LEC Team, Author at Learn Electric Cars

Tata Motors Unveil Avinya EV Concept Stepping Into Electric Future

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

21 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

28 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?

28 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?

17 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

28 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

27 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

23 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

16 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?

33 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.

LEC Team

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