COMPANY
CAR AND VAN The motoring magazine for SME fleets
MAXUS T90 Electric pick-up steals the show
CV SHOW 2022
TOYOTA YARIS CROSS
All the highlights inside
Small car with plenty to offer
MERCEDES-BENZ eVITO
VOLKSWAGEN TAIGO
Electric range doubles
Lots to like in stylish coupé SUV
August 2022 • Issue 74
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Contents
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CV Show’s a winner as firms highlight EV investments Our August print and digital issue takes a look back at the CV Show, which took place at the NEC in late May. Manufacturers and suppliers such as bp were there, as was our cover star, the Maxus T90 electric pick-up. Others in attendance included Ford, Toyota, LEVC, Isuzu, Ineos and Maxus, and we spent some time talking to the first three of those companies to see how they’re getting on as the motoring world continues to wrestle with the challenging supply chain situation. We’ve a special section inside. Electric vans are arriving almost as quickly as electric cars, and the latest is the new Renault Kangoo E-Tech, which we drove in France recently. The second-generation Mercedes-Benz e-Vito also features in this issue. Talking of BEVs, Volksagen’s electric ID Buzz is another new electric van that’s set to arrive in the UK at the end of this year. We give it the once-over. As part of the Stellantis Group, Fiat Professional has re-launched its Scudo medium van as a competitor to the Vauxhall Vivaro and Ford Transit Custom. Fiat holds two of our awards for Ducato and e-Ducato so we have high hopes for the Scudo.
C-HR in Toyota’s car range. Second, we have a look at the Volkswagen Taigo, a new compact coupé-SUV crossover that sits above the T-Cross in VW’s line-up. Both really impressed. Lexus has a new range-topping premium product in the form of the new RX, which in + guise comes as a plug-in hybrid offering low BIK, giving Lexus yet another fleet-friendly model. We look at the model range inside – as well as the BMW i4. To round things off, we look again at the increasing presence of rental firms in the fleet sector, with Europcar and Northgate explaining how their rental fleets are now more varied than ever, with a rise in electric and plug-in cars and vans available, while the AA debunks the myths surrounding EVs. Andrew Walker, Editor and Publisher
On the car front, we review two new cars. First there’s the Toyota Yaris Cross, which bridges the gap between the Yaris and
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CV SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Highlights from the show, including news from Maxus, Ford, LEVC, Ineos, Toyota and Isuzu From page 6 CC&V at the CV Show: Q & As with... Gareth Matthews, Toyota LCV manager 9 Rich Hudson, LEVC’s Commercial Director 12 Mandy Dean, Director, CVs, Ford of Britain and Ireland 14 Adrian Brabazon, Head of UK Fleet Solutions, bp Fleet 18 Plus features on LEVC VN5 CPL Ford E-Transit Vanaways ROLEC Vehicle Charging
4 10 16 20 22
RENTAL SPOTLIGHT Europcar Northgate AA
24 26 28
CV NEWS Volkswagen ID. Buzz Renault Kangoo E-TECH FIAT Professional Scudo Mercedes Benz eVito
32 33 34 35
CAR REVIEWS Toyota Yaris Cross Lexus RX BMW i4 Volkswagen Taigo
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Company Car & Van is wholly owned and published by: Walker Advertising & Marketing Ltd 12 Oakwood Lane, Bowdon, Cheshire WA14 3DL t: 07734 264735 e: andrewmaxwalker@icloud.com w: www.companycarandvan.co.uk Follow us at twitter.com/andrewmaxwalker and www.linkedin.com/in/companycarandvan Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material contained within this magazine, the publisher can accept no responsibility for omissions or inaccuracies in its editorial or advertising content. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The carriage of adverts in this publication should not necessarily be viewed as an endorsement of the products or services advertised. All articles within this publication are copyright of Walker Advertising & Marketing Ltd. Editorial consent must be obtained before any are reproduced, either in printed form or electronically. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
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CV NEWS: LEVC
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EV chargers pick LEVC VN5 as their van of choice LEVC supplies 60 VN5 electric vans to Pod Point VN5 will be used by Pod Point engineers to install EV charging points all over the UK Each VN5 will be equipped with specialist racking solutions provided by authorised conversion partner, Sortimo LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) is supplying 60 VN5 electric vans to Pod Point, one of the UK’s leading providers of EV charging infrastructure. The VN5 electric vans are being used by Pod Point’s engineers when installing EV charging points across the UK, as well as helping the business to maintain its network of more than 6,200 public charging bays. Thanks to its flexible, tried and tested eCity powertrain – which removes range anxiety completely – LEVC’s VN5 is ideally suited to Pod Point’s fleet requirements. Pod Point’s expert installers will be able to easily access installation equipment via the VN5’s large side-loading door and a 60/40 split door at the rear. Coupled with a turning circle of just 10.1m, the VN5 offers unrivalled mobility in busy city environments. Rich Hudson, Commercial Director, LEVC, commented: “I am pleased to announce Pod Point as one of our latest major UK fleet customers. Pod Point is a major operator in supporting the move towards electrification and LEVC is pleased to be working with such a
recognised brand, with our VN5 assisting technicians as they continue to build the UK’s charging infrastructure.” Graham Evans, Chief of Operations for Pod Point, added: “Vehicle electrification is one of the most powerful ways to stop travel damaging the earth and our mission is to put an EV chargepoint everywhere you park. We are delighted to be working with LEVC and the VN5 is a natural fit for our business and our growing team of expert installers.” The VN5 electric van is based on the same innovative architecture and proven eCity technology as LEVC’s TX electric taxi. With a pure EV range of 64 miles and a total flexible range of 319 miles, it is ideally suited to urban deliveries in zero-emission mode, as well as longer journeys. The introduction of the LEVC VN5 to the Pod Point vehicle fleet follows a significant year of growth for the EV charging provider across
both its home and commercial customer segments. As a result, the business has increased its headcount by 66 per cent, to 409 employees, including 60 dedicated in-house installers. The vans feature bespoke racking and storage solutions installed by Sortimo, an authorised conversion partner of LEVC. Sortimo offers several storage solutions for the VN5, designed to suit all trades and professions. Designed, engineered and built at LEVC’s state-of-the-art electric vehicle factory in Ansty, Coventry, VN5 utilises the same strong, lightweight bonded aluminium monocoque and SMC construction as the TX taxi – a first in sector for the one-tonne van segment, designed to last twice as long as the competition. • To find out more about the VN5, please visit LEVC.com.
“We are delighted to be working with LEVC and the VN5 is a natural fit for our business and our growing team of expert installers.” 04 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
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CC&V AT THE SHOW
The 2022 CV Show took place at the NEC in Birmingham in late May, and Company Car & Van was there to cast its eye over the exhibitors... Ford As usual, Ford had the largest stand at the CV Show, where it debuted the V6 Ranger Raptor and showed off a host of other models including the eagerly anticipated E-Transit, the new Wildtrack and a number of specially converted emergency vehicles.
Toyota Toyota took the opportunity to showcase its entire CV range, with pride of place going to the UK debut for the Hilux GR-Sport. Also at the Show were the electric Proace and Proace City, new Corolla Commercial and Land Cruiser Commercial.
Maxus Maxus launched not one, but two new models at the NEC. Perhaps the highlight of the Show was the unveiling of their new electric pick-up, the T90 (see facing page), shortly followed by a seven-seat MPV the Mifa. They also took the opportunity to show visitors its electric van ranges, the e Deliver 9 and Deliver 3, including a number of electric conversions.
Isuzu The highlight at Isuzu was the first showing of the Arctic Truck version of its latest D-Max pickup, the AT35. Visitors were also able to climb into the the Basecamp AT35 model, which was on the stand, complete with roof-tent and a built-in kitchen.
Ineos Appearing for the first time at the CV Show, Ineos debuted its Grenadier and Grenadier commercial. A cross between a Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class and featuring BMW engines, it’s set to hit the streets later this year.
As usual, Ford made a statement by taking the largest stand ... giving it plenty of space to display its CV range, including the Ford Ranger pick-up.
The CV world’s in Birmingham
LEVC Coventry-based electric van and taxi manufacturer LEVC’s stand focused on its VN5 van range and a tie-up with telematics provider Geotab, who were also at the Show.
CV SHOW Demonstrations took place at the Workshop and Cool Chain Sectors, both providing a shop window for aftermarket and maintenance providers, including temperature control.
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The Isuzu AT35
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Isuzu D-Max conversions
The Maxus T90
Accessories and services Elsewhere, there were plenty of accessory and service suppliers, covering areas such as fleet management, van security and conversions. TVL Security showcased its wares next to Ford, Locks for Vans launched a next-gen anti-cut Segment Lock, and Strongs and Qi Van Systems van and pick-up converters were also there. For CV fleet managers, bp Fleet Solutions highlighted the help on offer to fleets looking to adjust to electrification, while Geotab offered telematics solutions and vehicle racking specialists Bott and Sortimo also had stands.
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Maxus T90
Company Car & Van | August 2022 | 07
SPOTLIGHT
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Toyota Proace Electric
The Maxus Mifa seven-seat MPV
Ford’s Transit Custom
The INEOS Grenadier
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SPOTLIGHT: TOYOTA
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Show highlights that Toyota has the right model for your needs Toyota’s LCV manager Gareth Matthews was understandably pleased by how well his company’s stand had gone down at the CV Show, as he explained to Andrew Walker CC&V: You took a stand at the recent CV Show. How was this year’s event and do you feel that Toyota benefitted from being there? Gareth Matthews: This year’s show was excellent. For the first time we displayed our entire CV range encompassing Proace, Proace City, Hilux, Corolla Commercial and Land Cruiser Commercial at the CV Show. Visitors were able to see for themselves just how big our commercial range is and our ability to offer the right drivetrain for the right customer use, from diesel to self-charging hybrid, and battery electric. CC&V: The new Corolla Commercial has just landed. Where do you see the new commercial fitting into the market and what are your expectations, volume wise, for this new model? GM: We know that EVs won’t work for every operator, so the Corolla Commercial range fills
that space. For example, businesses who currently have no in-house EV charging infrastructure, don’t have a local charging point or who can’t charge at home overnight, need a commercial vehicle that will work in spite of this, and the Corolla Commercial is one solution. As for sales volumes, we expect interest to be high and to be able to meet the targets we’ve set, which are reasonable. CC&V: Electric is still the talk of the town. How have the Proace Electric and Proace City Electric been received by the customers in the van sector? GM: Both have proved incredibly popular, especially with larger fleets, many of whom have invested in work location EV chargers and have fitted home chargers for employees. Both Proace Electric and Proace City Electric are really coming into their own. CC&V: Your Hilux pick-up is iconic, but with several manufacturers ceasing pick-up production, will Toyota continue to produce a pick-up for the foreseeable future? GM: Yes. While the pick-up sector has less choice, pick-up demand is still high, which is why our Hilux pick-up is still selling well across all sectors.
“We know that EVs won’t work for every operator, so the Corolla Commercial range fills that space...”
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CC&V: We ran a conversions feature in our last issue. What kind of conversions does Toyota offer with Hilux and the Proace vans and is this an important sector for you? Toyota Professional conversions have become increasingly popular and our range of commercial vehicles can be converted for many uses, including refrigerated vans. To support and enhance our Toyota Professional proposition, we will be launching a Special Vehicle Operations facility at our Burnaston factory, providing a one-stop shop for many commonly ordered vehicle enhancements thereby reducing time and improving quality and delivery process for our customers. We offer a myriad of conversions options on Proace, Proace City and Hilux, and have a number of industry-renowned partners whom we work with to give customers what they want through our Authorised Converter programme.
Toyota will continue to produce the indomitable Hilux
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CPL
CPL keeps raising the bar when it comes to vehicle conversions For over 10 years, CPL has been leading the way for the vehicle conversion market with new solutions for working at height challenges. Founded in 2011 in Kettering, Northamptonshire, the company began with a single design, the pick-up mounted platform. Although other models were available, the CPLbuilt conversion soon became a firm favourite within the utilities sector, thanks to the knowledge and passion of the directors to develop UK manufacturing and the service provided post-sale – something that customers had struggled with historically. As the company’s customer base evolved, it quickly became apparent that there was a gap in the market for other sectors working at height. This led to the partnership between CPL and the Klubb Group, European manufacturers of van-mounted platforms. Initially a dealer for the French group, CPL offered these new van-mounted designs into the UK market and found the UK customers hungry for a different product offering and were a great success. This was mainly due to alternative designs allowing for a more efficient deployment, increased payload, and therefore
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cost saving, solution. CPL, with the backing of the Klubb Group, introduced both the cutaway van mounted platform and a design without outriggers. These key features saved on weight, adding additional payload, and kept the units compact, making them more manoeuvrable and therefore less likely to be damaged. With these innovative changes to the
historical norm found with a cherry picker came an interest from several industries including telecommunications and rental. These sectors not only craved efficiency with safety, but they also had challenges of their own – with one major element being the reduction of their carbon footprint. An obvious result was to turn to fully electric base vehicles with a battery-powered boom.
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Although theoretically this was the go-to option, this brought new challenges. For example, the range of electric commercial vehicles would not be suitable for a full day travelling from one intervention to the next. The second large consideration was the cost of fully electric base vehicles; these were over double the retail price of a diesel model. With these challenges in mind, CPL went to work on designing viable options and garnering customer feedback to ensure that the designs were both affordable and fit for purpose. This is where the hybrid range of access equipment was conceived. CPL’s ‘Green pack’ is now compatible with the traditional diesel base vehicles. This allows the diesel vehicle to be driven to site, the engine is then switched off and the boom is operated from the battery pack, with options for either a plug-in recharge or the green pack will charge while the vehicle is being driven between interventions. Providing the ‘Green Pack’ option across all models from 11m to 15m working heights on a Renault Master van has reassured the full customer base of CPL that they can cut emissions while increasing efficiency. From full charge the boom can be operated for 15 cycles before the need to recharge. The most popular options across industries are the KL26 which has a working height of 11.8m and a working outreach of 6.5m. This option is manufactured with a cutaway back and no outriggers and is mounted on the 3.5t Renault Master. Also, a strong favourite is the KL32 which can be mounted on a 3.5t full van or a 4.5t cutaway version allowing for exceptional payload.
Some may say “Why change from traditional diesel engines powering the boom?’ Is there any real benefit from a hybrid commodity or is it just a fad?’’ Studies show that the cost to idle is approximately half a gallon of fuel per hour. With current fuel costs increasing daily, this equates to a saving of over £4,000 per unit per year. For those with a fleet of access equipment, this is detrimental to their business. This is, of course, not what engines were designed for. Sitting idle for long periods of time is harmful to the engine causing the DPF filters to clog leading to higher maintenance costs. CPL now provides these hybrid solutions into all the largest telecoms and rental companies across the UK while the Klubb Group has market share across the whole of Europe. This has led subcontractors to consider the solution as the most affordable option, with the asset worth substantially more than traditional
platforms in the second-hand market. As the need for sustainable vehicles, with suitable range, within the commercial sector rises, so does the efforts from the vehicle manufacturers. As one of the largest customers for commercial vehicles in the conversion market, CPL is pushing forward with their innovative designs and changing the landscape of the market for the consumer. After all, customer feedback is what CPL is built on.
“Providing the ‘Green Pack’ option across all models from 11m to 15m working heights on a Renault Master van has reassured the full customer base of CPL that they can cut emissions while increasing efficiency...”
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Company Car & Van | August 2022 | 11
SPOTLIGHT: LEVC’S RICH HUDSON
VN5 beats supply chain blues – and has the answers on range, too Company Car & Van met up with LEVC’s Commercial Director Rich Hudson at the CV Show to find out how the company is meeting the challenges in the CV world There are still supply issues for most car and van manufacturers. How has this affected the supply of the LEVC VN5 here in the UK? LEVC is in a strong position with our supply, with a reliable supply chain and robust Geely Group suppliers and partner companies in place. In addition, around 90 per cent of our electric VN5’s components are sourced in the UK, which means shipping times aren’t too much of a challenge for us. Our business model is also focused on built-to-order, so that we can satisfy specific customer requirements and we typically have a lead time under three months, from customer order through to vehicle handover. When we drove the VN5 we really liked it and felt that it was a great half-way house for businesses who travel too far currently, to go full-electric. Have you found that
your 300-mile range has been the main reason customers chose a VN5? The competitor beating range is undoubtedly one of the VN5’s big selling points. LEVC’s sales success is definitely coming from customers who have a regular daily operating range of more than 100 miles. So with 100% electric drive and the VN5’s range extender offering a total range of more than 300 miles, this certainly gives our customers the reassurance that they can travel wherever they need to, without any of the range (or charging) anxiety. In addition, there are other important factors that play strongly into the purchasing decision. For example, the high level of safety equipment, the class-leading driver comfort (as a result of many Volvo carry-over parts and quality) means that the VN5 appeals to customers whose drivers use their vehicle as a business tool. This is particularly the case with customers employing engineers and scientists who use the vehicle as their regular car, as well as for work. We’re seeing a number of our rental partners such as Europcar putting VN5’s on their fleets. Is the rental sector one that LEVC feel they can compete in? Rental is not a sector we are targeting. Our agreement with Europcar presented us with a
great opportunity, where the company had high demand for electric vans and LEVC was able to supply. It is great to see how positively Europcar has promoted this as part of their commitment to moving to a cleaner fleet. As more electric vans enter the marketplace, why should customers consider a VN5 as their next purchase? VN5 is the only commercial vehicle with 100% electric drive that offers more than 300-mile total range. This offers a huge level of reassurance, as well as significantly less downtime for all our customers who don’t want to waste time charging. Range anxiety (plus more recently talked about charging anxiety) are totally eradicated with the VN5. It’s also the only electric van which can be specified with both Chademo and Type 2/ CCS charging ports, meaning drivers can charge anywhere, regardless of connection. It can also be charged in just 30 minutes, ensuring that our customers can be out on the road as soon as they need to be. The LEVC VN5 gives the best solution for range and for vehicles not returning to depot, or having easy access to charging, and combined with its high level of driver safety and comfort, British-built and iconic design, the VN5 presents a market segment that will remain relevant and growing for the next few years. Do you think that electric is the way forward or does your ‘hybrid’ VN5 have an important role to play in the transition to a cleaner fleet? Well our VN5 is not a hybrid. It is a range extended 100% electric-driven vehicle. And yes, the move will continue to 100% electric as battery capacity and performance improves for light commercial vehicles. For the moment, the LEVC VN5 is the most practical solution as a transitional technology to full electric for busy, daily users of commercial vehicles.
“The LEVC VN5 gives the best solution for range and for vehicles not returning to depot, or having easy access to charging ... combined with its high level of driver safety and comfort, British-built and iconic design, the VN5 presents a market segment that will remain relevant and growing for the next few years...” Rich Hudson, Commercial Director, LEVC
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The LEVC VN5 at the CV Show
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Company Car & Van | August 2022 | 13
SPOTLIGHT: FORD COMMERCIALS
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Company Car & Van caught up with Mandy Dean, Director, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Britain and Ireland, to learn about the company’s plans for expanding its EV CV line-up. CC&V: The CV Show last year saw Ford launch the new electric E-Transit. Twelve months on and it’s almost here. The competition has had a head start on you in the electric van sector, so can you tell us why your electric van will be worth the wait? Mandy Dean: The new E-Transit is competitively priced, has class-leading range and there’s no compromise on payload. E-Transit is also fully backed up by Ford Pro – an ‘app store’ suite of services to aid fleet managers. We’ll help with setting up the charging infrastructure, be it at home, depot or on the public network, and our telematics tools keep an eye on range, nearest charge points and any required maintenance. With regards to public charging, Ford’s aggregated charge network operators combine into one ‘Blue Oval’ network, enabling drivers to charge using a single RFID card. For home charging (in a commercial sense), charges can be identified through telematics and subsequently reimbursed if they take place in a pre-determined area, ie, a home postcode. Then there’s the digital dashboard, which can help manage time windows for vehicles to start and stop charging – at night, to avoid peak times, for example – and these vehicle charge levels across any given fleet can be based on individual routes. So it’s more than just the van, which just so happens to be a Transit, and that’s why it’s worth the wait. CC&V: You’ve also just announced another electric van, this time the E-Transit Custom. How long will we have to wait for this model to arrive in the UK? MD: E-Transit Custom will arrive in early 2024, and will be supported by the Ford Pro ecosystem, just like the two-tonne variant. CC&V: Talking of Transit Custom, it was the UK’s best-selling vehicle in 2021. There’s also a new ICE version of this launched shortly. At this stage can you tell us any more about it? MD: The new Transit Custom will be available with combustion engines, including hybrid and, of course, the E-Transit Custom, which is 100% electric and capable of 236 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. CC&V: There are now only three pick-up choices for UK customers. How important is it for Ford to have the Ranger and is the pick-up sector one that you are looking to do more business in? 14 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
The total package makes E-Transit well worth the wait MD: Ranger accounts for approximately 40 per cent of the UK pick-up market sector and one-in-three sold across Europe. However, we’ve seen steady growth in Ranger sales since before competitors left the sector. Ranger is a very important vehicle to all customers – retail, fleet and everyone in between – so we are always looking at new opportunities. CC&V: Supply issues continue, so hypothetically, if a customer orders an E-Transit in June, when are they likely to see their new van? MD: Ford Transit lead times are currently anywhere from six to 12 months from the date of ordering, which is the result of a number of
parts shortages for both E-Transit and diesel-powered models. CC&V: You took the largest stand at the recent CV Show. How was this year’s event and do you feel that Ford benefitted from having such an impressive presence there? MD: The CV Show is a very important show for us as the market leader, as it provides a great opportunities to speak to our exist fleet customers and, of course, introduce ourselves to new customers. It also provides a great platform to display our latest and greatest models and Ford Pro services.
“The new E-Transit is competitively priced, has class-leading range and there’s no compromise on payload. E-Transit is also fully backed up by Ford Pro and has a digital dashboard, to help manage charging ... so it’s more than just the van, which just so happens to be a Transit, and that’s why it’s worth the wait...” Mandy Dean www.companycarandvan.co.uk
FORD E-TRANSIT
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‘Big moment for UK CV fleets’ as the first Ford E-Transits arrive Ford Pro is now shipping the first production units of its all-electric E-Transit van to customers across Europe. Following strong early demand for E-Transit from European businesses – with over 5,000 customer orders received before vehicles roll off the assembly line – Ford’s plant in Kocaeli, Turkey is now moving to full mass production. “Ford Kocaeli plant is the heart of Transit production in Europe, and this celebration of E-Transit manufacturing starts the electrified next chapter in our already strong partnership,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “This is the first step in a transformation of the Kocaeli site which will see it become a major centre for electric commercial vehicle manufacturing in Europe.” E-Transit is the all-electric version of the world’s best-selling cargo van and the new vehicle spearheads the launch of Ford Pro in Europe. Ford Pro offers customers a comprehensive suite of software, charging, servicing and financing solutions fully integrated into a portfolio of world-class electrified and internal combustion-powered vehicles to help improve productivity and uptime, lower costs, and facilitate access to everything operators need on one platform built for the electric and digital age. All-in on commercial vehicle electrification Reaffirming its leadership as Europe’s top-selling commercial vehicle brand, Ford will continue to electrify its iconic Transit models to suit different customer requirements. By 2024, E-Transit will be joined by four additional new fully-electric models in the Transit family as Ford moves toward its target of zero emissions for all vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint of facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2035. With its highly competitive range, payload, power and choice of bodystyles, E-Transit is designed to painlessly enable operators’ fleet electrification while accelerating their productivity through Ford Pro’s charging, telematics and servicing solutions. Ford Pro has already proven E-Transit’s durability with demanding testing in high-tech facilities around the world. The company is now running a wider programme of customer pilots with a total of 60 pre-production E-Transits, including converted models, operating in typical daily use with customers across France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and the UK, helping Ford Pro to optimise its always-on supporting products and services to deliver optimum efficiency and productivity for businesses. “Ford Transit has defined ‘the Van’ in UK 16 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
culture for 56 years”, said Mandy Dean, director, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Britain. “Now, E-Transit’s market-leading range represents a significant shift forward not only as a vehicle to reduce carbon emissions, but as a connected vehicle, equipped with data services that will support SMEs and large businesses alike.” • The Ford Pro Show was the big star at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, dominating Hall 5 with a full display of connected vehicles benefitting from Ford’s free-of-charge back-up ecosystem. Ford Pro is a new global business dedicated to delivering solutions to commercial customers of all sizes to accelerate their productivity. By combining software, charging, service and financing for commercial vehicles, Ford Pro is a first-of-its-kind venture in the commercial vehicle sector, providing fully integrated, digital-first solutions to simplify fleet
management, whether they run diesel- and petrol-powered vehicles, or even non-Ford vehicles, as they transition to all-electric models. The new E-Transit – the latest tool to access this full suite of Ford Pro products – was on display, including a DPD-liveried example. Ford has agreed a deal to supply the parcel delivery firm with 1,000 E-Transit vans this year. Olly Craughan, Head of Sustainability, DPD Group UK commented: “Getting our hands on the electric Ford Transit feels like a really big moment. 3.5-tonne vans are the workhorse of any delivery fleet, and we are no different. We need the main commercial vehicle manufacturers to step up with affordable models and largescale production of right-hand drive vans to really get the EV revolution going in the UK. “And Ford has done just that. The E-Transit is well priced, has a good range and comes with all the support you would expect from Ford.” www.companycarandvan.co.uk
ON TEST:
SPOTLIGHT: bp Fleet
bp is ready to drive the fleet sector to an electric future Adrian Brabazon, Head of UK Fleet Solutions, bp Fleet, in conversation with Company Car & Van’s Andrew Walker
CC&V: We survey our readers twice a year, with the most popular question at present being about electrification – “should we/ shouldn’t we” being the most common response. What does bp fleet currently offer that would help ease the minds of SMEs who are considering the switch to electric cars and vans? Adrian Brabazon: bp offers a bespoke solution for SMEs, delivered through its combined Fuel & Charge card, for businesses with 1 to 10 vehicles. It enables SMEs to manage their fleets with ease and efficiency, while transitioning to EVs at their own pace. The SME Fuel and Charge card provides: EV charging solutions • Access to one of the UK’s largest networks of more than 9,000 bp pulse public charging
points and more than 3,500 fuel stations (including our 1,200 branded bp sites and 2,250 partner sites: Esso, Gulf and Texaco) • Cost-effective electric vehicle charging and fuelling solutions, easily managed through one fuel card • If an SME requires depot, workplace or home charging, through bp pulse we are able to provide full EV hardware solutions Carbon offsetting solutions We can also offer SME customers access to carbon offsetting services provided through the bp Target Neutral programme, which purchases and retires carbon credits to offset the carbon emissions from fuel used by fleet customers. SME customers can use our carbon calculator to find out the carbon footprint of their travel
and then pay to offset it. By doing so, they will help support a range of carbon offset projects around the world. Clear reporting • Access to bp’s 24/7 online portal, which helps effectively control fuel card use with downloadable user invoices • Access to the BPme digital app for cashless payments and tracking virtual transactions, which includes a loyalty programme, BPme Rewards, to redeem points earned through fuel and shop purchases The past two years have been tough for many small businesses, having faced multiple challenges throughout the pandemic and the current economic conditions. We hope that our new service can help make the switch to electric vehicles a little more straightforward. CC&V: Many of our readers run diesel cars and vans, primarily because they travel long distances for business. Will bp Fleet still be offering these customers their support right up until 2030 & possibly beyond? Adrian Brabazon: With our Fuel & Charge card, we will continue to support fleets of all vehicle types as we move towards the UK
bp at the CV Show
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government’s 2030 deadline for ending the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles. The Fuel & Charge card facilitates a phased approach to electric fleets, as it allows fuelling and charging on one card. Businesses don’t need to switch all vehicles to EVs at the same time, which means they can transition at their own pace. CC&V: Charging on the go, for the majority of our readers, is still a concern. Can you tell us how many EV charging points bp now offers and how this figure will increase over the next two years? Adrian Brabazon: bp pulse currently has over 9,000 EV charging points, and we expect to approximately triple this by 2030, with plans to invest £1 billion in electric vehicle charging in the UK. bp also plans to roll out up to 4,000 charging points in partnership with VW across the UK and Germany over the next 24 months. CC&V: Finally, as more EVs come to market, so the price to buy or lease one will fall. Do you think that cheaper electric motoring will encourage SMEs to switch to full-electric, or do you think that it’s charging infrastructure that is the biggest hurdle? Adrian Brabazon: We fully expect to see more SMEs move to electric vehicles as the price falls. Some industry analysts, including Richard Parry Jones, former Chief Technology Officer at Ford, and financial services firm UBS, predict that EVs will achieve price-parity
“bp pulse currently has over 9,000 EV charging points, and we expect to approximately triple this by 2030, with plans to invest £1 billion in electric vehicle charging in the UK. bp also plans to roll out up to 4,000 charging points in partnership with VW across the UK and Germany over the next 24 months.”
with petrol and diesel vehicles1 by the mid-2020s. When SMEs factor in lower maintenance costs and the lower cost of refuelling, there will be no reason for them not to switch to EVs, as the total cost of ownership of an EV may well be lower than that of ICE vehicles2. We know that in the early days there were some issues with charging infrastructure. The first generation of public charging networks were government funded and had to be free to use for an initial period, with schemes set up where users could activate the charging with an RFID card, which created lots of separate regional networks. However, the public and private sector is investing huge amounts to improve and expand EV charging in the UK. The UK government
recently announced its plans to commit £1.6 billion to expand the UK charging network, improve the consumer experience at charging points and provide fast charging. bp also recently announced plans to invest £1 billion in its bp pulse EV charging infrastructure in the UK, so that it can approximately triple the size of its network from its current 9,000 charging points. In a recent survey that we conducted of 500 fleet drivers and 250 fleet managers, we found that over half (54%) of fleets will use the public charging network in addition to charging points at home or at their depots.3 So, with the falling price of EVs and the massive investment going into charging infrastructure, SMEs should feel confident that they can start transitioning their fleets to EV.
1 https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry-news-environment-and-energy/richard-parry-jones-cost-parity-between-evs-and-ice 2 https://uk.mer.eco/news/ev-vs-ice-are-electric-cars-worth-it/#ev_vs_ice:_the_cost_of_ownership 3 Research carried out by One Poll, polled 500 UK fleet drivers and 250 UK fleet managers www.companycarandvan.co.uk
Company Car & Van | August 2022 | 19
CV NEWS: VAN SALES UK
Stunt rider Paul flies high with his new Ford Transit from Van Sales UK An unbeatable price convinced quad bike stunt performer Paul Hannam to buy his last Ford Transit from independent supplier Van Sales UK – but it was winning customer service and a hassle-free purchase process that brought him back a second time. “When I bought my previous van I shopped around to get the best deal,” Paul recalled. “The price I was quoted from Van Sales UK was significantly lower than other outlets I tried, for a vehicle with the exact same specification. “When the time came to replace that van I wanted the best value for my money again, of course, but that wasn’t my only reason for returning to Van Sales UK. “Both times, the whole purchase process was so quick and easy and the vehicle delivered so quickly that I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else. “I can honestly say it’s been the best buying experience I’ve ever had, for any product.” Paul traded in his previous van for the new Transit, a long-bodied L3 version with high H2 roof, powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine rated at 185PS. As a Limited model the vehicle came with a high level of standard equipment but Paul has added a raft of options
Show stopper: Paul Hannam and his new Ford Transit
including alloy wheels, front and rear sensors and cameras, adaptive cruise control, LED load area lights, an upgraded driver’s seat, Thatcham Category 1 alarm, factory-fitted towbar and tyre pressure monitoring system. “I spend a lot of time in the van so I wanted to make sure I would be as comfortable as
Foxy Horseboxes harnesses the power of Van Sales UK Specialist equine vehicle manufacturer Foxy Horseboxes needs a stable supply of van chassis to build on – so step forward independent supplier Van Sales UK. Director Hannah Gould explained: “We build vehicles to order, to our customers’ own design briefs – every one is different or personalised in some way. But we’re not a huge operation. We don’t have space to store a huge number of base vehicles, so to keep the business operating efficiently we rely on a supplier who can provide a regular flow. “We’ve dealt with several suppliers, including manufacturers’ franchised main dealers, but Van Sales UK seems to be able to move the quickest whenever we need to arrange a delivery. This was the 17th vehicle they’ve supplied to us – they can invariably source what we want, when we want it, and the people are very honest, helpful and trustworthy. Dealing with Van Sales UK is always a very positive experience.” She continued: “When we took our latest 20 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
possible,” he said. “Now I’ve had a chance to live with it for a while I can say I definitely made the right decision. It’s a great vehicle to drive and as well-equipped as most cars.” Each summer Paul tours the country, appearing at large agricultural shows and similar events with his quad bike display, under
Horses for courses: Hannah Gould of Foxy Horseboxes says Van Sales UK is her vehicle supplier of choice
order from a customer, for a horsebox based on a 3.5-tonne van chassis, I contacted Sales Executive Jamie-George Marsh who was able to give us a highly competitive quote, and the order was processed quickly and smoothly. Everything was done by email and mobile phone, with the minimum of hassle. “The vehicle was delivered to our bodyshop, exactly as ordered, less than two weeks from my initial inquiry, so we were able to start work without delay and assure our customer that the build was on schedule,” she added. The base vehicle is a Citroen Relay 35 with Bluehdi turbo-diesel engine, rated at 140ps, which drives through a six-speed manual
gearbox and incorporates a stop-start system. Its Stallion bodywork is one of four models in the Foxy range, each of which can be customised to the buyer’s individual needs. In addition to the standard list of features including a luxury upholstered cab, heavy-duty rubber-coated loading ramp, two full-height stalls with padded partitions and CCTV cameras to the horse area and for reversing, customers can pick from a range of options such as extra windows, storage, extended groom area and even a sleeping compartment. Family-owned Foxy Horseboxes was founded by Neil Savage in 2004. It operates in North and South Divisions in Tadcaster and Sussex. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
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“We score high by cutting the number of steps a vehicle takes between rolling off the production line and arriving at the customer’s premises...” the name ATV Stunts. His performances include feats such as jumping his Honda TRX450 quad over cars, tractors and his own van as well as staging races and full somersaults with his special ‘rollover quad’. The new van was delivered in time to help carry all Paul’s equipment to the Royal Bath & West Show in June. “It’s a great vehicle and a really practical size,” he added. “With my trailer hitched to the towbar I can transport four quads as well as all my gear, including a 5m2 inflatable shelter which is my base of operations, merchandise stall and kit store at events. “I only found out after I’d already bought my previous vehicle, but Van Sales UK’s Sales Executive Ben Jerrett is also a quad enthusiast and we’ve both worked for the same specialist dealer in the past, so he has a good understanding of what I need from a van and was very helpful in arranging both the vehicle specification and a competitive finance package.” Van Sales UK, a division of parent company Vanaways, is an internet-based business. With
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no shiny showroom or yard full of vans waiting to be sold, overheads are kept to a minimum. Its sales experts work over phone and email networks, taking inquiries and orders and matching customers up with their perfect vehicle selections without ever needing to have contact with either. The company has been trading since 2017 and now supplies an average of 250 vans per month. Director Chris Jakeways said: ““We can source any vehicle a customer wants, but for many people these days the brand of their new van is not a primary concern – especially as,
under the skin, in some cases two or even three models from different manufacturers can be nearly identical. “What’s more important is to make the process of getting that new van on the road as painless as possible. “That’s where we score, by cutting the number of steps a vehicle takes between rolling off the production line and arriving at the customer’s premises, and by slashing timeconsuming paperwork.” More about Paul at atvstunts.com More about Van Sales UK, at www.vansalesuk.co.uk
Company Car & Van | August 2022 | 21
RENTAL: EUROPCAR
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The right partner for an uncertain landscape When supply becomes an issue, leasing new vehicles could keep your business operations on the road, as Europcar explains here... The current uncertainty surrounding new vehicles and parts is challenging the operational efficiency of businesses that depend on cars and vans as part of their operations. Now more than ever organisations need to have confidence in supply, or at the very least, a good understanding of where the barriers are and how they can be managed. At Europcar Mobility Group UK, we have always maintained a collaborative partnership with our clients, with clear and direct communication helping both organisations. And ‘going direct’ with Europcar will help any manager responsible for fleet and business travel to plan effectively for their future mobility needs. Our consultative approach, matched with our extensive range of mobility services that go beyond simply daily rental, enables us to keep our clients’ businesses moving. Fit for purpose Right now, the key is to find a mobility partner that is ‘fit for purpose’. • A one-stop-shop The extensive range of cars and light commercial vehicles available from Europcar means we can truly be a single source provider. Through our strong manufacturer relationships we have maintained a comprehensive fleet of cars and vans, with an ever-increasing proportion of low and zero emission vehicles. Our car fleet offers choice across makes, models and engine size, as well as ICE, low and zero emission vehicles. And for van users, our wide-ranging commercial fleet, from all derivatives of panel and crew vans, through to tippers, traffic management dropsides and fully compliant ‘ready to rent’ Chapter 8 vehicles, means no job is too difficult.
transition to zero emissions in a manageable way and renting an electric vehicle makes sense for individuals and businesses – to cut their carbon footprint and to ‘try before they buy’. That’s why we are focusing on giving businesses of any size the chance to get on their journey to zero, with a level of flexibility that simply isn’t possible with traditional leasing or outright purchase. Our solutions offer plenty of flexibility and, combined, with a growing fleet of low and zero emission vehicles, provide a great opportunity to have a real-world EV experience, which we believe is critical before making long-term fleet decisions. • One size doesn’t fit all We also offer the ultimate flexibility in vehicle use, from hourly on demand to long-term 28 days plus, enabling businesses to select the mobility solution that’s fit for purpose for the job and the journey. Europcar long-term rental solutions could even mean that businesses can capitalise on the high residual values in the used vehicle market by disposing of their owned fleet, while still keeping their drivers on the road. • In the right place A comprehensive network of locations and
strong logistics is also crucial to meet the sometimes unpredictable mobility needs of business drivers. More than 100 locations as well as stations at all major UK airports mean we can provide the right car, in the right place, at the right time. And reflecting our vision of delivering a local service for local businesses, 12 specialist Europcar Vans & Trucks Supersites across the UK hold a wide range of commercial vehicles ready for rent. Staffed by a team of van experts, each Supersite delivers the knowledge that’s essential for commercial vehicle users. Our Delivery and Collection service is also integral to what we do for fleet and corporate customers. And our connected vehicle strategy helps us know whether vehicles are ready for collection and are situated at the intended pick up point. • Easy account set up For businesses that want to tap into the services and expertise of Europcar, set-up is easy. A Europcar self-service business account can be opened online in minutes and provides a business travel or fleet manager with access to our services, at preferential rates. By engaging directly with Europcar, businesses can benefit from the network, flexibility and innovation that will keep their operations moving. Find out more To find out more about Europcar’s business solutions visit www.europcar.co.uk/business or call 0371 384 0140.
• Taking the road to zero As more Clean Air Zones are introduced in towns and cities across the country, access to compliant vehicles will be important in ensuring that businesses do not have to pay fees and incur fines for entering these areas – as well as doing their part in improving air quality. Every company we talk to wants to be able to 24 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
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RENTAL: NORTHGATE
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Northgate’s Drive to Zero programme will electrify your fleet
Northgate has launched its fleet electrification programme, Drive to Zero, to provide customers with a full suite of solutions designed to aid fleets’ transition to electric LCVs. Over the past two years, Northgate has continued its transformation into a specialist B2B customer-centric LCV mobility provider and has been building the foundations for our own electrification journey, alongside those of its customers. Neil McCrossan, Northgate Vehicle Hire’s sales and marketing director said: “In line with the Government’s deadline for internal combustion vehicle sales ending in 2030, Northgate has been committed to ensuring that our customers are fully supported by us in advance of this. “We understand that for businesses, a lack of interruption is key while undergoing any fleet transition, and electrification is no different. We have launched Drive to Zero in order to make this transition as seamless and efficient as possible.” Drive to Zero comprises five key elements, which together make up the electrification programme designed to ensure a seamless transition of all businesses. A thorough fleet analysis is the first step in any transition, assessing EV suitability for transition. Through the interrogation of telematics data, Northgate builds a complete understanding of vehicles, their movements, distances travelled and journey times, which gives an understanding of which vehicles can be immediately switched to electric power
Renault Zoe commercial hatchback
without issue and which ones will come on-stream as higher range electric LCVs are launched over the coming years by OEMs. They can then offer vehicles on trial to fleets prior to a longer term commitment. Vehicle choice is key for successful fleet management, and Northgate works closely with OEMs to continually add to an industry-leading range of electric LCVs. From final mile solutions such as the Renault Zoe commercial hatchback, through to mid-sized panel vans such as the latest Peugeot e-Expert, Mercedes Benz e-Vito or even the larger Mercedes Benz e-Sprinter, Northgate offers a leading proposition within its 12 months+ rental option. As servicing and maintenance remain a key consideration for EVs, Northgate has invested heavily in its workshops and 67-strong branch network, ensuring that trained EV technicians are employed across the country. In order to aid driver training around best practice for EVs, Northgate has a full suite of EV training modules available to help address challenges and help drivers adopt new driving techniques to optimise EV range. Free to all its EV customers, the broad suite
of learning modules help drivers up-skill with ease on all manner of subjects, from EV driving best practice, to charging, and a host of other ‘how to’ topics in between. Since the provision of suitable charging infrastructure is a crucial step to ensuring a smooth transition for any business, Northgate works with leading EV charging installation experts, ChargedEV, part of the Redde Northgate plc group, to ensure that whether a customer needs to consider workplace charging, home charging or even public charging facilities, the best possible solution can be found. It can also help and support with major infrastructure planning which involves working with local energy suppliers to install and futureproof a company’s charging needs. Finally, Northgate’s team of independent EV fleet specialists are available to help fleets develop and implement robust transition plans, bespoke for each customer. The proposition is designed to let fleets focus on their core business, while Northgate focuses on running their vehicles. With rental services and a flexible approach not found with more traditional fleet funding methods, with Northgate, the Drive to Zero is assured to be smooth.
“From final mile solutions such as the Renault Zoe commercial hatchback, through to mid-sized panel vans such as the latest Peugeot e-Expert, Mercedes Benz e-Vito or even the larger Mercedes Benz e-Sprinter, Northgate offers a leading proposition within its 12months+ rental option...”
26 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
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SPECIAL REPORT BY THE AA ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Transitioning to alternative fuels: Debunking the mysticism and myths More fleets are switching to alternative fuels than ever before, but misconceptions still remain as to staying power and reliability. Stuart Thomas, Director of Fleet & Accident Management Services at the AA, challenges some of the more common myths surrounding EVs, and highlights the benefits for those who are considering making the switch. forward planning when it comes to charging goes a long way. At the AA, we’ve just undertaken the ground-breaking GB EV Rally covering 1,200 miles in five days from John O’Groats to Land’s End using both EV cars and vans to demonstrate in the real world the long distances that vans can achieve, even when using only the public charging network. Diesel may still be the primary fuel of choice for operators, but more and more commercial drivers are transitioning to EVs. Indeed, the AA’s fifth annual Operational Report, cocommissioned with Rivus Fleet Solutions, which involved more than 500 operational fleet managers, showed that while 77% of operators deploy diesel across their fleets, only 54% expect to be using the fuel in five years. This finding applied across the fleet mix to both vans and cars. This is a significant drop from the previous year’s Operational Report, which showed 75% of managers expecting to use diesel in the next half-decade, indicating change is on the way. As petrol and diesel prices soar, we anticipate more and more managers making the switch to alternative fuels ahead of the 2030 deadline. To help fleets prepare for the changes ahead, we have compiled some key mythbusting facts below. Range anxiety There are still a lot of myths around as we transition to EVs. However, many of these, including range anxiety, can be consigned to the past. Now, fewer than 4% of EVs on the road that break down do so because they have run out of charge, according to recently released AA data. This revealed the proportion of EVs needing rescue due to this issue over the past two years. The data showed a reduction from 8% to less than 4% of breakdowns occurring as a result of running out of charge. Half of those requiring rescue were low on charge, and hadn’t actually run out. Most EVs show an orange warning light when charge levels reach 20%. Other EVs will change your sat nav route to find chargers or put your vehicle in ‘range’ mode. We hope this helps debunk the range anxiety myth – a little 28 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
EV grants are purely for consumers While the government’s focus may seem to be on car drivers, it recently switched grant funding from consumer to commercial vehicles, after shutting the plug-in car grant scheme. Commercial operators can now access around £300 million in plug-in grants for plug-in taxis, motorbikes, vans, trucks and wheelchairaccessible vehicles. Bear in mind, though, that only vehicles that are government-approved will be eligible. ‘Drivers need at-home charging’ Not according to our most recent Operational Fleet Insight Report. This revealed that EV drivers prefer the choice of at-work and depot charging. And that’s an option preferred by an overwhelming majority of fleet operators too, at 72%. Indeed, managers have indicated that they want to sidestep the issue of home charging altogether, with only 13% of fleets saying it’s their preferred EV charging option. Threequarters of fleets feel home charging places too much responsibility on drivers, while 69% of drivers themselves would prefer not to charge their vehicles from home. Home charging could add future potential benefits and flexibility for fleets, but for the moment, the practicalities of delivering this successfully is an elephant in the room for many. The operational aspects of developing depot and work-based charging infrastructure take a lot of careful planning though, with operators weighing initial investment and complex depot logistics with long-term impact. Is at-work charging right for your business? The answer to this question depends on a range of factors, all requiring careful consideration.
New technology isn’t accessible for all drivers Almost one in ten new cars in the UK are bought by or on behalf of disabled drivers. An AA 2021 survey found that 73% of respondents believed charge post spaces should be wheelchair friendly, while 79% felt charge post design should consider users with limited mobility and/or disabilities. Clearly a B2B as well as a B2C issue, in the past few months, we at the AA have called for greater accessibility of EV charge points. I’m pleased to report that new accessibility standards for EV charging are in progress. The British Standards Institute is working with Motability and the Department for Transport to solve the issue. Wireless charging is thought to be a potential solution to this problem. Lower servicing costs Now we’ve tackled some of the obstacles, let’s also review the real positives for fleets considering an alternative fuels transition in this round-up of key business benefits. For example, awareness is growing of the potentially lower service, maintenance and repair (SMR) costs of EVs. Our fifth annual Operational Fleet Insight Report backed this up too. Overall, fleet managers believe that EVs, while costly to purchase, are cheaper to run overall, as they have significantly fewer mechanical parts, and therefore carry less potential for any issues to arise. Quite simply, EVs are much less likely to be off the road for repair or maintenance, thus reducing VOR, or vehicle off-road time, significantly. Commercial EV grants are now available As stated earlier, commercial operators can now access around £300 million in plug-in grants. The policy reflects the government’s target for every van on UK roads to be electric by 2050. Driver training caters for EV drivers Driver training should not be forgotten in the switchover to EVs – some drivers will need their hands holding throughout the process. Drivetech, part of the AA, launched EV www.companycarandvan.co.uk
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There’s more technical support available than ever before for fleets and motorists running electric vehicles
Co-Driver in late 2021, a nudge-theory, game-changing initiative geared towards focusing on educating drivers on best practice behind the wheel. EV Co-Driver offers a completely flexible, engaging approach to driver training via a series of immersive animations. Charge points are increasing Being left without charge when you drive to a new location is far less likely, thanks to a big increase in available charging points. EV charging point app Zap Map revealed that, at the end of April this year, there were 31,507 charging points across the UK, with more than 1,000 new ones added every month. This is news that is likely to please managers – 32% of Operational Fleet Report respondents cited lack of charging points across the country as a barrier to purchase. Equally, the ‘All Star’ fuel card and app, which allows users access to charging points offered by multiple providers, is growing in popularity. EV-only charging hubs, suitable for both consumer and commercial vehicles, are also starting to creep onto operators’ radars, our research found. Businesses are investing in EV driver customer service In 2020, The AA started working with Mer, part of the Norwegian company Statkraft, Europe’s largest provider of renewable energy. Mer has introduced EV charging stations into businesses, key retail locations and public areas managed by local authorities in a bid to boost sustainable EV charging in the UK. The AA’s dedicated phone line support provides technical help for the charge point and to the vehicle if the www.companycarandvan.co.uk
customer needs it, enabling stranded EV drivers to continue their journey as quickly as possible. If drivers experience issues such as starting/ stopping a charge or a stuck cable, they can ring the helpline number on the charger and a member of the dedicated AA team will be there to assist them 24/7. The AA is now working with Mer to trial field support, with the AA’s Fuel Assist technicians being trained to do safe isolation work on a post and provide a fault triage service that involves recommending next steps, including escalating fixes to Mer to assign a trained electrician if needed.
Worrying, though, according to our Operational Fleet Report, over a third of fleets (36%) are unaware of the 2030 ban on new diesel and petrol vehicle sales. The government needs to do more to prepare the industry for this seismic shift. At the AA, it’s our role to support fleets transition on the journey ahead. Our focus on continued innovation, while providing marketleading customer service and roadside capability, keeps us forever ahead of the curve. Wherever you are on your journey, remember that we are with you as you travel, every mile of the way.
The AA’s with you every mile of the way Clearly, a huge amount of progress is taking place on our transition to alternative fuels.
To find out more about AA Business Services, please visit https://www.linkedin. com/showcase/the-aa-business-services/. Company Car & Van | August 2022 | 29
CV NEWS: VOLKSWAGEN
The exciting new ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo make up Europe’s first all-electric bus and transporter range as Volkswagen provides yet another solution to sustainable and CO2-free mobility. Both come with the latest ID. software and set new standards for safety, comfort and charging. Ralf Brandstätter, Chairman, Volkswagen Passenger Cars: “The ID. Buzz is a genuine icon for the electric era. A car, the likes of which only Volkswagen can build. In the 1950s, the Volkswagen Bulli stood for a new feeling of automotive freedom, independence and great emotion. The ID. Buzz picks up on this lifestyle and transfers it into our time: emission-free, sustainable, fully networked and now ready for the next big chapter: autonomous driving. With this car, we are bringing together the core themes of our ACCELERATE strategy in one product for the first time.” As is the case for all the models in Volkswagen Passenger Car’s ID. family, the ID. Buzz is also based in engineering terms on the Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). The world’s first scalable mass production platform for all-electric cars provides the cross-brand basis for all sorts of different models and segments. Its architecture allows for an evolutionary further development of software and technology, which not only benefits new models such as the ID. Buzz, but also models that have already been delivered, by means of over-the-air updates. Latest generation ID. software The new model line’s assistance systems perfect ease of driving and safety. Included as standard in the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo is the ‘Car2X’ local warning system, which utilises signals from other vehicles and the transport infrastructure to spot hazards in real time. Also included as standard: the ‘Front Assist’ emergency braking function and, in the MPV, the ‘Lane Assist’ lane-keeping assistant. With new software, new assistance functions are also making their way into the ID. family. Available as an option is ‘Travel Assist with swarm data’, which facilitates partially automated driving across the entire speed range and, for the first time, assisted lanechanging on the motorway. Also new: the ‘Memory Function’ for automated parking on a previously saved route. Up to 170 kW charging power The ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo are launching across Europe with a 77 kWh battery (gross energy content: 82 kWh). It provides current to a 150 kW electric motor, which – as the flat engine once did in the T1 – drives the rear axle. The position of the battery, integrated deep down in the sandwich floor, and the lightweight electric drive system result in a good distribution of weight and a low vehicle centre of gravity. Both factors optimise the handling and agility. The lithium ion battery can be charged from wall boxes or public charging stations using 11 32 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
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VW’s latest CV is creating a real Buzz kW alternating current (AC). Via a CCS plug connector at a DC rapid-charging station (direct current) the charging power increases to as much as 170 kW. When charged in this way, the battery charge level rises from 5 to 80% in about 30 minutes. Using the latest ID. software, the model line will also offer the ‘Plug & Charge’ function in the future. Via this function, the ID. Buzz authenticates itself at compatible DC rapid-charging stations via the charging connector using the ISO 15118 standard. It also exchanges all necessary data with the charging station in this way – an added convenience. Bidirectional charging enables the ID. Buzz to feed unneeded energy from the battery into the customer’s home network (Vehicle-toHome). The power transfer and communication take place via a special DC bi-directional wall box. New face of a sustainable mobility The visual frame around these future-oriented technologies is formed by the unique design of the ID. Buzz. “The T1 – an icon of the 1950s – enabled people to gain mobility and freedom. With the ID. Buzz, we are transferring this T1 DNA to the present day and thus into the era of electric mobility,” says Jozef Kaba, Head of Volkswagen Design. “The ID. Buzz brings a lot of sympathy and proximity to people back to the road,” the chief designer continues. And it is the proportions that make the ID. Buzz so unique. Adds Kaba: “In the T1 you are practically sitting on top of the front axle – there’s no front overhang. For all its safety relevance and technology, the ID. Buzz has super short overhangs.” The designer sums up:
“The ID. Buzz is timeless, sustainable and yet also extremely functional – that makes it unique.” Another feature that has always been typical of the model line is the iconic front with its V-shaped front panel between the charismatic LED headlights. That goes for the optional two-tone paintwork too. Thoughtfully designed, spacious interior ID. Buzz drivers and passengers experience the new Bulli feeling in a spaciously designed interior. Typically Bulli: the layout is very clear, the concept well thought through and utilisation of space optimal. In the lounge-like, friendly ambience of the MPV version, five people have ample room for travelling and for their luggage (1,121 litres of capacity). If the second row of seats is folded down, the load capacity increases to up to 2,205 litres. Two or three seats up front, as the customer desires, and a fixed partition separating off the 3.9 m3 cargo space are distinctive features of the ID. Buzz Cargo. The zero-emission cargo version can take two loaded euro pallets, loaded in transversely. Long wheelbase, compact body One feature of the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo is the long wheelbase of 2,988 mm, roughly the same as that of the current T6.1. The length of both versions is 4,712 mm. By virtue of what, in relation to the overall length, is a very long wheelbase, optimal use is made of the vehicle footprint. Including roof aerial, the two versions of ID. Buzz measure 1,937 mm or 1,938 mm in height, a width of 1,985 mm and a turning circle of just 11.1 metres. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
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CV NEWS: RENAULT KANGOO E-TECH
Kangoo E-TECH hits the spot Andrew Walker Renault’s electric Kangoo has been around for 10 years and in that time, 75,000 have been sold. Renault has just introduced a new electric model – the Kangoo E-TECH – and it comes with more tech and safety, an improved interior, better storage solutions and most importantly, a bigger battery range. We popped across the Channel recently, to give one a drive. What’s new ? The all-new Renault Kangoo van has been built on a new platform and features a fresh exterior design, advanced technology and a brand-new interior, bringing it bang up to date in a very competitive sector. There are two versions: Start or Advance. They both come in long and short-wheelbase formats. Battery, range and charging Fitted with a 45kW battery, the new Kangoo E-TECH delivers up to 186 miles (WLTP). The battery can be recharged using a home 7.4kW charger in just over six hours, while rapid DC charging up to 75kWh gives users an 80% charge in 42 minutes. The battery size, 45kW, means that if you utilise a night time charging discount offered by the likes of Octopus Go, at 7.5p a kWh between 00.30 – 04.30 am, you can take your Kangoo E-TECH from a third full to fully charged overnight at a cheaper rate. Safety and technology New Kangoo E-Tech comes with ADAS, which includes optional Advanced Lane Keep Assist, Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go. It’s also now available with wireless smartphone charging, an 8” touchscreen, EASY-LINK display plus smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Practicality The E-TECH boasts the same cargo carrying ability as its ICE counterpart, which is great news for operators. This means a load volume of up to 4.2m3, 615kg of payload and a 1,500kg towing capacity. It also comes with a choice of Easy Inside Rack retractable interior gallery and can be ordered with a range of door and glazing options to suit your trade or business. Driving modes and spec The Kangoo comes with two driving modes, Eco or Normal plus three levels of regeneration, which are accessed via the gear lever. The good news is that the cabin is much improved over the previous version, so you now get a touchscreen infotainment screen lifted straight out of the Renault passenger car range. Clever touches include twin USB’s and 12v socket neatly hidden in a dash top lidded box and a sliding glove box. The latest Renault system works with both www.companycarandvan.co.uk
Apple Car Play and Android Auto. There’s cruise control, air-con, an electric handbrake and clear and concise twin speedo and power dials in front of the steering wheel. The stubby gear lever is easy to reach and by pushing it to the right you engage the regenerative braking. Thinking about the van’s range, Renault has included a heat pump to warm the van without stealing power from the battery. UK models also come with a heated windscreen, seats and steering wheel. You can pre-programme your Kangoo E-Tech to warm up via your smartphone and set up the charging time remotely as well. Interior storage Our French Kangoo featured a lovely sliding glove box, a dash top lidded box with the two USBs and a 12v socket inside. The two door pockets are large enough for two drinks each, with room for two more in the cup holders sat between the front seats. There’s also a central armrest with storage space inside. On the road The first thing you notice is just how quiet the electric Kangoo is. Noise does enter the cabin but it’s from the tyres not the engine. Our French Kangoo featured a half bulkhead and a moveable mesh cage located behind the passenger, so the noise was perhaps more noticeable than in a model fitted with a full bulkhead, as all UK models will be. UK customers can also specify a glazed bulkhead as well. Our test model had a pallet with a 750kg load, to reflect real driving conditions. Despite this, the ride is somewhat jerky and we bounced around over some poorly maintained roads. Things improved when the tarmac got better, so a dual carriageway and the A1 motorway were far more comfortable and quieter. On the motorway, the E-TECH Kangoo offers plenty of torque, so overtaking slow moving traffic is easy. The brakes are good and if you select brake regeneration ‘B’, even the strongest level isn’t too intrusive. Furthermore, Apple Car
Play connected seamlessly and the touchscreen menu and response speed are all pretty good. Real world range Driving for 2.5 hours on a warm June day, with two on board, we travelled 80 miles and used up nearly a half of the vans range. About par for Renault’s claimed battery range. Pros It has a car-like interior, excellent battery range and that heat pump is a real plus. The load space is clever, especially the under roof storage, and there are SWB or LWB versions. Charging is quick thanks to the smallish 45kW battery and standard UK 22 AC + 80 DC charging. The same cargo space as the ICE Kangoo means no compromise for operators choosing to go electric. Cons Over poor road surfaces, the ride is a bit of a let down, probably not helped by the battery weight. The A pillars obscure the driver’s view a little.
CC&V VERDICT The new Kangoo electric is pretty damn good. Our whistle-stop drive meant we didn’t have enough time to assess the battery range properly, but we’d surmise that a 150 -175 mile range is achievable with a load and two passengers in warmer weather. Lots of clever space-saving load area options, such as an internal roof rack for a ladder to fit under the roof, and the closing lid-top box with twin USBs – Renault has thought of pretty much everything. The only negative is an uneven ride on undulating roads, but that’s a common problem for EVs. Otherwise it’s big thumbs up from us.
CC&V RATING: NNNNN Company Car & Van | August 2022 | 33
CV NEWS: FIAT PROFESSIONAL
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Compromise-free all-new Scudo is the professional’s choice The new Scudo from Fiat Professional is the perfect companion of professionals, offering smart use of space, top-level capabilities, payload and volume all packed into compact external dimensions. The all-new LCV is based on Stellantis’ mid-van platform and available with a 100% electric powertrain alongside four diesel units. The E-Scudo has a best-in-class range of up to 205 miles (WLTP), ideal for those who work in the city and inner suburbs. It also boasts unique flexibility with two battery sizes – 50 and 75kWh – an AC charging capacity of up to 11kW, and up to 100kW in DC, to charge the battery to 80% in just 45 minutes. There are also four diesel powertrains: • 1.5l with either 100hp or 120hp and 6-speed manual transmission; • 2.0l 145hp unit combined with either an 8-speed manual or automatic; • 2.0l engine with 180hp paired with the efficient 8-speed automatic transmission. But there’s no compromise on load capacity, whichever power format you choose: up to 6.6m3 loading bay volume, payload up to 1t and a towing capacity of 1t.
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Another aspect carefully considered in the design phase of New Scudo was comfort. The aim is to offer a stress-free experience at work, via various measures such as a car-like driving position and top level soundproofing, to minimise jolts and vibrations. The car-like driving position ensures an excellent comfort level, while the elevated seating position ensures optimal road visibility. Easy accessibility is provided by an ergonomic step in the cabin. Road holding, comfort and suspension
filtering are ensured in any driving condition thanks to the four independent wheel suspensions enhancing variable stiffness springs, with load adaptive variable damping (AMVAC) shock absorbers, a system which varies the damping with the ride height. Safety features include 14 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features including: automatic road sign recognition; automatic emergency braking; lane departure warning; and blind spot alert.
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CV NEWS: MERCEDES-BENZ
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AC fast charging to 100% capacity takes sixand-a-half hours using an 11kW Wallbox Type 2 charger...
eVito has the range to impress The all-new, fully electric Mercedes-Benz eVito has arrived, bringing significant advances in efficiency, reliability and connectivity. It also offers an impressive 162-mile range, making electric mobility a feasible proposition for many businesses that have yet to switch from diesel. What’s more, its 66 kWh lithium-ion battery can be restored to 80% of full usable capacity in just 35 minutes, using a publicly available rapid charging point. As a result, a short stop to recharge can extend the vehicle’s range by approximately 105 miles (WLTP combined). AC fast charging to 100% capacity takes six-and-a-half hours using an 11kW Wallbox Type 2 charger, and approximately 20 hours using a regular domestic power outlet. eVito customers can take advantage of MercedesBenz Vans’ home charge point offers, which are redeemable via its infrastructure partners EO and New Motion. EO charging can also support customers with depot and business charging rollouts. As with previous eVito models, gearshift paddles allow drivers to adjust the recuperation
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mode by which battery charge is extended through the recovery of energy when decelerating. The eVito’s electric motor drives the front wheels, delivering peak and steady outputs of 116 hp and 95 hp respectively, and up to 360 Nm of torque. The 3.2-tonne vehicle offers a payload allowance of up to 807 kg and a maximum load volume of 6.6m3 – the battery is safely housed beneath the floor, so does not impinge on the available space. The cargo area is easily accessed via sliding doors on body sides of the vehicle, as well as from the rear. Safety features include Active Brake Assist with pedestrian recognition technology; Attention Assist, which detects drowsiness in the driver and encourages them to take breaks
when tired; and Cruise Control with Adaptive speed limiter function. The new van is also equipped as standard with an intuitively-operated, seven-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, and comes with a three-year subscription to the Mercedes me app. This provides connectivity via digital devices to a variety of services, including remote eCharging, Navigation with Electronic Intelligence, which allows routes to be plotted with reference to public charge points, and live tracking and remote locking. Prices for new eVito panel van start at £ 43,600 for the L2 PROGRESSIVE variant, excluding VAT and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant contribution, which is currently worth £5,000.
Company Car & Van | August 2022 | 35
ON TEST: TOYOTA YARIS CROSS
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Head-turning Cross adds a touch of muscle to Yaris range Toyota has added an SUV option to the Yaris –and it has plenty to offer, as Andrew Walker discovered...
Toyota’s Yaris family – supermini and hot-hatch – now has a small SUV option, with the arrival of the Yaris Cross. Think Yaris on steroids. As you might guess from that description, it’s quite a bit larger than its supermini brethren, and is almost as spacious inside as the larger CH-R. It offers company car drivers tax-friendly CO2 emissions from 102g/km, and Company Car and Van got to grips with one recently and here’s what we thought. What is it? Built on the same TNGA platform as the other Yaris models, it’s powered by a 1.5 litre three cylinder petrol engine with a CVT transmission. The front axle features an electric generator and motor that gives the Cross it’s hybrid powertrain. As a whole, it’s 240mm longer than the standard Yaris, with 60mm added to the front and 180mm to the rear. The ground clearance is 30mm higher and the vehicle is wider and taller overall by 20 and 90mm respectively. 36 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
Model range and spec There are four model choices available, beginning with Icon as the entry model, then Design, Excel and finally Dynamic. All come generously equipped with Icon offering 16” 10-spoke alloys, Toyota Safety Sense, Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system with 8” touchscreen, DAB, Bluetooth, six-speaker audio system, Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android, AutoSmart entry, push-button start, a reversing camera, automatic air con and a 4.2” multi-information display. To this equipment the Design adds 17” dark grey/machined five-double-spoke alloys, LED projector headlights, rear lights and sequential indicators, light blue ambient cabin lighting, aluminium roof rails, black headlining, a 7” multi-information display and rear privacy glass. Excel enhances this further with the addition of 18” dark grey/machined five-triple-spoke alloys, a power tailgate with kick sensor, 9” Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake, intelligent parking sensors, a heated steering wheel and front seats, an auto dimming rear view mirror and dual-zone climate control. Finally, the range-topping Dynamic offers a more distinctive SUV appearance and can be specified with front or all-wheel drive. It features, in addition to the Excel trim level, 18” dark grey five-triple-spoke alloys, a bi-tone paint finish with black roof and the option of intelligent all-wheel drive. All-in-all, it’s an equipment level to rival those of its rivals.
Safety All Yaris Cross models benefit from Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance systems as standard. The package includes a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and cyclist recognition and Emergency Steering Assist; full-range intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control; Lane Departure Alert and Lane Trace Assist; Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beam. Yaris Cross also come with eCall which can automatically summon emergency services assistance in the event of a serious impact. Engine, performance and economy We were testing the Dynamic model, which features a three-cylinder 1.5 hybrid engine, which comes with 114bhp, with the electric motor producing up to 79bhp. Top speed is 105 mph with 0-62mph reached in 11.2 seconds. Fuel consumption is a claimed 54.656.5 mg, with CO2 emissions of 112-117.2 g/km. Interior The cabin features plenty of black, grey and chrome and is unmistakably a Toyota. Quality is good, with decent materials used throughout and solid, straightforward switchgear. The dashboard is dominated by the touchscreen, which is a huge jump up in quality for Toyota compared to previous tech used in its models. There are very clear graphics and fast response to inputs. Underneath the touchscreen, sit narrow air vents and separate climate controls, with a single USB input. Continued on page 38 www.companycarandvan.co.uk
ON TEST: TOYOTA YARIS CROSS
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Continued from page 36 Located between the front seats are the gear stick, electric hand brake, Drive and EV mode buttons. Practicality The 397-litre boot features a heightadjustable luggage deck, which can be divided in two. The luggage compartment also has a new flexible belt system to keep items secure when driving. The cabin feels more spacious than the larger Toyota CH-R and comes with a glove box, centre cubby, under armrest storage, four small door pockets and a couple of drinks holders located between the front seats. The increased size created by the car’s extra 240mm is most noticeable in the cabin, with those in the front seats spoilt for both head and legroom. The rear seats will take three, but only really on shorter journeys. However, those in the back do have good headroom, but taller passengers will struggle if sat behind a tall driver for legroom. The extra 25mm of height gives the driver a decent driving position. Driving modes and economy In common with many hybrids, the Cross will drive in EV mode up to 30mph, at which point the petrol engine will kick in. There’s a default driving setting, plus Eco, Power, EV and B, instigated by pulling the gear stick all the way towards you, which increases the regenerative braking effect. We tried them all out, sticking to Eco mode on the motorway and utilising EV mode and B in town on slower, local routes. Power gives you a little bit more oomph when joining a motorway. A week and 300-miles driven, 200 38 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
of which were on the motorway, saw us average 55.3mpg. On the road The Cross’s small stature means it feels nippier than it actually is. City streets are its bread and butter and the chassis and wheels coped well with the pot-holed and worn-out tarmac locally. Put your foot down and you may notice the CVT gearbox groaning a little. However, once you are up to speed the Cross will sit quite happily at motorway speeds. The on-board Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Trace Assist, work well on the motorway, but are best turned off for town and country driving. Continued on page 40
“The cabin feels more spacious than the larger Toyota CH-R ... the increased size created by its extra 240mm is most noticeable in the cabin, with those in the front seats spoilt for both head and legroom ... the extra 25mm of height gives the driver a decent driving position...”
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ON TEST: TOYOTA YARIS CROSS
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Continued from page 38 Talking of the motorway, we tended to set the cruise at 70mph, sit back, relax and let the Cross do the work for you. My travel companions had no complaints about the car’s ride or any excess cabin noise upsetting their journey, and the bonus of a decent sized boot meant that I was able to transport four adults plus bags to a local tennis match in some comfort. Overall, the Cross won’t set your pulse racing, being more of a solid performer than a superstar. But its light, positive steering and decent road handling are stand out features that make it an enjopyable car to drive. EV mode will take you a good 30 miles if used carefully and we reckon that if we hadn’t been bombing along the M6 for 200 miles, we could easily have achieved 60+ mpg. Pros It looks good from every angle and also all
PRICE POINT Yaris Cross Yaris Cross Icon FWD Yaris Cross Design FWD Yaris Cross Excel FWD Yaris Cross Dynamic FWD Yaris Cross Dynamic AWD-i
£22,515 £24,140 £26,745 £26,465 £28,825
Two limited edition models are available for 12 months Yaris Cross Premiere Edition FWD £28,185 Yaris Cross Premiere Edition AWD-i £30,545
versions come very well equipped. Highlight is the much improved infotainment system over Toyotas of old. From a practical perspective, it
feels at least as spacious inside as the larger CH-R and it’s easy to drive. Long journeys were comfortable and the Yaris Cross offers good fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. Cons We still don’t like the CVT gearbox, although we will concede that it does work better in smaller Toyotas. The exterior looks are striking but all those sharp angles won’t appeal to all. The interior is little bland. Conclusion Existing Yaris and CH-R customers, plus Renault Captur, Hyundai Kona, KIA Stonic and Nissan Juke drivers, should take a closer look. You won’t be disappointed. The Cross feels like a grown-up Yaris, with room on board for four adults and a family-sized boot. Decent fuel economy and low CO2 give those fleet customers not yet ready for full-electric an opportunity to save some money. Most importantly, we think it’s a great looking car that punches above its weight on practically and price.
CC&V VERDICT A great bridge to low CO2/economical motoring for those not ready to go full EV just yet. Great in the city and you’ll love the space on offer inside.
CC&V RATING: NNNNN 40 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
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NEW CAR REVIEW: LEXUS RX:
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Expanded electrified line-up brings Lexus RX into the spotlight Lexus has taken the wraps off the all-new RX, a model that leverages the company’s electrified strategy and its more than 15 years’ experience in electrified vehicle technology. Its development was part of a multi-tech approach that pushed the boundaries of what is possible in self-charging hybrid performance and plug-in hybrid power and efficiency. The new RX 500h is also Lexus’s first turbocharged hybrid, developed to provide high-end electrified performance, and that’s what really makes it a game-changer. Using a completely new hybrid architecture comprising a 2.4-litre turbo engine and six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 366bhp. The front electric motor is positioned between the combustion engine and the transmission (which has a clutch on both sides), enabling great flexibility in power delivery. There is also an 80kW e-Axle, a compact, modular package housing a motor, gearing and an ECU, located between the rear wheels. Its compact dimensions help secure more space in the cabin and load compartment. Power delivery is controlled by DIRECT4, an exclusive new Lexus drive-force technology which recently debuted on the RZ 450e. This intelligent system constantly balances the power and torque between the front and rear axles in any driving situation, automatically and seamlessly shifting the drive force between the two axles in milliseconds – more precisely than any mechanical system could. DIRECT4 communicates a better feel between the road and steering wheel and delivers improved handling stability and driving dynamics at high speed. Importantly for the RX 500h, it also enhances ride comfort with instant torque that helps control body movement. In line with the model’s high performance,
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the front brakes have opposed callipers. Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) determines the optimum steering angle for the rear wheels. RX 450h+: the first plug-in hybrid electric RX • 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid electric powertrain • Output: 302bhp/306 DIN hp/225kW • 0-62mph: 7.0s • CO2: 24-26g/km • Fuel consumption: 235.4-256.8mpg Lexus drew on its electrification expertise to produce the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, which it believes will be a logical step-up for many of its current RX 450h customers. Expected to be the best-selling RX model in the UK, it features a four-cylinder 2.5-litre hybrid engine and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with 18.1 kWh capacity. An additional rear electric motor enables full-time all-wheel drive. The plug-in system produces 302bhp and is expected to deliver 0-62mph acceleration in
around seven seconds. Overall, it offers roughly the same output as the outgoing RX 450h, but with more torque and faster acceleration. With more of the power coming from the electric motors, driving feels effortless yet refined. It will also give significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions. Lexus’s target CO2 emissions (WLTP combined cycle) are than 26g/km with fuel economy of less than 235.4mpg. The battery’s size and capacity and Lexus’s electrification know-how combine to deliver an EV driving range of around 40 miles (target figure, pending homologation) and enable all-electric driving at speeds up to 84mph. Crucially, high efficiency is maintained when the battery charge is depleted, as the vehicle then switches seamlessly to its self-charging hybrid system. RX 350h: efficient fourth generation selfcharging hybrid • 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid electric powertrain • Output: 242bhp/245 DIN hp/180kW • 0-62mph: 8.0s • CO2: 143-150g/km • Fuel consumption: 41.1-42.2mpg • Performance data provisional/tentative pending homologation The new RX 350h is characterised by the improved smoothness and efficiency of its fourth generation self-charging hybrid electric system. This 2.5-litre petrol drivetrain provides 242b hp and 0-62mph acceleration in 8.0 seconds, performance comparable with the current RX 450h, while at the same time producing lower emissions. It will be a strong alternative to competitors with small-displacement engines and ideal for customers who prioritise comfort and efficiency. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
ON TEST: BMW i4
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i4 leads BMW charge as it switches to electric motoring Andrew Walker takes a spin in BMW’s latest electric sensation, the i4, and reckons the Germans have got pretty much everything right As 2021 ended, BMW was firmly focused on the electric car sector, with the launch of two new models, the iX and the i4. We got to spend some time in both, beginning with the i4. It’s an electric five-door coupe based on the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. While many brands are launching electric cars that look different, BMW is mixing its responses up. So, while the iX premium SUV look very different from all that has gone before it, the i4 looks just like a 4 Series Gran Coupe and, in our opinion, is all the better for it. It’s pitched in a competitive sector alongside the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and Jaguar I-Pace, but comes with so much of BMW’s traditional class and premium touches that it is an immediate contender for your cash. Two versions are offered, starting with the i4 eDrive40, which we tested. The 40 has a single electric motor driving the rear wheels only. It’s still impressively rapid though, with 340hp and 430Nm of torque and will go from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 118mph. Entry level Sport costs £51,905, while our test model M Sport retails at £53,905. The more powerful M50 version starts at £63,905.
(£3,800), a Technology Pack (£3,800) and an M Sport Pro Pack (another £2,500).The i4 is also available with a selection of up to 40 driver assistance functions. Battery range Taking advantage of heat pump technology as well as excess heat from the electric motors, the i4 features improved heating efficiency, which BMW claims can improve driving range by up to 15 per cent in cold weather. It all goes to help BMW claim a range of 556km/345 miles for the 40 M Sport, with an economy of 17.kWh per 100km/62miles.
Charging All versions of the i4 are equipped with a 205kW DC charger, meaning charging from empty to 80 per cent is just 35 minutes. However, at home it’s more likely you’ll be using a 7kWh AC charger like our own Rolec, so expect 0-100% to take 13 hours.
Exterior You’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between an i4 and a 4 Series Gran Coupe. The front kidney grille is finished in black plastic, you get aerodynamic alloy wheels, some blue ‘electric’ highlights and there’s no exhaust pipes at the rear. That’s about it.
Specs and extras Standard equipment on entry level i4 Sport 40, includes air con, a reversing camera, 18” alloys, Shadow Line exterior trim and heated front seats. Our M-Sport added lightweight 18” alloys, M Sport exterior styling, an M Sport leather steering wheel, BMW Shadow Line lights, sun protection glass and M Sport seat belts. As ever with BMW, you can quickly put £10,000 on the price by adding equipment packs. For example, our test car was finished in a rather stunning Sanremo Green (at an extra cost of £695) and included a Visibility pack
Interior and infotainment Things are more interesting inside the i4. While it’s very BMW familiar, the dashboard is dominated by the curved twin screens which are joined seamlessly in front of you. A 14.9” infotainment screen and a 12.3” screen that features the digital dials, which along with the head-up display, are customisable. The graphics are sharp, response is quick and the fact you can scroll left and right on the screen itself, as well as via the rotary controller located between the front seats, also make it easy to use. It’s all powered by the latest BMW
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Operating System 8, which can also be utilised through voice gestures. The i4 benefits from BMW’s impressive build quality, with all surfaces beautifully finished; they are a million times better than the inside of a Model 3. The steering wheel and switchgear will be familiar to existing BMW customers and overall, it’s a comforting environment to be in. Practicality There’s plenty of room inside for four adults. Unlike most EVs the rear floor features a ‘transmission’ tunnel, limiting the centre seat’s leg room. This actually contains extra batteries to complement the larger battery located under the floor plan. Cabin storage is okay, with two cup holders in front of the gear lever, twin USBs, under armrest storage and generous door pockets. Rear passengers get their own climate controls and twin USBs. Boot space is 470 litres with the rear seats in place, which increases to 1,290 litre with them folded. The floor is flat, with two extra storage spaces on either side and cargo nets to prevent slippage. There’s space under the boot floor for storing charging cables. What’s it like to drive? When it comes to sporty saloons, BMW’s ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ moniker has left it with very little wriggle room. Happily, the i4 continues to show why BMW invariably gets this right, even with an electric car. Continued on page 46 Company Car & Van | August 2022 | 45
ON TEST: BMW i4
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Continued from page 45 The extra battery weight – the i4 weighs 2.2 tonnes – actually helps rather than hinders the handling, as it gives it a lower centre of gravity, allowing it to hug the road like glue and corner superbly. Furthermore, the cabin is eerily quiet and is well insulated against the elements and road noise is kept to a minimum. The ride itself is supple, much better than most EVs, and being RWD, it offers a bit more grip from a standing start then the FWD Polestar 2. On the motorway, you can take advantage of the cruise control, sit back and relax and watch the miles go by. Around town it’s quiet and unassuming, while on the open road you can enjoy its typical BMW handling and performance. A win-win. Driving modes Driving modes offered are Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport, so you can tailor your drive to your needs. Eco Pro will conserve your range and is particularly useful on the motorway. Normal introduces a little more power and if you select Sport the car offers increased power and will give you access to the BMW IconicSounds Electric function, adding some computer generated engine noise to the driving experience. The range runs away from you a little, however.
Regeneration There’s also an intuitive brake regeneration system on the i4. This has an Adaptive mode that uses data from the navigation system and onboard sensors to work out when to increase the regenerative effect. You can also utilise the B mode on the gear lever, which gives you one-pedal driving, meaning that if driven carefully, you’ll rarely have to push the brake pedal when slowing down. Pros These may seem strange praise for a 50k car, but for what it is and what you get, the i4 is a bit of a bargain! The performance is sensational, the handling sublime and the overall quality of the i4 exceptional. Pretty much all of the engine, tech and electric gizmos are shared with the iX, which would set you back £70,000. Add in a decent electric range and 1% BIK and it’s an electric car you can own with a smile on your face.
Cons The i4 doesn’t charge as fast as a Tesla Model 3, nor does it benefit from the Tesla Supercharger Network, so you’ll have to rely on standard motorway charging; that’s currently a hindrance if you do a lot of motorway miles. Conclusion The biggest praise we can give the i4 – and remember, we didn’t try the more powerful M50 model – is that it’s as close to driving a petrol 4 Series Gran Coupe as you can get. Just like the iX3, BMW has managed to build an electric car that will offer customers a proper BMW driving experience. Existing 3 and 4 Series company car drivers who switch to electric won’t skip a beat and if you’re looking for something similar from Audi or Mercedes-Benz, you’ll have to wait.
Model Tested BMW G26 i4 eDrive40 M Sport
CC&V VERDICT It’s a stunner – no doubt about that – and even though it’s 50k+, it seems good value for money. BMW has clearly pulled out all the stops to make sure it fits the bill for its beloved fleet car market
CC&V RATING: NNNNN 46 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
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ON TEST: VOLKSWAGEN TAIGO
Volkswagen goes back to the SUV well and draws up the stunning Taigo Volkswagen has hit a good sales streak with its latest series of SUVs: will the all-new Taigo keep the run going? Andrew Walker takes a look Do we need another small SUV? Volkswagen obviously thinks so, which is why it’s introduced the Taigo, a new crossover that sits above the T-Cross and below the T-Roc in the Volkswagen car range. The T-Cross is Polo based, as it the Taigo, sharing it’s MQB A0 architecture. Model range The Taigo is available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and two smaller 1.0-litre petrol engines. There are also three trim levels: Life, R-Line and Style. The smaller of the two 1.0-litre engines produces 95hp model, and is only offered in Life trim in five-speed guise. The more powerful 1.0-litre is a six-speed and produces 110hp, and is available on all trims. In addition there are two auto boxes: a 1.0 litre seven-speed 110hp across all the range, and one for the 1.5 litre 150hp engine, on just R-Line and Style trims. Spec As with most VW’s nowadays, all models are well appointed. Life comes with LED 48 | August 2022 | Company Car & Van
headlights, 16” alloys, black-painted roof rails, an 8” digital driver’s display, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, plus front and rear parking sensors. We were testing the R-Line, which features 17” alloys, tinted rear windows, R badging, black roof lining, an R Line steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a 10.25” digital driver’s display and an 8” touchscreen infotainment system with SatNav. The range-topping Style model adds to this with a full-width LED light bar in the front grille and automatic headlights. All models also feature lane assist, traffic-sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, plus the bonus of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Exterior Squint and there’s bit of 1990’s Scirocco there, as the Taigo is lower and longer than a T-Cross. Up front, there’s a large VW logo sitting centre grille, with narrow headlights and deep set fog lights. The side is neat and tidy whilst the rear features high set headlights at each corner, low set bumper lights and a sloping rear hatch. Interior This will be familiar to current Volkswagen customers, with logically laid out instrumentation, a large, central touchscreen, steering wheel controls for infotainment and adaptive cruise control and separate climate controls. There’s also a proper handbrake and gear lever finishing things off.
The quality is mixed, with the good stuff located higher up on the dash front and top, but cheaper plastics adorning the door pockets and centre binnacle. The seat fabric looks and feels built to last, however. Practicality There are twin USBs in the front and rear with all door pockets large enough to hold a drink, which is good, because the two drinks spaces located in the centre binnacle are too small for most bottles. The wireless charger is a nice touch and the glove box gives you a useable. Despite the sloping roof, rear space is actually pretty good and up front, the Taigo offers decent head and legroom. The 440-litre boot is generous and it comes with a flat load floor, so it’s also easy to load up. There’s a space saver wheel located underneath. Fuel economy The EURO 6 engine comes with 134g/km of CO2 emissions and a combined economy of 47.8mpg. A week behind the wheel saw us average 44.6 mpg, so not far off the claimed. The 40-litre fuel tank should see a range of www.companycarandvan.co.uk
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350-400 miles. On the road Our R-Line featured Volkswagen’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI turbocharged petrol engine. This comes with 108bhp and 200Nm of torque, which is plenty enough for a car weighing in at 1,260kg. The seven-speed DSG gear box is the same as the one on our own Tiguan so apart from a slow kick down in first, it’s more than up to the job, and shifts swiftly and smoothly through the gears. It’s really quite refined. The 0-62mph time is 10.9 seconds, with enough oomph offered for most situations. Top speed is 119mph, although we didn’t get close, sticking to 70mph in cruise control when on the motorway. Volkswagen’s steering wheel controls are simple to use when setting adaptive cruise up and you can also adjust your distance to the vehicle in front via the steering wheel controls. The engine was mostly quiet, only becoming noisy when you put your foot down hard. In town the auto box makes driving the Taigo a cinch and it’s smallish proportions make for easy parking. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
On winding roads you’ll enjoy the light steering and Taigo’s clearly very able around corners. Ride quality is also very good, with only the worst road surface causing any distress. Continued on page 50
“There’s a look of a 90s’ Scirocco about the new Taigo, with its low front” Company Car & Van | August 2022 | 49
ON TEST: VOLKSWAGEN TAIGO
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Volkswagen goes back to the SUV well and draws up stunning Taigo Continued from page 49 Being an R-Line, you can select from four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual. The Mode button sits alongside the gear lever next to the driver and it’s very easy to select which one you want to use. Eco was our preferred choice, mainly to save on fuel, and we suggest it’s the best mode to choose, with petrol prices at an all-time high. Pros The Taigo is a handsome, five-door family car, with coupé looks that make it stand out in crowd. All models are extremely well equipped and feature top-notch tech and safety. The 440-litre boot and hatch entry make it practical, too, and will offer plenty to those looking for more than a run-of-the-mill family car. Cons The arrival of another VW SUV may confuse some, and the lack of a plug-in variant seems odd at this point in time.
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TECH DATA Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI 7-speed 110DSG FWD Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl turbo petrol Power/torque: 108bhp/ 200Nm 0-62mph: 10.9 seconds Top speed: 118mph Fuel Economy: 47.8 mpg CO2 emissions: 134g/km Price: £28,235
Conclusion SUVs represented over 40 per cent of total Volkswagen sales in the UK in 2021, so it’s clear to see why the company thought there was a gap in the market for another and launched the Taigo into it. The Taigo drives and handles well and we had no complaints there. If pushed, we’d choose a Life model fitted with the 1.0 litre 6-speed manual 110hp engine, over the R-Line spec or both auto versions, as a car this size
doesn’t require an automatic gear box and you’ll save a bit up front and at the pumps. As the current owner of a Tiguan and previously a T-Roc, we can clearly see that at 150 mm longer than the T-Cross it’s actually a clever addition to the Volkswagen SUV range.
CC&V VERDICT Another solid contender in a sector VW is rapidly making its own. Drives and handles well and great equipment levels make it a strong contender. Good looking, too
CC&V RATING: NNNN
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