Maxol open two new EV hubs

FORD UNVEILS NEWEST MODEL

THE Maxol Group has announced its first Ultra Rapid EV hubs for Ireland, which will open at two of its destination stores, Maxol Newbridge in Kildare and Maxol Ballycoolin in Dublin at a cost of €2.5m.

Each will feature six high speed 200kw chargers offering a 15-minute charge time to around 80% for many electric vehicles.

The Maxol Group CEO, Brian Donaldson confirmed that the business is also considering planning applications for a

EASYTRIP, a smart mobility services specialist, carried out research with 4,700 respondents and found that one in two drivers were interested in purchasing a hybrid model (up 14 per cent from last further 20 Irish EV charging hub sites. While this is good news for Ireland’s EV drivers, it has been challenging according to Brian, who said: “While our strategy is to offer EV charging in areas of greatest demand, the speed at which we can roll out our EV transition programme is hugely frustrating. However, EV charging and alternative fuels are all part of the future and we have invested €225m in the last ten years to future proof the business.” year), mainly due to the reduction of cost.

The study for the 241-registration period also found 27 per cent of motorists were considering an electric vehicle, 27 per cent diesel and 14 per cent petrol.

Colin Delaney CEO of the company said: “Our research has unearthed a rise in interest of hybrid car models for the year ahead and this is echoed by the recent SIMI January new car sales figures.”

FORD have taken the wraps off their latest Puma crossover, built on the bones of the beloved Fiesta and almost as much fun to drive as that lamented little beauty.

A relatively compact crossover that makes city driving easy – though with space for five people and their gear – the latest model boasts an all-new interior, large digital displays, cutting-edge connectivity and new driving technologies.

Inside, a new sports car-style cockpit wraps around the occupants with screens mounted high and angled towards the driver, while physical buttons are at a minimum though I’m not entirely convinced that’s the right path for manufacturers to be taking.

That said, the screens in the Puma ARE fairly excellent; two large units keep drivers upto-date and in control with a 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customised to show the information each driver finds most helpful, while the high-definition 12.0-inch centre touchscreen makes it easy to view and control maps, infotainment and functions like climate and seat heating.

New Puma’s SYNC 4 connectivity and infotainment system has twice the computing power of the previous version and adapts to make it easiest to access the features drivers use most. Voice recognition understands everyday language and smartphones can be easily integrated using wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – and recharged via wireless charging.

Even without a smartphone connected, drivers can ask Alexa Built-in “What’s on my calendar today?”, “How’s my commute home?” or “Play my driving playlist” – either through the soundbar or optional 10-speaker B&O audio system.

Meanwhile style and comfort are improved with a new sliding armrest and a sporty, twospoke steering wheel with a flat bottom, like in a race car.

Cruise

The new car also offers Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centring accelerates and brakes smoothly to feel more natural, and can use Predictive Speed Assist to adjust cruising speed for curves in the road, roundabouts, and when entering or leaving motorways.

In the city, a 360-degree surround-view camera system can display a bird’s eye view, to help avoid scrapes when parking.

There’s more to the new headlamps than a fresh design and distinctive light signature. Optional Dynamic Matrix LED technology uses Predictive Dynamic Bending Light to monitor the road ahead and shine light into corners to help drivers see more clearly.

Meanwhile the new Puma hopes to offer the practicality of a big car by retaining its quirky 80-litre MegaBox in the boot floor which is a removable plastic box big enough to swallow the