LATEST UK CAR NEWS ROUNDUP | FEB 2025

EV Channels Review

This February 2025 UK car news roundup covers a range of industry developments, with a significant focus on electric vehicles. The presenter discusses government plans for lower EV loan costs, expressing skepticism about the approach and advocating for bolstering the used EV market through affordable home charging and education. The new Fiat Panda is highlighted for its sub-£19,000 starting price and stylish design, available in mild hybrid and electric variants. UK vehicle production saw a 70-year low in 2024 due to retooling for EVs. The government's £65 million investment in curbside EV charging is debated, with concerns raised about the high cost of using Connected Curb's services compared to home charging. Stantis claims a breakthrough in lithium-sulfur batteries by 2030, potentially halving costs and improving range. Renault and Volvo are launching the Flexus electric vans in 2026, featuring 800-volt architecture for rapid charging. The potential return of a new Toyota MR2 is met with excitement. Tesla's plans for more affordable models are mentioned, alongside a personal defense against political accusations. A new app, ClearWATT, is introduced for checking used EV battery health. Genesis is shifting exclusively to EVs and hybrids in the UK. Spy shots of the electric Porsche Cayman suggest an aggressive redesign. A study projects EVs to last 18 years, comparable to modern petrol cars. Finally, the Zeekr 007 GT Line is previewed with impressive performance and range figures, though expected to be expensive.