London to host Electric Vehicle Charging trial in early 2012

In a bid to help England become the continental pioneers of electric driving, the UK government is working in tandem with the Mayor of London, Transport for London (TfL) and Qualcomm Incorporated to conduct a Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) trial in early 2012.

The trial will make use of Qualcomm Incorporated’s wireless inductive power transfer technology as a means of testing its potential across the country.

To charge an electric vehicle the driver will simply park their car in the usual way and the system automatically aligns for power transfer, ensuring a hassle-free parking and charging experience.

Prime Minister, David Cameron, is enthused about steps being taken to drive forward innovation in the automotive industry.

"This wireless charging technology is a giant leap forward for the electric car industry and I am delighted that London businesses will be among the first to benefit from the trial," he said.

"Creative, high-tech advances such as this are extremely important as we work to rebalance our economy."

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson added: "In my quest to deliver cleaner air for the capital, I want London to be the electric car epicentre of Europe.

"Encouraging a massive uptake in electric driving is key to this vision of becoming a zero emission city."

With an increasing number of motorists warming to the idea of hybrid and electric-powered vehicles our job of dismantling end-of-life fuel-powered vehicles becomes ever more important to protect the environment.

At ASM Auto Recycling our car recycling facility includes state-of-the-art de-pollution rigs to process abandoned and end-of-life vehicles in accordance with the European end-of-life vehicle directive.

Unfortunately vehicle dismantling isn’t just about discarding the shell of a car, we work to carefully remove and store all potential toxins as well as salvage and recycled car parts that can be used again.

Ecotricity launches world’s first national motorway charging network for electric cars

Green energy firm Ecotricity has launched the world’s first national motorway charging network for electric vehicles in the UK.

British owners of electric cars are being handed the chance to hit the open road with free power points installed at 12 Welcome Break service stations dotted across the country, with a further 17 points promised later this year.

Prior to this landmark moment, a lack of charging points on motorways and in major towns and cities has made long journeys impractical for electric car owners.

Dale Vince, Ecotricity founder, said: "There’s a bit of the chicken and egg situation going on.

"People are not buying electric cars because they’re not sure about charging, and people aren’t putting charging points up because [not many are] buying electric cars."

The power outlets installed at Welcome Break’s service stations will provide two types of sockets – a three-pin socket for a 13A current supply and a seven-pin socket for a more powerful 32A supply.

In order to charge your electric vehicle using a 13A current supply, you are likely to be waiting up to 12 hours, while opting for the higher current option will re-charge a vehicle in as little as 20 minutes, fully charging a car within the hour.

"In the time it takes you to get a cup of coffee and a sandwich, you can charge your car," added Mr Vince.

At present drivers thinking of buying an electric car can receive up to £5,000 towards the cost of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

If your current vehicle is coming to the end of its life you may wish to consider scrapping it and putting any cash saved towards a new electric car.

Our efficient vehicle dismantling yard at ASM Auto Recycling contains state-of-the-art de-pollution rigs enabling the swift processing of abandoned and end-of-life vehicles in accordance with the existing European ELV directive.