AUTONEWS

Which electric cars are the most reliable?

British company that sells used car warranties, Warranty Solutions Group (WSG), analyzed more than 2,500 warranty disputes for used electric cars between May 2025 and April 2026, writes the Daily Mail.

There is a big difference in the reliability of electric vehicles. If you own an older Tesla Model S (from the 2014 model year), 34.8 percent of owners were forced to visit the service center for warranty repairs in the past year. The average cost of repairing a breakdown on a sedan was 1,012 pounds. The brand's large SUV, the Tesla Model X, is also at the bottom with a breakdown margin of 29.2 percent. German Mercedes is also under attack with its EQ models, the EQV family van has a breakdown rate of as much as 33.3 percent. The EQB SUV is also in breakdowns with 25.7 percent, and the Volkswagen e-Up! is close behind with 24.8 percent breakdowns.

At the other end of the spectrum are much cheaper and simpler electric cars. The absolute winner of the survey is the French small car Renault Zoe (produced between 2012 and 2023). Only 1.5 per cent of Zoe owners had to use their used car warranty during the year. When something did break down, repairs were also cheap, costing just £130 on average. Even the pioneering BMW i3 shows excellent engineering with a low failure rate of 2.2 per cent. The newer and very popular Tesla Model Y SUV comes in an impressive fifth place on the list of most reliable cars, with just 3.3 per cent of owners affected. However, it should be added that these cars are considerably newer and many are still covered by Tesla’s new car warranties. The MG ZS and Nissan Leaf are also excellent.

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the report is that the expensive high-voltage battery is almost never the reason for a visit to the workshop. The industry has long warned of battery failures, but warranty data shows that failures in older electric cars are linked to other components. The electronics are the most common. The most common fault is a faulty central locking system (4.29 per cent of all faults), followed by a faulty tailgate (3.6 per cent) and worn suspension arms (2.9 per cent). However, the absolute most expensive fault is when the battery charging system fails. The average repair costs £1,882.

The BMW i4, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Lexus RZ consistently rank as the most reliable electric vehicles according to the latest automotive owner surveys and testing data.

While the EV industry as a whole has faced growing pains with complex software and 12-volt accessory batteries, certain legacy and dedicated EV models stand out for their exceptional dependability

The top-performing reliable electric cars are broken down below by category, based on data from Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and What Car?:

Top reliable luxury & sedans:

BMW i4: This vehicle stands at the top of luxury EV reliability rankings. Owners praise its exceptional build quality and mechanical durability, though minor software updates or charger door sticking are occasionally noted.

Tesla Model 3: Benefiting from years of continuous engineering refinements, the Model 3—especially versions utilizing highly durable Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries—scores very high in powertrain and battery longevity.

Mini Cooper SE / Electric: Sharing a proven mechanical platform with its internal combustion counterpart, the Mini Electric ranks incredibly high in European reliability indexes due to its simple, time-tested layout.

Top reliable SUVs & crossovers:

Tesla Model Y: As one of the world's best-selling vehicles, the Model Y has matured significantly. It exhibits few drivetrain or battery issues, supported by the unmatched reliability of the Tesla Supercharger network.

Ford Mustang Mach-E: Touted as a premier domestic alternative to Tesla, the Mach-E scores remarkably close to top Japanese brands for assembly quality and powertrain dependability, according to Consumer Reports.

Lexus RZ: True to the brand's long legacy of reliability, the Lexus RZ ranks near the top of the luxury SUV category for trouble-free ownership, though its overall driving range is shorter than some competitors.

Kia EV6 & Niro EV: Kia’s dedicated EV platforms are highly rated for long-term ownership satisfaction and robust 800V fast-charging architecture, backed by excellent multi-year manufacturer warranties.

Why these EVs are more reliable:

Platform Maturity: Vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 or Nissan Leaf have been on the market for several generations, allowing manufacturers to iron out early production bugs.

Simplified Engineering: Single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configurations inherently have fewer moving parts and less computer complexity than high-performance, quad-motor setups.

Software Competency: The most reliable EVs belong to brands that excel at Over-The-Air (OTA) software delivery, fixing minor infotainment or sensor glitches remotely before they cause a vehicle breakdown.

 

AUTONEWS

NG Brakes introduces its new Premium line of brake discs

NG Brakes has expanded its catalog with a new Premium line of motorcycle brake discs. Already available through the brand's dealer network, this new line combines a fresh surface finish with design modifications aimed at enhancing performance and durability.

The key feature is the black finish applied to the disc's core and edges. According to the brand, this treatment protects the component against moisture, the elements, and washing, thereby reducing oxidation and preserving the disc's appearance throughout its service life.

In addition to the new finish, NG Brakes has redesigned the steel core to eliminate internal stresses and optimize heat dissipation channels. The goal is to improve structural rigidity and promote more efficient heat dissipation, ensuring consistent performance during use.

The brand also highlights that the machining of the braking surface and the new mounting system ensure better compatibility with brake pads right from the start, reducing lever vibration and noise caused by overheating.

The brand has expanded its catalog with the new Premium line of motorcycle brake discs. Already available through the brand's dealer network, this new line combines a fresh surface finish with design modifications aimed at enhancing performance and durability.

The key feature is the black finish applied to the disc's core and edges. According to the manufacturer, this treatment protects the component against moisture, the elements, and washing, thereby reducing oxidation and preserving the disc's appearance throughout its service life.

In addition to the new finish, NG Brakes has redesigned the steel core to eliminate internal stresses and optimize heat dissipation channels. The goal is to improve structural rigidity and promote more efficient heat dissipation, ensuring consistent performance during use.

The brand also highlights that the machining of the braking surface and the new mounting system ensure better compatibility with brake pads right from the start, reducing lever vibration and noise caused by overheating.

NG Brakes is stepping up its game. Introducing the new Premium Range of brake discs—a line designed for high-end motorcycles that combines performance, durability, and a distinctive black aesthetic. With this launch, the Spanish firm strengthens its catalog, offering a solution for riders who want to upgrade their braking performance without compromising on a sophisticated, eye-catching finish.

The visual highlight of this new family is its "Black Finish," applied to the disc's carrier and edges. However, NG Brakes emphasizes that this is not merely an aesthetic choice; the treatment also protects the component against moisture, harsh weather, and aggressive washing, reducing the risk of premature oxidation and maintaining a polished appearance for longer.

You might also be interested in: Motorcycle brake discs—when should you replace them? Here are the signs of wear.

Design optimized for improved rigidity and heat dissipation...Beyond its visual appeal, NG Brakes' new Premium Range features a geometrically optimized disc design. The brand's R&D team worked on the steel carrier to reduce internal material stress and improve evacuation channels, aiming for greater structural rigidity and more efficient heat dissipation.

This approach ensures disc stability under demanding riding conditions by effectively channeling heat away from the braking surface. According to the brand, the result is more consistent braking, a firm lever feel, and more predictable response, even when the system is operating at high temperatures.

NG Brakes also highlights the focus on ride comfort. The Premium Range features high-precision machining on the braking surface and an improved mounting system designed to ensure optimal pad engagement right from the start and provide more uniform friction.

In doing so, the brand aims to minimize lever vibration and noise caused by overheating during prolonged use. The promise is a braking experience with a progressive, smooth, and quiet feel, yet with the necessary bite to maintain control in emergency situations.

TÜV certification and coverage for premium models...NG Brakes Premium 7 Range. The entire new NG Brakes Premium range is TÜV certified, guaranteeing that the discs have passed rigorous European stress tests. The company targets this line at leading premium models across the scooter, maxi-scooter, naked, sports bike, and adventure motorcycle categories.

Models cited by the brand include the Yamaha TMAX, Kawasaki Z900, and Ducati Panigale. It is an upgrade option for those looking to improve braking system performance while simultaneously enhancing their motorcycle's aesthetics with a dark, understated, and elegant finish.

 

AUTONEWS

BMW and Eni: Partnership for the future of diesel

Eni and BMW Group announce an agreement to power the BMW vehicles of corporate fleets in Italy with HVOlution (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a diesel biofuel that is produced from 100% renewable feedstocks by Enilive.

Enilive is Eni's company dedicated to products and services for a more sustainable mobility. With an approach that aims to support a successful energy transition through the usage of all available technologies, the BMW Group considers 100% pure HVO as an important solution towards an "Eligible Fuels only-fleet" for its customers, and as an effective product that can immediately contribute to decarbonize road transport. In 2025, across the entire supply chain, the average CO₂eq emissions reduction of Enilive HVO was 79.5% compared to the reference fossil mix.*

BMW Group recently started its demo, and development diesel-fleets powered by pure HVO. In the vehicles of the fleets a new technical solution is being developed by the BMW Group: refueling data from vehicles is being compared with data from the fleet operators’ payment system, to seamlessly trace the fuel used by each vehicle. This allows a complete and transparent traceability of the fuel the vehicle has used.

The BMW corporate fleets involved in the initiative use pure HVO while travelling across Italy, Germany and Austria, countries where a network of about 1,700 Enilive Stations provides the product HVOlution (100% pure HVO).

This new agreement follows the announcement that Eni and BMW Italia to ally for a more sustainable mobility: BMW Group support to the usage of Enilive HVO diesel biofuel is one of the pillars of the ongoing collaboration.

In accordance with the European fuel standard EN 15940, the BMW Group has approved the use of HVO diesel fuels for its Diesel models registered from late 2014 onwards, and equipped with a Generation B diesel engine. Furthermore, to raise awareness about biofuels, BMW Italia is providing an Enilive HVOlution voucher to all customers of new BMW diesel vehicles in Italy.

Dr. Martin Kaufmann, SVP Powertrain Development at BMW Group, said: “We are very happy to collaborate with Eni in our test and demo fleet. In this case this has more than one benefit: Eni is using BMW vehicles in their corporate fleet, at the same time is Enilive a major force in pushing renewable fuels in Europe. With HVOlution, Enilive has a very good product available delivering CO₂eq emissions reduction every day.”

With more than 250 million existing vehicles in Europe, their CO₂eq footprint can be improved if the proportion of renewable fuels is increased. This further underlines BMW Group’s commitment to enabling immediate and practical emissions reduction measures already available today.

BMW Group support this initiative in addition to its wide range of powertrain technologies, as the company’s goal is to reduce CO₂eq emissions across all areas. The BMW Group is convinced that all available technologies are needed to reduce CO₂eq across the entire value chain. In particular, there is potential for CO₂eq reduction in the area of fuels that are not based on fossil.

Stefano Ballista, Chief Executive Officer of Enilive, commented: “The development of our cooperation with BMW Group and BMW Italia marks another significant step toward the decarbonization of road transport and represents a tangible example of integrated partnership between the automotive and energy industries. Enilive biorefineries in Venice and Gela process mainly waste and residues, such as used cooking oil and animal fats, to produce HVO biofuels, that can be used in all validated diesel engines. As a drop-in fuel, pure HVO does not require engines or distribution infrastructure modifications, making it a readily available and effective solution to accelerate the decarbonization of transport today.”

A new era for corporate fleets...BMW Group and Eni have signed an agreement that changes the way diesel is viewed and experienced. From July 2026, BMW corporate fleet vehicles in Italy will use HVOlution, a biofuel made from 100% renewable raw materials. Production comes from Eni's biorefineries in Venice and Gela, where waste oils and animal fats are processed.

With this move, BMW is showing that diesel does not have to mean high emissions. On the contrary, the average reduction in CO2 emissions in 2025 reached 79.5% compared to fossil fuels.

Transparency and technology,,,BMW is developing a system that links fuel consumption data from vehicles with information from the fleet's payment system. The result is a complete and transparent record of which fuel a vehicle uses. This eliminates any doubt and allows clear control over the process.

Network available throughout Europe...BMW fleets use pure HVO fuel as they move through Italy, Germany and Austria. Enilive provides a network of around 1,700 stations offering HVOlution. This means that the fuel is not only experimental, but also practically available to drivers.

BMW Group's position...Dr. Martin Kaufmann, SVP (Senior Vice President) Powertrain Development at BMW Group, stressed that the cooperation with Eni brings double benefits: "Eni uses BMW vehicles in its fleet, and at the same time Enilive is strongly pushing renewable fuels in Europe. HVOlution is delivering emissions reductions every day."

BMW is making a clear message that all technologies must work together to reduce emissions. Electrification is key, but fossil-free fuels offer an immediately available solution.

Enilive's perspective...Stefano Ballista, CEO of Enilive, emphasized that the cooperation with BMW is a concrete example of the integration of the automotive and energy industries. HVO fuel is used in all validated diesel engines without the need for modifications. This means that the switch to pure biofuel does not require new engines or new infrastructure.

The future of diesel...The agreement between the BMW Group and Eni shows that diesel can become the fuel of the future without a fossil base. HVOlution offers a solution that is immediately available, without waiting for new technologies. This move opens the door to a faster decarbonization of transport and shows that industry collaboration brings results.

 

AUDI

Audi RS5: a 639 hp "sports sedan"

The Audi RS5 has been on Spanish roads for a few months now (albeit infrequently, given its status as an elite model), and its arrival marked a turning point for Audi Sport, which ventured into plug-in hybrid territory for the first time while also serving as the natural successor to the RS4. The result is a 639 hp sports sedan that combines the legendary 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor integrated into the transmission—a formula some purists might have viewed with skepticism. Perhaps due to its weight of 2,370 kg. Yet, even before getting behind the wheel, we had faith in the Audi Sport engineers—and rightly so.

On the outside, the RS5 is a real head-turner. We aren't exaggerating when we say we saw more smartphone cameras pointed at the car and more thumbs-up gestures as we drove by than if we had been driving a Porsche 911 Turbo. This is because the bodywork is 9 centimeters wider than that of the standard A5, featuring muscular wheel arches that house 21-inch forged wheels, behind which massive brake discs are visible. The Singleframe grille features a honeycomb pattern framed by gloss-black accents, while the bold Matrix LED headlights incorporate checkered-flag-style daytime running lights that perfectly match the car's character.

In our opinion, however, the car is most attractive from the rear; from this angle, you can glimpse the side vents on the front fenders, better appreciate the width of the tires—which measure 285 mm—and spot two exhaust outlets the size of industrial gas pipes. Even the rear features a curious detail: when braking, a checkered-flag-shaped light is projected onto the rear window, reminding those behind that they are facing a car with fierce braking power.

This refined aesthetic extends to the cabin, where Audi has unleashed its full technological arsenal. The MMI Panoramic Display system features an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch central OLED screen, and an additional 10.9-inch passenger display, all complemented by a head-up display. RS mode adds its own layer of information, including lap times and real-time thermal data from the hybrid system. However, don't expect to find an "Eco" mode in this zero-emission vehicle—it doesn't have one, despite its ability to cover a considerable distance on electric power alone.

360 liters of trunk space... The Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats feature heating and massage functions, while the steering wheel includes dedicated buttons to activate RS modes and the "Boost" button, which unleashes the car's full power. Red seatbelts, floor mats with the RS logo, and carbon fiber accents round out an interior that has just one minor drawback: the trunk. Because the battery is housed beneath the trunk floor, capacity is reduced to 360 liters compared to the standard A5. This figure rises to around 1,300 liters with the three-section rear seats folded down. Then again, no one expects a hardcore sports car to have a massive trunk.

For those who prefer not to constantly hear the engine's roar, the Bang & Olufsen sound system offers an immersive 3D audio experience, while the Audi Driving Experience app records lap times and acceleration data for later analysis—whenever you like, and ideally with friends. At the heart of this bold model lies a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, though a "zero-emissions" badge reminds us that it shares the spotlight with electric power. The combustion engine delivers 510 hp and 600 Nm of torque, assisted by an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission that contributes an additional 177 hp and 460 Nm. The result is a combined output of 639 hp and 825 Nm—figures that catapult the RS5 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and allow it to reach a top speed of 280 km/h.

The quattro all-wheel-drive system utilizes a Torsen center differential with preload, capable of distributing torque between 70/30 and 15/85 across the front and rear axles; it is complemented by an electromechanical torque-vectoring system on the rear axle that reacts in just 15 milliseconds and can manage a torque difference of up to 2,000 Nm between the two rear wheels.

85 km in zero-emission mode...The 25.9 kWh battery (22 kWh usable) allows for an electric range of up to 85 km (in the city), although the car claims an electric range of up to 120 km with a fully charged battery. With the gasoline engine running, official fuel consumption is 10 l/100 km, increasing when the battery is depleted. Charging is possible only via alternating current (AC) at up to 11 kW, so a full charge takes about two and a half hours.

All this mechanical hardware translates into surprising agility for a car weighing over 2.3 tons. The suspension eschews air suspension in favor of coil springs combined with dual-valve adaptive dampers, capable of independently controlling compression and rebound across four levels of firmness. The steering—featuring a more direct 13:1 ratio compared to the standard A5—enhances maneuverability, and driving modes include—in addition to the usual Comfort, Balanced, and Dynamic—two RS-specific settings: Sport and Torque Rear. The latter is designed to unleash the beast and string together controlled drifts, while the display measures the drift angle in real time. As previously mentioned, Eco mode is neither present nor expected.

Under normal driving conditions, the RS5 moves with a composure that belies its weight, easily absorbing road imperfections thanks to its adaptive dampers. When pushed to the limit, the all-wheel-drive system and electronic torque distribution propel the car powerfully out of corners, with the electric motor’s instant response filling any torque gap before the V6 kicks in. Steel brakes come as standard, though there is an option to install carbon-ceramic discs measuring up to 440 mm in diameter at the front, which also reduce weight on the front axle by 30 kg.

Naturally, all this engineering comes at a high price. In Spain, the Audi RS5 Avant starts at €129,690. That price is fitting for a car that impresses behind the wheel and—we reiterate—will make you the center of attention.

Autonews

AUTONEWS

The Porsche 911 shooting brake is coming

While Porsche has dabbled with station wagons through efforts like the Panamera Sport Turismo and the Taycan Cross Turismo, the brand has been careful to keep its experimentation far afield of the hallowed 911.

It's as much a practical consideration as it is one for the nameplate's lineage. Because they're not rear-engined cars, the Panamera and the Taycan are both far better candidates for the body style.

Regardless, that's a hurdle the aftermarket is more than willing to overcome.

That's because an outfit by the name of Indecent Vehicles has announced it will be building a 911-based shooting brake. The company first took to social media to canvas feedback for the concept a little over a week ago.

Following an overwhelmingly glowing response, Indecent has confirmed that the design is headed for production. Per its latest Instagram update, we should be seeing the first of these shooting brakes some time early next year.

Now, Indecent openly concedes that the project is aiming for "spectacular looks" rather than any kind of added practicality, As the engine will remain at the rear, the transformation isn't about to yield an abundance of extra storage. In that sense, it's not a 'true' wagon or shooting brake.

Still, who can blame the buyer for wanting to turn this striking 911 creation into a reality? The extended sloped roofline, widebody arches and added spoilers all make for eye-catching additions to the enduring Porsche icon, and the result is a surprisingly harmonious conversion.

As indecent a Porsche 911 as any...Besides, this kind of dramatic reinterpretation is completely aligned with Indecent's brand. Across Porsche's 997 and 991 platforms, the multinational outfit has reworked the 911 in more ways than one.

Accordingly, it's well-versed in reimagining the icon, as its past efforts include everything from slammed widebody conversions and shockingly mammoth wings to high-riding safari builds and even modern slant nose revivals.

Moreover, each creation has delivered on the company's name by challenging Porsche tradition. Whether in power, bodywork modifications or even just color choice, they're a far cry from the cars that appeal to purists.

Towards that end, this build promises to be Indecent's most, well, indecent project yet. If in shock value alone, it's an effort that will push the envelope of tradition, not only for the 911 but also for the auto industry at large.

After all, because of the uniqueness of the roofline relative to its engine and rear hatch, Indecent is still unsure of what to call the thing.

According to Carscoops, the first 911 shooting brake will be based on a Porsche 911 Turbo, and the build will add $350,000 on top of the donor car. Indecent plans to reveal the finished conversion at the 2027 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

AUTONEWS

EU to reduce VAT on EVs, implement stronger uptake targets, leaked electrification strategy shows

The EU’s electrification strategy, due to be published this week, commits the European Commission to presenting a framework for reducing VAT on EVs.

A leaked draft of the strategy, seen by EV Infrastructure News, includes measures to increase EV uptake. It will assess stronger zero emissions vehicle uptake targets for public procurement, with the Commission due to put forward a recommendation for fiscal and nonfiscal demand-side incentives for EV uptake by Q4 2026.

As part of the Green VAT initiative announced in the Clean Industrial Deal, which targeted 30% electrification by 2030, the Commission will present an EU framework for Member States to reduce VAT on electrification assets including EVs, heat pumps and domestic batteries.

The formal publication of the electrification strategy was announced for 15 July, though some reports now say it will be out on 17 July.

An overall electrification target of [X]% by 2040, which will become EU legislation, is not included in the leaked document seen by media, but it sets out the measures the European Commission (EC) will take to achieve its targets.

This will include removing five barriers to electrification:

Reducing the gap between electricity and fossil fuel costs by adding flexibility to reduce the costs of operating the system, making electricity cheaper and deploying more homegrown clean energy.

Lowering the upfront costs of electrification for end-users across the industrial sector, transport and buildings.

Increased access to infrastructure and enhancing the productivity of electricity grids through investment in transmission, EV charging networks, port infrastructure and district heating and cooling.

Accelerating innovation in electrification solutions, including emerging technologies such as small modular nuclear reactors (SMNRs), hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CC&S).

Growing and upskilling electrification technologies workforces and the European manufacturing and supply chain sectors.

Measures include deploying 200GW of energy storage by 2030 to meet energy system flexibility needs. The details of how the EC will achieve this are explored in an article available on our sister publication, Energy-Storage.news.

Clean Vehicles Directive strengthened in 2027...The Clean Vehicles Directive promotes clean mobility solutions in public procurement tenders across EU Member States. In August 2021, when it became law, the directive set a minimum percentage of clean vehicles in the aggregate public procurement across a Member State. Targets ranged between 17.6% and 38.5% for light-duty vehicles.

By Q4 2027, the Commission will review the Clean Vehicles Directive to assess possible further strengthening of the targets. Perhaps notably absent from the draft is the equivalent for consumer vehicles: in October last year, EU Member States agreed in principle to enshrine the 2035 phase out of all carbon emitting vehicles (including traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrid vehicles) into law.

In March, however, several EU countries threatened to block the ban unless an exemption that would allow sales of new cars with internal combustion engines that run only on e-fuels was included, an amendment that was passed but may not get through parliament successfully.

There have been rumours of the phase-out date being changed, but the electrification strategy just states that the number of battery EVs on European roads has increased sixfold since 2020, with over 8 million now registered.

European EV charging infrastructure...Any measures to increase EV uptake will drive charging infrastructure demand. The electrification strategy states that “multiple measures and support have been provided” for recharging infrastructure, seeing over 1.1 million public EV chargepoints now installed across the EU.

It continues that additional financial support is needed to “reassure” chargepoint operators (CPOs) and “convince consumers that electric mobility will rapidly become the most reliable and accessible form of transport, even in less densely populated areas”.

As such, the Commission commits to reviewing the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) this year, to further support charging rollout, including for electric heavy-duty vehicles (e-HDVs). It will update the common technical specifications used in the AFIR to ensure interoperability and that bi-directional charging capabilities are included.

For e-HDVs, the Commission will expand the e-HDVs Clean Transport Corridors initiative to other TEN-T corridors and facilitate financial support for the derisking of investment in e-HDV recharging stations.

It said it will work with Member States to identify remaining ways it can enable the deployment of e-HDVs and the infrastructure to support them, “including incentives for the demand for the vehicles and agree on joint action plans for the enabling framework for the transition under the 2030 CO2 targets for e-HDVs”.

V2G to reduce electricity costs...The Commission also commits to launching a framework for regulatory sandboxes and living labs across Member States to enable new vehicle-to-grid (V2G) business models, to increase the potential for consumer flexibility to address high electricity costs.

The draft document says that by mid-2027, the Commission will assess and promote the introduction of smart charging by default in electricity supply contracts related to EVs, introducing V2G requirements for new EVs by the end of the same year.

Those requirements would include technical specifications to enable interoperability, such as standardised communication protocols. Currently, it is a lack of standardisation across technology and legislation that presents a barrier to wider deployment of V2G.

https://www.evinfrastructurenews.com/

AUTONEWS

Electric Ford Super Mustang Mach-E is the fastest at Goodwood

The fastest car in the hill climb at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​was a very special Ford Mustang Mach-E.

The model, called the Super Mustang Mach-E, was first introduced last year and was originally developed for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Just three weeks ago, Romain Dumas won the "race to the clouds" with a time of 8:18.202.

During Sunday's Shoot-Out Final, Dumas drove the Super Mustang Mach-E again and finished on top again. The Frenchman set a best time of 41.98 seconds, recording his third consecutive victory at Goodwood and fifth overall.

It began with the pre-war monsters, Duncan Pittaway in his 28.4-litre Fiat 76 ‘Beast of Turin’ set a benchmark of 80.08 seconds for the rest of the field to chase. It didn’t take long for Archie Collings in his Mercedes 120hp to best him by just eight thousandths of a second, and from there the times kept on tumbling. 

From pre-war to the present day, the Production Road Car class saw the very latest creations from Bentley, Ferrari, TWR and Gunther Werks, showcasing the capabilities of modern technology to bring the times down into the 50s. 

British Touring Car Champion Jake Hill looked lively in the Nissan 300ZX Turbo to break into the 40s with a 48.48 before Johnny Cecotto suffered an unfortunate incident into Molecomb which brought proceedings to a halt as his stricken BMW M3 DTM E92 was extricated by the straw bales. 

George Krass in the V8 Chevrolet Corvette C5.R got things back underway with a tricky run on an incredibly dusty course, and he was followed by the similarly potent Ford Mustang GTS-1.

Dumas' special Mustang was also faster than the fourth-generation (Gen4) Formula E car driven by Daniel Ticktum on the short hill course, with a time of 42.46 seconds.

There were many other impressive cars in the Shoot-Out finale, but none could match the electric vehicles. Third place went to Alex Summers in a 1974 Shadow-Chevrolet DN4 Can-Am sports prototype with a time of 46.31 seconds, just 0.01 seconds faster than Johan Kristoffersson in a Volkswagen Polo RallyCross.

Perhaps the biggest crowd favorite was Travis Pastrana in his special Subaru Brataroo 9500 Turbo, who finished in 46.77 seconds.