Category Archives: Nissan

Your “Electric” Bill…

Electric Car Charging Pavement Marking

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Practicalities aside, running an electric car, it appears, is full of various expenses. But is this really true? The thing, of course, with any electric car is that you are benefiting the planet, but is this a detriment to your wallet? Let’s break down the various costs essential to keeping an electric car running, and the upfront costs that you need, as well as the other pertinent aspects.

The Cost Of The Car

The first thing to notice is that these cars cost a lot more front than a standard vehicle. As far as average cost is concerned, the best-selling electric car in the United Kingdom, the Nissan LEAF, costs roughly £8,000 more than the most popular petrol car in the country, the Ford Fiesta. But the difference is bearable in some respects. The UK government will give grants towards the cost of electric cars, up to £4,500. The cost upfront is quite a dent in your savings. You could go for the cheaper models that are exempt from road tax, but with these ones you are looking at less than £40,000. As far as the impact on the environment is concerned, it is something worth considering, and based on your finances, you might start looking for the best place to get a personal loan, so you can make this upfront payment because you will recoup the costs in other ways…

The Running Costs

The one thing that is glaringly obvious is the lack of petrol costs, and so when you are looking at an electric vehicle battery, the charge for every 100 miles is between £2 and £4. So, straight away, if you can get roughly 300 miles out of a 1.2-litre tank, which costs roughly between £35 and £40, you’ve got a major saving! The most recent Tesla model offers 335 miles as a maximum range and the Nissan LEAF needs charging after 100 miles. As far the practicalities are concerned, as long as you have charging points dotted around your destinations, there is a major saving to be had. The other factors to consider in terms of getting the most mileage out of your electric car is what time of year you drive it, as well as if you like to listen to music in your car! The more in-car functions you use, the quicker it will drain the battery. It’s worth bearing this in mind.

The Other Concern

We all need to change the battery on occasion. This does depend on the model car that you buy. A Nissan LEAF, with a 30kWh battery, is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever one you hit first. But will you look at the battery pack in the Tesla Model S, it only loses 8% of its battery life after 100,000 miles.

The Verdict

Overall, mathematics needs to be your strong point, and you need to calculate right now if it’s worth your expenditure. Apart from the benefits to the planet, and the value it can retain if you keep it safe, despite the government funding you can get right now, lots of people find that it’s too much of a dent in their wallet. However, petrol cars are going to be outlawed in 2040 in the United Kingdom, so it’s time to start saving!

Why Uber Drivers Are Turning Over A New Leaf

Uber has not only revolutionized short distance travel for consumers, it’s also made it easy and potentially profitable for experienced drivers to turn their experience into a viable income. Of course, in order to maximize profits, drivers must ensure that they have the right car. While vehicular expenses are tax deductible for self employed taxi drivers, they are nonetheless an overhead cost that needs to be driven down to facilitate day-to-day living. Since drivers do a lot of their driving in busy conurbations wherein their engines are in lower gears and hence potentially burning more fuel than a commuter who travels long distance to work and back, electric and hybrid motors have become understandably attractive. The Toyota Prius has long been the go-to for Uber drivers but there are numerous reasons why Nissan’s all-electric Leaf could be the vehicle that de-thrones the vaunted Toyota. Nissan have already made a mark on the all-electric market with its atypically sizeable E-NV200 but the leaf offers a far more understated and economical incentive for Uber drivers to jump on the Nissan bandwagon.

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Near silent and quick off the mark

Cab drivers tend to do a lot of their work at night in built up areas, and they know that loud revving engines can mean a blow to their reputation… And when you’re a freelancer, your reputation is everything, especially since Uber drivers rely on the star system the app provides to be appealing to their potential customers. The Leaf’s whisper quiet engine not only makes navigating busy urban traffic easy and enjoyable, but its lack of noise makes it extra appealing to drivers and their customers. It’s brisk acceleration (0-60 in around 9 seconds) make it an agile vehicle that’s ideally suited to driving in congested urban environments.

Environmentally sound yet cheap to run

In an age where even the big corporations are making ostentatious efforts to reduce their carbon footprints and make their operations more environmentally sound, there’s a clear preference among consumers for environmental awareness. Although most drivers have environmental concerns of their own, they recognize that a clear preference for an environmentally responsible vehicle is bound to be a winner with customers. The Leaf is all electric, making it an eco-winner but also making it cheap to run and easy to maintain. A Spanish driver told Nissan Insider recently that he is able to run his Leaf for 47,000 on 1747 Euro’s worth of electricity while a diesel engine would cost him around 9699 Euro’s worth of fuel. That’s a saving of almost 8000 Euros.

Potentially cheaper to insure

You can find specific insurance details at https://www.gobear.com/ph/car-insurance but due to its low power in comparison to most gas guzzling counterparts the Leaf is fairly cheap to insure. Some insurers even offer a discount to all-electric drivers to incentivize more widespread use of electric vehicles.

Quick and easy to charge

For taxi drivers, time is money and the less time spent charging their electric engines, the better. The vehicle needs to be quick charged 2-3 times a day but since a quick charge only takes four hours using an on-board charger it’s unlikely that charging will eat into a driver’s billable hours. Plus, like all electric drivers they know that they’re insulated from the increasing cost of fuel.

The Nissan e-NV200 Combi: Big Car, Small Emissions

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Most of the hybrids and electric cars you see today or either the small models that hardly contain three people or they are massive, like the ones that Elon Musk is pedalling at the moment. But the Nissan e-NV200 Combi is one of those cars that is bridging the gap between small and large. It is the world’s first 7 seat MPV that is all electric. The idea for this model is to cater for shuttle services as well as appeal to large families. In this respect, the NV200 is catering for quite a niche market, so let’s put it to the test.

Nissan was one of the first firms with a mainstream EV, and this model, based on the NV200 van, is pretty much cut from the same cloth as the Nissan Leaf. As far as its power is concerned, the electric motor has a decent 107 bhp, as well as 187lb ft of torque, meaning that its modest power lends itself well to the family contingent. And while the NV200 model is considerably bigger than the Nissan Leaf, it has the same 24wHk battery that the leaf has. So if you’ve got a small family but opted for this car, you may find yourself heading to a used auto service to trade it in. And as the somewhat a limited battery power is felt at higher speeds, despite the larger front than the Leaf, the official range for the vehicle is only 106 miles.

Despite its somewhat limited range, it comes with two different charging options in both versions of the car, the Combi and the Tekna. The two charging options, the Rapid, and Rapid Plus, and while the Rapid version can take 4 hours to charge, the Rapid Plus version has a high speed 6.6Kw AC option for charging onboard. There isn’t much difference between the Combi and the Tekna, save for the 15-inch alloy wheels, as well as climate control, and the usual features like Bluetooth and so forth. The benefits of both models are that it has the Nissan Carwings Infotainment System, which includes satellite navigation, as well as a DAB radio.

The one thing you notice when taking it out for a spin is that it’s so quiet, as well as it being without a diesel engine, and no manual gearbox. This means that negotiating heavy traffic is easy work. And while the van is able to keep up with other high-speed traffic, the top speed of 76 miles per hour can be a bit of a problem. It’s also important to remember that other factors will drain the battery. The one major issue is that if you are driving in hot weather, the climate control will put a lot of pressure on the battery.

But, as far as a family car is concerned, this is certainly one of the front-runners in the category of “driving five or more kids to the game”, but with its limited capabilities, it appears more useful in shuttling people back and forth, rather than long, strenuous journeys.

Nissan Leaf: A Revolution In Car Design?

The Japanese carmaker Nissan has been at the forefront of the industry for many years. Their latest Leaf model has become exceptionally popular in recent times, and this article will take a look at just some of the reasons for that. With a bit of luck, you’ll gain a better understanding of the car and its benefits by the time you leave this page.

An entirely electric car

The best thing about the Nissan Leaf for most people is that it’s an entirely electric vehicle. That means you will never have to stop at the gas station to fill your tank again! Of course, it might present some issues when traveling in areas that lack charging points.

Zero emissions

As the Leaf is all-electric, that means drivers don’t make an adverse impact on the environment when they spend time behind the wheel. Indeed, with zero emissions, you can travel as much as you like without every stressing about your impact on the planet.

Quick off the mark

The electric motors used on the Nissan Leaf provide rapid acceleration. So, don’t think you’re not going to drive fast just because it’s an electric car. The Leaf can compete with most other vehicles on the road.

Anyone who wants to get hold of the Nissan Leaf this year will have to decide between buying the model outright or leasing it from a private supplier. The infographic published under this paragraph will assist you in making the right decision. Take a look at it now to ensure you leave no stone unturned.


Infographic by auto.loan

Upcoming electric cars that will conquer the market this year

In the past 5 years we’ve seen an increase in electric car manufacturing. Many international developers strongly believe that the future of the auto industry will depend on eco-friendly vehicles. Going green is no longer a luxury, and believe it or not, recent models of electric cars are no longer over-priced. In fact, some have pretty amazing built-ins and in-car technicals to surpass the efficiency and performance of conventional vehicles that run on gas. This year, the industry has spiked in eco-friendly cars; starting from the simplest all the way to the most groundbreaking. Here’s a quick guide with 5 “green” cars that will most like win you over.

ioniq

Hyundai IONIQ

Toyota Prius, it’s time for you to move over! IONIQ is here to take your spot. Even though it’s too early to tell whether or not Hyundai’s IONIQ model will be better than the Prius, rumor has it that it will be a fair competitor. The hybrid auto market is on the roll, and as new technologies emerge, it’s tough for manufacturers to stay on top. Hyundai has always been an ambitious car maker, and even though we can’t know for sure how advanced and powerful IONIQ will be, we can state that the plug-in hybrid will create some sort of hype. Rumor has it that the new model will deliver an incredible driving experience; apparently, some of the built-in features will provide a driving experience no other eco vehicle is currently offering.

Nissan Leaf

Nissan’s Leaf model is the most popular type of electric car in the world. Nearly 200,000 models have been sold since the release. The manufacturers are still making upgrades, and this year’s variant looks and feels better than ever. The latest Leaf comes with a 30 kWh battery, which is enough to drive for 155 miles. Why are casual driver so in love with this electric vehicle? First, because it is affordable – $18,000 on average – on average, and second because it looks nice both on the inside and on the outside. Nissan Leaf is comfortable, relaxing to drive and quiet. It is an electric pioneer that drivers are quite fond of!

Tesla Model X

There’s something about Tesla that keeps us interested. The company’s recent Model X is quite the beauty. It can easily get to 60 mph in roughly 3.2 seconds, not to mention that it looks pretty awesome too. Some say that Tesla’s Model X will be the best electric car of the year. It features enough room to fit up to 7 individuals, and it completely redefined in-car design. Sleek, modern and high-tech on the inside, Model X has certainly piqued our interest. The manufacturers argue that it is also the fastest electric car in the world, as well as the most capable utility vehicles created thus far. Safety is Model X’s biggest trump card. Considering it packs floor-mounted battery meant to lower its gravity center, the risk of rolling is extremely low.

tesla model x

Chevrolet Bolt

Chevy Bolt may not benefit from Tesla’s technology, but it’s still an electric vehicle with great potential. In fact, rumor has it that the most is the most anticipated of the year. The model will be hitting the market pretty soon, and many buyers are excited to test it out especially because it comes at an affordable cost – on average, $30,000. The fully electric hatchback offers seating for 5 people, thus making it ideal for small families. The engine can handle a mileage of 200, and the quick charging (30 minutes for 90 miles) will surely appeal to potential customers.

BMW i3

BMW’s i3 model is a remarkable electric hatchback. Featuring a rather unusual exterior built, we cannot help but wonder who thought of the design. The structure is made of carbon fiber, and as for the electric powertrain, the i3 packs legendary driving dynamics. Due to a low gravity center, the cars can easily go from 0 to 60mph in roughly 6.5 seconds. In terms of charging, this urban beauty doesn’t take longer than 3 hours to reach its full potential.

bmwi3

Numerous other electric cars are preparing to enter the market. Some see promising, whereas others are just pure science fiction. We still hope for Porsche’s Mission E to emerge so that Tesla can have some real competition.

By Christopher Austin and Design911.co.uk!

 

Be a vehicular environmentalist with these fuel-efficient cars in 2016

Car manufacturers have been working hard to produce cars which have lower emissions and have as little an effect as possible on the environment. However, despite the good intention behind these vehicles the number of sales is declining, in parallel with the reduction in the cost of fuel. As fuel becomes cheaper it is easier and more affordable for consumers to return to standard gasoline engines.

However, manufacturers are continuing to bring new, fuel efficient cars into production; this may be in part due to these cars being designed whilst fuel process were exceptional high. The range of new, fuel efficient cars expected to be released in the near future include the Toyota Prius hybrid, Chevrolet Volt ‘extended range’ electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf full electric vehicle and the new Tesla X model.

Porsche Carrera S by SONY NEX-5

In fact the twelve greenest cars at the moment are all electric vehicles, which should not really be a surprising fact. The fact that the market for these vehicles is slowing will force the prices down and help people who want to help the environment but couldn’t previously afford to.  These people are being aided by discounts, cash rebates and the federal tax credit which can go as high as US$7,500!

The Best

The Smart ForTwo Electric Drive received a green score of 63 from the ACEEE and is, for the third year running, the greenest car available in the US. It can achieve a whopping 107 miles per gallon in a combined environment. Although the Chevrolet Spark EV gives it a good run for its money; it also scores 63 and can do a huge 119 miles to the gallon!

Top Fuel Efficient Cars

    • Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Convertible / coupe which can do 68 miles on one charge and 107mpg.
    • Chevrolet Spark EV is only available in California, Maryland and Oregon. It can do 82 miles on one charge and 119mpg.
    • Fiat 500e is available in California and Oregon and can go for 82 miles without a recharge. IT can achieve 104mpg and scored 62 in the ACEEE ratings.
    • Toyota Prius Ecco is a hybrid electric / gas combination which can achieve 56mpg and scored 61 in the ACEEE tests.
    • Volkswagen e-golf can travel 83 miles on one charge at an average rating of 116 mpg. It scored 61 and is available in a wide range of states.
    • Nissan Leaf; this all electric vehicle can do 107 miles on one charge and achieve 116mpg!

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  • Kia Soul Electric is only available in California, it can do 93 miles on one charge and achieves 105mpg
  • Toyota Prius C is a hybrid which scores 61 in tests and can offer 50mpg.
  • Standard Toyota Prius – this vehicle is also a hybrid and scores 58 in the tests while providing 52mpg.
  • Ford Focus Electric can cover 76 miles in one charge and offers 105 miles per gallon. It is available across America and scored 57 in the ACEEE tests.
  • Chevrolet Volt – this hybrid vehicle offers 53 miles on one charge and 106 miles per gallon on electric only power or 42mpg in gasoline mode.
  • Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid; with a score of 56 this vehicle takes the number twelve spot and offers 44mpg under a hybrid electric / gasoline mix.  It scored 56 in the ACEEE test.
  • Porsche 911 Carrera S – the 911 Carrera S can get to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. This makes it both fast and fuel-efficient. There’s a 3.8 flat six engine under the hood that helps this beauty get to 400 hp.

VW Jetta Hybrid WAS 2012 0720

The Rating

The rating is decided based upon the mile per gallon figure, the emissions and the overall impact on the environment which includes the effect of its manufacture. Even a zero rated emissions car will have had an environmental impact depending upon the materials used and how the power is generated to both manufacture it and run it. Whilst an electric vehicle is going to be much more environmentally friendly than a petrol powered one, the actually effect on the environment is controlled by how the electricity is generated which powers it.

By Christopher Austin and Design911.co.uk!