Alistair Charlton
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Freelance automotive and tech journalist | BBC, CAR Magazine, Forbes, The Independent, Grand Designs, T3, TechRadar, Wired UK
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Articles by Alistair Charlton
Yangwang U9 Xtreme Sets New Guinness Production Car Speed Record Original
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is an electric hypercar with 3,000 horsepower and limited to just 30 examples. BYD Yangwang, the luxury division of Chinese automotive giant BYD, has just set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest production car. The record was set on a closed section of freeway in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, by the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, which hit 503.17 km/h, or 312.66 mph. This sees the electric hypercar eclipse its own record, and passes the 500 km/h barrier for the first time.
Do solar panels work in the winter?
As the nights draw in, temperatures fall and the British winter arrives, it's reasonable to wonder how effective solar panels are during the darker, colder months. It is important to remember that solar panels need sunlight, not warmth, to generate electricity. Days are shorter and nights longer in winter, so there are fewer hours of potential sunlight exposure per day. But solar panels still work, generating electricity and lowering your household energy bills.
Do solar panels work when it’s cloudy?
Fitting solar panels to your home is a sizeable undertaking, so it’s understandable in a country like the UK to be concerned about their performance when it’s cloudy. Thankfully, the short answer is: yes, solar panels work on cloudy days. Even when overcast, the panels continue to generate electricity, which can then be used to power your home, stored for use later, or earn money by being exported to the grid.
Do solar panels work when it’s cloudy?
Solar panels still work on cloudy days, but less efficiently - (Getty) Fitting solar panels to your home is a sizeable undertaking, so it’s understandable in a country like the UK to be concerned about their performance when it’s cloudy. Thankfully, the short answer is: yes, solar panels work on cloudy days. Even when overcast, the panels continue to generate electricity, which can then be used to power your home, stored for use later, or earn money by being exported to the grid.
Wind in your hair? This new Aston does 217 mph with the roof off
As sure as night follows day, Aston Martin has announced an open-topped Spider version of its Valhalla supercar And while the car impresses by having the same 1,079 PS of power and clever, triple-motor hybrid system as the fixed-roof Coupe, the Spider's party trick is how it'll hit 217 mph with the roof up – or down.
Over 60% of people want heat pumps, solar and batteries to power their next home, new report finds
Nearly two-thirds of home movers in the UK want their next property to generate most or all of its own energy using solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps. That is according to the 2026 Greener Homes Report by property website Rightmove. The report also found that 87 per cent of movers say a home’s ability to stay cool is important when choosing their next property, perhaps no surprise given the record-breaking summer temperatures earlier this year.
Over 60% of people want heat pumps, solar and batteries to power their next home, new report finds
‘Greener homes are not only cheaper to run, they also reduce our reliance on a system still controlled by global fossil fuel markets,’ says Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy - (iStock/Getty Images) Nearly two-thirds of home movers in the UK want their next property to generate most or all of its own energy using solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps. That is according to the 2026 Greener Homes Report by property website Rightmove.
Eufy’s new budget security camera solves a common problem faced by renters
The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Installing an outdoor security camera isn’t always simple. Drilling holes for mounts and running power cables, or ensuring the location is suitable for solar charging, adds complexity, while for renters it can be a non-starter. Eufy claims to have a solution with its new window camera E10.
Gas boiler vs heat pump: Which saves more money, according to an energy expert
Mon, October 19, 2026 at 11:30 AM UTC Gas boilers have been the main sources of heating in UK homes for decades, and despite the growing popularity of alternatives, such as heat pumps, around 85 per cent of households still rely on gas to keep warm. But with energy bills an ongoing concern for many and government incentives encouraging homeowners to switch to greener alternatives, it’s worth considering whether a heat pump could be a better long-term investment than a traditional gas boiler.
Eufy's new budget security camera solves a common problem for renters
Installing an outdoor security camera isn't always simple. Drilling holes for mounts and running power cables, or ensuring the location is suitable for solar charging, adds complexity, while for renters it can be a non-starter. Eufy claims to have a solution with its new window camera E10. The budget camera costs £69.99 and plugs into a wall socket inside your home and sticks to a window to capture a view of the outside.
Apple takes on Ring with new security cameras and video doorbell
Apple is making its biggest push yet into the smart home security market, with a range of devices making up the new Apple Home Collection. Developed in partnership with LG, the collection launches with a video doorbell, plus three security cameras for indoor and outdoor monitoring. There's also a smart door lock and a thermostat, but those are limited to the US and Canada at launch.
Apple takes on Ring with new security cameras and video doorbell
Alistair Charlton Apple is making its biggest push yet into the smart home security market, with a range of devices making up the new Apple Home Collection. Developed in partnership with LG, the collection launches with a video doorbell, plus three security cameras for indoor and outdoor monitoring. There's also a smart door lock and a thermostat, but those are limited to the US and Canada at launch.
Apple takes on Ring with new security cameras and video doorbell
Apple Home Collection devices produced in partnership with LG and Schneider - (Apple) Apple is making its biggest push yet into the smart home security market, with a range of devices making up the new Apple Home Collection. Developed in partnership with LG, the collection launches with a video doorbell, plus three security cameras for indoor and outdoor monitoring. There’s also a smart door lock and a thermostat, but those are limited to the US and Canada at launch.
Apple takes on Ring with new security cameras and video doorbell
The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Apple is making its biggest push yet into the smart home security market, with a range of devices making up the new Apple Home Collection. Developed in partnership with LG, the collection launches with a video doorbell, plus three security cameras for indoor and outdoor monitoring.
Eufy’s new budget security camera solves a common problem faced by renters
The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Installing an outdoor security camera isn’t always simple. Drilling holes for mounts and running power cables, or ensuring the location is suitable for solar charging, adds complexity, while for renters it can be a non-starter. Eufy claims to have a solution with its new window camera E10.
Eufy’s new budget security camera solves a common problem faced by renters
The Eufy Window Camera E10is mains-powered, sticks to the inside of a window and records outside - (Eufy) Installing an outdoor security camera isn’t always simple. Drilling holes for mounts and running power cables, or ensuring the location is suitable for solar charging, adds complexity, while for renters it can be a non-starter. Eufy claims to have a solution with its new window camera E10.
Gas boiler vs heat pump: Which is right for your home?
Gas boilers have been the main sources of heating in UK homes for decades, and despite the growing popularity of alternatives, such as heat pumps, around 85 per cent of households still rely on gas to keep warm. But with energy bills an ongoing concern for many and government incentives encouraging homeowners to switch to greener alternatives, it’s worth considering whether a heat pump could be a better long-term investment than a traditional gas boiler.
Arlo Ultra 3 4K Outdoor Security Camera review: A high-end but expensive security camera
Arlo Ultra 4K deals There’s now no shortage of choice when it comes to security cameras. You can spend under £50 or, as this two-camera kit from Arlo demonstrates, over £500. What does all that extra cash get you? There’s 4K video for a start, plus HDR and what Arlo claims to be advanced AI designed to detect known people and vehicles to prevent false alarms.
Test Driving The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, An EV For Car Lovers Original
The Ioniq 6 N is Hyundai's hottest EV yet, with over 600 horsepower and supercar levels of acceleration Matt Vosper / Hyundai Can a fully-electric car ever truly appeal to car lovers? The sort of person who appreciates a well-timed gear change, thinks carefully about corner entry and exit speed, and who actually notices the calibration of a suspension’s bump and rebound.
iPhone Duo pre-orders are almost here – everything you need to know
Alistair Charlton After years of rumours and speculation, Apple finally unveiled its first foldable smartphone last month. The iPhone Duo is a passport-sized handset with a 5.4in outer display, which opens up to reveal a 7.6in screen inside. That makes it the largest display ever seen on an iPhone, and only slightly smaller than the iPad mini's screen.
iPhone Duo pre-orders are almost here – everything you need to know
The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. After years of rumours and speculation, Apple finally unveiled its first foldable smartphone last month. The iPhone Duo is a passport-sized handset with a 5.4in outer display, which opens up to reveal a 7.6in screen inside. That makes it the largest display ever seen on an iPhone, and only slightly smaller than the iPad mini’s screen.
How to earn money from solar panels and cut your energy bills
Solar panels are well known for their ability to generate electricity, reducing your need to buy power from the grid and cutting your energy bills. But they can also earn you money, thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). SEG is where energy companies pay for the surplus electricity generated by your solar panels but not used to power your home.
How to earn money from solar panels and cut your energy bills
Solar panels are well known for their ability to generate electricity, reducing your need to buy power from the grid and cutting your energy bills. But they can also earn you money, thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). SEG is where energy companies pay for the surplus electricity generated by your solar panels but not used to power your home.
The Eufy Omni E35 boasts huge suction power, good mopping performance, and self-cleaning
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The Eufy Omni E35 is a robovac with huge suction power, a good mop and impressive self-cleaning
7 hours ago Reviewed by Dietitian Jane Leverich, M.S., RDN Key Points That feeling of being flung out of sleep, only to glance at the clock and realize it’s 3 a.m.? It’s nobody’s idea of a good night’s sleep. Especially if you’ve been working on improving your sleep, it can be tempting to wonder what you’re …
5 Cars In Pink Floyd Drummer Nick Mason's Collection That Prove He Has Great Taste
The real challenge is to not simply list every car in Nick Mason's collection, stand back and stare slack-jawed at it all. Every car is special, they all have stories to tell and they are all incredibly valuable. So much so that, according to fellow musician and car fan Brian Johnson of AC/DC, Mason's collection is worth as much as his earnings from Pink Floyd.
The Ruf CTR was way cooler than you remember
The Ruf CTR Was Way Cooler Than You Remember Not all Porsche 911s are the same. Some 911s aren't even technically Porsches. For example, the car that looks like a 911 you see here is actually called the Ruf CTR and is better known by its nickname, the Yellowbird. Before we get to the car itself, on the left of the above image, a quick history lesson: Ruf (pronounced 'roof') is a family-owned car manufacturer based in Bavaria, Germany. It was founded in 1939 by Alois Ruf and started out making buses.
The Ruf CTR Was Way Cooler Than You Remember
Not all Porsche 911s are the same. Some 911s aren't even technically Porsches. For example, the car that looks like a 911 you see here is actually called the Ruf CTR and is better known by its nickname, the Yellowbird. Before we get to the car itself, on the left of the above image, a quick history lesson: Ruf (pronounced 'roof') is a family-owned car manufacturer based in Bavaria, Germany. It was founded in 1939 by Alois Ruf and started out making buses.
McLaren’s SUV Is Good News – Even If You Don’t Want One Original
McLaren Automotive will invest £500 million in new vehicles over the coming years, including a performance SUV Stan Papior / McLaren Automotive British supercar maker McLaren Automotive announced this week a £500 million ($668 million) investment program to expand manufacturing in the UK and accelerate the development of new cars.
How To Watch Every Goodwood Revival 2026 Race Online For Free Original
CHICHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 08: A general view of the atmosphere at the Goodwood Revival 2024 on September 8, 2024 in Chichester, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images) Dave Benett/Getty Images It’s mid-September and for historic racing fans that can only mean one thing - the Goodwood Revival is just around the corner.
This is how much money solar panels can save you on your energy bills
Along with their environmental credentials, a key factor when deciding whether solar panels are worth it for your home is the answer to a simple question: how much money can they save on your energy bills? Exactly how much you’ll save depends on several factors, including the size and efficiency of your solar panel system, how much electricity your household uses, and whether any excess electricity generated by the panels can either be sold back to the grid or stored in a battery for use later.
Recrean el clásico Porsche 550 Spyder en una edición eléctrica de casi US$ 100.000 Original
El vehículo, reconocido oficialmente por la automotriz alemana, será fabricado a mano en el Reino Unido en una serie limitada de 250 unidades. Las primeras entregas comenzarán en 2027. La empresa británica Hedley Studios presentó el Porsche 550 J, una reinterpretación eléctrica y a escala del 80% que busca recuperar el legado del 550 Spyder de 1953.
Electric Porsche 550 J Puts That James Dean Daydream Look In Your Eye
The Porsche 550 J is an 80 percent scale replica of the 550 Spyder Hedley Studios Apologies for the Taylor Swift lyric, but when a Porsche 550 lands in a millennial’s inbox, there’s really nowhere else to go – and this isn’t just any 550, it’s a scaled-down electric car from Hedley Studios.
Electric Porsche 550 J Puts That James Dean Daydream Look In Your Eye
Apologies for the Taylor Swift lyric, but when a Porsche 550 lands in a millennial's inbox, there's really nowhere else to go – and this isn't just any 550, it's a scaled-down electric car from Hedley Studios. You may recall that name – and formerly The Little Car Company – as the British firm behind a fleet of electric, scaled-down replicas of iconic cars, including the Bugatti Type 35, Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa and Bentley Blower.
Why Goodwood’s RAC TT Is The Jewel In The Historic Racing Crown
Why Goodwood’s RAC TT Is The Jewel In The Historic Racing Crown
Why Goodwood’s RAC TT Is The Jewel In The Historic Racing Crown Original
2026 marks the 35th running of the Goodwood RAC TT Jayson Fong The Goodwood Revival is just around the corner, and this year’s flagship race, the RAC TT Celebration, is set to be one for the history books. A glance at the driver entry list is all you need to appreciate its significance. This year’s grid consists of F1 World Champions Jenson Button and Jacques Villeneuve, nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen and four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Hélio Castroneves.
All the iPhone Duo pre-order details
After years of rumour and speculation, Apple has finally revealed its first folding smartphone. Called the iPhone Duo – a name few saw coming – the new handset is broadly passport-sized, with a 5.4in display on the outside and a 7.6in screen within. That's the largest display ever fitted to an iPhone, and is only just short of the iPad mini.
How do solar panels work and generate electricity for your home?
Solar panels can cut your electricity bills by generating renewable energy at home using sunlight – and, contrary to popular belief, they don’t need gloriously sunny days to work. Even on cloudy days, solar panels can still turn daylight into usable electricity to power your home directly, charge a battery for later, or be sold back to the national grid.
How long solar panels last in the UK: Lifespan, warranties and replacement explained
Today's solar panels are built to last a long time, with most modern systems expected to keep producing electricity for up to three decades – and even after that, they don't suddenly stop working when the warranty expires. Instead, they gradually, and somewhat predictably, produce less electricity as they age. How long panels last depends on factors like build quality and specifications, how they are installed, and external factors like weather exposure.
500ドルの偽高級腕時計を買ってみた。誰も本物との違いに気づかなかった
「シャンパンはいかがですか？」 信じられないほど緊張していて、喉はカラカラに渇いていた。それでも、わたしは店員の申し出を断った。 わたしはロンドンのオールド・ボンド・ストリートにあるロレックスの旗艦店の2階にいる。つい先ほど、スタッフにロレックスを渡し、ブレスレットのサイズ調整を頼んだところだ。コマをいくつか外すだけの、簡単なメンテナンスである。しかし、このロレックスは偽物なのだ。自分から偽物だと明かしていないが、かといって、本物だと偽ったわけでもない。 わたしの偽物の「オイスター パーペチュアル」は、いまや2階にあるガラス張りのサービスルームの作業台の上に置かれている。白衣を着たスタッフが黙々と作業するなか、先ほどの店員も加わり、金属ブレスレットを短くする前に腕時計を入念に点検しているのが見える。 このレプリカは、実は『WIRED』がインターネットで購入した数本のうちの1本だ。これまでのところ、店員は誰もその腕時計が偽物であることに気づいていない。そろそろバレるだろうか？ 警察を呼ばれる前に、逃げ出す時間くらいはまだあるかもしれない。...
Audi A2 has been revived as an electric car with 400 miles of range – and we've already been in it
It was a Saturday in 1999. Not the one Jamiroquai envisioned in 1996's Cosmic Girl, its video overflowing with Italian supercars – including that purple Lamborghini – but instead the weekend of the ‘99 Frankfurt motor show.
Philips Hue review: The smart lighting gold standard
The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Smart lighting is one of those technologies that instantly makes your home feel like it’s from the future.
The 4 Million Dollar Porsche Used As A Camera Car For Steve McQueen's 'Le Mans'
Most movie camera cars aren't worthy of a feature article, let alone one suggesting they are worth millions of dollars. But a Porsche race car owned and driven by Steve McQueen makes for a fascinating exception. This is the story of a Porsche 908.022, purchased and subsequently raced professionally by the Hollywood actor. The open-top Porsche was then used as a camera car in the movie "Le Mans," for which it was fitted with three cameras and entered into the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans.
I’ve found the best video doorbells for your home
The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Installing a video doorbell is a quick and easy way to add smart security to your home. These products also offer extra convenience, since they let you answer the door from anywhere in the world via your phone, and double as both a motion detector and a security camera.
Everything to know about smart lighting, according to an expert
The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Smart lighting can make you feel like you’re living in the future. There are bulbs, LED strips, switches, hubs, apps – including weather-resistant outdoor lighting, too – that all work together as one cohesive system. While you can still turn the kitchen green and the hallway red if you really want to, the real power of smart lighting is its subtlety.
Can you use smart light bulbs with regular fixtures? An expert explains
The Independent and Yahoo will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Smart light bulbs can be controlled with your existing wall switches – but there are limitations to this setup, and full functionality is only available when permanently powered. Many smart lighting companies make relatively inexpensive switches, buttons and other controllers for their bulbs and light strips.
We Bought a $500 Counterfeit Rolex So Good, Even Rolex Didn’t Spot It
“Would you like a glass of champagne?” Even though I'm painfully thirsty and nervous beyond belief, I decline the salesperson's offer. I’m sitting upstairs in Rolex’s flagship London store on Old Bond Street. I’ve just handed over a fake Rolex to the staff and requested that its bracelet be adjusted, a simple bit of maintenance that requires removing a few links. I haven’t volunteered that the watch is a phony, but I haven’t said it’s legit, either.
We Bought a $500 Counterfeit Rolex So Good, Even Rolex Didn’t Spot It
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
Rolls-Royce Is Going Big On Bespoke For Its Latest EV Original
The updated Rolls-Royce Spectre EV offers more personalisation than before Stephan Bauer / Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Four years have already passed since Rolls-Royce revealed its first all-electric production car, the Spectre. A lot has happened right across the EV landscape in that time, but Rolls customers are unlike any other – and the company knows them better than anyone else – so instead of going all-out on a major new model, the Spectre Series II is as restrained as updates come.
Meet the Aston Martin Valen – the most powerful front-engined production car it has ever produced
Aston Martin Valen. Aston Martin's new limited-run Valen is the most powerful front-engined road car ever. Its V12 produces 850PS and accelerates the car is 60 mph in 3.0 seconds. Limited to just 150 examples, the Valen is the latest bespoke car to come from AstonMartin's Q division. It was revealed during Monterey Car Week in California. Aston Martin has revealed the Valen, a limited-edition supercar from the company’s bespoke Q division that sets a new benchmark for road-legal performance.
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