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Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X, Tesla Motors

Keeping Your Electric Car As Safe As Possible

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Owning an electric car is very different to owning a standard diesel vehicle. Obviously, you know this and that’s why you bought the car. You know that the impact it has on the environment is far lesser, for example. The differences between electric cars and traditional cars are many. Nonetheless, when it comes to the ways in which you should be looking after your electric-powered vehicle, there are some similarities and some differences when compared to a standard car. Here’s how to keep your electric car as safe as possible.

Maintenance.

As with any car, maintenance is the key to keeping your car safe and roadworthy. And, as with any car, you need to become acquainted with the machinery at work within your vehicle so as to take care of it yourself. Even though regular check-ups are important, going to a repair shop every time there’s a problem is costly and time-consuming. Not to mention, it’s much safer and responsible to maintain your vehicle by yourself.

You need to understand the sophisticated electronics that run your car. Learn about the battery control module and how it discharges and charges the battery bank. You also need to learn about the heating and cooling systems because it’s important that these are well-maintained in order to keep your vehicle safe. Take a look at the hoses, clamps, and pipes to check the cooling system is working as it should be. As a piece of advice to make sure your battery doesn’t run into any problems, you should avoid a full charge; pushing your battery to its maximum capacity and then draining it is damaging.

Responsible driving.

If you want to keep your electric car as safe as possible then you need to be a responsible driver and that all depends on road awareness. You already have a license, so you’re qualified to drive a vehicle, but you might not necessarily be the most observant driver possible. Passing your driving test is one thing but you need to maintain that focus and concentration every time you get behind the wheel of a car. You might want to look into a mirror reversing camera kit because it’s so important to have complete vision of the road as a driver. And, sometimes, your rear view mirrors won’t suffice; blind spots are bad enough but other vehicles and things in the road can obscure your vision too. It’s a good idea to have as many backup options in place as possible and a camera can certainly help.

Continuing on from the point above, you need to be aware of the road in order to be a responsible driver but you also need to react to the road appropriately. Defensive driving is the best way to avoid accidents on the road. If you see a reckless driver then reacting aggressively to the situation and losing concentration could make you a danger to the road too. Additionally, driving defensively and cautiously means that you shouldn’t speed or brake hard; put your electric car under too much strain and it’ll wear out more quickly. You need to look after your vehicle in the way you would with any car.

Used Electric Cars

Electric Dreams: How To Buy A Used Electric Car

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The revolution of the electric car is well and truly upon us, so much so that the electric vehicle isn’t exclusive to those who have infinite amounts of money or are only looking for a minuscule size car. Now, there are bigger cars, and different sizes to suit all people. From the small, through to the family vehicles, and beyond. But for those who are on the lookout to buy their first electric car, while it is a major investment, it can be a bit expensive up front. So, for those who are looking for a way to benefit the environment but not spend so much money is to invest in a used electric car. This is becoming more popular as time goes on, not just because of the cost, but as those first generation electric vehicle drivers are hoping to upgrade to the most modern of EV technology, it means there’s a whole collection of cars desperate for a new home. So, where do you begin, and does it actually matter if you buy used in comparison to new?

The Facts

When you are buying any sort of used car, there’s a lot of things to bear in mind. Of course, we all have our own ideas with regards to the look, the performance of the vehicle, as well as the brand itself. Practical issues are the main thing with electric vehicles. But for those who are buying the first electric car, there is a sense of trepidation because of the unknown. The first wave of electric vehicles arrived in the UK during 2011, and these cars such as the Citroen c-Zero, and, of course, the Nissan Leaf, are mainstays of the British roads now. The one thing that you can take comfort in buying these cars is that they still run as good as they did on the first day they were used, especially if you compare these two cars with internal combustion engines (ICEs). And, if you need any more convincing, electric vehicles are now being used as the standard car for various cab firms. People are doing this now because they are much more reliable than ICE vehicles. So, if you are venturing into the unknown, and know nothing about electric vehicles, the pros far outweigh the cons.

What To Look Out For

The main concerns with electric vehicles are the two main components, the battery pack and the motor. The one thing that you need to bear in mind with this is the battery, as long as it is recharged and discharged on a regular basis, it can be incredibly economical, and could last you at least 10 years. The problem with buying a used electric car is that you need to find out if the batteries have been charged. The irony is with electric vehicles is that the lack of use is a culprit in killing and electric vehicles battery more than anything else. There were issues in 2012 with the Tesla Roadster, and owners stating that the batteries were dying due to the lack of use. The problem with these batteries is that when they don’t get used for so long, they will refuse to charge. This is known as bricking. So, by investing in a car, especially a Roadster that is an earlier model than 2012, you may have this issue. However, in 2013, Tesla stated the 8-year battery warranty would be honored, regardless of the situation. Although, if you do need to replace the battery, there are ways around this so that it doesn’t cost the earth. So, for example, the battery pack of a Nissan Leaf consists of 192 cells. Instead of replacing the entire battery pack, you could replace each cell. Therefore it costs a very minimal amount in comparison to the battery pack as a whole. Although, sometimes the battery is leased, instead of it being purchased. So this reduces concerns about replacing the battery. There are models, such as the Renault Twizy, and if the battery drops below its 75% performance capacity, it will be replaced; this is as long as it’s under warranty.

How They Drive

For any new car comments always best to take a proper test drive. And what you need to remember when getting used to the contours of an electric vehicle, is that you need to monitor the dashboard to see how quickly the battery wears out, but also look at what you can get out of the car. The big thing to remember is that various issues can drain the battery, from driving fast, navigating hills, or even using the in-car features, such as air conditioning! So it’s important to remember that the car needs to suit your lifestyle, much like a small speedster, if you are using it for stop-start traffic rather than off road, you should think about exactly what you plan on using this car for. So, if you are considering an electric vehicle for lengthy journeys, it’s important to make sure that the car is in prime condition in the first place, and, of course, this means looking after things like the tires. It’s always important to remember that with every electric vehicle that you take it to a mechanic that is able to deal with the unique problems. And while a place like Telle Tire & Auto Center does the various aspects of a vehicle, it’s important to remember that some mechanics don’t. Looking after your car can be a bit more difficult when it’s an electric vehicle.

Owning An Electric Vehicle

Luckily, most electric vehicles are easier to drive than ones with an internal combustion engine. That’s, making the change means that there are some sticking points that might be difficult for you to get over. The one main thing to bear in mind is if there are enough electric charges where you live. It’s recommended that you get a charging point at home because it can take a few hours to charge up your vehicle properly, rather than the few minutes when filling up a typical gas tank. So, you need to get online and look at a few forums, such as Electric Forum, which means you can get opinions from other electric vehicle drivers so you can get an informed opinion.

For lots of people, the electric vehicle is the way forward, and for some, it can be quite a transition. So, while there are some fantastic models out there right now, from the Renault Fluence to the Nissan Leaf, as well as the Tesla Model S, remember, is your lifestyle able to keep up with it?

 

Nissan, Nissan e-NV200 Combi

The Nissan e-NV200 Combi: Big Car, Small Emissions

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Most of the hybrids and electric cars you see today or either the small models that hardly contain three people or they are massive, like the ones that Elon Musk is pedalling at the moment. But the Nissan e-NV200 Combi is one of those cars that is bridging the gap between small and large. It is the world’s first 7 seat MPV that is all electric. The idea for this model is to cater for shuttle services as well as appeal to large families. In this respect, the NV200 is catering for quite a niche market, so let’s put it to the test.

Nissan was one of the first firms with a mainstream EV, and this model, based on the NV200 van, is pretty much cut from the same cloth as the Nissan Leaf. As far as its power is concerned, the electric motor has a decent 107 bhp, as well as 187lb ft of torque, meaning that its modest power lends itself well to the family contingent. And while the NV200 model is considerably bigger than the Nissan Leaf, it has the same 24wHk battery that the leaf has. So if you’ve got a small family but opted for this car, you may find yourself heading to a used auto service to trade it in. And as the somewhat a limited battery power is felt at higher speeds, despite the larger front than the Leaf, the official range for the vehicle is only 106 miles.

Despite its somewhat limited range, it comes with two different charging options in both versions of the car, the Combi and the Tekna. The two charging options, the Rapid, and Rapid Plus, and while the Rapid version can take 4 hours to charge, the Rapid Plus version has a high speed 6.6Kw AC option for charging onboard. There isn’t much difference between the Combi and the Tekna, save for the 15-inch alloy wheels, as well as climate control, and the usual features like Bluetooth and so forth. The benefits of both models are that it has the Nissan Carwings Infotainment System, which includes satellite navigation, as well as a DAB radio.

The one thing you notice when taking it out for a spin is that it’s so quiet, as well as it being without a diesel engine, and no manual gearbox. This means that negotiating heavy traffic is easy work. And while the van is able to keep up with other high-speed traffic, the top speed of 76 miles per hour can be a bit of a problem. It’s also important to remember that other factors will drain the battery. The one major issue is that if you are driving in hot weather, the climate control will put a lot of pressure on the battery.

But, as far as a family car is concerned, this is certainly one of the front-runners in the category of “driving five or more kids to the game”, but with its limited capabilities, it appears more useful in shuttling people back and forth, rather than long, strenuous journeys.

E-Type Zero, Jaguar

Jaguar E-Type Zero: The Future Of Electric Cars

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‘They don’t make them like they used to.’ You hear people say that about things all the time, especially cars.The Jaguar E-Type is one of the most iconic cars out there and a great choice for any classic vehicle enthusiast. However, they’re not that efficient to run and they’re pretty bad for the environment. If only there were a way to strike a balance between amazing design and a cheap clean engine.

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Well, now there is. The Jaguar E-Type Zero is, without doubt, the coolest electric car on the planet. It captures everything that was so amazing about the original model and brings it into the future with an electric engine. It’s surely going to usher in a new age of electric car technology. This new E-Type, based on a model from 1968, is pretty much exactly the same apart from the updated engine. So, how does it hold up against its classic counterpart?

Exterior

The E-Type is one of the most recognisable cars in the world and even took pride of place in a James Bond movie. To ruin that iconic exterior would be a great shame, which is why it’s a good job that they haven’t done that. This is the kind of car that you’ll want to wash regularly with top rated car wash shampoo to keep it in tip top shape. All of the classic lines and elegant curves are still there and the ride is low. At first glance, you would never realise that this is an electric car and not a classic 60’s E-Type. The only small changes that have been made are for energy efficiency, for example, the headlights have been updated with LED lights. It’s barely noticeable and doesn’t take away from the classic look.

Interior

The interior of the car has had a bit more of an upgrade, but it still captures the essence of the original. The gear stick has naturally been replaced with one that has the drive, neutral and reverse features that you need in an electric vehicle. The dash has been replaced with a slick looking carbon fibre one and they’ve added a modern screen display. There are also lots of new controls but they’ve all been designed with a classic car feel to create a great marriage of modern electric car design and the traditional aesthetic of the old E-Type. The wood rimmed steering wheel and hand cranks for the windows give the nostalgic feel of driving the Zero’s original counterpart.

Drive

To create the electric engine, Jaguar built on their existing electric cars. The 220kw drivetrain is powered by an impressive 40kw battery. If you’re worried about losing the power of the original E-Type you can rest easy. It’ll do 0-60 in a staggering 5.5 seconds. When you compare it to other electric cars, the range isn’t amazing. It’ll do around 6 or 7 hours on a full charge which can usually take you about 170 miles. It’s not the best for long distance but nobody ever bought an E-Type for getting from A to B.

The E-Type Zero is a triumph in electric car design that proves that we don’t need to make compromises on power or appearance to reduce carbon emissions.     

Toyota, Toyota Prius Plug-in

Why A Prius Is The Perfect Car For Your Kid

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When it comes to picking out the perfect car for your teenager, you probably have no idea where to start. You want to make sure that you pick out something that’s going to be easy for them to drive and look after, but also that will be safe for them. Assuming that you’re looking for a mid-priced car, and a new one at that, we’re going to put forward that a Toyota Prius is a great choice for you. This hybrid car is a popular choice in the market among a range of different consumers, but it’s also been dubbed one of the best new cars for teens. So let’s take a look why it could be perfect for your teenager too.

Reliability

Investing in a car for your kid is a big deal. In general, you’re going to want to make sure that the investment you make is not only worth it, but pays off too. In general, you don’t want to buy something that’s going to break down on you, or cost a lot in maintenance right away. The good news is, the Prius is a good little car. As a hybrid, it’s relatively quite efficient, but it’s reliable runner too. What Car suggest that it’s better than average in five out of their six checks, which include bulbs, brake fluid, air conditioning, filters, and brake discs.

Safety

But that’s not all you’re going to want to be concerned with. Because it’s essential for you to ensure that your kid is going to be safe when they’re driving. As much as you hope they’re not going to be driving reckless, although click here if that doesn’t happen, you want the car to be safe is they do get into an accident. With a Prius, there’s collision warning tech along with brake assist to keep them covered.

Price

Of course, this is a car for your child, so you’re not going to want to be spending the earth on them. But at the same time, you know you need to invest if you’re going to get them a good, reliable car. With a Toyota Prius, you’re good. You’ll be looking at around $23,475 – $30,015 for the Prius itself, and then around $26,675 – $30,935 for the Prius V.

Running Costs

Maybe the upfront costs aren’t too much of a concern for you? When that’s the case, you’re definitely going to want to make sure that the running costs are much more affordable, especially if your teen will be paying for this part! In general, the service costs are low, and the Prius has great fuel economy to with a good 50MPG.

Style

While you’re trying to make sure that the model you pick out for your kid is suitable for them to drive, you know that they’re only going to care about the look. And with a Toyota Prius, you’re both going to be happy. Because it really is as cute as it is impressive!