This weeks latest EV news 05-12-22

Hungary sets firm base on battery manufacturing for EVs

Car manufacturer BMW is set to assign its battery production for a sixth-generation EV at the manufacturing facility in Debrecen, Hungary. The new concept of round battery cells designed for the new BMW EV models will be produced in one of the most advanced battery production facility in the world.

One of the first EV models set to include this exciting concept of battery technology is the electric saloon which may acquire the place of the BMW i3. This will be produced together with another successful model the BMW iX3 SUV which will also be manufactured at the site in Hungary. The first year of production is expected to see as many as 150,000 units produced. The new Neue Klasse platform will incorporate the Gen6 batteries and will be introduced into all upcoming BMW 3 series models and i3.

EV Charging facility in Oxford finishes construction

Located in the Park and Charge in Oxford, this facility adds to offer 250 electric vehicle charging points for public charging in the county. The project was part of a 5.4 million government grant scheme set to help offer charging facilities nationwide in May. The EV charging facility project was completed by EZ-Charge, a local company based in Bicester. The scheme has been closely supported by University of Oxford, Oxfordshire county and district authorities.

This isn't the first EV charging hub facility to open in Oxford, in May a £41m project with 42 EV charging points based at Redbridge Park and Ride opened offering charging locally for electric vehicle users. This is also the 20th hub project completed as part of the nationwide scheme. The chargers are a mix of 7kW and 22kW stations which means electric vehicle users can see charging of up to 75 miles an hour depending on their vehicles capacity.

Leading UK car lobby calls for action on gov't support with EV transition

There has been a call from the UKs car lobby for the government to urgently look at support for electric vehicle users presently and in the future on transitioning from petrol/ diesel vehicles. The request for support also includes the production of EVs, current energy prices, reforms on tax and investment on charging infrastructure. 

Speaking of these changes required The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said UK vehicle production facilities face "multiple threats" as it shifts away from fossil-fuel technology, including "economic instability, trade protectionism, regulatory change, a cost-of-living crisis, skills shortages and soaring energy costs already some 80 percent higher than the EU average.

There are also more challenges in the British car manufacturing industry with the recent effects of Brexit and the changes in legislation from the European Union which put strain on import/ exports in the industry. This has lead to increasing pressure for the UK to build its own battery production facilities. The UK manufacturing industry employs around 170,000 people presently, should any automakers decide to leave would leave a devastating impact on the industry and even mildly impact the local economy.

The SMMT also mentioned it wanted a government plan to "ensure competitiveness, attract investment and drive skills, innovation and long-term growth." This would include strategies put in place for support on energy costs, infrastructure to aid the future of the EV market and transition for vehicle owners.

Investment in EV charging facilities by Ealing Council

Local authority Ealing Council is set to benefit from a boost for on-street charging facilities for local residents. Split into different phases the first one is set to be completed by December located around Ealing at 12 different sites amounting to 48 EV charging points all together. The points will be owned and managed by firms such as Liberty Charge and operated by Virgin Media, O2. Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council said: "This is just the beginning; we are committed to working together to boost the number of EVCP across the borough as we strive to achieve net zero in carbon emissions for the borough by 2030.

“We want to rapidly expand the number of accessible EVCPs for those without a driveway or home charging option. It is vital that local people are given a say in where these chargers are being installed which is why have a further 216 EV charging sockets due for consultation in early 2023.” The council has also proposed a further two projects of EV charge points, with a total of 34 new locations to be ready in early 2023 and more to follow later in the year.

Neil Isaacson, CEO Liberty Charge, said: “We’re proud with Ealing Council, offering a solution that comes at no cost to the taxpayer to make charging an EV accessible to everyone in the borough. “Collaboration with the council and residents is paramount to securing the right chargers at the right speed in the right place - so the borough enjoys full EV charging optimisation.”