The first realistically usable electric car ?
31 January 2011 | 06:40 PM
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The first realistically usable electric car ?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...012105347.html
The volt uses petrol to charge a generator and keep going if you run out of battery and can't find a charging point. It means it can actually go further than 100 miles.
The volt uses petrol to charge a generator and keep going if you run out of battery and can't find a charging point. It means it can actually go further than 100 miles.
31 January 2011 | 07:34 PM
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I guess it seems perverse at first, a "petrol" engine driving a generator to power electric motors. I mean, do away with the middle man and just drive the wheels ... But if you think about it, all internal combustion engines are a compromise. They are most efficient at one speed, so most of the time they aren't .... If they are driving a generator then they can be set at the most efficient speed all of the time so they get the most 'mpg'.
We just need the cost of all the extra "gubbins" to fall so that the car cost is more in line with existing petrol/diesel models. And, more importantly for people to buy them on merit, to be able to exceed the mpg figures of a normal car. I've seen several out there that will do 70+mpg. The new 2-cylinder Fiat 500 springs to mind.
So, interesting technology but I won't be rushing out to be an early adopter.
Dave
We just need the cost of all the extra "gubbins" to fall so that the car cost is more in line with existing petrol/diesel models. And, more importantly for people to buy them on merit, to be able to exceed the mpg figures of a normal car. I've seen several out there that will do 70+mpg. The new 2-cylinder Fiat 500 springs to mind.
So, interesting technology but I won't be rushing out to be an early adopter.
Dave
02 February 2011 | 10:40 AM
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THe volts MPG is stated at 72.1, this is based on a combined figure of electric and petrol, under UK regulations I it would be a different figure accoring to here http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...mpg_in_us.html.
The volt is a way to fill in the gaps between petrol infrastructure and the switch over to electric, the advantage of electric is instant power and no gear box which should make it more efficient. The problem is low range, long charge times and no infrastructure to recharge on the move. Unless we manage to switch to non fossil fuel burning power generation the whole thing is a bit pointless.
I am strangley getting quite excited by electric cars now, loads of problems with them but plenty of solutions available as well.
The volt is a way to fill in the gaps between petrol infrastructure and the switch over to electric, the advantage of electric is instant power and no gear box which should make it more efficient. The problem is low range, long charge times and no infrastructure to recharge on the move. Unless we manage to switch to non fossil fuel burning power generation the whole thing is a bit pointless.
I am strangley getting quite excited by electric cars now, loads of problems with them but plenty of solutions available as well.
07 September 2020 | 11:23 PM
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I know What Car or something like that compared all the emmissions etc involved in making, and maintaining for its entire life, a Range Rover versus a Prius.....low and behold the RR was cleaner over its life.
08 September 2020 | 08:21 AM
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From: Api 500+bhp MD321T @91dB Probably SN's longest owner of an Impreza Turbo
Hybrid is a big con with very little battery range and the same pollution making engine running most of the time
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08 September 2020 | 09:12 AM
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From: Api 500+bhp MD321T @91dB Probably SN's longest owner of an Impreza Turbo
If you believe that the health of your children is of so little concern-carry on!
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08 September 2020 | 12:19 PM
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From: Overdosed on LCD
12 September 2020 | 08:30 AM
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From: Api 500+bhp MD321T @91dB Probably SN's longest owner of an Impreza Turbo
Was there a earth shattering development improvement in ICE in over 70 years since the mid 20th century?
No not really, all small refinements and a lot of emissions control added to make them less polluting to use.
You may not like Elon Musk, yes he's a bit of an ****. However you cannot deny that Tesla and his other companies are at the forefront of technology, kicking the pants of all legacy car manufacturers aswell national space agencies.
There is no other car manufacturer that has the complete EV package like Tesla. Range, performance, charging network and remote software updates.
12 September 2020 | 12:05 PM
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From: Api 500+bhp MD321T @91dB Probably SN's longest owner of an Impreza Turbo
It does, but dont let looks over-rule practical function. Unless you're an apple user. Then buy away. Its a small commuter vehicle, and should be used for that function.
Just to remimd you 95% of all daily car journeys are only 30 miles per day. We dont need long range for the odd occasion of visiting the seaside.
Just to remimd you 95% of all daily car journeys are only 30 miles per day. We dont need long range for the odd occasion of visiting the seaside.
14 September 2020 | 01:08 PM
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From: Friedrichshafen Germany/Preston UK
There are reports in the German press this weekend that you can connect an e-Golf to a Tesla Supercharger and charge for free 
Normally the Superchargers should only work with Teslas and an existing charging account set up for your car! I guess they will fix the bug pretty quickly, but in the meantime you can charge your Golf without an account!
Normally the Superchargers should only work with Teslas and an existing charging account set up for your car! I guess they will fix the bug pretty quickly, but in the meantime you can charge your Golf without an account!
14 September 2020 | 03:10 PM
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From: Api 500+bhp MD321T @91dB Probably SN's longest owner of an Impreza Turbo
its the latest iterations of Tesla superchargers with a bug- already flagged.
Gives the others a taste of seamless supercharger facility.
My Model S gets the update for CCS charging option tomorrow 😁
Gives the others a taste of seamless supercharger facility.
My Model S gets the update for CCS charging option tomorrow 😁
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