logo
#

Latest news with #CHAdeMO

Lexus UX300e offers enjoyable driving experience and refined interior
Lexus UX300e offers enjoyable driving experience and refined interior

South Wales Argus

time14 hours ago

  • Automotive
  • South Wales Argus

Lexus UX300e offers enjoyable driving experience and refined interior

It's a vehicle that ticks enough of the right boxes to be worthy of consideration for those on the lookout for a small electric SUV. Coming into 2025, the UX300e received a number of tweaks and revisions to increase choice for would-be buyers. These include new model grades, revised equipment specifications, an improved interior finish, and an upgraded digital instrument display. It's a car that also benefits from striking looks that are sufficient to turn a few heads as you drive along the high streets. Sharp creases in the side of the vehicle catch the sunlight The tone is set by the eye-catching front grille, which blends nicely with some sharp angles and a contemporary headlight signature. The bodywork is notable for the number of bold creases, while the look is completed by the full-width light bar at the rear. Front seat head and leg room is excellent, although the driver has a relatively low seating position. Things are a bit more cramped in the back seats and the boot. Behind the wheel, it's a comfortable and satisfying drive. The instant response from the electric motor makes it easier and safer when overtaking or pulling out at junctions, while the overall smoothness of the power delivery is a real plus-point. The car's main battery has an increased usable capacity of 64kWh, compared to earlier versions that had 54kWh, and powers one electric motor driving the front wheels. The vehicle looks smart from all angles That delivers 201bhp and 221lb ft of torque, with a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds. The UX300e delivers agile handling and feels to have a lower centre of gravity than many of its SUV rivals. To enhance the vehicle's control in corners, Lexus has ensured that all heavier components are concentrated at the middle of the car. For extra steering precision and driving refinement, the vehicle's GA-C platform has been stiffened by the extra rigidity of the underfloor battery and cross members. The car has a distinctive grille The vehicle does a decent enough job of absorbing bumps in the road, but can feel a bit unsettled on broken or undulating B-roads. At motorway speeds, it settles down nicely to provide a very relaxing drive, while longer motorway drives have been made easier by the new, bigger battery introduced within the last few years. Official figures suggest that up to 280 miles is possible on a single charge, but I found that to be closer to 250 in real world driving conditions, which is still reasonably good. However, the charging situation isn't too good. The vehicle's rapid charging tops out at 50kW, which provides an 80 per cent charge in about 90 minutes. The UX uses a CHAdeMO socket for its DC rapid charging, which are not always easy to find because CCS tends to be more widespread. The interior is refined and features premium materials The renamed entry point to the UX 300e is Urban grade, which comes with17-inch alloys, power adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone integration, reversing camera and the Lexus Link Connect multimedia system with cloud-based navigation and eight-inch touchscreen. A seven-inch digital diver's instrument display is new to the UX 300e. The new Premium grade provides rear privacy glass, illuminated door handles, front and rear parking sensors, a driver monitor, smart entry, power back door, LED front fog lights and roof rails. Premium Plus grade gets you 18-inch alloys, aluminium scuff plates, a wireless smartphone charger, Tahara synthetic leather upholstery, heated front and outer rear seats and front seat ventilation, plus additional safety features. Premium Plus Tech is another new grade, with extra technology features such as a 12.3-inch display, 13-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system and a 12.3-inch driver's digital instrument display. The top-spec Takumi version includes smooth leather upholstery, a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, hands-free power back door, head-up display, sunroof and three-eye LED headlights. Lexus UX300e PRICE RANGE: £40,065 to £51,145 RRP ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds RANGE: 274-281 miles DRIVE: front wheels POWER: 201bhp BATTERY: 64kWh

2026 Nissan Leaf EV revealed in more detail
2026 Nissan Leaf EV revealed in more detail

The Advertiser

time2 days ago

  • Automotive
  • The Advertiser

2026 Nissan Leaf EV revealed in more detail

Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from: Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from: Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from: Ahead of its launch on June 18, Nissan has revealed some details about the third-generation Leaf, which is adopting an SUV-like design. The new electric vehicle (EV) is due in Australia during 2026. Nissan revealed the new Leaf's front profile at the end of March, showing off the car's rounder shape, taller ride height, and aerodynamic front end. According to Nobutaka Tase, the Leaf program's design director, the new model is the "most aero efficient car we've ever made" thanks to its fastback-style body, active grille shutters, flat underbody, flush-fitting door handles, and "optimised" wheel design. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's also an e-dimming panoramic glass roof, which Tase-san claims allowed the team to lower "critical air detachment points by 12mm". In the US and Japan the most efficient Leaf variants will have a coefficient of drag of 0.26, while European models bring that number down to 0.25 as they have unique wing mirror and alloy wheel designs . Richard Candler, vice president in charge of global product strategy, says the Leaf is "icon for us" and is "one of our core heartbeat models". In order for the new Leaf to be a "credible alternative to combustion engine vehicles" it will be able to do "300 to 500km between stops". According to Mr Candler the "average refuelling stop is around 14 minutes, and in that time [the new Leaf] can add over 250km of charge with seamless plug and charge capability". The current Leaf is hamstrung by its CHAdeMO charger, ports for which are getting harder to find at public charging stations, and a passively air-cooled battery that struggles to keep things at the right temperature in extreme climates, potentially lead to high levels of battery degradation. Under the skin, the new Leaf employs the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the Ariya electric crossover. The platform, rebranded as AmpR Medium, also serves as the basis of the Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. This should mean the adoption of active cooling systems, and the use of popular charging ports, like CCS in Europe and Australia. The Ariya is available with 65kWh and 90kWh battery packs, and a selection of drivetrains, starting with a 160kW/300Nm front-wheel drive setup and topping out with a 290kW/600Nm all-wheel drive dual-motor system. Depending on the drivetrain and battery pack combo, the Ariya's WLTP driving range is between 360km and 500km. By way of comparison, the second-generation Leaf has a 110kW/320Nm motor paired to a 39kWh battery in its base trim, offering a WLTP driving range of 270km. The e+ variant has a beefier 160kW/340Nm electric motor, larger 62kWh battery, and a WLTP range of 385km. Since the original Leaf's launch back in 2010 around 700,000 have been sold worldwide. At one stage it was the world's best-selling EV ever, but it has since been overtaken by the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Collectively all of the world's Leaf models have covered an estimated 28 billion kilometres. The new Leaf will go on sale in Australia in 2026. Local models will likely be sourced from Nissan's factory in Sunderland, UK. MORE: Everything Nissan Leaf Content originally sourced from:

Japan considers subsidies for Tesla's EV charging stations, Reuters says
Japan considers subsidies for Tesla's EV charging stations, Reuters says

Business Insider

time18-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • Business Insider

Japan considers subsidies for Tesla's EV charging stations, Reuters says

Japan is considering a plan to offer subsidies for building charging stations for Tesla (TSLA) vehicles in tariff discussions with the U.S., Reuters reports, citing TBS. The Japanese government currently provides subsidies for installing charging stations for EVs for the 'CHAdeMO', but not for Tesla's 'Supercharger.' Confident Investing Starts Here: Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks straight to you inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Published first on TheFly – the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>>

Japan mulls subsidies for Tesla's EV charging stations in tariff talks, TBS says
Japan mulls subsidies for Tesla's EV charging stations in tariff talks, TBS says

Time of India

time17-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • Time of India

Japan mulls subsidies for Tesla's EV charging stations in tariff talks, TBS says

Japan is considering a plan to offer subsidies for building charging stations for Tesla electric vehicles in tariff talks with the United States, broadcaster TBS reported on Saturday. The government currently provides subsidies for installing charging stations for EVs only for the charging standard " CHAdeMO ", which originated in Japan, but not for Tesla 's "Supercharger", the report said. The US Trade Representative (USTR) has raised concerns about this issue and is requesting improvements, TBS said. Japan is seeking a third round of US trade talks next week and the nation's top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, could travel to Washington. Separately, the Nikkei business daily reported that Japanese negotiators have signalled a willingness to discuss a reduction in US tariffs on Japan, which include 25% on automobile and auto parts and 24% on other goods, rather than pushing Washington to eliminate them completely. Akazawa has repeatedly said Tokyo wanted full removal of the US tariffs on Japan. The country's priority has been to win exemptions from US tariffs on automobile and auto parts - the key sector in its export-heavy economy.

EV Charging Format to Be Discussed in Japan-U.S. Tariff Talks

time01-05-2025

  • Automotive

EV Charging Format to Be Discussed in Japan-U.S. Tariff Talks

News from Japan Society May 1, 2025 15:21 (JST) Washington, April 30 (Jiji Press)--With Japan and the United States set to hold the second round of their tariff negotiations on Thursday, the two sides are expected to discuss Japan's electric vehicle charging format, known as CHAdeMO. The U.S. side has taken issue with Japan's subsidies for developing CHAdeMO stations, but not for chargers based on foreign standards, such as those of U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc. Japanese economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa is set to hold talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and other officials in Washington on Thursday afternoon. While U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is pressing Japan to increase its auto and agricultural imports from his country, the Japanese government is looking at proposals to relax rules for applying simplified certification procedures for imported vehicles and to expand soybean and corn imports. "Although we cannot give up our national interests, Japanese companies are suffering losses every day," Akazawa said before leaving for the United States on Wednesday. "We need to 'make haste slowly,'" he added. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store