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News

What is the battery lifetime of an electrical automobile?

For many automobile homeowners, the EV represents a wholly new approach of driving and brings with it many queries and considerations. 

Obviously vary anxiousness nonetheless dominates the electrification dialog, however for a lot of there are additionally query marks over the lifetime of the battery that powers these hi-tech machines.  Wherever you look, there are tales suggesting that the costly lithium ion batteries can fail after a comparatively brief house of time, leaving the proprietor both going through a hefty invoice for a substitute or considering reducing their losses on a automobile that’s in any other case nugatory as a result of it actually doesn’t work.

And it’s not onerous to see the place these rumours and anecdotes come from, as a result of our in depth expertise of  cell phones, tablets and laptop computer computer systems has proven many who, even over a comparatively brief time frame, the batteries powering them can shortly lose effectivity, ensuing within the want for extra frequent charging. In excessive circumstances the degradation is so extreme the gadget received’t even fire-up until it’s completely on cost, which is clearly no use for an EV.

So, how dangerous is the issue actually? Well the excellent news is that EV batteries are harder than you’d suppose. In truth, the extra electrical automobiles which can be on the market and the longer they’re run for, the extra proof is produced to point out that the facility pack will typically final the lifetime of the automobile. Better nonetheless, there are many suggestions and methods you’ll be able to comply with to verify your automobile’s batteries will survive higher than most.

Electric automobile battery life

1charger

Okay, so the reality is that batteries degrade over time and with use, which means they develop into much less environment friendly as they age and, in the end, within the case of EVs the vary of your automobile will scale back. There’s additionally no denying that battery know-how doesn’t come low cost, and may the cells ever want substitute then it’s fairly probably that they’ll price extra to swap than the automobile is now price – which is why we have a tendency to exchange cell phones of their entirety slightly than substitute the battery pack. 

Yet it’s not all dangerous information, as a result of there are methods to extend the lifespan of your automobile’s battery, retaining it more healthy and extra environment friendly for longer. More importantly, whereas efficiency might degrade over time, in the end the cells ought to nonetheless be offering at the very least 70 % of their capability even after 200,000 miles, which is the kind of mileage that few automobiles ever attain, whether or not they’re ICE or EV. 

As an instance, a variety of Tesla Model S taxis working from Gatwick airport racked up over 300,000 miles every over three years, with all retaining at the very least 82 % of their batteries’ well being.

Why does an electrical automobile battery lose cost or degrade?

Continual advances in battery know-how imply that points surrounding degradation of efficiency are being diminished on a regular basis. However, even the newest lithium-ion cells aren’t utterly resistant to dropping efficiency over time, with a variety of elements taking part in a job. 

News

CCM’s Commissioned Program Offers Custom Builds Straight From The Factory

Many custom bike owners enjoy the process of building their dream machine and carefully selecting each part. However, some people prefer to have a custom bike right out of the factory. Many manufacturers offer this option, especially with the popularity of neo-retro bikes. CCM, a British motorcycle manufacturer known for its compact, stylish, and retro-inspired motorcycles, takes this concept to the next level with its Commissioned program.

CCM is known for its small production runs and premium price tags, with the Spitfire being central to the brand’s model lineup. The Commissioned program enhances the Spitfire’s customizability, allowing for a wide range of personalization. The only fixed components are the bike’s frame and 600cc single-cylinder engine.

Customers can configure the Spitfire in various ways, including dirt trackers, bobbers, retro-inspired motards, and rally-inspired machines. Additionally, they can choose from a selection of wheel and tire combinations, subframes, and body panels for a unique aesthetic.

While CCM’s motorcycles are already expensive, using the Commissioned program will add at least $10,000 to the base price of $15,500. This raises the question of whether the in-house customization is worth the premium price tag or if it’s better to commission a custom build from a third-party builder.

If you’re interested in the Commissioned program or want to explore the available configurations, you can visit CCM’s official website. Additionally, you can fill out a form on the Commissioned program’s landing page to get in touch with the company to start creating your dream custom bike.

Motorsport

Tesla Cybertruck Towing Specs Leaked: Here’s How It Compares To Gas Pickups

The Tesla Cybertruck’s highly anticipated debut is on November 30, but a leaked poster (below) on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, reportedly from a sign at the San Diego Tesla store, provides an early look at the pickup’s towing and payload figures. The vehicle can carry 2,500 pounds in the cargo bed and tow 11,000 pounds. Let’s compare these numbers with the traditional, combustion-powered trucks from Chevrolet, Ford, and Ram.

Before delving into the comparison, it’s worth mentioning that a VIN decoder indicates two variants of the Cybertruck are on the way, likely indicating two- and three-motor powertrains. The lighter version has a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,001 to 9,000 pounds, and the heavier one’s GVWR is 9,001 to 10,000 pounds. Unfortunately, the promotional image doesn’t specify which variant of the truck these payload and towing specs belong to.

Tesla Cybertruck Leaked Image

Payload

A pickup’s payload refers to the maximum weight the vehicle can carry, including cargo in the bed and passengers. The Tesla Cybertruck’s 2,500-pound capacity puts it ahead of the Silverado, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500. However, these trucks are also lighter than Tesla’s electric offering. Therefore, figures for heavy-duty trucks from Detroit are also included in the table below. These models can carry several thousand pounds more than the Cybertruck.

Model Payload Difference Versus Cybertruck
Tesla Cybertruck 2,500 lbs N/A
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2,260 lbs -240 lbs
Chevrolet Silverado HD 7,234 lbs 4,734 lbs
Ford F-150 2,455 lbs -45 lbs
Ford Super Duty 8,000 lbs 5,500 lbs
Ram 1500 2,300 lbs -200 lbs
Ram HD 7,680 lbs 5,180 lbs

Towing Capacity


Motorsport

This Stealth Camper Hides A Sweet Gaming Setup And Recording Studio

We enjoy custom-built motorhomes because each one is unique and reflects the owner’s individuality. For instance, Ryan Bell transformed a Ford Transit into a low-profile camper and has been living in it full-time for over a year. He gave the vehicle an unassuming exterior but equipped the interior with an impressive entertainment setup.

Bell named this camper Megalodon in reference to the massive prehistoric shark. This is his second custom project after selling all his possessions and constructing a Ford E-Series named Great White for $3,000.

Stealth Camper Van Build

Megalodon is still a work in progress. Bell mentions to Motor1 that he anticipates the total cost of the build to be around $35,000 upon completion. This cost is a fraction of what factory-built campers, such as the Transit-based offering from AEONrv for $219,000, would cost.

The Megalodon has some subtle modifications to its exterior, such as covering the side window with a decal that allows occupants to see outside the van, but prevents people from seeing inside. The roof is equipped with 800 watts of solar panels and fans for ventilating the cabin.

Upon opening the door, the interior transformation is revealed. The compact kitchenette is fully featured with a three-burner cooktop and an appliance that combines a microwave, convection oven, and an air fryer. It includes a metal sink, although Bell has not added a faucet yet. His plans for future upgrades include adding a pantry for storage.

The combined sleeping space and entertainment center occupies most of the van’s rear section. Bell has mounted a screen on the wall, and the desk has two settings to raise it, allowing him to comfortably work from bed.

Bell shares with Motor1, “My favorite aspect of the van is how comfortable it is for sleeping. It’s completely dark inside at night and quiet due to all the added insulation. In my previous van, highway noise would annoy me at night, but that is not a problem in Megalodon.”

Bell, a musician, managed to fit a small recording setup in Megalodon. A custom cabinet holds a guitar amp, and there’s a nearby microphone on a stand. For music enjoyment, he has a pair of speakers and a subwoofer, quite large for a van of this size. When it’s time to play video games, Bell uses a Steam Deck that can be connected to the TV. This setup allows him to play various modern and vintage titles from bed.

Bell has an ambitious plan to build a sliding closet in the future to expand Megalodon. Pulling it away from the wall would reveal a shower and toilet, amenities the van currently lacks.

He offers a piece of advice to anyone looking to build their own motorhome. “Insulation is the most important part of a build to make it as comfortable as a house,” Bell said. “The five-inch walls are not excessive, contrary to what many people in the video comments believe.”

Car review

Maserati Grecale

The Maserati Grecale luxury SUV shares some components with cheaper cars like the Fiat 500. From the squeezy electronic handle to the multimedia screen, there are certain elements that may remind owners of other vehicles. However, the Grecale distinguishes itself with its charming and handsome interior design and top-notch materials. The use of different types of soft leather, neat stitching, and real metal give it a luxurious feel. There are also some unique touches, such as the matte carbon trim and the reinterpreted analogue clock that now functions as a round screen. The Grecale also incorporates modern technology, including a fully digital gauge cluster and a secondary screen for controlling various settings. Despite its focus on technology and performance, the Grecale aims to be an everyday family car, offering ample interior space and storage options. The rear seat can comfortably accommodate six-footers, with plenty of headroom and legroom. Additionally, the Grecale offers generous boot space, although the V6 Trofeo model provides even more storage capacity due to the absence of a hybrid system. The multimedia system in the Grecale, known as Uconnect, is similar to those found in other Fiat, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo vehicles. While it may lack a distinct brand identity, the interface is user-friendly and functions smoothly. However, it does not include Google Maps as standard navigation, opting for a TomTom module instead. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available and seamlessly integrated. The optional Sonus Faber 21-speaker hi-fi system offers configurability and good sound quality. Overall, the Maserati Grecale combines luxury, technology, and practicality in a stylish and comfortable package.

Multimedia system

The Grecale is equipped with the Uconnect multimedia system, which is also found in Fiats, Jeeps, and Alfa Romeos. While this may not showcase Maserati’s specific brand identity, the interface is user-friendly and functions smoothly. The system is based on Android Automotive but does not visually resemble it. Unfortunately, Uconnect does not offer Google Maps as its standard navigation system, instead opting for a TomTom module. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available and integrated well. The optional Sonus Faber 21-speaker hi-fi system provides good sound quality and customizable settings.

Featured

New Google Maps Update Will Help You Plan Your Trips In A Better Way


One of the new features has been developed to help EV owners get more details of nearby charging stations including charging speeds, charger types, etc

Google Maps features update

Google has made navigating with smartphones easier through its Maps app, and it continues to update the app with new features to make traveling within and between cities more convenient. Google has recently announced some updates for the app:

Detailed Status Of Nearby EV Chargers

EV charging station

This update is beneficial for the growing number of electric car owners. Google Maps now provides detailed information about EV chargers, including compatibility, charging speed, and station availability. It can also indicate the last time a charger was used to counter the problem of non-functional stations. This feature is especially valuable for planning long electric vehicle road trips. Google utilized its knowledge from cars with Google built-in, such as Volvo models, to develop this update.

Immersive View

Google Maps' Immersive View for routes

In May 2023, Google announced the Immersive View for routes feature for its Maps app. By using AI technology to combine multiple perspectives from Google Street View and aerial images, Google has created an immersive, real-world view of its maps. This feature allows users to experience their routes from a live, on-the-ground perspective, including real-time information on traffic, weather, and roadblocks.

A More Detailed Map View

Google Maps detailed view

Google Maps will offer a more comprehensive map view for enhanced road navigation. This includes more realistic representations of buildings and roads, making it easier to reach your destination. It also provides a more detailed depiction of exits from expressways and highways. These subtle improvements aim to simplify your travel experience.

  • Check out the right car insurance plan for your vehicle here.

Find More With Google Lens

With this update, Google has integrated its Lens feature into Maps, making it easier to discover new locations. Powered by AI, Lens allows users to uncover both famous landmarks and hidden gems. This innovative tool provides comprehensive details about a place before you decide to visit, making it particularly valuable for travelers looking to explore new destinations.

These are some of the highlighted features that will be available on Google Maps first in international markets before reaching India. Which new or improved feature interests you the most, and which one would you like to see first on Google Maps in India? Share your answers in the comments section.

Also Read: Google Completes 25 Years: Here’s How It Shaped Modern Cars And Our Driving Experiences

Motorsport

With An Eight-Year Waitlist And $100K Fee, Porsche Is Making One-Off Dream Cars

Porsche is using the Rennsport Reunion 7 event at the Monterey Peninsula to showcase its Sonderwunsch experience, which offers customers the opportunity to create unique and customized Porsche vehicles. The Sonderwunsch program has been around since 1978 and allows customers to personalize their Porsche cars right from the factory. The options for customization are virtually endless, and customers can work with a dedicated team at Porsche to bring their dream car to life.

The Sky Could Be The Limit

Porsche Vice President of Individualization and Classic, Alexander Fabig, emphasizes that the Sonderwunsch program enables customers to dream big. For example, a customer could request a Panamera with a convertible top, and Porsche’s in-house team would work on the design and engineering aspects to make it a reality. Customers have the opportunity to visit Porsche’s facilities in Zuffenhausen for in-person consultations and get a comprehensive sense of the materials and options available.

Money Plus Time And Patience

The cost of a one-off Porsche car is determined by the complexity and level of detail requested by the customer. While there is no specific list or prequalification process, customers should expect the fee to start at around $100,000, in addition to the price of the base vehicle. However, there is currently an eight-year waitlist for Sonderwunsch projects, as the team is only able to accept around three new commissions per year. The actual build process can also take several years.

Where To Start?

Although the Sonderwunsch program is primarily focused on 911 models, Porsche also offers customization options for other vehicles, such as the Taycan. Existing Porsche owners can also bring their cars for updates and modifications, ranging from quality-of-life upgrades to full restomod projects. The Sonderwunsch experience allows Porsche enthusiasts to create their dream cars, and the company aims to increase its capacity to accommodate more projects per year and reduce the waitlist.

Motorsport

Watch Koenigsegg One:1 With Naked Carbon-Fiber Body Hit The Streets

During the Supercar Owners Circle weekend in Spain, some incredible vehicles made an appearance. One of the most attention-grabbing machines was a Koenigsegg One:1 with its carbon-fiber body on full display. The crowd couldn’t resist taking photos of it.

The One:1 was a special version of the Agera, and its name referred to the weight-to-horsepower ratio. Powered by a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 engine, it produced an impressive 1,360 metric horsepower (1,341 horsepower), while weighing only 1,360 kilograms (2,998 pounds). This power was transferred through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Accelerating at a mind-boggling rate, the car could reach a speed of 249 miles per hour in about 20 seconds. In fact, its estimated top speed of 273 mph positioned it among the fastest cars in the world.


Electric Vehicles

How Long Will The Kia EV6 Battery Last?

Kia offers one of the best warranty programs in the auto industry, covering the powertrain of all new Kia vehicles for 10 years or 100,000 miles. This warranty also includes the 697V lithium-ion batteries in the EV6.

While most Kia owners won’t need to worry about battery replacement for many years, a curious EV6 driver decided to do some research and contacted their local dealership to inquire about the potential cost of a battery replacement.

According to the driver’s post on kiaevforums, they were initially informed that a new battery would cost $6000 when they purchased their EV6. However, the current market price for a new battery pack has increased to $29,000. The driver speculates that this price increase is due to the high demand for batteries in manufacturing new cars, rather than supplying them to repair shops for replacements. They believe that the cost will decrease in the future when more batteries become available from salvaged vehicles and are more reasonably priced for dealers.

Gaming Accessories

Sony’s Deep Earth Collection Adds New Colors to PS5 and DualSense

Starting October 4, PlayStation 5 owners will have the option to purchase the new Deep Earth Collection console covers and DualSense controllers. In the United States, the console covers will be priced at $59.99 and the new DualSense options at $74.99. The collection will also be available for purchase in Japan, the U.K., and multiple European countries. To make a purchase, customers will need to order directly from Sony’s PlayStation storefront or from select retailers, which have not been specified yet.

The controller remains unchanged in terms of functionality, with the only difference being the color. Similarly, the console covers are plastic shells that can be easily placed over the existing white cover of the console. Sony offers their own range of options, but there are also third-party designs available for those who prefer something different. One such option is a cover with a larger air vent for improved thermal management, as seen in this example.