Get ready for a whirlwind of electrifying news! Tesla unleashes software updates, the UK car market accelerates, Fiat ignites excitement with the Topolino EV, and insurers tackle challenges in assessing electric vehicle batteries.
Tesla’s software update
Tesla is hitting the accelerator with a groundbreaking software update, putting safety front and centre with the introduction of automatic headlights. Now, when raindrops start dotting your windshield and your settings are at Auto, your headlights will automatically switch on, ensuring clear visibility even in inclement weather.
But that’s not all! Tesla’s navigation system is getting a big boost, providing real-time alerts when your destination is on the verge of closing its doors before you arrive. No more surprises or missed opportunities – this update keeps you in the know.
The Tesla app is also getting some exciting enhancements. Now, you can simultaneously monitor multiple camera feeds, giving you a comprehensive view of the cars and objects around you. Additionally, the night display has been fine-tuned with warmer colours for a more pleasant driving experience.
The tabs for the Media Player have been reorganized, making it easier to access your favourite tunes, playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks. And let’s not forget about the enhanced capabilities of Sentry Mode, offering even greater security for your Tesla.
In the realm of charging, Tesla is harnessing the power of the sun. If you have a Powerwall, you can tap into solar energy to charge your Tesla. Simply locate the “Charge on Solar” message on the Tesla App and follow the straightforward instructions to embrace the renewable energy revolution.
And for the little ones in the backseat, Tesla now supports Bluetooth game controllers, taking the gaming experience in Tesla’s Arcade to a whole new level of convenience and excitement. For the ultimate joyride, PS5 controllers come highly recommended.
Last but not least, music enthusiasts will rejoice at the revamped Spotify interface. With a smoother and more intuitive design, jamming to your favourite tunes, playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks has never been easier or more enjoyable.
So buckle up and get ready to experience the future of driving with these incredible updates from Tesla. Safety, convenience, and entertainment have never been more electrifying.
New car market growth
The UK’s new car market is accelerating at an impressive pace, with registrations soaring by 25.8% in June to reach a total of 177,266 vehicles, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
This remarkable growth marks the 11th consecutive month of expansion as the industry overcomes supply chain challenges triggered by the pandemic.
The industry’s recovery is fueled by reduced waiting times and the release of pent-up demand, making the automotive sector a shining star amidst the current economic landscape. Although overall market volumes still have ground to cover to return to pre-pandemic levels, industry insiders remain optimistic about the road ahead.
A standout feature of this market surge is the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment experienced a remarkable leap of 39.4% in June, with 31,700 zero-emission cars hitting the roads. BEVs now constitute a significant 17.9% share of the total market.
However, the growth in BEV sales is primarily driven by business and fleet purchases, highlighting the need to incentivize private buyers to embrace EVs. In the first half of 2023, nearly a million new cars were registered, marking an impressive 18.4% year-on-year increase.
With a record-breaking 152,968 BEV deliveries so far this year, representing a staggering thirteen-fold rise compared to the same period in 2019, the industry is pushing for a VAT reduction on public charging to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. This move would make EV ownership more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Fiat Topolino EV
Fiat is set to ignite a new wave of driving excitement with the upcoming launch of the Fiat Topolino EV in the UK. This electric quadricycle, expected to hit the market in 2024, aims to captivate young drivers and reignite their passion for the road. Taking inspiration from the iconic Fiat 500 of 1957, the Topolino EV will be available in two variations, showcasing a distinct retro design in a single colour.
Designed with urban environments in mind, the Fiat Topolino draws its foundation from the Citroen Ami, which has already made waves in the UK since 2021. Classified as a quadricycle by the DVSA, it boasts an 8bhp electric motor capable of reaching a top speed of 28mph.
Powered by a 5.5kWh battery, the Topolino offers a range of approximately 47 miles per charge. Recharging the battery is a breeze with a standard household charger, taking around four hours.
While certain European countries allow driving the Topolino at just 14 years old due to its limited power, British drivers will need to be over 17 and possess a full driving license. Fiat’s vision for the Topolino is to captivate young city drivers with its charming design and affordability.
The Fiat Topolino EV will be available in two striking variations, a conventional “closed” model with two doors and a “Dolce Vita” version featuring open sides and a soft-top roof. To keep costs accessible, luxury features like air conditioning and a radio are not expected to be included.
Although pricing details for the UK market are yet to be finalized, industry experts anticipate the Fiat Topolino to be slightly more expensive than its counterpart, the Citroen Ami, with an estimated price of around £8,000.
Building upon the rich heritage of the original Fiat Topolino produced from 1936 to 1955, which enjoyed immense success in Italy, Fiat aims to capture the hearts of first-time electric vehicle buyers with the upcoming model’s retro styling and affordable price.
The Fiat Topolino EV promises to be an exciting addition to Fiat’s expanding electric vehicle lineup, offering eco-conscious city dwellers a compact and budget-friendly option to embrace electric mobility with style and flair. Get ready to embark on a new era of electrifying urban adventures with the Fiat Topolino EV.
Insufficient Battery Data Challenges Insurers
Thatcham Research, the automotive risk intelligence company, has published a report on the repair and insurance sectors for Electric Vehicles. This uncovers a problem based on a lack of battery data.
So if you have a minor accident with your EV, the insurers basically have no clue how to fix or assess the battery pack condition. This leads to declaring an EV a total write-off which leads to high premiums for EV owners. This is because EV batteries make up a big chunk of a vehicle’s overall cost and replacing a battery after just a year could cost more than the entire vehicle.
EV insurance claims already take 14% longer to fix and cost 25.5% more compared to their conventional counterparts so insurers and repairers are getting together to ensure accident-involved EVs get the proper assessment and repairs and the data is shared,
