All posts by Trevor Larkum

Tesla Motors Adds Range Assurance and Trip Planner

April 22, 2015Electric Cars, Model S, News, Reviews and Comment, TeslaTrevor Larkum

[From 19 March 2015]

As promised by Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk on Sunday, the Californian automaker has just revealed a new over-the-air software update for owners of its Model S luxury electric car which it hopes to push to all customers in around ten day’s time. What’s more, it includes two brand new features which Tesla hopes will not only tackle the real spectre of range anxiety among first-time owners but also make it ‘impossible’ for a Tesla Model S owner to run out of charge in their car without intentionally setting out to do so.

These two features, called Range Assurance and Trip Planner, make use of the wireless Internet connection built into every Tesla Model S, along with Tesla’s integrated network of super-fast Supercharger stations.

Other features included in the 6.2 updates include mainly improvements to accelerator and brake mappings, but also mark the inclusion of a Valet Mode and improved top speed for owners of Tesla’s latest car, the Tesla Model S P85D, as well as the switching on of active safety features such as automatic safety braking, side collision warning system and blind spot warning system.

Population controls ‘will not solve environment issues’

April 22, 2015Energy and Climate Change, News, Reviews and CommentTrevor Larkum

Restricting population growth will not solve global issues of sustainability in the short term, new research says.

A worldwide one-child policy would mean the number of people in 2100 remained around current levels, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Even a catastrophic event that killed billions of people would have little effect on the overall impact, it said.

There may be 12 billion humans on Earth by 2100, latest projections suggest.

Concerns about the impact of people on the planet’s resources have been growing, especially if the population continues to increase.

‘Can’t stop it’

The authors of this new study said roughly 14% of all the people who ever existed were alive today.

These growing numbers mean a greater impact on the environment than ever, with worries about the conversion of forests for agriculture, the rise of urbanisation, the pressure on species, pollution, and climate change.

The picture is complicated by the fact that while the overall figures have been growing, the world’s per-capita fertility has been declining for several decades.

The impact on the environment has increased substantially, however, because of rising affluence and consumption rates.

Many experts have argued the best way of tackling this impact is to facilitate a rapid transition to much lower fertility rates.

To work out the impact on population, the team constructed nine different scenarios for population change up to the year 2100, using data from the World Health Organization, and the US Census Bureau’s international database.

They also used “catastrophe scenarios” to simulate the impacts of climate disruption, wars or global pandemics on population trends.

According to the study, attempts to curb our population as a short-term fix will not work.

If China’s much criticised one-child policy was implemented worldwide, the Earth’s population in 2100 would still be between five and 10 billion, it says.

Hidden benefits of electric vehicles revealed

April 22, 2015Electric Cars, Energy and Climate Change, News, Reviews and CommentTrevor Larkum

Electric vehicles are cool, research shows. Literally. A study in this week’s Scientific Reports by researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) and in China add more fuel to the already hot debate about whether electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly than conventional vehicles by uncovering two hidden benefits.

They show that the cool factor is real – in that electric vehicles emit significantly less heat. That difference could mitigate the urban heat island effect, the phenomenon that helps turn big cities like Beijing into pressure cookers in warm months.

Moreover, the cooling resulting from replacing all gas-powered vehicles with electric vehicles could mean city dwellers needing less air conditioning, another environmental win.

“It’s easy not to see the big picture on issues like electric cars and global warming, but when we look with a holistic approach, we find these unexpected connections,”

said co-author Jianguo “Jack” Liu, who holds the Rachel Carson Chair in Sustainability at MSU and is director of the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (CSIS).

“Heat waves kill, and in terms of climate change, even one degree can make a difference.”

The research was led by Professor Canbing Li of Hunan University in Changsha, China, who was a visiting scholar at CSIS. The electric vehicles’ benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions are countered by the expense and pollution from producing the vehicles, leading to debate on whether they are the best replacement for conventional vehicles.

In the paper, Li and his colleagues take a wider view to find new positives for plug-ins. Conventional vehicles and air conditioners are the two biggest contributors to the heat island intensity – the difference between urban temperatures and the cooler temperatures of rural areas. In that arena, electric vehicles are cooler – giving off only about 20 percent of the heat a gas vehicle emits.

The researchers used Beijing in summer of 2012 to calculate that switching vehicles from gas to electricity could reduce the heat island intensity by nearly 1 degree Celsius. That would have saved Beijing 14.4 million kilowatt hours and slashed carbon dioxide emissions by 11,779 tons per day, according to the paper “Hidden Benefits of Electric Vehicles for Addressing Climate Change.”

The authors caution that several factors can influence the urban heat island effect, not all of which were addressed in the study. For example, there are conflicting reports regarding the impact of reduced aerosol pollution on heat island intensity. These factors may need to be considered when weighing the benefits and disadvantages of replacing conventional vehicles with electric vehicles.

Climate change: UN backs fossil fuel divestment campaign

April 22, 2015Energy and Climate Change, News, Reviews and CommentTrevor Larkum

Framework convention on climate change says it shares aim for strong deal on fighting global warming at Paris summit

The UN organisation in charge of global climate change negotiations is backing the fast-growing campaign persuading investors to sell off their fossil fuel assets. It said it was lending its “moral authority” to the divestment campaign because it shared the ambition to get a strong deal to tackle global warming at a crunch UN summit in Paris in December.

“We support divestment as it sends a signal to companies, especially coal companies, that the age of ‘burn what you like, when you like’ cannot continue,”

said Nick Nuttall, the spokesman for the UN framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC).

The move is likely to be controversial as the economies of many nations at the negotiating table heavily rely on coal, oil and gas. In 2013, coal-reliant Poland hosted the UNFCCC summit and was castigated for arranging a global coal industry summit alongside. Now, the World Coal Association has criticised the UNFCCC’s decision to back divestment, saying it threatened investment in cleaner coal technologies.

Several analyses have shown that there are more fossil fuels in proven reserves than can be burned if catastrophic global warming is to be avoided, as world leaders have pledged. Divestment campaigners argue that the trillions of dollars companies continue to spend on exploration for even more fossil fuels is a danger to both the climate and investors’ capital.

“Everything we do is based on science and the science is pretty clear that we need a world with a lot less fossil fuels,” Nuttall told the Guardian. “We have lent our own moral authority as the UN to those groups or organisations who are divesting. We are saying ‘we support your aims and ambitions because they are fairly and squarely our ambition’, which is to get a good deal in Paris.”

Siemens delivers EV infrastructure packages in South Tyneside and Dorset

April 22, 2015Charging, Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentTrevor Larkum

[From December 2014]

Siemens is supplying and installing two electric vehicle (EV) rapid charging networks in South Tyneside and Dorset in early 2015.

The charging points will be connected to the Charge Your Car network and back office system as part of two complete EV packages with three years maintenance support provided by Siemens.

Funded by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), the network in South Tyneside will consist of 20 QC45 triple-outlet, rapid chargers.

In Poole and throughout Dorset, Siemens’ local field services team will be responsible for project management, installation and commissioning of 19 QC45 rapid chargers.

The project will be the first rapid charging network installed and operating with fully integrated bay sensors providing real-time detection of both the availability of bays and information for parking enforcement teams of any non-charging vehicles.

Siemens will also install two rapid charging points in Cirencester and Moreton-in-Marsh for Cotswold District Council (CDC) in 2015.

New rapid charging projects in Scotland include five new multi-standard chargers installed and commissioned for Scottish Borders Council and a further two new chargers in Stirling as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering a network of public charging points for electric vehicles across Scotland.

The scheme, which includes Transport Scotland grants through the Energy Saving Trust, will deliver charging points within every 50 miles on trunk roads and an integrated network will join electric vehicles with public transport.

The company’s largest EV project to date is also well underway in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire.

Source: Fleet News

Plug yourself in and enjoy the ride

April 22, 2015Electric Cars, Mitsubishi, News, Reviews and Comment, Outlander PHEVTrevor Larkum

The Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid SUV that gives Mitsubishi a real edge in this corner of the market.

We liked the Outlander diesel when we tried it recently but the PHEV uses very different mechanicals. This one features a 2.0-litre petrol engine and a pair of electric motors on each axle, giving all wheel drive and a combined power output in the region of 220bhp. So as you might imagine, it’s pretty sprightly when you bury the throttle, although Mitsubishi’s quoted sprint to 62mph of 11 seconds sounds strangely slow. Driven in full electric mode, you’ll feel the huge torque of the motors and be able to cruise at motorway speeds on electric power alone, although not for too far. Refinement is very good, even without the sound of an engine to drown out wind and tyre noise.

There’s a very handy feature included where you can request the battery holds a particular level of charge and you can also use the petrol engine as a generator, to drive battery power back up to 70% of its capacity. There is also a sophisticated five-level regenerative braking system that the driver can select using the wheel-mounted paddles or what you would otherwise take to be the gear lever.

You might well need to be the judge when it comes to the Outlander’s styling. We’re not fans of the beaky front end and slab sides but there will be some who doubtless feel that the sharp suit makes a welcome change to the usual cuddly Nissan Qashqais and Mazda CX-5s. The front and rear overhangs are quite long as well, so don’t be to tempted to go charging off road just because you’ve got drive going to each axle.

The cabin is very nicely executed. Mitsubishi is usually a company you can rely on for old-school hard grey plastics and mismatched fonts but this Outlander has clearly had some thought put into look and feel. Although you won’t think you’re in an Audi Q5, the Outlander offers plenty of soft-touch finishes and a clean, architectural fascia design. There’s a small increase in the vehicle’s weight due to the floor-mounted battery pack, a paltry reduction of 14-litres in boot space and rear legroom is a touch more pinched due to the raised floor height. The 577-litre boot is still more than adequate for most requirements and the luggage bay is well shaped.

Prices look very competitive, starting at just over £28,000 after subtraction of the government grant – so the same money as a conventional Outlander GX3 diesel auto. That’s for the entry-level GX3h version: there are also two other PHEV models, the GX4h costing about £33,000 and the top GX4hs costing about £35,000. Expect a decently high spec to come as standard across the range, with a tally that’ll run to dual-zone air-conditioning, power-folding mirrors, privacy glass, alloy wheels, cruise control, four powered windows, remote locking, seven airbags and stability control. Niceties include things like leather and dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, a parking camera and a high-end audio system, along with advanced safety systems including lane departure warning, radar cruise control and a collision mitigation system (which applies the brakes automatically if it senses an impending crash).

The official fuel consumption figure of 148mpg merely serves to remind us that we have an urgent need for a new European fuel consumption test which more closely mirrors everyday driving conditions.

Likewise, the 44g/km emissions figure the Outlander PHEV records won’t be something you’ll be managing day in, day out. As an exercise in taking advantage of a flawed testing procedure, it’s remarkable.

This plug-in hybrid can drive for over 32 miles on a full electric charge and can be fast charged to 80% in 30 minutes. This means that for some drivers, they’ll be able to pop the car on charge in the evening, do the commute and bring it home without using any petrol at all. Mitsubishi reckons that if you cover more than 100 miles between charges, the diesel is going to work out more cost-effective. Charge the Outlander PHEV more frequently and the numbers swing in its favour. Residual values ought to be strong, as the trade has quite taken to the Outlander and this plug-in hybrid is the first example of its type in the sector.

As long as you get on with the styling and don’t have a pressing need to seat seven people, we’ve got nothing but good things to say about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. It’s one of those rare vehicles that is massively better than you expect it to be. The calibration of the hybrid powertrain, the options it gives its driver and the sheer depth of engineering that’s apparent in the way it’s been built all point to a car that deserves all the acclaim it’s now getting.

Being first to market improves the chances of success. Being first with a product so strong that it will have many rivals going back to the drawing board ought to guarantee success. This one deserves a big stage.

Source: Aberdeen Press and Journal

Business Car Reviews Volkswagen e-Golf – Video

Here the Volkswagen e-Golf review is prepared by BusinessCar, who describes the German EV as being without unnecessary show.

According to the article, the electric version exudes all the usual Golf qualities in terms of cabin quality and classy understated looks.

85 kW of motor power is called reasonable, although the vehicle’s weight makes it less nimble than its petrol and diesel siblings.

BMW i3 Wins One More Car Of The Year Award

April 22, 2015BMW, Electric Cars, i3, News, Reviews and CommentTrevor Larkum

The awards just don’t stop coming for the BMW i3.

The latest, from Wheels Australia, is one more “Car of the Year” award for 2014.

BMW i3 Wins One More Award (Image: Wheels)

This adds to numerous awards the i3 has received over the past year and a half.

Deservedly so, the i3 is quickly becoming one of the most awarded electric cars of all time.

Source: Inside EVs

Dundee electric taxi fleet enters service

April 22, 2015Electric Cars, Electric Taxis, Leaf, News, Reviews and Comment, NissanTrevor Larkum

One of the UK’s largest electric taxi fleets has entered service for the first time in Dundee. The fleet of 30 electric Nissan LEAFs operated by 203020 Electric – part of the Tele Taxis Group – is now in 24-7 service in and around the City of Discovery.

Offering zero emissions mobility, the Nissan LEAFs will make a significant contribution to improving air quality in the city and will further enhance the city’s reputation as a leader in green transport.

And the significance of the occasion was emphasised when the historic first journey was taken by Derek Mackay MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Transport and the Islands, around City Square.

He was joined at an official launch event by executives from Transport Scotland, the Energy Saving Trust, Dundee City Council and Nissan – organisations that have all invested and advised on the project.

Transport Minister Mr Mackay said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to improving air quality in our towns and cities – that is why we have been delighted to support this ambitious project as part of our overall investment of £17 million in a range of ultra low emission vehicle initiatives over the past two years.

“Bold initiatives such as this offer a visible demonstration that this transformation is already happening and I am delighted to be able to experience these vehicles at first hand by taking a ride in one today.

“A journey in one of these taxis may well be the first encounter many members of the public will have with an electric vehicle, helping to raise awareness that there are viable alternatives to petrol and diesel cars.”

With 30 vehicles all entering service at the same time, it’s one of the UK’s single largest electric vehicle fleet deals. But the deal will soon become even bigger as Tele Taxis / 203020 Electric plans to replace its entire 60-vehicle fleet with more Nissan LEAFs and the larger Nissan e-NV200 Combi over the next 12 months.

The move will save Tele Taxis Group hundreds of thousands of pounds in fuel each year. The LEAF and e-NV200 costs from just two pence per mile to run.

The zero emission fleet will help Dundee's air quality — The zero emission fleet will help Dundee’s air quality

A bank of five rapid chargers, capable of charging a LEAF from zero to 80% in just 30 minutes has been installed at the taxi company’s HQ in Isla Street to keep the new fleet topped up and in constant service around the clock.

The chargers, funded by Transport Scotland’s ChargePlace Scotland project, are all available for public use and currently free to charge from.

David Young, owner of 203020 Electric, said:

“There are big financial benefits to operating a fleet of electric taxis but that is not the main driver behind our decision to go down this route.

“Dundee is a city with some of the worst air pollution in the country and this initiative puts us at the forefront of efforts to improve that. The environmental benefits of running these pure electric vehicles will make a real difference for the people of Dundee.”

Source: Newspress

Southern goes electric – car park users to plug in while they take the train

April 22, 2015Charging, Electric Cars, News, Reviews and CommentTrevor Larkum

As the trend for alternative fuels for cars continues to grow – particularly with electric vehicles, Southern is installing 50 Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCPs) in station car parks across the Southern network at a cost of £375,000 funded by the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV)as part of a South East-wide initiative to install more points to connect with the Energise network.

Sales of electric vehicles are on the increase and the provision of EVCPs at stations supports Southern’s strategy to encourage more sustainable travel. EVCPs at our stations will help electric vehicle drivers to complete a door to door sustainable journey and reduce their carbon footprint even further. Southern already has ECVPs at 10 stations with 13 more stations planned to have charging points over the next couple of months.

Southern’s Head of Environment, Sandra Norval said:

“We’re on target for installation of most of the 50 ECVPs by the end of March, with the final few to come soon after. Who knows – the installation of these charging points may even encourage more electric car sales. If that happens, everyone wins!”

…

EVCPs have been installed at:

Purley (two charging points)
South Croydon (one)
Coulsdon South (one)
Whyteleafe (one)
Norbury (one)
East Grinstead (three)
Dorking (four)
Redhill (three)
Eastbourne (three)
Brighton (three)

Planned for installation:

Three Bridges (five)
Horsham (two)
Ashtead (two)
Lingfield (two)
Crawley (three)
Crowborough (two)
Ham Street (one)
Hove (two)
Chichester (three)
Barnham (two)
Hassocks (two)
Arundel (one)
Rye (one)