Wednesday, 2 September 2026
Britain in five minutes
British Today scans every major UK newsroom continuously (906 stories today) and condenses the day into one recap. Skim the lead stories below, then drop into the desk that matters to you.
- 01
Satellite images before Nepal disaster showed warning signs
Satellite images before Nepal disaster showed warning signs
Nature · just now
- 02
FCA urges young adults to check for unclaimed Child Trust Funds
Thousands of young adults could be sitting on a forgotten pot of savings as they head back to college and university. As students return to college and university this month, the FCA is urging young adults and parents to check whether they have a forgotten Child Trust Fund waiting to be claimed – potentially worth thousands of pounds.Figures from HMRC show that 760,000 matured Child Trust Funds, worth an average of £2,000 each, remain unclaimed. That means hundreds of thousands of young people could be missing out on money that could go towards new laptops, textbooks, rent deposits or the everyday costs of student life – or setting them up with savings for their future.Some companies, including those advertising on social media, are offering to 'find' and claim Child Trust Funds on people's behalf – often for a hefty fee or a cut of the final payout. The FCA has seen cases where customers were charged £400 to locate the account and even seen some firms charging a monthly subscription for a one-off tracing service. But missing funds can be traced for free without losing a penny to a middleman. Chris Knight, director of insurance at the FCA, said:'A Child Trust Fund can be a welcome source of extra cash at a time when many young people need it most. But you don't need to pay someone else to claim what's rightfully yours – tracing and accessing your own Child Trust Fund costs nothing, so think twice about handing over a chunk of your savings to a claims firm for a job you can do yourself.'Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer said: 'If you’re between 15 and 24, you could be sitting on a savings payout and not even realise it. Just search 'find my Child Trust Fund' on GOV.UK to find your savings account today.'How to check if you have a Child Trust FundAnyone aged 18 or over who was born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 could have a Child Trust Fund that they can access. Checking is straightforward and free:If you know which provider holds your Child Trust Fund, you can contact them directly to arrange withdrawal or transfer.If you're not sure where your account is held, you can use HMRC's free online tracing tool on GOV.UK to find out.You'll need to prove your identity to the provider, but there is no cost involved.Tracing a Child Trust Fund might be offered by firms who are regulated by the FCA, for example as claims management companies. But the tracing service itself is not an activity that generally needs FCA authorisation. This means firms offering this service may not be covered by the FCA’s cap on claims management fees and customers may not be able to take complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service.FCA reviewThe FCA is also launching a review into Child Trust Funds. This will look at issues including cases where young adults cannot be contacted when they turn 18 and risk losing touch with their savings altogether. It will also look at how firms are ensuring Child Trust Fund customers receive fair value under the Consumer Duty, and whether there are barriers to vulnerable young adults accessing their money.This will report next year.Notes to editorsChild Trust Funds were available to children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, with the scheme now closed to new applicants. Around 6.3m accounts were opened.Existing accounts will continue to mature until 2029, with young adults able to access them once they reach 18.Young adults can trace a lost Child Trust Fund for free using HMRC's online tool at GOV.UK.
Financial Conduct Authority · just now
- 03
Ariana Grande Eternal Sunshine Tour 2026 setlist and surprise songs
Here is every song played at Ariana Grande’s O2 residency this summer, including surprises and guest performers
Time Out London · 4m ago
- 04
Iran-US war latest: Trump aides ‘desperately trying to stop war escalating’ despite renewed strikes
Local officials say five people, including a child, were killed in US strike on wedding party
Independent World · 14m ago
- 05
Astronauts set out on rare all-female spacewalk
For the sixth time in history, a team of two women completed a spacewalk outside the International Space Station.
BBC Environment · 20m ago
Politics & Westminster
Prime Minister puts public control, community regeneration and cost-of-living at the heart of plans to ‘rewire Britain’
Three new cross-government taskforces are being launched in the new Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet, tackling systemic issues like the cost of living and public control of essentials and supporting local communiti…
GOV.UK · 27m ago
Story of the Bayeux Tapestry to be brought to communities across the country as Prime Minister joins The King and Queen and President Macron at exhibition opening
Prime Minister Andy Burnham joins Their Majesties The King and Queen, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron to visit the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum.
GOV.UK · 30m ago
Family of murdered Stacy Hunter say new misogyny bill would not have protected her
First Minister John Swinney said he wanted to use his role to tackle violence against women.
BBC UK · 19m ago
How to submit applications and complaints to the CAC
The submission of applications and complaints to the CAC.
GOV.UK · 1h ago
British trekker's body found in northern Pakistan
The 30-year-old from Birmingham went missing on Saturday as he was descending from Musa Ka Musala.
BBC UK · 32m ago
Business & Markets
FCA urges young adults to check for unclaimed Child Trust Funds
Thousands of young adults could be sitting on a forgotten pot of savings as they head back to college and university. As students return to college and university this month, the FCA is urging young adults and parents to check whether they have a forgotten Child Trust Fund waiting to be claimed – potentially worth thousands of pounds.Figures from HMRC show that 760,000 matured Child Trust Funds, worth an average of £2,000 each, remain unclaimed. That means hundreds of thousands of young people could be missing out on money that could go towards new laptops, textbooks, rent deposits or the everyday costs of student life – or setting them up with savings for their future.Some companies, including those advertising on social media, are offering to 'find' and claim Child Trust Funds on people's behalf – often for a hefty fee or a cut of the final payout. The FCA has seen cases where customers were charged £400 to locate the account and even seen some firms charging a monthly subscription for a one-off tracing service. But missing funds can be traced for free without losing a penny to a middleman. Chris Knight, director of insurance at the FCA, said:'A Child Trust Fund can be a welcome source of extra cash at a time when many young people need it most. But you don't need to pay someone else to claim what's rightfully yours – tracing and accessing your own Child Trust Fund costs nothing, so think twice about handing over a chunk of your savings to a claims firm for a job you can do yourself.'Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer said: 'If you’re between 15 and 24, you could be sitting on a savings payout and not even realise it. Just search 'find my Child Trust Fund' on GOV.UK to find your savings account today.'How to check if you have a Child Trust FundAnyone aged 18 or over who was born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 could have a Child Trust Fund that they can access. Checking is straightforward and free:If you know which provider holds your Child Trust Fund, you can contact them directly to arrange withdrawal or transfer.If you're not sure where your account is held, you can use HMRC's free online tracing tool on GOV.UK to find out.You'll need to prove your identity to the provider, but there is no cost involved.Tracing a Child Trust Fund might be offered by firms who are regulated by the FCA, for example as claims management companies. But the tracing service itself is not an activity that generally needs FCA authorisation. This means firms offering this service may not be covered by the FCA’s cap on claims management fees and customers may not be able to take complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service.FCA reviewThe FCA is also launching a review into Child Trust Funds. This will look at issues including cases where young adults cannot be contacted when they turn 18 and risk losing touch with their savings altogether. It will also look at how firms are ensuring Child Trust Fund customers receive fair value under the Consumer Duty, and whether there are barriers to vulnerable young adults accessing their money.This will report next year.Notes to editorsChild Trust Funds were available to children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, with the scheme now closed to new applicants. Around 6.3m accounts were opened.Existing accounts will continue to mature until 2029, with young adults able to access them once they reach 18.Young adults can trace a lost Child Trust Fund for free using HMRC's online tool at GOV.UK.
Financial Conduct Authority · just now
Young investors trust AI more than TV or celebrities
Four in 5 less experienced investors have used AI for help with investing – and around two-thirds report doing so occasionally or regularly. New research focused on 18- to 40-year-olds who own or are considering investments showed that 56% trust AI tools, more than TV and radio (47%), press (46%) or social media influencers (29%).And people are getting more comfortable, with two-thirds expecting to lean on AI even more over the next year.But the research from the FCA also revealed that these investors may be misunderstanding the level of protection if they rely on AI to support their investing decisions:Almost half (44%) mistakenly believe AI-generated financial information is regulated.More than 1 in 3 (38%) believe it’s fine to make an investment decision based solely on the outputs of AI.Around a third (32%) wrongly think they'd get compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or Financial Ombudsman Service if AI advice went wrong.But almost three quarters (73%) know that AI can provide inaccurate information. And 86% understood the need to check the sources referenced when using AI. It’s vital investors remember this when they’re using AI to research an investment.General purpose AI chatbots are not regulated, although tools which are specifically set up to provide financial advice would be likely to fall within the FCA’s remit.Lucy Castledine, director of consumer investments at the FCA, said:'AI can help you research companies, understand jargon or explore options before you make a decision.'But you need to understand how you’re protected and continue to use your own judgement. Our InvestSmart website can also help you make more informed decisions.'Here are 5 tips for using AI safely when it comes to your money:Stay in the driving seat. AI can inform your decisions, but the final call is yours.Check your sources. Ask the AI where it got its information from, then verify it yourself.Know there's no safety net. Unlike regulated financial advice, AI-generated tips from general-purpose chatbots mean you are not covered if things go wrong.Past performance is not a guide to future returns. AI can only provide you with historical data, it cannot predict how your investment will perform.Think long-term. Investing isn't a get-rich-quick scheme, whether the tip came from AI or your mate down the pub.Learn more about investing and risk on the FCA’s InvestSmart website.Notes to editors:General purpose AI tools are not regulated by the FCA. These tools can respond to a variety of prompts and topics but aren’t set up to help consumers with financial advice, research, or decision-making. This differs from a tool deployed specifically to provide financial advice, which would be likely to fall within our remit.This research was conducted by the FCA via the platform Attest using a quantitative usage and attitudes (U&A) study. The survey was conducted on 24 July 2026 to understand consumer adoption, trust, comfort, and future expectations regarding the use of AI tools for personal investment research and financial decision-making in the UK market.The sample comprised 666 respondents based in the United Kingdom, open to all adults across the 18 to 40 age range. All participants either currently own investments or would consider buying investments in the next 12 months.
Financial Conduct Authority · just now
FCA bans trio behind £35.5m scheme designed to bypass visa rules
The FCA has decided to ban 3 former senior figures at Dolfin Financial (UK) Limited (Dolfin) after finding they ran a scheme that helped clients bypass UK visa rules. Former chief executive Denisz Nagy has been fined £324,800 and former finance director Sanjay Maraj £122,000 for their roles in the scheme. Both have been banned from working in financial services. The FCA has also decided to ban Dolfin co-founder, Roman Joukovski, from working in financial services. Between 2016 and 2019, most clients using the scheme paid a fee of £400,000 instead of investing £2m of their own money in UK companies, as required under the Home Office investor visa rules. The FCA found the scheme was deliberately designed to create the false impression that the visa requirements had been met. The scheme enabled at least 99 individuals to obtain investor visas and generated at least £35.5m in fees for Dolfin-connected businesses and the immigration agents that introduced clients.The FCA found that Mr Nagy and Mr Joukovski played leading roles in creating and operating the scheme, while Mr Maraj was responsible for the financial aspects once it was set up. Mr Nagy and Mr Maraj also deliberately concealed its true nature from the FCA and the Home Office. The FCA found that Mr Joukovski deliberately concealed from the regulator both his involvement with Dolfin and his role in the scheme. It also found that Mr Joukovski acted as a shadow director of Dolfin without FCA approval and was a controller of the firm without informing the regulator. Therese Chambers, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said:‘Integrity is not optional in financial services. These individuals ran a scheme designed to get around the UK's investor visa rules, undermining their purpose of attracting genuine investment into the UK. They then sought to hide how it operated. We will continue to act against those who lack integrity and undermine trust in UK financial services.’Notes to editorsSee the Final Notice for Mr Nagy (PDF).See the Final Notice for Mr Maraj (PDF).See the Decision Notice for Mr Joukovski (PDF). On 12 March 2021, the FCA imposed restrictions on Dolfin to prevent it from carrying on any regulated activities, following a range of regulatory concerns, including its operation of the investor visa funding scheme. Denisz Nagy has been fined £324,800 and prohibited from performing any function in relation to regulated activities. He agreed to settle and received a 30% discount. Without the discount, the penalty would have been £464,000.Sanjay Maraj has been fined £122,000 and prohibited from performing any function in relation to regulated activities. He agreed to settle and received a 30% discount. Without the discount, the penalty would have been £174,300.Roman Joukovski has been issued with a Decision Notice imposing a prohibition order. He has referred the matter to the Upper Tribunal.The FCA found that all 3 individuals lack integrity and are not fit and proper to work in financial services. Dolfin entered special administration in June 2021, and the insolvency processes remain ongoing.The Home Office closed the Tier 1 investor visa route of entry to the UK from 17 February 2022.The Home Office has acted against many of the clients that used the scheme by refusing their applications for leave to remain and indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
Financial Conduct Authority · just now
EGR Wealth Limited enters administration
On 24 August 2026, EGR Wealth Limited (EGR Wealth) entered administration. Robert Goodhew and Geoff Bouchier of Kroll Advisory Limited were appointed joint administrators. The joint administrators are responsible for managing the affairs of the firm during the administration process. They are officers of the court and need to comply with all insolvency law.EGR Wealth is authorised by the FCA. It provided discretionary investment management services, managed client investment portfolios, and facilitated the transfer and administration of client investments.On 24 July 2026, EGR Wealth agreed to a voluntary requirement which restricted the activities it can carry out.Below we set out for customers:How to contact the joint administrators.Information about the administration.What to do if you are concerned about your investments.What to do if you have a complaint with the firm.How to protect yourself from fraudsters claiming to act on behalf of the firm, the joint administrators or the FCA.
Financial Conduct Authority · just now
Consumers warned to beware of risky mini-bonds and loan notes
The FCA is warning consumers about the risks of investing in loan notes and mini-bonds issued by unregulated companies, after continuing to see people lose money in these high-risk investments. The recent failure of Woodville Consultants Ltd, a litigation funder that raised capital from retail investors through unregulated loan notes, shows the potential risk to investors.A loan note or mini-bond usually involves lending money to a company for a set period in return for interest. If that company fails, consumers could lose every penny.The FCA permanently banned the marketing of speculative illiquid securities, including mini-bonds and loan notes, to retail investors from 1 January 2021.But consumers may still come across adverts for loan notes and mini-bonds in everyday places, including social media, online adverts or websites promoting high fixed returns.The adverts can look simple and safe, but warning signs include pressure to act quickly, unclear explanations of how money could be lost, or claims that an investment is 'asset-backed' without clear evidence of what stands behind it. Examples of the practices the FCA sees include:Unregulated introducer firms passing consumers on to unregulated companies offering high-risk investments often taking a large fee, or commission, so reducing their initial investment.Consumers encouraged to certify themselves as experienced or wealthy investors to enable investments to be promoted to them.Firms promoting high-risk investments without the permission they need.Unclear fees or hidden conflicts, where those selling the investment may benefit from consumers investing.Scammers seeking to add ‘halo’ associations to infer legitimacy; whether that be listing on overseas exchanges, or highlighting an FCA regulated firm being involved in the wider administration.Using trust structures or other arrangements to try to stay outside FCA rules.Lucy Castledine, director of consumer investments at the FCA, said: 'Big, fixed returns are a warning sign, not a guarantee. Loan notes, mini-bonds and other speculative illiquid securities are high-risk investments and are not suitable for most people.'Ordinary retail investors should only invest through regulated firms because if they invest through an unauthorised firm, they may have little or no protection if things go wrong. We are working hard to prevent harm, but consumers should still stop and check before investing.'The FCA encourages anyone involved in distributing or funding high-risk investments to report anything suspicious. This includes regulated firms, banks, payment firms, lawyers, accountants and auditors who may be involved in getting these investments to consumers.The FCA has issued more than 1,200 warnings so far this year, told firms to stop unlawful promotions and referred cases to other law enforcement agencies where further action may be needed.But scams can be complex, fast-moving and hard to stop, especially when run from overseas or designed to avoid regulation. To address the harm, regulated firms like banks and payment providers, regulators, government and law enforcement need to continue to work together.Consumers need to be alert to the risk of harm and protect themselves using the tools available, like the FCA Firm Checker.Consumers can help too by reporting any concerns to the FCA if they see a suspicious investment or think they’ve been contacted by a fraudster or unauthorised firm.Notes to editorsIn its Perimeter Report, the FCA has called on the government to review the legislative exemptions that can mean certain high risk investments can be promoted outside FCA regulation.Investors in mini-bonds or loan notes are unlikely to be able to refer their complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service or claim for losses through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if things go wrong, unless they dealt with an authorised person and the complaint relates to a regulated activity.Since January 2026, a new regime regulating offers of securities to the public came into force. Read more information about what this regime means for consumers and what they should look out for.Robert Goodhew and Andrew Stoneman of Kroll Advisory were appointed as joint administrators of Woodville Consultants Limited on 16 July 2026. Enquiries should be made via woodville@kroll.com.
Financial Conduct Authority · just now
Technology
Satellite images before Nepal disaster showed warning signs
Satellite images before Nepal disaster showed warning signs
Nature · just now
UN finally admits global warming will shoot past 1.5 ºC climate limit
UN finally admits global warming will shoot past 1.5 ºC climate limit
Nature · just now
When do infections lead to long COVID? Scientists close in on triggers and treatments for post-viral syndromes
When do infections lead to long COVID? Scientists close in on triggers and treatments for post-viral syndromes
Nature · just now
Say hello to the next generation of lobsters — August’s best science images
Say hello to the next generation of lobsters — August’s best science images
Nature · just now
Author Correction: Plasticity and language in the anaesthetized human hippocampus
Author Correction: Plasticity and language in the anaesthetized human hippocampus
Nature · just now
Motoring
Tesla's Grok Now Does 116 Voice Commands, But Many Owners Are Locked Out
Grok in the 2026 Summer Update now handles most everyday Tesla tasks by voice, though older Intel Atom cars miss out entirely.
Motor1 · 55m ago
Lando Norris Turns Heads In Green Porsche 911 GT3 RS In Monaco
A relaxed Monaco outing in a green Porsche 911 GT3 RS shows how Lando Norris unwinds away from the McLaren F1 paddock.
Motor1 · 2h ago
New Mitsubishi Shogun revealed 2026 - pictures
Pictures of the new Mitsubishi Shogun
Auto Express · 2h ago
How to buy a used electric car
If you’re considering going electric, there’s a great choice of used options – but what should you look out for? There’s an old motor trade saying that every used car started out as a new one. And with electric cars leaving forecourts in ever-larger numbers over the past few years, the supply of used examples is expanding quickly. For buyers, it’s no longer a leap into the unknown. There’s an ever-increasing choice of long-range, fast-charging models for different needs and a growing network of specialist garages who can sell and work on them, and the surge in supply means there are some good deals available. So, what do you need to know? Read on as we reveal all the tips to help bag a top used BEV. What are the different types of electric car? Plug-in cars come in a few different forms, so whether you’re all in on battery power or just looking to cut the cost and emissions out of your local journeys, there are several different ways to go electric. These are: Battery-electric vehicles (or BEVs) are, as the name suggests, powered entirely by electricity. Advances in battery technology allied to the UK’s increasingly widespread public charging network are steadily eroding ‘range anxiety’, with some of the latest models offering in excess of 500 miles on a full charge with short mid-journey top-ups. Unless you’re shopping for a really early BEV, most offer a range of about 200-250 miles. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine a combustion engine with a couple of electric motors and a battery that can be charged from the mains. Early cars offered a range of 20-30 miles, which is ideal for emission-free local trips, but 40-50 is the norm for more recent models. Once that range is depleted, it works like a regular hybrid, using the electric motors to assist the engine and boost efficiency. Range-Extenders (E-REVs, or REX) are somewhere between a BEV and PHEV. They have an electric powertrain that is solely responsible for sending power to the wheels, but they also feature a combustion engine that works a generator to top up the battery after the plug-in range is depleted. Like a PHEV, this means you can just fill up with fuel if you need to go further. Which type of electric car is right for me? With the EU and UK looking to phase out new petrol and diesel cars within a decade, there has been a huge push for better EV technology over the past few years, and that means there is plenty of choice – from city cars to SUVs – to meet your practical needs. The biggest deciding factor is access to charging. If you’ve got a driveway, a garage or an allocated parking space, then a home charging point turns it into your own personal fuel station. Most drivers would only need to plug in every few days to have enough range for commuting and local trips, and home chargers also offer access to the cheapest electricity rates – just 2p per mile, compared with around 15p for a typical petrol or diesel family car. Home chargers are one of the few remaining incentives if you’re buying a second-hand EV. The government offers up to £500 towards the total cost, including installation, but that's only for drivers who live in flats, rented accommodation and houses without off-street parking. Otherwise, they’re priced between £700 and £1000, but even so, a charger is well worth the investment. Unless you’ve got a charger at work, the alternative is more complicated. Public charging costs are upwards of nine times pricier than those cheap-rate home tariffs, and you’ll need to find opportunities to top up during the week, such as plugging in at a supermarket while doing your shopping. And yes, that also applies to PHEVs. If you’re relying on pricey public charging or never plugging in at all (which is an option), then you’ll be paying extra for technology that won’t deliver any useful reduction in running costs. BEVs and PHEVs (including range-extenders) are both fine for longer-haul work, too, but they have slightly different pros and cons. A BEV will go further on a full charge, so there’s more chance you’ll get to wherever you’re going using nothing but cheap home electricity, and you’ll get most of that range back in half an hour if you need to stop en route. Most can now go far enough, and charge quickly enough, that you can plug in while you stop instead of stopping to plug in. PHEVs take longer to charge and don’t go as far on battery power, but they have the advantage of much shorter refuelling stops if you’re going any distance. Again, it’s pricier than using electricity from home, but running in hybrid mode is potentially cheaper per mile than using the fastest rapid chargers. How much does a used EV cost? The UK’s EV market has boomed over the past few years, largely off the back of cheap company car tax rates introduced in 2020. Company car drivers can save around 80% on their tax bills by going electric (slightly less if they opt for a PHEV), and it has led to a resurgence in demand. Three quarters of company cars were BEVs or PHEVs in 2024/25, and businesses account for three out of every four plug-in registrations. Most are on three-year lease contracts, which means there’s a healthy supply entering the used market today. Unfortunately, the incentives for second owners are much less generous. All EVs attract the same vehicle excise duty (VED, or ‘road tax’) rates as petrol, diesel and hybrid cars, and there’s an Expensive Car Supplement for the most expensive models. This is an additional £440 (plus inflation each year) added on top of the first five VED renewals for PHEVs worth more than £40,000 and BEVs over £50,000 (if they were registered after 1 April 2026). That lack of support for the used market, coupled with aggressive discounts on new cars, has put pressure on second-hand prices. A used EV often costs no more than a petrol or diesel car, which is good news if you’re in the market for one. Where can you buy a second-hand EV? The most straightforward route is your local main dealer and the manufacturer’s approved used scheme. It’s the priciest option but offers the peace of mind of a factory-backed warranty, thorough checks by a brand-specialist workshop and more choice of financing options. That often includes a personal contract purchase (PCP), which enables you to access much cheaper monthlies than funding the entire car through a loan or hire purchase (HP). There’s also growing demand for leasing second-hand EVs. The latest figures from industry body the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) show there are 21,309 used cars in personal contract hire (PCH) contracts. This offers fixed monthly rentals for (typically) three years, without taking on any of the re-sale risks at the end of the contract, and at a lower cost than leasing new. But, unlike PCPs, there’s no option to buy the car outright at the end of that period. The alternative is buying through a specialist EV dealer, where you’ll get the reassurance of a business that knows the technology inside out, or from the same used-car showrooms and private sales you would visit if you were shopping for a petrol or diesel vehicle. With an influx of supply, EVs are increasingly becoming a regular part of the used car market, but it’s important to know what you’re looking out for if you’re stepping away from the specialists. What should I look for when buying an electric car? Like any second-hand vehicle, there’s always some degree of risk involved with buying used. However, an EV needn’t be as daunting as it sounds. Despite the technology on board, an electric powertrain has only a handful of moving parts and doesn’t require anywhere near the level of servicing and maintenance of a combustion engine. With no annual oil changes, spark plugs, filters or belts, and no clutch, some BEVs only require a service every couple of years, although obviously a PHEV or range-extender still has those parts on board. Like any other car, it’s important to check that any servicing and maintenance has been carried out in line with manufacturer requirements, especially if it’s still within its factory warranty. This also ensures that it’s had the latest software updates and can indicate where warranty work or recalls have been carried out. All electric cars are heavier than their petrol or diesel counterparts, so it’s important to check the tyres and brakes for wear and listen for knocking suspension components on the test drive, just as you would any other model. Check the boot for charging cables and make sure those are in good condition, because they can cost a couple of hundred quid to replace if they’re faulty. Most cars come with a ‘Type 2’ cable, compatible with home, workplace and public chargers, but a few also include a back-up that will plug into a regular three-pin socket. The latter is a nice-to-have, so don’t be put off if it’s not there. Then there’s the battery. Batteries steadily lose capacity with use, but there are plenty of BEVs with more than 200,000 miles on the clock and a still-usable range. It’s why manufacturers have offered steadily more generous warranties on the most expensive component of the powertrain. Eight years and 100,000 miles is the norm, but that only covers excessive range loss. Unfortunately, it’s still quite hard to find to access information about battery health. The latest round of European emissions regulations (known as Euro 7) includes a requirement for cars to make that data (as a percentage of the factory capacity) more readily available, but it’s still an exception in the used market. Some dealers, particularly if they’re specialists, will include their own battery health check for peace of mind, which is certainly desirable. One last edge case to consider is battery leasing. Renault and Nissan offered options for early adopters to lease the battery separately from the rest of the car, but it was complicated and short-lived. Both have since let owners buy the battery outright, but it’s worth checking this before you buy or you’ll still be paying for the monthly rentals. How reliable are electric cars? Given their relative mechanical simplicity, you’d expect electric vehicles to be more reliable that their ICE counterparts – and, overall, you would be right. But that’s not to say these machines are infallible and, like all cars, you can expect the occasional fault. According to the most recent EV reliability study by our sibling publication What Car?, the BMW i3 is the most dependable model, followed by its stablemate, the i4, and the second-generation Nissan LEAF in third place. All of them suffered issues, but they were typically resolved quickly at a main dealer. Like all cars, EVs are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty from new, which, depending on the make and model, is typically three years. However, some firms favour more generous terms for their guarantees with, for example, Honda, Hyundai and Renault offering five years of cover, while Kia delivers seven. That means many of these will have a chunky balance of their original warranties available to used buyers. And, crucially, most EVs include that even longer warranty for the battery, guaranteeing at least 70% of the factory capacity for up to eight years and 100,000 miles. Euro 7 is setting even stricter requirements of 80% after five years and 100,000km (62,000 miles), and 72% after eight years and 160,000km (99,000 miles). That’s not an indication of real-world losses – most EVs shouldn’t be anywhere near those limits. For older vehicles, independent specialists such as Warrantywise and the RAC are now offering EV-specific extended cover packages, which are tailored specifically to electric vehicles and their high-voltage components. It’s an important step towards them feeling less like a step into the unknown.
Autocar · 3h ago
Kia PV7 Teased: Bigger Electric Van Set To Take On Rivals
The new Kia PV7 is based on the E-GMP.S platform and debuts on September 14, 2026 at IAA Transportation in Hanover in the electric LCV segment
Motor1 · 3h ago
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