Electric Beetle? EVs and car wash; Park and get paid; Tesla Model 3 for Goodwood

WHO wouldn’t want an electric Volkswagen Beetle? I’d buy one.

According to reports, a revolutionar y version is being considered.

Not just would it be electric, it’d also have four instead of two doors and be based on the brand’s electric vehicle architecture, MEB.

That is the underpinning structure for the range of electric models under the new ID badge, with the ID hatchback due next year.

I hope the Beetle EV makes it into production.

I think it would be wonderful fun.

Fingers crossed.

You will soon be able to get money to rent your driveway for electric vehicle parking.

Under a deal by mobility company Parkpnp and GoCar, space owners can earn cash or credit for hosting a GoCar in their driveways.

There is the added benefit of having a pay-as-you-go car ready to use whenever you need one.

The plan follows a successful pilot scheme trialled in the Deansgrange area over the last year.

Lots of people think you cannot drive an electric vehicle (EV) through a car wash.

I presume that is because they think the ‘electricity ’ element would put it in danger.

A survey found that 42pc of respondents believed that (believe it or not).

Just to be clear, of course you can drive an EV though a car wash, the same as any petrol or diesel car.

The survey also found 89pc of the general public didn’t know EVs accelerate quicker than petrol or diesels.

That’s because EVs have all their torque (pulling power) available from the star t.

Strangely, 25pc thought EVs cost more to maintain, even though you’d think it is generally accepted they cost a lot less to run.

The research was conducted for Go Ultra Low, a campaign that brings together a consortium of vehicle manufacturers, the UK Government and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The authors say their findings reveal a huge level of misunderstanding by the public when it comes to pure electric cars.

Most people out there underestimate the number of models on the market, for example.

The reports says: “The average Brit thinks there are just nine models currently available … nearly half the correct figure.

I just wonder how we in Ireland would fare? Maybe we know better?

Ford’s Performance team has produced a supercharged 700bhp Mustang.

It will take to this month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed all dolled up in special Royal Air Force liver y.

The Eagle Squadron Mustang GT, with its uprated 5-litre V8, is being dedicated to American pilots who ser ved in the R AF during Second World War before the US formally joined the conf lict.

Meanwhile, the new Mustang Bullitt will debut at Goodwood. Steve McQueen’s original 1968 Mustang GT Fastback will also run up the hill.

Still on Goodwood, I see Tesla’s Model 3 will make its European debut at the famous event.

Hyundai has confirmed that mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of its Santa Fe will be made and go on sale within the next 18 months or so.