The average electric car is driven 9,500 miles a year

April 28, 2020

Pure electric cars are driven an average of 9,435 miles a year, new research has revealed. This is more than many popular petrol cars.

Figures from the RAC Foundation show the newest cars in Great Britain travel an average of 10,377 miles in each of their first three years. That’s the equivalent of 28 miles a day.

The high-mileage hero is the Tesla Model S, with the electric car covering an average of 12,392 miles a year. Overall, Tesla cars travel 12,459 miles, with these figures based on a sample of 887 vehicles.

Other significant electric cars include the Nissan Leaf (8,241 miles) and Renault Zoe (5,736 miles).

For context, the Skoda Octavia covers 9,230 miles in petrol form and 14,986 as a diesel. Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV averages 12,500 miles a year.

Predictably, diesel cars cover the most miles, averaging 12,496 a year – 67 percent more than new petrol cars.

These figures were collated before the lockdown. Since stay at home measures were introduced, road travel has dropped by 73 percent.

Top 10 average annual car mileage

Tesla: 12,459
Mercedes-Benz: 12,100
Volvo: 11,578
Ford: 11,488
Mitsubishi: 11,456
Volkswagen: 11,282
Citroen: 11,272
Renault: 10,924
BMW: 10,859
Land Rover: 10,716

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “Unsurprisingly people with diesels have been doing most mileage, probably seeking better long-distance fuel economy, but this study is also evidence that battery-electric powered cars are not just trophy vehicles signalling their owners’ green credentials but prior to the lockdown were racking up the miles as everyday transport.

“Tens of millions of people still drive petrol and diesel-powered cars, but this data suggests that owners of electric cars have found them to be a practical proposition, running up the sort of big annual mileages that many of us need to do, challenging preconceptions about their range and the ease of re-charging.

“The next big question is what will happen when the COVID-19 lockdown ends? Some say our travel behaviour might change quite dramatically as we’ve mastered on-line meetings in place of the office routine, but any ongoing desire for social-distancing might yet draw us back to our own cars for the trips we make once the travel restrictions are lifted.”

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Why record low oil prices might not mean lower pump prices

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

April 28, 2020

The price of a barrel of crude oil plummeted by 66 percent in March, falling to its lowest level in 18 years. The cost of a litre of unleaded fuel dropped from 122.72p to 113.54p as a result. That’s a fall of 9.18 percent.

Meanwhile, the supermarkets announced some major cuts, with prices dropping to 104p and 111p for petrol and diesel respectively. Asda finished March selling petrol for 102.7p and diesel for 108.7p.

But the RAC is warning drivers that fuel prices are unlikely to drop below £1 per litre, with retailers already feeling the effects of the lockdown. Demand for petrol is down 75 percent, while diesel is down 71 percent as motorists stay at home.

Road travel has dropped by 73 percent during the lockdown, leading to a stark warning from the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA). It said that 1,000 retailers could be lost as a result of the coronavirus and plummeting oil prices.

According to the RAC, further price cuts remain a possibility if retailers are prepared to pass on the savings they are making to drivers.

‘At pains to trim their prices’

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “The oversupply of oil continues to suppress the barrel price and it’s clear now that plans by some of the world’s largest oil-producing nations to limit production haven’t yet been enough to lift the price – there’s currently too little demand for oil in the first place.

“It’s right that retailers charge a fair price for fuel that reflects the price of the raw product, and in theory petrol prices could fall below £1 per litre if the lower wholesale costs were reflected at the pumps – but at the same time people are driving very few miles so they’re selling vastly lower quantities of petrol and diesel at the moment. This means many will be at pains to trim their prices any further.

“We also continue to be concerned about smaller forecourts that provide a vital service in areas where the supermarkets don’t have a foothold as many are already finding conditions tough with sales having fallen off a cliff since lockdown. It would be bad news all round if these forecourts shut up shop for good.”

As of Sunday 26 April, the pump price for a litre of petrol was 109.3p, while diesel stood at 114.8p. Around two-thirds of the price of fuel goes to the government in form of duty and VAT.

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Porsche 911 now offered with manual gearbox ‘for purists’

Richard Aucock

April 28, 2020

Porsche has introduced a seven-speed manual gearbox option for the 911 sports car, alongside the existing eight-speed PDK paddleshift auto.

The new stick-shift gearbox is a no-cost option on 911 Carrera S and Carrera 4S models. It was launched first in the United States last year.

It is bundled together with Porsche’s Sport Chrono package, and includes a clever rev-match function for downshifts.

When you shift into a lower gear, the engine revs are ‘blipped’, smoothing out the downshift. It’s the same technique racing drivers use on the track.

Other Sport Chrono goodies include a mode switch dial on the steering wheel, a stop watch integrated into the dashboard, plus the Porsche Track Precision smartphone app.

There’s an additional new feature too: a tyre temperature indicator.

When the tyres are cold and have less grip, blue bars are shown on the dashboard. As they warm up, they turn blue-white and then, when fully up to temperature, white.

Porsche quotes a 4.2-second 0-62mph time for the 911 Carrera S, and says it weighs 1,480kg – 45kg less than the PDK variant.

The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S costs from £94,350 and Carrera 4S prices start from £99,925.

2020 model year Porsche 911

More new features have been introduced for 2020. 911 buyers can now add lightweight, noise-insulated glass, which saves more than 4kg in weight.

There’s a new paint colour, Python Green, and a seven-colour ambient lighting package for the interior.

Those who drive their 911 in the city, rejoice: an optional Smartlift function lifts the front end 40mm at the push of a button.

Porsche InnoDrive has been introduced, too. This is an advanced cruise control that uses sat nav data to work out acceleration and deceleration for the next 3km of driving, including corners, gradients and speed limits.

The car then takes over so all the driver has to do is steer.

It is, however, only available on the PDK auto version. Not that purists would be happy handing over control to the car, anyway…

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Most accidents happen on slower roads

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

April 27, 2020

More than two-thirds of accidents take place on roads with a speed limit of 30mph or less. That’s according to Department for Transport statistics.

Using figures from 2018, the research shows that 73,408 (60 percent) of accidents happened on roads with a limit of 21-30mph. Meanwhile, 10,661 (nine percent) took place on roads with a limit up to 20mph.

The data also shows that you’re less likely to have an accident on a motorway or derestricted road.

However, accidents on faster roads are more likely to be fatal. For example, while ‘just’ 12 percent of accidents take place on a road with a 51-60mph limit, they make up 32 percent of fatal accidents. There were 542 fatal accidents in 2018.

Given the above, it will come as no surprise that London has the highest proportion of road accidents, but the lowest rate of fatalities. The key figures from a regional perspective are accidents and fatalities per one million people.

In London, the figures are 2,881 and 12 respectively. At the opposite end of the scale – and indeed, the country – Scotland saw figures of 1,178 and 27.

The East Midlands has the highest rate of fatalities, with 37 fatal accidents per one million people. The South West (31), Wales (30) and Yorkshire and the Humber (30) saw similarly high rates of fatalities.

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Rural roads remain the most dangerous

The research commissioned by Choose My Car shows that you should take extra care at T junctions or staggered junctions. Nearly 36,000 accidents took place on these junctions in 2018 – that’s nearly two-thirds (29 percent) of all accidents and 19 percent of fatal incidents.

Combined, crossroads and roundabouts accounted for around 20,000 of all accidents.

Finally, although two-thirds (67 percent) of road accidents take place on urban roads, the majority of fatal accidents (62 percent) happen in rural areas.

Rural roads are often narrower, derestricted, unlit and lacking the safety features seen in urban areas. Leave the road in the countryside and you’re likely to encounter a stone wall or tree.

See the full results of the Choose My Car research.

Frank Stephenson: ‘How I designed the Ferrari F430’

Tim Pitt

April 27, 2020

Frank Stephenson is one of the world’s foremost car designers, with a CV that ranges from the modern Mini and Fiat 500 to the McLaren P1.

Now, Stephenson has shared some of his secrets in a new series on YouTube. The first episode covered the Mini Cooper, while the latest is about the Ferrari F430 – “one of my favourite projects,” recalls Frank.

Using his sketchpad, Stephenson gives a step-by-step guide to the design process. The result is a fascinating insight into the shaping of a supercar.

Cossie you’re worth it

Frank is very much a citizen of the world. Born to a Spanish mother and American father, he spent his early years in Casablanca, Morocco, before moving to Istanbul, Turkey, and then Madrid, Spain, as a teenager.

After studying automotive design in California, his first job was with Ford in Cologne, Germany, where he sketched the double-deck rear spoiler on the Escort RS Cosworth. Stephenson then spent 11 years at BMW, where his work included the influential X5 SUV.

After some years In Italy – where he oversaw the Ferrari FXX, Maserati GranSport, Fiat Punto and more – Stephenson then moved to McLaren, drawing the MP4-12C and evolving a new design language from scratch.

‘Big boots to fill’

A new Ferrari is a dream job for any car designer, and Frank didn’t take the task lightly. “The brief was to do something based on the 360. In other words, take one of the more beautiful Ferraris and make it even nicer,” he explains. “Big boots to fill with that one.”

The F430 was launched in 2004, replacing the 360 Modena as Ferrari’s ‘junior’ supercar. As Stephenson suggests, it was a thorough rework of its predecessor, with more power and greater downforce. Its mid-mounted V8 produces 490hp for 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds.

“I always felt that the 360 was a bit soft, as if they’d left it in the oven too long. The F430 loses that friendliness,” says Frank.

Watch Frank Stephenson sketch a Ferrari F430

Frank is obsessed with the idea of ‘perfect’ car design, a theory he explains in the documentary film Chasing Perfect – available on Sky, iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.

“I am fortunate that I have worked with some the best design teams in the world and at the most interesting car companies. We made some amazing cars possible. Although we never quite achieved perfect there is a lot we can be proud of,” he says.

Achieving near-perfection with the F430 involved looking to the past, as Frank explains…

Jumping the shark

“To copy old solutions, that’s a sin in my book,” Frank notes. “But to be inspired by older designs – to use the genetic code to the past – is a great idea.”

With the F430, it was Ferrari’s rich heritage in Formula One that ignited a spark of inspiration. Look at the 156 F1 ‘Sharknose’ of 1961, as raced by Phil Hill, and you see genesis of the F430’s front air intakes.

“I reinterpreted the Sharknose and its nostrils in a much more modern way. When you saw it, you knew it was right,” says Frank proudly. And what looks dramatic on paper is downright ferocious in reality.

Sense and sensuality

Air intakes are a subject Stephenson takes seriously: “I get upset when I see a vent that’s blocked off and has no purpose. I don’t understand that type of design.”

Nonetheless, a Ferrari isn’t entirely a case of function over form. “It’s not a McLaren, where everything is minimalised. You add a bit on Ferraris to get that sensuality.” The Enzo-style taillights, for example, “made it look like the car was bulging”.

Frank also thinks Ferraris are “losing that character that they had a few decades ago, where cars were less monster-looking, less aggressive”. In the case of the F430, “there’s an amount of artistic finesse to the car that made it stand out”.

Modern touchscreens now available for classic Porsches

John Redfern

April 26, 2020

Classic Porsches have a reputation for everyday usability, and that can now extend to multimedia connectivity.

New versions of the Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) multimedia system have been launched, benefitting from upgraded features.

It means even an original Porsche 911 from the 1960s could now benefit from digital radio and integrated navigation options.

True retrofit connectivity

Porsche offers two versions, with the standard PCCM module an option for cars with a single-DIN radio slot. This includes cars from the earliest 911s, through to the very last air-cooled 993 models.

PCCM features Apple CarPlay connectivity, Bluetooth, and DAB+ digital radio, giving a range of options far beyond what these cars originally left the factory with. Separate SD card-based navigation can also be used.

A small touchscreen is supplemented by buttons and knobs, all intended to integrate seamlessly with the cabin of a classic Porsche.

Double the capacity

For those with a modern classic Porsche that uses a double-DIN radio, a PCCM Plus module offers connectivity options on a bigger scale.

Designed to fit water-cooled ‘996’ 911s, and the earliest Boxsters, the PCCM Plus uses a seven-inch touchscreen. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are included, with Porsche stating PCCM Plus will work with existing audio installations.

Like the single-DIN unit, PCCM Plus features modern satellite navigation, including the latest Point of Interest (POI) features.

A sound investment?

Adding modern touchscreen functionality, combined with the latest multimedia connectivity, does not come cheap.

Porsche charges €1,439.89 plus VAT (£1,260 / $1,558) for the single-DIN PCCM unit, with the double-DIN PCCM Plus selling for €1,606.51 plus VAT (£1,406 / $1,739).

Professional installation is recommended, with the two units now available to buy online from the Porsche Classic Store, or from a Porsche dealership.

Parents scared of teaching their children to drive

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

April 24, 2020

Twenty percent of parents are nervous about teaching their children to drive, with concerns they would pass on bad habits. This is according to a survey of 1,004 parents.

Indeed, 12 percent of parents are so worried about the prospect, they would only teach their child if the car was fitted with dual controls. Thirty-four percent of mums and 19 percent of dads said they wouldn’t be confident teaching their child.

Meanwhile, 18 percent said they were concerned “they would seriously fall out” with their child.

The research was published by Young Driver, a company specialising in teaching 10-17 year olds how to drive. This follows the publishing of a book on the subject by motoring journalist Quentin Willson.

Although a child must be 17 before a parent can teach them to drive on the road, tuition can be given on private property.

Anyone giving unpaid tuition (on the road) must be over the age of 21, be qualified to drive the relevant type of vehicle, and have held a full driving licence for three years. A learner driver can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to six penalty points on their provisional licence if they drive without the right supervision.

‘Arguments, stress and tears’

Quentin Willson said: “Although parents may have the best intentions, the reality when they get behind the wheel with their child can be arguments, stress and tears. One in seven surveyed by Young Driver said it was likely both parties would end up losing their temper.

“Most parents learnt to drive decades ago and the test has changed dramatically since then, meaning their advice can confuse the learner. They often aren’t aware that the test now includes sat navs, independent driving, mechanical questions and new parking manoeuvres. It’s also a real skill knowing how to teach someone how to drive and with the best will in the world, most motorists have picked up some bad habits over the years.

“But with preparation and planning, together parent, child and instructor can make a really strong team, leading to the best possible outcome in terms of creating a safe, confident and skilled driver. And that’s good news for all road users.”

Boy in Blackpool busted

Last month, a boy aged 11 was pulled over while driving a Vauxhall Astra in a Blackpool car park. His parents said they were “fed up” of him playing Grand Theft Auto on the PlayStation.

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing at Young Driver, added: “We know that the best way to teach someone to drive is over a longer time frame and giving them as much experience as possible, providing them with the chance to thoroughly learn those necessary skills.

“Young people often want to pass their test as soon as they can after 17, but through Young Driver we can start their learning experience from as young as 10. If they already know how to change gear, check mirrors and use the pedals without having to overthink it, once they’re officially on the road they can focus on more complex areas of driving such as predicting other road users.

“Once they reach 17, that combination of approved instructor lessons, along with additional practice with parents, is key, which is why we wanted to use our experience of how to teach teens to produce this book with Quentin. Seven per cent of parents were concerned a lesson with their child might put the youngster off driving for life – but that really needn’t be the case!”

How to keep your van roadworthy during the lockdown

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

April 24, 2020

Van drivers are helping to keep the country running during the coronavirus crisis. Whether it’s delivering groceries to properties or transporting essential items for the NHS, van drivers provide a vital service.

Any MOTs for vans which expired on or after 30 March have been extended by six months. This means certificates are still valid, but it’s no guarantee that the van is roadworthy.

ALSO READ: 14 ways to make your car last longer

However, as the government points out, it’s the responsibility of the van owner or fleet operator to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive and roadworthy.

You could be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get three penalty points for driving a van in dangerous condition.

With this in mind, Volkswagen has a list of tips for keeping your van roadworthy.

David Hanna, head of service and parts at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Extending the MOT is great news for many drivers who would be unable to book in for a test but it does put the onus on owners and fleet managers to ensure the vans on the road remain roadworthy.

“We’ve compiled these top tips which can be done at home to make sure you to stay on the right side of the law during the COVID-19 crisis. And even if your van isn’t being used at the moment, when you go back to work it’s just as important to complete these checks, too.

“And if drivers identify any serious issue, we’re proud that nearly all our van centres and authorised repairers across the UK are open during the crisis for essential maintenance for key workers.”

How to keep your van roadworthy

Tyres. Use a 20p coin to check that the tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread depth. If not, you’ll need to change at least one of the tyres.
Brakes. Any judder through the steering wheel could be a sign of warped discs. Also look out for excessive travel on the brakes, as this could be a sign of a hydraulic fault. Make sure the ABS light goes off when the van is running.
Lights. One of the most common reasons for a vehicle failing an MOT. Check front and rear bulbs, including brake and reversing lights. Also check the lights are properly aligned.
Steering. Serious squeals or judders are a sign of potential failure. Make sure the van isn’t pulling to the left or right.
Number plates. Make sure the plates are clean and be clearly read. Don’t forget to the check the number plate light bulbs – this is an MOT checkpoint.
Battery. Inspect the battery for any leaking, corrosion or loose cables. Weak headlights or a struggling starter motor are signs that the battery could need replacing.
Windscreen. Make sure the wipers are not smearing the screen. Any stone chips should be investigated – they could be repaired without the need for a new windscreen.
Fluids and oils. Check the brake fluid, engine coolant, engine oil and power steering fluid. Check for any puddles under the van.
Screenwash. An empty bottle is an MOT fail – keep it topped up.
Load bay and trailer. Check the door locks are in full working order. Also inspect a trailer, tow bar and any electrical fittings.

Click here for advice on how to pass an MOT at the first attempt

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Motorists with car finance to get three-month payment freeze

Richard Aucock

April 24, 2020

Customers with a car on finance can now access a three-month payment freeze under temporary new measures introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Anyone with a PCP or PCH car finance plan will, if they’re struggling to make payments due to the coronavirus crisis, be able to request the payment freeze.

Finance companies should not take steps to end the agreement or repossess the vehicle during the payment freeze period, says the FCA.

Customers will continue to be allowed to drive the car.

ALSO READ: Car finance explained: the difference between PCP, PCH and leasing

“We have worked at pace to introduce temporary financial relief,” said FCA interim chief executive Christopher Woolard.

“These measures ensure all consumers affected by the coronavirus emergency can apply for a temporary freeze on their payments.”

No strings attached

Payment freezes should come without strings attached, says the FCA.

Car finance companies should not alter the terms of Personal Contract Purchase or Personal Contract Hire agreements in an unfair way.

They should not, for example, recalculate PCP end-of-term balloon payments due to a coronavirus-related fall in used car values.

Firms should “act fairly where terms are adjusted”.

Many PCP customers rely on the ‘equity’ at the end of a PCP term to help finance a new agreement: recalculating values to a lower level would have a big impact.

Those who have reached the end of their agreement and want to keep their car, but don’t have the cash to cover the balloon payment due to coronavirus-related difficulties, should also be helped, says the FCA.

“Firms should work with the customer to find an appropriate solution.”

The new measures come into force on Monday 27 April.

“Customers should be able to request a payment deferral at any point,” says the FCA, “for a period of three months.”

Parking problem? New insurance offer covers scratches and dents

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

April 23, 2020

An insurance company has teamed up with a scratch and dent repair business to offer a new minor restoration service.

ChipsAway uses small to medium repair technology (SMART) to remove chips, scuffs, scratches and dents from vehicle bodywork.

The new partnership allows insurance policyholders to claim up to three times a year for minor repairs. It went live this week, with prices starting from £15 a month.

Although ChipsAway fees vary according to the damage, the company’s website quotes prices ranging from £70 to around £500 plus VAT.

In one example, a customer was quoted £3,200 for repairs to a Tesla. ChipsAway completed the job for £516 including VAT.

Not every job can completed using the SMART technique, but if the insurance cover costs £180 a year, it could be a worthwhile investment, especially if you live in a city – or are prone to parking mishaps.

There’s also the bonus of the work being completed at home, rather than the car having to visit a bodyshop for repairs. The service is available to customers in England, Wales and Scotland.

The Stubben Edge website claims the offering could save motorists up to £250 each time they claim.

‘Three claims during the policy year’

Stubben Edge deputy managing director Karen Barretto said: “Policyholders will be able to benefit from up to three claims during the policy year plus access the SMART rewards club, which will give them access to exclusive discounts and benefits from national retailers – offering great savings on motor-related services, food and fashion.”

ChipsAway managing director Tim Harris added: “Most repairs can be completed in under three hours at the motorists home or office, ensuring maximum convenience for customers. ChipsAway also has a lifetime of ownership guarantee, so customers can be confident they will be getting the best service possible.”

“ChipsAway is very pleased to be working with Stubben Edge and look forward to building the best SMART insurance offer for UK car owners.”

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