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Seven automakers agree on standardized fast-charge system for EVs

Seven automakers have agreed to use a common single-port fast-charging system for electric cars in the United States and Europe. The goal is to reduce development costs and make it easier for consumers to adopt electric vehicles. Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen will use identical charge plugs and the same system for communication between the charger and the car in their electric vehicles.

New BMW M3 and M4 CONFIGURATOR now LIVE

New BMW M3 and M4 Configurator now live No customer has yet had the chance to drive the new BMW M4 (or its saloon sibling, the 2014 BMW M3) but that hasn’t stopped UK buyers clamouring to place an order. BMW UK has revealed that more than 200 UK customers have already placed and order for the new M Twins, with expectations that there will be almost 2000 sales in the first year (60/40 in favour of the M4 Coupe). But even though those first UK buyers for the M3 and M4 haven’t driven their new baby yet, they can now go online and play with the both the new M3 and M4 configurator to spec up their new toy just as they did with the dealer, but get a much better idea of what to expect.

Drivers' 'huge petrol tax burden'

BRITISH DRIVERS are still facing a huge petrol and diesel tax burden despite three years of fuel duty freezes, according to the RAC Foundation. The UK has the highest rate of diesel tax in Europe while only Sweden imposes a higher petrol tax duty than the UK, the foundation said. Its figures showed that tax accounts for 59% of the price of diesel in the UK, with Sweden (56%) second and Italy (55%) third.