Environmentally Friendly Car, We Can Save Earth (Electric&Hybrid CAR) #Part2

Chevrolet Bolt EV

The all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV is so cutting edge that it makes all other affordable electric vehicles seem irrelevant. Its impressive 238-mile EPA-certified driving range makes it usable as a daily driver, and its powerful and responsive electric motor provides plenty of fun along the way. At the same time, the Bolt EV is also a practical hatchback with a roomy rear seat and lots of cargo space. It may not look as cool as a Tesla, but the 10Best-winning Bolt EV is arguably a bigger step forward for autodom—for a fraction of the price.

a What's New For Chevrolet 2017 Version?

The Bolt EV is a completely new model for 2017. Don’t confuse it with the similarly named Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid with both an electric motor and a gasoline engine—and far less electric range.

Trims and Options We’d Choose .
The Bolt EV’s affordability is paramount in its appeal, so we’d keep it simple by sticking with the base LT model rather than the ritzier Premier. The LT comes standard with features such as:

• 10.2-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Proximity-key entry and push-button start
• Backup camera
• 4G LTE with mobile Wi-Fi

The Bolt EV LT offers two affordable option packages that we’d choose: the $555 Comfort and Convenience package (includes heated front seats and steering wheel) and the $495 Driver Confidence package (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors). We’d also add DC fast-charging capability for $750. All in, our well-equipped Bolt stickers for $39,295—a number that can be offset by a federal tax credit of $7500 available to electric-vehicle buyers. Some states offer additional rebates, tax credits, high-occupant-lane privileges, or other incentives to EV buyers as well. Here’s our explanation of how the EV tax credit works. 60 kWh Battery System Having more than 1.3 billion miles of EV experience from the Chevrolet Volt helped Bolt EV battery engineers and strategic partner LG Electronics to develop an all-new cell and battery pack to offer more than an estimated 200 miles of range. Battery system preliminary specifications include: 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. 288 lithium ion cells Five sections 10 modules 96 cell groups – three cells per group 960 lbs. (435 kg) total weight “You usually have a battery cell that delivers either the desired levels of energy or power, but not traditionally both. With this cell design and chemistry we were able to deliver a battery system with 160 kilowatts of peak power and 60 kilowatts hours of energy,” said Gregory Smith, Bolt EV battery pack engineering group manager. The battery uses active thermal conditioning, similar to the Chevrolet Volt, to keep the battery operating at its optimum temperature, which results in solid battery life performance. The Bolt EV battery will be covered by an 8-year/ 100,000 mile (whichever comes first) limited warranty. Inside the battery pack – which spans the entire floor, from the front foot well to back of the rear seat – is a new cell design and chemistry. The nickel-rich lithium-ion chemistry provides improved thermal operating performance over other chemistries, which requires a smaller active cooling system for more efficient packaging. The chemistry allows the Bolt EV to maintain peak performance in varying climates and driver demands. The cells are arranged in a “landscape” format and each measures in at only 3.9 ins. (100 mms) high and 13.1 ins. (338 mms) wide providing improved packaging underfloor. The lower profile cell design enabled the vehicle structure team to maximize interior space. The battery system is mated to a standard equipment 7.2 kW onboard charger for regular overnight charging from a 240-V wall box. A typical commute of 50 miles can be recharged in less than two hours. Bolt EV also features an optional DC Fast Charging system using the industry standard SAE Combo connector. Using DC Fast Charging, the Bolt EV battery can be charged up to 90 miles of range in 30 minutes. Outside temperatures may affect charging times. Regen System Provides One-Pedal Driving Regenerative braking has become more than just a tool to boost range, it’s also transformed into a feature that can provide an improved EV driving experience. The Bolt EV features a new regenerative braking system that has the ability to provide one pedal driving. “Interviews with EV enthusiasts indicated their desire for one pedal driving capability on the Bolt EV. One pedal operation boosts the thrill and uniqueness of EV driving,” Tavel said. Through a combination of increased regenerative deceleration and software controls, one pedal driving enables the vehicle to slow down and come to a complete stop without using the brake pedal in certain driving conditions. When operating the Bolt EV in “Low” mode, or by holding the Regen on Demand paddle located on the back of the steering wheel, the driver can bring the vehicle to a complete stop under most circumstances by simply lifting their foot off the accelerator, although the system does not relieve the need to use the brake pedal altogether. Operating the Bolt EV in “Drive” mode and not pulling the paddle while decelerating delivers a driving experience where usage of the brake pedal is required to stop.60 kWh Battery System
Having more than 1.3 billion miles of EV experience from the Chevrolet Volt helped Bolt EV battery engineers and strategic partner LG Electronics to develop an all-new cell and battery pack to offer more than an estimated 200 miles of range.

Battery system preliminary specifications include:

60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
288 lithium ion cells
Five sections
10 modules
96 cell groups – three cells per group
960 lbs. (435 kg) total weight
“You usually have a battery cell that delivers either the desired levels of energy or power, but not traditionally both.  With this cell design and chemistry we were able to deliver a battery system with 160 kilowatts of peak power and 60 kilowatts hours of energy,” said Gregory Smith, Bolt EV battery pack engineering group manager.

The battery uses active thermal conditioning, similar to the Chevrolet Volt, to keep the battery operating at its optimum temperature, which results in solid battery life performance.  The Bolt EV battery will be covered by an 8-year/ 100,000 mile (whichever comes first) limited warranty.

Inside the battery pack – which spans the entire floor, from the front foot well to back of the rear seat – is a new cell design and chemistry.  The nickel-rich lithium-ion chemistry provides improved thermal operating performance over other chemistries, which requires a smaller active cooling system for more efficient packaging.  The chemistry allows the Bolt EV to maintain peak performance in varying climates and driver demands.

The cells are arranged in a “landscape” format and each measures in at only 3.9 ins. (100 mms) high and 13.1 ins. (338 mms) wide providing improved packaging underfloor. The lower profile cell design enabled the vehicle structure team to maximize interior space.

The battery system is mated to a standard equipment 7.2 kW onboard charger for regular overnight charging from a 240-V wall box.  A typical commute of 50 miles can be recharged in less than two hours.  Bolt EV also features an optional DC Fast Charging system using the industry standard SAE Combo connector.  Using DC Fast Charging, the Bolt EV battery can be charged up to 90 miles of range in 30 minutes.  Outside temperatures may affect charging times.

Regen System Provides One-Pedal Driving
Regenerative braking has become more than just a tool to boost range, it’s also transformed into a feature that can provide an improved EV driving experience.  The Bolt EV features a new regenerative braking system that has the ability to provide one pedal driving.

“Interviews with EV enthusiasts indicated their desire for one pedal driving capability on the Bolt EV.  One pedal operation boosts the thrill and uniqueness of EV driving,” Tavel said.

Through a combination of increased regenerative deceleration and software controls, one pedal driving enables the vehicle to slow down and come to a complete stop without using the brake pedal in certain driving conditions.

When operating the Bolt EV in “Low” mode, or by holding the Regen on Demand paddle located on the back of the steering wheel, the driver can bring the vehicle to a complete stop under most circumstances by simply lifting their foot off the accelerator, although the system does not relieve the need to use the brake pedal altogether.

Operating the Bolt EV in “Drive” mode and not pulling the paddle while decelerating delivers a driving experience where usage of the brake pedal is required to stop.

Read More

Environmentally Friendly Car, We Can Save Earth (Electric&Hybrid CAR)

1. Tesla Model S
Price Range ($75,000 | $67,500)

The Tesla model S has a range of 270 miles (435 km), and this range makes all the difference.  The reason Tesla doesn’t currently have competition is because they managed to develop a high capacity (long range) battery. All other car manufacturers have not been able to do this and therefore stick with the hybrid system. Think about this, if the whole world is driving hybrid cars, we will still be burning fuel in our cars, how clean will the environment be then? The plugin-hybrid is still not good enough, full electric vehicles is the way to go. The Tesla Model S isn’t an electric car, but rather a car that is 100% powered by an electric drivetrain. The reason the previous statement holds is that the model S isn’t designed to look odd like other EVs. The model S looks just like another ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) car, but more beautifully designed.

There is so much to say about this car, if I miss anything at all you are interested in, kindly ask in the comments section. Everybody who loves technology should know about this vehicle because the car receives function/software updates OTA (Over the Air); and also everyone should know about it because it is an EV, we will all be driving an EV in the future. Thinking of a model S as a mobile phone isn’t fully accurate, think of it as the Google project Ara (http://www.projectara.com/); in that, apart from this car receiving updates over the air like a mobile phone (latest OTA update added automatic notification of nearby charging locations, trip planning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning and valet mode), you can swap the car’s improved hardware to transform a 2012 model into a 2015 model; yes the model S was first launched in 2012.

Everything about this car is extraordinary. As you approach your model S, the door handles extend from the body of the car to greet you so you can conveniently open the door. Upon closing the doors, the handles move back into the body of the car to improve the cars aerodynamics and drag coefficient. There is no push to start button, so for those of you who thought the push to start button technology could not be improved, well it has, how? It was removed. The inside of the car welcomes you with all screens turning on automatically, just switch your gear to drive, and go.

I am shaking as I write now, it will mean a lot to me if I got my hands on a Tesla model S. I really have too much to say about the car, I should probably blog that separately. As difficult as this is let me move onto the second and main reason I was inspired to write this post.

After my infatuation with this beauty and functionality I am convinced this car will survive here in Ghana or Africa for that matter, with proof. Ok not actual proof, because I do not have the actual car, but my aim is that this article helps someone decide to confidently drive an EV in Ghana.  

Electricity:

The most important feature about the model S that also makes it a very good option for Ghana is the range that a fully charged model S can achieve; depending on the trim (70D, 85D, P85D, P90D) you choose you can get between 225 miles (362 km) to 257 miles (413 km) of drive, then the hidden emergency range before the car comes to a complete stop. The range I have provided constitutes driving at 70 mph (113 kph), with the air conditioning on and an outside temperature of 43˚ on 19" wheels, bigger wheels will reduce range slightly. So I am obviously creating a worst case scenario here. The model S can achieve 300 miles (482 km) at 65 mph (105 kph) but let’s continue with the worst case scenario.

The biggest battery size the model S offers currently has 90 kWh capacity. It will cost you 37 Ghana Cedis (0.4121 * 90; http://www.ecgonline.info/index.php/customer-care/approved-tarrif) to fully charge this battery. So you will appreciate how much electricity you have in your model S (worst case 413 km), take note of the following;

Accra mall (Accra) to Breman (Kumasi) is 253 km

Accra mall (Accra) to Savelugu (Northern Region) is 633 km

So do the math. I did mine and my results are as follows; its 44 km from my home to work (community 25 in Tema to Adjuma Crescent in Kaneshie). This typically means that I will drive to and from work about 9 times, mind you I am still using worst case scenario range. 9 times means I will drive to and from work for 4 days, and to work on the 5th day before I will completely run out of electricity; all for 37 Ghana Cedis ($9 as at August 27, 2015). Using a wall connector designed by Tesla, on our 240 volt source, and also with the model S ability to double charge at once, right at home, you can transfer 58 miles (93 km) of range per hour of charge. In just over 4 hours the car is fully charged. Because of the car’s long range, there isn’t a constant need for electricity to charge it, forget the “dumsor” excuse.

Maintenance:

The model S unlike many cars people assume to be EV is a pure electric vehicle, this means that there is no internal combustion engine.

It is very true there isn’t a service center in Ghana, here is the fact; every car company with a service center in Ghana imports parts. Your concern then should be labor. YouTube together with your electrician will be a great way to ensure your part is properly fixed.

Note: I don’t feel nearly as confident about the order of this list as I did the 10 best hybrid cars list. In fact, I changed the order several times while writing it. Such is the challenge when evaluating and comparing all of these great options, which come in at very different price points.

Read More

A Car That Will Get A Lot Of Attention in 2017

Artega

Pabrikan asal Jerman ini menampilkan Scalo Superelletra, supercar yang digerakkan oleh motor listrik dan dapat menghasilkan 1.020 hp dan torsi 1.620 Nm dari motor listrik pada masing – masing roda. Akselerasi 0 -100 km/h ditempuh dalam 2,7 detik saja dan topspeed mencapai 300 km/h. Ngomong – ngomong soal mobil elektrik harus berbicara tentang jarak tempuh, mobil yang hanya diproduksi 50 buah ini sanggup berjalan hingga 500 km dalam sekali charge, lumayan juga.

 Aston Martin

Aston Martin juga memanfaatkan ajang GMS untuk mengenalkan divisi sport mereka yakni AMR. AMR nantinya akan memfokuskan diri pada teknologi terkini untuk menunjang Aston Martin yang lebih ‘sport’ lagi. Pada GMS AMR memamerkan Rapide AMR dan Vantage AMR Pro yang akan segera masuk jalur produksi. Upgrade yang dilakukan dilakukan pada sektor mesin, sasis, dan desain. Rapide AMR memiliki tenaga 600 PS dari mesin bensin V12 6.000 cc dan Aston Martin sendiri mengklaim bahwa mobil ini dapat menjadi mobil 4-pintu tercepat di dunia, hal itu mereka katakan karena topspeed-nya yang mencapai 210 mph atau setara dengan 338 km/jam.

Unlike the Rapide AMR, AMR Vantage Pro is not legal to drive on the highway. Vantage V8 engine that is capable of issuing a power of 507 PS. Alcantara leather and carbon fiber material use on both cars is common. AMR Vantage are specialized on roll cagecustom taken from Aston Martin Q. This car will be produced only seven pieces only while AMR Rapide will be produced as many as 210 pieces.

Furthermore, Aston Martin will also show Valkyrie formerly known as Red Bull AM-RB 001. This supercar uses a gasoline engine capacity of 6500 cc V12 of Cowsworth can afford to 900 hp. Power to Weight ratio reached 1: 1 is a scary thing for other supercar rivals. This car is faster than the F1 though, and again all was not alone - the eye as a result of power and lightness of the body, but also of the overflow from the grip of the car. Compressive force that can be generated down to 1.8 tons. 320 Nm.

Audi

A5 G-Tron, what the G-Tron? Is a technology from Audi for the machine to utilize the fuel gas. Audi has its own unique brand for its BBG, the Audi e-gas. BBG was created from the extraction H2 H2 from water that will be used as CNG, Audi e-gas can reduce emissions by 8% compared to normal combustion. G-tron will be contained in models A4 Avant and A5 Sportback. This car will wear a 2,000 cc TFSI engine that produces 168 hp and 270 Nm. What bedany with the Audi e-tron? In the e-tron machines will be coupled with an electric motor contained in the transmission, the work of the electric motor and the engine can be separately or together, while the on g-tron, the machine will be used for two types of different fuels, depending on the availability of fuel you , With the four gas tanks, the total volume of this car have as much as 19 kg and 25 liter fuel tank. With gas power this car can travel a distance of 500 km and when totalized with a conventional engine can reach 950 km.

Audi still not satisfied with the line of cars displayed on GMS this year. Audi RS5 Audi DTM displays are commonly used in the German touring car racing, the car is road-legal and has been adapted to current racing regulations. The engine carries 4.000cc V8 and capable of removing 500 hp. This car has a softer tire and the driving position is lower.

Read More

2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

The Shelby GT350 Mustang might be the most fun you can have for under 100 grand. Hell, it might be the most fun you can have in a car, period.

I don’t know how much of the sky-high redline is because of the flat-plane crankshaft stuffed inside the 5.2-liter V8, but I know it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that when this pony is rapping at 8,250 rpm it sounds like the world is coming to an end, and then you shift and do it again.

While the VooDoo V8 is cool, it isn’t the car’s only trick. This Track-Pack-equipped tester is all-sports car. The comfort we found inside the Ford Focus RS, Dodge Challenger Hellcat or that you’ll eventually find in the Camaro ZL1 isn’t there. There isn’t a massive infotainment system to keep you entertained on your daily commute -- just a small screen that lets you know what radio station you’re on. Sure, you can throw the tech package at the ’17s -- it was either tech or track but not both for ’16 -- and that might make sense long term, but it would almost kill the spirit of the car.

That being said, despite its spartan accoutrements, it is a well-done cabin. The heavily bolstered driver and passenger seats hold you tightly as you throw the car around, but are easily comfortable enough for daily use. The multifunction steering wheel lets you select the various drive modes with your right thumb via a small rocker switch. The LCD display between the tachometer and the speedometer is your central command for any gauge you’d want. I was most impressed with a cylinder-head temperature gauge. (Ed note: Nerd.) It’ll also let you customize how the shift light comes on and let you know what mode the shocks are in.

The suspension in track mode is probably one of the best I’ve experienced, but in sport mode on uneven expressways it’s still hilariously stiff. Even in normal, the dampers did a poor job dealing with the struggles of terrible roads, which might make the GT350 a questionable choice for long-haul road trips, but that’s fine. It’s not supposed to be a long hauler –- it’s supposed to be a road-course ripper.

The most frustrating part for me was the strange clutch feel. I prefer a heavier-than-normal clutch in a sports car, with lots of feedback through the pedal. This Mustang has a light clutch that becomes effortless at the end of its stroke. This might make sense for holding the clutch in while snail crawling through traffic, but it takes time to get used to. On releasing the clutch, there is a weird flat-spot feel when entering the friction zone, which can cause some accidental sideways slides while getting familiar.

Dollar for dollar, I’d take this over anything on the road right now. It might even be the best Mustang ever.

Read More

Best Drift Skill

Read More

CAR REVIEW 2017

Toyota Camry XLE

The Camry XLE is right for…

People who appreciate the virtues of a midsize sedan and want one that excels at them all. Camry is America’s No.1-selling car and the XLE is a compelling choice, the rare example of a top-of-the-line model that’s also the best value in the line.

Pros include…

The high ratings for quality, dependability, and comfort earned by every Camry. Resale value and safety ratings are strong, as well. To these assets, the XLE ladles on the amenities that make a car inviting to drive and easy to live with. It’s one of the dwindling number of midsize sedans still available with a V-6 engine as an alternative to a four-cylinder. And it comes standard with such upgrades as leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless cellphone charging, keyless entry with pushbutton start, and a newly upgraded version of Toyota’s Entune infotainment system with GPS navigation that operates through a smartphone application called Navigation Scout.

Cons include…

An image as an emotion-free transportation appliance. Indeed, every Camry emphasizes quietness and ride comfort over sporty road manners, although the luxury-flavored XLE has a handling-tuned counterpart, the XSE, that takes a stab at appealing to driving enthusiasts. Fuel-economy ratings are a little below the class average, at 27 mpg city-highway combined with the four-cylinder, 24 mpg combined with the V-6. And this 2012-2017 Camry design generation is being replaced for model-year 2018 by an all-new Camry with different styling and fresher technology.

It costs…

The same as the 2016 model. To entice buyers who might wait for the 2018 redesign, Toyota holds the line on prices for every 2017 Camry. Including the $835 destination fee, the XLE starts at $27,145 with the four-cylinder and $32,205 with the V-6. Those suggested retail prices are very competitive with those of top rivals, but ample dealer supply and generous factory incentives spell juicy discounts on Camrys. Pricing service Truecar says ‘17 XLEs sell for an average of 16 percent below base price. That’s double the discount Truecar reports for the similarly positioned Honda Accord EX-L.

The best options are… The only Camry models available with the Advanced Technology Package are the XLE and XSE and with it they earn coveted “Top Safety Pick+” status from the Insurance institute for Highway Safety. Smartly priced at $750, the package’s key component is front-collision-mitigating automatic emergency braking, but it also includes adaptive cruise control to maintain a set distance from traffic ahead and lane-departure alert. Blind-spot monitoring to warn of unseen vehicles in the next lane is $500 well spent. To option a four-cylinder XLE with some features standard with the V-6 you’ll need the $845 Convenience Package, which includes keyless entry with pushbutton start, and the $915 power moonroof.
The least essential options are… The V-6 is available only on the XLE and XSE and just 10 percent of buyers order it. With 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, the performance advantages over the four’s 178 horses and 170 pound-feet are evident. But the four’s capabilities are perfectly compatible with Camry’s role, and the V-6’s $5,060 premium is a little steep, even if it does come with additional equipment. Adding onboard navigation to the Entune infotainment suite costs $710 and includes a premium JBL audio system. Imbedding navigation lets you maintain GPS mapping in the absence of a cell signal. But Navigation Scout works well enough otherwise to make the point debatable.
The Camry XLE is better than the… Nissan Altima SL, which feels less polished and suffers poorer powertrain refinement; the Ford Fusion SE, which handles well but is less spacious; and the Hyundai Sonata Limited, which costs more and has even less precise steering.
 The Camry XLE is not as good as the… Honda Accord EX-L, which is the segment’s all-around gold standard; the Chevrolet Malibu 2LT, fully redesigned for 2016 and boasting a terrific turbocharged four-cylinder engine; and the Mazda 6 Grand Touring, a stylistic tour de force and the best handling car in the class.

Last, if the engine is quite nice as you wish, Let's drive....................

Read More

WRC teams want cancelled Rally China run as candidate event in '17

Multi-million pound losses caused by the cancellation of Rally China have moved World Rally Championship teams to request it runs only as a candidate event next season.

The FIA and WRC Promoter last week confirmed the cancellation of the event, which was due to be run next month, after Rally China organisers asked for it to be called off due to storm damage.

But in the wake of further speculation about the event's financial security, teams are asking the governing body to force China back to candidate status, in an effort to show it has the organisational and fiscal wherewithal to run a full WRC round.

"If there was not bad weather leading to the road damage, I think the event would have been cancelled due to the lack of the necessary budget," Chao Fei, a journalist for Chinese motoring website Auto Ifeng, told Autosport.

"The Chinese government can fix the roads within two days, but it is very difficult to find a sponsor to support motorsport in China.

"I think Rally China could not only rely on [event promoter] Le Sports. The real reason [for the cancellation] is that there was not the budget."

FIA rally director Jarmo Mahonen had heard such talk too, but said reports of damage had left him with no alternative.

"There have been many rumours," he said. "I am only interested in the facts.

"Straight away, we sent people to China, they reported the damage to the roads to me and there was nothing we could do.

"We were prepared to work with waivers, to stretch here and scratch there, but it wasn't possible. We had no option but to cancel."

Teams are still keen to visit China, but with losses ranging from £126,000 for private squad M-Sport to close to half a million for the factory teams, there is also a demand for assurances.

A candidate event was run last season, but it was met with a mixed response from teams.

"I think it needs a candidate rally," said Volkswagen's Jost Capito. "We are all aligned on that.

"If there's a candidate event, all of the teams will send one car - all the drivers will go and do the recce.

"But we can't have the events saying 'OK, we didn't run this year, but we will next'. We have to now really see the proof with a candidate event."

Capito added, however, that running the rally through the storm-ravaged area raised a moral question.

"If people in some of the villages are losing their houses, losing everything and they don't know how to continue their lives, I think it would be damaging for the World Rally Championship to go to China," he said.

Despite the cancellation of the event, teams are still being forced to send personnel to China to clean the long-haul containers out before they are shipped to Australia.

Read More