LEC Team, Author at Learn Electric Cars

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

18 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?

2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 vs M50 – Specs, Range & Performance Comparison

13 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The 2022 BMW i4 is the first-ever all-electric Gran Coupe from the German luxury and performance carmaker which comes with two distinct trims to suit every need. The 2022 BMW i4 all-electric Gran Coupe comes in two variants – eDrive40 and M50. The former is catered to the audiences that require a ‘regular’ BMW for everyday use. The M50, on the other hand, is meant for the pure driving aficionados who want to derive performance out of their EVs. While that may be a broader description of the two variants, we shall dive a bit deeper into the specifics of these two models. You might also like: 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E – Range, Specs, Models, Prices 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 vs M50 – Specs & Range Comparison The specs sheet of both these versions of the BMW i4 sums up their differences quite clearly. Parameter – BMW i4 eDrive40 M50 Battery Capacity (Gross) 83.9 kWh 83.9 kWh Power 335 hp 536 hp Torque 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) 586 lb-ft (795 Nm) Acceleration (0-60 mph) 5.5 secs 3.7 secs Range 301 miles w/ 18-inch wheels;282 miles w/ 19-inch wheels 270 miles w/ 19-inch wheels;227 miles w/ 20-inch wheels Charging 10-80% w/ DC Fast Charger – 31 mins;0-100% w/ 11 kW Charger – 8.25 hrs 10-80% w/ DC Fast Charger – 31 mins;0-100% w/ 11 kW Charger – 8.25 hrs Drivetrain RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) AWD (All Wheel Drive) Specifications of the 2022 BMW i4 From the table above, it can safely be inferred that neither of these EVs is your regular run off the mill sedans, in terms of the performance. However, people looking for a luxury car to live with might want to go with the eDrive40 version, while the others who are fond of driving enthusiastically will find the M50 fulfilling their desires better. 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 & M50 – Design As far as the design theme goes, one could recognise that it is a BMW from miles apart. The signature kidney grille is accentuating the frontal layout, especially with the massive size and blacked-out elements. The signature LED headlamps with dual LED DRLs represent the familiar pattern, the massive aero ducts on with side of the sporty bumper are functional providing coolness to the battery placed underneath the floor. The side profile is dominated by the almost flush-fitting door handles, elegant alloy wheels, a massive wheelbase of 112.4 in (2855 mm), a sleek chrome side body skirting and a sloping roof emerging into the sensuous tailgate with an integrated spoiler. The tail section is highlighted by sleek curved split LED taillights and massive diffusers for added aerodynamic efficiency. The i4 is every bit of BMW that we have come to expect even in the first-ever all-electric Gran Coupe iteration. You might also like: 2022 Kia EV6 Light vs Wind vs GT-Line – Specs and Price Comparison 2022 BMW i4 – Interior and Features The inside of the BMW i4 is all that you would expect from a luxury electric car. As usual, the orientation of the dashboard and centre console is toward the driver. The features list is a long one with the prominent ones being a 14.9-inch Infotainment Display, a curved 12.3-inch Driver’s Instrument Cluster, Wireless Smartphone Connectivity, Over-the-Top Updates, BMW ConnectedDrive® Services, Perforated Sensatec Upholstery, High Gloss Trim, Panoramic Sunroof, Premium HiFi Sound System with a 205-Watt digital amplifier and much more. 2022 BMW i4 – Prices The 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40 starts at $56,250, while the performance M50 starts at $70,200 excluding the destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration. There are additional federal tax benefits that could be availed of on the EV.

Tesla Battery (4680) vs BYD Blade Battery – Comparison

6 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

The Tesla 4680 battery and BYD Blade battery are two of the most technologically advanced options for EVs out there and various carmakers around the world use these. Tesla 4680 and BYD Blade battery are competing to outperform each other with distinctive features. The electric car scenario is playing out quite aggressively across the globe. Tesla is the biggest auto giant in the space, while the BYD is an upcoming worthy Chinese competitor. Tesla might have taken a lead in comparison to everyone, but the EV market is still in its nascent stage and there are myriad modern players and startups coming up. Not to mention, the traditional carmakers have been relentlessly working to upgrade themselves to adopt the inevitable. In this post, we shall take a deep dive into the comparison between Tesla’s battery (the upcoming 4680) and BYD’s popular Blade battery. You might also like: Is Electric Car Battery Safe, Fireproof, Waterproof and Short Circuit Proof? Tesla Battery (4680) Tesla is currently using NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminium) battery chemistry to power its range of products in North America. The battery cells are being produced by Panasonic in Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada. However, to keep the costs in check and reduce the use of Cobalt and Nickel, it is planning to switch to LFP (Lithium-Iron (Ferrous)-Phosphate) chemistry that powers Teslas in the Chinese, European and Asian markets already. There are quite a few benefits associated with LFP batteries. Benefits of using LFP Batteries This includes things like being much safer in terms of stability and explosiveness, reduction in the use of Cobalt and Nickel that are generally produced unethically, having environmental issues for being less recycle-friendly, and being much cheaper than the NCA or NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt), no issues with overcharging even in the long run. Cons of LFP Batteries The only downside is the less energy density. This translates to a lower range even with the same weight and packaging specifications. But Tesla has been infamous for changing the prices of its products in the U.S. frequently. Switching to LPF batteries would ensure better profit margins for the company. You might also like: What Is Vehicle To Load (V2L) & Which EVs Have This Feature? Tesla 4680 Battery Cells Back in 2020, Tesla had also announced a unique technology known as the 4680 battery cells. 4680 is derived from the dimensions of the cells; 46 mm x 80 mm. These dimensions are larger than the 2170 cells that Tesla uses in its vehicles currently. However, the upgradation to the beefier battery cells will bring additional benefits including a 16% increase in range, 5x more energy capacity, and a 14% reduction in cost per kWh. While these may be tall claims, the implementation is rather complicated. It was announced back in 2020 but the production hurdles and other issues have prevented it from actually being present in the cars today. We shall have to wait a bit longer to experience the 4680 battery cells in production cars. BYD Blade Battery The Chinese EV giant, BYD has stormed into the market with a ton of impressive products already, beginning to capture the international markets. EVs like BYD Han and Tang are already establishing a loyal customer base for themselves in the international markets. However, BYD’s Blade battery has gained tremendous traction from industry experts and customers alike. The Blade battery also uses the LFP chemistry but there are some unique and trademark features that set it apart from the regular LFP batteries that most manufacturers use. Features of BYD Batteries BYD implements its 26 years of experience in battery development to come up with this innovative technology. It has been using the Blade battery in its electric cars since last year (2021). The cells of this battery are large in size having a higher capacity than the regular cells. LFP cells, in general, don’t produce oxygen as the by-product of the reaction making them much safer and fireproof. The battery cells are arranged in such a way that it creates a mechanical disconnect between the cells so that even in case of an emergency or unfortunate scenario, the cells don’t propagate fire. There is no need to create modules for cells making the battery packaging efficient. Nail Penetration Test A significant testament to the safety of the Blade battery could be established using the Nail Penetration Test, which is the standard test to determine to quality, safety and strength of a battery. As the name suggests, a nail is penetrated through the surface of the battery. In this test, it was recorded that the battery neither emitted neither smoke, nor fire, and the surface temperature only reached 30 to 60-degree Celsius. The regular LFP battery, in the same test, reached temperatures upto 200 to 400-degree Celsius but didn’t catch fire. Under extreme test conditions, like being crushed, bent, heated in a furnace at 300-degree Celsius and overcharge by 260%, didn’t cause the battery to catch fire. Many major carmakers in the world are approaching BYD to use the Blade Battery in their cars to enjoy the price benefits associated with it. More importantly, the safety and recycling nature of these cells makes it an enticing proposition for the mass-market entry-level electric cars in various global markets. Hence, Tesla and BYD Blade battery setups make for an enticing proposition with distinct pros and cons. You might also like: Are Electric Car Chargers Universal – Types of Chargers

What Is Vehicle To Load (V2L) & Which EVs Have This Feature?

21 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

The latest EVs come equipped with Vehicle To Load (V2L) technology which could be a crucial factor to consider before buying an electric car. As a result of the relentless innovation with modern EVs, a feature like Vehicle To Load (V2L) is becoming quite prevalent and necessary. The industry experts and potential customers alike are constantly struggling with the range anxiety associated with electric cars. However, the V2L function deals with, essentially, the opposite end of the spectrum in that it allows external appliances to get charged with your EV as the power source. You might also like: Are Electric Car Chargers Universal – Types of Chargers What is Vehicle To Load (V2L)? V2L represents the bidirectional electric power flow using the battery of the EV. While it stores the energy that is supplied to it while charging, the V2L feature allows it to discharge it using an adapter to power external appliances like a mini-fridge, smartphone, laptops, electric water kettle, etc. In its future applications, the adapters and EVs with high power output capabilities can even power entire households. This is termed as Vehicle To Home (V2H). The software of some EVs support this feature which allows the DC power to get converted into AC power and used in external appliances. These adapters are capable of outputting 2.3 kW to 3.6 kW. You need to make sure that your EV comes with the adapter to utilize the V2L function. In some EVs, one is required to buy this adapter separately. You might also like: Is Electric Car Battery Safe, Fireproof, Waterproof and Short Circuit Proof? Applications of V2L A common environment where something like the V2L technology would certainly find massive application is on camping trips. People travel to remote areas for weekend getaways. In such scenarios where you are a bit far away from the civilisation, you could use your EV to power lights, chargers, speakers, coffee makers, etc. EVs have the build-in feature to stop charging external appliances if the battery gets below 20% to ensure that you get back comfortably. Most importantly, V2L could be used to power another EV that might be, unfortunately, stranded on the road for any reason. If someone runs out of range and the nearest charging station is just a few miles away, an EV with V2L can jack up the stranded vehicle to lend it a few miles to get to safety. Arguably, this could also be a major application of this feature. You might also like: Electric Car vs Gas Car – Why To Upgrade? Which EVs Have V2L Feature? There are not too many EVs in the market at the moment that come with this feature. MG ZS EV is one such car that is quite popular in the UK. For the U.S. market, the Korean car marquees, Hyundai and Kia offer the V2L feature in their respective EVs, the Ioniq 5 and EV6. The EGMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) supports V2L and the future products spawning out of it would definitely feature it. This platform also underpins the other brands under Hyundai Motor Group like Kia and Genesis. The upcoming Ford F-150 Lightning could also come equipped with this feature as it is a lifestyle pickup truck which is often involved in activities like towing and camping excursions. Something like V2L or V2H (in future) ought to come naturally to the iconic pickup trucks that are about to go electric.

2022 Ford Mustang Mach E – Range, Specs, Models, Prices

11 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

The latest electric Mustang comes with a wide variety of models and attractive prices. The latest edition of the Ford electric Mustang SUV, the 2022 Mach E comes with a plethora of trims (varying range & prices) to suit the need of every customer. For the people looking for maximum range, exhilarating performance, or an affordable muscle SUV, Ford has you covered. You will find the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E summarised below. You might also like: 2022 Kia EV6 Light vs Wind vs GT-Line – Specs and Price Comparison 2022 Mustang Mach E – Models & Prices The Mach E comes in 4 trims levels; Select, Premium, California Route 1 and GT. The prices of these models are presented in the table below. Mustang Mach E Trim Price Select $ 43,895 Premium $ 49,100 California Route 1 $ 52,775 GT $ 61,995 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E Prices All these prices are MSRP and an additional $7,500 federal tax benefits are available on all these models. Specs and Range Select: The most affordable trim of the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E comes with a sole 70 kWh battery with an EPA-estimated range of 247 miles in the RWD version and 224 miles in the eAWD version. The electric motor produces 266 hp (198 kW) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) in RWD and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) in eAWD. The 0-60 mph comes up in 5.8 secs (RWD) and 5.2 secs (eAWD). Premium: The popular Premium model comes with the option of choosing between either a 70 kWh or a 91 kWh battery pack. The EPA-estimated range in the Standard Range version with a smaller battery is 247 miles (RWD) and 224 miles (eAWD). The bigger battery powers the Extended Range version with an EPA-estimated range of 303 miles (RWD) and 277 miles (eAWD). The power output with the 70 kWh battery remains the same as the Select variant, the output in the Extended Range version with the bigger battery pack is 290 hp (216 kW) for RWD and 346 hp (258 kW) for eAWD while the torque output remains the same as the Select trim. You might also like: Are Electric Car Chargers Universal – Types of Chargers California Route 1: This variant of the Mach E comes with a sole 91 kWh battery pack with an EPA-estimated range of 314 miles (RWD) and 312 miles (eAWD). For people looking for maximum range, this trim is best suited. The peak power and torque outputs stand at 290 hp (216 kW) for RWD and 346 hp (258 kW) for eAWD and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) for RWD and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) for eAWD. The 0-60 mph comes up in 6.1 secs (RWD) and 4.8 secs (eAWD). GT & GT Performance Edition: For enthusiasts, these variants make sense. It is powered by a 91 kWh battery pack with an EPA-estimated range of 270 miles (GT) and 260 miles (GT P). The power output stands at a colossal 480 hp (358 kW) and the torque produced is 600 lb-ft (813 Nm) for GT and 634 lb-ft (860 Nm) for GT P. The 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in a mere 3.5 secs (GT P) and 3.8 secs (GT). Out of these attractive options for range, prices and powertrains for the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach E, you will definitely find the one that suits your needs the best.

Electric Car vs Gas Car – Why To Upgrade?

7 Comments / Featured, Hybrid / By LEC Team

With people beginning to experience the electric car revolution around them, the natural question is a comparison with the traditional gas cars. The electric car vs gas car debate comes naturally if you are even remotely privy to the latest developments around yourself in the global automobile industry. Electric cars are here and for good. There is almost nothing left in the development of an internal combustion engine to make them comply with the ever-stringent becoming emission regulations in every part of the world. The future, that people used to associate electric cars with, is here. Are you ready to upgrade? You might also like: Are Electric Car Chargers Universal – Types of Chargers Electric vs Gas Cars Gas cars have been around for over a century. The steam engine and later on, fuel in the form of petrol and diesel were the sources for generating power in gas cars. Electric cars, on the contrary, receive power from a battery that is generally placed under the floor of the vehicle. It supplied power to the electric motor, in turn powering the wheels. This is the basic difference of how the power is generated in both these types of cars. Emissions Difference The traditional fuels are derived from natural resources where petrol and diesel burn to produce energy. This leaves a large chunk of carbon in the form of exhaust emissions. Internal combustion engines (ICE) are only around 25-30% (petrol) and 30-40% (diesel) efficient. This naturally means that the majority of the energy produced by ICE-power cars goes waste and causes pollution. To tackle this, electrification was introduced. With electric vehicles, there is no fuel involved and no emissions. However, it must be understood that the carbon emissions required to produce electricity and batteries need to be taken into consideration which is referred to as source-to-tank. There are emissions involved in this process. But at the end of the day, companies are working on developing recyclable battery packs with less use of toxic metals in the composition of cells. Also, electricity is being produced by renewable sources like windmills, solar energy and hydro energy. You might also like: Is Electric Car Battery Safe, Fireproof, Waterproof and Short Circuit Proof? Price Difference While the technological feasibility is for the OEMs to take care of, the cost of the final product is what the regal people are concerned with. All zero-emissions narratives and carbon neutrality targets mean nothing if people are not able to afford electric cars. In this aspect, the EV version of a regular car costs around over 50% more for the same car model. This is a huge mark-up for the customers to bear. As with every technology, the costs associated with it come down when the volumes go up. As far as the EV space is concerned, we are still at a relatively nascent stage. There needs to be a lot of work done to improve battery manufacturing and capacity, charging infrastructure, EV manufacturing costs, etc. for electrified cars to become a mass market. But the governments across the world are offering incentives and benefits to promote EV adoption. On the other end of the spectrum, the auto manufacturers have come up with aggressive and ambitious plans to quit manufacturing ICE-powered vehicles by the end of the decade. Hence, you must get ready to embrace this EV wave that seems to be inevitable. These are some points to be considered in this electric car vs gas car debate.

Are Electric Car Chargers Universal – Types of Chargers

15 Comments / Featured / By LEC Team

The common query among the potential electric car buyers is what are the types of chargers and whether or not they are universal. This article explains, in detail, the types of electric car chargers and a whether or not they are universal in their application. Electric cars are all the buzz at the moment. Every major traditional carmaker is amidst the transition from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains while there are a plethora of new players/startups emerging in the space that are born electric. Within this decade, we are likely to witness a historic and almost complete metamorphosis into environment-friendly mobility solutions. You might also like: Is Electric Car Battery Safe, Fireproof, Waterproof and Short Circuit Proof? These electric cars will use various kinds of chargers depending on the kind of segment they lie in. Here are the types of chargers and their plugs that are found in major EVs. Types of Electric Car Chargers Level 1 (120V – AC Charging) – This is the basic charging infrastructure that everyone has in their homes. This simple AC charging method takes the longest time since the AC power gets converted into DC power first. The charging capacity for such kinds of chargers could be upto 3 kW. It will take the longest (upto 15 hours or even more) to charge your electric car. Typical applications include home charging overnight. Level 2 (240V – AC Charging) – Most of the public charging stations have this setup where the charging capacity could be as high as around 7 kW. Many EVs above the entry-level segment come with onboard 7 kW charging equipment. Such setups could be found in parking lots of big companies, public charging stations, etc. Level 3 (upto 480V – DC Fast/Rapid Charging) – Modern mid-to-high-end electric cars come with the option of DC fast charging that supports upto 350 kW capacity. Such kind of setup typically charges the batteries of vehicles in mere minutes. However, the hardware required for this must be bought separately. Many new car companies are working on an 800V charging infrastructure as well. Type of Charger Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Architecture up to 120 V up to 240 V up to 800 V Capacity up to 3 kW up to 7 kW up to 350 kW Most Common Location Home Parking Lots (Public) Public Charging Stations Types of Plugs Equally relevant to the charging equipment are the types of plugs used in electric cars. Here are the types of plugs compatible with various chargers. Type 1 Plug – Most of the 3-pin sockets (single-phase) that are found in homes across various countries of the world refer to as Type 1 plugs. These support the Level 1 and Level 2 chargers with a capacity of upto 7 kW. Type 2 Plug – The three-phase plugs are found in the charging equipment that has charging capacities of around 40 kW in public places. Domestic usage of around 22 kW charging capacity is also supported by these Type 2 plugs. Most of the EVs of the world used either Type 1 or Type 2 plugs only. Type 3 Plug – Now, there are a couple of plugs that fall under this category and are used in DC fast charging scenarios. The most common and increasingly used Type 3 plug is the CCS (Combined Charging System) that has combines the 2-pin plug with the standard 3-pin plug. The 5-pin setup allows for the rapid charging of upto 170 kW. The other not-so-common CHAdeMO type of plugs have a 10-pin setup but are only used by a handful of brands like Nissan and Mitsubishi. While the chargers of electric cars are generally universal, the plugs used for DC fast charging could be manufacturer-specific.

2022 Kia EV6 Light vs Wind vs GT-Line – Specs and Price Comparison

12 Comments / EV News / By LEC Team

Kia EV6 comes with a varied combination of battery and powertrain combination with a broad range of prices to suit everyone’s needs. With so many variants to choose from, we bring a specs and prices comparison of the Kia EV6. Touted widely as one of the best all-rounder electric cars around, the Kia EV6 has everything going for it. Kia has been among the front runners in the EV space and the strategy and plans to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of the decade are well laid out. With the backing of its parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, the ingredients are all there. The EV6 has generated quite a buzz ever since the launch and we compare the three trims of the electric crossover, Light, Wind and GT-Line in terms of specs and price. You might also like: Is Electric Car Battery Safe, Fireproof, Waterproof and Short Circuit Proof? 2022 Kia EV6 Light vs Wind vs GT-Line – Specs Comparison The base Light trim of the EV6 carries a 58 kWh Li-Ion Polymer (LIPO) battery that powers the AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet electric motor at the rear wheels to produce 167 hp (125 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of peak power and torque respectively. The EPA rated drive range is 232 miles (373 km) with a top speed of 115 mph (185 kmph). The 0-60 mph sprint comes up in 8 seconds. Variant Light Wind & GT-Line (2WD) GT-Line (4WD) Battery 58 kWh 77.4 kWh 77.4 kWh Power 125 kW (167 hp) 168 kW (225 hp) 239 kW (320 hp) Torque 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) 446 lb-ft (605 Nm) Range 232 miles (373 km) 310 miles (499 km) 274 miles (441 km) Acceleration (0-60 mph) 8 secs 7.2 secs 5.1 secs The Kia EV6 mid-trim (Wind) and top-trim (GT-Line) come with a 77.4 kWh high-density Li-Ion Polymer (LIPO) battery that feeds the AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet electric motor mounted at the rear wheels to produce 225 hp (168 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of peak power and torque respectively, with an EPA rated range of 310 miles (499 km). The 0-60 mph acceleration time is 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 115 mph (185 kmph). The 77.4 kWh battery powers the dual-motor setup in the e-AWD version with a combined output of 320 hp (239 kW) and 446 lb-ft (605 Nm) of peak power and torque respectively with an EPA rated range of 274 miles (441 km). Taking advantage of modern technology, the Kia EV6 boasts of the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function where the EV could act as the source to power external electronic appliances too. The 0-60 mph sprint takes a mere 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 117 mph (188 mph). The 11 kW AC charger takes 7 hours and 10 minutes to charge the battery completely, whereas the 350 kW DC fast charger is capable of filling the battery in brisk 18 minutes. 2022 Kia EV6 Wind vs GT-Line – Price Comparison While the base trim (Light) of the EV6 starts at $40,900, the mid Wind trim starts at $47,000 and the top GT-Line starts at $51,200. It must be noted that the Kia EV6 is available with federal tax benefits of upto $7,500 at the aforementioned prices making the proportion enticing indeed. These prices are excluding the destination charges of $1,215. Kia EV6 Variants Price EV6 Light (RWD) $ 40,900 EV6 Wind (RWD) $ 47,000 EV6 Wind (AWD) $ 50,900 EV6 GT-Line (RWD) $ 51,200 EV6 GT-Line (AWD) $ 55,900 Verdict While the Wind and GT-Line trims of the Kia EV6 have similar specifications, the slight premium would get you a few extra goodies in terms of styling that will be visible on the inside and the outside. The GT-Line is designed in a bit sporty manner compared to the regular Wind variant. If you are looking for an aesthetically sporty EV, the GT-Line is for you. Otherwise, it is advised to save $4,000 by going for the Wind trim.

Is Electric Car Battery Safe, Fireproof, Waterproof and Short Circuit Proof?

15 Comments / Battery / By LEC Team

The electric car battery is the most crucial component of any EV and hence, its safe, fireproof, waterproof and short circuit proof nature needs to be ascertained. How safe, fireproof, waterproof and short circuit proof is the battery of your electric car? Well, it is a pressing issue that a ton of potential electric car buyers struggle with. And it is a valid concern too. With the immediate future of mobility belonging to electric cars alone, one must be aware of the strength and behaviour of batteries to establish a smooth ownership experience of an electric car. Is Your Electric Car Battery Safe, Fireproof, Waterproof and Short Circuit Proof? While the battery technology in automobiles may be new, the R&D by the giant automakers regarding every single aspect of a vehicle is not. Hence, they have taken into consideration all the aspects of battery usage. This includes rigorous and thorough testing under all weather conditions, across various terrains, in different driving and traffic conditions, in battery charging scenarios, etc. While designing the battery, the strength is taken into account. The placement of the battery is also done in such a way that during unfortunate incidents, it doesn’t get destroyed hurting the passengers. There is an imminent danger of a short circuit since a battery is nothing but a group of cells placed together. But there are fireproof materials placed between the cells to prevent that from happening. Also, the battery pack is concealed in a fireproof and waterproof cover/module. On the outside where the charging socket of a car is located, the charging doesn’t begin until a few internal tests have been done to ensure that no water, moisture or dirt is detected in the socket or the charger. Once it is established that everything is in order, the charging of a car commences. Such basic procedure has been followed extensively by all carmakers. Nail Penetration Test The nail penetration test is done to stimulate an internal short circuit in the battery of an electric vehicle. It measures the temperature rise within the battery when a nail is penetrated through the battery surface, simulating damage in the event of deformation due to a crash. Batteries that pass that test prove that even in case of emergencies, the battery will not explode. Just like the safety ratings of a regular car, this test is the benchmark to rate the safety of the battery pack of an EV. With time, more such tests will become standardised to ensure homologation and road legality. With the constant advancement and research in battery technology, things are only bound to improve further. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of new materials, techniques, and processes that would come up as every automaker shifts toward electrification. Then we would witness even more modern solutions to battery-related issues. So, to answer the question, the batteries in EVs ARE waterproof, fireproof, short circuit proof and safe.

LEC Team

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