Tag Archives: EVs

News

Alfa Romeo Supercharges Junior EV Line-Up with New £1,500 EV Grant

Alfa Romeo UK has announced a bold new initiative to support the growing electric vehicle market with the launch of the Alfa Romeo EV Grant. Effective immediately, the program offers a £1,500 discount across all variants of the Junior Elettrica, Alfa Romeo’s debut EV and one of the most hotly anticipated compact electric crossovers of 2024.

The incentive applies to every version of the Junior Elettrica – from the entry-level Elettrica to the range-topping 280hp Veloce and the stylish Intensa Special Series. Importantly, this grant stacks on top of existing retail offers, which include 0% APR on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and a complimentary EV home charger with standard installation, adding even more value for private buyers looking to make the switch.

“To underscore the commitment Alfa Romeo has in making electrification more accessible, we want to support customers with our EV Grant,” said Jules Tilstone, Managing Director of Alfa Romeo UK. “Our entire fully electric Junior range is now more appealing than ever with this incentive, which – along with our existing retail offers – will help encourage Britain’s drivers on their electric journey.”

A Compact Electric with Pure Italian DNA

The Junior marks Alfa Romeo’s bold first step into the EV segment, and it doesn’t stray far from the brand’s DNA. The compact crossover blends unmistakable Italian design with sporting intent. Two powertrains are on offer: a 156hp variant with a WLTP range of up to 255 miles, and the 280 hp Veloce, tuned for performance with a slightly reduced range of 207 miles.

Prices now start at £32,405 OTR (after the EV Grant) for the base Junior Elettrica. This model comes equipped with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, full LED lighting, and a tech-rich interior featuring a 10.25-inch Cannocchiale digital cluster, matching infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, and a host of advanced safety features including Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Emergency Braking.

For those seeking more flair and functionality, the Speciale trim (£34,205 with grant) adds 18-inch Petali alloys, darkened styling cues, heated front seats with massage function, a rear-view camera, and power tailgate. The infotainment suite also gains built-in satellite navigation.

The Intensa edition (£37,405 OTR) is the most refined iteration, boasting gold-accented 18-inch alloys, a glossy black body kit, and a luxurious Alcantara interior finish.

But it’s the Veloce (£40,805 OTR) that will stir the hearts of enthusiasts. Powered by a punchy 280 hp electric motor with 345Nm of torque, the Veloce comes fitted with a Torsen limited-slip differential, 380mm front brakes with four-piston calipers, recalibrated steering, and 25mm lower sports suspension, making it a true driver’s EV – arguably one of the most engaging in its class.

Strong Value for New EV Buyers

Beyond the EV Grant, Alfa Romeo is sweetening the deal for buyers with a suite of retail offers. Qualified customers can take advantage of 0% APR on PCP with a 20% deposit across Speciale, Intensa, and Veloce trims. In addition, the brand is offering a complimentary Ohme ePOD or Home Pro charger with standard installation – a package worth up to £1,045 – and an optional three-year service plan for just £199, enhancing peace of mind for new EV adopters.

ModelOTR PriceEV GrantNew Price
Junior Elettrica£33,905-£1,500£32,405
Junior Elettrica Speciale£35,705-£1,500£34,205
Junior Elettrica Intensa£38,905-£1,500£37,405
Junior Veloce (280hp)£42,305-£1,500£40,805

With the launch of this new EV Grant, Alfa Romeo is making a serious push to become a competitive player in the premium electric crossover segment. Combining characteristically Italian design with tech-rich interiors and performance-driven engineering, the Junior range looks well-positioned to tempt both loyal Alfisti and new buyers alike.

Source: Alfa Romeo

NEW CARS

Genesis G80 Goes Electric-Only in Europe with Bold New Design and Luxury Focus

In the crowded arena of European luxury sedans, a new challenger is turning heads—not with noise, but with quiet confidence. Meet the Genesis G80 Electrified, the flagship electric sedan from Hyundai’s premium offshoot, which is now taking a bold swing at Europe’s automotive establishment.

Genesis, though still a relative newcomer in the European market, is far from inexperienced. Already a familiar name in South Korea and the United States, the brand is rapidly gaining recognition for doing things differently—eschewing traditional dealer networks and commission-hungry salespeople for a boutique, customer-first approach.

Breaking the Mold

Instead of sprawling dealership lots, Genesis operates sleek urban “studios” situated in high-end retail environments. Sales are conducted online, and each customer is paired with a personal assistant—often someone from the world of luxury retail or fashion, rather than the automotive industry.

Backing up its premium promise, Genesis offers a comprehensive ownership package: five years of warranty, free servicing, roadside assistance, and even vehicle pick-up and return via covered transport. It’s a level of service few competitors match, particularly in the fiercely traditional European market.

Design That Dares to Stand Out

The G80 Electrified isn’t just about customer experience—it’s about presence. At nearly five meters long, the G80 casts a shadow larger than its segment rivals, inching closer to the Mercedes S-Class in stature while targeting the E-Class, Audi A6, and BMW 5 Series in competition.

Its elegant proportions are accentuated by Genesis’ now-iconic “Two Lines” design theme, visible in the headlights, taillights, and side accents. A gently sloping roofline gives it a coupé-like silhouette, while a bold, diamond-pattern grille adds character without falling into excess.

A recent mid-2025 refresh brought a stretched wheelbase—130 mm longer—for increased rear passenger comfort. Inside, a massive 27-inch curved display unites the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, creating a high-tech, high-luxury feel that is both intuitive and immersive.

Electric-Only Ambitions

Genesis has taken a decisive step in Europe by eliminating combustion engines altogether for the G80. Gone are the 2.2-liter diesel and 2.5-liter turbo petrol variants. In their place stands the G80 Electrified, powered by dual electric motors producing 365 horsepower, with a substantial 94.5 kWh battery offering an impressive 570 km of range—an increase from the previous model’s 520 km.

This positions the G80 directly against electric heavyweights like the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE, and Audi A6 e-tron. In terms of price and performance, even models like the Polestar 2 or Porsche Taycan start to come into view, depending on your perspective.

But Genesis keeps things simple—perhaps too simple. There’s only one trim level available, priced at a hefty £75,615 (around €88,000). The upside? It’s fully loaded. From premium materials to state-of-the-art tech and driver assistance features, there’s nothing left on the options list.

The Genesis G80 Electrified isn’t a car that screams for attention—it earns it. While it doesn’t try to outpace its German rivals on twisty roads, it delivers where it counts for most buyers in this segment: comfort, refinement, and a sense of occasion.

Its cabin is arguably among the best in the class, both in terms of craftsmanship and ambiance. The overall package feels serene, understated, and confident—fitting for a brand that wants to do things on its own terms.

Yet the high price may limit its appeal, and the smallish boot is a practical compromise some buyers may find hard to ignore. Still, for those seeking something refreshingly different in a sea of sameness, the Genesis G80 Electrified offers a compelling alternative.

Genesis isn’t just arriving in Europe—it’s declaring intent. And it’s doing it with grace, innovation, and a quiet confidence that’s hard to ignore.

Source: Genesis

News

GWM Strikes First as UK EV Grant Sparks Industry Uncertainty

The UK government’s long-awaited Electric Car Grant has finally arrived, pledging £650 million ($876 million) in funding to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The initiative promises consumer grants of £1,500 ($2,000) or £3,750 ($5,000) for eligible EVs, aimed at bringing greener transport within reach of the average British driver. But with no official list of qualifying models released yet, uncertainty is already rippling through the automotive sector.

One brand not content to wait in limbo is Great Wall Motor (GWM). The Chinese manufacturer—known for its increasingly stylish and competitively priced EVs—has launched its own aggressive discount strategy to win over British buyers. Effective immediately, all versions of the GWM Ora 03 are eligible for a £3,750 “Green Grant,” mirroring the top tier of the government scheme.

The timing is no coincidence. GWM’s move follows similar action from rival Chinese EV maker Leapmotor, which announced an identical discount for its compact T03 city car. But GWM’s Ora 03, already praised for its strong value proposition, now emerges as one of the most affordable and capable EVs on sale in the UK.

Prices for the Ora 03 now start at just £21,245 ($33,700). For that, buyers get a 48 kWh battery and a claimed 193 miles (310 km) of range. In a segment where price and range are everything, that’s a compelling package. The discount also puts the Ora 03 in direct competition with the likes of the Hyundai Inster and upcoming Renault 5—two European favorites now facing an aggressive Chinese challenger.

The mid-range 03 Pro has seen its price cut from £28,995 ($34,000). It steps up to a 63 kWh battery with an impressive 260 miles (418 km) of range. At the top of the range sits the 03 GT, now priced at £29,245 (~$39,400). It features the same powertrain as the Pro but adds luxury touches such as massaging and ventilated front seats, an electric sunroof, and even launch control—features unheard of at this price point just a few years ago.

While GWM’s price cuts are sure to tempt many budget-conscious EV buyers, their eligibility for the government grant remains uncertain. According to Autocar, criteria for inclusion in the scheme go beyond price and emissions. Manufacturers must be part of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), committing to strict carbon reduction targets. Furthermore, eligibility may depend on the carbon intensity of the vehicle’s production process—including where the car and its batteries are manufactured.

This could spell trouble for many Chinese and other Asian-built vehicles, regardless of their affordability or performance. With the UK government favoring cleaner production chains and regional sourcing, brands like GWM could be left out—despite offering compelling products that align with the country’s broader EV adoption goals.

For now, though, GWM isn’t waiting around. With uncertainty clouding the rollout of the official EV grant program, the brand is carving its own path—and potentially reshaping the entry-level EV landscape in the UK.

Source: Reuters