LEC Team, Author at Learn Electric Cars

Problems with Tesla EV Charging Stations

What Are The Problems With EV Charging Stations?

EV charging stations are being installed at a rapid pace across the country but it doesn’t come without its problems and challenges. Electric cars seem to be the inevitable mobility trend that this generation is heading toward but the problems and issues associated with the EV charging stations pose a huge hurdle to reaching that point. While most of us are aware of the general challenges of the industry like high initial costs, charging times and range anxiety, the real focus needs to be on developing the charging infrastructure. That, alone, is the most arduous task that has the potential to dispel other issues and propel mass adoption. You might also like: Can Electric Car Batteries Be Replaced or Swapped? EV Charging Stations In The U.S. When you think about it, the challenges related to the EVs costing almost at par with the standard internal combustion engine cars (around $35,000) and offering a decent range of around (300 miles on a single charge) are somewhat remedied, but the comparison of the number of gas stations (150,000) and EV charging stations (46,000) is what is still far away at this point in time. Even worse, out of these 46,000, less than 10,000 charging stations have the capabilities to charge any EV irrespective of make or model. Also, the total number of DC Fast charging stations in the U.S. hovers around just 6,000. You might also like: 2022 Polestar 2 Electric Car – Range, Interior & Specs Companies Offering EV Charging Stations There are primarily 4 key players in the space, ChargePoint, Tesla, Electrify America and EVgo. EV Charging Companies ChargePoint Tesla Electrify America EVgo Others Total Charging Stations 30,000 6,000 800 850 8,000 Fast Charging Stations 1,700 1,300 750 840 ~1,400 EV Charging Station Companies Now, the Tesla Supercharging Stations have a maximum of 250 kW charging which amounts to about 200 miles of charge in around 15 minutes. However, it must be noted that the EVs from other carmakers are not equipped to be charged at these stations as this is a Tesla-exclusive affair. The other end of the spectrum is that not all vehicles come with the feature of fast charging or compatibility with every charging socket (Tesla Supercharger, J1772, CHAdeMO, CCS). That is what narrows the possibilities of any EV being able to charge at any charging stations across the country significantly. Therefore, the effective number of charging stations where every kind of electric vehicle could be charged is under 10,000. There lies the biggest hurdle in terms of infrastructure. You might also like: Tesla Battery (4680) vs BYD Blade Battery – Comparison EV Charging Infrastrucutre Cost According to some estimates by industry experts, a regular Tesla Supercharging Station with 6-8 stalls delivering 120 kW to 150 kW each would cost roughly $250,000 to build. On the other hand, Volkswagen-owned Electrify America charging stations with similar specs would cost around $350,000. There lies the biggest problem with the EV charging stations. One can’t simply build these overnight, or even in a couple of years. And until this aspect is sorted, improving the range and bringing down the cost of EVs isn’t gonna achieve much in terms of mass adoption, although the EV makers will achieve that nevertheless. This is because we are at the point where the cost and range have become somewhat decent and accepted by the general public. It is the anxiety caused by not knowing where the next charging station is, that is preventing people from going for an EV. That is where the government support is needed the most as this job is too herculean for any single company. It could offer incentives to players to develop the charging infrastructure just like offering incentives to the people to buy EVs. You might also like: What Is Vehicle To Load (V2L) & Which EVs Have This Feature? Correct Way of Charging EVs Another relevant aspect of EV charging is the fact that the battery of a car (or any other electronic gadget) charges fast at the beginning (typically up to 50%) but requires significant time for the other half. Hence, people must try to charge their batteries up to 50% at one stop, drive and then make another stop to charge for 50% again, while on the highway. Overall, this will save them more time compared to when they charge the EV until 100% at one charging station. These are some habits that EV owners need to inculcate in order to squeeze the maximum range and spend minimum time at the charging station. However, for this, again, plenty of infrastructure is needed so that people quit the anxiety about finding the next charging station.

Electric Car Batteries Swapped or Replaced

Can Electric Car Batteries Be Replaced or Swapped?

9 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

With the EV trend becoming a reality, it becomes critical to know the basics of maintenance related to your electric cars. Is it possible for the electric car batteries to be replaced or swapped? Since the adoption rate of electric cars is still minuscule compared to their internal combustion engine-powered counterparts, there are myriad queries related to them. The batteries, charging characteristics, and range anxiety continue to pose hurdles in the mass adoption of EVs. While the benefits of shifting to EVs might be quite understandable and logical, the actual implementation is enveloped in quandary and uncertainty. The aim of this article is to dispel some myths surrounding electric car batteries. You might also like: Tesla Battery (4680) vs BYD Blade Battery – Comparison Can The Electric Car Batteries Be Swapped or Replaced? Let us try to understand this by using a familiar analogy. In the case of traditional vehicles, the engines and their components are fixed, while the fuel is needed to be filled regularly. Similarly, the electric motors on the electric cars are fixed, but the batteries that feed power to those motors could be removed or swapped, if need be, Generally, the batteries are placed underneath the floor of the vehicle and charged on a regular basis just like your smartphones, tablets or laptops. However, with the limited charging infrastructure available in most countries and high charging times associated with EVs, people always have this range anxiety about what would happen if their EVs run out of charge on a highway. But there is a solution that might not be widespread in the personal mobility space. In the commercial electric vehicle fleet across various markets, there is the practice of swapping the batteries of the car. You might also like: Is Electric Car Battery Safe, Fireproof, Waterproof and Short Circuit Proof? How Is It Achieved? The delivery companies, for instance, have huge warehouses where the entire fleet of their delivery vehicles is parked. There is sufficient charging infrastructure there too where the vehicles could even be charged using the regular AC chargers overnight. There is a provision for removing batteries from electric vehicles, especially commercial vans. The battery that has been charged overnight is used in the morning. It could suffice the entire day while the other battery is being charged in the meanwhile. You might also like: What Is Vehicle To Load (V2L) & Which EVs Have This Feature? If there is an issue with the battery that is being operated or it runs out of juice, one could simply visit the warehouse and swap the discharged battery for a recharged one in a matter of minutes. The battery packs are compact and could be easily placed in their designated slot in the EV. The battery that is taken out could directly be taken to the charging station and the refuelling time (essentially) be reduced to the time taken to replace the two batteries. This would ensure that the operations are not halted because of charging times and productivity will enhance due to the element of predictability that is achieved by this method. Slowly and steadily, with the prices of batteries coming down in the future, this solution could be utilised for personal use too. This technique is being practised even today by big companies that use electric vehicles for commercial purposes.

2022 Polestar 2 Electric Car – Range, Interior & Specs

9 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The updated 2022 Polestar 2 now comes with minor variations in specs, performance and accessibility over the 2021 version. Polestar is the electric performance division of the Swedish auto marquee, Volvo. After the success of Polestar 1, Polestar 2 was launched back in 2019 and to make it more accessible, a new Standard Range Single Motor trim has been introduced. You might also like: Tata Motors Unveil Avinya EV Concept Stepping Into Electric Future 2022 Polestar 2 – Specs In total, the 2022 Polestar 2 is available in three variants – Long-range Dual motor, Long-range Single motor and Standard-range Single motor. Find the specifications of these in the table below. Polestar 2 – Specs Long-Range Single Motor Long-Range Dual Motor Standard-Range Single Motor Battery (kWh) 78 78 78 Power (hp) 231 476 221 Torque (lb-ft/Nm) 243/330 486/660 243/330 Acceleration (0-60 mph) 7 secs 4.2 secs 7 secs Range (EPA) 270 miles 260 miles 270 miles Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive Charging (155 kW DC Fast) 35 mins (10-80%) 35 mins (10-80%) 35 mins (10-80%) Charging (AC 3-Phase) 8 hours (0-100%) 8 hours (0-100%) 8 hours (0-100%) Top Speed (mph) 100 127 100 2022 Polestar 2 Specs 2022 Polestar 2 – Price After the federal subsided and credit tax benefits, the Polestar 2 could be had for as low as $40,900 MSRP. For the customers in California, with the additional subsidies, the price starts at just under $35,000. However, these incentives are not guaranteed and you must consult with the local dealer and tax advisor. You might also like: Fisker Ocean Electric SUV – Range, Specs, Features 2022 Polestar 2 – Interior and Features The cabin of the Polestar 2 is high quality with a dual-tone theme for added sportiness and less maintenance. There are two colour patterns to choose from – Slate and Charcoal Interior. The steering wheel is constructed from vegan material and has a heated function. In addition, the dashboard features 3D textured inlays with reconstructed wood and premium Nappa leather. Other features include a premium Harmon Kardon Audio System, Ambient Interior Lighting, driver-oriented portrait-styled 11.2-inch center display with Google built-in, Wireless Smartphone Charging, Voice Controls, Over-the-Air Updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Air Purifier, Heated and Powered Front Seats w/ Lumbar Support, and much more. Additional Packs With the introduction of the Standard Range model into the lineup, Polestar is clearly targeting a wider set of audiences in a bid to grab more market share and challenge the likes of Tesla. To make the prospective even more enticing, it offers various additional packs to offer more optional features. There are 3 packs to choose from – Plus Pack ($4,000), Pilot Pack ($3,200) and Performance Pack ($5,000). You might also like: Is Edison Future (EF1-T) A Worthy Competitor To Tesla Cybertruck The Plus Pack adds convenience features like the premium audio system, ambient lighting, panoramic glass roof, etc, while the Pilot pack consists of ADAS features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, 360-degree Camera and more. The Performance pack is geared toward things like adjustable Öhlins suspension dampers, forged 20-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, Continental sport tires and Polestar’s signature ‘Swedish gold’ aesthetic details.

Tata Motors Unveil Avinya EV Concept Stepping Into Electric Future

11 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Tata Motors foray into the electric future with the global unveiling of the Avinya EV concept with the production model planned for launch in 2025. Marking its grand entry into the electric future, Tata Motors have unveiled the Avinya EV concept. ‘Avinya’ in the Sanskrit language stands for ‘Innovation’ and that is what you experience at first glance of the concept electric vehicle. Notably, Tata Motors currently sell EVs in India, including the Nexon EV, Nexon EV Max and Tigor EV, but these are all derived from their IC engine counterparts. The Avinya, however, will be underpinned by a dedicated Gen 3 EV Skateboard Architecture. You might also like: Fisker Ocean Electric SUV – Range, Specs, Features Tata Avinya EV – Exterior Styling To say that defining the body shape of the Avinya EV accurately is difficult will be an understatement. Tata Motors have intentionally fused various elements of an SUV, MPV and Crossover Hatchback into this concept to showcase the sheer flexibility that this Gen 3 Architecture warrants. This platform will spawn all sorts of future EVs that will compete with products on a global scale. The Avinya measures 4,300 mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. At the front, the fascia is decorated by a slim LED DRL light that runs across the width of the car and doubles up as the digital logo representing a ‘T’. Below the LED strip, one finds a massive illuminated grille area finished in a dotted pattern. The side profile reveals the generous wheelbase due to the wheels being placed at the extreme edges of the Skateboard platform. You might also like: 2022 BMW iX1 Electric Compact SUV – Interior, Specs, Release Date This allows short overhangs on both ends which is an inherent trait of the Skateboard platform. As a result, acres of space is liberated on the inside. The large 22-inch alloy wheels wear a self-levelling Tata logo at the centre. Apart from that, you would notice that there are no mirrors but cameras which is becoming increasingly popular with modern EVs. The door panels get a glossy black side skirting which acts as an air duct to improve the aerodynamic efficiency. The tail end is as striking and exquisite as the front. The taillamps consist of an LED strip that runs across the face of the boot lid making it look like a functional spoiler. It carries forward the ‘T’ moniker from the front and there is also an inverted ‘T’ beneath it that is composed of chrome. Overall, the silhouette of the Avinya is quite futuristic. You might also like: Is Edison Future (EF1-T) A Worthy Competitor To Tesla Cybertruck Interior and Features To get inside the cabin, you will need to enter through the ‘Butterfly’ doors. The front seat has a swivel function that rotates the chair outwards enhancing the ingress and egress characteristics. Once inside, you would be amazed to see the lack of screens which is unusual. Tata Motors believe that we are heading toward the era of ‘screen fatigue’. Hence, the sleek speaker placed on the dashboard will take voice commands to operate any function. You might also like: Tesla Battery (4680) vs BYD Blade Battery – Comparison For that, each seat has an in-built speaker and microphone through which the passenger will be able to interact with the system through voice commands. To put you in a good mood, the centre console conceals an aroma diffuser that releases a pleasant fragrance and kills foul odour. The materials used for upholstery and cabin are sustainable. In terms of specs, the details are obviously not out. However, this platform supports an electrical architecture that is capable of providing over 500 km range in under 30 mins. That is what the EV customers would like to hear. Slated for launch in 2025, the Tata Avinya EV will be the first of many world-class EVs from Tata Motors.

Byton M-Byte Electric Car – Specs, Features, Range, Price

5 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The Chinese-German EV maker develops an electric SUV with a futuristic design and features to rival the Tesla Model Y SUV. First unveiled at the Frankfurt IAA 2019, Byton M-Byte electric car is the first premium SUV from the German-Chinese startup. Boasting a whole host of premium features, modern tech, futuristic cabin and elegant exterior styling, the M-Byte is considered a worthy Tesla Model Y rival at a much more affordable price. However, the pandemic squelched the plans for production in 2020-21. If the EV maker is able to revive from that, we might see the production commence this year (2022). You might also like: Fisker Ocean Electric SUV – Range, Specs, Features Byton M-Byte Electric Car – Specs The Byton M-Byte electric SUV comes with the option of choosing between an RWD or an AWD drivetrain. Here are the details of all the specs that the M-Byte offers. Byton – Specs M-Byte RWD M-Byte AWD Battery (kWh) 72 95 Power Output – kW (hp) 200 (268) 300 (402) Acceleration – 0-100 km/h (secs) 7.5 5.5 Range – NEDC (km) 430 550 Charging w/ 150 DC (0-80%) (mins) 35 35 Byton M-Byte Electric Car – Specs You might also like: Is Edison Future (EF1-T) A Worthy Competitor To Tesla Cybertruck Byton M-Byte Electric Car – Dimensions Byton M-Byte is an electric SUV that looks more like a large crossover hatchback. Nevertheless, its dimensions are comparable to any mid-size SUV out there. Byton M-Byte Dimensions (mm) Length 4875 Width 1970 (w/o mirrors) Height 1665 Wheelbase 2950 Byton M-Byte Electric Car – Dimensions Byton M-Byte Electric Car – Interior and Features The inside of the cabin is where the futuristic and unique elements become evident. The interior layout is dominated by a colossal 48-inch touchscreen (largest ever on a production vehicle) that rests on the dashboard covering the entire width of the car, a 4-seat configuration enabling acres of space for the rear passengers along with premium convenience features, heated and massage functions with 6-way power adjusted seats, hand gesture recognition, face recognition, onboard WiFi, GPS, and other connectivity features with 300 Mbps data speed, 10-degree inward rotating front seats to warrant a better conversation with the rear passengers, Byton ID for customising every setting in the car depending on user profiles, and much more. You might also like: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E – Range, Specs, Models, Prices Launch and Price While Byton had a ton of reservations from China, Europe, the U.S. and Canada, the pandemic caused a massive delay in the production. Thereafter, the company went through a tough period in terms of financing causing further delay. Now, the production can only commence once the finances are taken care of and the EV maker revives in the aftermath of the pandemic. We might see it happen during the course of this year (2022) if everything works. Once launched, the price is expected to be around $45,000 in the U.S.

Fisker Ocean Electric SUV – Range, Specs, Features

8 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

“It’s time for an electric vehicle this beautiful, this sustainable, this innovative, and this functional, at this price.” – Henrik Fisker If you are someone who wants to stand apart from the crowd, as far as your automobiles go, the Fisker Ocean electric SUV could prove to be a great choice, especially with its wide range of specs, variants and features. It is slated for production commencement on November 17, 2022, in Graz, Austria at the carbon-neutral facility of Magna (Fisker’s manufacturing partner). The Ocean EV comes in 4 trims: One, Extreme, Ultra, and Sport. You might also like: Is Edison Future (EF1-T) A Worthy Competitor To Tesla Cybertruck? Fisker Ocean Electric SUV – Specs Out of the 4 trims, the One, Extreme and Ultra will come powered by a dual-electric motor setup with an AWD drivetrain. The Sport variant will be the more affordable option with a single-motor FWD drivetrain. Fisker Ocean One Extreme Ultra Sport Battery Hyper Hyper Hyper Touring Range – EPA (miles) 350 350 340 250 Range – WLTP (km) 630 630 610 440 Power Output (hp) 550 550 540 275 Drivetrain AWD AWD AWD FWD Acceleration – 0-60 mph (secs) 3.6 3.9 3.9 6.9 Fisker Ocean Electric SUV Specs Fisker Ocean Electric SUV – Dimensions Fisker Ocean Dimensions (inches) Dimensions (mm) Length 188 4775 Width 78.5 1994.5 Height 64.2 1631 Wheelbase 115 2921 Fisker Ocean Electric SUV Dimensions Fisker Ocean Electric SUV – Features The Fisker Ocean electric SUV comes with a plethora of modern connectivity features and creature comforts. This includes a Revolve 17.1-inch central touchscreen with Control Mode (portrait) and Hollywood Mode (landscape), SolarSky Roof (to harvest sun’s energy to charge the vehicle), 360-degree Surround View with 3D, dual-zone HVAC, Heater Steering Wheel, Fisker HyperSound with 16-speaker immersive audio system, Wireless Phone Charging, premium upholstery using sustainable materials, Bi-directional charging to charge external appliances, Connected Car Tech, and much more. You might also like: 2022 BMW iX1 Electric Compact SUV – Interior, Specs, Release Date ADAS Features In terms of safety tech, the Ocean is loaded with ADAS functions to the brim. This consists of Digital Radar System, Digital Camera, Ultrasonic Sensors, Driver Monitoring Camera as hardware to offer functions such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Front and Side Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Drowsiness Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Evasive Steering Assist among others. You might also like: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E – Range, Specs, Models, Prices Price Fisker Ocean Price (excluding delivery, etc) One $68,999 Extreme $68,999 Ultra $49,999 Sport $37,499 Prices exclude delivery, finance and government charges

Hybrid Cars vs Electric Cars – Which Is Better and Why?

4 Comments / Featured, Hybrid / By LEC Team

The path to the future clearly leads to electric cars but must pass through hybrid cars. The obvious question that a modern-day car buyer must consider before making a purchase decision is hybrid vs electric cars. In essence, anyone who wants to own a vehicle for a long time would consider some sort of electrification. There are only two valid choices; a full-electric car or a hybrid electric car. Let us discuss the pros and cons of each. You might also like: Electric Car vs Gas Car – Why To Upgrade? Electric Cars vs Hybrid Cars Hybrid Cars – Pros and Cons The hybrid cars that we are talking about here are PHEVs (Plug-In Hybrid Cars) that are capable of driving on pure electricity for short distances. The mild-hybrid cars are those that offer just the Start/Stop function. The PHEVs are cleverly integrated into modern vehicles which allows the vehicle to be driven using an electric motor. In addition to that, hybrid powertrains also aid the engine by providing some form of boost or enhancing the fuel economy. This is done by providing power to the engine during those RPMs when the internal combustion engine consumes the most fuel. The electric system comes in handy to increase the mileage of cars significantly. Another important aspect of hybrid vehicles is the fact that it doesn’t require too many modifications to the engine of a regular car. There are not too many electric components to disturb the regular layout of the IC engine. Finally, the prices of hybrid cars are much more affordable and attractive compared to pure electric cars. This translates to a minimal increment over the regular IC engine-powered vehicles. Since, price is a major hurdle in the mass adoption process of the EVs, hybrid vehicles present a great case. You might also like: Are Electric Car Chargers Universal – Types of Chargers Electric Cars – Pros and Cons The full-electric cars have a slew of advantages which is why the prospect is gaining traction so rapidly. The running costs compared to fuel-powered vehicles are drastically low. In fact, the prices of petrol and diesel are on a rise lately and this trend is unlikely to stop anytime soon. The price to charge the EV is comparatively much cheaper. Apart from that, there are no tailpipe emissions at all. This is a great feature to have in big cities where governments around the globe are looking for such solutions. However, it must be argued that the carbon footprint for EVs is not zero because the production of batteries and electricity is not carbon-free yet. The driving dynamics and performance of electric cars are yet another reason why people are so in awe of them. Unlike IC engines, the electric powertrains offer 100% torque from the get-go. As soon as you press the accelerator pedal, there is no lag in power delivery. This is because there are not too many mechanical components or emission-focused engine calibration to prevent the engine from delivering all the torque to the wheels instantly. The list of cons of EVs is, unfortunately, quite lengthy too. First and foremost, the initial costs of EVs are almost double that of a similar model with an IC engine. This puts the EVs far away from the reach of most regular car buyers. On top of that, the biggest concern is the lack of charging infrastructure. People have the range anxiety that they haven’t gotten over yet. You might also like: Are Hybrid Powertrains Perfect To Bridge The Gap Between IC Engines & Full-Electric Drivetrains? Once the EV runs out of juice on the highway, you are pretty much stranded. Although the charging infrastructure is being developed at a rapid pace, it would still take years before there are enough charging stations on the highways to make people comfortable and relaxed.

Hybrid Powertrains Full-Electric Drivetrains

Are Hybrid Powertrains Perfect To Bridge The Gap Between IC Engines & Full-Electric Drivetrains?

3 Comments / Hybrid / By LEC Team

The path from tailpipe pollution emitting vehicles to full-electric tailpipe-less vehicles should ideally traverse through hybrid powertrains. Evidently, the era of mass adoption of full-electric drivetrains is still a distant future which might make a strong case to incorporate hybrid powertrains into the existing mobility solutions equation. While a few countries are excessively focusing on the transformation from IC engines to electric powertrains, the reality of feasibility, affordability and charging infrastructure is hard to overlook. Hence, a detailed unbiased discussion is warranted. You might also like: Electric Car vs Gas Car – Why To Upgrade? How Many EVs Are There On The Road in 2022? Despite the number of EVs sold globally witnessing an exponential rise over the last couple of years, compared to the traditional cars in the world, it is still minuscule. Therefore, we must not get carried away after watching carmakers launch EVs after EVs every year. For context, there are over 1.45 billion total cars in the world in 2022 as per various reports. According to the Global EV Outlook Report 2022 by IEA, there are around 16.5 million EVs on the road in the first quarter of 2022. We could confidently confirm that EVs are just over 1% of all cars in the world in 2022. Issues With Mass Adoption of EVs Now, the list of issues with the mass adoption of EVs is rather long and extensive. If you are an automobile aficionado, you would probably already know about the challenges that the EV industry is facing. But if you are not, let us quickly take you through these. Affordability First and foremost, the main hurdle for an inordinate amount of people is the astronomically high initial prices of EVs. To put things into perspective, a similar car variant with similar features, dimensions, body, cabin and design would roughly cost twice in the EV version compared to the IC engine version. Now, most people use cars as a mere commodity to commute on a daily basis, and asking them to spend double the amount with the promise of saving the environment may not work. Additionally, most cars sold in the world belong to the entry-level or one level above that. This means that the percentage of popular opting for an above-average car is already very low. Hence, most of the target audience is lost just because of the initial price itself. They don’t even go to test drive an EV. You might also like: What Is Vehicle To Load (V2L) & Which EVs Have This Feature? Charging Infrastructure For those who do end up making up their minds to purchase an EV, the lack of charging infrastructure bothers them away. Even if you are lucky enough to have the money needed for an EV, the infrastructure around EVs is not in your hands. Hence, the fear of getting stranded on the freeways with no juice left in your vehicle can’t be overcome easily. And this is the reality of the entire world, excluding a handful of big cities in the world. Governments all around the world are working relentlessly toward developing the charging infrastructure needed to make mass adoption of EVs a reality. But it could easily take a decade to accomplish. So, the immediate relief in this aspect is also nigh-impossible. Safety Issues In recent times, we have seen EVs catching fire while driving or while charging in the parked position. While the number of such cases is extremely minute, the image that such incidents project causes anxiety among the potential buyers. Batteries of electric cars are simple chemical modules, and once they catch fire, the chemical reaction can’t be easily stopped. There have been instances where the batteries remained ablaze for upto 48 hours despite being washed down in the water. You might also like: Tesla Battery (4680) vs BYD Blade Battery – Comparison Emission Conundrum Although EVs don’t emit any smoke, or exhaust gases, the production of the batteries and charging stations do have a significantly large carbon footprint. The metals used in batteries like Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese, etc. are also not readily available. These need to be extracted from the limited and disproportionate reserves located in a handful of countries in the world. There have been issues regarding the lack of ethical mining processes in Africa which defeats the very purpose that EVs are designed to solve. The production of electricity and batteries already cause huge pollution and has a large carbon footprint. Hence, it would be naive to think that EVs are zero-emission products. That is one aspect that a lot of people miss out on Understanding how hybrid powertrains could help in emission reduction without even needing full-electric drivetrains could be a great start. Battery Recycling Batteries have a regular lifespan of about 8 years. That is what the manufacturers offer as the warranty period too. It has not been 8 years since the exponential rise in EV sales. This means that we need to wait for at least 6-7 years before the issue of battery recycling or disposal becomes apparent. The batteries can’t simply be dumped or destroyed because of the huge amounts of toxic chemicals they are composed of. We have not yet experienced the full extent of damage disposing of so many batteries would cause. The only solution to this is if companies come up with recycling solutions in the meanwhile. Because once the large-scale battery disposing process begins, it would be catastrophic due to the land and water pollution. You might also like: 2022 BMW iX1 Electric Compact SUV – Interior, Specs, Release Date Could Hybrid Powertrains Be The Solution? In my opinion, hybrid powertrains are the perfect tools to buy some more time while the aforementioned issues are resolved. There are not too many modifications required in a regular car to make it into a hybrid vehicle. The electric motor and the battery could be used to aid the IC engine to emit less pollution and increase fuel economy. The electric

2022 BMW iX1 Electric Compact SUV – Interior, Specs, Release Date

10 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

2022 BMW iX1 is an all-electric luxury compact SUV (SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) as BMW likes to call it) that has been unveiled in the European market. The 2022 BMW iX1 electric SUV boasts a quality interior setup with premium materials and the latest tech features. Slated for the production in the Regensburg plant in Germany later in the year (2022), the U.S. market will need to wait a bit for this luxury compact SUV as there is currently no release date in the near future. Nevertheless, this iX1 certainly indicates the general direction of the Bavarian carmaker’s EV design strategy that is underpinned by the FAAR architecture. You might also like: 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 vs M50 – Specs, Range & Performance Comparison Specs The iX1 comes powered by a 64.7 kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack that has a WLTP driving range of 272 miles (438 km). The battery powers two electric motors making it an AWD SUV with a maximum power output of 313 hp and 364 lb-ft (494 Nm). This propels the electric SUV from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 5.7 secs with a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h). It takes a mere 30 mins to charge from 10-80% using a 130 kW DC fast charger. Parameter – BMW iX1 (AWD) Specs Battery 64.7 kWh Power / Torque 313 hp / 364 lb-ft (494 Nm) Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 5.7 secs Range 272 miles (438 km) Specs of the 2022 BMW iX1 2022 BMW iX1 Interior On the inside, the iX1 could easily be compared to the bigger SUVs from BMW simply due to the quality of fit and finish on offer. The first thing that catches attention is the black and brown colour theme along with the silver accents on the dashboard. As usual, the centre console is oriented in the direction of the driver with a connected 10.25-inch digital cockpit display and 10.7-inch infotainment screen. The latest BMW OS 8, voice command assistant, smartphone connectivity, 40:20:40 rear seat split, stylish AC vents integrated into the dashboard, and a panoramic sunroof are some of the highlights of the cabin. You might also like: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E – Range, Specs, Models, Prices Dimensions Parameter – BMW iX1 Dimensions Length 4500 mm Width 1845 mm Height 1642 mm Wheelbase 2692 mm Boot Space 490 L Dimensions of the 2022 BMW iX1 Safety As with all BMWs, safety ranks pretty high on the company’s priority list. To achieve that, the iX1 comes with ADAS features like Reverse and Parking Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Front-collision Warning System with Brake Intervention, Pedestrian and Cyclist Warning with Braking Function, Active Blind Spot Detection, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function, Driving Assistant Professional and much more. Exterior Design On the outside, the 2022 BMW iX1 proudly wears the iconic design language of the German car marquee while ensuring modern elements highlighting its electric credentials. The eye-shaped dual-LED DRLs are integrated into the sleek LED headlamp cluster, the chrome embellished grille is sealed off on account of it being an EV, and the bumper is sporty with L-shaped blue highlights on either side promising the electric nature, the blue highlight is extending to the side body cladding as well. You might also like: 2022 Kia EV6 Light vs Wind vs GT-Line – Specs and Price Comparison There are options of choosing from a wide range of intricately designed alloy wheels from 18-inchers to 21-inchers. The side profile is not under the influence of heavy creases, but there are chrome elements surrounding the windows and prominent wheel arches. The tail section sports a sleek roof-mounted spoiler, elegant L-shaped split LED taillamps, a sturdy bumper with a skid plate and blue highlights on either side of the bumper. It would be interesting to see when the German luxury carmaker decides to introduce the iX1 in the U.S. market.

Is Edison Future (EF1-T) A Worthy Competitor To Tesla Cybertruck

10 Comments / EV News, Featured / By LEC Team

With the Tesla Cybertruck creating a ton of buzz around it for the longest time, could something like the Edison Future (EF1-T) electric truck prove to be a worthy competitor? The EV enthusiasts must’ve heard about the gigantic Tesla Cybertruck that was unveiled in 2019 but have you heard about the Edison Future (EF1-T), a potential competitor? Although these electric trucks still haven’t made it to the streets, the buzz around them is immense. There aren’t too many direct rivals to the Cybertruck barring the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevy Silverado EV. While these are the EVs from the traditional carmakers, there is a worthy new player wanting to dominate the segment as well. Yes, we are talking about Edison Future, EF1-T which was showcased at the 2021 LA Motor Show as a concept. It is a unique EV truck that will be powered by solar energy. You might also like: 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 vs M50 – Specs, Range & Performance Comparison Edison Future vs Tesla Cybertruck – Exterior Comparison The EF1-T could be configured according to the preference of its owners. It could be used as a traditional truck with a cargo compartment at the rear with the solar panels integrated on the retractable roof that could be used to close the rear down making it look like the Cybertruck. The boxy silhouette, sharp creases, sleek use of LED strips at the front and rear, cameras instead of side mirrors, flush-fitting door handles, retractable side steps for easier ingress and egress, massive high-profile tires, and a rugged rectangular design at the rear are some of the key exterior characteristics of the EF1-T. On the other hand, the Tesla Cybertruck has been showcased on multiple occasions and features the absolute boxy design straight out of a sci-fi movie, with LED strip running the width of the front fascia, raked side pillars, cameras instead of the side view mirrors, chunky wheel arches, high-profile tires, steeply sloping tail end, the entire exterior design language devoid of any curves. The road presence of both these EV trucks would be a major pull for a ton of buyers. Interior Comparison On the inside of the concept EF1-T, the layout is quite uncluttered with a massive 17.5-inch free-floating infotainment display taking the centre stage, a unique 3 seat layout at the front, minimalistic dashboard design, pillar mounted 7-inch display screens as rear-view mirrors, roof-mounted LED reading and cabin lamps, unique solar mosaic panel to charge the batteries, generous use of aluminium to enhance the premium quotient inside the cabin and all the latest connectivity and convenience features. The interior of the Tesla Cybertruck is in line with the minimalist design philosophy of the EV maker that we have seen on other Tesla products as well. The steering wheel itself is a compact rectangular unit giving you the feeling of operating something truly futuristic, the dashboard features a sharp crease at the centre that runs across the width of the cabin, and the AC vents are completely hidden from the view giving the impression of a clean and sophisticated dashboard, the door panels and seats are suave with angular textures and no curves, just like on the outside. It boasts of all the modern features like a humungous touchscreen infotainment system with all the controls for multimedia, connectivity, climate control, drive information, etc. You might also like: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E – Range, Specs, Models, Prices Specs Comparison The EF1-T comes in three variants, Standard, Super and Premium with a single, dual and triple motor setups respectively. The single motor version has a range of 300 miles (EPA-estimated) and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 6.5 secs. The towing capacity is a handy 7500 lbs. The dual-motor version has a 450 miles of range (EPA-estimated) and a mere 3.9 secs of 0-60 mph sprint time. It developed a massive 600 hp and has a towing capacity of 11,000 lbs. The triple-motor all-wheel-drive variant makes 700 hp and has an EPA-estimated range of 380 miles. The towing capacity stands at 9000 lbs. All these variants are capable of solar charging that could a little extra juice to the batteries on bright sunny days. You might also like: 2022 Kia EV6 Light vs Wind vs GT-Line – Specs and Price Comparison Edison Future (EF1-T) Single Motor Dual-Motor Triple-Motor Power (hp) 470 600 700 Range (miles) 300 450 380 Towing Capacity (lbs) 7500 11000 9000 Acceleration (0-60 mph) 6.5 secs 4.5 secs 3.9 secs The Tesla Cybertruck will also come with the similar 3 variants with single, dual and triple motor setups. However, a quad-motor configuration might be on the cards for later. The single motor EV will have an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 secs. The dual-motor powertrain will have over 300 miles of range and 4.5 secs of 0-60 mph powering all four wheels. The triple motor all-wheel-drive configuration will feature over 500 miles of range and a claimed 0-60 mph of just 2.9 secs and a top speed of 130 mph. Tesla Cybertruck Single Motor Dual-Motor Triple-Motor Power (hp) (Expected) 400 690 794 Range (miles) 250 300 500 Towing Capacity (lbs) 7500 10000 14000 Acceleration (0-60 mph) 6.5 secs 4.5 secs 2.9 secs Launch Date While the Tesla Cybertruck is slated to launch in 2023, the EF1-T might see the light of day sometime around 2025. Do you agree that the Edison Future (EF1-T) electric truck could prove to be the ideal competitor to the Tesla Cybertruck once these are launched?

LEC Team

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