Corsa-e gives more power to the electric car circuit

* The Vauxhall Corsa-e.

Vauxhall Corsa-e road test by Steve Rogers

Who is ready to take the plunge and drive electric?

You would be joining a growing band - sales have almost doubled every year since 2018 and could reach 70,000 this year. But for the pandemic -rippling car sales that figure would have been even higher.

The surge in sales, particularly this year, is being driven by greater choice with just about every car company offering one or more electric models, the majority based on existing names but watch out for a flurry of bespoke electric cars. Volkswagen has just launched the ID 3 with a maximum range of 263 miles and a starting price just under £30k.

Interestingly the best selling electric car is the Tesla Model 3 which costs a lofty £56k but that is likely to change as the big players ramp up their electric portfolio.

So apart from doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions why switch to electric? 

The simple answer is cheaper motoring. An independent survey by Lease Plan showed that an electric car would cost £132 less per month than a similarly priced petrol and that survey examined every conceivable cost of ownership.

I've just spent a week with the new electric powered Vauxhall Corsa, a car I predict will do well on the 'e' circuit. The starting price of £27,665 is competitive but you can see why some buyers will shy away when a basic Corsa is just over £16,000.

We have to you have to look at the bigger picture and the fact that politicians want a huge shift in favour of electric vehicles by the end of the decade.

The Corsa-e price comparison is not a true reflection because there are only two to choose from and the equipment level on the entry model is heaps ahead of the 16 grand Corsa, plus it costs more to build an electric car.

For the Corsa-e Vauxhall increased the wheelbase to accommodate the 50kW battery pick positioned under the front and back seats but there is no compromise on space either for passengers or luggage.

Likewise there is very little difference in driving characteristics unless you pass through a series of B road curves when the car wallows a little with the extra weight of the battery pack but nothing to trouble the majority of drivers.

The biggest surprise, and a very nice one, is the performance which is phenomenal. Unlike a conventional motor the electric car gives max power the instant the accelerator is pressed and the Corsa-e will knock off 60mph in 7.6 seconds the sort of figure you get from a GTI but without the boy racer noise. Top speed is a more than adequate 93mph.

What was it like to live with? Pretty normal because the majority of my trips were short so there was never any stress of running out of charge, Remember, if you do it is a recovery job because there is no popping to the nearest garage for can of petrol!

Charging is best done via a wall box at your home which Vauxhall will charge £300 to fit. A full charge takes seven and a half hours but as you are always likely to have miles left in the 'tank'  three to four hours will do the job.

Surveys show the average journey is no more than 30 miles so there is no reason to get worked up about switching to an electric car.... until you want to take a long trip.

That is when planning comes into play and for some this is going to be a real faff. My experience with Corsa-e showed that if I wanted to drive 300 miles a top up point would need to be found no more than 150 miles into the journey. Finding a point for a 30 minute 85 per cent charge is not a problem using a mobile phone app, it is whether it's conveniently situated on the route.

The route throws up all sorts of variables for battery range, a hilly route will use up more charge, driving at 70mph on the motorway will quickly reduce the range, so best to stick just below 65mph and use the regenerative braking setting which gives the longest range by harvesting energy when braking and decelerating to put miles back into the battery and it is surprising how effective this is at increasing the range.

My top of the range Elite Nav proved a friendly partner and wants for nothing, heated seats, heated steering wheel, LED automatic dipping headlights, some of the luxury bits while navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connection via a 7inch touchscreen and numerous safety features contribute to a long spec list.

Am I ready to go electric? No, but I am struggling to come up with a good enough reason why. My main issue is concern about long trips because the current charging structure does not satisfy demand.

Ted Gunning, the boss of LeasePlan, hit the nail on the head saying 'policy makers need to step up' when it comes to providing enough EV charging stations.

Sort that out and we will be fine.

Need to know

Corsa-e Elite Nav

£31,160

Electric motor 134bhp

Range 209 miles

0-60mph 7.6secs; 93mph

Battery warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles

Car tax: Zero

Insurance group 25

Boot: 309-1118 litres

Llangollen Railway appoints new board members

* Platform paving at the new Corwen station. Picture by Paul Reynolds.

Llangollen Railway is pleased to announce the new members of the railway’s management boards.

llanblogger reported last week that there had been a number of resignations from the two boards.

According to the railway, the arose from major differences of opinion with the board’s heritage policy as being applied to the Corwen project.

Following a meeting on October 3, prospective new boards were formed for Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd and Llangollen Railway plc. 

The composition of the boards is:

Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd:

Bob Gordon, Chairman
Phil Coles, Vice Chairman
Phil Freeth, Finance Manager
Paul Bailey, Revenue and Fund Raising
Maureen, Theobald Volunteer Liaison Officer
Bob Creasey, Secretary
Andy Maxwell, Engineering
Pete Edwards, Diesel Group

Llangollen Railway plc:

Bob Gordon, Chairman
Phil Coles Vice, Chairman
Andy Maxwell, Engineering Director
Mike Williams, Operations Director
John Bearne, Health and Safety Director
Paul Bailey, Finance Director
Maureen Theobald, HR
Bob Creasey, Acting Secretary

The directors were all co-opted by the chairman, Bob Gordon, and have been registered at Companies House/Charity Commission.

The new directors will remain in office until the forthcoming AGM and beyond, subject to members' approval.

In a statement the railway says: "The new members bring a wealth of experience from their business careers, as well as being active railway volunteers, to inject new ideas and fresh impetus to the business. 

"They look for the continued support of all members and shareholders in seeing the way through the present difficult circumstances to secure the future of the Llangollen Railway."

Chairman Bob Gordon said, “Other volunteers have already offered to help the new board in many capacities and again the board wishes to thank them for offering their services. 

"Engaging and valuing volunteers and representing the wishes of the Trust members will be a policy priority of the new Board.

“The board fully supports the work of the project team at Corwen and applauds the completion of the platform paving which has produced a magnificent surface that has been greatly admired.

“As a consequence of the Covid-19 travel restrictions in North East Wales, we have reluctantly cancelled the running of trains during half term from 24 October, but are continuing with plans for the festive season with Santa trains and Mince Pie Specials in December.”

County calls for urgent information ahead of circuit breaker announcement

Denbighshire County Council has called on Welsh Government to provide urgent information to local authorities before a public announcement on the circuit breaker is made early next week.

The council’s cabinet has provided feedback to the Welsh Government via the Welsh Local Government Association, calling for guidance to be provided to the public and councils on the conditions of the lockdown - which businesses, premises and council services would be allowed to remain open and clarification on individual movement and households mixing.

Cabinet had also called for a clear commitment and description of the support package that will be available to businesses and the self- employed and "robust" guidance to local authorities on eligibility, administration and funding arrangements.  

This, they say, should include a furlough scheme at least equivalent to the ‘flexible furlough’ scheme due to cease at the end of this month 

The council had also asked for a commitment to fully reimburse local authorities for income loss and additional costs incurred resulting from implementing Welsh Government’s lockdown, with the ability to negotiate on the nature and level of these additional costs as they are determined.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “It’s extremely important that Welsh Government provide clear information to the public on how they come to their decision on the proposed circuit breaker and to justify the actions being proposed.  

"Residents rightly want to know the facts and figures behind the decision, what has driven the Welsh Government into making this decision. They also need clarify on how it will work and when it will end.

“We believe that the measures we have highlighted are essential to ensuring public support and business and service sustainability, not just over the lockdown period, but over the winter and in to the New Year.

“We fully recognise that something needs to be done. Doing nothing is not an option. However, we are not convinced that this is the right measure at the right time,  and are concerned that the long term damage to the economy and to the mental health of residents are not being given due weight in decision making. 

“We maintain our call for greater information to help convince the public that this action is the right approach and the sensible way of trying to halt the increase in coronavirus cases."

Police statement on enforcing lockdown rules

On behalf of the four Welsh Police Forces, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Harrison, North Wales Police said: “As we move into a critical stage of the virus progression, policing across Wales will continue to support the Welsh Government to help limit the spread of the virus.   

“We absolutely recognise the great strain on people and the sacrifices that we are all making to get through this difficult time. Throughout the pandemic we’ve worked closely with our partners to ensure that measures are in place to help communities and prevent the spread of COVID-19. This will continue as we respond to the current situation.

“You will see increased visibility across our force areas where we will be trying to help our communities do the right thing and protect themselves and others.

“Our focus continues to be to reassure, inform and engage with people – explaining the regulations and encouraging compliance. We all have a personal responsibility to comply to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities from this virus.

“However we are now at a time where we will robustly enforce the regulations where there are blatant breaches, we will not allow the selfish minority to risk the health of the vast majority who have sacrificed so much over the last few months.   

“We intend to focus our activity on areas and behaviours that pose the greatest risk to our communities and we will be proactive in targeting those that are not sticking to the gathering rules, whether that be indoors or outdoors. 

“People should not be travelling between the areas facing local restrictions without defined reasonable excuses. This will include those that travel from other parts of the UK with high transmission rates.

“If you live in Wales in a non-restricted area you must not leave Wales to travel to other areas of the UK with high transmission rates - again without a reasonable excuse.

“All the actions we take and the effort we put in will be focussed towards limiting the spread of the virus, helping us all protect our loved ones, our communities and our vital health service.  

“The demand on North Wales Police has returned to pre-Covid level. And as a result, it is essential that people comply with the restrictions to reduce the number of breaches which officers have to respond to. We need people to recognise that wilfully flouting the guidance places unnecessary strain on already stretched resources.

“The weeks and months ahead will be difficult but we all need to work together to get the best result we can for our families.   

“We all have a shared responsibility to protect the NHS, please use your common sense and help us together to protect our communities and save lives."

Further details regarding the restrictions are available via the Welsh Government website.

Welsh Government considering 'circuit breaker' lockdown

Hospitality and non-essential retail would close under proposals under consideration for a 'circuit breaker' in Wales, BusinessLive is reporting this afternoon.

The story says: "Welsh Government is currently considering whether to bring in much tougher short-term measures to stem the rising tide of coronavirus cases.

"Mark Drakeford this afternoon confirmed they were looking at this "fire break" for "weeks and not months".

"They have held briefings with council leaders and chief executives in Wales as well as business group leaders.

"Sources have given more details about the proposals on the table.

"It includes a shutdown for stores, restaurants and pubs, which comes on the back of an incredibly difficult 2020 so far.

"No final decisions have been made but the sources said these were the measures being considered: 

• Two/three week circuit breaker coming into force on Friday, October 23.
 
• Stay at home message (similar to spring lockdown) - apart from essential work and medical.
 
• All hospitality and non-essential retail to close.
 
• Indoor activities to stop - including closure of leisure centres.
 
• Parks and cemeteries to stay open
 

• Primary schools to return after half term BUT secondary schools to remain closed for two/three period with remote learning for pupils. This will include the one week of half term and then an additional week or two, depending on the length of the circuit breaker."

Clwyd South receives £30,774,732 in Government Covid loans

Businesses across Clwyd South have benefitted from £30,774,732 worth of loans since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak. 

This includes 961 Bounce Back Loans (100 per cent Government-backed loans which are interest-free for the first 12 months) worth £24,874,029. 

The scheme ensures that small firms who need vital cash injections to keep operating can get finance in a matter of days, with no repayments due during the first 12 months.

In addition, 26 loans have been made in Clwyd South at a value of £5,900,703 through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme. This scheme has helped small and medium-sized businesses to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £5 million.

Across Wales, a total of 48,893 Bounce Back Loans, worth £1,347,011,281, and 1,691 Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans, worth £373,795,012 have been provided to support businesses across all sectors, protecting jobs and livelihoods.

The Chancellor also announced last week that the government’s Job Support Scheme will be expanded to protect jobs and support businesses required to close their doors as a result of Coronavirus restrictions, alongside increasing the cash grants to businesses in England required to shut in local lockdowns to support with fixed costs–worth up to £3,000 per month.

Commenting, Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes said: “So far, the Government has provided over £200 billion throughout its economic response to coronavirus to support jobs and businesses in the UK.

“This year has been hugely challenging for businesses in Clwyd South, but these latest figures demonstrate the scale of support that the Conservative Government has put in place to protect livelihoods and businesses.

“Never has the Conservatives’ agenda to level up the whole county been so important–and we will continue to focus on supporting hardworking families across Clwyd South.”

Climate change plan for county council decision-making approved

Denbighshire County Council has made climate change a guiding principle in its decision making process.

Last year the council declared a climate change and ecological emergency which included a commitment to make the authority net carbon zero by 2030, enhance biodiversity across the county and call on the Welsh and UK governments to provide assistance and resources to enable the council to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Full council voted unanimously today (October 13) to amend its constitution so all decisions made ‘have regard to tackling climate and ecological change’.

Cllr Graham Timms, the council’s Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Working Group Chair, said: “This decision shows the commitment Denbighshire County Council has made to tackling climate and ecological change. By making climate and ecological change a part of our decision making we hope to limit the Council’s impact on further exacerbating climate and ecological change and to maximise opportunities to make a positive contribution.  

“We believe we are the first Council in Wales to take such a step.”

Cllr Brian Jones the Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “This is a positive step for the Council and we are continuing to work on ensuring the Council is reducing its carbon footprint and increasing biodiversity in the county.

“We have already achieved a lot, we have reduced carbon emissions from our buildings and fleet by 15 per cent since 2017, the Council now only uses renewable electricity for its own buildings after switching to a renewable only energy provider for its schools, leisure centres, libraries, council offices and depots and we are over halfway to reaching our target of planting 18,000 trees by 2022.

“Our Climate and Ecological Change Strategy and Action Plan to get the Council to net carbon zero and ecologically positive by 2030 which we engaged with the public on earlier this year will be ready early next year. We intend to consult with the public on the draft strategy in November.”