Nordic Countries Hit 100,000 Mark For Cumulative Plug-In Electric Cars Purchased

21 hours ago by Steven Loveday

Tesla Model S

BMW i3

The Nordic countries, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland combined for over 100,000 in total (cumulative) plug-in electric car sales. Of the total sales, 47,910 were purchased in 2015 alone!

The sales growth in all four countries can be mainly attributed to aggressive incentives. Norway is leading the surge with an average of 2,000 PEVs purchased per month. PEV buyers in the country pay no registration tax, road tax, or value-added tax.

In Denmark, sales went up 280 percent from the third quarter to the fourth quarter of 2015, due to incentives expiring in 2016. Of the 4,700 total PEVs purchased for 2015, over half were Q4 sales. 2,000 of these were Teslas!

The Swedish government's decision to add € 14 million ($20 million dollars) to its Supermiljöbilspremie incentive program pulled sales up out of a third quarter decline. This program offered an additional discount on PEVs.

As these incentives slowly pull back, will PEVs sales still move forward based on other factors?

Source: HybridCars

Tags: ev plug-in sales, Norway 2015 plug-in sales, norway plug-in sales, plug in electric car sales

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Source: Nordic Countries Hit 100,000 Mark For Cumulative Plug-In Electric Cars Purchased

China’s Electric Car Sales Expected To Double In 2016

14 hours ago by Mark Kane

China production and sales of New Energy Vehicles – 2014 vs 2015 – just a bit of an increase

BYD Tang

The Chinese Minister of Industry and Information Technology expressed an expectation that this year production and sales of electric cars in China should double.

And given we are talking about China, we aren't talking about an insignificant amount, as the country long ago took over the lead for the largest adopter of plug-in vehicles (by net amount).

In 2015 over 300,000 plug-in vehicles were produced and sold, so simple math gives us a conclusion to expect over 600,000 in 2016.

Beside the natural expansion of the models available on the market and their performances (BYD will offer 10 passenger EVs by the end of the year alone), sales could also be further supported by mandated purchases higher demand from government departments.

Miao Wei, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said also that

"The reliability, mileage and lifespan of electric batteries needs improvement and China needs to speed up the installation of electric car charging stations"

Sure, sounds good to us Miao!

source: Reuters

Tags: china, China electric vehicle sales 2016, china ev sales, sales

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Source: China's Electric Car Sales Expected To Double In 2016

The Best Green and Energy Efficient Cars For 2016

It's hard to think of an automotive segment that's seen more investment and faster growth than energy-efficient green cars. Whether using a pure battery electric drivetrain or a plug-in hybrid design, eco-friendly automobiles are fighting to be part of the mainstream, Although issues such as range, affordability, and charging infrastructure still loom large when discussing green cars,the technology behind these models is impressive - and shows no signs of slowing down.

Check out our picks for the best green and energy efficient cars for 2016.

1. 2016 Tesla Model S

The Brief: Tesla has been the darling of the electric car scene, proving that a start-up can bring next-generation battery technology to market while simultaneously offering a rigorous program of software and hardware upgrades over the life of its primary vehicle, the Model S.

The Tech: The scary-fast Tesla Model S P90D features an electric motor at both the front and rear axles along with a 90-kWh battery pack, giving the all-wheel drive luxury sedan 762 horsepower to play with. Even more important than its sub-three-second 0-60-mph time is its 250 miles of driving on a full charge. Even the entry-level P70 edition of the Model S comes close to delivering the same range, despite its more modest 328 horsepower, single-motor design.

The Why: With a starting price of $84k, the Tesla Model S P70 has shaken up the world of high-end sedans. The fact that it's done so on battery power alone makes it that much more notable.

2. 2016 Chevrolet Volt

The Brief: The second-generation of GM's extended-range hybrid aims to dial back the science project aspect of the original Chevrolet Volt and make it feel like more of a 'normal' car. The effort has been successful: the Volt drives better, rides more comfortably, and offers more advanced features than its predecessor, all while delivering even better efficiency than it did before.

The Tech: For the redesign, Chevrolet upgraded the 2016 Volt's gasoline engine to a lighter, direct-injected, 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit capable of producing 101 horsepower. Next, engineers also took weight out of the T-shaped battery in the car's floor while simultaneously boosting its capacity to 18.4 kWh (up from 17.1 kWh), allowing for an all-electric range of 50 miles. A pair of electric motors continue to provide primary motivation for the car, but the units are all-new, and offer 149 horses and 294 lb-ft of torque.

The Why: Most commuters will never see the inside of a gas station thanks to the 2016 Chevrolet Volt's 50 miles of EV range, but the 370 miles of gas generator driving available for longer trips makes it one of the most practical green cars on the market.

3. 2016 Toyota Prius

The Brief: The 2016 Toyota Prius is the latest version of the car that for thousands of drivers has become the go-to hybrid model. The compact hatchback boasts brand-new styling, a revised gasoline/electric hybrid setup, and outstanding fuel mileage of 54-mpg in city driving and 50-mpg on the highway.

The Tech: Although not quite as frugal as the model it replaces, the new Toyota Prius drivetrain is a better drive in real-world situations than ever before. It consists of a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder gas engine working together with a single electric motor that for the very first time is linked to a lithium-ion battery pack. 121 total system horsepower are 13 less than what was found in 2015, but a focus on low-end torque keeps performance comparable in a straight line. It's also worth pointing out that the new motor is lighter and smaller. You can still get the old nickel-metal hydride battery on low-spec Prius models, if you're seeking to save some money and gain a four extra miles per gallon in combined driving - look for the 'Eco' badge.

The Why: For a huge number of hybrid shoppers, the Toyota Prius is the only green vehicle they would ever consider owning. The 2016 redesign does little to shake that faith.

4. 2016 BMW i3

The Brief: BMW decided it could build a pure electric car that was in keeping with its fun-to-drive image. Enter the 2016 BMW i3, proof that entertaining performance doesn't have to be a Tesla-sized sledgehammer in the electric car world. The subcompact i3 trades on its relatively lightweight chassis, nimble handling, and rear-wheel drive layout to deliver a unique EV experience.

The Tech: The BMW i3 is based around a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery pack built into the hatchback's floor, and its rear-mounted electric motor can be counted on to generate 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Maximum range is listed at 81 miles, but if that's not enough you can install a tiny two-cylinder gasoline range extender that almost doubles the car's total driving distance. There's a price to pay, however: the weight of the genny saps nine miles off of the BMW's electric-only range.

The Why: Good luck finding another rear-wheel drive EV out there at the BMW i3's $42,000 price point. The small, dynamic i3 is an outlier that proves the future of electric-only cars looks bright once more major automakers get on-board.

5. 2017 Chevrolet Bolt

The Brief: The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is an EV for the people. The promise of a driving range of more than 200 miles at a price that should hover around $30,000 after federal and state tax incentives makes the Bolt the game-changing mass-market electric car we've been waiting for.

The Tech: Unlike its Volt cousin, the subcompact Bolt features a single 200 horsepower electric motor. Also capable of producing 266 lb-ft of torque, it's hitched to a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery that is DC fast charge-friendly, which means 90 miles of range after a mere half-hour on the cord. You can also top-up the Bolt on 120-volt and 240-volt chargers, and top speed for the EV is listed at 91-mph.

The Why: The Chevrolet Bolt is an affordable all-electric green car that has outstanding real-world range and capability. There's nothing like it on the market - and it's slated to hit showrooms later in 2016.

6. 2017 Ford Focus Electric

The Brief: The 2016 Ford Focus Electric is the forgotten EV, a battery-powered drivetrain locked inside a chassis that's more engaging to drive than many of its more popular rivals. It lacks the wow factor of a huge range (100 miles per charge for the upcoming model year), but it's still a respectable choice that's inexpensive to buy at under $30,000.

The Tech: The Ford Focus Electric has been around for quite a while, and the Blue Oval is being cagey about the details that are coming with the hatchback's 2017 update. It's reasonable to suspect a new lithium-ion battery, and the automaker has announced DC fast charger compatibility along with a big improvement for the Focus Electric's 240-volt charge time.

The Why: It's worth waiting for the revamped Focus Electric, which should help improve sales for the EV - especially if pricing continues to fall as it has over the course of the past several years.

7. 2016 Nissan Leaf

The Brief: The Nissan Leaf was the first electric car that legitimately combined a usable battery range with an affordable price tag. It's reigned over the subcompact EV landscape for so long that it's easy to forget Nissan has been slowly improving the Leaf with each passing year.

The Tech: For 2016 the Nissan Leaf's single-charge range has leapt by 23 miles to stand at 107 miles total thanks to a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery that is roughly 25 percent larger than the unit it replaces (entry-level Leaf models are still equipped with the 24 kWh battery). The refreshed version of the Leaf is also DC fast charger capable, and it takes a mere 30 minutes to reach 80 percent full on an empty power pack.

The Why: Although its interior might be dated and its styling hasn't really moved the needle much since it was introduced, the Nissan Leaf's recent range and charging rate improvements keep it in the EV conversation for budget-conscious buyers. Base models cost just over $29k, while the SV and SL trims that feature the bigger battery see their prices jump to $34,200 and $36,790, respectively, before federal and state incentives.

8. 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Brief: Chrysler is ditching the Town & Country nameplate in favor of the Pacifica, an all-new minivan that just happens to feature a plug-in hybrid model. The Pacifica Hybrid brings electrification to the minivan market for the very first time, with an estimated 80 MPGe rating in the cards.

The Tech: Even though 'plug-in' is not in the name, rest assured that you can hook the Pacifica Hybrid to a wall socket to fill up its 16 kWh battery should the need arise. There are 30 miles of electric driving to be had in the Chrysler van - although that number will likely drop with a full load of passengers - and it'll take two hours to charge on a 240-volt connection. Total system power sits in the 250 pony range, and you'll have to forgo the brand's Stow 'n Go seats in the Hybrid model because the power pack sits directly under the floor.

The Why: It's the only plug-in minivan, ever. It's also an example of an automaker using thinking outside the box to update 'the box' and give us a green twist on the family hauler concept.

9. 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV

The Brief: The 2016 Chevrolet Spark EV manages to best the performance of its gas-only counterpart, which is a rare achievement in the green car universe. The tiny subcompact hatchback leverages the torque of its electric motor to offer fun driving at a low price.

The Tech: The Chevrolet Spark EV keeps things simple with a 19 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows for an 82-mile range. A single electric motor churns out 130 horsepower and a hefty 400 lb-ft of torque, which is a big boost over the base gas-only edition of the car - enough to transform the Spark's driving experience from mild to eyebrow-raising, slicing close to four seconds off of its sprint to 60-mph. Charging times are a bit long - seven hours to full on a 240-volt outlet - unless you can find a DC fast charger, which whittles the wait down to a mere 20 minutes for 80 percent.

The Why: You can't easily buy the Spark EV everywhere, but its before-incentives starting price of $25k is a definite bargain - and it's likely to get that much cheaper to purchase once the Bolt arrives on the scene and takes its place in Chevy's electric line-up.

10. 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf

The Brief: The 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf takes everything you love about VW's popular, practical hatchback, and electrifies it. The e-Golf feels very much like a traditional car in normal driving, which is high praise for an EV, and it doesn't inflate its window sticker all that much in the process (as compared to other similarly-sized battery-powered rivals). In fact, there's a $4,500 discount on the 2016 model as compared to the year before, bringing the MSRP down below the $30k mark.

The Tech: If you stick with the base Volkswagen e-Golf, then be aware that you're sacrificing DC fast charge capability and looking at slower 240-volt charging times as well (with a 3.6 kW charger versus a 7.2 kW unit on more expensive models). 83 miles of driving range are possible on a full 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, and output from the single electric motor is rated at 115 horses and 199 lb-ft of torque.

The Why: If you don't need the 200-mile range of the upcoming Bolt and need an EV right now, then the Volkswagen e-Golf is a commendable electric interpretation of one of the most popular hatchbacks on the market.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Source: The Best Green and Energy Efficient Cars For 2016

Hokkaido partners working on electric vehicle for cold weather conditions

Sapporo – Eight Hokkaido firms are taking a fresh approach to the region's notoriously cold weather with the development of an electric vehicle tailored for tough road conditions.

"Our company may be small, but we want to produce things that suit the demand of the locals," said Hideki Nemoto, president of Will-E Co., one of the firms.

Its partners include the state-backed Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation and seven other small- or medium-size firms based in Hokkaido.

At the Sapporo Motor Show in January, the group showcased a prototype of the electric vehicle with resistance to snow and ice, as well as high heat resistance, and especially engineered for driving on icy winter roads.

Nemoto himself is in charge of the vehicle's control system, which is the core of a system that detects when the vehicle is spinning out, and automatically switches to four-wheel drive mode.

After the vehicle is back under control, the system switches back to rear-wheel drive mode to save energy.

"As there was no sensor available to detect spinning tires, we have worked to develop technology which can judge the situation by the tires' rotation frequency and the vehicle's speed," said Nemoto.

The state-backed organization and the firms will further improve the vehicle, aiming to put it to practical use.

Nemoto had been involved in designing diesel engines at automaker Isuzu Motors Ltd. He quit the company in 2002 and established Will-E the following year. Nemoto has also led the development and commercialization of a tricycle for the elderly.

Always full of new ideas, Nemoto is now especially interested in the area of welfare. One of his company's patented products with possible application to welfare is its "omnidirectional wheels." Nemoto claims the crisscrossing wheels can enable a wheelchair to move sideways.

"We can directly receive reactions of customers who used our products, and that is the best part of manufacturing (by a small company). I want to create as many products that can make people happy as possible," said Nemoto.

Source: Hokkaido partners working on electric vehicle for cold weather conditions

San Diego Car2Go car-sharing service drops electric Smarts for gasoline models

When Car2Go launched its car-sharing service in San Diego about five years ago, its entire fleet was composed of electric cars.

It was a move that made San Diego officials smile, as the city is undertaking an ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions.

But now Car2Go is withdrawing the fleet of Smart Fortwo Electric Drive city cars, and replacing them with gasoline models.

DON'T MISS: San Diego: Car2Go's Choice For First All-Electric Car Share Service (Nov 2011)

The switch from electric to gasoline was prompted by a lack of charging infrastructure in the area, reports The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Car2Go, which is owned by Smart parent Daimler, made San Diego the only city in North America with an all-electric fleet when it began operations there five years ago.

That decision was based on an assumption that San Diego's charging infrastructure would grow more rapidly than it actually did.

In particular, Car2Go expected Ecotality to follow through with a promise to install 1,000 public charging stations in San Diego.

Instead, Ecotality went bankrupt in 2013, after installing only 400 of the stations.

With the currently available infrastructure, range anxiety remains common among customers, Car2Go said.

ALSO SEE: Utilities To Lead Surge Of Electric-Car Charging In Southern California

An average 20 percent of the fleet is also unavailable at any given time because cars are being charged, or are in need of a charge, the company said.

In January, local utility San Diego Gas & Electric announced plans to install 3,500 charging stations across its area of operations.

But that project won't get underway in time to affect Car2Go's decision.

The company plans to begin switching over its fleet May 1, and expects the switch to be completed by the end of the month.

Local environmental leaders and city officials reacted strongly to the decision, with some describing it as a regression.

Car2Go presently operates 400 vehicles in San Diego, and has 40,000 members in the city.

MORE: Car2Go Cutting Out Portland's Lower-Income, Racially Diverse Areas? (Aug 2015)

The fleet represents a small fraction of the thousands of cars on San Diego roads, but officials feel electric-car sharing is an important part of a plan to cut carbon emissions in half by 2035.

Car sharing plays a major role in San Diego's transportation plans because official view it as a way to fill gaps between mass transit and shorter-distance solutions like bicycling.

The city recently announced Zipcar as its second car-sharing operator. That company uses hybrids in other cities, but no electric cars.

San Diego is also reportedly looking to land BMW's DriveNow as a third car-sharing service.

DriveNow previously operated with a fleet of electric cars in San Francisco, but shut down service there last November.

[hat tip: John Higham]

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Source: San Diego Car2Go car-sharing service drops electric Smarts for gasoline models

Used Electric Cars Get A Thumbs Down From Consumer Reports

The dirty little secret on the pathway to the dream of electric cars for all is that they do poorly in the used car market. One of the biggest factors cited by electric car advocates is that they cost less to operate. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline. EVs tend to require less maintenance and fewer repairs than their gasoline powered cousins. Or so the story goes.

But — and this is a big but — the total cost of ownership of any car must include depreciation. For most people, the loss in value from when they buy a new car until they sell it can be more than the cost of fuel, repairs, and maintenance — combined! Anyone who tells you how cheap a car is to own without figuring in depreciation is either a fool or a liar.

Consumer  Reports may be the biggest killjoy of all when it comes to taking the luster off many cars that seem appealing when they are new. In its most recent reliability ratings, it puts the boots to such prestigious icons as the BMW 5 series sedan, That's a car a lot of us think of as an aspirational vehicle, a car for upwardly mobile who want to announce they are on the road to success.

Not so fast, Consumer Reports says. It rates the reliability of the 5 Series "much worse than average" across model years 2006-2008, 2010-2012, and 2015,  That means that people who buy one are getting killed by depreciation at trade-in time.

According to Green Car Reports, the latest CR data is equally unkind to electric cars. It lists the 2014 BMW i3 as a used car to avoid because of an unfavorable reliability record. The same goes for the 2013 Nissan LEAF, although the 2014 and 2015 models are rated average or above average. The Tesla Model S is still on the list of cars CR advises against. Even though later models are claimed to have better reliability, earlier cars are still plagued with too many problems, Consumer Reports advises.

Before you start throwing rocks at me, keep in mind this story is all about economics. It is not about how quiet electric cars are, how they sprint away from stop lights, how they will allow the world to finally break its fossil fuel habit, or how they enable autonomous driving technology. All of those things are still true.

No, what this story is about is simply that electric cars must become desirable as used cars if the momentum toward an all electric future is to be maintained. Sadly, people vote with their wallets every day. We all calculate and figure our way through life. Should we pay more for Cheerios than the store brand? Who has the best price, Walmart or Target? Where is the cheapest gas in the area? It's human nature.

The market for used cars will have tremendous influence on the decision to buy a new one. If your spiffy new i3 will be worth less than a Toyota Corolla later on, which is the better deal? Lease rates are influenced greatly by used car values. Manufacturers may be willing to absorb losses for a little while in order to prime the electric car pump, but eventually they will need to make a profit.

Not everyone reads Consumer Reports or pays attention to their ratings. But for those who do and who are proponents of the electric car revolution, the latest electric car reliability ratings are a splash of cold water on our dreams. If used car shoppers refuse to consider an electric car because of fears about the cost of repairs, that could kill the favorable buzz  for electric cars that manufacturers and regulators and EV fans are trying so hard to create.

Photo Credit: Green Car Reports

Tags: Consumer Reports, electric car, electric car reliabilty

About the Author

Steve Hanley I have been a car nut since the days when Rob Walker and Henry N. Manney, III graced the pages of Road & Track. Today, I use my trusty Miata for TSD rallies and occasional track days at Lime Rock and Watkins Glen. If it moves on wheels, I'm interested in it. Please follow me on Google + and Twitter.

Source: Used Electric Cars Get A Thumbs Down From Consumer Reports

All-electric Renault Twizy at the forefront of sustainable travel in the Lake District

Renault Twizy chosen for car sharing scheme in the Lake District

Scheme is a core part of cumbria Tourism's 'See More' sustainable travel programme

Ten all-electirc Twizys available to hire from eight local businesses

Scheme encourages visitors to 'leave their cars at home'

Zero emission Twizy has minimal impact on local environment

The 100 per cent electric Renault Twizy is helping to preserve one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in the UK as part of an innovative car sharing scheme that provides visitors to the Lake District with an unforgettable and environmentally-compatible way to experience the beautiful region.

The vehicles are a core component of the 'See More' programme, being delivered in partnership by Cumbria County Council, The Lake District National Park Authority and Cumbria Tourism, which is committed to enhancing visitor transport services in addition to reducing the impact of travel on the local environment. The car-sharing scheme includes ten Renault Twizys that are available to hire from eight different locations in Keswick and Ullswater. The scheme is run in association with Co-wheels Car Club – the UK's only independently-owned national car club that provides low emission, hybrid and electric cars on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Agile, compact and light weight, the zero-emissions Renault Twizy is perfectly suited to the infrastructure of Ullswater and Keswick. The Twizy provides tourists with the ideal vehicle in which to explore the area and offers the peace of mind that their visit will have the minimum impact on the environment's outstanding beauty and its road network. The Twizy's silent running also ensures that engine noise won't effect the environment or tourists' sightseeing experience.

With the ultimate aim of encouraging visitors to leave their own cars at home, the availability of the Renault Twizys offers those arriving in the area by coach or train the option to easily experience picturesque parts of the Lake District that are unreachable by public transport. The car-sharing scheme is also designed to appeal to motorhome owners staying at local campsites, providing an alternative to taking their vehicles into more confined areas and doing away with the need to tow an additional, more manoeuvrable car that can be used for sightseeing.

Already one of the most eye-catching vehicles around, the two-seat Twizys have been made even more distinctive with a sheep livery. Each has also been named in traditional dialect (a mix of Westmorland and Cumberland numbers). To provide a level of protection against the elements, all of the Twizys have been specified with optional scissor doors and windows.

The arrival of the Twizys comes at a particularly busy time for Cumbria. With the holiday season fast approaching, work continues at a pace to rectify the significant flood damage from December's heavy rain, while the region has just enjoyed the attraction-filled Cumbria Weekend and is also set to welcome one of the most colourful public art trails in the country. Due for launch at the end of March and organised by the Calvert Trust, the Go Herdwick trail features 61 decorated ewe figures that will be placed in public spaces and outside businesses on a route that takes in Keswick, Grasmere, Rydal, Ambleside and Windermere. To celebrate the arrival of the Twizys and the impending opening of the Go Herdwick Trail, a number of the specially-painted ewes and the Twizys were introduced to each other at a launch event hosted at the Rheged Centre, near Penrith.

On the launch of the Twizy car sharing scheme, Nicola Parker, Programme Manager for Cumbria Tourism's See More programme, said: "This new flock of electric Twizys are all about offering visitors a fun, quirky way to experience the unique Lake District landscape – particularly at a time when we need to show visitors that it is still well and truly business as usual after the recent floods. The sheep theme is synonymous with the region, so what better way of helping passengers get up close and personal with nature and really savour everything that makes the Lakes so special."

Richard Falconer, Managing Director, Co-wheels Car Club, added: "The Twizys were chosen as a light-hearted approach to help visitors think about zero emission driving. With their quirky looks and fun demeanour, the Renault Twizys are the perfect choice to attract conversation for visitors and residents alike. Cumbria now has a growing network of charge points, and with their ideal placement in campsites, the Twizys have a practical side too, allowing people who arrive in large cars or camper vans to have the freedom to explore the area in a small, silent vehicle."

Two of the Renault Twizys are available to hire from Field Studies Centre Blencathra. Tim Foster, Head of Centre, FSC Blencathra, believes that the unique vehicles are an excellent fit for the facility and its visitors.

He explained: 'The FSC is an environmental education charity and it is important that we try to 'practice what we preach' and promote the importance of sustainability to the 8,000 students that we welcome each year, many of whom are visiting the Lake District for the very first time. During their courses, students come into contact with our approach to 'green tourism' and the Twizys are a perfect fit for how we work to educate this, offering a very fun experience and being great ambassadors for sustainability with their batteries being charged by our own generated hydro-electricity."

Ben Fletcher, Electric Vehicle Product Manager, Groupe Renault UK, said: "Twizy presents a really fun and unique way to travel and is ideal for making the most of a trip to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its ease of use and versatile charging system meaning that it is equally at home in rural areas as it is in the city. By opting for one of the Twizys, visitors to the Lake District can enjoy the scenery in a relaxing and very quiet way with the reassurance that their decision to not use their own vehicle is helping to preserve the local landscape for others to enjoy for many years to come."

The Twizys, with their traditional dialect names in brackets below, are available to hire on an hourly, half day or full day basis from:

Hazel Bank Country House, Borrowdale (Yan)

Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park, Keswick (Tyan)

Keswick Brewing Company (Tethera)

FSC Blencathra Centre, Threlkeld (Methera and Pip)

The Quiet Site, Watermillock (Sethera and Lethera)

Hillcroft Park, Pooley Bridge (Dovera)

Waterfoot Park, Pooley Bridge (Hovera)

Wayfarers Independent Hostel, Penrith (Dec)

To find out more about the scheme, visit www.co-wheels.org.uk/twizyflock

Twizy is the world's first mass market fully-electric compact two-seater. Silent, open to the elements and with snug tandem seating, the vehicle is the perfect mode of transport for visitors to fully experience the beauty of such areas as the Lake District. With zero emissions in use; Twizy is powered by a 17hp electric motor with a smooth one-speed automatic transmission and a light and compact lithium-ion battery pack. Twizy has a top speed of 50 mph and the model's official ECE -15 UTAC range is up to 56 miles – Renault estimates that in real-world driving conditions that this equates to around 43 miles in warmer weather and 31 miles in winter conditions.

Three versions of Twizy are available – two-seat Expression and Dynamique models and the single-seat Cargo, which replaces the rear seat with a 180-litre boot to offer business and private customers a useful payload of 75kg. A wide range of colours and personalisation options enable owners to make their Twizy even more individual. Twizy is priced from £6,895 with battery hire available from £45 per month.

In addition to the Twizy, the award-winning Renault electric vehicle range consists of the ZOE hatchback – Europe's best-selling all-electric passenger car – and the Kangoo Van Z.E. which is identical to a normal Kangoo Van but with all the advantages of an EV, including no tailpipe emissions.

More information on Twizy, as well as the rest of Renault's electric vehicle line-up, is available at www.renault.co.uk/ze.

*Automotive World is not responsible for the content of this news release.
Source: All-electric Renault Twizy at the forefront of sustainable travel in the Lake District