Nio Unveils the Electric Autonomous Eve

March 30, 2017 admin Leave a comment

In our fast paced ADD laden society, the simple joy of driving is falling by the wayside to texting, browsing Reddit, and YouTube and Netflix binges. Of course, you could also be reading, learning a new language, or catching up on your work emails, but life is too short for arduous productivity. The technology of the near future will give us more free time, make us more productive, and hopefully help us live healthier lives.

At the 2017 SXSW in Austin, Texas, a new player in the electric automotive game, Nio, unveiled the Eve, a fully autonomous, electric vehicle. In fact, the Eve doesnt even seem to feature a steering wheel. Not sure if they will add that feature later, in 2020, when the startup plans to roll out the model. The Eve is basically a comfortable living space for you to spend your newfound free time while the car takes you to your destination.

Imagine having your own taxi on call without the Marlboro smelling operator at the wheel. Eve will feature Nomi, an interactive AI system that will allow you to interface with the car. Hopefully, in 2020 it will be more precise than Siri is when you are trying to order pizza. The Eve will also feature active glass, so you can learn constellations while you ride, an innocent example included in the promotional video.
The Eve also features sliding passenger doors and hopefully a 600 mile range. Nio thinks by 2020, this will be possible with a charging rate of 200 miles per 10 minutes. While Nio debuted the NIO EP9 late last year, the “fastest electric vehicle” with a 0-60 mph of 2.7 seconds, they have yet to manufacture the car. Their autonomous concept is still very much in the ether until we get closer to 2020.

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Electric vehicles – How Bright is Their Future Now?

March 10, 2017 admin Leave a comment

Electric vehicles – how bright is their future now?
Since we live in the advanced world of technology, most of us have believe that the future is centered on electric vehicles. There’s been a lot of debate on the topic. Some have faith that 5 years from now the world will become a safer place if electric cars go mainstream, whereas others are way too focused on the drawbacks of the technology – slow sales, range anxiety, battery reliability, and predictions that seem overzealous.

Experts predict strong and steady sales growth
In 2015, EV sales increased with 60% at a global scale, and the researchers at Bloomberg New Energy Finance predict that by 2040 electric vehicles will represent 35% of all cars present on the streets of the most developed countries around the globe. In 2016 we’ve seen EVs increase in popularity as well. Right now we have more charging stations than ever before, and the cars developed by top-tier manufacturers are bigger and increasingly more varied. This can only mean that the future of cars is all about going full electric.
That being said it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the oil industry is currently having some issues. According to Bloomberg, the upcoming EV revolution may displace close to 13 million barrels/day by the year 2040, and as much as 2 million by 2023. Average consumers shouldn’t be surprised that this is happening, and here are some key reasons to back up the fact that the future of cars lies in electric vehicles.

• Lower battery costs – at this point we see prices for batteries go down extremely fast. Increasingly more industry experts, automakers, and even scientists argue that the average price per battery might get to $150 in less than 10 years from now. When that happens, EVs will go mainstream. Bloomberg estimates that in 5 years EVs will be capable to compete with gas-powered vehicles. Both Tesla and General Motors have already started investing in EV technology because they strongly believe that the general prices for battery will drop sooner or later.

• Affordable car pricing with longer ranges – longer-range, more conveniently-priced EVs that run on electricity only that can easily travel 200 miles on a single charge will soon hit the showrooms. The most recent Chevrolet Bolt costs $30,000 and travels 200 miles with a single charge. Tesla’s most recent Model 3 and Nissan’s Leaf model are next in line. These plug-in hybrids are gaining momentum, which can only mean that there’s an active market out there for EVs just waiting to take the lead.

• Multiplied charging stations – “range anxiety”, also known as insufficient charging stations is a core problem of the electric vehicle auto market. But things are improving, and more stations will soon become available for earth-conscious drivers. The industry plans on increasing the number of stations, adding more in common areas such as transit stations, campuses, workplaces, public gathering places, and apartment complexes.

By 2023, California’s governor, Jerry Brown, plans to add another 1,500 charging stations in the near future, thus supporting the technology and encouraging people to invest in an EV. Nissan has amazing offers for its future buyers. The manufacturers offers a 2-year free charge when purchasing their newest Leaf model and VW and BMW have teamed up to build another 100 charging stations in San Diego, Boston, and Washington.

The auto industry is pro EVs

Increasingly more car manufacturers believe that the future of the auto industry depends on electric vehicles. Therefore, they’re willing to support and invest in the technology. In 2010, only 2 manufacturers dared to develop EVs. Today, there are more than 25. BMW, Tesla, GM and Nissan are currently in the lead, with Ford catching up and eager to invest $4.5 billion. By 2020, Ford plans to add another 12 electric cars, thus electrifying their line with nearly 40%.

Overall, it’s safe to say that the EV auto market with sports exhaust is expanding. We’re in a constant need for stronger, faster, more efficient, sustainable, and conveniently-priced cars. This means that it shouldn’t surprise anyone that car manufacturers believe in the potential of the industry. The future of electronic cars shines bright like a diamond. We just have to wait and see them fly away.

BMW, i8

Is the BMW i8 Worth $150,000?

March 10, 2017 admin Leave a comment

If you are looking for a head turning serial electric hybrid, Doug DeMuro, says, “Yes!” The BMW i8 is not only a futuristic looking way to reduce your dependence on oil, but also a lot of fun to drive. Doug mentions how well the hybrid handles at speed, and it has a lot of pop, sporting a 0-60 in around 4 seconds. Another interesting thing about the video is how BMW simulates the sound of a V8 engine into the cabin when you punch the “gas”.

Kia

On the 2018 Kia Niro EV

February 17, 2017 admin Leave a comment

Korean automaker, Kia, already has an electric hatchback on the market now, the Kia Seoul EV. Kia plans to introduce a fully electric crossover SUV to their next generation lineup, with the 2018 Kia Niro EV. Kia already has an excellent hybrid crossover in the 2017 Kia Niro, with an EPA combined 50 miles-per-gallon rating and 600 miles of range with plenty of headroom and space for dogs/groceries.

The Kia Niro EV will be a welcome and affordable addition to the electric, sort-of-SUV market along with the Tesla Model X. The all-electric Niro will use a 28-kilowatt-hour battery pack and 88-kilowatt (120-horsepower) electric motor driving the front wheels. So while it may not be able to compete with a Tesla on the drag strip, the 2018 Kia Niro EV could make a great daily driver, errand runner, child drop-offer for many families concerned about their carbon footprint as well as their future fuel expenses.

Model S, Tesla Model S P100D, Tesla Motors

Tesla Model S P100D takes on a Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 Drag Racing

January 23, 2017 admin Leave a comment

The new Model S P100D can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds. It includes a 100kWh battery that can sustain the sedan for about 300-350 miles. Before tax incentives the P100D costs $134,500, which is a remarkable value for the performance.

The Lamborghini Huracan is priced from $241,945 in the U.S., which is about $100 grand more than the Tesla, but significantly more affordable than the Aventador, which retails from $404,195 before options. The Huracan can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds.

It looks like the Tesla gets the jump on the Lambo usually, but the Huracan eventually overtakes the electric sedan in pretty much every trial they have in the video. Seems pretty predictable, as the Tesla has the benefit of 100% torque from the standstill, but the power of the Huracan’s 5.2-Liter V-10 eventually overtakes the sedan. If money wasn’t a thing to me, I’d buy the Tesla for my daily driver, and the Lamborghini to fulfill my midlife crisis fantasies.

-Hybrids-

Hybrid-powered vehicles that are cost efficient too

December 21, 2016 admin Leave a comment

To have an affordable hybrid car is now a great way to reduce your impact on the environment while saving money on a daily basis for yourself – owning a car that combines a classic engine with an electrical powered one gives you versatility and breaks the dependence on oil. Luckily, these wonderful machines have been on the market long enough to give you plenty of options to choose from without breaking the bank.

Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda Civic Hybrid uses the electrical and gas engines simultaneously while driving, so technically it is not a full hybrid, but combining the two efficiently gives you reduced consumption. The two engines are sandwiched together and work as one, the Honda efficiently recharging its battery while driving on gas. Overall, The Civic is reliable and efficient if you don’t have speed in mind. This car will not go fast, but it will definitely help you reduce the costs and impact on the environment at an affordable price.

Price: $25,555
Miles per gallon city: 44
Miles per gallon highway: 47

Toyota Prius Liftback

Toyota exceeds expectations even more with the Prius Liftback, maximizing the fuel economy levels and efficiency. The improvements are given by the reduced size and weights of the hybrid components and the increased cargo space achieved by moving the battery beneath the front seat. It is also so quiet that, when operating on the electric engine alone, the Prius Liftback emits a low warning tone that alerts pedestrians and cyclists of its approach.

Price: $25,025
Miles per gallon city: 51
Miles per gallon highway: 48

Ford C-MAX

The Ford C-MAX is a spacious car, especially for a hybrid, that balances the pretty large size with a low consumption meant to rival its competitors on the market. The improvements made by Ford to the previous model include a more aerodynamic shape, more horsepower which allows you to reach a reasonable speed and comfortable, good quality interior.

Price: $24,995
Miles per gallon city: 42
Miles per gallon highway: 37

Honda CR-Z

Honda CR-Z is the sporty car of our selection, aiming to appeal to motorists who want to feel a bit of excitement while keeping the advantages of a hybrid. While some may argue that the car is not as sporty as it looks, it has a feature that allows you to boost the speed temporarily with assistance from the electric engine only.This two-seater car is happily combining sportiness with eco friendliness and you can have a lot of fun driving it, as long as you keep in mind that it is not a sports car per se.

Price: $20,965
Miles per gallon city: 36
Miles per gallon highway: 39

Toyota Prius c

We saved one of the best for last, as the Prius stands in its own category on the hybrid market and the c model is the least expensive hybrid you can find at this moment. It is a roomy car that does not accelerate much but offers one of the best mpg on the market. One of the ways Toyota made this price possible was to use less sophisticated materials for the interior, which will be noticeable when compared to its rivals. However, the interior is spacious, suitable for families with dogs or large grocery trips.If you are interested in reducing fuel consumption (whether it is for economic or ecological purposes) and you don’t necessarily want a car that goes fast, the Toyota Prius c is one of the best options you have.

Price: $19,905
Miles per gallon city: 53
Miles per gallon highway: 46

Believe it or not, hybrid-powered vehicles can be cost-efficient too. The secret is to invest smart. Before spending any money, settle on some priorities. What are you looking for in a car? Do you want a fast ride, family ride, or are you looking for speed and high performance? Regardless of your choice, it is fundamental to have a budget first. Hustle and do your research properly before anything else, and then you can decide. Look under the hood, check Porsche wheels or any other parts that you’re familiar with, and make the most of your investment.

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