Best Michelin Green Star restaurants for EV drivers

Gareth Herincx

3 days ago
Auto News

PEUGEOT E-308 and the Michelin Green Star winner

Peugeot UK has revealed the Top 10 Michelin Green Star restaurants for electric vehicle drivers.

The winners of the prestigious Michelin Green Star Award have been ranked according to the quality of the nearby charging infrastructure, and the number of cities within the 257-mile range of the Peugeot E-308.

First introduced in 2021, the Michelin Green Star is an annual award that highlights restaurants within the Michelin Guide that are at the forefront of sustainable practices in the kitchen.

All the winners offer dining experiences that combine culinary excellence with outstanding eco-friendly commitments.

Apricity in London’s Mayfair topped the list. It can be reached from 12 of the 15 major cities of the UK using the full range of the E-308. Drivers of the model can also benefit from 100kW DC rapid charging, which will power the battery from 20-80% in less than 25 minutes.

Drivers heading to the capital can also enjoy an extensive EV charging network. Apricity has an impressive 650 charging points within just a mile of the award-winning restaurant. The contemporary British restaurant is praised by the guide for its low-waste cooking and sustainable food sourcing.

London locations took the top four spots of the rankings. In second place came St Barts in the City of London, in third is Silo in Hackney Wick, and fourth place went to Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond-upon-Thames.

Wilsons in Bristol placed fifth in the Peugeot rankings and was the highest ranking of the Michelin Green Star list outside of London.

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Max Verstappen gets charged up for the new season

Gareth Herincx

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Auto News

Max Verstappen with the Honda e:Ny1

Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has surprised young go-kart racers near Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Milton Keynes HQ.

The 26-year-old got behind the wheel of the all-electric Honda e:Ny1 ahead of 2024 FIA Formula 1 season, which marks 20 years of Red Bull Racing, and 60 years since Honda’s first participation in F1.

Silently whisking him from the Red Bull Technologies Campus to a local indoor go-kart circuit, Verstappen watched the young racers on track, before taking the time to offer his advice and share memories from the early days of his own motorsport career.

“To be here at the kart track to see the younger kids race, and trying to get into the racing world, is really great to see,” said Verstappen. “It was great to see their smiles and it’s always great to interact with race fans.”

Max Verstappen with young racers

“It was so surprising, and just such a good experience,” added Emeli Jordan. “I kind of thought it would be someone from Red Bull, not necessarily a driver, like an engineer or someone, but not Max Verstappen. I was completely speechless; I had no idea what to say!”

Sid Smith added: “It was such a surprise to come round the corner and see Max Verstappen. It’s always been a dream to meet him. It was absolutely awesome. And I got a signed hat as well, so it was definitely a day to remember.”

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One millionth electric vehicle registered in the UK

Britain’s one millionth electric vehicle has hit the road – a key milestone on the …

Lotus Emeya completes intensive test programme

Home / Auto News / Lotus Emeya completes intensive test programme

Gareth Herincx

1 day ago
Auto News

Lotus Emeya

The all-new Lotus Emeya has completed an extensive three-year test and development programme across 15 countries and two continents.

Cold-weather validation programme in the Arctic Circle confirms the “hyper-GT” can perform in the harshest conditions, including temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius.

It’s claimed the rigorous tuning and testing process ensures the Emeya drives like a true Lotus, so it’s “engaging and desirable, with safe handling so customers can maximise dynamic performance”.

Most recently, the all-electric grand tourer has been in Ivalo, Finland, around 250km inside the Arctic Circle. The three-year test and development programme took place on a variety of terrain and conditions -from the UK’s challenging B-roads to the smooth and fast-flowing German autobahn, through the highest Alpine passes and the remoteness of Inner Mongolia.

Testing also took place at race tracks such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife and at proving grounds like the high-speed loop near the southern Italian town of Nardò.

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Gareth is a versatile journalist, copywriter and digital editor who’s worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online. After long stints at the BBC, GMTV and ITV, he now specialises in motoring.

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One millionth electric vehicle registered in the UK

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Britain’s one millionth electric vehicle has hit the road – a key milestone on the journey to a carbon zero future.

A total of 20,935 fully electric cars were registered last month, up 21% compared to the same month last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This takes the overall total since 2002 to 1,001,677.

However, the recent growth is being driven by fleet sales, with sales to private buyers actually falling.

The UK new car market in general grew 8.2% for January with 142,876 new cars registered – an uplift of 10,882 units on January 2023, the best performance for the month since 2020, and the 18th consecutive month of growth.

“It’s taken just over 20 years to reach our million EV milestone – but with the right policies, we can double down on that success in just another two,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.

“Market growth is currently dependent on businesses and fleets. Government must therefore use the upcoming Budget to support private EV buyers, temporarily halving VAT to cut carbon, drive economic growth and help everyone make the switch.

“Manufacturers have been asked to supply the vehicles, we now ask government to help consumers buy the vehicles on which net zero depends.”

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Vauxhall Astra Electric review

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

We get behind the wheel of the much-anticipated 100% electric version of the Vauxhall Astra…

The family favourite that is the Vauxhall Astra was originally launched way back in 1980.

Available as a hatchback or rakish Sports Tourer (estate), the eighth-generation model was introduced in 2022.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

Initially offered as a petrol or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), it’s arguably the new pure electric version that’s the most intriguing.

One thing is for sure, it has to be good because it’s up against some stiff EV opposition from the likes of the MG4, Volkswagen ID.4, Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, Cupra Born and quirky Ora Funky Cat (GWM Ora 03).

Low-slung and sleek, it features Vauxhall’s modern new ‘Vizor’ front end which houses LED headlights, sensors for the driver aids and safety technologies, plus the bold new Griffin logo.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

Based on the same platform as its Stellantis cousin (the Peugeot e-308), it’s the best-looking Astra ever.

I particularly approve of the long bonnet complete with crease running down the middle – a nod to classic Vauxhalls.

The Astra Electric has a 54kWh battery paired with a 154bhp electric motor powering the front wheels. It can sprint from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and has a claimed range of 258 miles (256 miles for the Sports Tourer).

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

Frankly, it feels quicker off the mark than the official figures suggest. Either way, it’s more than enough performance for everyday driving.

There are three drive modes (Eco, Normal and Sport). Eco dulls the throttle response which helps to maximise range, Sport ramps up the power, while Normal offers the best of both worlds.

Vauxhall says the Astra Electric’s heat pump means the electric motor can operate at maximum efficiency in hot or cold weather, and I got pretty close to the claimed 4.2 miles per kWh during my spell behind the wheel.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

I’d have to spend a week or so with the car to work out how efficient it really is, but I’d estimate the Astra Electric has a real-world range of around 200 miles – more in city driving.

If you have a home wallbox, the battery will charge to 100% overnight. Hook it up to a 100kW public rapid charger and it will boost the battery from 20-80% in just 26 minutes.

Sadly there are no paddles on the steering wheel to adjust brake regeneration, but you can flick the gear selector to B-mode for more aggressive brake regen.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

Priced from £37,445, there are three trim levels – Design, GS and Ultimate.

The cabin of the Astra Electric has a more conventional look than many of its EV-only competitors, but it’s attractive, if a little dark.

It’s also well put together, but there are very few soft-touch surfaces and the materials used are by no means plush.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

That said, it’s comfortable, uncluttered and space is OK, while the slick new infotainment set-up, with its 10-inch driver’s digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch central display, is intuitive and works well.

It’s fairly minimalist, but thankfully there are some short-cut buttons below the centre touchscreen, so accessing the heating, for instance, doesn’t involve tapping the touchscreen.

Additionally, there’s ‘Hey Vauxhall’ voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus an impressive list of safety and driver assistance features.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

If I had one quibble, it would be that I’d prefer a lower seating position – a common problem in EVs.

It’s also tighter for space in the back for adult-sized passengers, while boot capacity is an average 352 litres in the hatch (516 litres for the Sports Tourer), expanding to 1,268 litres (1,553 litres) with the rear seats folded.

The Astra Electric is easy to drive and handles well, offering a composed, if slightly firm ride.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

There’s a little bit of road and wind noise on motorways, but for the most part it’s refined and comfortable on all but the poorest surfaces. Naturally, the Sports Tourer feels more substantial than the hatch, but it’s still agile and nicely balanced – despite weighing nearly 50kg more.

There’s some fun to be had in the Astra Electric, but it would be an exaggeration to call it dynamic and engaging. When pushed in Sport mode on more challenging roads, body roll is kept in check and there’s good grip, partly down to the balanced weight distribution and the positioning of the battery in the vehicle’s underbody.

Additionally, the steering is light, making it a doddle in town, but just like the Corsa Electric, the brakes aren’t very progressive.

Ultimately, the Astra Electric is a sensible family-sized introduction to electric motoring.

Verdict: The Vauxhall Astra Electric is stylish, straightforward, practical and easy to drive. However, some rivals offer a longer range for less money.

Vauxhall UK