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WHEN WE RODE RICKY CARMICHAEL’S 2002 WORKS CR250R TWO-STROKE: THE WEEKLY FEED

For 2002, Ricky Carmichael made a controversial swap to Honda. Some followers initially turned away, however as quickly as he began profitable, Ricky was as standard as ever. Mid-season, Honda gave us the chance to trip the works CR250R two-stroke that Ricky used to seize the Supercross championship that yr. It had been on show on the Hard Rock Cafe since RC gained Vegas. We additionally received to select the brains of Honda teamsters Chad Watts and Erik Kehoe, mechanic and supervisor, respectively, for Team Universal Studios Honda. We received a glimpse into the preferences of RC and the way a lot totally different his indoor sled is from his out of doors bike.

No doubt about it, Ricky Carmichael’s swap to Team Honda paid off. Despite his first-round DNF and one other nasty get-off at Pontiac, RC had a stellar Supercross season, profitable 11 mains, 12 heats and his second 250cc indoor title. He’s began off the out of doors season in dominating vogue, too, profitable 10 motos in a row. Yep, Honda must be happy, profitable its first indoor title since McGrath did it in ’96. The break between Mt. Morris and Southwick, was our alternative to trip Carmichael’s championship bike.

“My very first lap on the Honda at my supercross track at home,” mentioned Carmichael, “I set my all-time lap record. The bike is so stable I could go faster without working as hard.”

“Ricky took the bike home to Georgia,” mentioned Chad Watts, “and when it came back the bars were rotated down, almost to the tank! The steering head is taller on the CR, so Ricky wanted the bars lower and further back. It’s funny, Ricky uses the #999 McGrath-bend bars, and McGrath uses the Ricky bend.”

Sebastian Tortelli was RC’s teammate in 2002.

It additionally appears RC is quite a bit like former Team Honda star Jean-Michel Bayle in that, as soon as he finds the setting that works, he sticks with it. “He may want a click here or there, but the basic setup doesn’t change from track to track, race to race,” says Chad.

As for us, we had a troublesome time even driving the #4 Honda at Glen Helen’s Supercross observe. According to check pilot Spud Walters. “It’s like riding the world’s fastest minibike. His bars and levers are so weird that it actually hurt my clutch finger after a few laps. Actually, if you rotated the bars to the “normal” place, the levers could be good for old-schoolers. As for suspension settings, RC is very like MC in that he likes his bike very low within the again and the fork stiff, which makes the bike really feel like a chopper. And what might be extra steady than a chopper?

Just as McGrath likes his shock to settle and keep put, Carmichael takes the thought to new extremes. Give the Carmichael bike the seat-push check, and it’ll transfer an inch then cease chilly. Press more durable, and it presses again, refusing to budge. Likewise, carry the rear fender, and the rear wheel comes off of the bottom. There’s a lot compression and rebound damping within the works Showa shock that it seems like The Dead Zone. When it settles, it’s like having solely six or seven inches of journey left, and it virtually bottoms on the faces of jumps. It works for Ricky, although. Up entrance, the fork isn’t almost as damped because the shock, but it surely’s fairly darned stiff. Spud by no means bottomed it, because the O-ring indicator confirmed we had a very good inch of journey left. There’s no spike or mid-stroke harshness of any kind, and the bike turns extraordinarily effectively, regardless of being arrange for Ricky’s back-it-in driving fashion. “Ricky steers with the throttle and his hips,” mentioned Watts.

One factor is for certain, RC’s motor is as quick as his chassis settings are bizarre. The manufacturing facility Honda Gieken Asaka engine places out some 56 horsepower, equal to a KX500. Response is instantaneous, though it’s a little bit wealthy off of the very backside. It comes on within the decrease midrange and builds energy extraordinarily shortly into an eye-watering, white-knuckle top-end. It’s like being shot out of a cannon. And why not? The HGA crank, particular gearbox, handmade pipe, digital ignition, cylinder, head, works Mikuni carb and Delta V-Force reed work effectively collectively and accommodate Ricky’s whiskey-throttle hand. We appeared for a titanium throttle cable or one the dimensions of a clutch cable. Nope, Chad simply retains a watch on the OEM unit. He does use heavy-duty clutch springs to assist the motor take care of Ricky’s zealous left hand, although. Reliability is large with the brand new CR250R mill. “We use the same motor for five races,” mentioned Watts. “We’ve received these actually killer metallic containers, and I Fed-X them forwards and backwards between races.

Chad and the staff change frames and swingarms each 5 races, then they swap out the parts to staff observe bikes, thereby saving the brand new manufacturing facility bits for the race bikes. To additional decrease the again of the bike, Chad additionally cuts down RC’s subframe and makes particular cuts to the seat foam. “HGA also sends us seats, so Ricky has a choice from track to track.” As for tires, RC can be set in his methods. “No matter what, RC wants a 756 rear. Fronts are either a 739 or the factory 742,” Chad mentioned.

HGA radiators enhance cooling capability over inventory, so RC by no means has to fret about overheating, even on the hottest out of doors races. RC has by no means misplaced some extent from a flat tire as a result of he runs bib mousses indoors and out. Nor does he like the broader 2.5-inch rear rim for hard-packed tracks. Also, though he runs a large 280mm entrance disc, a 240mm rear disc and works Nissin master-cylinders and calipers. He likes a nylon brake line as an alternative of the manufacturing facility braided-steel ones. It’s additionally very free on the lever, a lot in order that it smacked Spud’s hand below braking. Hinson offers staff baskets and stress plates. Chad not too long ago did a motor that had 11-12 hours of racing and observe on it, and the basket’s tangs have been simply beginning to groove.

Yep, the Honda guys are stoked. RC goes sooner than ever, and now he’s driving pink. Cliff White did his homework effectively in organising a machine that RC would love, and the staff has gelled behind its new star. “When anyone at Team Honda wins, everyone gets a bonus,” added Chad. How are you able to beat that? You have a man who’s simple on gear, devoted to coaching like no different, pushed to win all the things in sight (together with observe) and so humble he doesn’t even run his #1 plate. And, for those who assume Honda’s latest successes are all because of Ricky, take into account that Sebastian Tortelli is commonly the quickest man on the observe, as soon as RC units it on cruise management. Tortelli is on the identical machine as Ricky and has produced a few 1-2s for the staff, so a few of that pace must be the bike. And the staff behind it.

Spud Walters was the DB check rider for RC’s bike.

MOTOCROSS SET UP
How RC’s MX trip differs from the SX bike

Speeds are greater and so are the temperatures throughout the out of doors season. Long earlier than this MX season began, Team Honda was testing in earnest. The powerband needed to be moved up and made wider, suspension settings needed to be finalized, as did steering geometry and ergonomics. Here are the issues that have been performed in another way when constructing RC’s out of doors bikes.

• Fork: Lighter damping and spring charges, fork dropped in triple clamps for extra high-speed stability.
• Holeshot system: Removed for the concrete start-pads of the MX sequence, as RC desires as a lot rear-wheel traction as doable.
• Handlebars: Rotates them ahead a little bit for extra front-end traction.
• Engine: More top-end energy and over-rev via revised cylinder and ignition settings.
• Gearing: Where RC runs 14/53-56 in supercross, relying on the observe and soil, he runs 14/50-53 outside. The wheelbase varies barely relying on sprocket alternative.
• Shock: Lighter damping and spring, linkage unchanged. • Maintenance: Watts swaps engines each 4 races as an alternative of 5.

EVS SOFT BALLISTIC PRO

Superior safety meets final consolation; the Ballistic Pro offers the perfect of each. The Ballistic Pro options RMF (Reactive Memory Foam) Technology that’s smooth and pliable in its pure state but stiffens when power is utilized to offer a protecting impression barrier. Perforated Air Mesh material permits air to move unimpeded whereas defending towards abrasion and daylight.

KEY FEATURES

  • Reactive Memory Foam (RMF) – Is smooth and pliable in its pure state however hardens when power is utilized, offering a protecting barrier
  • Air Mesh Perforated Fabric – Allows air to move unimpeded whereas nonetheless defending from abrasion and daylight
  • Race Collar Compatible – Fits EVS race collars and most neck braces. Integrated loop straps guarantee any EVS race collar stays in place throughout use
  • Compression Fit
  • Removable shoulder again and elbow guards
  • Chest meets CE 1621-3 requirements

S, M, L, XL, XXL, AND XXXL

Price: $ 219.99

MOOSE RACING SPARK PLUG RESISTOR COVERS

  • THIRTEEN DIFFERENT STYLES AVAILABLE TO FIT MOST APPLICATIONS
  • REPLACES NGK RESISTOR COVERS
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Price : $ 5.99 – $7.99 Applications listed under

FASTWAY SPARK ARRESTOR 2024 KX450

The Fastway Spark Arrestor End Cap is designed as an environment friendly technique to convert your inventory muffler right into a U.S.F.S. accredited spark arrested muffler. When the spark arrestor screens should not required, resembling on the MX observe, merely take away two machine screws on every finish cap and take out the screens. Each finish cap is machined out of strong 6061 aluminum and anodized with a protecting end. Designed to shortly and simply convert inventory, 4-strokes and a few 2-strokes, to United States Forest Service (U.S.F.S.) accredited mufflers.

  • Precision engineered, manufactured, and assembled in the united statesA.
  • 6061 billet aluminum development
  • U.S.F.S. accredited

Price: $159.95

TWO-STROKE THEATER

News

Next-generation Cupra Formentor to modify to electrical energy

The next-generation Cupra Formentor will swap to a brand new electrical platform when it arrives across the finish of the last decade – and shall be a key a part of Cupra’s growth into the US.

The coupé-crossover was launched in 2020 as the primary automobile to be designed from the beginning as a Cupra, with a variety of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

It’s the Spanish agency’s hottest mannequin, with 120,000 gross sales in 2023 having marked a 23% year-on-year rise.

The present petrol-engined Formentor sits on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform and can obtain a midlife facelift later this yr.

Speaking at Seat SA’s annual media convention, boss Wayne Griffiths confirmed that an electrical model of the Mk2 Formentor would arrive “towards the end of the decade” – and could be one among two fashions Cupra would use to spearhead its American launch.

Griffiths stated it “could be the one most vital automobile for our firm”, including that it was possible to make use of the Volkswagen Group’s forthcoming SSP platform, which can function an efficient successor to the MEB and PPE platforms at present in use.

No additional particulars in regards to the new Formentor have but been given, so it is not identified if an ICE model may proceed to be provided alongside the brand new EV in markets the place such powertrains could be allowed.

Griffiths additionally confirmed Cupra’s plan – first reported final yr – to develop an electrical SUV bigger than the approaching Tavascan as its second automobile supposed for the US.

Griffiths added: “[For] one of those models, in my opinion, there’s a good business case it should be built [in the US]. You need a certain volume in the States to be profitable with your project, so if you want to sell there, you have to produce in the region.”

Any US-built Cupra would possible be produced at an current Volkswagen plant.

Griffiths stated Cupra would make the choice which of the 2 vehicles could be US constructed nearer to the time however strongly hinted that his desire could be for the Mk2 Formentor to be produced on the agency’s dwelling plant in Martorell, Spain.

Cupra will enter the US market close to the tip of the last decade with these EVs, initially specializing in the east and west coasts and chosen Sun Belt states the place EV demand was prone to be highest.

News

Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia EVs confirmed for 2025 and 2026

The next-generation Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV will make the swap to electrical energy when it arrives in 2025. It will probably be adopted by a brand new Giulia saloon in 2026, and Alfa Romeo will go EV-only a 12 months after.

The duo would be the first STLA Large-based automobiles to make use of 800V electricals, hinting that they may absolutely exploit the brand new Stellantis platform’s potential in sizzling Quadrifoglio guise.

The quickest STLA Large automobiles will crack the 0-62mph dash in round 2.0sec – virtually half the three.8sec and three.9sec instances claimed by the present V6-engined Stelvio QV and Giulia QV.

The new Dodge Charger Daytona – the primary efficiency automotive to make use of the platform however with 400V electricals – affords outputs of as much as 670bhp and so can hit 60mph in 3.3sec.

It additionally packs a 93.9kWh (usable) battery pack, which delivers a spread of 317 miles within the 496bhp R/T mannequin, in keeping with the US’s EPA take a look at cycle (which is harder than the WLTP routine utilized in Europe).

This may be recharged at charges of as much as 183kW, permitting a 20-80% refill in 27 minutes. 

However, the usage of 800V electricals within the Alfa duo will likely permit for a considerably quicker charging price. It’s doable that it’s going to rival the recently upgraded Porsche Taycan, which might now take as much as 320kW.

Alfa Romeo Giulia render – Autocar

The greater voltage may additionally permit Alfa to scale back the present at which {the electrical} system runs, permitting for thinner wiring and thus a big discount to the automotive’s weight.

This may show key to making sure the brand new automobiles are to match the dynamic capabilities of their predecessors, given the 400V Charger ideas the scales at a hefty 2648kg.

To that finish, the Giulia and Stelvio will even be fitted with lively anti-roll bars and a terrain-detection system.

The automobiles may also be the primary to make use of Stellantis’s new STLA Brain pc structure, which guarantees to carry a marked improve to the automobiles’ onboard technological choices.

Motorsport

Build Your Own 2024 Toyota Tacoma Before You’re Supposed To

By the time you learn this, Toyota could have flipped the swap on the 2024 Tacoma configurator. We say that as a result of a fast verify at Toyota’s web site solely exhibits the 2023 construct and worth configurator, however the of us at Tacoma4g did some digging and located the 2024 configurator ready within the wings. It seems full, and with the Tacoma being updated for the brand new mannequin yr, we all know you are interested by choices and costs. So are we.

That’s why we jumped in with each ft. If you go loopy on choices and equipment you may simply blast past $60,000 for a 2024 Tacoma. That’s massive cash for a midsize truck, however we have to embrace a caveat right here. The 2024 configurator in its current kind will allow you to add all the things, together with a number of variations of a singular characteristic. For instance, you most likely aren’t going to decide on a mattress mat and a spray-in mattress liner. And whilst you might set up black Tacoma inserts over gunmetal inserts on the tailgate for those who actually wished to …  you get the thought.

2024 Toyota Tacoma Configurator

We contacted Toyota to see if this hidden-yet-public configurator is correct. While a definitive reply wasn’t supplied concerning all of the equipment, we will verify the pricing construction for the trim ranges is spot-on. It all begins with the Tacoma SR XtraCab in 2WD format at $32,995. For now, the worth topper is the Tacoma Limited provided solely as a Double Cab truck with 4WD, checking in a $53,595. These costs embrace a $1,495 vacation spot price.

Truck followers could discover two trim ranges lacking from the configurator, particularly the TRD Pro and new Trailhunter. Those vans are solely provided with the iForce Max hybrid powertrain making 326 horsepower, and that configuration will not be obtainable till the spring of 2024. As such, they don’t seem to be displaying up on-line simply but.

What does present up, nonetheless, are roughly 79 equipment you may choose on your new Taco. We say roughly as a result of the quantity varies barely relying on the trim degree, with 79 being the utmost. You’ll see acquainted gadgets like locking lug nuts, mattress liners, cargo carriers, and facet steps within the combine. But Toyota additionally provides every kind of specialised gear like an ARB Twin Portable Compressor for $990, a Carmate dashcam for $550, and a number of Dometic electrical cooler decisions beginning at $1,050.


VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL LAUNCHES NEW PCP OFFERS ON ELECTRIC MODELS, BRINGING TOTAL MONTHLY OWNERSHIP COSTS IN LINE WITH PETROL VERSIONS

  • Vauxhall updates PCP presents to make the swap to electrical as accessible as potential
  • Offers accessible on All-New Astra Electric, New Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric
  • Introduction of Design trim helps to decrease the entry level to EV possession
  • Innovative five-year PCP permits funds to be unfold over an extended interval
  • More accessible finance: APR diminished to five.9% with important Vauxhall deposit contributions of as much as £7,000
  • Combined with financial savings on operating prices, these measures end in whole month-to-month price parity between electrical and petrol fashions
  • All-New Astra Electric is on the market from £420pm,* Mokka Electric from £389pm** and New Corsa Electric 136PS from £349pm***

To make the swap to electrical as accessible as potential, Vauxhall has launched up to date PCP presents on its newest Electric fashions, bringing whole month-to-month possession prices (together with operating prices) according to the equal petrol variations.

Vauxhall has carried out quite a few measures to scale back month-to-month funds when in comparison with earlier presents. The newest PCP presents can be found on All-New Astra Electric, New Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric.

Introduction of Design trim

Vauxhall’s entry-level Design trim is now accessible throughout its newest electrical passenger automotive fashions. This new entry level makes Vauxhall’s electrical vary extra accessible to shoppers trying to begin their electrical journey, while persevering with to ship a excessive degree of specification, with options corresponding to computerized LED headlights, parking sensors and cruise management included as customary.

More accessible finance

Unique amongst producers, Vauxhall’s modern five-year PCP permits month-to-month funds to be unfold over an extended interval, whereas decrease APR charges of 5.9% imply Vauxhall’s finance presents are actually extra accessible. Customers may profit from substantial Vauxhall deposit contributions of £7,000 on Mokka Electric Design, £5,400 on New Corsa Electric Design and £2,750 on All-New Astra Electric Design.

Total month-to-month price parity

Customers choosing electrical automobiles additionally profit from financial savings of roughly £120 per thirty days on operating prices. For drivers overlaying 833 miles per thirty days (just below 10,000 miles per yr), an All-New Astra Electric Design makes use of simply £13.88 of electrical energy, because of spectacular effectivity of 4.2 miles per kWh (WLTP). In distinction, an Astra Design 1.2 110PS makes use of £113.03 of gas per thirty days†.

Thanks to the present exemption on Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for electrical automobiles, All-New Astra Electric, New Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric consumers save £15.62 per thirty days over 4 years in comparison with the equal petrol mannequin. Servicing prices are additionally cheaper, with a Vauxhall Fixed Price Service Care Plan costing £12.64 per thirty days on Electric fashions versus £19.57 for petrol fashions, representing a saving of £6.93 per thirty days.

Combined with the steps taken to scale back month-to-month PCP funds, this implies clients can take pleasure in near-identical whole month-to-month possession prices in comparison with equal petrol fashions.

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, stated: “We are committed to making our electric models as accessible as possible, which is why we’ve taken a number of steps to reduce monthly payments for customers purchasing their car on finance. Combined with lower running costs for electric vehicles, this means that we can achieve total monthly cost parity between petrol and electric. So when customers walk into our retailers, they can focus on choosing the powertrain that is right for them.”

Vauxhall now presents six absolutely electrical passenger automobiles throughout its line-up and can supply a completely electrical model of each mannequin from 2024.

PCP finance examples

All-New Astra Electric

Model

OTR value

Monthly fee  

Running prices per thirty days†    

Total month-to-month possession price

PCP supply particulars

Astra Electric Design 156PS

£37,795

£420

£26.52

£446.52

5-years / 10,000 miles / 5.9% APR / £2,750 contribution / £4,363.67 deposit

Astra Design 1.2 100PS 6 Speed Manual

£26,960

£300

£148.22

£448.22

4-years / 10,000 miles / 9.6% APR / £3,000 contribution / £4,164.28 deposit

New Corsa Electric

Model

OTR value

Monthly fee  

Running prices per thirty days    

Total month-to-month possession price

PCP supply particulars

New Corsa Electric Design 136PS

£32,445

£359

£27.46

£386.46

5-years / 10,000 miles / 5.9% APR / £5,400 contribution / £3,152.38 deposit

New Corsa  Design 1.2 100PS 6 Speed Manual

£20,525

£239

£144.04

£383.04

4-years / 10,000 miles / 8.6% APR / £2,300 contibution / £2,917.74 deposit

Mokka Electric

Model

OTR value

Monthly fee  

Running prices per thirty days    

Total month-to-month possession price

PCP supply particulars

Mokka Electric Design 136PS

£36,610

£389

£27.46

£416.46

5-years / 10,000 miles / 5.9% APR / £7,000 contribution / £2,696.97 deposit

Mokka Design 1.2 100PS 6 Speed Manual

£24,660

£269

£150.31

£419.31

4-years / 10,000 miles / 8.6% APR / £3,650 contribution / £2,677.53 deposit

*5-years / 10,000 miles / 5.9% APR / £2,750 contribution / £4,363.67 deposit

** 5-years / 10,000 miles / 5.9% APR / £7,000 contribution / £2,696.97 deposit

*** 5-years / 10,000 miles / 5.9% APR / £5,400 contribution / £3,152.38 deposit

†Based on petrol at £1.56 per litre and residential charging at £0.07 per kWh. 

     

Consoles, Gaming Accessories

Is It Safe To Use Skins On The Nintendo Switch?

Using skins on the Nintendo Switch should now be safe, despite past issues in 2017. Companies have become more aware of the problems with the finish on the plastics used and have developed adhesive mixtures that solve this problem. Even Dbrand, a skin manufacturer, has released several skins for the Switch that promise to leave no residue behind when removed.

However, it is still advisable to research the adhesive skins and the companies that produce them before purchasing and applying them to your console. Read customer reviews, both positive and negative, and check the item description to ensure that it explicitly states the skin is safe to remove. Be cautious of extremely low-priced products that may seem too good to be true. If you do remove a skin that leaves residue, make sure to clean your Switch using the recommended methods.

Motorsport

2024 VW Tiguan Teaser Highlights Convenient “Drive Experience” Dial On Console

A sneak peek video unveils the Driving Experience Switch in the upcoming 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. This knob serves multiple purposes by allowing the driver to switch between different drive modes, adjust the stereo volume, and modify the ambient lighting.

The knob is equipped with a small center screen that displays the selected drive mode, such as Individual or Sport. This selection is also visible on the infotainment screen. While the video does not provide details on how to switch between the three functions, it is possible that pressing the center section of the knob is involved.


News

10 Things Most People Don’t Know About Mild Hybrid Vehicles

Summary

  • Mild hybrid vehicles offer a seamless transition for those hesitant to switch from gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles, providing a similar driving experience while still incorporating a motor.
  • Mild hybrid vehicles have smaller batteries and less powerful motors compared to full hybrid vehicles, relying on the engine for propulsion and unable to offer an all-electric range.
  • Mild hybrid vehicles are more affordable than electric and full hybrid vehicles, making them a budget-friendly option for those looking to save on fuel costs while still enjoying some of the benefits of hybrid technology.

The automotive industry is rapidly transitioning from gasoline-powered vehicles to hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicles. This shift is driven by various factors such as environmental consciousness, changing trends, and more. With recent technological advancements, motor-operated vehicles have gained impressive speeds and power, becoming a reality sooner than expected. Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles now outperform gasoline vehicles in various aspects.

While hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles were introduced to facilitate a seamless transition from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles, not many people are aware of mild hybrid vehicles. Mild hybrid technology was introduced by Toyota in 2001 and offers a unique driving experience. Here are 10 lesser-known facts about mild hybrid vehicles:

1 Not Too Different From Pure ICE Cars

Mild hybrid vehicles provide an ideal transition for those finding it difficult to switch from gasoline vehicles to motor-operated vehicles. While they have a motor attached to the engine, the driving experience remains similar to traditional gasoline vehicles.

2 Boasts Smaller Battery And Less Powerful Motors Compared To Full Hybrid Vehicles

Mild hybrid vehicles have smaller batteries and less powerful motors compared to full hybrid vehicles. They rely on the engine for propulsion and cannot operate solely on electric power.

3 No “All-electric Range”

Mild hybrid vehicles do not offer an all-electric range. While they provide better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions compared to gasoline vehicles, they still rely on the engine for propulsion.

4 Cheaper Than Full Hybrids

Mild hybrid vehicles are more affordable than electric and full hybrid vehicles. This makes them a budget-friendly option for those looking to save on fuel costs while still enjoying some of the benefits of hybrid technology.

5 Fuel Efficiency Cannot Match That Of Full Hybrids

Mild hybrid vehicles cannot match the fuel efficiency of full hybrid vehicles. Full hybrids have larger batteries and can rely more on electric power for propulsion, resulting in better fuel economy.

6 Mild Hybrid Vehicles Are “Low Emission”; Not “Zero Emission”

Mild hybrid vehicles are considered low emission vehicles, but they are not zero-emission vehicles. Unlike full hybrids and plug-in hybrids, mild hybrids cannot run entirely on electric power and still produce emissions.

7 Regenerative Braking Is Nearly Non-Existent

Mild hybrid vehicles have limited regenerative braking capabilities. The smaller batteries in mild hybrids cannot store as much energy from regenerative braking as full hybrids or plug-in hybrids.

8 There Are More MHEVs Around Than We Realize

Mild hybrid vehicles are more popular than many people realize. Renowned brands like BMW, Volvo, Chevy, Honda, and General Motors have mild hybrid vehicles in their lineup. Many Ram trucks, Jeep SUVs, and Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo models also feature mild hybrid technology.

9 There Is No “Plug-in” Mild Hybrid

Mild hybrid vehicles do not have a plug-in feature. The smaller battery and auxiliary function of mild hybrids do not support plug-in capabilities.

10 Has The Unique Start-Stop Feature

Mild hybrid vehicles often have an automatic start-stop feature. This means the engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle is stopped to save fuel, and restarts when it’s time to move again. This feature contributes to fuel savings over time.

Gaming

Should You Still Consider Purchasing the Nintendo Switch in 2023?

Despite some factors that may give you pause, there are still reasons why buying a Nintendo Switch in 2023 could be a good choice. One of the main concerns is that the Switch has been available for some time now, and it’s possible that Nintendo has a new or updated version of the console in the works, or even a completely new generation console.

Nintendo has confirmed that they won’t release any new Switch console in this fiscal year, which means not until at least March 2024. Unless Nintendo surprises us with a sudden release, we shouldn’t expect a new console anytime soon. Therefore, it is still safe to buy a Switch this year.

However, there’s another reason to think twice about buying a new Switch, even after a new Nintendo Switch 2 is announced. When the Switch was released in 2017, its portability and handheld mode were revolutionary. But in 2023, we have alternatives like the Steam Deck, other portable PC competitors, and even PlayStation is entering the handheld console market. These options offer portable access to the latest AAA games and, in the case of the Steam Deck, access to a wide range of emulators to play classic games.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a Nintendo Switch in 2023 depends on whether you are primarily interested in playing Nintendo games. If titles like “Zelda” and “Elephant Mario” are high on your priority list, then the Switch is undoubtedly a console worth considering.

FiatUk

Three quarters of UK motorists think Government could do more to help drivers make switch to electric cars

  • Only 15 per cent likely to make switch to electric in next 12 months, FIAT study finds
  • 60 per cent would consider making the switch if the vehicles were cheaper
  • Over 80 per cent of EV drivers say it’s one of the best decisions they’ve made
  • FIAT recently introduced £3,000 FIAT E-Grant for FIAT 500e and 500e Convertible buyers
  • First car manufacturer to launch its own electric car grant in the UK since the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant came to an end 12 months ago

Three quarters of Brits think the Government should be doing more to encourage the switch to electric vehicles (EV) – by offering consumer grants.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 63 per cent consider the retail price to be the biggest downside of EVs.
Just 15 per cent of those who don’t own an EV are ‘likely’ to make the switch within the next 12 months – but 60 per cent would be more inclined to go electric if the vehicles were cheaper.

The study revealed a groundswell of support for the Government’s pledge that all new cars and vans will be required to be ‘fully zero emission at the tailpipe’ by 2035 – with 45 per cent backing the plan.

But just 21 per cent of all adults think the strategy will be successful – 55 per cent don’t think the promise will be fulfilled and 25 per cent are on the fence.

This comes after FIAT launched its own electric car grant, FIAT E-Grant, offering £3,000 towards the all-electric 500e and 500e convertible.

Damien Dally, FIAT UK managing director, said: “EV ownership has increased significantly over the last decade, however, demand is starting to plateau and there is still apprehension among those who’ve yet to go electric.

“As our study shows cost is the biggest stumbling block for consumers, which won’t have been helped by the Government Plug-in Car Grant ending 12 months ago. We are committed to helping people make the switch, that’s why we launched our own grant.’’

The study by FIAT also identified other areas consumers feel require investment from the Government in relation to EVs.

These include charging infrastructure (59 per cent), battery plants in the UK (45 per cent), and tax subsidies (38 per cent).

While 22 per cent believe there should be more money spent on educating as many people as possible on EVs.

Further to this, the research highlighted aspects of electric car ownership which consumers still seem to require further education on.

Such questions include ‘how long does it take to charge an EV?’ (40 per cent), ‘do EV batteries last long?’ (40 per cent), and ‘how much range would an EV really need?’ (30 per cent).

‘Will charging an EV at home raise my electricity bill?’ (27 per cent), ‘does insurance cost more for EVs?’ (26 per cent), and ‘do all EVs use the same charger?’ (23 per cent) are also common queries.

And while 85 per cent of car owners polled are yet to make the switch – possibly with questions like these in the back of their minds – those who’ve gone electric appear to have no regrets.

The study found 81 per cent of those who’ve made the switch consider their decision to be ‘one of the best’ they’ve made.

Dally added: “The research suggests petrol and diesel vehicle users are keen to make the switch to EVs but there is still plenty of uncertainty.

“This underlines why it’s important to incentivise people to make the switch while educating them on the benefits of going electric.”

ENDS

For more information about the FIAT E-Grant visit: here and here.

For more information about driving electric visit: https://www.fiat.co.uk/driving-electric.