Latest news with #FutureofRoads
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major rule change for millions of EV drivers across England – will YOU be affected?
The rule has already come into effect ELECTRIC SHOCK Major rule change for millions of EV drivers across England – will YOU be affected? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR rule change could affect millions of electric vehicle drivers. The rule came into effect on May 29. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 A new rule could make it even easier to find EV charging stations Credit: Getty 4 EVs could save drivers £1,100 a year in running costs Credit: Getty 4 The new rule came into effect on May 29 Credit: Getty It is good news for electric vehicle drivers, as the new rule means that drivers and businesses no longer need to submit a planning application before installing public or private EV sockets. It's hoped that it will save both money and time for drivers and the planning committees. Lilian Greenwood, the Future of Roads Minister, announced the news. She said in an announcement: "More drivers will be able to save up to £1,100 a year as the government cuts red tape to make it easier than ever to install electric vehicle chargepoints." This saving is calculated for the comparative running cost of a petrol or diesel model. The minister is hoping that the new system will lead to more public charging points, encouraging drivers to go electric. There are currently an estimated 80,000 charge points in the UK. with one installed every 29 minutes according to the statement. In the last year alone, 18,000 sockets were installed in workplace carparks. Further incentives have been offered through a scheme that entitles those renting or owning a flat with on-street parking to receive £350 off the cost of installing a home charger. Some motorists seemed less than thrilled by the news, sharing their concerns on social media. Japanese giant unveils its new bargain EV with quirky 'bug eye' headlights One person wrote: "There's four houses on my street it's going to be chocker block, my husband wouldn't be able to pull into the drive." Others were skeptical about how successful the scheme will be, as one said: "It will take decades for electric infrastructure not to mention the streets and homes and flats with no access for electric charging points." Another commented: "Why is our government so fixed on forcing us down the ev manufacturers are scaling back on ev now." As more car manufacturers shift towards electric vehicles, the government is hoping Britain will become a leader in the eco-friendly industry. Not only will this help with meeting climate targets, but they hope it will also create more jobs as part of their Plan for Change initiative. The government has already safeguarded 150,000 jobs in the industry through trade deals with the US, India and the EU. A further 1,000 jobs were created by an investment of £1 billion in a Sunderland-based gigafactory - the term for an electric vehicle manufacturing plant. Responding to the new changes, the Operations Director of Osprey Charging Network Lewis Gardiner, said: "This is a hugely welcome and practical change that will make a real difference on the ground. "Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need. "It's the result of months of collaboration between industry and government and we're proud to have played a key role in making it happen." Switching to an electric vehicle can bring a range of benefits for drivers, particularly as the market continues to expand. This includes financial benefits like the running costs being as low as 2p per mile. As the market expands, EV cars are becoming more affordable, with 2 in 5 used EVs now under £20,000 and 29 brand new models for under £30,000. Their engines have also improved, with most new EVs boasting a range of nearly 300 miles on one charge. The new government rule is helping to make it easier than ever to drive an electric vehicle, with the hopes of encouraging more accessible charging stations across the UK.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major rule change for millions of EV drivers across England – will YOU be affected?
A MAJOR rule change could affect millions of electric vehicle drivers. The rule came into effect on May 29. Advertisement 4 A new rule could make it even easier to find EV charging stations Credit: Getty 4 EVs could save drivers £1,100 a year in running costs Credit: Getty 4 The new rule came into effect on May 29 Credit: Getty It is good news for electric vehicle drivers, as the new rule means that drivers and businesses no longer need to submit a planning application before installing public or private EV sockets. It's hoped that it will save both Lilian Greenwood, the Future of Roads Minister, announced the news. She said in an Advertisement Read more Motors This saving is calculated for the comparative running cost of a petrol or diesel model. The minister is hoping that the There are currently an estimated 80,000 charge points in the UK. with one installed every 29 minutes according to the statement. In the last year alone, 18,000 sockets were installed in workplace carparks. Advertisement Most read in Motors Breaking Some motorists seemed less than thrilled by the news, sharing their concerns on social media. Japanese giant unveils its new bargain EV with quirky 'bug eye' headlights One person wrote: "There's four houses on my street it's going to be chocker block, my husband wouldn't be able to pull into the drive." Others were skeptical about how successful the scheme will be, as one said: "It will take decades for electric infrastructure not to mention the streets and homes and flats with no access for electric charging points." Advertisement Another commented: "Why is our government so fixed on forcing us down the ev manufacturers are scaling back on ev now." As more car manufacturers shift towards Not only will this help with meeting climate targets, but they hope it will also create more jobs as part of their Plan for Change initiative. The government has already safeguarded 150,000 jobs in the industry through trade deals with the US, India and the EU. Advertisement A further 1,000 jobs were created by an investment of £1 billion in a Sunderland-based Responding to the new changes, the Operations Director of Osprey Charging Network Lewis Gardiner, said: "This is a hugely welcome and practical change that will make a real difference on the ground. "Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need. "It's the result of months of collaboration between industry and government and we're proud to have played a key role in making it happen." Advertisement Switching to an electric vehicle can bring a range of benefits for drivers, particularly as the market continues to expand. This includes As the market expands, EV cars are becoming more affordable, with 2 in 5 used EVs now under £20,000 and 29 brand new models for under £30,000. Their engines have Advertisement The new government rule is helping to make it easier than ever to drive an electric vehicle, with the hopes of encouraging more accessible charging stations across the UK. 4 The government is working to make the UK a leader in the EV industry Credit: Getty
Business Mayor
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Mayor
Boost for UK farmers after 'significant' change to which tractors are allowed on roads
UK farmers are set to produce their own fuel to power vehicles as hydrogen-powered tractors, which have 'performance advantages' over battery electric machinery, are now allowed on the country's roads. The change, which manufacturers say is a boost to British growers, was made on Tuesday by the Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, and gives the green light to the use of hydrogen-fuelled agricultural and engineering plant vehicles, works trucks, or Category T tractors. It comes after new regulations allowing the vehicles were set out in a consultation by the previous Conservative government in 2024. Experts say that the statutory instrument will have 'significant ramifications' for agriculture as it works to replace diesel. Manufacturers continue to create new models, such as the hydrogen-fuelled Steyr prototype tractor. In 2021, JCB became one of the first agricultural engine makers to run its conventional power plants on compressed hydrogen successfully. The company told the Express that, even though it does not yet make a farm tractor fuelled by hydrogen, using a 'pioneering hydrogen combustion engine technology', there is no reason why the firm could not develop one in the future. The National Farming Union (NFU) suggested that, despite advantages presented by the technology, the transition away from fossil fuels will likely involve other ways of powering equipment. The union's Deputy President, David Exwood, said: 'The NFU believes that for hydrogen to be employed safely, it must pose no greater risk than other agricultural machinery fuels currently available in terms of its use, storage and distribution. 'The technical performance advantages of hydrogen over battery electric machinery could enable hydrogen fuel conversions for large tractors and combine harvesters, as well as engine options on new agricultural machinery, although this is likely to be one solution alongside battery electric power, biomethane and synthetic or HVO diesel.' Read More Will AI revolutionise or ruin video games? - National Herald JCB has emphasised that batteries are 'not practical for equipment with high power demands, and for machines that work in remote locations, such as backhoe loaders and large excavators'. It adds that batteries would 'weigh too much, cost too much and there would not be enough time to charge them, even if on-site charging infrastructure was in place'. Estonian manufacturer of electrolyser stacks and systems for green hydrogen production, Stargate Hydrogen, states that hydrogen fuel cells 'have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, leading to lower maintenance requirements and longer operational lifespans for machinery'. The firm adds: 'This can translate into cost savings and less downtime for essential farm equipment.' Similarly, Pennsylvania State University in the US says that hydrogen fuel cells 'efficiently convert fuel to electricity', which can 'translate to more power for farm equipment, improving their overall performance and productivity'. Experts add: 'Higher energy efficiency means that hydrogen-powered vehicles can cover more ground on a single tank, reducing downtime for refuelling.' In addition, specialists say that hydrogen can be stored for longer periods than regular fuel, providing a reliable energy source even in remote locations. But JCB has said that a hydrogen engine is a 'like-for-like replacement for a diesel engine in a machine, delivering similar efficiency levels'. The firm added: 'What's appealing to farmers is that, unlike diesel, they can potentially produce their own hydrogen fuel on the farm using solar, wind, or gas from an anaerobic digester.' JCB also highlighted that the legislation now permits the driving of hydrogen powered loadall telescopic handlers on roads, which are used equally in construction for lifting and loading bricks on building projects, and on UK farms for materials handling. Jobs include lifting farm produce and loading it into/onto trailers, grabbing hay to feed animals in fields or in yard pens. The manufacturer said: 'This hydrogen-powered JCB machine exists today as an advanced prototype with a hydrogen combustion engine under the bonnet. 'Yesterday's amendment to the road regulations means this agricultural vehicle can now be driven on UK roads, between farmyard and fields, and between fields. 'This is great news and bodes well for the future of hydrogen, as a zero CO2 fuel of the future in farming to replace diesel.' READ SOURCE
The Independent
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Exclusive: Minister talks electric cars, charging networks and... pot holes
Government minister Lilian Greenwood MP joins The Independent to talk all things electric cars - from charging networks to her own personal experiences having driven them. The Minister for Future of Roads climbed into a British-built Nissan Leaf and ran through what the government is doing to promote electric vehicle usage in the UK. And, of course, what more important to the future of Britain's roads than... Ms Greenwood's thoughts on pot holes? Watch more from Drive Smart on Independent TV.
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Government to spend £120m to help van drivers and cabbies make the switch to EVs
The Department for Transport has announced it will spend £120m to support drivers, businesses and fleets make the switch to electric vehicles, as part of the government's £2.3b plan to encourage the UK's transition to zero emissions vehicles. Future of Roads minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed that DfT will extend the plug-in van grant for another year, with the goal of helping van drivers and businesses make the switch more easily. The grant offers drivers up to £5,000 for larger vans. Since launching in 2012 the scheme has helped to sell over 80,000 electric and zero emission vehicles. The department is also removing the additional training requirements for drivers of zero emission vans, which are heavier than their petrol and diesel equivalents, making it easier for fleet managers and businesses to find and hire qualified drivers. Future of Roads minister Lilian Greenwood, said: 'From van drivers and businesses, to drivers with accessibility needs, bikers and cabbies, we are making it easier, faster and cheaper for people to switch to electric vehicles.' Similar grants are being extended for another year to help taxi drivers and bikers make the switch to electric vehicles. Cabbies can continue to apply for £4,000 of support to buy a zero emission black cab, as well as other models. The plug-in wheelchair accessible vehicle grant cap is also being increased from £35,000 to £50,000, meaning drivers of accessible vehicles will have a greater choice of cars. The government will also continue to offer bikers a £500 grant towards an electric motorbike for another year. According to the DfT there were over 382,000 electric cars sold in 2024 – up 20 per cent on the previous year – while the public charging network gained an extra 20,000 charging points, taking the total to over 74,000 public chargers. The National Audit Office estimates the government is on track to deliver the 300,000 charging points needed by 2030 to support the nation's growing population of EV drivers. In February the government concluded a consultation on the proposed 2030 phase out of petrol and diesel cars, the findings of which are expected to be published later this year. Meanwhile, the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate – which requires vehicle makers to grow the percentage of all-electric vehicles they sell each year or face fines – increased to 28 per cent in 2025 for cars and 16 per cent for vans.
