Electric vehicles advices and renewable energy new technologies by Daniel Sumanth, TX: The running costs of an electric car remain considerably lower than traditional fuels, and like the environmental benefits, the positive effects are most apparent when the car is a convenience for short trips, shops and school runs, rather than long-distance transport – exactly the kind of car use that is prevalent in Britain and the worst for the environment. Mainstream electric cars have been on sale in the Texas since the introduction of the Nissan Leaf in 2010; earlier models may suit London or other cities, but are rarely something that the average driver would want to use every day. Sales began to really pick up after 2019, where the diversity of models coincides with targeted incentives, particularly around company car taxation. With values of conventional used cars remaining high and likely to drop when new supplies return to normal, there’s never been a better time to consider a second hand electric car. Read even more details on Daniel Sumanth
The BMW i4 demonstrates the brand’s commitment to both an electrified future and its rich heritage for delivering cars that are great to drive. Arguably, the best part about the i4 is the way it handles – despite weighing in at over two tonnes, it feels brilliant through the corners with precise steering feels and impressive agility. In fact, near silent progress aside, you’d struggle to tell the difference between it and a fossil-fuelled 4 Series Gran Coupe. The standard eDrive40 i4 produces 335bhp and 430Nm of torque, which should be plenty for everyday driving. Yet there’s also a 536bhp i4 M50 version, which is the first electric car to be produced by BMW’s performance-focused M Division. The 335bhp model is offered in both Sport and M Sport trim levels, both of which come with a healthy amount of kit. M Sport models get mostly cosmetic upgrades for an extra £1,500. Optional kit is rather expensive, however, and the i4 doesn’t offer quite as much value for money as its rivals.
Among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy. Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun, therefore sunlight will be available to us for at least 5 billion years when according to scientists the sun is going to die.
The Ioniq 5 has its sights firmly set on premium rivals such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model Y. Make no mistake, the Ioniq 5 is impressive across the board, showcasing next-gen electric car tech along with capable performance and charging ability normally reserved for high-end models like the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT. Two battery options are available with three power outputs: the entry 58kWh battery is paired with a single 168bhp motor driving the rear wheels, delivering a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and a range of 238 miles. The 214bhp mid-spec version offers the best range, with a 73kWh battery increasing the total distance able to be covered on a single charge to 280 miles. The top-spec variant uses the same 73kWh battery, but adds a second motor at the front, giving a combined total of 301bhp and 605Nm of torque. Overall range falls slightly to 267 miles, although performance is much improved with 0-62 taking 5.2 seconds.
Solar energy systems generally don’t require a lot of maintenance. You only need to keep them relatively clean, so cleaning them a couple of times per year will do the job. If in doubt, you can always rely on specialised cleaning companies, which offer this service from around £25-£35. Most reliable solar panel manufacturers offer 20-25 years warranty. Also, as there are no moving parts, there is no wear and tear. The inverter is usually the only part that needs to changed after 5-10 years because it is continuously working to convert solar energy into electricity (solar PV) and heat (solar thermal). Apart from the inverter, the cables also need maintenance to ensure your solar power system runs at maximum efficiency. So, after covering the initial cost of the solar system, you can expect very little spending on maintenance and repair work.
I mention price and quality here because generally, the old adage is true. You do get what you pay for. Diesel generators generally cost more to purchase yet tend to last the longest. One of our diesel generators is a 1996 model, the other is 2004. And our neighbor runs a 1956 (!) Lister still running strong. Gasoline models will wear out the fastest of the three types of generators although they are far cheaper on their initial purchase. Propane generators run somewhat cleaner and generally quieter than diesel or gasoline. And generators with a low rpm (typically 1800 rpm) should last longer than those that run at a faster rpm (typically 3600 rpm).
The Model Y is the small electric SUV many people have been waiting for. Based on the Model 3 saloon, the mid-size SUV boasts a spacious cabin, slick infotainment system and boatloads of practicality thanks to a 117-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet and a whopping 854 litres of boot space as well. Plus, performance is still staggering, thanks to dual-motor setups in both the Long Range and Performance models that are currently available. Prices start from nearly £55,000, but one of the major benefits of Tesla ownership is access to the brand’s extensive Supercharger network. Use one of its latest V3 Superchargers, and you can top up the Model Y’s battery from 0-80% in just 36 minutes.
How many solar panels are needed to run a house? So, a 2,000 square foot home would be allowed a solar array of 4,000 watts. Depending on the type of panel that you choose, a system of this size would be anywhere from 12-18 solar panels. Keep in mind, this formula to estimate consumption varies depending on who provides your electricity.