Ford Mustang Mach-E police car concept shows future of UK policing

Ford of Britain’s Mustang Mach-E concept. Images: Ford of Britain

Ford’s electric Mustang Mach-E has received a makeover for police duties in the UK, wearing the iconic blue and lime checker design of UK police forces. We’ve seen police forces the world over begin the shift to zero-emissions electric vehicles, due to positive environmental, operational and budgetary outcomes. From Tesla Model 3’s in Westport, Connecticut, to Hyundai Kona Electrics in Sydney, Australia, it’s only a matter of time before more and more EVs end up in the hands of first responders.

Ford UK has worked with emergency service vehicle conversion specialists Safeguard SVP, based in Essex. Among the equipment fitted to the concept car are bespoke mounting pods and brackets to ensure suitable locations are found for operational use, with minimal damage to the vehicle. All lighting is LED with very low power consumption to reduce current draw from the vehicle’s 12V power system.

The initial concept is a demonstrator Mustang Mach-E Standard Range AWD (all-wheel drive). Subject to testing of this model, Ford is planning to offer Extended Range version of its RWD (rear-wheel drive) and AWD versions. The extended battery types would give the police even greater range, and therefore versatility and capability, for police operations.

“The vehicle range is uncompromised as the blue light equipment is being drawn from the vehicle’s 12V battery and not the drive battery,” says Terry Adams, Blue Light Direct Sales Manager, Ford of Britain and Ireland. In future developments we will look to increase this battery capacity to allow for additional equipment to be fitted.”

The Mustang Mach-E is rated at up to 273 miles (440km) WLTP range, depending on model. The GT version is capable of hitting 62 mph (100km/h) in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 111 mph (178 km/h)

The Metropolitan Police Force has already appraised the standard Mustang Mach-E and has now requested a full evaluation of the marked concept. Seven forces have either tested the new vehicle or requested a full evaluation of a specially-built concept car. Also waiting for an opportunity to try the new Mustang Mach-E are the Sussex, Surrey, South Wales, Dyfed Powys, Devon & Cornwall and Police Scotland forces.

Australia's Nexport enters deal with Splend to supply 3000 BYD electric vehicles from 2022 [updated]

The BYD Han will form part of Nexport’s Australian line-up in 2022. Images: BYD

[updated] Speaking with Luke Todd, CEO of Nexport and TrueGreen this afternoon, he confirmed to EV Brief that of the 3,000 BYD units in the MOU, 2,000 would be making their way to Australia. This is a significant figure, given around 5,000 battery electric vehicles were sold in Australia in 2020. He also confirmed on-demand drivers would be trained and educated in the BYD model range to provide demonstration drives to potential customers.

We're hoping to speak with Todd this week on the podcast, covering all things BYD.

Following the signing of a historic distribution agreement to allow Nexport to sell right-hand-drive BYD vehicles globally, Nexport has announced its own historic deal — a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Splend — to purchase 3,000 BYD electric vehicles.

We hadn’t heard of Splend until this media release hit our inbox, but the Australian and United Kingdom-based company provides flexible vehicle subscription and ownership plans specifically for rideshare and delivery drivers on platforms such as Uber, DiDi and AmazonFlex. Splend provides rental or rent-to-own plans for drivers, inclusive of servicing and maintenence, roadside assistance and driver training.

The MOU between Nexport and Splend will see the 3,000 BYD vehicles delivered across the UK and Australia from early 2022; in addition, it also includes a deal that will see Splend provide demonstrator vehicles for new BYD buyers, as part of Nexports direct to consumer sales model through EV Direct.

As commuters are slow to return to public transport in COVID-19 affected areas, demand for rideshare services across the globe is increasing, and the electrification of these trips is key to reducing emissions in our cities. reducing costs and improving profits and reliability for drivers.

Splend is already advertising that they will be offering electric vehicle options soon for drivers, and Uber will be reducing their commission by 50% for every EV ride until 30 June 2022.

At the time of publishing, we don’t have a figure on the proportion of units allocated to Australia and the UK, but will update this article with a comment from Nexport when we can.

Source: Nexport

Meet the Dacia Spring - an electric crossover you can purchase in Europe for a ridiculous price

The Dacia Spring is the cheapest BEV on sale in Europe

If one needed proof that European manufacturers are getting serious about decarbonising their passenger car fleets, look no further than the Dacia Spring. A Romanian manufacturer dating from 1966, Automobile Dacia is now wholly-owned by Groupe Renault, and produces a number of passenger and commercial vehicles with an emphasis on practicality and price.

The price of the Dacia Spring varies by country; in Germany it lists for €20,490, in the UK for £14,500 and in Romania for €18,100. Factor in electric vehicle/environmental grants available, and those numbers drop to €10,920 (€-9,570) in Germany, £12,000 (-£2,500) in the UK, and €8,100 (€-10,000) in Romania. Yes, with a generous state grant for environmental vehicles in Romania under the Rabla Plus (Clunker Plus) scheme, this Dacia costs less than some two-wheeled vehicles.

So what’s under the skin? There’s a 33 kW (45 PS) front-mounted electric motor with 125 Nm (92 lb ft) of torque, a 26.8 kWh battery and a compact crossover body that seats five. Before you start decrying the range and performance of those specifications, there’s one more number to consider: Curb weight. At 921 kg (2,030 lb) The Dacia Spring is incredibly light for an electric car, and therefore provides acceptable performance for a city car, and provides a useful range of 225 km (139 miles) on the WLTP combined cycle. That’s perfectly fine for a few days driving around town.

We believe that the future of electric vehicles may look something like the Dacia Spring. It will require a mindset-shift in consumers, but we will no longer be looking for a one-car-fits-all solution, and the Dacia spring is a perfect city car/car-share prospect. The nature of electrification and battery technology means that less mass simply means greater efficiency and range, and therefore a market will emerge for smaller, lighter (and cheaper) BEVs that are designed exclusively for commuting. According to the European Parliament Resolution on Sustainable Urban Mobility, by 2050, 82 percent of Europeans will commute outside an area in which they live (though this may change post COVID-19). Obviously, public transport is key to moving greater numbers of people more efficiently, but Europeans—and Australians and Americans—love their cars, and cheap, efficient urban commuter vehicles will be key to the phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles this decade.

Kia's EV6, and high performance EV6 GT revealed; headed for Australia, US and Europe in 2021

The KIA EV6 Range

Three models available; EV6, EV6 GT-Line and EV6 GT

800V architecture with 510km max. range, 0-80% charge in 18 minutes

58 kWh and 77.4 kWh battery sizes available; 2WD and 4WD variants

EV6 GT fastest Kia ever with 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 3.5s from 430 kW, 740 Nm dual motors

Another day, another good looking electric vehicle from South Korea it seems. Kia is making a big deal about its first EV to be based on the E-GMP platform shared with Hyundai, and for good reason; the EV6 leads the automaker’s rollout of 11 new BEVs by 2026, and is fundamental to Kia’s ambitions to grow BEV sales to 880,000 units worldwide by 2030.

Exterior Design

Kia’s EV6 debuts the company’s new design philosophy known as ‘Opposites United’, which “takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity”. Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center, elaborated: “EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV era. With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes while providing a dedicated EV aiming to define our future.”

The EV6 sports the high-riding semi-crossover look of the Polestar 2, thanks to its battery pack in the floor. Interestingly, the wheelbase of 2,900mm (115 inches) is 100mm shorter than its sister Hyundai IONIQ 5, and almost the same as Tesla’s Model Y (2,891mm).

It’s a sporty—if a little understated—look; the short front overhang and plunging hood works well with the ‘tiger face’ angular headlights, and the big wheels offset the slab-sided profile view. The rear of the EV6 is highlighted by that nifty ducktail spoiler, and the descending highlight that blends into the side sill.

Kia’s EV6 GT-Line has some very pleasing design elements. Images: Kia

Interior Design

The EV6 interior is somewhat familiar to the IONIQ 5, but still retains its own identity. The dual screens, floating centre console and elevated driving position are similar to the Hyundai, but darker interior tones, sport-themed highlights and textures, and figure hugging seats differentiate the GT-Line and GT models. If the IONIQ 5 aims to offer the high-end ambience of a living room, the EV6 is positioned as the choice for sportier drivers.

Speaking of those seats, they’re made from recycled plastics, and demonstrate a trend of the auto industry moving to cruelty-free interiors ultilising natural fibres, recycled materials and animal free surfaces. That long wheel base translates to trunk space of 520 litres, and plenty of rear legroom.

The dual 12-inch screens are connected behind one piece of reinforced glass, and the EV6 also features an augmented reality head-up display system, as we’ve seen on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Like the IONIQ 5, the vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature can supply up to 3.6kW of power to devices, and can even charge another EV.

The EV6 GT-Line interior, is sporty, premium, and shouldn’t scare away first-time EV buyers.

Battery and Drivetrain

Let’s get one thing straight; in GT trim, this is the fastest Kia ever. Battery and electric motor technology is so advanced now that BEVs simply leave petrol, diesel and hydrogen cars in their wake. In base trim, the EV6 features a 58 kWh battery, with a single rear motor, 125kW (203 PS) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). It’s good enough to propel the EV6 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds.

Step up to the EV6 GT, and you’re rewarded with a 77.4 kWh battery, 430 kW (584 PS) and 730 Nm (538 lb-ft), from two electric motors. That’s enough grunt to propel the EV6 GT to 100km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds, and it makes Kia’s previous king of performance—the Stinger GT with 274 kW, 510NM and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds—look like a steam locomotive.

Full specifications are below; if you’re a customer who is interested in the model with the best efficiency/range for your dollar, the rear-wheel-drive 77kWh EV6 long range is the one to go for with 510 km (316 miles) WLTP range.

Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform underpins the Kia EV6.

Like Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, the EV6 features 400V and 800V electrical architecture, across all models. Kia quotes the ability to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes on all variations, or a top-up charge of 100km of driving range in less than four and a half minutes when pairing 2WD with the 77.4-kWh battery option.

With an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), the EV6 allows for vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, supplying up to 3.6 kW of power to charge another EV (albeit slowly) or power household items such as a laptop, or, according to Kia, a 55 inch television and an air conditioner for 24 hours.

Under the hood, there’s an energy efficient heat pump, which recovers waste heat from vehicle systems, and helps to improve range. Energy recuperation is also standard, and can be controlled by the paddles on the back of the steering wheel. Six recuperation modes allow drivers to customise the drive to their liking; many EV fans will be pleased to know one-pedal driving is possible with the Kia EV6.

Kia EV6 specifications supplied by Kia Motors

Autonomy and Technology

We mentioned the augmented reality head-up display earlier; this system projects driving information onto the base of the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight, including alerts from the car’s Advanced Driver Assistance System, details of vehicle speed, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.

Kia Connect is included, promising real time services and over-the-air updates. Kia Connect will also allow drivers to find EV charging points, plan charging schedules, and check the range radius based on remaining charge and consumption.

Lane Following Assist (LFA) centers the Kia EV6 in the middle of the lane, and in conjuncion with Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), the EV6 can steer, brake and even change lanes autonomously. Remote Smart Parking Assist—a feature found on most new EVs and premium Euro models now— helps remotely park or exit a tight parking spot via a smartphone app or key.

It’s an exciting time for Kia; new brand identity, new platforms, drivetrains and a solid path towards a fully electric model line up over the next decade. The EV6 should be a car that suits many different buyers from long range highway cruisers, to parents doing the school run.

Pricing is expected to kick off around $45,000 USD or £40,895 in the UK, before government incentives. Australians will have to wait a bit longer for pricing information, but we believe the EV6 will start in the $70,000 price bracket. Northern Hemisphere customers can expect to start seeing cars in summer 2021, while down under, Kia has confirmed the EV6 will go on sale in Australia and New Zealand in the second half of the year.

UK’s greenest taxi fleet to add five new MG5 EV wagons to its Manchester roster

Five MG 5 EV wagons set to join Lancashire taxi fleet

The MG5 EV estate is an electric vehicle with plenty of space, and an accessible entry price, making it perfect for taxi duties. Premier Taxis was named GreenFleet Private Hire/Taxi Company of the year thanks to its EV initiative after it began operating electric taxis in 2015.

The new all-electric MGs replace Toyota Auris Hybrids on the Premier fleet and will be used across the Lancashire firm’s region, as well as airport transfers where the large luggage capacity comes in handy.

Premier Taxis Business Manager, Nikita Cutler, said: “The MG5 EV is great as it has a larger luggage capacity.  This will come in handy as these vehicles are viable for airport transfers to Manchester, allowing us to offer customers the opportunity to use a Zero Emission airport transfer service for the first time. 

“They will also be really handy for local journeys for those customers who have just been shopping, or for when we are collecting shopping for our most vulnerable customers during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The MG5 is a spacious, affordable estate priced from £24,495. Image: Auto Express

Premier Taxis is gradually converting its entire fleet to electric-only thanks to huge reductions in running costs as well as positive feedback from its passengers.

“The investment in new electric vehicles is money well spent as operating costs for the company and drivers have reduced while at the same time allowing us to contribute to improving the air quality around Lytham St. Annes, Blackpool and Wyre,” added Nikita. “Electric vehicles also require less day-to-day maintenance, further reducing cost.

“Our customers find them very comfortable, enjoy the smooth and quiet ride and some of them choose only to travel in a 100% Electric vehicle as they understand the difference Zero Emission travel can make to local air quality.”

Premier Taxis driver Steve Foster added: “I have already been managing more than 200 miles (320 kilometres) on a single charge. I plug the car in at home at 5pm and that will last me until the following day at 5pm.

“Our old cars cost £22 to get to Manchester Airport. With the MG it will cost hardly anything to complete the same trip so they make great sense for a taxi driver.”

The MG5 EV is the UK’s first and only all-electric estate (wagon) model, and has a usable luggage capacity of up to 1,456 litres (578 litres with rear seats up). With a 52.5kWh battery, the MG5 has a single-speed front-mounted motor that produces 115kW (154hp) and 260Nm of torque. It has a respectable 0-100kmh (0-62mph) time of 7.7 seconds.

Sadly, SAIC Motor Australia has ruled out the MG5 for the Australian market, and is relying on the MG ZS EV to fly the electric flag for the brand down under. Most likely this is a business decision based on low EV uptake in the Australian market, and a consumer penchant for high-riding SUVs over estates.