Thatcham Research News

Scratched EV Battery? Your Insurer May Be Forced to Junk the Whole Car

For many electric vehicles, there is no way to repair or assess even slightly damaged battery packs after accidents, forcing insurance companies to write off cars with few miles – leading to higher premiums and undercutting gains from going electric. …

Renault’s Zoe Electric Model Gets Zero-Star Safety Rating From Europe Safety Agency

French carmaker Renault on Wednesday received a blow for its popular Zoe electric model, as the European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) gave it a zero-star safety rating in tests that are standards for Europe. The carmaker, which is cutting …

Insurers Warn that Drivers May Not Understand Limits of ‘Automated’ Car Technology

LONDON – Britain’s goal to be a leader in adopting self-driving cars could backfire unless automakers and government regulators spell out the current limitations of the technology, insurance companies warn. Insurers are key players in the shift to automated driving, …

Volvo to Launch Autonomous Driving Trial in London in 2017

Swedish car maker Volvo will begin an autonomous driving trial in London in 2017. Called “Drive Me London,” the UK trial will use real families in semi-autonomous cars. Starting with a handful of AD cars next year, the trial will …