Sustainability
It’s official: new expanded ULEZ has worked… but not as well as the old one![ULEZ sign](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--0Qhkgu9S--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1583931374/evo/2020/03/ULEZ%20explained.jpg)
![ULEZ sign](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--0Qhkgu9S--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1583931374/evo/2020/03/ULEZ%20explained.jpg)
It’s official: new expanded ULEZ has worked… but not as well as the old one
ULEZ expansion has helped bring down emissions in Greater London, but results show it isn’t as effective as original implementations of the scheme
26 Jul 2024
Cheaper electric cars on the way as battery prices collapse![EV battery packs](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--TMydM2vt--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1711624655/DSC_1671_c36wfo.jpg)
![EV battery packs](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--TMydM2vt--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1711624655/DSC_1671_c36wfo.jpg)
Cheaper electric cars on the way as battery prices collapse
EVs already undercut ICE models in China and price parity between electric and ICE cars may arrive much faster than expected in Europe
11 Jul 2024
What happens to old electric car batteries? Inside the UK's EV battery recycling industry![Battery recycling process - Complete battery floorplan](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--TMydM2vt--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1711624655/DSC_1671_c36wfo.jpg)
![Battery recycling process - Complete battery floorplan](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--TMydM2vt--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1711624655/DSC_1671_c36wfo.jpg)
What happens to old electric car batteries? Inside the UK's EV battery recycling industry
We pay a visit to Ecobat’s battery recycling facility in the West Midlands
10 Jul 2024
CO2 emissions from UK car production have halved since 1999![Nissan Sunderland](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--CE9uuuRm--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1700732667/autoexpress/2023/11/Nissan%20Sunderland.jpg)
![Nissan Sunderland](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--CE9uuuRm--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1700732667/autoexpress/2023/11/Nissan%20Sunderland.jpg)
CO2 emissions from UK car production have halved since 1999
The ‘per vehicle’ figures for energy and water use, plus C02 emissions, all show dramatic falls as the UK car industry cleans up its act
9 Jul 2024
Wireless electric car charging: is EV charging without cables the future?![Renault Kangoo Z.E - front tracking](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--DacE-UO1--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1720518378/autoexpress/2024/07/Renault%20Kangoo%20Z.E%20wireless%20charging.jpg)
![Renault Kangoo Z.E - front tracking](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--DacE-UO1--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1720518378/autoexpress/2024/07/Renault%20Kangoo%20Z.E%20wireless%20charging.jpg)
Wireless electric car charging: is EV charging without cables the future?
As the technology inches closer to commercial reality, we examine the state of wireless charging for electric cars
9 Jul 2024
Sustainable leather in cars: still an ethical choice? ![Auto Express consumer reporter Tom Jervis inspecting a sample of leather](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--7BOGhjor--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1718373814/autoexpress/2024/06/Bridge%20of%20Weir.jpg)
![Auto Express consumer reporter Tom Jervis inspecting a sample of leather](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--7BOGhjor--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1718373814/autoexpress/2024/06/Bridge%20of%20Weir.jpg)
Sustainable leather in cars: still an ethical choice?
We visit a leather supplier with Polestar to see if it can truly be considered an ethical and sustainable car interior choice
14 Jun 2024
New EV battery passport reveals environmental impact of electric cars![Volvo EX90 - front action](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--_QIdleSy--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1715676725/autoexpress/2024/05/Volvo%20EX90%20prototype-4.jpg)
![Volvo EX90 - front action](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--_QIdleSy--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1715676725/autoexpress/2024/05/Volvo%20EX90%20prototype-4.jpg)
New EV battery passport reveals environmental impact of electric cars
Battery passports will become a legal requirement on all EVs in 2027, providing a breakdown of what impact manufacturing the car has had on the enviro…
7 Jun 2024
Want Auto Express delivered to your door every week?
Try 6 issues for just £1 + FREE welcome gift
Nissan plots “electric car game changer” with solid state batteries due on sale in 2028![Future Nissan models - overhead](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--gnHMHEJD--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1711376022/autoexpress/2024/03/Nissan%20future%20models%20002_dh0e5z.jpg)
![Future Nissan models - overhead](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--gnHMHEJD--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1711376022/autoexpress/2024/03/Nissan%20future%20models%20002_dh0e5z.jpg)
Nissan plots “electric car game changer” with solid state batteries due on sale in 2028
Nissan is setting its stall out to become a market leader in solid state batteries, a technology that could transform the global EV market
7 Jun 2024
Renault and Geely join forces for all new ICE and hybrid powertrain production![Geely Renault partnership](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--YVO_uWOQ--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1717157295/autoexpress/2024/05/Renault%20Geely%20partnership_ze8iru.jpg)
![Geely Renault partnership](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--YVO_uWOQ--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1717157295/autoexpress/2024/05/Renault%20Geely%20partnership_ze8iru.jpg)
Renault and Geely join forces for all new ICE and hybrid powertrain production
Another huge collaboration will see all powertrain development and production between the two companies merge into one new entity
31 May 2024
Mazda, Toyota and Subaru join forces to develop new engines for hybrid cars![Toyota, Subaru and Mazda partnership](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--wDTXTJFw--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1717068033/autoexpress/2024/05/Toyota%2C%20Subaru%20and%20Mazda%20partnership_xnwwj1.jpg)
![Toyota, Subaru and Mazda partnership](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--wDTXTJFw--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1717068033/autoexpress/2024/05/Toyota%2C%20Subaru%20and%20Mazda%20partnership_xnwwj1.jpg)
Mazda, Toyota and Subaru join forces to develop new engines for hybrid cars
The new engines will be compatible with fossil fuel alternatives like liquid hydrogen and synthetic fuel
30 May 2024
‘Wake up to hydrogen and other EV alternatives’, Ineos boss tells government![Ineos Grenadier Hydrogen](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--7iIZGvJn--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1715856307/autoexpress/2024/05/Ineos%20Grenadier%20Hydrogen%20001_ofppcx.jpg)
![Ineos Grenadier Hydrogen](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--7iIZGvJn--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1715856307/autoexpress/2024/05/Ineos%20Grenadier%20Hydrogen%20001_ofppcx.jpg)
‘Wake up to hydrogen and other EV alternatives’, Ineos boss tells government
The Ineos Automotive CEO hits out at the EV-only approach to net-zero, saying “drivers have been left behind”
16 May 2024
Real-world MPG and emissions testing![Real world emissions testing](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--NexO0Iib--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1563183763/autoexpress/2017/04/dsc_0126.jpg)
![Real world emissions testing](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--NexO0Iib--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1563183763/autoexpress/2017/04/dsc_0126.jpg)
Real-world MPG and emissions testing
In 2018, WLTP and RDE tests measuring car MPG and emissions replaced the older, less accurate NEDC tests used before. The aim was to better reflect th…
2 May 2024
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods: many residents unaware of multi-million pound ‘cash cows’![Heavy Traffic](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--Z0Uit32Q--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1666186316/autoexpress/2022/10/Traffic.jpg)
![Heavy Traffic](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--Z0Uit32Q--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1666186316/autoexpress/2022/10/Traffic.jpg)
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods: many residents unaware of multi-million pound ‘cash cows’
58 per cent of residents don’t know they’re in an LTN, while less than a quarter say they improve air quality or encourage cycling
19 Mar 2024
“Vehicle-to-grid charging is the secret to electric cars that are incredibly cheap to run”![Opinion - vehicle-to-grid charging](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--0c742Kn3--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1710334473/autoexpress/2024/03/Andy%20opinion_wxslzx.jpg)
![Opinion - vehicle-to-grid charging](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--0c742Kn3--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1710334473/autoexpress/2024/03/Andy%20opinion_wxslzx.jpg)
“Vehicle-to-grid charging is the secret to electric cars that are incredibly cheap to run”
The electric car is the future whether we like it or not and Andy Palmer believes the secret to mass adoption is getting the charging right
13 Mar 2024
Can Saharan solar power drive the hydrogen car revolution?![Solar panels in Shara Desert](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--y9otetnd--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1708012702/autoexpress/2024/02/Skoda%20Enyaq%20in%20Sahara%20desert-6.jpg)
![Solar panels in Shara Desert](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--y9otetnd--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1708012702/autoexpress/2024/02/Skoda%20Enyaq%20in%20Sahara%20desert-6.jpg)
Can Saharan solar power drive the hydrogen car revolution?
We take a Skoda Enyaq EV to the Sahara via the world’s biggest concentrating solar power station for a glimpse at potential future of green hydrogen p…
15 Feb 2024
London ULEZ claims ‘misleading’, says UK advertising watchdog![ULEZ sign](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--0Qhkgu9S--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1583931374/evo/2020/03/ULEZ%20explained.jpg)
![ULEZ sign](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--0Qhkgu9S--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1583931374/evo/2020/03/ULEZ%20explained.jpg)
London ULEZ claims ‘misleading’, says UK advertising watchdog
The Advertising Standards Authority has responded to high numbers of complaints about Transport for London claims for the ULEZ
8 Feb 2024
London ULEZ: Ultra Low Emissions Zone expansion, charges and map![London](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--wA20C6oo--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1562245944/autoexpress/2018/02/london_roads.jpg)
![London](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--wA20C6oo--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1562245944/autoexpress/2018/02/london_roads.jpg)
London ULEZ: Ultra Low Emissions Zone expansion, charges and map
The ULEZ has now expanded to cover all London boroughs. Here are the facts about the charge, the zone map and the cars affected
26 Jan 2024
“Reports of the death of the internal combustion engine are wildly exaggerated”![Opinion - combustion engines](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--j6jTXR4---/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1705074507/autoexpress/2024/01/Combustion%20engines%20-%20opinion.jpg)
![Opinion - combustion engines](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--j6jTXR4---/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1705074507/autoexpress/2024/01/Combustion%20engines%20-%20opinion.jpg)
“Reports of the death of the internal combustion engine are wildly exaggerated”
Andy Palmer thinks that the internal combustion engine, in partnership with e-fuels, still has a big role to play if the application is right
12 Jan 2024
Is there a place for hydrogen in the zero-emissions future? Hyundai has the answers![Hydrogen pump](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--9BMBXKtf--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1605904428/autoexpress/2020/11/Hyundai%20hydrogen-2.jpg)
![Hydrogen pump](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--9BMBXKtf--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1605904428/autoexpress/2020/11/Hyundai%20hydrogen-2.jpg)
Is there a place for hydrogen in the zero-emissions future? Hyundai has the answers
The Korean firm is forging ahead with hydrogen, showing off its latest hydrogen technology at CES 2024
12 Jan 2024
Sainsburys plugs-in to the EV charging market with its own Smart Charge brand![Polestar 2 and LEVC TX connected to Sainsburys EV chargers](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--ub7cU0Xt--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1705059816/autoexpress/2024/01/Sainsburys%20EV%20chargers.jpg)
![Polestar 2 and LEVC TX connected to Sainsburys EV chargers](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--ub7cU0Xt--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1705059816/autoexpress/2024/01/Sainsburys%20EV%20chargers.jpg)
Sainsburys plugs-in to the EV charging market with its own Smart Charge brand
The new Smart Charge brand will put the supermarket among the top five ultra-rapid charging providers in the UK
12 Jan 2024
UK low emission zones explained: Do LEZs and CAZs affect my car?![Low Emission Zone road sign](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--1LIXqoiO--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1704461905/autoexpress/2024/01/Low%20Emission%20Zone%20sign.jpg)
![Low Emission Zone road sign](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--1LIXqoiO--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1704461905/autoexpress/2024/01/Low%20Emission%20Zone%20sign.jpg)
UK low emission zones explained: Do LEZs and CAZs affect my car?
Low emissions zones are springing up around the country, here’s what you need to know…
5 Jan 2024
What is the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate and what does it mean for you?![Ioniq 5 - front](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--zv_FGe5Q--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1634137107/autoexpress/2021/10/BMW%20iX3%20vs%20Ioniq%205%20vs%20Volvo%20XC40%20Recharge-18.jpg)
![Ioniq 5 - front](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--zv_FGe5Q--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1634137107/autoexpress/2021/10/BMW%20iX3%20vs%20Ioniq%205%20vs%20Volvo%20XC40%20Recharge-18.jpg)
What is the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate and what does it mean for you?
‘ZEV mandate’ compels car makers to sell increasing numbers of EVs from 2024 up to the 2035 petrol and diesel ban
3 Jan 2024
Battery swapping in a Fiat 500? Full charge in five minutes!![Fiat 500 in an Ample battery swapping station](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--bE3o3Zc5--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1702044031/autoexpress/2023/12/Fiat%20battery%20swap.jpg)
![Fiat 500 in an Ample battery swapping station](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--bE3o3Zc5--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1702044031/autoexpress/2023/12/Fiat%20battery%20swap.jpg)
Battery swapping in a Fiat 500? Full charge in five minutes!
Modular charging stations developed by start-up company Ample can be set up anywhere in just three days
8 Dec 2023
First £70m of government’s 2020 Rapid Charging Fund to boost motorway EV chargers![Rapid charging Fiat 500](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--K80C5_ha--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1653572213/autoexpress/2022/05/Rapid%20charging%20Fiat%20500.jpg)
![Rapid charging Fiat 500](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--K80C5_ha--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1653572213/autoexpress/2022/05/Rapid%20charging%20Fiat%20500.jpg)
First £70m of government’s 2020 Rapid Charging Fund to boost motorway EV chargers
Rishi’s £1bn pledge for motorway charging cash is still locked in the consultation phase as a ‘pilot scheme’ is announced
7 Dec 2023
Geely and NIO agreement could see battery swapping tech on Volvo, Polestar and Lotus cars![Volvo EX30 - front action](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--7HP9qHuu--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1698998501/autoexpress/2023/11/Volvo%20EX30%202023-5.jpg)
![Volvo EX30 - front action](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--7HP9qHuu--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1698998501/autoexpress/2023/11/Volvo%20EX30%202023-5.jpg)
Geely and NIO agreement could see battery swapping tech on Volvo, Polestar and Lotus cars
The Chinese giant behind Volvo, Polestar and Lotus will join forces with NIO on battery tech
30 Nov 2023
Aston Martin DB6 gets interior made from eggshells in EV makeover![Lunaz Design Aston Martin DB6 - front](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--OODT6rkC--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1700846769/autoexpress/2023/11/Lunaz%20Aston%20Martin%20DB6%20001_xreft0.jpg)
![Lunaz Design Aston Martin DB6 - front](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--OODT6rkC--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1700846769/autoexpress/2023/11/Lunaz%20Aston%20Martin%20DB6%20001_xreft0.jpg)
Aston Martin DB6 gets interior made from eggshells in EV makeover
The eco-conscious Aston Martin DB6 concept was created by electric classic-car conversion specialists Lunaz Design
24 Nov 2023
On-street charging gap: infrastructure needed outside London to keep pace with EV adoption![Vauxhall Astra Electric connected to roadside charger](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--BwIzdN3F--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1692024739/autoexpress/2023/08/Vauxhall%20electric%20streets-2.jpg)
![Vauxhall Astra Electric connected to roadside charger](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--BwIzdN3F--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1692024739/autoexpress/2023/08/Vauxhall%20electric%20streets-2.jpg)
On-street charging gap: infrastructure needed outside London to keep pace with EV adoption
Vauxhall’s boss points to a wide disparity in charger coverage between UK regions outside London
16 Nov 2023
Polestar 0 and the quest for the carbon neutral car![Polestar 0 Project decal](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--C0nGrSeO--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1617958661/autoexpress/2021/04/Polestar%200-2.jpg)
![Polestar 0 Project decal](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--C0nGrSeO--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1617958661/autoexpress/2021/04/Polestar%200-2.jpg)
Polestar 0 and the quest for the carbon neutral car
Polestar wants to build a truly carbon neutral car by 2030 and although it’s a huge challenge, the Polestar 0 project means business
13 Nov 2023
Polestar 4 life-cycle assessment reveals impressive reductions in carbon footprint![Polestar 4 - front studio](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--1Eup3vyu--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1681723356/autoexpress/2023/04/Polestar%204%202023-9.jpg)
![Polestar 4 - front studio](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--1Eup3vyu--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1681723356/autoexpress/2023/04/Polestar%204%202023-9.jpg)
Polestar 4 life-cycle assessment reveals impressive reductions in carbon footprint
Swedish brand Polestar is one of the few manufacturers that publishes a crucial life cycle assessment for its cars
1 Nov 2023
ULEZ expansion raises £23.6m in a month as 57,000 pay the charge![ULEZ sign](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--0Qhkgu9S--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1583931374/evo/2020/03/ULEZ%20explained.jpg)
![ULEZ sign](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--0Qhkgu9S--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1583931374/evo/2020/03/ULEZ%20explained.jpg)
ULEZ expansion raises £23.6m in a month as 57,000 pay the charge
London’s ULEZ expansion has been in force since the end of August and new data gives us an early indication of its effect on motorists
31 Oct 2023
Lexus LF-ZC concept to rival Tesla Model 3 in 2026![Lexus LF-ZC concept - front](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--wh1GzPZd--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1698234816/autoexpress/2023/10/Lexus%20LF-ZC%20001_lktlaz.jpg)
![Lexus LF-ZC concept - front](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--wh1GzPZd--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1698234816/autoexpress/2023/10/Lexus%20LF-ZC%20001_lktlaz.jpg)
Lexus LF-ZC concept to rival Tesla Model 3 in 2026
The LF-ZC concept shows off new battery technology, and makes use of bamboo in the cabin
25 Oct 2023
Best electric scooters 2023![E-scooter testing](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--HwV93UVQ--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1579703154/autoexpress/2019/06/dsc_0047.jpg)
![E-scooter testing](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--HwV93UVQ--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1579703154/autoexpress/2019/06/dsc_0047.jpg)
Best electric scooters 2023
We test the top electric scooters to see which is best for range, price, riding experience and more
24 Oct 2023
How green is your car? New Green NCAP ‘lifetime CO2’ award has the answer![Green NCAP liveried BYD Atto 3](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--PIIkHB3w--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1697707239/autoexpress/2023/10/Green%20NCAP%20BYD%20Atto%203.jpg)
![Green NCAP liveried BYD Atto 3](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--PIIkHB3w--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1697707239/autoexpress/2023/10/Green%20NCAP%20BYD%20Atto%203.jpg)
How green is your car? New Green NCAP ‘lifetime CO2’ award has the answer
Green NCAP has launched a new Life Cycle Assessment award for cars with the smallest whole life climate impact
19 Oct 2023
New all-electric Mercedes eActros 600 lorry will keep on truckin' for 310 miles![Mercedes eActros 600 - front tracking](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--udtTbYap--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1697021872/autoexpress/2023/10/Mercedes%20eActros%20600.jpg)
![Mercedes eActros 600 - front tracking](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--udtTbYap--/f_auto,t_card-mobile@1/v1697021872/autoexpress/2023/10/Mercedes%20eActros%20600.jpg)
New all-electric Mercedes eActros 600 lorry will keep on truckin' for 310 miles
Mercedes is looking to change the haulage landscape with a new fully-electric truck
11 Oct 2023