EV news Round-up: December 2024

By Kyle Roache

Last updated: Dec 3rd 2024

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Zap-map reveals the nations favourite charging networks and Hyundai teases their Range Rover rivaling luxury electric SUV.

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Andersen wins awards at the EVIES

The fifth annual Electric Vehicle Innovation & Excellence Awards (EVIEs) was a good place to be for Andersen, as the charge point manufacturer claimed not one but two awards this year.

The first was charge point manufacturer of the year, with judges commemorating Andersen for their "leading product design" and high levels of customer satisfaction, which is reflected in Andersen's high TrustPilot score of 4.9 out of 5.

The second award Andersen won was Best New Product of the year in the domestic market, which was given to the A3 EV charger.

Judges particularly liked the seven year warranty of the Andersen A3, which is the longest warranty of any home charge point.

Chief Executive of Andersen, David Martell commented: "The UK is now home to an intensely competitive domestic charge point market, so to secure two EVIE awards underscores the efforts and progress made by the whole Andersen team to ensure we remain at the forefront in terms of design and technology. The EV market is evolving at a remarkable pace and we're already working hard on a number of innovations to ensure we retain our top spot in the charge point segment."

Hyundai teases an All-electric Range Rover like SUV

This is the Hyundai Ioniq 9 (the Ioniq 7 and 8 remain as concepts for now) and it's Hyundai's first-ever all-electric three-row vehicle that boasts some powerful tech that may persuade Range Rover buyers to look further east for their next car.

With sales set to begin in Korea and the U.S in early 2025, followed by other markets (no word as to when we can expect to see the Ioniq 9 rolling onto UK roads yet), the Ioniq 9 will be able to carry up to seven passengers for up to 385 miles on a single charge thanks to a massive 110.3kWh battery.

There's also 350kW DC rapid charging support so that you can get a 10 to 80 per cent charge in less than half an hour.

Hop inside the cabin and you'll find that passengers are treated to a fully flat floor, the same relaxation seats found in the Ioniq 5 and 6 that recline to a lying position, swivelling seats and a slidable universal island console.

Infotainment-wise, the Ioniq 9 will come with AI voice recognition, a 14-speaker system, two 12-inch displays and Android Auto and Apple Carplay as standard.

There's also a plethora of sustainably sourced material throughout the cabin to satisfy the eco-conscious out there.

Zap-Map reveals the top rated charging networks

It's the time of year again when Zap-Map (the UK's largest charge point mapping platform) questions EV drivers on which charging networks they liked the most.

This time around Zap-Map has split charging networks into two categories: Large networks (over 300 chargers) and medium networks (100-300 chargers).

Coming first place in the large networks category is the Tesla Super Charger network, which was previously excluded from the survey due to its exclusivity to Tesla vehicles. Runners-up in the category included MGF EV power, Osprey and Be.EV. Gridserve and Instavolt shared the 5th position.

Fastned claimed the top spot in the best medium-sized network category (It also came first last year when medium and large charging networks were grouped together) followed by Ionity, Applegreen Electric, Mer and Evyve.

Sainsbury's charging network Smart Charge, which launched in January this year, also got a mention by receiving the best up-and-coming network of the year.

Renault Twingo to get an electric rebirth

Renault continues electrifying its iconic classics, this time it's turning its eyes on the Twingo with the unveiling of the new fully electric prototype.

Expected to go on sale in 2026, the new Twingo (like the electric Renault 4 and 5) will blend the iconic styling features found on the original with modern design; including the floating headlamps, a glass roof and rounded handles.

So far no specs such as battery size or range have been confirmed however we do know that Renault is aiming to price the new Twingo under €20,000 (around £16,000), which will put it on the same level as the Dacia Spring.
 

Suzuki unveils its first electric vehicle

This is the E-Vitara and it marks Suzuki's first step into the world of fully electric vehicles.

Full specs have yet to be announced however we do know that the E-Vitara will be a rugged SUV, featuring large-diameter tyres, a long wheelbase and an impressive 4WD system that uses independent e-axels for responsive handling and performance when off-road.

Production is set to begin in Spring 2025 at Suzuki's India factory with sales set to commence in Summer of 2025.

Hypervolt ranked best Home charger by Auto Express

Car publishing platform Auto Express hands the Hypervolt Home 3 Pro its Best Home EV Charger 2024 crown, knocking Easee down to second place.

EV drivers across the country were interviewed and asked to rank their chargers in the following categories: installation process, style, ease of use, build quality, reliability, customer service and the smartphone app, followed by a final score.

The Hypervolt won by a landslide with an overall score of 92.38% and scored first place in all the categories above bar ease of use and build quality (where it won 7th place in both).

Last year's winner Easee followed close behind with an overall score of 90.79% and gaining first place in the build quality category.

Runners-up included the Zappi, Wallbox, Ohme, EO, Pod Point and Rolec EV.