Motoring news
Electric performance The Tesla Model S, the first fully electric saloon, is at the forefront of the electric evolution in motoring, combining high levels of performance, safety, and efficiency. Built on the Tesla platform, the
battery’s location on the floor gives Model S an extremely low centre of gravity, greatly reducing the risk of rollover while at the same time enhancing handling and performance. Without an engine, Model S has a crumple zone much larger than other performance saloons to absorb the energy of a front end impact. With two motors, one in the front and one in the rear, Model S digitally and independently controls torque to the front and rear wheels providing superior traction control in all conditions. Unlike conventional all-wheel drive vehicles that sacrifice fuel efficiency for increased traction, Tesla’s electric all wheel drive system increases efficiency. Model S reaches 0-60 mph in a mere
2.8 seconds. Superior handling is the result of the low centre of gravity, due to the battery pack being positioned along the floor pan and centred between the axles — an ideal placement of mass for optimal handling. Tesla vehicle owners receive over-the-
air software updates upgrading their car remotely without having to visit a service centre.
Electric light The Kia Soul EV is a front-wheel drive electric vehicle with a high-capacity 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 200 Wh/kg battery cell energy density. Power comes from an 81.4 kW electric motor producing a generous 285 Nm of torque. The vehicle will appeal to city commuters thanks to a driving range of around 200km on a single charge.
The Soul EV benefits from
accomplished ride and handling and a high level of refinement due to the car’s low centre of gravity, revised platform
benefits available from low charging tariffs, the low cost per mile would equate to running a diesel engine achieving 470.8mpg.
Electric charge The Nissan LEAF 30 kWh gives drivers 250 km of motoring range due to the introduction of a new 30kWh battery. The LEAF's new 30kWh battery
Electric generation The BMW i3 has gone from strength to strength winning various accolades including UK Car of the Year 2014 and Green Car of the Year by WhatCar? The BMW i3 94Ah replaces the current 60Ah model and has a capacity of 33kWh thanks to the higher storage density of the lithium ion cells. The battery dimensions remain unchanged with more than a 50 per cent range increase in the standard NEDC cycle. The motor propels the BMW i3 from zero to 62mph in just 7.3 seconds (BEV) making the BMW i3 both sporty and efficient.
The hybrid synchronous electric
motor, developed and produced specially for use in the BMW i3, generates an output of 170hp and provides maximum torque of 250Nm from the moment the car pulls away. The efficiency of the motor plays a key role in optimising the car’s range to 195 miles. With significant
and chassis plus new materials designed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.
To maximise the efficiency and
potential range of the Soul EV, the vehicle features a number of energy-
saving technologies that reduce load on the battery and increase maximum driving range. These include new advanced heating, ventilation and air- conditioning technologies, including a world-first ‘driver-only’ individual ventilation system, four-mode regenerative braking and a battery heating system.
The Soul EV is one of the most
practical EVs on the market as a result of minimal intrusion by the batteries into the cabin and cargo space. Peace of mind is provided by Kia’s unique seven- Year, 150,000 km warranty.
Mid Kent Living 69
delivers this longer range with no compromise on internal packaging. Available on Acenta and Tekna trim grades, it has exactly the same exterior dimensions as existing 24kWh unit and only a modest 21 kg increase in weight.
The introduction of a high capacity
cathode improves performance, while the change to the battery cell layout also contributes to the gain. Just as with the current LEAF, customers will be able to recharge from their homes, from public chargers, or from the network of Quick Chargers — Quick charging time is just 30 minutes to charge the LEAF from 0-80%.
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