ElectriClub

Български електромобилен клуб

May 23, 2018

  • Reports of Bugs and Weak Braking Plague Tesla Model 3 превод на български
     

    Tesla Model 3

    Nearly a year since the Tesla Model 3 went into production, road-test reviews of the all-electric compact are revealing a rash of quality problems. The most damning of the bad news comes from Consumer Reports, which reported braking distances that were “far worse than any contemporary car,” and from Edmunds, the car shopping website, which wrote: “Sixteen weeks into ownership, we’ve had so many issues with our Model 3 that we started a Google Doc to catalog various warning messages, necessary screen resets, and general failures.”

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  • News: Tesla’s Model 3 Brakes Stop Consumer Reports Recommendation превод на български
     

    Seven-Feet Longer Stopping Distance Than a Ford F-150 Pickup

    Consumer Reports, the consumer product testing magazine, won’t recommend Tesla’s compact Model 3 because of the electric car’s long stopping distances and difficult-to-use controls.

    When the publication’s engineers tested the car at its test track, they found that it took longer on average to stop from 60 mph in an emergency than any contemporary car, even seven feet longer than a Ford F-150 pickup truck.

    Tesla Model 3

    Consumer Reports liked the Tesla Model 3, except the brakes and some interior features

    The magazine said that the car stopped shorter the first time (131 feet), similar to other small luxury cars such as the BMW 3-Series. The braking test is based on an industry-standard procedure designed by SAE International. Engineers got the car up to 60 mph, then slammed on the brakes until the car stopped. The process was repeated multiple times for consistent results and, between each test, the car was driven approximately a mile to cool the brakes.

    Consumer Reports even let the car’s brakes cool overnight and repeated the test. In addition, they borrowed a second Model 3 from a private owner to ensure it wasn’t just a problem with their car. The results were “almost identical,” said the magazine.

    This isn’t the first report of problems with the Model 3’s brakes. Earlier, Car and Driver magazine found a lot of variation in the car’s emergency stopping ability from 70 mph. One stop, Car and Driver’s editors noted, took “an interminable 196 feet.”

    Tesla’s Response

    First, a Tesla spokesperson told Consumer Reports that its own tests averaged a stopping distance of 133 feet and that results vary based on weather, tire temperature, brake conditioning, outside temperature and past driving behavior that could have affected the brake system.

    Then, on late Monday, CEO Elon Musk admitted there was a braking issue with the Model 3 sedan, pointed out by the magazine, and said it can be fixed with a firmware update that the electric car maker will roll out in a few days.

    “With further refinement, we can improve braking distance beyond initial specs. Tesla won’t stop until Model 3 has better braking than any remotely comparable car,’ Musk wrote in a tweet.

    Musk said Consumer Reports had an early production car and would ask the magazine to test a newer model.

    Other Observations

    The other major Consumer Reports complaint centered around the dashboard’s touchscreen, which the magazine says “forces drivers to take multiple steps to accomplish simple tasks,” such as adjusting the mirrors and changing the direction of air flow from the climate control system. Taking multiple steps for simple, frequently used controls can cause drivers to keep their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road for longer than they would otherwise.

    Tesla Model 3

    The Model 3’s all-controlling screen was not a hit

    The magazine’s editors also criticized the Model 3’s stiff ride, unsupportive rear seat, excessive wind noise at highway speeds and door handles that were “awkward and unnatural” to use.

    However, things weren’t all negative. Editors praised the Model 3’s “exhilarating acceleration” and impressive tested range of 350 miles on a charge with regenerative braking set on high.

    The publication’s auto test director, Jake Fisher, said that while the touchscreen and the rough ride were annoyances, the car could have been recommended if it weren’t for the problem in the emergency braking tests.

    Related Stories You Might Enjoy: Other Tesla News

    Flash Drive: Tesla Model 3 Long Range

    News: Tesla Semi & Roadster Surprise

    Personal: The Tesla Shopping Experience

    News: First Tesla Model 3 Deliveries

    The post News: Tesla’s Model 3 Brakes Stop Consumer Reports Recommendation appeared first on Clean Fleet Report.

May 22, 2018

May 21, 2018

May 20, 2018

  • Исландия превод на български
     

    И�ланди� е една от �траните � бързо приемане на електромобилите. И това не е, защото климатът � е най-подход�щи�т за ек�перименти � батерии, пробег и зареждане навън. 🙂 Малко �тати�тика: през 2014г. по пътищата в И�ланди� �а �е движили 90 електромобила. В момента �а 6 000. Както казва Jón Björn Skúlason от и�ланд�ката компани� New Energy, ко�то координира национални инициативи между правител�твото, инду�три�та и проучващи ин�титуции: “В началото хората б�ха �кептични, но �ега виждат електромобили на път� и разбират, че те �а тук, за да о�танат�.

    Този ра�теж в бро� на електромобилите �е дължи на активна правител�твена политика. �ищо изненадващо, нали? Имат �тимули: не плащат так�а при покупка на електромобил, не плащат годишен данък, не плащат ДДС (24% в И�ланди�), могат да паркират безплатно до 2 ча�а в центъра на Рейк�вик и дори имат облекчени� при зареждане. Това по�тав� �траната на второ м��то в �вета по д�л на продажби на електромобили (11,7% пазарен д�л за 2017г.) �лед �орвеги�, където близо в��ка трета продажба на кола е на електромобил.

    О�вен тези �тимули обаче, в И�ланди� имат и подход�щата нагла�а: 80% от енерги�та при т�х е от �об�твени възобнов�еми източници (хидро и геотермална енерги�). И�кат да преминат на 100% �об�твена енерги�, за да �а незави�ими от външни до�тавчици.

    Е�те�твено, работ�т и по о�игур�ване на зареждане, което при техните у�лови� е пълно � предизвикател�тва. ABB е изградила 20 бързи зар�дни �танции (може да презаредите за 15-30 минути) по лини� на най-гол�мата маги�трала в �траната Route 1. Т� е � дължина над 1300км и обикал� цели� о�тров. Температурите падат до под -30 граду�а, има много �ол, мор�ка мъгла, влага и – да не забрав�ме – бури. От �ВВ казват обаче, че у�п�ват да разрешат 60% от възникналите грешки, без да �е налага ходене на м��то чрез отдалеченото �и мониториране на зар�дните. Така компани�та може и да на�очва в реално време потребителите �и към работещи �танции. Съ� �игурно�т опитът, натрупан при тези у�лови�, ще е полезен и за други ме�та. � наличието на подход�ща инфра�труктурата е едно от у�лови�та за по-ле�но приемане на електромобилите.

    За да �и пред�тавите как е в И�ланди�, ето едно видео, от което направо пов�ва хлад: 🙂

    Според В�ичкоТок ние �ме почти като И�ланди�: имаме 16 DC (бързи) зар�дни и 84 AC зар�дни �танции. Звучи оптими�тично, нали?

May 19, 2018

May 18, 2018

May 17, 2018

  • Ikea Solar and EV Charging превод на български
     
    Yesterday was the Grand Opening of the Ikea Store in Oak Creek! Was I there for flat pack furniture or meatballs? Nope! Although I did try the meatballs… I was there to show support for their EV Charging stations, and nearly 5,000 solar panels on the roof of the store! This store is not particularly [...]
  • Comparison Test: 2018 Chevy Bolt & 2018 Nissan Leaf превод на български
     

    Two Popular, Affordable EVs Face Off

    The Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf are the two most popular BEVs that can be readily bought today.

    Clean Fleet Report has written extensively about these two cars, but have not compared them head-to-head. We wanted to look at the value of the two vehicles beyond the MSRP and provide additional data points to compare them. The categories that we have chosen provide clear-cut measurements and are based on our impressions from driving the cars, as well as available information from GM and Nissan.

    Both the Leaf and the Bolt have several trim levels and option packages. Since we are not comparing price but rather features, we will be comparing the top trim levels with all of the options that are available.

    Leaf vs. Bolt

    The Nissan Leaf weighs in with a major redo

    One question our readers may ask is: “Where is the Tesla Model 3?” While the Model 3 is a fine automobile, it isn’t included simply because unless you made a reservation years ago to buy one, it isn’t readily available for purchase today. The Bolt and Leaf, on the other hand, are available in all 50 states. When Tesla has cleared its backlog and has the Model 3 for purchase, we will add them to an update.

    Here is how the Bolt and the Leaf compare to each other in these main categories.

    Size

    Nissan Leaf

    EPA size class: Midsize car

    Wheelbase: 106.3 in.

    Track: front/rear: 60.6/61.2

    Overall length: 176.4 in.

    Overall width: 70.6 in

    Overall height: 61.4 in.

    Coefficient of drag: 0.280

    Weight: 3433 lbs.

    Chevy Bolt

    EPA size Class: Small Station Wagon

    Wheelbase: 102.4 in.

    Track: front/rear: 59.1/59.1 in

    Overall length: 164.0 in.

    Overall width: 69.5 in

    Overall height: 62.8 in.

    Coefficient of drag: 0.308

    Weight: 3563 lbs.

    The Bolt is a shorter, taller and narrower car than the Leaf. Because of the Bolt’s tall, narrow, squat shape, it is also less aerodynamic than the Leaf. The Bolt is also heavier mainly because of its battery size. The Leaf longer wheelbase makes for a better ride.

    Winner: Nissan Leaf

    Interior size comfort and seating

    Leaf vs. Bolt

    The Bolt goes further and faster

    Nissan Leaf

    Seating capacity: 5 passengers

    Front Headroom: 41.2 in.

    Front Legroom: 42.1 in.

    Hip Room: 51.7 in.

    Shoulder Room: 54.3 in.

    Rear Head room: 37.3

    Rear Leg room: 33.5 in.

    Rear Hip room: 50.0 in.

    Rear Shoulder room: 52.5 in.

    Chevy Bolt

    Seating capacity: 5 passengers

    Front Headroom: 39.7 in.

    Front Legroom: 41.6 in.

    Front Hip Room: 51.6 in.

    Front Shoulder Room: 54.6 in.

    Rear Head room: 37.9

    Rear Leg room: 36.5 in.

    Rear Hip room: 50.8 in.

    Rear Shoulder room: 52.8 in.

    The Leaf and the Bolt are very close in interior room, with the Bolt having a slight edge in rear seat room. The way that the Bolt achieves this is by having a very thin front seat back and narrow hard seat bottom. The rear seats are also very upright with thin seat bottoms. Combined with a very upright front seating position, this has been criticized by many reviewers.

    The Leaf’s slightly larger interior space has been used to accommodate larger more comfortable front and rear seats. These “Zero Gravity” seats are ergonomically designed to place minimum stress on the human body to optimize comfort on long drives.

    Winner: Nissan LEAF

     Cargo Volume

    Nissan Leaf

    2nd Row upright: 23.6 ft3

    2nd Row folded: 30.0 ft3

    Total Interior volume: 116.0 ft3

    Leaf vs. Bolt

    Storage is a wash between the two, although the high-cube Bolt wins with the back seat folded

    Chevy Bolt

    2nd Row upright: 16.9 ft3

    2nd Row folded: 56.6 ft3*

    Total Interior volume: 111.3ft3

    On the surface, it looks like the Leaf has a larger cargo capacity because its total interior volume is over 5 ft3 larger than the Bolt. With the seats up, the Leaf is the clear winner, but GM’s published specifications state that the Bolt has more cargo volume by 26 ft3 with its rear seats down than the Leaf. We have reached out to GM to clarify how they came up with their 2nd row seats down number.

    Winner: Tie, Rear seats up: Nissan Leaf, Rear seats down: Chevy Bolt

    Infotainment

    Nissan Leaf

    7.0-inch center touch screen, 7.5-inch driver digital information screen

    AM/FM/Sirius XM, USB & Bluetooth streaming input for media player/ smartphone. HD radio, Nissan Connect telematics with remote connection to vehicle including battery monitoring, remote start charging and HVAC cabin pre-conditioning. Hands-free phone and text messaging. Nissan Connect with navigation with voice guidance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bose premium audio with seven speakers.

    Leaf vs. Bolt

    Similar levels of infotainment inside await the EV buyer

    Chevy Bolt

    10.2-inch center touch screen, 8.0-inch driver digital information screen

    AM/FM/Sirius XM, USB & Bluetooth streaming input for media player / Smartphone. OnStar, Wi-Fi hotspot, remote start charging and HVAC cabin pre-conditioning. OnStar navigation with voice guidance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bose premium audio with seven speakers.

    Both cars have full-featured infotainment systems, the Bolt has a larger center screen that seems huge set in the cramped dashboard. The Bolt and Leaf have different user interfaces; it’s subjective which one is better. Both cars use a combination touch screen buttons or conventional buttons to control different aspects of the systems and have good smartphone integration that allows remote access to the vehicle.

    Winner: Tie, both vehicles have similar infotainment offerings.

    HVAC systems

    Nissan Leaf

    Automatic HVAC system with manual overrides of all functions. Hybrid heat pump system with an electric air conditioner compressor assist except for the entry level model which uses an electric resistive heater.

    Chevy Bolt

    Automatic HVAC system with manual overrides of all functions. Heating is done with an electric resistive heater and electric air conditioner compressor.

    By utilizing a heat pump rather than resistance heating (think of a home plug-in electric space heater that uses electricity to heat up wires which air is blown over to heat the space) the Leaf is more efficient in its use of the battery, which translates into more range from less battery. The downside of the heat pump is that the colder it is outside, the less efficient it is. But for average weather, the Heat Pump scheme is superior to a resistive heater.

    Winner: Nissan Leaf

    Acceleration and Top Speed

    Nissan Leaf

    147 Horsepower/236 pound-feet of torque

    0-60 MPH: 7.5 sec.

    Top Speed: 92 MPH

    Chevy Bolt

    200 Horsepower/266 pound-feet of torque

    0-60 MPH: 6.5 sec.

    Top Speed: 93 MPH

    The Chevy Bolt is the winner here by a full second in the quarter mile and a one mph higher top end. With the Leaf e+ on the horizon with a more powerful motor, we will have to retest this fall to see if the Bolt still remains on top.

    Winner: Chevy Bolt

    Ride and chassis control

    Nissan Leaf

    Front suspension: MacPherson strut with coil springs and front stabilizer bar

    Rear Suspension: Torsion beam with coil springs and integrated stabilizer bar

    Electronic torque vectoring and ride control

    Vehicle Dynamic Control

    Four-wheel power assisted disc brakes

    Four-wheel anti-lock braking (ABS)

    Electronic brake force assist

    Electric power steering

    Cooperative regenerative brakes

    Chevy Bolt

    Leaf vs. Bolt

    A big battery delivers for the Bolt

    Front suspension: MacPherson strut with coil springs and front stabilizer bar

    Rear Suspension: Torsion beam with coil springs and integrated stabilizer bar

    Four-wheel power assisted disc brakes

    Four-wheel anti-lock braking (ABS)

    Electronic brake force assist

    Electric power steering

    Cooperative regenerative brakes

    On the surface the two cars look pretty evenly matched, and for smooth, straight roads that is true. But the Bolt has two short comings that give it an inferior ride on uneven roads. The first is the Bolt’s wheelbase. Its short wheelbase combined with springs that are optimized for a soft ride on smooth roads is tough on the Bolt when driven choppy roads that are full of ruts or inconsistent surfaces. Because of its short wheelbase it gets in a rut of the peaks and valleys of the road. This type of road surface sets up a nasty fore and aft pitching motion. In the early days of the Porsche 911, it also had a similar flaw, which was rectified by increasing the wheelbase. It is hopeful that future versions of the Bolt will have a stretched wheelbase.

    The Leaf does not suffer from these same road manners on choppy roads for two reasons. The Leaf has a longer wheelbase that in most conditions is not susceptible to the harmonics of a choppy roadway. The second is the Leaf’s active electronic chassis control. Nissan calls it Vehicle Dynamic Control; it consists of the motor control electronics making small very quick changes to the electric motor’s torque and the electronic braking systems that apply small amounts of braking to the Leaf, which dampens the pitching and body motion of the vehicle. All of this happens automatically and with the adjustments made hundreds of times a second. This gives the Leaf a smooth ride no matter what the road surface.

    Both cars are great on smooth even roads, but the Leaf ride is superior on more challenging real-world roads.

    Winner: Nissan Leaf

    Range per charge

    Nissan Leaf

    EPA-estimated range – 151 miles

    Real-world mileage up to 165 miles

    Chevy Bolt

    EPA-estimated – 238 miles

    Real-world mileage up to 250 miles

    At this time, the reigning winner in the range wars is the Bolt. Lots is happening in 2018 from Nissan and other manufacturers that will call for a rematch later in the year.

    Winner: Chevy Bolt

    Powertrain and Battery

    Leaf vs. Bolt

    Further and faster battles higher tech and better handling

    Nissan Leaf

    110-kW AC synchronous electric motor

    147 horsepower

    236 foot-pounds of torque

    Front-wheel drive

    Single-speed transmission

    40 kWh laminated lithium-ion battery, 192 cells

    Chevy Bolt

    150 kW permanent magnetic electric motor

    200 horsepower

    266 foot-pounds of torque

    Front-wheel drive

    Single-speed transmission

    60 kWh lithium-ion battery, 288 cells

    At this time the reigning winner in the battery and power wars is the Bolt. Both the Bolt and Lead have a similar battery energy density, but the Bolt wins hands down with its leading 60 kWh battery and a more powerful motor vs. the Leaf’s 40 kWh battery and less-powerful motor. This leadership may be short lived as the evolution to 60 kWh and larger batteries is on every BEV manufacturer’s roadmap. There will be lots happening in 2018 from Nissan and other manufacturers that will call for a rematch later in the year.

    Winner: Chevy Bolt

    Charging and network compatibility

    Nissan Leaf

    6.6 kW onboard charger L2 compatibility

    Charging time: @220V ~ 7.5 hours

    CHAdeMO L3 quick charger compatibility

    Charging time: 40 minutes for 80% or 120 miles of range

    Leaf vs. Bolt

    Charging’s a wash: the Nissan’s smaller, slower network is on par with Chevy’s larger, slower one

    Chevy Bolt

    7.2 kW onboard charger L2 compatibility

    Charging time: @220v ~ 9.75 hours

    SAE Combined Charging System (CCS) L3 quick charger compatibility

    Charging time: 30 minutes for 40% or 90 miles of range

    Despite the Bolt having a more powerful onboard charger, it still takes longer to completely recharge its battery than the Leaf simply because it has a larger battery and the Bolt’s very conservative recharging throttling. The difference is small, with the Bolt adding about 6.15 kW per hour and the Leaf adding 5.33 kW per hour. Of course, these are calculated numbers and do not take into consideration the temperature of the battery, etc. For fast charging, there is currently a shakeout happening with the fast charging standards. The SAE CCS standard is gaining steam over the CHAdeMO standard. For now, most new public quick charging stations are providing both types of quick charge compatibility, but as charging speeds and power continue to increase, especially in the CCS arena, one has to wonder if CHAdeMO’s days are numbered.

    Winner: Tie, both vehicles have similar charging capabilities today, and support for both CHAdeMO and CCS is still there, but it is unclear what the CHAdeMO standard’s future will be.

    Warranty

    Nissan Leaf

    Basic Vehicle Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles

    Corrosion Coverage: 60 months/unlimited miles

    Powertrain Coverage: 60 months/60,000 miles

    EV System Coverage: 60 Months/60,000 miles

    Chevy Bolt

    Basic Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles

    Corrosion Coverage: 72 months/100,000 miles

    Powertrain Coverage: 60 months/60,000 miles

    EV System Coverage: 96 Months/100,000 miles

    For the usual vehicle warranty, the Bolt has a longer coverage for EV systems. The corrosion warranties are essentially a wash.

    Winner: Tie

    Battery Warranty

    Nissan Leaf

    Lithium-Ion Battery Coverage: 96 months/100,000 miles

    Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Coverage: 96 months/100,000 Miles (70% capacity remaining)

    Chevy Bolt

    Lithium-Ion Battery Coverage: 96 months/100,000 miles

    Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Coverage: 96 months/100,000 miles (60% capacity remaining)

    Both cars have similar battery warranties, but the Leaf’s capacity warranty kicks in at a lower level of degradation than the Bolt.

    Winner: Tie

    EPA efficiency

    Nissan Leaf

    MPGe: 125 city/100 highway/112 combined

    Chevy Bolt

    MPGe: 128 city/110 highway/119 combined

    Winner: Chevy Bolt

    Safety Technology

    Nissan Leaf

    Passenger restraint systems: Dual-stage front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, and front and rear curtain side-impact airbags. Front and rear three-point seatbelts. LATCH child safety system.

    Active safety, security and driving-aid systems: Vehicle immobilizer, vehicle security, automatic emergency braking (AEB), automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, ProPilot Assist, blind spot warning (BSW), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA), Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI) with haptic feedback, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), traction control system (TCS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), ePedal (advanced 1-pedal operation), hill start assist (HSA), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), high beam assist (HBA), rear parking assist (RPA).

    Chevy Bolt

    Passenger restraint systems: Dual-stage front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, and front and rear curtain side-impact airbags. Front and rear three-point seatbelts. LATCH child safety system.

    Active safety, security and driving-aid systems: Vehicle Immobilizer, vehicle security, low-speed forward automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, side blind zone alert, lane keep assist, anti-lock braking, forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, Surround Vision, regenerative braking one-pedal driving, IntelliBeam headlamps.

    The Leaf has the advantage when it comes to safety and Level 2 autonomous safety technology. Pro-Pilot Assist bundles all of the Leafs safety features into one system, from intelligent cruise control to vehicle dynamic control. Many of the systems that the Leaf has are also included with the Bolt, but their integration seems to be haphazard or lacking.

    For example, the Bolt has an adjustable forward collision alert, which only works at low speeds. It simply beeps at you and flashes some red lights on the dashboard. The Leaf, on the other hand, takes that basic system and adds speed and distance control that slows or stops the vehicle before a collision occurs. The Bolt also lacks adaptive cruise control, which is strange in this day and age.

    The Bolt can use its regenerative braking to slow or stop the car, but it requires intervention from the driver to make it work satisfactorily. The Leaf has ePedal that uses both the regenerative braking as well as the friction brakes to brake predictable stops and makes one pedal driving very easy and intuitive.

    For these important and critical safety systems that are the first steps to fully autonomous driving, the Leaf leaves the Bolt in the dust.

    Winner: Nissan Leaf.

    Is there an overall winner? It depends on what your priorities are. If the longest range available and strong acceleration is the top priority, then the Bolt will probably suit your needs. If ride quality, comfort, safety, size, and advanced driving features are important, then the Leaf does much better in these areas than the Bolt. If you are looking for a quality battery electric five-door hatchback that will serve you well, both of these cars are worth your time to investigate. Each has its strong points, but the decision is up to you which will work best.

    Related Stories You Might Enjoy: More Leaf & Bolt Reviews

    Road Trip: 2018 Nissan Leaf

    Interview: Chevrolet Bolt at One Year

    Flash Drive: 2018 Nissan Leaf (Steve’s view)

    Road Test: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt

    Flash Drive: 2018 Nissan Leaf (John’s view)

    Personal: One Year with My Chevrolet Bolt EV

    Disclosure:

    Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

    Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.

     

     

     

    The post Comparison Test: 2018 Chevy Bolt & 2018 Nissan Leaf appeared first on Clean Fleet Report.

  • Ново супер мощно зареждане – 2 мегавата от ChargePoint превод на български
     

    В този блог: Все по-голямо раздвижване при технологиите за тежки електромобили.

    След като Proterra обяви 500 кВт система за зареждане на електробуси, друга американска компания – ChargePoint – демонстрира технология за зареждане с мощност 2 мегавата...

May 16, 2018

  • Audi с големи инвестиции в електромобилността превод на български
     

    На годишната си среща миналата сряда Audi са обявили плановете си за инвестиция на стойност 40 милиарда евро в електрифициране, автономно шофиране и дигитализация.

    По-конкретно смятат да представят над 20 електрифицирани модела до 2025г. “За да може всеки трети купувач да избере е-модел, трябва да има електрифициран вариант на всеки модел до тогава”.  Плановете са през 2025г. да имат продажби от 800 000 броя изцяло електрически или хибридни модели.

    Като първа стъпка на 30 август предстои официалното представяне на новия електрически e-tron SUV.

    Обявен е с пробег от 300 мили (483км), а зареждането му се очаква да е сред най-бързите на пазара. До 2020г. се очакват общо 4 изцяло електрически модела, а през 2021г. планират да представят и автономен модел на базата на прототипа Audi Aicon.

    Според CleanTechnica този бърз напредък не е достатъчно бърз – до тогава Тесла ще са представили модела си Y, ще са изградили фабрики на няколко места (очаква се още една в САЩ, а също в Китай и в Европа). По прогнози може да стигнат до продажба на 2 милиона електромобила на година още през 2024г.

    А вие какво мислите?

May 15, 2018

  • Пивоварите минават на водородно задвижване превод на български
     

    Nikola Motor Company са обявили, че имат поръчка от 800 камиона за Anheuser-Busch.

    Сделката е за 720 милиона долара, като включва изграждането на инфраструктура за зареждане на камионите на 28 места по основни маршрути на компанията.

    Защо ви го разказвам? Защото става въпрос за електрически камиони, задвижвани от водородни клетки, осигуряващи пробег между 500 и 1200 мили. В километри това са внушителните от 805 до 1931км. С поставените на подходящи места станции може да презаредите за по-малко от 20 минути.

    Очаква се първите тестови камиони за Anheuser-Busch да бъдат доставени в края на 2019г., а през 2020г. да бъде доставена цялата поръчка. Компанията е декларирала желанието си да премине към “задвижване от възстановяеми източници” до 2025г.

    Според изпълнителния директор на Никола Trevor Milton “водородно-електрическата технология е бъдещето на доставките”. Обявяват планове да изградят мрежа от 700 зарядни в САЩ и Канада до 2028г., съвместно с партньори като Anheuser-Busch.

  • Nissan и Renault ще купуват батерии от китайската CATL превод на български
     

    В този блог: Японско-френският алианс преминава на китайски батерии за някои от своите електромобили.

    Според агенция Nikkei новият доставчик на батерии за Nissan и Renault е китайският производител CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd.)...

May 14, 2018

  • Proterra скочи на 500 кВт зареждане на електробуси превод на български
     

    В този блог: Нова мощна система за зареждана на електрически автобуси от лидера в сектора в САЩ.

    Proterra безспорно зае мястото на лидер в електрификацията на автобусния сектор през последните две години и миналата седмица представи поредната си разработка по време на конференцията на Американската асоциация по обществен транспорт (APTA).

  • Електрическата триколка Solo влиза в серийно производство превод на български
     

    В този блог: Първият електромобил на Electra Meccanica влиза в серийно производство.

    Да стартираш нова компания и да стигнеш до момента на пускането на електромобил в серийно производство не е никак лесна задача в днешно време, но от Electra Meccanica очевидно са успели да убедят инвеститорите си и техният проект вече е реалност.

  • Interview: Ford Electrifies—Sedans Need Not Apply превод на български
     

    40 New Electrified Ford Models Coming

    In mid-April 2018, Ford surprised the automotive world with this statement.

    “By 2020, almost 90 percent of our Ford portfolio in North America will be trucks, utilities and commercial vehicles–including their electrified versions. Given declining consumer demand and product profitability, we will not invest in next generations of traditional Ford sedans for North America.

    Over the next few years, our Ford car portfolio in North America will transition to two vehicles – our best-selling Mustang as well as the all-new Focus Active crossover coming out next year. To respond to the needs of our customers and to grow our business, we are significantly expanding our North America utility portfolio while also exploring new “white space” vehicle silhouettes that combine the best attributes of cars and utilities–such as higher ride height, space and versatility.”

    Ford Electrification

    The Ford Transit PHEV currently being tested may be the wave of the future

    With this as the backdrop, Clean Fleet Report spoke with Darren Palmer, Ford’s global program director lead, for battery electric vehicles. The timing of our interview was coincidental to Ford’s announcement and could not have come a better time for Clean Fleet Report’s readers. We were pleased to be speaking with one of their key executives about the future of Ford’s electrified vehicles.

    Clean Fleet Report: What is the Ford battery electric vehicle (BEV) strategy going forward?

    Ford: We have plans to release several derivatives over the next few years including 16 battery electric vehicles and 24 battery electric hybrids, for a total of 40 new models. We asked ourselves what will Ford’s strengths be that our customers would love? As we have been planning our BEV portfolio, we are on the cusp of battery technology where we can offer customers real value in that space, and something that is over-and-above what is available today. Customers will have features and attributes that they want to buy. They will no longer be strictly buying them for the economy or the green reasons, but they will be buying them for performance also, and because they are highly desirable. They will be attainable and available to many more people. Ford will focus on iconic products that will be highly aspirational. We are bringing emotion to this segment that we know our customers would like.

    CFR: What about Lincoln future BEV plans?

    Ford: We are looking for battery electric vehicles for Lincoln, worldwide.

    CFR: The Fusion Energi sedan is selling quite well. Is this model going away?

    Ford: Our customers are showing us they find other body styles more interesting, so we are not investing in the next generation of those [sedans] types of body styles. This is simply not what our customers are asking for. Editor’s Note: A Ford communications representative clarified that Fusion production will end in the next few years.

    CFR: Is the Ford Focus Electric expected to migrate to the new Focus platform?

    2018 Focus Electric

    Ford Focus Electric will continue in some form

    Ford: We are in the process of planning and implementing a complete global strategy. So far, we have shared there will be a Mustang-inspired SUV (Note: its working title is Mach 1) from this new generation, ground-up battery electric platform. Our customer research shows there is good demand for such a vehicle.

    Ford F-150 diesel

    Diesel has a future at Ford

     

    CFR: How important is the China market where EVs appear to be the key to moving forward? Will Ford have a China-only EV?

    Ford: China is, of course, one of the most important global markets for battery electric vehicles. The Chinese government are very supportive of battery electric vehicles, including the consumers purchase and use of those vehicles. As we were developing our new BEV strategy, our team spent the first week of the process in China because we wanted to see first-hand what is exactly happening in that market. As we saw in Norway and The Netherlands, they wanted to be a leader, so they really supported that. This gave us an indication of what it could look like elsewhere in the world when the pick-up of such vehicles becomes commonplace. If Ford can develop one global platform, we can get scale and efficiently offer more to everyone around the world.

    We will consider if a vehicle is a local vehicle or a global vehicle, depending on the market needs, so the customer is served appropriately. In many ways the battery electric vehicle is easier to do that with than the ICE (internal compression engine) vehicles were, due to each country’s regulations. So yes, China is very important to us.

    CFR: How does the new 3.0L F-150 diesel fit into the mix?

    Ford: The F-150 diesel is very competent at towing, but also gives high fuel economy. It is there to give a certain list of attributes for a certain type of customer.

    CFR: It will be critical to meet even the 2021 CAFE standards (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) and even more-so the 2025 standard. What are Ford’s goals in this area?

    Ford: Our company continues to support clean standards and we have not asked for any type of rollback. We will continue to work on one standard that will provide more options to our customers. We will continue to work with the different agencies, including California, towards having one national standard.

    CFR: In closing what should Clean Fleet Report readers be left with about the future of Ford products?

    Ford Electrification

    Mustangs will be Ford’s car brand around the world

    Ford: The pull for electrified vehicles comes from the top of the company. Bill Ford (chairman) and Jim Hackett (president and CEO) are huge supporters. In fact, they formed Team Edison in October 2017 to help crystalize our company’s thinking on battery electric vehicles. They have been unwavering in their support.

    Ford considers [vehicle electrification] as something that can enhance our customer’s life. Performance is something the customer needs, so it will not be hybrid for the sake of being a hybrid. The F-150 will have more performance in areas they can use, because a truck is a tool.

    An example is in California where consumers may have bought an electric vehicle to gain access to the (carpool) lane, or maybe for other reasons, but once they got in one, they are never going to get out. We are seeing customer interest increasing for this type of product. First in California, but as these products become more available and affordable, we think the take-up will move across the country. This is what we see coming. It is not today, but is the reason Ford is stepping in at what we believe is the right time to offer our customers something that is compelling.

    We know it isn’t always obvious to consumers until you drive the vehicles, and we have found that not many people have yet. So, it is our job to make that transition smooth as possible, to make them feel comfortable and safe making that move. Making it as seamless as possible.

    If we give them the right products they will realize the benefits of this technology in their life.

    Related Stories You Might Enjoy: Ford’s EV/Efficiency Moves

    News: 2019 Ford Fusion Energi Gains EV Range & Safety Tech

    News: Ford Does the Electric Slide

    News: Ford to Resurrect Mach 1 Nameplate for EV

    News: 2018 Ford F-150 Gets a Diesel Engine

    Flash Drive: 2017 Ford Fusion Energi

    Interview: Ford’s Electrified Future

    Road Test: 2016 Ford Focus Electric

    News: Ford F-150 Hybrid Confirmed By CEO

    The post Interview: Ford Electrifies—Sedans Need Not Apply appeared first on Clean Fleet Report.

May 12, 2018

  • News: Buick’s Electric Car Explosion превод на български
     

    Buick Goes Bonkers Over Electrified Cars (in China)

    For more than a decade China has been Buick’s largest marke, with more than 1.18 million vehicles sold in 2017 compared to just 219,231 in North America: Four out of five Buicks sold globally are purchased by Chinese buyers. China is witnessing a boom in sales of electrified cars, known locally as “new energy vehicles,” and Buick is keen to tap this.

    General Motors has stated it has plans to add 20 new battery electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles globally by 2023. Buick is showing it wants to take the lead in China by unveiling three electrified cars at last month’s Auto China 2018 in Beijing.

    Enspire Electric Crossover SUV Concept

    Buick began its assault on electrication the week before the Beijing auto show by revealing the battery-electric all-wheel drive Enspire crossover SUV concept vehicle. Buick didn’t give away too many details, but the sleek electric crossover features the company’s eMotion electric propulsion technology.

    Buick EVs

    The Chinese 2018 Buick Enspire all-electric concept SUV could fit right in here

    Its conceptual power output of 550 horsepower courses through all four wheels to scoot the vehicle from stop to 60 mph in four seconds flat. Battery capacity in kilowatt-hours is not stated (it could be more than 400 kWh based on the horsepower rating), but Buick pins a 370=mile range on a full charge. An 80 percent charge can be attained within 40 minutes on a fast charger, and wireless charging features are

    advertised.

    Styling-wise, the Enspire has smooth, elegant curves draped on a body with a very wide, aggressive stance. The front wears sharp headlights with LED accents highlighting the creases, while Buick’s winged-element grille exaggerates the current crossbar into large wings that spread into the lights. At the rear, taillights span the entire rear in a thin LED strip and, also bear Buick’s winged-element look.

    Inside, all the typical luxury car touches are there: wood and leather, touchscreen for infotainment along with fast 5G internet connectivity. An augmented reality head-up display projects information on to the windshield and the steering wheel has a screen in it.

    The Enspire is bound for China, but that’s not to say it doesn’t have a future in the U.S. If it launches here, it would very likely come from the Orion assembly plant in Michigan where the Bolt EV is built, especially since the Sonic (also built at Orion) is going out of production.

    Velite 6 Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Hatchback

    Showing the importance of the Chinese market and that country’s emphasis on electrified vehicles, Buick unveiled the China-only Velite 6 at the Beijing show. It will be offered with either a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or pure electric powertrain. Arriving this year will be the plug-in hybrid. It will feature a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, two AC permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors and a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack. Buick says the Velite 6 plug-in has an estimated combined electric and gasoline range of about 434 miles.

    Buick EVs

    Dualing Velites for China

    The Velite 6 PHEV will incorporate a new-generation modular high-performance lithium-ion battery pack that will be manufactured at SAIC-GM Power Battery Development Center in Shanghai. Buick says the battery features liquid leading cooling battery heat management technology to provide independent and uniform temperature control ensuring better performance and battery life.

    Less is known about the battery-electric Velite 6, which will likely arrive in Chinese Buick showrooms sometime in 2019. But the automaker did say it will use a larger version of the new battery pack. It will also be the first General Motors vehicle to feature the next generation of pure electric drive system, which Buick believes will offer customers a smooth, quiet and natural driving experience.

    In addition to the electric drive systems, Velite 6 will offer Buick eConnect technology with over-the-air update capability and apps that provide services ranging from OnStar to navigation. Buick says music and destinations can be sent to the car display screen via China’s WeChat in real time for one-button navigation and listening.

    The Velite 6 wouldn’t stand out from the crowd in the U.S., but its low, relatively aerodynamic five-door hatchback styling with a few subtle crossover cues will fit well in the Chinese market.

    While neither of the Velite 6s will see U.S. roads, expect GM to borrow the new battery and the next generation electric drive system in U.S. PHEVs and electric vehicles.

    Related Stories You Might Enjoy: Buick EV News

    News: Report Says Buick Will Get EV Crossover

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    The post News: Buick’s Electric Car Explosion appeared first on Clean Fleet Report.

  • Road Test: 2018 Smart Fortwo ED Cabrio превод на български
     

    Taking Your Half out of the Middle

    The tiny Smart, produced by Mercedes-Benz and sold in selected dealerships, is now offered exclusively as an electric vehicle in the U.S. This slightly larger and much improved second-generation Smart Fortwo ED, introduced a couple of years ago, presents a unique choice in the growing world of EVs.

    2018 Smart Fortwo ED Cabrio

    The Creamsicle electric car

    There’s something of an optical illusion going on with the Smart. It looks like a ridiculously stubby egg, but it doesn’t feel small on the inside. Although the two-seat car may stretch just under nine feet nose-to-tail, it’s a reasonable 65.6 inches wide and stands a generous 61.2 inches tall. There’s just not much more than a passenger compartment to it.

    The electric Smart wears its clever Electric Drive (ED) logo proudly on its colorful side. The Tridion safety cell in my car was painted a lava orange metallic while the rest of the body wore a contrasting white—a 50/50 ice cream bar in metal. Mercedes-Benz is a safety-conscious company and developed the Tridion passenger cell to be extra strong against the expected larger other car it would collide with. Smarts fare well in crash tests with their S-Class cousins.

    The Power for Two

    The Smart ED is powered by a rear mounted 60 kW three-phase electric motor, which puts out 80 horsepower. That’s why the car needs very little nose or tail. A 17.6-kWh battery sits under the seats, centrally mounted for stability. As with other electrics, the Smart has a single forward speed in its automatic transmission.

    2018 Smart Fortwo ED Cabrio

    The Cabrio opens up the two-seater to the sky

    The car may be microscopic, but it’s up to the task of accelerating from a stop, entering the freeway, and keeping up in traffic. It’s 0-60 time is 11.4 seconds, not fast, but not a complete slug, either.

    Although you may feel like a regular-size entity driving down the road, I found that during my weeklong test, motorcycles didn’t see me, and one driver in an old Corolla accused me of cutting him off on a turn—when I clearly wasn’t at fault. No respect!

    The Smart comes in two forms—a coupe and a canvas-topped Cabrio (convertible). The only fully electric convertible on the market now, the Cabrio draws back its power top in two stages, giving you flexibility as to how open you want to be. If you really want to be jaunty, you can remove the bars above the doors and stow them in the tiny rear trunk lid, which drops down like a miniature tailgate. The trunk itself in the Cabrio has room for about four large pizzas.

    Not Low Rent Inside

    The interior accommodations are not low rent. The sweeping dash still features protruding vents on top, covered in a cloth that’s a bit like that found on Nike running shoes. The concave dash panel is a silvery gray that highlights the center screen that pops out with loads of useful information. The seats are firm, nicely proportioned and wear optional leather in the top-level model.

    2018 Smart Fortwo ED Cabrio

    Inside, the Smart didn’t feel small, even with a bass as passenger

    As an EV should, the 2018 Smart ED provides a gauge showing your battery status–charging or discharging–and a meter for percent of battery that’s still available. It sits on a cute little stalk to the left of the steering wheel, which is fat and leather-wrapped.

    Besides carrying two people, the Smart can take you to your band practice, if your amplifier is already sitting at the rehearsal space. I put an electric bass in the passenger seat and my stands and books in the pizza-carrying trunk, and it did just fine.

    Small Battery=Small Range

    The Smart’s small battery is good for just 57 miles of range, making it unsuitable for any kind of extended trip. But that’s not the Smart’s job. I was able to use it every day to commute to work and back (36 miles), charging only at work during the week. When I plugged it in there, the battery wasn’t completely empty, so It took just an hour or two to top off on a level two (240-volt) ChargePoint charger. At home on the weekend, I plugged it in to the wall and it filled up overnight.

    2018 Smart Fortwo ED Cabrio

    It’s small, but it can still handle the groceries (and more)

    The Smart is a nifty grocery getter and errand runner, partly because it’s fun to drive. Yes, you heard that right. The steering ratio is quick, and the 22.8-foot turning radius means you can turn around in the middle of the street in a single loop. The battery provides a low center of gravity, and the 118 pounds-feet of torque is plenty good for the mini machine.

    The Smart Numbers

    EPA numbers are 112 MPGe city/91 highway/102 combined. EPA green numbers are perfect 10s for Smog and Greenhouse Gas.

    As before, the updated Smart comes in three ascending levels: Pure, Passion and Prime. My tester was the Cabrio with the $1,000 Prime package, giving it nice looking leather upholstery, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, light-sensing headlamps, foglamps and fancy lighting features. My car also had the $200 Climate Package, including a heated steering wheel, an interesting climate control system with a slider to pick the temperature and extra insulation.

    2018 Smart Fortwo ED Cabrio

    Smart’s display gives driving assessments

    My car also included the optional and desirable JBL sound system ($1,780). Thanks to a virtually silent powertrain and that extra insulation, it made for satisfying traveling music every day, even in a convertible. My car did not come with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, but I was able to plug in my phone and stream it.

    With destination and delivery, my little test Smart came to $32,180, a hefty price tag for such a tiny car. However, consider that this car will cost next to nothing to run and service and is packed with extra features, it starts to look better. Also, if you like the concept but want to keep it simple, the base Pure with nothing extra comes to just $24,700, including destination. And remember, you can still get state rebates and federal tax breaks (up to $10,000 combined in California), making it even less of an outlay. Just for comparison, the small Fiat 500e starts at $32,995, and it’s not built by Mercedes-Benz (although it does have a useful hatchback and a rear seat).

    Driving Impressions

    I was impressed with the drivability of the little 2018 Smart ED, which feels like much more car when you’re behind the wheel. The firm suspension and feeling of durability in the controls adds to peace of mind. The doors slam with a solid thunk. Unlike a low-slung sports car, the Smart sits up high, adding to a sense of control and visibility.

    2018 Smart Fortwo ED Cabrio

    No, it stands for Electric Drive!

    Like other EVs, the Smart encourages you to drive gently to save charge and extend your range. The car has a screen that shows acceleration and anticipation (braking) behavior. I earned 88/100 overall, with great acceleration and pretty good braking.

    So, who is the customer for this car? They are likely urban or suburban. With its 57-mile range, the Smart is not meant for long freeway trips, although it can cruise at 70 mph with no problem. I’d say it’s a perfect third car, designated for commuting and errands. The challenge is whether there are too many other small EVs that fit that job description, and whether anyone is looking for a third car at all. However, if you’re seeking a pure electric car, the price, especially in basic models, is hard to resist. And it’ll look cute occupying one quarter of your driveway.  

    [See image gallery at www.cleanfleetreport.com]

    Related Stories You Might Enjoy: Little EV Choices

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    Top 10 Electric Cars

    Disclosure:

    Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

    Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.

    The post Road Test: 2018 Smart Fortwo ED Cabrio appeared first on Clean Fleet Report.

May 11, 2018

  • 10 Arguments For/Against Electric Trucks превод на български
     

    NACFE Weighs the Pros/Cons of New Tech

    The non-profit North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) is all about pushing environmentally beneficial, cost-effective efficiencies in the trucking industry, which they back up with deep research and real-world data. After studying the developing battery electric (BE) truck market, they came up with a balanced list that gave plenty of ammunition for both sides of the big rig EV discussion.

    Here are their 10 arguments in favor of pursuing electric trucks, focused on the area of weight, technology, cost and charging.

    battery electric (BE trucks

    The Tesla Semi has bumped up the battery big rig discussion

    1. Battery weight in commercial trucks is not an issue.
    2. EV technology is proven and here now.
    3. Maintenance will be less costly.
    4. BE trucks will last beyond 10 years.
    5. BE trucks will be competitively priced.
    6. BE trucks will be less expensive to operate.
    7. BE trucks will command a premium at resale.
    8. The grid and market will evolve with BE trucks.
    9. The market will provide charging solutions (applies to two of counter arguments).

    10 on the Other Side

    Not surprisingly, in spite of the these definitive statements, the arguments against battery electric heavy-duty trucks are equally strong. NACFE defines them as:

    battery electric (BE) truck

    With future-focused projects like the Supertruck, diesel continue to move forward, complicating alternatives’ value proposition

    1. EV trucks’ battery weight restricts varying capacity
    2. EV technology is not ready.
    3. Maintenance costs are unknown and could be high.
    4. Vehicle life is too short for commercial use.
    5. Vehicle purchase price is too high for a positive ROI.
    6. Vehicle operating costs are too great for a positive ROI.
    7. Vehicle residual value is an unknown.
    8. Charging infrastructure is not ready.
    9. Charring infrastructure is no fast enough.
    10. The electric grid cannot support growth in EVs.

    There’s quite a gap between the two sides of the BE truck argument, which reflects the early stage of the industry. NACFE and others are working to gather data that can be used to address these differences of opinion. In the meantime, NACFE and others who have studied the subject suggest proceeding with caution. NACFE;s further advice: “BEVs will not be a solution for every application or market, but commercial BEV’s will have an increasing role in freight transportation in classes 3 through 8.” They predict mixed fleets of diesel, natural gas, hybrid and BEV products, each optimized for specific routes and duty cycles, will be the norm for the freight industry through 2050.  

    Related Stories You Might Enjoy: The Growing Number of EV Truck Offerings

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    The post 10 Arguments For/Against Electric Trucks appeared first on Clean Fleet Report.

May 10, 2018

  • Mercedes-Benz EQC: Development and testing details [VIDEO] превод на български
     


    2019 will see the launch of the EQC - the first all-electric Mercedes-Benz model from the new product and technology brand EQ. Between January and March, prototypes of the new model series completed tough winter testing in northern Sweden. The next waystations on the road to series production are more suspension/powertrain tests as well as integrated complete-vehicle high-temperature testing in southern Europe. Systematic complete-vehicle validation serves to guarantee our high quality standards and is one of the extensive measures in the development process of every Mercedes-Benz model series.
    Before going into production, a new vehicle must reach a maturity level specifically defined by Mercedes-Benz.
    Testing: a vital precursor to the launch of every vehicle
    • Totally digital: Digital testing covers all key areas of vehicle development: from simulation and validation of construction feasibility to crash performance, aerodynamics, ride & handling, NVH (noise/vibration/harshness), weight through to consumption and range.
    • From computer screen to test bench and onto the road: Despite all the advantages of digital testing in terms of speed, data availability and efficiency – no vehicle goes into series production without extensive real-world testing. The focus here is on the durability of components such as drivetrains on the test bench and the functional testing of the entire vehicle under various climatic conditions on the road. In the case of the EQC, of course, special attention is paid to the electric powertrain and the battery. They too are tested and approved in accordance with Mercedes-Benz's extremely strict standards.
    • Everything a question of proportion: A special role is also played by the acoustics of an electric vehicle, as, unlike in a combustion-engined vehicle, there is hardly a sound from the powertrain. This makes sounds such as the rolling of the tyres or wind noise more prominent. To meet these special requirements, we rely on our many years of experience in the area of NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness).
    • One third/two thirds: With a ratio of 35% to 65% between digital testing and real-world testing, we combine the best of both worlds – in the interests of the customary high quality standards of Mercedes-Benz.
    • Almost 200: That's how many prototypes and preproduction vehicles are built and tested for this purpose in our workshops.
    • Several hundred: Before being released for production, the vehicle must be tested and validated by numerous individuals from many different development departments. A total of several hundred experts are involved in testing. From the specialist departments, which approve their components and modules, through to testing/endurance testing of the complete vehicle.
    • Around four years: All in all, the EQC will have been in development for around four years.
    • Three winters and three summers: The EQC will be subjected over three winters and three summers to extreme conditions from minus 35° to over plus 50° Celsius.
    • A true cosmopolitan: Before coming to market in many countries around the world, the EQC will have undergone extensive testing in Germany, Finland, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Dubai, South Africa, the USA and China.
    To meet the targets for every component and the complete vehicle, the EQC will soon undergo a stress programme in the heat of Spain. Here the effects of temperature during driving is tested under extreme conditions, and also other particularly challenging aspects for an electric vehicle, such as air conditioning and charging. Because one thing is clear: the EQC must offer the quality and driving experience of every Mercedes-Benz.


  • Летище Хийтроу поръча 200 Jaguar I-Pace електрически таксита превод на български
     

    В този блог: Летище Хийтроу се оборудва с електрически Jaguar I-Pace таксита.

    Спомням си първото качване в Toyota Prius такси в София преди години и удивлението, което изпитах от липсата на шум в колата.

    Оттогава насам зелените таксита се увеличават все повече и макар все още да не са стигнали да насмогнат на дизеловите бавно се запътваме към това бъдеще.

  • News: BMW iX3 Electric Crossover Coming To US in 2020 превод на български
     

    New EV Will Join An Electric Crossover Crowd

     BMW kicked off the Beijing Motor Show last week with two announcements. The company unveiled a concept version of the forthcoming iX3 battery-electric crossover SUV. The other announcement is that the iX3 will begin production in 2020 at BMW’s joint-venture production plant in Northern China.

    Following Cadillac’s move to import the CT6 PHEV from China, BMW will become the second major luxury carmaker to ship electric vehicles to the U.S. from China.

    New Electric Drivetrain

    The iX3 debuts the fifth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology, which is a system that groups together the electric motor, transmission and power electronics within a new, separate electric drive component. Of note, the electric motor was designed without using any rare-earth metals. BMW says the motor produces a healthy 268 horsepower, which is 20 horsepower more than the standard turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder X3.

    BMW iX3 concept

    Joining the electric crossover parade

    Juice for the motor is supplied by new SUV-sized battery cells that the German automaker has been working on, enabling a promised range for the 70-kilowatt-hour pack of 249 miles on the harmonized Worldwide  Light-vehicles Test Cycles (WLTC). This test cycle is close to the EPA’s ratings.

    The iX3 also has a fast-charging unit onboard, allowing the car to fully charge its battery in 30 minutes when connected to a DC fast-charging station.

    Also, this is the first vehicle to use BMW’s new flexible chassis architecture, built for front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive cars. It’s designed so all future BMWs can be easily modified to accept different types of drive systems, whether they be gas-powered, hybrid, or all-electric.

    Standard Two-Box Design

    Styling is what you would expect of an electrified version of the current X3. It has a similar

    BMW iX3 concept

    New grill leads a new generation of EVs

    two-box shape, but with a few more futuristic and unusual design details. Identifying features of the Concept iX3 include a closed-off BMW twin-kidney grill with familiar BMW i car graphic as well as BMW i Blue accents around the kidney and around the badge logo at the front and along the side skirts. This is the first BMW grill in years not to have separated kidneys.

    It has also been fitted with light alloy wheels that have been designed with an aerodynamically optimized design to improve the car’s range.

    While this is just a concept, it looks almost production-ready.

    When it arrives, the production iX3 will battle it out in a suddenly growing crop of premium crossover SUVs that will include the almost-here Jaguar i-Pace, Audi Q6 E-Tron, Volvo Polestar 3 and Mercedes-Benz EQC. It is expected to cost less than Tesla’s Model X, currently the only all-electric luxury SUV on the market.

    Related Stories You Might Enjoy: Coming Electric SUVs

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    News: Byton Introduces Electric SUV

    The post News: BMW iX3 Electric Crossover Coming To US in 2020 appeared first on Clean Fleet Report.

May 09, 2018

  • DIY Electric Motor Mount превод на български
     
    Recently, I’ve been posting to YouTube some video instructions that I made about how I converted a 1996 Geo Metro to electric. A viewer asked about how the electric motor was mounted – whether it simply bolted to the transmission, or if it was additionally supported in some other way. Great question! The motor IS [...]
  • На фокус е достъпността превод на български
     

    В кра� на април при �реща � журнали�ти в Хонг Конг шефът на �и�ан/Рено/Мицубиши Carlos Ghosn казва, че фоку�ът на компани�та вече н�ма да е на�очен към пробега, а към до�тъпно�тта. Според него при потребителите има пром�на. Той �м�та, че проблемът � тревожно�тта за пробега е преодол�н �лед по�вата на пазара на коли � възможно�ти за 300км пробег � едно зареждане. До�тигането на тези километри �е е оказало ключово, като в�ъщно�т �об�твениците на коли изминават �редно около… 50км на ден. Според Ghosn обаче н�ма как да �е до�тигнат тези резултати чрез предварителни из�ледвани� – тр�бва да има реални електромобили по пътищата и проучване �ред �об�твениците им, за да �е разбере какво в�ъщно�т очакват потребителите. В момента Renault Zoe �е об�в�ва � пробег от повече от 300км, а пробегът на Leaf 2019 �е очаква да бъде 362км. Така че о�новен въпро� �тава цената. Още повече за пазари като Китай, където ме�тните производители предлагат “много, много до�тъпни коли�.

    Според China Auto Web електромобилите, предлагани от ме�тни производители или от �ъвме�тно производ�тво на ме�тни и чужди компании, �а над 30 (� различните модели), като цената на най-евтините модели е от 13 234 евро (100 000 юана) �лед при�падане на ме�тните �уб�идии до 21-26 000 евро (160-200 000 юана). Ето един модел за 100 000 юана:

    Foton Midi

    Батери�та му е � капацитет от 24кВч, о�игур�ва пробег от 170км. Мак�ималната �коро�т е 140км/ч. Има 5 ме�та и може да презаредите 70% за 30 минути. Как ви �е �трува?

    � ето и от най-големи� производител BYD Qin EV300:

    Пробегът е 300км (да, �вно е важно), а �поред производител� може да �е �тигне и до 350км. Мощно�тта е 215к.�., а цената е от около 34 000 до около 41 000 евро.

    За да �е конкурира � моделите на китай�ки� пазар, Ghosn казва, че ще предложат електриче�ка вер�и� на модела Kwid, �ъвме�тно � партньорите �и от Dongfeng.

    Както вид�хте, конкуренци�та в Китай е гол�ма. � продажбите �е увеличават от година на година – през 2017г. в Китай �а продадени 777 000 бро� електриче�ки и хибридни коли. Това е увеличение � 53% �пр�мо 2016г., макар и да пред�тавл�ва �амо 2,7% пазарен д�л. Това �е дължи и на щедрите �уб�идии, които ще бъдат � удължен �рок до 2020г.

    Как ще �е разви�т нещата за Българи�? О�тава под въпро�. От тази година �и�ан �м�тат да предлагат Лийф и на българ�ки� пазар. Чуд� �е дали ще ни предложат от “по-до�тъпните� модели. 😉

  • За Tesla над 250 кВт бързо зареждане не е ОК за потребителя превод на български
     

    В този блог: Засега компанията на Мъск не смята да прави 350 кВт зареждачки като Porsche.

    В самия край на 2016 г. Елон загатна за 350 кВт V3 Supercharger, но максималната мощност на зареждане на всички Tesla коли все още е ограничена до 120 кВт (при 145 кВт макс на самата Supercharger колонка)...