The UK has installed its 10,000th rapid electric vehicle charger, according to a leading device mapping provider.
New data from Zapmap suggests that the 10,000th charge point was installed at Sedbergh Leisure Centre in Bradford as part of the GeniePoint network of charging stations. It now means that there are over 10,000 rapid and ultra-rapid charging devices installed across 5,000 locations nationwide.
These high-output chargers are able to top-up an electric vehicle quickly, with some of the speediest devices able to take a compatible EV from 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes. The power rating of charge points being installed is increasing, according to Zapmap, with devices of 100kW or more becoming ‘increasingly prevalent’.
At the end of 2020, there were just 788 devices capable of delivering 100kW of power or more in the UK. As of December 2023, this number has risen to 4,504 devices making up 45 per cent of the total number of high-powered devices installed in the UK.
💥The UK has passed the significant milestone of 10,000 high-powered charge points, across 5,000 locations.
⚡️The 10,000th point is a rapid device installed at #Sedbergh Leisure Centre in #Bradford, and is part of the @GeniePointEV network.
Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder & COO at Zapmap, said: “Hitting the 10,000 high-powered charging devices mark is really important for electric car drivers across the country. Having surpassed 8,000 rapid and ultra-rapid devices as recently as May 2023, it’s fantastic to see this latest milestone arrive just in time for Christmas.
“The availability of more than 5,000 charging locations with rapid or ultra-rapid chargers spread right across the country, many of which are hubs, will give drivers confidence to drive electric wherever they go during the festive period.”
This milestone doesn’t account for slower devices which can be a better option for longer stops in an electric vehicle. As of November 2023, there were 53,029 individual chargers of all speeds placed at 30,853 locations. Last month, 1,513 new electric chargers were added to Zapmap’s charging database.
As long-term car loans go, they don’t get much better than six months with an Audi RS6.
As my colleagues will testify, I can usually find at least one thing to moan about most cars – but when it comes to this mighty estate I can honestly say I struggle to find a bad word to say about it.
For me, an RS6 is about as perfect as cars can get. You get the practicality of an SUV with a huge boot that swallows pretty much anything you throw at it, but all coupled with excellent driving dynamics, handling and supercar power.
I’ve never been a huge fan of SUVs that seem to dominate the best-selling car charts and have always favoured the humble estate. In fact, were it my own money I was shelling out on a family car, a powerful performance load lugger like this would be top of my list.
What I really love about the Audi is the fact that while it might have 591bhp under the bonnet and the ability to hit 60mph in 3.6 seconds – which, for the record, is faster than a Ferrari 360 – it can still be wonderfully sedate when you want it to be.
When you’ve got a baby in a child seat in the back, and the rest of the family along for the ride, it’s good to know that the RS6 can behave itself with a compliant ride and wafting acceleration rather than always being an unruly racer.
To be honest, I rarely test the car’s potent acceleration for fear of losing my licence. That’s why it sometimes comes as a bit of a surprise quite how much oomph it’s packing when I do need it at a busy junction, or when joining a fast-flowing motorway.
The only time I’m really reminded of the 4.0-litre V8 propelling me around is when I glance down at the average fuel economy. On a recent trip into London, I was achieving a painful 9mpg in traffic. Yes, it made me wince too.
However, on longer journeys – one to Leeds and that same aforementioned trip to London – the Audi has managed to top 30mpg on the motorway. It manages this by shutting off the engine and coasting when it can. That said, I still fill up the 70-litre petrol tank all too frequently at wallet-punishing prices.
However, as a family-friendly car, the RS6 works brilliantly. The child car seat fits onto the ISOFIX points in the back with plenty of space to spare for the front seat passenger, and the cavernous boot has swallowed pushchair and baby accompaniments on many occasions without trouble.
I’ve had a few warning lights illuminate on the dash in recent weeks, but thankfully nothing serious. The first was a low oil level light which meant some urgent addition of some Mobil 1, while the second was low tyre pressures. The latter I put down to the recent cold snap, but I have topped them up nonetheless.
There are lots of other little things to love about the Audi that all add up to make it a great car to live with. The infotainment system is first class with the excellent integration of wireless CarPlay, a real boon.
I’m also a big fan of the memory seats. My better half is roughly half my height. Ok, that might be pushing it, but every time I get in after she’s been driving the RS6, I smack my knees on the steering wheel and head butt the sun visor. Fortunately, the memory seat button puts the seat and steering wheel back into my favoured position swiftly – I just wish it would adjust the rear view mirror too.
The sound system is monumentally good and the haptic feedback touch screens – of which it has two – are great to use and display information clearly. Everything is so intuitive to use that you only really notice how good it is when you try to use a system in another car. Few have lived up to the ease of the Audi.
I was reminded of quite how good the RS6 was during a recent swap into a Bentley Flying Spur test car. While from the same manufacturing stable, I found the Bentley incredibly uncomfortable to drive compared to the Audi and the tech far less simple to use. And despite its far bigger proportions, I would say the RS6 was capable of carrying more.
While the Bentley might have a luxury badge, and cost twice as much as the RS6, I was frankly quite glad to get back in my Audi. And if anything speaks of a long-term test car’s brilliance, it’s that.
Next up for the RS6 is my annual pilgrimage to the Alps. I’ll be adding roof bars, top box and winter tyres for the trip and am nearly as excited about driving it down there as I am for the snow. I’ll report back on how that trip goes next time.
Facts at a glance
Model: Audi RS6
Price as tested: £106,020
Engine: 4.0-litre V8
Power: 591bhp
Torque: 800Nm
0-60mph: 3.6 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
MPG: 22.4mpg (combined)
Emissions: 286g/km CO2
Mileage: 12,876
November was another strong month for the new car market, with sales returning to pre-pandemic levels for the first time.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 156,625 new cars were registered last month – 9.5 per cent more than a year earlier. Fleet registrations continue to drive this growth, with almost 60 per cent of sales being to fleets in November.
But what are the new cars that are proving most popular? Let’s take a look at the 10 best-sellers in November.
1. Ford Puma – 4,298 registrations
(Ford)
After a shaky few years in the new car market, Ford looks to have found its feet once again with the Puma crossover, which was the most popular car in November, with 4,298 registrations. It looks set to become the UK’s most popular car overall for the full year as well.
Now that the Fiesta has been discontinued, the Puma is the obvious choice for Ford buyers looking for the most affordable model from the Blue Oval, with its smart styling and enjoyable driving experience giving plenty of reasons to consider it.
2. Vauxhall Corsa – 4,185
Vauxhall has just introduced a facelifted version of its Corsa, and it’s clear this is having minimal impact on its sales, with this supermini being the second most popular car in November with 4,185 registrations.
The Corsa’s latest refresh gives the car a new front-end design, bringing it in line with the rest of the Vauxhall line-up, along with more technology and in the case of the electric version, a longer range of up to 246 miles.
3. Nissan Qashqai – 4,116
The British-built Nissan Qashqai continues to be a hugely popular choice in the family car segment, with 4,116 examples of this crossover being registered last month. Fleet sales are particularly strong for it, too.
The Qashqai’s mix of style, practicality and generous equipment levels make it one of the best SUVs in its class, while the addition of the e-Power hybrid model makes it a good fit for those looking to make the first step into something electrified.
4. Mini – 3,528
A new generation of Mini might be arriving in 2024, but that’s not stopping sales for the existing version of this well-loved hatchback, which was the fourth most popular car in November, with 3,528 registrations.
Even as the Mini Hatch gets on in terms of age, it remains the most stylish and fun-to-drive car in its class. The Electric version, despite its small range of around 145 miles, continues to sell well too, particularly in urban areas.
5. Ford Kuga – 3,202
Ford had a strong month in November, with two of the five most popular cars coming from the firm. Its larger Kuga SUV had a strong month, with 3,302 registrations.
This Nissan Qashqai rival continues to be a hit with families that value its practical interior and generous equipment levels. Ford also offers both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid on the Kuga, with these two versions being particularly popular.
6. Kia Sportage – 3,045
Kia’s Sportage is now a regular in the list of top 10 cars and continues to help drive this South Korean brand’s growth in the UK. Just over 3,000 Sportages were registered during November, too.
There’s a lot to like about the Sportage, including its modern interior and exterior and impressively spacious interior. The good availability of electrified versions continues to make it a hit, as does Kia’s fantastic seven-year warranty.
7. Vauxhall Mokka – 2,917
Reflective of the sharp increase in small SUVs, Vauxhall’s Mokka has continued to grow in popularity during 2023, with just shy of 3,000 examples registered in November.
The Mokka’s striking design continues to prove popular with buyers, as does its efficient engines and smart interior. There’s also the option of an electric version, while Vauxhall is expected to introduce an updated version in the next few months.
8. MG HS – 2,734
MG is a car firm that continues to grow, with strong sales for pretty much all its cars, including its many electric models. But in November, it was the mid-size HS SUV that proved the most popular, with 2,734 examples being sold.
The key attraction to the HS is its value for money, with a £23,495 starting price significantly undercutting rivals. A recent facelift has helped to freshen up the HS’ styling, while there’s also the option of a plug-in hybrid version.
9. Volkswagen Golf – 2,733
Volkswagen’s Golf is the kind of car that can be mentioned anywhere and instantly imagined. The ever-popular hatch entered its eighth generation in 2020 and, despite being hampered initially by Covid-related shutdowns, has only gone from strength to strength in terms of sales.
Available in a variety of guises including efficient-yet-sporty GTE and out-and-out performance R, the Golf continues to hit the mark for all different types of drivers.
10. Audi A3 – 2,726
Few cars have the all-rounder appeal of the Audi A3, which has been the German firm’s core hatchback for decades now. These days, the A3 is more tech-heavy than ever with loads of great features inside pulled together with Audi’s traditionally strong sense of build quality.
There are loads of engines to choose from with the A3, too, including an efficient plug-in hybrid which can help reduce monthly running costs.
Toyota will enter the large commercial market for the first time with its new Proace Max
The van will arrive in dealerships in 2024 and be available in diesel and pure-electric forms, along with a wide variety of body configurations. Toyota says the electric version will have class-leading range and load-carrying capability.
The new Proace comes through the Japanese manufacturer’s tie-up with Stellantis and is based on a model first launched in 2006, which currently comes in Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and Vauxhall forms. Toyota’s other two Proace vans are also based on Stellantis platforms.
Under the bonnet lies the choice of a 2.2-litre diesel with 138bhp with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearboxes, and a battery electric powertrain.
The electric version is powered by a 268bhp electric motor and a 110kWh battery, giving it a best-in-class electric range of up to 261 miles WLTP tested – that’s more than the recently revealed Renault Master E-Tech Electric and some of the Proace’s Stellantis sister vans. The Proace Max also gets 11kW AC charging and an 80 per cent top-up can be completed in 55 minutes thanks to 150kW DC charging.
Along with a class-leading EV driving range, the Proace also leads the way in load and towing capabilities, says Toyota. It has a 17m2 maximum volume, 1,800kg payload and 2,000kg towing capacity.
The Proace will come in four different sizes based on two wheelbase options, three different lengths and two heights. Specialist Toyota Professional dealerships will also be able to order factory-built variants including tippers, drop-side versions, crew cab models, and chassis cabs.
Two trim levels will be available with top spec versions featuring a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a smartphone app allowing owners to monitor range data and lock and unlock the van.
Toyota has also updated its Proace and Proace City vans with both getting an electric range boost – 217 miles on a full charge for the Proace while the smaller Proace City can now travel up to 201 miles. Both also get a new front-end styling.
Prices for Toyota’s new van range will be announced at a later date.
New car registrations grew by 9.5 per cent in November as figures closed in on reaching pre-pandemic levels.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 156,525 vehicles were registered during the month, down by just 96 units on pre-pandemic 2019’s sales.
Growth was largely pushed through by fleets ‘investing in the latest vehicles’ according to the SMMT, with registrations in this area growing by 25.4 per cent to account for 94,049 vehicles and a 59.4 per cent share of the market as a whole.
Private demand, meanwhile, fell by 5.9 per cent to 60,506 registrations, while business uptake dropped by 32.7 per cent to 2,970 units.
The picture for the market overall looks good, however, with year-to-date figures up 18.76 at 1.762 million units as the segment continues recovering steadily over a period of 16 months.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Britain’s new car market continues to recover, fuelled by fleets investing in the latest and greenest new vehicles. With car makers gearing up to meet their responsibilities under new market legislation, and COP28 currently underway, now is the time to take sensible steps that will multiply that economic growth and minimise carbon emissions.”
The SMMT’s figures show that November proved fruitful for both hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles which saw rises of 27.8 and 55.8 to 20,525 and 15,871 units respectively.
Demand for electric vehicles continues to remain largely within the fleet segment, as of the 24,359 new electric vehicles delivered during November 77.4 per cent were taken on by fleets or businesses. Overall battery-electric vehicle sales fell by 17.1 per cent in the month, though the SMMT says that this was ‘atypical’ and put it down to a surge in electric registrations in November 2022 following supply-chain disruption.
Year-to-date figures show that electric vehicle registrations are up 27.5 per cent with a 16.3 per cent market share and the SMMT expects this to rise to 22.3 per cent next year.
Hawes added: “Private EV buyers need incentives in line with those that have so successfully driven business uptake – and workable trade rules that promote rather than penalise the transition.”
The first Tesla Cybertrucks have been delivered to customers, with the futuristic-looking model bringing a range of up to 340 miles and a claimed ability to be completely bulletproof.
Revealed at a customer delivery event where the initial models were handed to their new owners, the Cybertruck was first revealed in prototype form back in November 2019 where it was promised that production would begin.
The first production model was shown in July this year, but is only now that production has commenced in earnest with Tesla boss Elon Musk stating that “I think it’s our best product.”
Tesla claims that the Cybertruck will return up to 340 miles from a single charge, while a top-level tri-motor setup will deliver 845bhp and a 0-60mph time of 2.6 seconds. However, a regular version with ‘just’ 600bhp and two motors instead of three will also be available.
Equipped with adaptive air suspension the Cybertruck is claimed to be ‘built for any planet’ while 35-inch all-terrain tyres and 17 inches of ground clearance should enable it to tackle larger obstacles. It also features locking differentials for even better capability off-road. All-wheel-steering – which effectively helps to shorten its wheelbase – means that the Cybertruck should have a far smaller turning circle than a typical car of its size.
Its stainless steel exterior helps it to resist corrosion while Tesla says that this material is easy to repair with dents and low-level damage simple to sort. The shatter-resistant glass is said to be able to resist ‘the impact of a baseball at 70mph’, too.
The Cybertruck still remains unavailable to order fully, though customers can place a $100 (£77) deposit in order to reserve a build slot.
Motoring presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are to leave Amazon’s The Grand Tour after a ‘final special’ airs next year.
The trio, who previously starred on the BBC’s Top Gear together for more than a decade, were snapped up by Amazon’s Prime streaming service in 2015 and have done five series’ for the firm, along with various special episodes.
The trio have just returned from Zimbabwe after completing their final special for Amazon. While away on filming, the trio posted after British Airways had cancelled their flight and they were ‘stranded’ on a ‘sunset safari with gin and tonics and meerkats’.
Jeremy Clarkson posted on X, formerly Twitter, thanking the Zimbabwean people. He said: “My profound thanks to the people and government of Zimbabwe for helping to make a very special Grand Tour special, very special. We absolutely adored everything about your country. Apart from the potholes maybe.”
In an Instagram post, Clarkson confirmed that The Grand Tour was “no more” after next year.
Amazon Prime said they had ‘no official comment’ on the presenters leaving, but added that ‘options are being explored’ for the show’s future.
An Amazon spokesperson told the PA news agency: “Jeremy, Richard and James have just returned from shooting in Zimbabwe, this final special with the trio is heading into the edit and will launch at a later date next year.
“The next The Grand Tour special set in Mauritania will launch in February 2024. Options are being explored for the future of a new The Grand Tour, it’s yet to go through greenlight.”
It follows the news last week that Top Gear was being rested for the “foreseeable future” by the BBC, following production being halted in December 2022 after former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff was involved in a serious accident during filming at the Top Gear test track in Dunsfold, Surrey.
Clarkson has, however, confirmed that Clarkson’s Farm – which follows the motoring star’s journey in running a farm – will continue, and has been commissioned for a fourth series, adding that there was “a LOT more” to come.
Many young drivers are not maintaining their cars properly due to inflation and cost-of-living pressures, a new survey suggests.
The poll commissioned by the RAC indicated 26% of drivers aged 17-24 have put off necessary repairs to save money while 28% are not having their vehicles serviced as frequently as they should.
Some 6% of respondents in this age group admitted to the illegal step of deliberately avoiding putting their car through its annual MOT, which tests a number of parts such as lights, seatbelts, tyres and brakes to ensure they meet legal standards.
Across all age groups, 38% of drivers said they have reduced spending on their cars, whether that is switching to a cheaper insurer (19%), servicing their vehicles less often (12%) or putting off repairs (11%).
The figure rises to 64% for those aged 17-24.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “It’s clear from the findings of our research that inflation and the cost-of-living crisis are causing drivers to cut back on car repairs, which will almost certainly lead to an overall reduction in the roadworthiness of vehicles using the roads.
“But the sheer extent to which younger drivers are being affected by rising prices is also a major cause for concern.
“Many will be in older, cheaper vehicles anyway meaning the risks of something going wrong if they don’t look after them properly could be higher than for the general driving population.
“As a country we can ill afford to have more unroadworthy cars being driven. Last year, an average of five people were killed on our roads every day, a figure that hasn’t reduced significantly in years.
“This is why the RAC continues to oppose Government proposals to increase the gap between mandatory MOTs for older vehicles from 12 months to two years.”
The Department for Transport is analysing feedback from a consultation carried out earlier this year which sought views on the frequency of MOTs.
Reports emerged in April last year that then-transport secretary Grant Shapps suggested halving the frequency of MOTs from every year to every two years to save people money.
– The survey of 2,583 UK drivers was carried out for the RAC by research company Online95. The figures were weighted to be nationally representative.
Dacia’s new Duster has hit the road with a fresh new look, efficiency-boosting hybrid technology and a variety of new ‘green’ materials.
The Duster has proven to be a hit for Dacia, with over 2.2 million units produced during its 13 years on sale. Well-known for its value-orientated approach, the Duster has often been one of the cheapest SUVs on the market.
The new third-generation Duster arrives with an eye-catching new design which incorporates a similarly boxy look to its predecessor but with plenty of updated touches. Its front end features far sharper headlights than on the older model, while Dacia’s new logo sits at front and rear. The back of the Duster is noticeably different to its predecessor with distinctive lights which appear to wrap around the sides of the car.
Many classic Duster off-road hallmarks remain, however, including front and rear skid plates and wheel arch surrounds which, on this new model, are made from a material called Starkle which is up to 20 per cent recycled.
Inside, there’s a new 10.1-inch infotainment screen which is positioned towards the driver to make it easier to operate when on the move. A seven-inch digital dashboard is also included on all models, while wireless smartphone charging comes as standard on more premium specifications.
The new Duster is underpinned by the CMF-B platform which has already been used on the latest Sandero and Jogger models. It allows the Duster to use more efficient engines than before, with a headline powertrain being a Hybrid 140 setup which combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors. Already used on the Jogger, it can allow the Duster to offer fuel consumption reduced by 20 per cent compared with a standard engine setup.
A 1.2-litre turbocharged mild-hybrid setup will also be offered, linked to a six-speed manual gearbox in all versions. With a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup that can cut CO2 emissions by 10 per cent compared to a traditional internal combustion engine, according to Dacia.
Dacia will continue to offer the Duster with an alternative ‘bi-fuel’ setup which blends petrol and LPG power. With two tanks holding 100 litres between them – 50 petrol and 50 LPG – which can drive for up to 808 miles when fully filled. The LPG tank is also located under the boot floor, so luggage space remains unaffected, too.
Dacia has yet to announce any pricing information for the Duster, but has stated that interested customers will be able to express their interest by registering on its website.
Christmas isn’t too far away now and with it comes the often challenging prospect of buying the right gift for that special person. Fortunately, if they’re into cars – or motoring in general – there are plenty of options out there for a variety of different budgets.
This year we’ve collated some of the best presents to check out, from rock-solid phone mounts to cooler bags that can make any car adventure a little easier. Let’s see what’s on offer.
Quad Lock Car Mount – from £27.99
Quad Lock makes some of the most reliable phone mounts in the business, not only for cars but also motorcycles and bikes, too. The car mount provides a rugged place to keep your phone when you’re on the move using a special smartphone case with an integrated locking system which works in conjunction with the mount itself.
Plus, you can add a wireless charging head which will keep your phone charged up when it’s in the mount. You’ll just need to connect it to a socket within your car and have a wireless charging-enabled phone.
Yeti Hopper Backpack Cooler – £275
Though it might be hard to think about warmer temperatures in the middle of winter, it’s nice to imagine those balmy summer days when all you can think about is getting out to explore. The Hopper Backpack Cooler is one of outdoor brand Yeti’s latest offerings, combining the rugged build quality that the firm is known for with some great go-anywhere features.
It’s ideal for slinging in the boot of a car before a trip and it’s got space for 20 cans of your favourite drink. Plus, there’s a handy pocket at the front for your car keys or other loose items you want to keep safe.
Bentley Bear – £65
Bentley’s Bears have become a mainstay for Christmas, with these loveable and plush characters designed and created with the same sense of care and attention-to-detail as the luxury carmaker’s vehicles.
There’s even a new Special Edition Signature Bear, which comes with flexible joints and a smart-looking double ribbon necktie. A Bentley-branded ear tag completes the look.
Renault 5 E-Tech Prototype Pedal Car – €295 (circa £256)
Renault’s new electric 5 isn’t even on the roads yet, but smaller drivers can get behind the wheel of a very special ‘prototype’ pedal car depicting the stylish new EV. Complete with working lights at front and rear, the car even has an adjustable seat so that riders aged over 3 can get comfy.
It’s even finished in the same bright yellow paint scheme as the full-size prototype, meaning that it’s bound to turn heads at the local park.
Lego Peugeot 9X8 24h Le Mans Hypercar – £169.99
Nothing says Christmas quite like settling down to complete a good set of Lego and the new Peugeot 9X8 kit – which depicts the French firm’s latest Le Mans racer – is bound to keep groups of all ages happy for many hours.
It’ll take some time to complete, too, with 1,775 individual pieces making up this 19.5-inch monster. And no pressure, but Lego specialists managed to build a scale-version of the 9X8 in the iconic plastic blocks in just 24 hours at this year’s Le Mans event…
Variable Valve Timings: Memoirs of a Car Tragic by Chris Harris – £22
Chris Harris is one of the best-known experts about, having made a name for himself in the pages of Autocar magazine before launching a successful YouTube presence and presenting hit series Top Gear alongside Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff.
Variable Valve Timings is a look into how cars became a key part of Harris’ life and is packed full of exciting escapades, motoring insights and ‘unhinged geekery’.
Porsche 911 Dakar with Christmas Tree – £70
The 911 Dakar has been one of the most exciting cars to come from Porsche in recent times, combining the sporty nature of the iconic 911 with go-anywhere features which allow it to go far further off the beaten track than you might expect.
Needless to say, the Dakar’s £173,000 price tag puts it out of the reach of most people, but we absolutely love this scale model finished in ‘Oakgreenmetallic’ with matching roof-mounted Christmas tree – very festive indeed.
Nextbase IQ Dashcam – £349
The popularity of dashcams has soared in recent years, with a growing number of motorists finding it reassuring to have a watching eye over their driving at all times to record any incidents while on the road. Nextbase is one of the most trusted names in this field and its new release – the IQ – packs in more features than ever.
It can scan for threats while the vehicle is parked, give you a live view around the car via a smartphone app and even alert you if an intruder is trying to break in. There’s even the ability to sound an alarm at the push of a button via the app.
