During its EICMA 2023 press conference, established Taiwanese motorbike manufacturer Kymco showcased its Ionex EV Solution. The program consists of three things, intended to address the needs of both stakeholder businesses and future riders.
For riders and network operators, Ionex Energy Stations will allow quick and simple battery swapping for vehicles on the Ionex platform.
On the energy company side, the plan involves offering Ionex batteries in a “Battery-as-a-Service” format. This setup is designed to alleviate concerns for owners of Ionex-powered vehicles about battery health.
Kymco states that under this system, the batteries aren’t part of the ownership equation for vehicle buyers. This could ultimately lead to lower costs for purchasing electric motorbikes. As older batteries lose their ability to fully charge, network operators can recycle them and supply customers with new, fresh batteries.
Finally, Kymco’s Battery Metering Unit aims to simplify the adoption of the Ionex system for multiple motorbike designs by various manufacturers.
While Kymco is known for manufacturing scooters and motorcycles, its Ionex proposition is an entire ecosystem. Ionex Battery Metering Units would exist on any motorbike making use of the Ionex platform, allowing all interested manufacturers to integrate the Ionex Common Battery into their design.
Kymco has described a common Ionex platform as a solution to the biggest obstacles in making electric motorbikes. For riders, potential benefits include reduced worries about range anxiety, battery health, and up-front vehicle cost.
4 Questions About Ionex With Kymco Chairman Allen Ko
Following Kymco’s Ionex presentation, RideApart had a few additional questions that Kymco chairman Allen Ko answered.
Is Kymco’s Ionex technology expected to power future LiveWire bikes?
Yes, Kymco’s Ionex technology is anticipated to be the driving force behind potential cooperation between LiveWire and Kymco for smaller electric motorbikes.
Where does Kymco plan to roll out the Ionex ecosystem?
Kymco plans to gradually introduce the Ionex ecosystem worldwide, with strong interest from potential partners in countries outside Europe and Southeast Asia.
How is Kymco exploring the feasibility of using the Ionex system in various areas?
Kymco is exploring the feasibility of using the Ionex system in multiple areas. For example, at the Smart City Summit & Expo in 2022, Kymco showcased an Ionex Smart Streetlight, combining a solar power generator and Ionex battery swapping cabinet to power streetlights at night.
SharkNinja is a company that was founded by Mark Rosenzweig. The company was initially established in Montreal, Canada in 1997, before entering the United States market in 1998. Mark Rosenzweig, a third-generation business owner, originally named the company Euro-Pro Operating, LLC. According to a Forbes interview, Rosenzweig moved the privately-owned company from Canada to Newton, Massachusetts in 2003. Initially, Shark’s products focused on their no-loss suction vacuum cleaner and carpet cleaning devices.
In 2009, the Ninja brand was launched, with Mark Barrocas as the CEO of SharkNinja. The early products were centered around their kitchen blenders, and in 2015, they released their first coffee maker. In 2017, SharkNinja was acquired by the Chinese appliance maker JS Global, and in 2018, Ninja joined the Chinese subsidiary Joyoung to develop the Foodi brand.
However, in June 2023, SharkNinja, Inc. officially separated from JS Global and became its own entity, entering the New York Stock Exchange in July of the same year. Since 2020, SharkNinja has paid over $3.3 billion to JS Global subsidiaries for merchandise and goods, mostly manufactured in China, as reported by CNBC. So, while the company is now a separate entity, it still depends on JS Global and Chinese manufacturers.
Zero Motorcycles is considered by many as one of the pioneers in the electric mobility space. Established in a time when electric motorcycles were still very far from the mainstream, Zero Motorcycles was very much into e-mobility long before it was considered cool. These days, the brand shows no signs of slowing down.
At EICMA 2023, Zero rolled out a slew of updates to its models. This time around, the company has announced that it aims to run for the prestigious Maudes Trophy. The endurance ride is a rigorous 1,300-mile route that will test not only the dependability and performance of the motorcycles, but the resilience and grit of the riders piloting them. With a history spanning a century, the Maudes Trophy is awarded to motorcycle manufacturers who can complete the grueling route.
Electric vehicles aren’t usually associated with long-haul journeys, as they require frequent stops to charge, and aren’t exactly efficient when it comes to long distance traveling on the highway. That being said, Zero wants to push the envelope when it comes to EV capabilities, as it’s the first electric vehicle manufacturer to vie for the prestigious Maudes Trophy.
Here, the Zero DSR/X will be used, of which two bikes will be piloted by a total of six riders led by Craig Carey-Clinch of the National Motorcyclists Council. The route will cover Land’s End, Lowestoft, Edinburg, and Holyhead, and will conclude in Liverpool. Throughout the course of the journey, the endurance of both the bikes and the riders will be tested with two-hour stints in all sorts of weather conditions.
In the official press release of the Auto Cycle Union, Dale Robinson, Zero Motorcycles UK Country Manager stated, “When the opportunity presented itself to take on this challenge we couldn’t say no. It’s going to be really demanding on the riders, but they’re all very motivated to hopefully put their names into the history books. We’re really looking forward to showing what electric motorcycles can do and to break some of those stereotypes which still surround EVs. It feels really fitting that, 100 years after the trophy was first awarded, we make our own attempt with the new generation of fully electric motorcycles.”
Meanwhile, Matthey Wear, General Secretary of the ACU stated, “This very prestigious trophy has been awarded to many manufacturers and this exciting challenge with electric bikes brings a new and modern twist. The challenge also pushes the development of electric bikes and the impact this has environmentally in a new era of motorcycling. It is great that the National Motorcyclists Council is taking such an interest in this, and that Craig Carey-Clinch the Executive Director is one of the key riders in the challenge.”
Indeed, embarking on a journey like this, and on electric motorcycles at that, is no mean feat. A lot of UK-based partners have expressed support for Zero’s ambition to garner the Maudes Trophy, with big names like Lexham, Pirelly, and Moto Novo sponsoring the EV manufacturer’s run. The team is set to depart Land’s End next Wednesday, November 29, 2023, so let’s wish them luck as they try to set a milestone in the EV world.
According to 6sense, more than 3.3 million companies use Outlook as their mode of communication, accounting for at least 40% of the market share in the email management category. While Outlook offers many features such as ignoring conversations, sharing Outlook calendars, and reminding you to attach files to your messages, there are still lighter, more casual conversations where emojis are most definitely welcome.
If you find that the emoji pickers in both the desktop and web versions of Outlook are tucked away behind many buttons, there are quicker ways to add emojis to your messages.
Adding Emojis in the Windows desktop app
SlashGear
For the Outlook desktop app, there are two ways to quickly insert emojis into your messages. The first method involves bringing up the emoji picker. In the Outlook reply box, bring your cursor right where you want to add the emoji. Then, press the Windows keyboard shortcut Win + . (period) or Win + ; (semi-colon). If you’re on a Mac, it’s Control + Command + Space. The emoji picker panel will appear on the screen, and you can scroll through the options to find what you want to use.
The second method is to set up custom shortcuts for your frequently used emojis. Here’s how to do so:
Reply to an existing email or create a new email in the Outlook desktop app.
Navigate to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
Change the Font to Segoe UI Emoji and the Subset to Extended Characters – Plane 1.
Click on your preferred emoji.
Hit the AutoCorrect button at the bottom.
In the Replace field, type the shortcut you want to use. Make sure it isn’t a common word that’s already on the auto-correct list. To be safe, you can opt to use symbol combinations like :] or ^.^ as your shortcut.
Click on Add.
Hit OK to exit the dialog box.
Close the Symbol picker dialog box.
In the reply box, try using your shortcut. It should automatically be replaced with your chosen emoji.
Adding Emojis in the web app
Marinel Sigue/SlashGear
When using the Outlook web app, there are two methods to quickly add emojis to your messages. The first is by utilizing the emoji picker built into your computer. This feature is accessible not only in the Outlook desktop app but also in any text box across your device. For Windows PC, press Win + . or Win + ; to pull up the emoji picker. On a macOS, use Control + Command + Space.
The Outlook web app also offers its own emoji picker. To access it, compose a new email or reply to an existing one and type a colon (:) in the reply field. You should see the basic emoji picker on the screen, composed of six frequently used emojis (teary-eyed laugh, heart, heart eyes, sob, blush, and unamused). To see more options, click on the three horizontal dots. This opens an expanded emoji picker on the right side of the screen. You can switch between tabs like smileys, people, animals and nature, food and drink, travel and places, objects, and symbols to locate the particular emoji you wish to add. Alternatively, there’s a search bar at the top, where you can enter the emoji name.
Italian motorcycle manufacturer Beta has made a name for itself in the off-road segment. We recently discussed the new and improved 450 RX, a four-stroke motocross machine built to deliver uncompromising performance. In addition, the RR two-stroke range is highly respected in the segment.
Although Beta’s focus is primarily on enduro and motocross racing, the brand also offers bikes for all-around riders. The new Alp series, which includes the Alp X Scrambler and Alp 4.0, was unveiled at EICMA 2023. With these two new models, Beta aims to introduce a new generation of scramblers that are genuinely ready for off-road adventures, rather than just styled to look off-road capable.
Beta Alp X Scrambler
Both the Alp X Scrambler and Alp 4.0 are built on the same foundations. They have a 19-inch and 17-inch wheel combo and feature minimalist, modern bodywork. The bikes have long-travel suspension, but instead of fancy inverted forks, they use regular telescopic units, adding a touch of retro flair, especially suitable for the styling of the Alp X Scrambler.
The Alp X Scrambler features a round LED headlight that fittingly complements the bike’s enduro-esque bodywork. The exposed frame and engine add to the bike’s straightforward appeal. Meanwhile, the Alp 4.0 has a slightly taller seat height and a more rugged, off-road focused aesthetic. Like its predecessor, the Alp 4.0 prioritizes nimbleness, lightness, and maneuverability.
Beta Alp 4.0
Both bikes share the same technology, with a 350cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine producing 35 horsepower. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a six-speed manual gearbox, and an 11-liter fuel tank provides sufficient range for daylong adventures. For improved on-road performance, the bikes are equipped with switchable ABS and built-in LED lights.
As of now, Beta has not announced official pricing for these two new models, but they are expected to be available no later than December 2023.
QJMotor, a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, has rapidly gained popularity in the global market and is now expanding its reach outside of China. The company has recently entered into a distribution agreement with SSR Motorsports to enter the US market. During the Chongqing Motorcycle Expo, QJMotor unveiled its latest model, the TQ electric scooter, which aims to meet the growing demand for electric two-wheelers in urban areas.
The TQ scooter comes in three versions, with the most powerful model delivering 3.4 horsepower. This makes it more similar to an electric moped than an electric motorcycle. The other two versions have 1,000-watt and 800-watt outputs, making them suitable for riders with no experience on two wheels. It’s uncertain whether these models would require a license to operate outside of China, but they would likely abide by the regulations governing light electric vehicles in different countries.
All three versions of the QJ Motor TQ scooter are equipped with a rear hub motor and offer three battery options. The base model features a conventional lead-acid battery pack, while the higher-end variants are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, providing a range of up to 120 kilometers (75 miles) on a single charge.
Additional features of the TQ scooter include automatic locking, ambient light sensing headlights, a reverse gear, and multi-axis sensors that detect falls. Although QJ Motor has not released the weight of the scooter, it claims a maximum payload capacity of 150 kilograms. The TQ is equipped with 12-inch front and 10-inch rear tires, with front and rear disc brakes for braking.
Pricing for the QJ Motor TQ scooter has not been announced yet. While it is uncertain if the model will be available outside of China, QJMotor already has an expanding dealer network in Europe, suggesting possible distribution in the region.
The compact luxurious sports activities sedan phase has lengthy been dominated by established automakers like BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. But in recent times, some new entrants have emerged to shake up the market. One of those newcomers is the Genesis G70. Manufactured by Genesis Motors – that’s a subsidiary of South Korean automaker Hyundai – the G70 is a masterclass that has stored on stretching the bounds of greatness throughout its lineup through the years. What is much more thrilling is that newer fashions now provide an exhilarating driving expertise and options that had been as soon as reserved for top-tier sports activities sedans.
When we put apart the disruptive forces of electrification, the Genesis G70 stands out as essentially the most invaluable choice within the gas-powered compact luxurious sports activities sedan phase in the present day. This declare may be backed by the truth that it has bagged more than 20 awards since its debut in 2016, amongst them the coveted North American Car of the Year in 2019.
Exterior Design And Styling Denotes The Genesis G70’s Performance Capabilities
From the entrance, the G70’s daring and distinctive styling instantly calls for your consideration. Its distinctive entrance styling contains a large grille that extends all the best way to the decrease finish. A skinny parabolic body finely separates the decrease and higher grille sections, forming a crest-like form. This is the place it will get the identify Crest Grille.
The LED Quad Lamps stretch properly like wings on both facet of the entrance. This mixture in the end provides the G70 an athletic end consistent with the corporate’s sturdy “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy. Genesis acknowledges that the styling of each the grille and lamps was largely impressed by the Genesis emblem, and in the event you’re acquainted with it, you may immediately acknowledge the resemblance with out having to double-check.
The facet profile of the G70 is characterised by a protracted hood, low floor clearance, and quick entrance overhang, all of which talk its agility. Genesis has accomplished a commendable job with the G70’s wheels. The base trim comes with 18-inch twisted five-spoke wheels purposely designed to be distinguishable from the superior sports activities mannequin, which options 19-inch light-weight multi-spoke wheels.
The sports activities mannequin additionally options pink Brembo brakes to speak the automobile’s pace and high-performance capabilities. Not to neglect the air vents that work to attenuate turbulence generated by the entrance wheel arches whereas expressing the athletic sports activities search for the sedan.
Moving on to the again, you might be greeted with a minimalist but practical rear factor. Over the years, Genesis has been avidly bettering on its new releases. And now, they’ve reshaped the trunk lid to stay out and performance as a spoiler. With the slim taillights resembling the wings within the Genesis emblem, the newest G70 seems sportier than any of its predecessors.
The G70 Is Engineered For Exhilarating Driving Experience
Genesis
Genesis has devoted consideration to delivering a thrill-filled, partaking driving expertise throughout the G70 trim ranges. You have two trims of the value-oriented package deal to select from – the two.0T and three.3T, representing the engine measurement, each of which represent an eight-speed automated transmission. At the bottom degree, the G70 comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For this trim, you get 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
As with all sports activities vehicles, acceleration and dealing with issues rather a lot. Thankfully, the G70 doesn’t fall quick on this division, particularly after basing its platform on the Kia Stinger sports activities sedan. For drivers who need to expertise the joys past on a regular basis sporty driving, the Sport+ mode function is useful. Switching to this mode actually turns the G70 right into a high-performance machine with sharp acceleration, responsive steering, and higher dealing with. The 3.3T rear-wheel-drive variant can speed up rapidly whenever you need it to, reaching a dash of 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
When Genesis designed the G70 with a 167 mph high pace, in addition they needed to incorporate a high-performance braking system to instill confidence in potential clients. The Brembo brakes work intelligently to ship distinctive stopping energy and complete security. Combine this with the expertise that adapts to street circumstances, and also you obtain a driving expertise filled with dynamism and stability. The new model has an adaptive exhaust system, which provides some pleasure to the engine noise whereas driving.
From the second you step into the Genesis G70, all the things you see and work together with breathes a way of class. The leather-based seats and tender inside lighting, coupled with beautifully-lit buttons deliver it to par with the remainder of the competitors. Dominating the cockpit is a ten.25-inch touchscreen, which ensures comfort for the driving force whereas accessing the automobile’s tech options. Genesis developed their very own GUI (graphical person interface) to showcase their tech prowess, and it options:
Genesis CarPay to permit handy pay for fuel and parking.
Valet mode to lock and shield private data whereas viewing car data.
Over-The-Air mode updates
Remote 360° view
Some superior driver-safety options discovered within the G70 embrace:
Everything within the G70 is balanced in such a approach that it beats the remainder when it comes to the general package deal it delivers.
Chris Okula
Many luxurious sedan rivals that may go head-to-head with the G70 have a tendency to face out in a single facet greater than the remainder. For instance, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the BMW 3 Series lean extra on the athletic facet, whereas the Audi A4 concentrates on inside and engineering. So, the balanced strategy ensures that as a lot element of each rival as potential matches into the G70.
However, some little fallouts had been inevitable within the course of. For occasion, the G70 ended up with a quite tight again seat and a tiny trunk measuring 10.5 cubic ft. In comparability, its rivals just like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series provide comparatively bigger cargo area at 10.9 and 15.1 cubic ft, respectively. The gasoline economic system additionally falls in need of greatness at 18 MPG within the metropolis and 27 MPG on the freeway for the three.3T trim.
If you’re searching for true worth from a compact luxurious sports activities sedan, the Genesis G70 ought to be on the high of your catalog. It’s certainly reasonably priced, contemplating the bottom mannequin’s beginning MSRP is ready at $39,400. That means you may get higher horsepower numbers than the usual turbo-2.0-liter four-cylinder Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series going for a similar worth vary.
As if that’s not sufficient, Genesis affords a 10-year powertrain guarantee that just about doubles most warranties from its rivals, making it a extremely sensible choice amongst different sports activities vehicles in its class. As it’s, the one factor that may very well be standing in its approach when weighed up in opposition to the likes of Mercedes, Audi, and BMW is its comparatively lesser-known model identify.
The Peugeot 508 has made significant strides in competing with premium car brands. The fit and finish inside the cabin are impressive and could easily be mistaken for a premium brand. The Peugeot i-Cockpit layout with its small, squared off steering wheel is unique and gives the car a distinct look.
The infotainment system in the Peugeot 508 is derived from the one in the 308 hatchback. It features physical shortcut controls and includes heating, ventilation, and Tom Tom navigation. The system is easy to use and the navigation display is clear and detailed. The lane keeping system can be turned off through the infotainment menus.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in the Peugeot 508, and wireless device charging is available on certain trim levels. The car also comes with USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
The cabin design is ergonomic, although some drivers may find that the wheel positioning obstructs their view of the instrument screen. The second-row cabin space is slightly smaller than average for the mid-sized executive saloon class, but the boot space is competitive.
Royal Enfield, a leading motorcycle manufacturer, is on track to release its first electric motorcycle in 2025. This move comes as the brand continues to expand its presence in global markets and aims to preserve the essence of motorcycling in the electric age. While Royal Enfield will still focus on internal combustion offerings, it recognizes the need to cater to the evolving market demands by introducing new models.
To achieve its goal, Royal Enfield has established a dedicated division for electric vehicle operations and has invested heavily in this endeavor. The company has assembled a team of nearly 100 members with expertise in engineering and commercial aspects to develop distinctive and high-performing electric motorcycles. Additionally, Royal Enfield has enlisted Mario Alvisi, a former Ducati employee, as the Chief Growth Officer to strengthen its electric vehicle business.
In a strategic move, Royal Enfield’s parent company, Eicher Motors, has invested in Stark Future, a Spanish electric mobility firm. This partnership aims to bring together the strengths of both companies and foster beneficial collaborations. While Royal Enfield will rely on imports for certain components like battery cells, it plans to manufacture most essential components in-house or through partnerships with supply chain providers. The company has already onboarded several new suppliers and is exploring additional opportunities.
Munich/Johannesburg. An initiative by FNB Art Joburg and BMW Group South Africa, the BMW Young Collectors Co. was established in 2020 to develop a new generation of art collectors. Opening the BMW Young Collectors Co. programme to the public, TheBMW Art Generation brings celebrated, established, and young artists, curators, and academics, from across the world together with collectors to shape, celebrate and protect the future of contemporary African art. Hosted at William Kentridge’s Centre for the Less Good Idea, The BMW Art Generation will give the public access to studios, performance art, live music and a boutique lifestyle market with stalls dedicated to demonstrating the very best in design and food and wine experiences.
The BMW Art Generation is a weekend event that will take place from 2-3 September 2023. It aims to immerse visitors in contemporary African culture through various interactive experiences.
The goal of The BMW Art Generation is to explore contemporary African art within the black intellectual tradition and create a space where art, history, and place intersect. The event seeks to foster innovation, community, and an Africa that sets standards for the global contemporary art ecosystem. The emphasis is on knowledge transfer from one generation to another, prioritizing access and inclusivity.
Johannesburg, the cultural capital of the African continent, is home to FNB Art Joburg, the longest running contemporary art fair in Africa. The BMW Art Generation, taking place in central Johannesburg, aims to reignite engagement and investment in the city as a hub for contemporary art.
The BMW Art Generation will bring together renowned individuals in the art world, including collectors, artists, and curators. Participants include American collector and radiologist, Dr. Joy Simmons; Founder and Director of the Lagos Photo Festival and the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF), Azu Nwagbogu; Princeton-based Nigerian artist and historian, Chika Okeke-Agulu; Swiss curator and director at the Serpentine Galleries, Hans Ulrich Obrist; and South African artist William Kentridge.
BMW Group South Africa has a long-standing commitment to supporting arts and culture and has engaged in over 100 cultural collaborations worldwide. The partnership with FNB Art Joburg is an important one, demonstrating BMW Group South Africa’s dedication to corporate cultural responsibility.
The BMW Young Collectors Co. is an initiative by FNB Art Joburg and BMW Group South Africa, established in 2020. It aims to develop a new generation of art collectors in Africa who will invest in and collect African art. This initiative fills a void in art collecting education and experience, particularly for younger generations. The majority of collectors in South Africa are older than 50 years old and lack diversity. The BMW Young Collectors Co. provides access to top artists, galleries, and art patrons, ensuring the growth of the African art economy for future generations.
FNB Art Joburg, based in Johannesburg, is the leading and longest running contemporary African art fair on the continent. It plays a significant role in developing and sustaining a commercial industry centered around African and diasporic practitioners. The fair is divided into six specialized sections: gallery HUB, gallery LAB, MAX, ETC, AUX, and ORG sections.
The BMW Art Generation will take place at the Centre for the Less Good Idea in Maboneng, Johannesburg, South Africa. Entrance tickets are required for the event, which spans from September 2-3, 2023. There will also be a VIP Opening on September 1, 2023, by invitation only.
To visit FNB Art Joburg, entrance tickets are also required. The event will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from September 7-10, 2023. There will be a VIP Opening on September 7, 2023, by invitation only.
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