysis Support Fund, which provides grants of up to £15,000 for eligible small and medium-sized businesses. The program is…

Moto Hospitality has opened a new ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hub at its Exeter motorway service station, expanding the site into what the company says is the largest EV charging hub in the United Kingdom. The latest phase of the Exeter Mega Hub adds 24 Moto Charge ultra-rapid charging bays capable of delivering charging speeds of up to 400 kW, significantly increasing charging capacity for both private motorists and commercial vehicle operators. Exeter Hub Reaches 100 Ultra-Rapid Charging Bays The newly installed Moto Charge units complement the site’s existing network of 32 Tesla Supercharger bays and 44 high-power chargers operated…

Nissan has introduced a service-activated warranty program for selected battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the United Kingdom, allowing owners to extend vehicle warranty coverage for up to six years or 100,000 miles by servicing their cars within the company’s authorized dealer network. The initiative applies to the new Micra EV, the all-new Leaf and the 2026 model-year Ariya, with Nissan stating that future battery-electric passenger vehicles launched by the brand will also be eligible. https://evmagz.com/nissan-launches-52kwh-leaf-in-uk-with-full-ev-grant-eligibility/ Annual Warranty Extension Eligible vehicles continue to receive Nissan’s standard manufacturer warranty of three years or 60,000 miles. After the original warranty expires, owners can activate…

Leicester City Council will expand its electric bus fleet with the addition of ten battery-electric buses under a project supported by approximately £4 million in government funding. The new vehicles, supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach, the United Kingdom’s importer and distributor of Yutong buses, are scheduled to enter service during the first quarter of 2027. Fleet Expansion Continues The electric buses will operate on council-supported services managed by Centrebus, serving routes 20, 24, 81, 83 and 162. https://evmagz.com/leicester-targets-240-electric-buses-by-2027-with-public-and-private-funding-boost/ The latest procurement follows Leicester’s earlier purchase of 24 Yutong battery-electric buses that are already in operation. Once the additional vehicles…

Geely Auto UK has announced pricing and specifications for the new EX2 electric crossover, with the entry-level model starting at £20,990 on-the-road and offering rear-wheel drive across the entire range. The compact battery-electric crossover will be available in three trim levels—Pro, Max and Ultra—and is built on Geely’s Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA). Three variants with up to 214 miles of range The entry-level EX2 Pro is powered by a 35kWh battery paired with a 60kW electric motor, delivering a WLTP driving range of up to 155 miles (249 kilometres). The higher-specification Max and Ultra variants feature a larger…

Denza has unveiled the BAO 5 in Europe, marking the debut of the premium brand’s first sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the region as it expands its model lineup beyond electric sedans and multipurpose vehicles. The plug-in hybrid SUV was introduced at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom and will join the Z9GT and D9 DM-i as Denza, BYD Group’s premium brand, broadens its retail network across Europe. Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Targets Off-Road Performance The BAO 5 is built on Denza’s Dual Mode Off-road (DMO) platform, combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with front and rear electric…