Lemac Power - Blog , Uncategorized

Britain's best selling car goes EV

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:57:50 +0000

Electrifying the UK's favourite compact crossover.

Ford’s best-selling vehicle in the UK, the Ford Puma, has entered the electric age with the unveiling of the Puma Gen-E. Combining zero-emission driving with the familiar sporty style and practicality that made the Puma a hit, this fully electric version offers a transformative driving experience. Starting at £29,995, it’s an exciting option for both city commuters and families looking to make the switch to electric. The Puma Gen-E retains its compact crossover charm while embracing a sleek new look, improved aerodynamics, and innovative features like the “shield” grille inspired by the Mustang Mach-E.

The Puma Gen-E delivers an impressive range of up to 233 miles on a full charge, with city driving pushing that range to an even more remarkable 325 miles. For those needing a quick recharge, the car supports DC fast charging, taking the battery from 10-80% in just 23 minutes. Its electric motor offers a spirited driving experience, with 0-62 mph acceleration in 8 seconds and dynamic handling that echoes the sporty essence of the Puma ST. Energy efficiency is a highlight too, with consumption rated at just 13.1 kWh/100 km.

Manufactured at Ford’s advanced facility in Romania with electric drive units produced in the UK, the Puma Gen-E is a testament to Ford’s commitment to sustainable innovation. Deliveries begin in spring 2025, offering an accessible gateway for those looking to embrace electric vehicles without compromising on style or performance. As Britain’s best-selling car transitions to a zero-emission future, it sets a high standard for what an electric crossover can be.

For Puma Gen-E owners, pairing your car with a Lemac Power 7kW home charger is a no-brainer. These chargers are designed to be efficient, reliable, and perfect for overnight charging, ensuring your Puma is ready to hit the road each morning. With support from schemes like the Energy Saving Trust, a Lemac Power charger is an investment that keeps your driving experience smooth and cost-effective. Whether you’re tackling long journeys or enjoying charge-free city commutes, Lemac Power is your partner in the electric revolution.

The Ford Puma Gen-E represents a significant step forward in making electric driving accessible and exciting. For those ready to join the electric movement, Lemac Power chargers provide the perfect companion to this innovative crossover.

Inside, the Puma Gen-E is more spacious and versatile than ever. Ford’s innovative MegaBox boot storage has evolved into the GigaBox, providing an impressive 574 liters of luggage space — more than many SUVs. A 43-liter frunk (front trunk) adds convenient storage for items you need on the go. This enhanced practicality makes it a strong contender for families and urban adventurers alike. Combined with a modern, connected cabin featuring Ford’s SYNC 4 system and dual high-definition displays, the Puma Gen-E ensures every journey is both comfortable and seamless.

Ford has equipped the Puma Gen-E with state-of-the-art technologies to enhance safety, convenience, and connectivity. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Predictive Speed Assist, and a 360-degree surround-view camera make navigating both city streets and highways easier. Additionally, features like wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto ensure the Puma Gen-E is ready for the digital age. Optional Dynamic Matrix LED headlights improve visibility, adapting to road conditions to provide a clearer, safer drive.

Kia EV3 ready for Europe

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:49:27 +0000

Kia EV3 - the compact SUV built for every journey.

With a segment-leading range of up to 375 miles on a single charge, the EV3 is designed to go the distance. Whether it’s daily commutes, weekend road trips, or longer journeys, the EV3 has proven capable of it all. And for city dwellers, Kia promises an extended range of up to 479 miles in pure city driving scenarios. This is achieved through an advanced regenerative braking system and i-Pedal technology, enabling drivers to slow down and even come to a full stop without using the brake pedal, maximizing efficiency and convenience.

Kia took special care to ensure the EV3 fits seamlessly into the European driving experience. The vehicle underwent extensive testing on European roads in a range of conditions—city streets, highways, and winding suburban roads. This testing process included rigorous validation of its range and charging efficiency, solidifying the EV3 as one of the most efficient EVs in its class.

Built on Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV3 benefits from a stable foundation that enhances ride comfort and handling. The EV3 is also aerodynamically optimized, featuring a boat-tail shape and active air flaps to reduce drag and improve performance.

The Kia EV3’s interior offers a spacious, “living room” feel with features designed to make every journey comfortable and convenient. The triple-screen panoramic dashboard, including two 12.3-inch screens and a 5.3-inch climate control display, combines sleek design with functionality. For maximum comfort, Kia also integrated a highly efficient, compact HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. This design adds six centimeters of extra legroom in the front footwell, ensuring more space for passengers without sacrificing cabin comfort.

Sustainability is at the core of the EV3’s design. An optional trunk liner made from ocean-sourced recycled materials highlights Kia’s commitment to responsible manufacturing. In collaboration with The Ocean Cleanup, Kia is repurposing plastics removed from the Pacific Ocean, with plans to expand the use of recycled materials across its lineup.

The EV3’s “Opposites United” design philosophy merges the best of nature and modernity, achieving a stylish balance that feels both timeless and fresh. Inside, relaxation seats, mood lighting, and thoughtful storage solutions make the EV3 an inviting space. With Kia’s focus on both emotional and rational design elements, the EV3 is as pleasant to drive as it is practical.

The EV3 is also the first Kia vehicle to feature the “Digital Key 2.0” which enables up to seven users to unlock and start the vehicle using a smartphone or smartwatch. This connectivity feature, along with over-the-air updates and video streaming capability, ensures the EV3 remains up-to-date and adaptable to the evolving needs of drivers.

If you’re considering bringing the future of EV driving home, Lemac Power offers high-quality, reliable home charging solutions tailored to fit your needs.

Charging the EV3 is as easy as it is fast, thanks to its 400V fast-charging technology. With the 58.3 kWh battery version, the EV3 can go from 10% to 80% charge in just 29 minutes, while the 81.4 kWh version takes only 31 minutes. For a quick top-up, 15 minutes of charging adds up to 125 miles of range—perfect for drivers on the go. To support this flexibility, Kia has launched Kia Charge, giving drivers access to over 800,000 charging points across 28 European countries.

Kia also includes innovative charging solutions, such as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which allows the EV3 to power external devices. This feature enables customers to get more from their EV, whether it’s powering a campsite or supporting tools at a worksite. Additionally, the EV3 is equipped with bi-directional charging options, including Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home, further enhancing its versatility and making it one of the most accessible EVs for all-around use.

Kia has loaded the EV3 with a suite of cutting-edge technologies aimed at convenience and connectivity. A new Kia In-Car Payment system, debuting in the EV3, allows drivers to locate and pay for parking directly from the vehicle’s navigation screen, thanks to a partnership with Parkopedia.

The EV3 also includes Kia’s advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), designed to make driving safer and easier. With features like Highway Driving Assist 2, Smart Cruise Control 2, and forward collision prevention, the EV3 offers a robust suite of safety features that actively support drivers in various conditions.

Kia’s new AI Assistant, powered by ChatGPT, is also integrated into the EV3, making it the first Kia model with this technology. This virtual assistant offers drivers voice-activated support for everything from answering questions to enhancing understanding of the vehicle’s features, creating a more enjoyable and user-friendly experience.

Shifting Trends

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:36:21 +0000

October’s EV Registration Stats and the Rising Used EV Market

October 2024 presented a nuanced picture of the UK electric vehicle (EV) market. While new battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations saw promising growth, the overall new car market faced significant challenges. Meanwhile, the used EV sector continued to thrive, offering an appealing alternative to budget-conscious buyers. This article dives into the October data, year-to-date (YTD) trends, and the growing relevance of the used EV market for Scottish buyers considering home EV charger installations.

The UK’s new car market fell by 6.0% in October, tallying 144,288 new vehicle registrations—a sobering sign of the hurdles ahead. Fleet registrations dipped by 1.7%, business purchases saw a sharp 12.8% decline, and private sales shrank by 11.8%, continuing a two-year downtrend. Despite these drops, BEVs stood out as a beacon of resilience, growing by 24.5% to secure a 20.7% share of the market. Of all the manufacturers, Volkswagen secured 9% of the BEV sales of October, with their range of ID cars due to expand further in the next year.

The expansion of BEV model choices—up 38% in 2024 to over 125 available models—was supported by aggressive manufacturer discounting. Interestingly, one in five BEVs were priced lower than the average petrol or diesel vehicle, a promising development for cost-aware buyers, especially those leveraging salary sacrifice schemes. However, the overall market still experienced an estimated £350 million loss in turnover.

The YTD data paints a picture of mixed progress. Although nearly 300,000 BEVs have been registered in 2024, capturing 18.1% of the market, this figure trails the 22% target and falls well short of the ambitious 28% goal set for 2025 under the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme. The increased Vehicle Excise Duty on low-carbon vehicles further dampens prospects for rapid fleet renewals, which are essential for decarbonization.

Scottish buyers, especially those eyeing new EVs, face decisions influenced by these trends. While the market adapts, homeowners should consider enhancing their EV experience with the convenience of a home EV charger from Lemac Power, tailored for efficiency and reliability.

Despite challenges in new car sales, the used EV market is thriving. In October, weekly listings averaged 135,000, with prices between £25,000 and £28,000, making them accessible to a wider range of buyers. Used EVs sold quicker, averaging 60-65 days on the market compared to 80-85 days for ICE vehicles. This strong demand, bolstered by a September surge to 14,839 sales (up from 8,248 a year prior), shows growing consumer confidence driven by affordability, and increased supply from off-lease models.

For buyers in Scotland considering a used EV, there’s never been a better time to take the leap. The availability of competitively priced, high-quality pre-owned EVs is expanding, offering the perfect opportunity to invest in cleaner driving without stretching your budget. Pairing your purchase with a reliable home charging solution can transform your EV experience. Lemac Power’s 7kW home EV chargers offer efficiency and simplicity, making them a smart choice for Scottish homeowners eager to support sustainable transport.

Making the Most of EV Savings

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:43:47 +0000

Electric vehicle (EV) owners are always looking for ways to reduce their charging costs, and with the right combination of a smart energy tariff and an efficient home charger, the savings can be significant. Pairing the new Utilities Warehouse (UW) EV tariff with a Lemac Power 7kW Charger is an excellent way to drive down costs and enjoy convenient, hassle-free charging.

Off-peak tariffs allow you to charge your EV during hours when energy demand is low, often at a fraction of the standard rate. The UW EV tariff stands out with its highly competitive 7p/kWh off-peak rate, making it one of the best options on the market for cost-conscious drivers.

Pairing the Utilities Warehouse EV tariff with a Lemac Power 7kW Charger offers even greater benefits:

Cost Savings: By using the Lemac Power smart charger, you can easily schedule charging during the UW off-peak window (12am to 5am), ensuring you always benefit from the 7p/kWh rate. For most EV owners, this could mean over 75% in savings compared to standard rates and public charging.

Smart Charging Features: Lemac Power chargers are equipped with smart functionality, allowing you to set your charging sessions to start automatically during off-peak hours. You won’t need to worry about manually adjusting your charger every night—simply plug in your EV, and the charger will handle the rest.

Optimized for Home Use: The Lemac Power 7kW charger is perfect for overnight home charging, delivering a full charge for most EVs within the UW off-peak window. Whether you have a Nissan Leaf, a Kia e-Niro, or any other EV or PHEV model, this pairing ensures your car is ready to go each morning at a fraction of the cost.

Bundled Savings with UW: Utilities Warehouse doesn’t just help you save on electricity—by bundling your gas, broadband, and mobile services, you can cut costs across your household bills, making UW one of the best all-around options for budget-conscious homeowners.

For example, charging a Nissan Leaf (40kWh battery) using the UW tariff costs just £2.80 for a full charge. By comparison, a standard home tariff at 22.36p/kWh would cost £8.94, while public chargers average £20 or more. Clearly, the savings with UW and other off peak tariffs are substantial.

Tariff Provider	Off-Peak Rate	Off-Peak Window	Cost of a 40kWh charge
Utilities Warehouse	7p/kWh	5h (12am to 5am)	£2.80
Octopus Go	7.5p/kWh	4h (12:30am to 4:30am)	£3.00
British Gas Electric	9p/kWh	5h (12am to 5am)	£3.60
EDF GoElectric 35	9p/kWh	5 Hours (12am to 5am)	£3.60
Standard Home Tariff	22.36p/kWh	N/A	£8.94
Public Charging	56p/kWh	N/A	£22.40

For EV owners looking to maximize savings and convenience, combining the Utilities Warehouse EV tariff with a Lemac Power 7kW Charger is a smart move. With UW’s low 7p/kWh off-peak rate, you’ll see dramatic reductions in your charging costs. Add in the smart features of the Lemac Power charger, and you’ve got a solution that delivers cost-effective, hassle-free charging every night.

Not only will you reduce your EV running costs, but by bundling other services with UW, you can simplify your bills and enjoy savings across multiple utilities. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and your EV!

Electrifying Vauxhall Grandland unveiled

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:42:06 +0000

As Vauxhall pushes to offer all models in EV options, their new SUV hits the roads from October

Vauxhall has officially opened orders for its New Grandland, a dynamic and spacious SUV that marks a significant step forward in the brand’s design and technology. The New Grandland starts at £34,700 OTR, with deliveries beginning in October. Positioned as the flagship of Vauxhall’s SUV lineup, this model incorporates bold design elements inspired by the Vauxhall Experimental concept, such as the 3D Vizor, which is standard across all trims. Vauxhall has streamlined the New Grandland’s offerings into three trim levels: Design, GS, and Ultimate.

Each trim level comes with a suite of advanced features, from LED lighting and driver assistance technologies to high-end audio systems and panoramic glass roofs, ensuring that the New Grandland meets a variety of customer needs while delivering on Vauxhall’s promise of innovation, comfort, and sustainability. The GS trim and above also feature an illuminated Griffin logo in the center of the front grille, complemented by distinctive compass-style lighting details at both the front and rear.

At 4,650mm in length, the New Grandland is the largest model in Vauxhall's refreshed SUV range, which also includes the Mokka and the upcoming Frontera. This size translates into superior passenger comfort, ample interior space, and generous storage options. A key highlight is the introduction of Vauxhall’s Intelli-Lux Pixel Matrix HD lighting system, which features over 50,000 individual elements, providing high-definition light distribution tailored to traffic conditions. This system, along with the vehicle’s BEV-native STLA Medium platform, sets the New Grandland apart in terms of both innovation and sustainability. The platform supports a new flat battery design that will eventually enable a 98kWh battery and an electric range of up to 435 miles.

The New Grandland’s interior showcases Vauxhall’s commitment to comfort and technology. The driver-oriented cockpit includes a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a fully digital 10-inch cluster that displays essential driving information. Higher trims offer a larger 16-inch infotainment system with wireless smartphone charging and additional features such as AGR-certified ergonomic seats with Intelli-Seat technology, providing exceptional comfort, especially on long journeys. The SUV also excels in interior versatility, offering over 35 liters of storage space, including innovative solutions like the illuminated Pixel Box, which securely stores and charges smartphones. The rear seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 split, expanding the load volume to 1,645 liters.

From launch, the New Grandland offers a fully electrified range of powertrains, including the New Grandland Electric, which features a 73kWh battery and a range of up to 325 miles on a single charge. A Long-Range version with a 98kWh battery is expected next year, extending the range to an estimated 435 miles. Recharging the battery to 80% takes just 26 minutes at a rapid charger.

Customers can also enjoy monthly price parity between electric and hybrid versions thanks to Vauxhall’s innovative five-year PCP offer on electric models, meaning that drivers can choose a new EV for the same monthly cost as one of the hybrids.