Tag Archives: Plan

News

Adapting to Unexpected Situations: How to Navigate When Plans Change

What kind of traveler are you? Do you meticulously plan every detail or do you prefer to be spontaneous and see where the journey takes you?

However, in some cases, you may not have a choice due to time constraints or fixed appointments.

Dealing with unexpected events like road closures or heavy traffic can be very stressful, and it’s important to find a balance between reaching your destination on time and staying calm.

Amanda Zito, known for her travel and motorcycle camping videos on YouTube as As the Magpie Flies, has mastered the art of adapting to unexpected challenges during her bike travels.

Having a positive attitude is crucial, especially during the hectic holiday season when things often don’t go as planned. Whether in life or on the road, maintaining a calm and adaptable mindset is key.

Wishing you a wonderful time with your loved ones, despite any unexpected changes. You may even consider sharing this video with others to introduce them to the concept of relaxed motocamping in nature.

News, Technology

Microsoft Announces Copilot AI for Windows 10

Microsoft is currently beta testing Copilot with the help of Windows Insiders. If you are a Windows 10 Insider and have an eligible machine (any PC with at least 4GB RAM and a 720p display running the eligible versions of Windows 10), you will need to install the November 2023 non-security preview update (KB5032278) to become eligible for the actual rollout, which is tentatively scheduled to happen in a few months.

To ensure you don’t miss out on this update, Microsoft recommends going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and turning on the option labeled “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.” While an exact timeline has not been provided yet, the blog post mentioning “a few months” is a positive sign.

In addition to preparing eligible Windows 10 systems for Copilot, the November non-security preview update also introduces several new features and bug fixes. These include new functionality that changes the way app defaults work on Windows 10, an updated news and interests feature, and the addition of Windows Update opt-in notifications to the screen when you sign in. You can find more information here.

News

Conservatives aim to make life easier for UK motorists

The Conservative party has unveiled a 30-point plan to make life easier for drivers in the UK.

A key part of this plan is to counter “anti-driver” policies that promote active travel and enhance road safety. The party specifically highlighted the implementation of low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and the enforcement of reduced speed limits, such as Wales’ new 20mph speed limit in residential areas, as examples of such policies.

The government intends to update guidance for 20mph zones and LTNs, with a focus on introducing them only where there is local support.

Furthermore, the Conservatives have vowed to ensure fines for traffic offences, like inappropriate use of yellow box junctions, are fairer and prevent local authorities from profiting from enforcement.

Local authorities will also be prevented from introducing the concept of “15-minute cities,” which aim to provide all necessary amenities within a 15-minute walking radius of city residents.

Although no council currently operates a 15-minute city, several, including Bristol, Birmingham, and Oxford, have expressed intentions to implement this policy in the future.

The government’s plan suggests that 15-minute cities could eventually lead to excessive traffic restrictions and car use permits. To prevent this, local authorities pursuing such measures will be denied access to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data.

As part of the “smoother driving” initiative, the government has also committed to reducing the failure rate of road infrastructure and minimizing repair downtime. It will invest £70 million to improve traffic lights, dedicating £30 million to enhance their reliability, £20 million to improve their responsiveness to road conditions, and £20 million to explore the use of artificial intelligence for managing traffic flow in city centres.

News

Four Beloved Cars That Need To Be Revived As Electric Vehicles

With Audi announcing the resurrection of the RS6 and the 1980s Quattro as all-electric sports cars, it seems that there is a new trend of classic oldies making a comeback in the auto market as eco-friendly revamped versions. The electric version of the RS6 is set to debut in 2025, after the last gas-powered RS6 was made in 2010. To fill the void, Audi released the Audi Avant. However, the Audi E-Tron GT Quattro, released in 2022, did not stick to its funky 80s design and instead opted for a more modern look.

As more cars leave the market to make space for EVs, there is a growing possibility that manufacturers will continue to revive and electrify classic car concepts. Here are four beloved sporty cars – one classic and three recently discontinued – that would be highly sought after as electric vehicles.

Related: Reviving Tradition with Innovation: The New Alpine A310

Bringing Back The Beloved Honda S2000

In 2000, Honda introduced the Honda S2000, a convertible sports car designed for speed enthusiasts. The S2000 left the market in 2009 but still holds its appeal due to its powerful engine. Electric vehicles are now implementing artificial engine sounds to cater to gearheads’ preferences. The S2000’s lightweight design can easily be adapted to fit the sustainable material options commonly found in modern electric vehicles. In today’s economy, the S2000’s original price tag of $30,000 would equate to around $53,026.94, making it more affordable compared to electric sports cars on the market today.

2009 Honda S2000 Specs

Price

$35,705

Engine

2.2-liter, four-cylinder

Top Speed

149 mph

0-60 mph

5.8 seconds

Horsepower

237 horses

Torque

167 pound-feet

Honda sold over 100,000 S2000 models, with more than half of them sold in the U.S. market. If revived as an electric vehicle, the S2000 would likely have continued success in the American EV space. There are rumors that Honda is planning to bring back the S2000 in 2024 as a fully electric version with a range of 300 miles and a price range similar to the original model.

The Audi R8 Could Be Better Than Ever As An EV

Audi is electrifying its lineup, and it should consider adding the Audi R8 to the fleet. Although not a classic, the Audi R8 will be discontinued after 2023. With its high performance and 602 horsepower, the R8 has been considered an “icon” by Forbes. It gave tough competition to classic supercars like Porsche’s family tree. As it makes room for Audi’s electric future, the R8 can bring even more style and innovation with an electric powertrain.

2023 Audi R8 Specs

Price

$151,895

Engine

5.2-liter V-10

Top Speed

199 mph

0-60 mph

3.1 seconds

Horsepower

602 horses

Torque

413 pound-feet

Given its success in an oversaturated market of gas-fueled cars, the Audi R8 would certainly shine in an underdeveloped EV market.

Why The Hyundai Veloster N Has Electric Potential

The Hyundai Veloster N, although not a classic, has the potential to be electrified. Hyundai discontinued the Veloster name in 2022 after 11 years. The Veloster N gained popularity for its high performance at an affordable price. With Hyundai’s success in the electric vehicle space with the Ioniq lineup, there is an opportunity to create an electric-powered high-performance model based on the Veloster N.

2022 Hyundai Veloster N Specs

Price

$33,595

Engine

2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged

Top Speed

155 mph

0-60 mph

4.8 seconds

Horsepower

275 horses

Torque

278 pound-feet

Considering Hyundai’s prowess in creating the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, an electric version of the Veloster N would offer affordability and innovation in the electric vehicle market.

The Acura NSX Hybrid Was Halfway There

The Acura NSX, discontinued in 2022, was unable to achieve significant success despite being a popular supercar. Initially introduced in 1990, the NSX had undergone several revivals and reintroductions. The NSX became one of the quickest sports cars in the Japanese Domestic Market. Although the NSX had a hybrid powertrain, in today’s EV market, a fully electric powertrain would have been more appealing to consumers. Acura and Honda have the opportunity to push the limits of electric top speeds with a revived and fully electric NSX.

2022 Acura NSX Hybrid Specs

Price

$171,495

Powertrain

3.5-liter Hybrid twin-turbo V-6

Top Speed

191 mph

0-60 mph

2.9 seconds

Horsepower

600 horses

Torque

492 pound-feet

Sports cars have yet to fully explore their potential in the electric vehicle space. Reviving classics without their gas-powered engines opens up opportunities for more electric vehicle options that auto enthusiasts would love. The rumored revival of the Honda S2000, the return of the RS6, and the future Quattro models signal a bright future for nostalgic, high-performance, and sustainable vehicles.

Internet, News

Tinder’s Expensive Subscription: Why It Costs $500 A Month

Earlier this year, Tinder announced its plans to introduce a new subscription plan that could set users back around $500 per month. Mark Van Ryswyk, Tinder’s chief product officer, revealed to Fast Company that this upcoming tier, codenamed “Tinder Vault,” was in the works. Speculation circulated that this premium subscription would provide users with “high-quality matches” and an “even more enjoyable experience” for those who take online dating seriously.

However, the groundwork for Tinder Select was laid out years ago. In 2017, the original Tinder Select app was launched as a secretive spin-off, specifically targeting affluent users such as successful executives, supermodels, and other highly desirable individuals. Last year, Match Group acquired The League, another exclusive and invite-only dating app that charges a whopping $1,000 per week and maintains a highly selective approach towards its user base, consisting of ambitious individuals looking for long-term relationships.

Ryswyk explained that Tinder Select was designed to cater to a subset of highly engaged and active users who prioritize efficient and effective ways of finding connections. While the company does not anticipate a large number of users willing to pay the $500 monthly fee for online dating, Ryswyk did not delve into the specifics of what sets Tinder Select apart from the cheaper Plus tier, priced at $7.99 per month, or the $26.99 per month Platinum option.

VolvoCars

Volvo Cars Announces the End of Diesel Production by 2024

Volvo Cars is taking a significant step towards its goal of becoming a climate-neutral company. By 2030, the company plans to sell only fully electric cars, and by 2040, it aims to achieve complete climate neutrality. At Climate Week NYC, Volvo Cars declared that it will stop producing diesel-powered car models by early 2024. This move makes Volvo Cars one of the first traditional car manufacturers to take such a decisive action in favor of electric vehicles.

This milestone follows Volvo Cars’ decision in 2022 to stop developing new combustion engines. The company sold its stake in Aurobay, a joint venture that held its remaining combustion engine assets. Volvo Cars is now fully committed to electric powertrains and has ceased investing in the development of new internal combustion engines.

Volvo Cars’ Chief Executive, Jim Rowan, expresses the advantages of electric vehicles over combustion engines. Electric powertrains generate less noise, less vibration, and create zero tailpipe emissions. In addition, they require less servicing costs for customers. The company is focused on creating a diverse range of premium, fully electric cars that meet the expectations of Volvo customers while contributing to the fight against climate change.

In response to the urgent need for action highlighted by the United Nations’ Global Climate Stocktake report, Jim Rowan emphasizes the importance of strong leadership from industry and political leaders in combating climate change. Volvo Cars is committed to doing its part and calls on peers and political leaders worldwide to join in the effort.

As a demonstration of its commitment, Volvo Cars’ Chief Sustainability Officer, Anders Kärrberg, will participate in an event organized by the Accelerating to Zero (A2Z) Coalition during this year’s Climate Week NYC. The A2Z Coalition, launched at the COP27 climate summit, brings together signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Vehicles. The coalition aims to ensure that all new car and van sales are free of tailpipe emissions by 2040, and no later than 2035 in leading markets. Volvo Cars’ electrification target is even more ambitious, and the company hopes to inspire other companies to take bolder actions against climate change by phasing out diesel cars and engaging in discussions at Climate Week NYC.

Volvo Cars’ decision to end diesel production by 2024 reflects the rapidly changing landscape in the automotive industry and evolving customer demand in response to the climate crisis. Just a few years ago, diesel engines were the mainstay in Europe, but now electrified models, including fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars, dominate the market. This shift is driven by changing market demand, stricter emission regulations, and Volvo Cars’ focus on electrification. Additionally, reducing the number of diesel cars on the road has a positive impact on urban air quality, as diesel engines emit more harmful gases like nitrogen oxide (NOx) compared to petrol engines, affecting air quality particularly in congested areas.

NewsNew

Triumph 2024 Motocross Engine: All-New Engine Platform

Triumph has officially unveiled its brand new motocross engine design for an upcoming bike release. While there isn’t much detailed information available yet, a group of test riders, team managers, and engineers have expressed their excitement about it. The engine will be put to the test in less than a month. Below is the official video and the information we have received from Triumph.

Episode 2 of Vision to Reality features Ricky Carmichael, Bobby Hewitt, Dave Arnold, Ivan Tedesco, Stephen “Scuba” Westfall, and Vincent Bereni as they provide a behind-the-scenes look at Triumph’s highly anticipated motocross engine.

Stay tuned for Episode 3, featuring RC Rides, which will be released on September 5th.

News

ChargePoint Plans to Improve Reliability of its EV Charging Network

ChargePoint, an electric vehicle charging company, has announced its new plan to improve the uptime of its EV chargers across its network. This plan includes proactive station monitoring, machine learning for faster identification of station issues, and predictive analytics for seamless operation.

What Does That Mean?

ChargePoint currently has over 243,000 active charging ports in its network. These charging stations are monitored 24/7 through its Network Operations Center (NOC). The company can quickly notify station owners and send maintenance teams to resolve any issues. Additionally, machine learning algorithms will process big data feeds and monitor social media to identify stations with problems.

ChargePoint hasn’t specified which social media platforms it will monitor. However, it could potentially use the PlugShare app, a crowdsourced public EV charging station app, to gather complaints and data. The company has been asked for clarification on this matter.

Why It Matters

Surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023 have highlighted issues with public EV charging networks. Participants reported problems with station access, station reliability, and user satisfaction. In the 2022 JD Power survey, user satisfaction with public Level Two charging stations dropped from 643 to 633 on a 1,000-point scale. However, Tesla Superchargers received the highest satisfaction score.

The 2023 Plug In America survey revealed that while around 90% of current EV owners are generally satisfied with their EVs, they are dissatisfied with the state of public charging networks. Broken chargers were categorized as a major concern or a deal-breaker for 46% of users who rely on public DC fast charging networks.

The Sticky Issue of Public EV Charging Network Uptime

Currently, there is no single standard to measure public EV charging network uptime. ChargePoint measures station uptime individually for each charging port, considering driver expectations. By this metric, ChargePoint’s public network in North America and Europe delivers 96% uptime. ChargePoint Assure customers enjoy an even higher rate of uptime at 98%.

The new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the US covers various EV charging topics and requires federally funded charging networks to meet a minimum of 97% uptime. ChargePoint’s internal records currently show its network at 96% uptime. The law also mandates that qualified EV chargers must be built in the US and use domestically manufactured components.

News

First new UK hydrogen fuelling hub open in 2024

A plan to create a nationwide network of hydrogen refuelling stations is taking its first steps towards becoming a reality with the help of an £8 million UK government grant. The first station is expected to open early next year.

British start-up Element 2 will initially build four stations that will be publicly available to both HGV and car drivers. The government’s target for these stations is supermarket delivery trucks, but they will also be accessible to cars such as the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and BMW iX5 Hydrogen.

The pumps will be located in the north-east of England as part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub, which is being developed with the government funding. The first station will open at Teesside International Airport to support another funding recipient, Ulemco, in developing hydrogen-powered airport vehicles.

Element 2 CEO Tim Harper has confirmed that 30 additional pump locations will be identified and have plans in place by the end of the year. The company is working with various forecourt operators and vehicle manufacturers. Last July, they announced their first two sites with planning permission approved at Coneygarth on the A1 and on the M6 near Carlisle.

“The strategy is to have the infrastructure in place before these vehicles arrive in numbers,” said Harper. “With this funding, we now have the confidence and know when it will happen.”

Harper also mentioned that funding for other stations has already been secured. Additionally, £300,000 of funding will be allocated to local colleges to support workforce training and talent development, further establishing the Tees Valley as a hub for hydrogen technology.

“Hydrogen technology has great potential to decarbonise transport and boost the economy,” said Transport Secretary Mark Harper. “Today’s winners demonstrate the expertise of the Tees Valley in developing hydrogen tech, which will create skilled jobs and apprenticeships in the North East.”

Featured

7 Tips To Choose The Best Car Insurance Plan With The Right Add-On Schemes


Picking the right car insurance plan with suitable add-on schemes will provide you with the necessary protection and peace of mind on the road

For your automobile to be protected from unforeseeable events, the correct auto insurance plan must be chosen. It might be difficult to choose the finest auto insurance plan, though, given the wide range of options on the market. You can further improve your coverage by taking the appropriate add-on plans into account. Here are seven guidelines to help you select the best auto insurance policy with the appropriate add-on plans.

1. Assess your Coverage Needs:

Examine your specific coverage needs before choosing one of the many vehicle insurance packages available. Think about things like the age, worth, and usage of your car, as well as your personal driving style. For instance, comprehensive coverage plus add-ons like zero depreciation and engine protection would be advantageous if you own a brand-new vehicle.

2. Research Multiple Insurance Providers:

Research and compare policies from various insurance companies are essential steps in selecting the best auto insurance plan. Look for reputable insurers that provide thorough coverage, top-notch customer support, and simple claim processing. Comparing policies and their benefits side by side is made easier with the help of online insurance aggregators.

3. Understand the Add-on Options:

For greater protection, you can supplement the base coverage in your auto insurance policy with add-ons or riders. Learn about optional add-ons, including zero depreciation, engine protection, roadside assistance, consumables coverage, and personal accident insurance for passengers. Determine which ones fit your needs and financial situation.

4. Consider Deductibles and Premiums:

Analyze the deductibles and costs related to auto insurance policies. The sum you consent to pay out of pocket while filing a claim is known as a deductible. Lowering your deductible can lower your premium, but you might have to pay more if you file a claim. Balance your deductibles and premiums based on your financial capacity.

5. Check Network Garages and Cashless Facilities:

Take into account the insurer’s network of garages and their ability to resolve claims without the use of cash. A large network guarantees easy access to approved repair facilities, lowering out-of-pocket costs during repairs. Additionally, cashless facilities simplify the claim procedure by eliminating the inconveniences of reimbursement.

6. Read the Fine Print:

Thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions, coverage inclusions and exclusions, claim procedures, and claim settlement ratios of potential insurance plans. Pay attention to hidden clauses and limitations that may affect your coverage. Seek clarification from the insurer or agent if anything is unclear.

7. Seek Recommendations and Reviews:

Ask friends, family members, and other reliable sources for suggestions who have used vehicle insurance policies in the past. Their opinions can be incredibly insightful regarding an insurer’s claim handling procedures, customer support, and level of satisfaction in general. To determine the reputation and dependability of insurance providers, read customer reviews and ratings online.

Choosing the best car insurance plan involves careful consideration of your coverage needs, thorough research, and an understanding of add-on options. By assessing your requirements, comparing policies, and considering factors like deductibles, network garages, and reviews, you can make an informed decision. Remember, only the right car insurance plan with suitable add-on schemes can provide you with the necessary protection and peace of mind on the road in the long run.