Rowan Atkinson, renowned actor and comedian, finds himself embroiled in controversy following accusations that his commentary on electric vehicles (EVs) has contributed to sluggish sales in the UK. The allegations surfaced during a meeting of the UK’s House of Lords, where the environment and climate change committee discussed obstacles to the government’s plan to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2035.
According to reports, the committee singled out Atkinson, citing a piece he authored in The Guardian in June 2023 as a significant factor in the downturn of EV sales. The think tank Green Alliance, presenting its findings during the session, labelled Atkinson’s article as detrimental to the cause and claimed it had been thoroughly debunked.
“Unfortunately, fact checks never reach the same breadth of audience as the original false claim, emphasising the need to ensure high editorial standards around the net-zero transition,” remarked the Green Alliance during the parliamentary session.
In the era of electric vehicles (EVs), the act of charging them may seem as routine as charging our mobile phones. However, recent concerns raised by experts highlight the potential dangers associated with generic or faulty parts used in EV charging stations, drawing parallels with the risks we’ve seen in the mobile phone industry.
In a report written in The Star by Ragananthini Vethasalam, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research chairman Wong Shaw Voon has emphasised the need for caution, pointing out that while phone explosions have led to fatalities, the stakes are higher with EVs due to the larger amounts of energy they transfer and store.
The comparison serves as a stark reminder that as EV adoption grows, the responsibility to ensure the safety of charging facilities lies not only with manufacturers but also with EV owners and charging station operators.
Wong warns against the use of generic and cheaper parts, echoing concerns that as EVs become more prevalent, there may be a surge in the use of substandard components in charging infrastructure.
It is crucial for stakeholders in the EV ecosystem to prioritise quality over cost, as the potential risks associated with compromised charging stations could escalate with the increasing popularity of EVs.
In a recent announcement, the Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, revealed ongoing refinements to Malaysia’s draft tax structure for electric vehicles (EVs). The Minister cited specific aspects of the current draft requiring improvement and emphasised the need for additional time to optimise rates for prospective EV buyers.
Loke assured existing EV owners that the review process would not impact their current tax benefits, stating, that there are some aspects that he is not satisfied with in the draft and would need reviewing.
According to Malaysia Gazette, the comprehensive draft will undergo evaluation by the EV Steering Committee before finalisation. Loke expressed his commitment to refining the draft for the benefit of prospective EV buyers, recognising the importance of a competitive tax structure to drive electric vehicle adoption in the country.
Earlier statements by Loke outlined plans for a more competitive road tax structure, known as Motor Vehicle License (LKM), tailored specifically for EVs. This initiative aligns with broader government efforts to promote eco-friendly transportation. However, Loke clarified that the proposed road tax structure would only take effect after 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the current road tax exemption period for EVs.
In February of the previous year, Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport, through the Road Transport Department, had announced a full exemption of LKM fees for electric vehicles. This exemption, valid from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2025, applies to EVs utilising battery or fuel cell technology. Notably, the exemption excludes hybrid vehicles with internal combustion engines running on petrol or diesel.
As Malaysia strives to encourage the transition to sustainable transportation, the refinement of the EV tax structure underscores the government’s commitment to balancing EV adoption incentives with fair taxation practices. The forthcoming adjustments are anticipated to create a more supportive environment for electric vehicles within the Malaysian automotive landscape.
Pasaran kenderaan elektrik (EV) global mengalami penurunan permintaan yang ketara, dengan beberapa faktor yang berkaitan menyumbang kepada perubahan ini. Walaupun jualan kenderaan masih berada dalam arah yang meningkat, minat yang membara terhadap EV tidak sejajar dengan jangkaan awal yang ditetapkan oleh industri automotif. Mari kita lihat dengan lebih terperinci elemen-elemen utama yang mempengaruhi pasaran EV antarabangsa:
Faedah Pinjaman Kenderaan Mengubah Keutamaan Salah satu sebab utama di sebalik penurunan permintaan EV ini adalah daya tarikan semakin meningkat bagi faedah pinjaman kenderaan dalam ekonomi maju. Insentif kewangan ini bertujuan untuk menangani kadar inflasi dalam landskap ekonomi pasca-pandemik. Walaupun kenderaan masih dibeli, insentif-insentif ini kini menggiurkan pembeli berpotensi ke arah kenderaan enjin pembakaran dalam (ICE) konvensional.
Pertumbuhan Pasaran Tidak Memenuhi Jangkaan Pemimpin industri mempunyai harapan tinggi terhadap pertumbuhan eksponensial dalam pasaran EV. Walau bagaimanapun, permintaan terhadap kenderaan elektrik tidak mencapai jangkaan awal, membangkitkan kebimbangan di kalangan pembuat kereta di seluruh dunia.
Pembatalan Kolaborasi Meningkatkan Ketidakpastian Pembatalan baru-baru ini kerjasama bernilai $5 bilion antara GM dan Honda lebih memburukkan ketidakpastian mengenai masa depan industri ini. Kolaborasi ini bertujuan untuk menyederhanakan pengeluaran EV yang berkos efektif, tetapi pembatalannya yang mendadak telah menimbulkan soalan mengenai halatuju pembangunan EV dan perkongsian yang berpotensi.
Kredit: Tesla
Amaran daripada Pengeluar Bateri Perkembangan penting datang daripada LG Energy Solution, pengeluar bateri utama dari Korea, yang telah mengeluarkan amaran. Menurut laporan mereka, ketidakpastian ekonomi global boleh menyebabkan permintaan EV jatuh di bawah jangkaan awal dalam tahun yang akan datang.
Sentimen Pelabur Menyimbangkan Ketidakpastian Pasaran Pelabur dalam sektor EV mencerminkan sentimen yang serupa. Nilai saham syarikat-syarikat yang berkaitan dengan EV mengalami penurunan, menunjukkan rasa ragu dan ketidakselamatan dalam pasaran.
Penangguhan Elon Musk Dalam pusingan yang mengejutkan, CEO Tesla, Elon Musk, baru-baru ini mengumumkan penangguhan pembinaan Gigafactory di Mexico. Keputusan ini disebabkan oleh kadar faedah pinjaman kenderaan yang meningkat dan persekitaran ekonomi global yang rumit.
Walau bagaimanapun, penting untuk mengakui bahawa pasaran EV telah menunjukkan pertumbuhan dalam pelbagai kawasan:
Amerika Syarikat: Di Amerika Syarikat, jualan EV pada suku ketiga tahun ini mencapai 300,000 unit, mencatat pencapaian penting dalam pasaran EV Amerika.
Kesatuan Eropah: Kesatuan Eropah telah menyaksikan peningkatan jualan EV sebanyak 14.3 peratus, menekankan komitmennya kepada pengangkutan lestari.
China: Sebagai pemimpin global dalam penggunaan EV, China melaporkan peningkatan jualan EV sebanyak 22 peratus, memperkuatkan kedudukannya dalam sektor kenderaan elektrik.
Dalam negara-negara Kesatuan Negara-negara Asia Tenggara (ASEAN), termasuk Malaysia, insentif kerajaan telah merangsang pertumbuhan jualan EV. Walau bagaimanapun, pergeseran dasar yang berpotensi, seperti penarikan insentif cukai EV (termasuk pengecualian cukai import), boleh mempengaruhi harga EV, mendedahkan permintaan sebenar untuk kenderaan elektrik di kawasan ini.
Semasa pasaran EV mengharungi cabaran ini, adalah penting bagi pembuat kenderaan dan pembuat dasar untuk memantau dengan rapat sentimen pengguna, menyesuaikan diri dengan dinamik ekonomi yang berubah, dan berterus-terang dalam memajukan penyelesaian mobiliti lestari. Walaupun keadaan pasaran semasa mungkin menguji air, komitmen jangka panjang terhadap kenderaan elektrik tetap teguh.
Nissan Motor has introduced the latest addition to its series of concept vehicles, the Nissan Hyper Punk, which is set to make its physical debut at the Japan Mobility Show on October 25. This groundbreaking electric compact crossover is designed for content creators, artists, and individuals who appreciate style and innovation.
To build anticipation for the show, Nissan has displayed its four EV concept cars, including the Nissan Hyper Punk, on the digital-3D billboard Cross Shinjuku Vision in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. This visual display will run until October 25, offering a glimpse of the future of electric mobility.
In the realm of autonomous and electric vehicles, the Apple Car, a project that has seen its fair share of twists and turns, stands out as a technological and automotive marvel in the making. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what we know so far about Apple’s ambitious foray into the automotive industry.
Project Titan: The Genesis
Originating in 2014, “Project Titan” marked the inception of Apple’s ambitious venture into the automobile domain. Initially focusing on a fully autonomous electric vehicle, the project has undergone numerous transformations over the years, ranging from shelving plans to reviving and scaling down the vision.
BYD is no stranger to the electric vehicle (EV) game. It has continually been at the forefront of technical developments since its founding in 1995. BYD’s status as a market pioneer for electric vehicles has been cemented by innovations including the Blade Battery, DM-i Super Hybrid System, e-Platform 3.0, CTB Technology, e4 Platform, and the DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, which have raised the bar for the sector.
Ford will stop producing its best-selling Fiesta model as soon as next week as it transitions to an all-electric future. In order to create Ford’s new electric Explorer SUV at its Cologne, Germany, plant, the compact car will be decommissioned.
On July 7, 2023, the last Fiesta model will leave the factory for the European market. The Fiesta generation is coming to an end in favour of an electric future after 47 years and eight generations.
The step was taken after the American manufacturer declared it would transition to an entirely electric brand in Europe by 2030 and offer nine EV models by 2024. Ford and Volkswagen partnered together in 2020 to speed up electric vehicle (EV) production in the area with intentions to use VW’s MEB platform to introduce its own line of electric vehicles.
Executives at Toyota Motor seem more assured than before in their capacity to produce and market millions of electric vehicles.
Hiroki Nakajima, chief technology officer of Toyota, said during a daylong series of technology briefings last week at Toyota’s research facility that’s close to Mount Fuji, that consumers switching from hybrids to fully electric vehicles are giving the world’s largest automaker a good indication of where the market will be in three years.
Toyota will meet its objective to sell 1.5 million battery-electric vehicles by 2026, he assured, adding that “development and production will be ready when there is demand for 1.5 million units.”
Car manufacturers are now moving towards a “greener” future by producing electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce global CO2 emissions. However, if you look beyond what comes out of the vehicle’s exhaust system, there is a bigger picture to consider, as explained by Rowan Atkinson.
Some may already know that Atkinson is a gearhead with a degree in electrical and electronic engineering, along with a subsequent master’s degree in control systems. He has owned multiple classic and legendary cars such as the BMW 328, McLaren F1, 2002 Acura NSX-T, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977), and more. Initially, he had a love for EVs when he purchased his first electric hybrid 18 years ago and his first pure electric car nine years ago. However, he believes that EVs, while wonderful mechanisms, lack soul—a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with.
