Indra, leading British electric vehicle (EV) charging provider and smart energy technology company, has announced today that its range of smart EV home chargers has achieved Triple E certification from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
This means that EV drivers can now claim up to €600 off their Indra Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ purchase and installation through the Irish Government’s Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant scheme, which is designed to encourage the transition towards EV adoption in Ireland.
The Triple E certification is an important step for Indra as the British manufacturer continues to scale its operations and enter the Irish market. With 75,000 EVs currently on the road in Ireland, the market has shown impressive growth, including a 49% year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2023 alone.
Leighton King, Chief Commercial Officer at Indra, said:
“We are delighted that EV drivers in Ireland are now able to access the government grant scheme to purchase and install Indra EV home chargers, making the transition to EVs more affordable.
“But that is not the only potential cost saving for EV drivers as our chargers come with the latest charging technology, giving users access to the greenest and cheapest energy tariffs.”
Compatible with any energy supplier, the Indra Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ chargers work seamlessly with Indra’s intuitive app, helping users to minimise both their carbon footprint and energy bills.
All Indra chargers are equipped with industry leading, proprietary, and patented PESTTM technology and water and dust protection, making them the safest EV chargers on the market. The Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ chargers automatically receive remote over-the-air (OTA) software updates to keep them getting smarter every day.
Indra’s class-leading smart EV chargers are available for purchase via its website. To find out more about Indra, please visit: https://www.indra.co.uk/
Bank of Ireland Finance has been announced as the exclusive finance partner for Nevo, Ireland’s first dedicated electric vehicle platform. The Nevo platform offers a comprehensive range of services for people who want to learn more about electric vehicle ownership, and those looking to make the switch to electric motoring.
The latest insights from the Irish motoring industry revealed that 26% of all new cars licensed in the first five months of 2023 were electrically chargeable vehicles (PHEV or EV), while 18% of all new cars licensed for the first time were electric – compared with 13% in the same period in 2022.
The timing of the new agreement is key also, with sales figures from the first quarter of 2023 revealing that new fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales by-passed diesel car sales for the very first time.
As dedicated finance provider Bank of Ireland Finance will work with Nevo to support customers as the EV transition gathers pace and Ireland enacts its Climate Action Plan aiming to achieve the Government’s stated target of having 945,000 electric vehicles on our roads by 2030. This is the latest step taken by Bank of Ireland as it makes progress across its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) pillars. It also signifies another funding milestone for an indigenous Irish business, following Nevo’s growth since its launch in early 2022.
Speaking at the formal launch of the partnership in College Green Derek McDermott, Managing Director at Bank of Ireland Finance said: “Our recently published Sustainability Report sets out the steps that Bank of Ireland is taking in supporting our customers in making the green transition, and this Nevo partnership is another important stage on that journey. Bank of Ireland Finance is now working with Nevo in providing consumers with the information they need to make the right choice in this area, as the sales of plug-in and fully electric vehicles continue to increase.”
Derek Reilly, Nevo General Manager added: “Nevo is delighted to partner with Bank of Ireland Finance, and we have a shared goal of supporting Irish consumers and businesses to make the transition to electric vehicles and a greener future. Bank of Ireland Finance is uniquely positioned within the Irish automotive industry, already partnered with 22 of the motor manufacturers and OEMs operating here. All of these brands and franchise dealerships are available on Nevo, which allows consumers access every fully electric and plug-in model in one location. Nevo also provides the latest electric vehicle reviews, advice and technology news to help consumers make the switch with ease”
Are you a fleet manager and worried about the safety of your drivers out on the road? If so, equipping your vehicles with a tracking dash cam should be one of your top priorities.
Dash cams are becoming increasingly commonplace in many commercial fleets due to their ability to monitor driver behavior and provide visual evidence of any type of incident. Why is having a tracking dash cam an important part of keeping your employees safe while also improving overall operations efficiency in your fleet? Read on to hear our answer.
What is a tracking dash cam and why is it important for fleet vehicles?
A tracking dash cam is a video camera designed specifically for use in vehicles, providing a continuous recording of the road ahead.
For fleet vehicles, such cameras are essential for a number of reasons. They can improve safety by monitoring driver behavior and identifying hazardous driving practices and also serve as a powerful tool for fleet management. By providing real-time location data for each vehicle, as well as detailed information about driving speeds and routes taken, the right dash cam for your semi truck can help fleet managers optimize schedules, reduce fuel consumption and increase overall efficiency. Additionally, these cameras can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident or other incident, helping resolve disputes and protect against fraudulent insurance claims.
All in all, a tracking dash cam is an important investment for any fleet looking to improve safety, streamline operations, and protect their assets.
The Benefits of Installing a Tracking Dash Cam in Your Fleet Vehicles
Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular among fleet vehicle owners and for good reason. These innovative devices offer a wide range of benefits that can greatly improve the efficiency and safety of any fleet operation. Let’s take a closer look.
Monitor Driver Behavior
Tracking dash cams has revolutionized the way we monitor driver behavior. With advanced features such as GPS tracking and G-force sensors, these devices are capable of capturing every detail of a driver’s journey. By analyzing this data, fleet managers and business owners can gain valuable insights into their drivers’ behavior and identify areas for improvement.
Not to mention, dash cams reduce the risk of accidents, as drivers are more likely to behave responsibly when they know they are being monitored. As technology continues to improve, there has never been a better time to invest in a tracking dash cam to keep your drivers safe and accountable on the road.
Improve Fleet Safety
A tracking dash cam like CameraMatics fleet camera systems is a great tool to improve fleet safety for companies with a large number of vehicles on the roads. This technology offers real-time monitoring of driver behavior to ensure they are following all traffic laws and driving safely.
With a tracking dash cam, fleet managers can easily identify and address any issues, including speeding or distracted driving, before they escalate into more serious problems. In addition, the footage recorded by the dash cam can serve as evidence in the event of an accident or insurance claim, which can save time and money for both the company and the driver involved. Pretzel City business owners can review the incident and work with Truck Accident Legal Experts in Reading, PA to understand liability and ensure that all necessary documentation is in order. This collaboration can be crucial in mitigating legal repercussions and protecting the company’s interests.
Reduce Operating Costs
Dash cams are a smart investment for any business looking to cut operating costs. This innovative technology not only helps to retain valuable company assets and reduce insurance premiums, but it also promotes safer driving habits among employees.
Tracking dash cams capture and store footage of driving activity, allowing business owners to monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, and protect against false claims. With the ability to track mileage, location, and speed, businesses can manage their fleets more efficiently and take corrective action when needed.
Identifying the Right Dash Cam System for Your Business
Every business owner wants to ensure the safety and security of their vehicles and drivers on the road. That’s why dash cam systems have become an essential tool for many companies. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to identify the right one for your business.
You need to consider video quality, storage capacity, GPS tracking, and ease of use. By doing your research and carefully evaluating your needs, you can find the dash cam system that will provide the best protection for your business on the road.
Installation and Maintenance Tips For Tracking Dash Cams
If you’re considering investing in a tracking dash cam, know that proper installation and maintenance are key to getting the most out of your device. First and foremost, make sure your dash cam is mounted securely on your windshield or dashboard and that it has a clear, unobstructed view of the road ahead. Regularly reviewing your footage and setting your camera to overwrite old files can help ensure that you’re always capturing important information.
Keeping your device clean and regularly checking for updates can prevent technical issues down the line. By taking these simple steps, you can feel confident that your tracking dash cam is working at its best level possible.
Tracking dashcams are becoming valuable tools for fleet business owners as they provide a host of benefits, from monitoring driver behavior and improving safety to reducing operating costs.
By acknowledging the advantages that these devices offer, companies can create an optimum level of safeguard for their fleet vehicles while making informed decisions in regard to operational expenses.
Several powerful megatrends – from young, highly connected travelers to the arrival of electric air taxis – will exert an immense influence on air travel over the next decade, forcing industry, governments, and technology to adapt rapidly. This is according to “Meet the Megatrends,” a new report from SITA that examines 12 emerging technological, societal, traveler, and economic trends that will significantly morph the travel landscape by 2033.
These megatrends do not exist in silos but operate in an evolving ecosystem where emerging technologies interconnect the trends and help drive them forward. Data is at the heart of this ecosystem. The increasing willingness of providers to share data across the wider travel industry will help further accelerate these trends and pave the way to the more connected, seamless travel experience that passengers want.
Ilkka Kivelä, VP Strategy and Innovation, SITA, said: “The air transport industry is at a post-pandemic crossroads, facing challenges from all sides. While the travel recovery accelerates globally, airports and airlines are scrambling to provide the seamless travel experience passengers expect, often with slashed workforces and squeezed budgets. The climate crisis demands swifter and more decisive industry action to make travel more sustainable. We now have an opportunity to reimagine the world of travel, connect the dots and transform travel with bold solutions that cross sectors and exploit the latest technologies.”
One of the key trends identified in the report is Gen Z and millennial travelers driving a digital transformation of the transport industry, demanding a more integrated digital journey, and accelerating the digital way of life. Privacy, digital identity rights, and controls for passengers will be a priority for passengers opening the door to a future where we can travel from everywhere to anywhere without the need for physical documents or being stopped for identification.
Another power trend is the automation and emergence of smart airports, which will reshape the workforce, give rise to a new flattened business organization, and streamline operations through technology. By 2030 metaverse operations will be commonplace at leading airports and play a vital role in optimizing processes, avoiding disruption, and facilitating intuitive, immersive control of intelligent airports. This in turn will require new skills and create new opportunities for employees in the industry.
Meanwhile, electric air vehicles are expected to be ubiquitous at major international airports by the end of the decade, operating as an effective auxiliary service and revenue stream for airports and airlines. This year alone, investment in the Urban Air Mobility industry has skyrocketed, with $4.7 billion committed to the development of eVTOL vehicles.
Ilkka Kivelä said: “These trends are shaping SITA’s own innovation agenda. We’re excited to be working across many of these areas and look forward to collaborating with partners to drive positive change across the industry.”
The report was spearheaded by the SITA Lab innovation team and draws upon insights from across the transport industry, SITA’s global research, and the latest cutting-edge proof of concepts to identify the most powerful shifts that will drive the travel industry’s evolution by 2033.
Work on developing the technology behind autonomous vehicles began in the 1970s, and it continues apace. The idea behind these vehicles is that they can sense the environment around them and don’t require any human involvement to drive and control them. There are six stages to creating this type of autonomous vehicle. Read on to learn more about these stages, see which stage we’re currently at, and discover the positives, negatives, and challenges of developing autonomous vehicles.
How are autonomous vehicles being accepted by the public?
Public perception is one of the major challenges in developing autonomous vehicles. According to a 2021 American Automobile Association (AAA) survey, only 22% of respondents thought that manufacturers should focus on developing autonomous vehicles. The story is similar in the UK. A 2021 YouGov survey found that only 23% of respondents would be happy to sit in an autonomous vehicle, and 67% said they would be unhappy driving on the same roads as autonomous vehicles. People are also concerned about potential data protection issues and the probable high purchase costs of these vehicles.
It’s important to note that autonomous vehicles have several benefits, such as 360° vision, interconnection between vehicles, and enhanced access for people with disabilities. Despite these advantages, overcoming public mistrust is a significant obstacle that developers and manufacturers face.
The levels of autonomous vehicles
The autonomy of vehicles is categorised by six different levels as follows:
Level 0 – no automation present.
Level 1 – driver assistance present – hands on or shared control.
Currently, we are at level 2, with level 3 not far away. Level 4 is expected to be reached by the middle of the decade, and optimistic predictions suggest that level 5 will follow soon after. Once autonomous vehicles are at this level, it will be possible to do many other things while you are driving.
It will be possible to access entertainment which is a significant improvement on having to concentrate while navigating miles of long boring roads or motorways. For example, you could use your tablet or smartphone to watch a movie or play a game at Platincasino Ireland and keep yourself entertained during long journeys. Also, if you are travelling to an event, you could get ready during your journey, which is a big time saver.
Safer and reliable mobility
There’s still a long way to go before full vehicle automation is safe and reliable enough to be available on public roads. Technology is still evolving and testing is underway. The main problem with testing is getting enough mileage on roads to demonstrate the reliability of self-driving cars. So, other testing methods are being considered, such as simulation and closed courses. On-road testing has to be the last step for safety reasons.
Collaboration in the industry
There are substantial challenges facing automotive companies and tech companies looking to produce self-driving vehicles. In the case of automotive companies, these challenges are caused by the need for hardware and software, while tech companies face the challenge of producing safe and reliable vehicles. Companies will likely need to collaborate to benefit from their respective strengths and overcome these challenges.
Conclusion
Fully autonomous vehicles will allow us to play games, watch movies, and even get ready for a night out while travelling. However, these benefits are still a few years away. Full automation is categorised as level 5, and we’re currently at level 2. To progress further, developers and manufacturers must overcome public reluctance and ensure the safety and reliability of self-driving vehicles. Work is underway to do this.
Ford has announced significant strides toward an all-electric future in Europe, which will see the company transformed and offering a new generation of seven, all-electric, fully-connected passenger vehicles and vans by 2024.
Today’s announcement builds on the recent news that the company has created a new global business unit – Ford Model e – focused on the design, production, and distribution of electric and connected vehicles. Together with Ford Pro, the business unit focused on Ford’s commercial vehicle business, these two business units will define Ford’s future in Europe.
“I am delighted to see the pace of change in Europe – challenging our entire industry to build better, cleaner and more digital vehicles. Ford is all-in and moving fast to meet the demand in Europe and around the globe,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO.
“This is why we have created Ford Model e – allowing us to move at the speed of a start-up to build electric vehicles that delight and offer connected services unique to Ford and that are built with Ford-grade engineering and safety.”
With its extended range of electric passenger and commercial vehicle models, Ford expects its annual sales of electric vehicles in Europe to exceed 600,000 units in 2026, and also reaffirmed its intention to deliver a 6 percent EBIT margin in Europe in 2023. The acceleration in Europe supports Ford’s goal to sell more than 2 million EVs globally by 2026 and deliver company adjusted EBIT margin of 10 percent.
“Our march toward an all-electric future is an absolute necessity for Ford to meet the mobility needs of customers across a transforming Europe,” said Stuart Rowley, chair, Ford of Europe. “It’s also about the pressing need for greater care of our planet, making a positive contribution to society and reducing emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.”
Together, these efforts will support Ford’s global plans to significantly reduce carbon emissions. The company today announced it is targeting zero emissions for all vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint of facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2035.
Seven new electric vehicles by 2024
Following the successful European introduction of the all-electric Mach-E in 2021 and Mach-E GT this year, plus the launch of the E-Transit in the next quarter, Ford today unveiled plans for seven all-electric vehicles to join the Ford family in Europe – three new passenger vehicles and four new commercial vehicles.
Starting in 2023, Ford will begin production of an all-new electric passenger vehicle, a medium-sized crossover, built in Cologne with a second electric vehicle added to the Cologne production line-up in 2024. In addition, Ford’s top-selling passenger vehicle in Europe, the Ford Puma, will be available as an electric version made in Craiova, Romania, starting in 2024.
Reaffirming its leadership as Europe’s top-selling commercial vehicle brand, Ford’s iconic Transit range will include four new electric models – the all-new Transit Custom one-tonne van and Tourneo Custom multi-purpose vehicle in 2023, and the smaller, next generation Transit Courier van and Tourneo Courier multi-purpose vehicle in 2024.
“These new Ford electric vehicles signal what is nothing less than the total transformation of our brand in Europe – a new generation of zero-emission vehicles, optimized for a connected world, offering our customers truly outstanding user experiences,” said Rowley.
EV production and investment in Cologne
Ford confirmed today that the first volume all-electric passenger vehicle to come out of the Ford Cologne Electrification Centre will be a five-seat, medium-sized crossover. In 2021, sports utilities and crossovers accounted for 58 percent of all Ford passenger vehicle sold in the continent, up nearly 20 percentage points from 2020.
The all-electric crossover breaks new boundaries for Ford. Capable of a 500km driving range on a single charge, the vehicle and its name will be revealed later in 2022, with production commencing in 2023.
Today’s confirmation that a second, all-electric passenger vehicle – a sports crossover – will be built at the Ford Cologne Electrification Centre means that electric vehicle production at the facility will increase to 1.2 million vehicles over a six-year timeframe. Investment in the new electric passenger vehicles to be built in Cologne is expected to be $2 billion. The investment includes a new battery assembly facility scheduled to start operations in 2024.
New joint venture aims to increase battery production in Europe
To support Ford’s ambitious vehicle electrification plans, Ford, SK On Co., Ltd. and Koç Holding have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding for a new, industry-leading joint venture business in Turkey. Subject to execution of a final agreement, the three partners plan to create one of the largest EV battery facilities in the European wider region.
The joint venture would be located near Ankara and will manufacture high Nickel NMC cells for assembly into battery array modules. Production is intended to start as early as mid-decade with an annual capacity likely to be in the range of 30 to 45 Gigawatt hours.
The investment the three partners are planning in the battery joint venture – including support from the Turkish Government – will directly benefit large and small commercial vehicle operators across Europe, reducing energy and running costs and providing a significant contribution to CO2 reduction.
Boosting EV manufacturing capacity in Craiova
Ford’s manufacturing plant in Craiova, Romania, will play a significant role in the company’s electric and commercial vehicle growth plans in Europe.
From 2024, European customers will be able to purchase an all-electric version of the Ford Puma, Ford’s popular compact crossover. The Puma was Ford’s best-selling passenger vehicle in Europe in 2021, and the all-electric Puma will bring this successful new nameplate to an even wider group of European customers when it goes into production in Craiova in 2024.
Additionally, the all-new Transit Courier, the popular light commercial vehicle, and Tourneo Courier, a compact multi-purpose vehicle, will also be produced in Craiova from 2023, with all-electric versions coming in 2024.
To further boost electric and commercial vehicle capacity, Ford announced this morning that Ford Otosan will assume ownership of the Craiova plant and manufacturing business, subject to regulatory approval and consultation. Ford Otosan, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Koç Holding, is one of the longest running and most successful joint ventures in the global auto industry.
“We welcome this opportunity to grow our joint venture with Koc Holding and leverage this strategic partnership to better utilize our resources and know-how in Romania,” Rowley said. “Ford Craiova is today a strong success story, and we believe that through Ford Otosan’s experience and expertise in electrification and commercial vehicles it can reach even higher levels of achievement.”
