3 in 4 van drivers are ready to go electric

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August 27, 2025

Choosing an electric van could now be the right option for the majority of van drivers in the UK, according to a new survey.

Three quarters (75 percent) of van drivers questioned by Volkswagen agreed that a fully electric van would be suitable for their business.

This figure is up from 67 percent who said the same when Volkswagen previously conducted a survey in 2023.

The rise in optimism about battery-powered vans comes as registrations of electric light commercial vehicles increased by 50.7 percent year-on-year up to June 2025.

Ad-van-tage electric

Financial considerations are a key driver of the move to electrification. Some 62 percent of survey respondents believed an electric van would be cheaper to run than equivalent diesel or petrol models.

In addition, more than half (52 percent) of businesses want to become more sustainable. And over a third (37 percent) say they are pleased with the greater selection of electric vans available.

Charging time for an electric van remains a concern for almost half of those surveyed. Even with a full battery, the feeling of ‘range anxiety’ persists for 43 percent of van drivers.

Despite these worries, the majority (69 percent) of businesses without an electric van expect to purchase one during 2025.

Charging ahead

Craig Cavanagh, national fleet manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “It’s encouraging to see van drivers embracing the transition to electric, with the majority now recognising the ways in which EVs can support their day-to-day businesses.

“We continue to enhance and expand our line-up of all-electric vehicles, including the new eTransporter and entry-level ID. Buzz variants, as well as continuously improving our range of partnerships as we support customers on this electrification journey.”

To help businesses make the switch to an electric van, Volkswagen’s Charge Anytime offer with Ovo Energy lets drivers recharge at home for just 7p per kWh.

In addition, the Charge Anytime deal gives up to 2,000 free miles of charging to Volkswagen customers for their new electric van – and up to 1,000 extra free miles over the next three years.

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Bid to win a Mini piece of Top Gear TV history

By

John Redfern

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August 27, 2025

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A battered 1990 Rover Mini, made famous by a starring role on Top Gear, is currently up for sale.

Offered online by Iconic Auctioneers, the Mini Cooper was used by Chris Harris during the BBC TV show’s Ethiopian special challenge.

Still wearing the battle scars collected on its epic adventure, the Mini has now returned to the UK and is looking for a new owner.

The timed online auction for this small piece of TV history is already live. Bids can be placed until 7pm on Thursday 28 August 2025.

A real Mini adventure

Filmed for the first episode of Top Gear season 27, the G-registered red Mini arrived on TV screens in June 2019.

It marked the start of a new era for Top Gear, with acclaimed journalist Chris Harris joined by Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuiness to present the show.

The trio were each given £4,000 to purchase an example of the first car they owned, before embarking on a journey through Ethiopia.

Harris bought the Mini Cooper, noted as being in respectable condition before it was subjected to the abuses of a Top Gear challenge.

As seen on screen

Although the exterior of the Mini is in need of some obvious attention, it is still said to start and run.

Unsurprisingly, it does not have a current MOT certificate, but it retains the registration number used during filming for Top Gear.

Rob Hubbard, managing director at Iconic Auctioneers, said: “Cars with genuine screen provenance always capture attention, and this plucky Mini will be familiar to many Top Gear viewers. It is a fun, attainable piece of television and motoring culture, and we are pleased to present it in our timed online auction.”

Taking into account its on-screen history, Iconic Auctioneers has given a guide price of £8,000 to £10,000 for the now-famous Mini.

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Call to cut ‘legal but lethal’ England and Wales drink-drive limit

By

Richard Aucock

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August 26, 2025

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England and Wales are an ‘outlier’ with the highest legal drink-drive limit in the developed world, it is claimed. This is leading to ‘legal but lethal’ drivers on British roads.

Hunter Abbott is MD of AlcoSense Laboratories, a personal breathalyser firm. He welcomes proposals from the Labour government to reduce the legal drink-drive limit in England and Wales.

“We have drivers who are legal but lethal on our roads,” said Abbott. “The evidence is clear – even modest reductions in blood alcohol concentration significantly lower the crash risk.”

Abbott referred to a 2014 study that showed drivers with a breath alcohol level of 22 micrograms are six times less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those at the legal limit.

Currently, the legal alcohol limit for drivers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath (or 80 micrograms per 100ml of blood).

This is far higher than many other countries, where the legal limit is low enough that even one drink could push a driver over it.

Notably, Scotland has a lower limit of 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath, or 50 micrograms per 100ml of blood). The government plans to match the Scottish thresholds, which were introduced in 2014, throughout the rest of the UK.

‘A simple step towards saving lives’

“Bringing our limit closer to a level where intoxication is meaningfully reduced should be a no-brainer,” added Abbott, a former racing driver and karting champion.

“It’s a simple, effective step towards saving lives and would bring England and Wales in line with international standards.”

He says the proposals “would reduce alcohol-related crashes and deaths, while also encouraging more cautious behaviour among drivers.”

The lower drink-drive limit is part of Labour’s road safety strategy, due to be published in the autumn. Public consultation is expected to follow toward the end of the year and into early 2026.

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Rock and Rolls: £500k Phantom takes a plunge in swimming pool

By

John Redfern

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August 26, 2025

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Rolls-Royce has paid tribute to a rock ‘n’ roll legend by submerging its flagship Phantom in a swimming pool.

Across 100 years and eight generations, the Rolls-Royce Phantom has embedded itself into the world of music. Famous owners include everyone from Duke Ellington and Fred Astaire, to Elvis Presley and John Lennon.

The Phantom has endured as a symbol of music industry success and excess, leading Rolls-Royce to recreate the infamous tale of Keith Moon, drummer for The Who, plunging his Phantom into a pool.

The king of rock ‘n’ roll

Now part of rock folklore, the story runs that Moon was celebrating his 21st birthday at a Holiday Inn in Flint, Michigan.

While enjoying the party, Moon is said to have pushed the Rolls-Royce into the motel’s swimming pool. The drummer later claimed the car may have been a Lincoln Continental instead, with others saying no vehicle at all ended up in the water.

Perhaps the truth does not really matter, though. The idea of a submerged Rolls-Royce Phantom remains a symbol of ultimate rock ‘n’ roll extravagance.

Taking a dunk

Tinside Lido in Plymouth is, arguably, a classier location than a Michigan motel for recreating a rock legend – and dunking a Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB worth £500,000.

In collaboration with Rolling Stone magazine, Rolls-Royce placed a Phantom Series II development prototype into the water for a special photoshoot.

Moved into position by barge, and then craned onto a submerged platform, the modern interpretation is less dramatic in its execution than Keith Moon’s effort. Nonetheless, the stunt apparently led to confusion among local Plymouth residents.

An enduring cultural icon

Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “From the golden age of Hollywood to the rise of hip-hop, over the last 100 years, music artists have used Phantom to project their identity and challenge convention.

“Their motor cars often became icons in their own right, with a lasting place in the history of modern music.

“This enduring connection reminds us that Rolls-Royce and the extraordinary people who are part of the marque’s story are united by one ambition: to make their presence felt.”

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Jeep slashes price of 2026 Gladiator truck for Canada

By

John Redfern

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August 22, 2025

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The 2026 Jeep Gladiator pickup has been announced for the Canadian market, with major price cuts for the new model year.

Reductions of up to CAD $11,400 have been applied across the Gladiator truck lineup, which now stretches to six trim levels.

The cuts in the MSRP mean the base 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport S now costs from CAD $49,995 before destination costs and fees: equivalent to USD $35,600.

For the present 2025 model year, the Jeep Gladiator Sport S has a MSRP of CAD $63,190 including fees, which converts to USD $45,450.

A Canadian bargain

For comparison, the US-specification 2025 Jeep Gladiator Sport S currently costs USD $38,100 before freight and fees, meaning enthusiasts north of the border get a substantial discount for 2026.

The standard powertrain for the 2026 Jeep Gladiator remains the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. This is rated at 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Helped by all-wheel drive, the 2026 Gladiator can haul trailers weighing up to 7,700 lb. It can also carry 1,725 lb in its load bed.

In addition, the Gladiator retains its most important selling point: being the only open-air pickup truck on the market.

‘Setting a pickup truck benchmark’

“By reducing MSRPs by as much as $11,400, we’re making the Jeep Gladiator more attainable than ever for Canadian customers,” said Jeff Hines, Stellantis president for Canada.

“This bold repositioning for the 2026 model year is a powerful statement of our commitment to delivering exceptional value — without compromising Gladiator’s legendary capability, authenticity, or its unmistakable design that sets the benchmark among midsize pickups.”

2026 Jeep Gladiator Canadian prices

Sport S – CAD $49,995 MSRP

Willys – CAD $54,995 MSRP

Mojave – CAD $64,995 MSRP

Mojave X – CAD $76,290 MSRP

Rubicon – CAD $64,995 MSRP

Rubicon X – CAD $76,290 MSRP

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New electric BYD Atto 2 SUV to cost from £30,850

By

John Redfern

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August 22, 2025

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Chinese electric car brand BYD has confirmed prices and specifications for its new Atto 2 compact SUV.

The Atto 2 is the latest model in a growing EV lineup, slotting into the BYD model range above the compact Dolphin and below the larger Atto 3.

This will see the Atto 2 take on popular rivals such as the Kia EV3, Hyundai Kona Electric and Skoda Elroq.

However, with a starting price of just £30,850 for the entry-level Boost model, the Atto 3 will undercut all these alternative electric SUVs on cost.

Bargain prices as standard

The Atto 2 features BYD’s innovative ‘Blade Battery’ pack. It also represents the company’s first use of its cell-to-body (CTB) technology in a compact model.

Integrating the battery directly into the vehicle’s chassis, CTB construction is said to offer better packaging and improved body rigidity.

Boost versions of the Atto 2 come with a 51.1kWh battery pack, offering a potential official range of up to 214 miles.

The more expensive Comfort version, priced from £34,950, makes use of a bigger 64.kWh battery. This increases the official range to 261 miles.

Charging the Atto 2 Boost from 10 to 80 percent takes 38 minutes. The Comfort model requires only 25 minutes for the same charge.

Ready to roll from September

Performance for both versions is the same: acceleration from 0-62mph takes 7.9 seconds and top speed is limited to 99mph.

Standard equipment for the Atto 2 includes BYD’s 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen. This incorporates satellite navigation, along with connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Other features include an eight-speaker audio system, panoramic sunroof, voice control and Vehicle-to-Load capability. The latter allows for mains devices – such as a portable fridge, for example – to be powered directly from the Atto 2.

Orders for the Atto 2 can be placed at BYD dealers now. First deliveries of the Boost model are due in September 2025, with Comfort versions expected later in the year.

BYD will hope the new Atto 2 helps to retain its position as the best-selling electric car brand in the world.

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Crazy 800hp Vauxhall Corsa concept is coming to Gran Turismo

By

John Redfern

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August 22, 2025

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Vauxhall has revealed a Corsa GSE concept car: an extreme hot hatchback offering hypercar levels of power and performance.

The fully electric Vauxhall Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo has been developed in both physical and digital forms.

Following its real-world debut at the IAA Mobility 2025 event in Munich this September, the Corsa GSE Vision will be available to play in the Gran Turismo 7 video game.

It makes this eye-catching Vauxhall the latest virtual car designed for the Gran Turismo series, joining concept creations from Jaguar, Bugatti and many others.

**The Corsa of Max Power dreams**

The Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo packs two 476hp electric motors, resulting in combined outputs of 800hp and 590lb ft of torque.

Such colossal power means the all-wheel-drive Corsa GSE can accelerate from 0-62mph in a scant 2.0 seconds, and reach a top speed of 199mph.

It is performance far beyond what Vauxhall Corsa modifiers back in the 1990s could have imagined. An 80hp boost mode is also included, with an 82kWh battery pack to ensure the GSE has a decent range on the racetrack.

We have fingers and toes crossed this concept will evolve into a production car, which could potentially rival the Renault 5 Turbo 3E.

A virtual concept brought to life

A dramatic bodykit means this Corsa resembles something from the Max Power era. Indeed, its 21-inch three-spoke alloy wheels are a deliberate nod to retro Vauxhalls.

Pearl white is used to cover the exterior, with vivid yellow for the bonnet, spoiler and enormous rear diffuser. The roof and front wheelarch extensions are made from Bcomp: a lightweight material created from flax, with similar characteristics to carbon fibre.

The interior is ultra-minimalistic, with a simple steering wheel and single head-up display to allow the driver to focus on the circuit ahead.

Gran Turismo series producer, Kazunori Yamauchi, said: “We are delighted to welcome such an exciting and innovative take on the Corsa to Gran Turismo, which will be popular with GT players around the world.

“We love seeing Vision Gran Turismo cars brought to life as full-scale models and can’t wait for the reaction of fans when it is unveiled at the IAA Mobility 2025 on September 8th, before it is displayed at the Gran Turismo World Series event in Berlin on September 20th”.

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Arnold Clark opens new public EV charging network

By

Richard Aucock

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August 21, 2025

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Auto retail giant Arnold Clark has opened its in-house electric car charging network to the public.

There are currently more than 50 Arnold Clark Charge hubs across the UK. Each has up to eight rapid chargers, with car charging speeds of up to 150kW.

They should offer good value, too. Arnold Clark Charge offers a rate of 55p per kWh at present, which compares to the industry-wide average of 81p per kWh.

More charging hub locations are due to be added by the end of the year. Arnold Clark has more than 200 car dealerships across the UK.

The firm launched Arnold Clark Charge in 2024 as part of a £30 million investment. It describes itself as the UK’s largest independently-owned family-run auto retailer.

Download the Arnold Clark app

Motorists can pay for charging in several ways: via the Arnold Clark app, contactless payments, or by using apps such as Zap-Pay, Octopus Electroverse and Plugsurfing.

Chargers at each branch are split between Arnold Clark app users and ‘pay and go’ customers. Charging sessions can also be booked through the app – and most sites are accessible 24/7.

“We’ve made significant investments in our own UK-wide bookable ultra-rapid charging network,” said Arnold Clark CEO Russell Borrie. “These new charging hubs are designed to provide the public with convenient, reliable and cost-effective charging solutions while they’re on the move.”

The firm stresses that use of the hubs is not restricted to Arnold Clark customers. Anyone can download the app, create an account and sign up to Arnold Clark Charge. “They can then book a charge at a time or a place that suits them.”

To further support the switch to electric, Arnold Clark also runs two Electric Innovation Centres in Glasgow and Stafford. These are staffed by alternative-fuel vehicle experts, who can give motorists advice on charging, EV driving tips and more.

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New DVLA rules to help classic cars and boost EV conversions

By

John Redfern

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August 21, 2025

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The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) has announced a host of new policies aimed at supporting classic cars and their owners.

Taking effect from 26 August 2025, the new rules are designed to protect and preserve the identity of historic vehicles.

It follows an extensive call for evidence, which sought the views of classic car owners, motoring clubs and the historic vehicle sector.

More than 1,350 people responded to the DVLA, ensuring the voice of the classic car industry and enthusiasts was heard loud and clear.

Removing red tape for restomods

The new rules mean that, when like-for-like repairs and restorations are completed, there will no longer be a need to notify the DVLA. This is on the provision that the vehicle’s appearance is unchanged, and that the V5C log book does not need altering.

As a result, undertaking a comprehensive restoration means the car’s registration number will not be suspended. There is also no requirement for a DVLA inspection afterwards.

Vehicles that have undergone significant structural modifications can now keep their original registration number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Owners will still need to notify the DVLA, which will add a modified marker to the V5C.

This also applies to classic cars that have been converted to electric power, aiding the growing industry of EV restomods.

If a classic car’s identity cannot be clearly verified, the DVLA may still need to issue a new VIN or Q-plate registration number.

Pragmatic support for classics

Following the announcement, Dale Keller, CEO of the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA), said: “The policy changes by the DVLA encapsulate how industry and government working collaboratively can deliver better outcomes.

“It is testament to the hard work of the HCVA, and others, that the government has listened and acted with pragmatic changes that place the retention of historic identity at the forefront of registration policy, a move that will be welcomed by all historic vehicle specialists, owners and historians.”

“The DVLA should be applauded for its engagement and commitment to deliver new policies that now recognises new technologies, techniques and improved materials”, Keller added.

DVLA chief executive Tim Moss said: “We recognise the time, passion and care that keepers of classic vehicles invest in keeping their cars on the road. That’s why we’ve worked closely with the community to shape these changes.”

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BMW M850i Edition M Heritage is a tribute to the original 8 Series

By

John Redfern

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August 20, 2025

0

BMW has used Monterey Car Week in California to launch a limited-edition version of the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe.

The new 2026 Edition M Heritage is a tribute to the E31-generation BMW 8 Series, made between 1990 and 1999.

Just 500 examples of the M850i Edition M Heritage will be made, all wearing BMW Individual paint colors that were used on the original 8 Series.

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Other unique design elements ensure the Edition M Heritage makes a statement when compared to other 8 Series Gran Coupe Models.

Time to relive the 1990s

The choice of exterior colors will be the Edition M Heritage’s biggest talking point. Enthusiasts can choose from Bright Red, Mauritius Blue metallic, Cosmos Black metallic, Oxford Green metallic, and Daytona Violet metallic.

Regardless of the hue selected, the M850i Edition M Heritage comes with an exposed carbon fiber roof, which features exclusive M tri-color accent stripes.

A set of 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels is standard, along with M Sport brakes featuring black-painted calipers. Shadowline black trim replaces any trace of chrome around the M850i Edition M Heritage’s body.

BMW has left the M850i Edition M Heritage mechanically unchanged, with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that produces 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.

Standard xDrive all-wheel drive aids a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

BMW’s high-speed heritage

Inside, the Heritage M Edition gains M Sport seats finished in BMW Individual Black Merino leather and Alcantara, plus a diamond-shaped upholstery pattern. More Alcantara is used for the headlining and door panels, with a further application of the signature M colors.

Unique matte-finish carbon fiber is found on the center console, with “M850i Edition M Heritage” and “1/500” inscribed into the cup holder cover and door sill plates,

BMW has fully loaded the Heritage M Edition with equipment. This includes a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround-sound audio system and the Driving Assistance Professional Package as standard.

In the United States, the M850i Edition M Heritage will cost $130,400 plus destination charges. Production is expected to start in November 2025, and customer deliveries will begin in early 2026.

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