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Is EV demand going to pok? Was BMW's cautious EV strategy actually correct? https://www.forbes.com/sites/timtreadgold/2019/10/17/demand-crash-on-the-ev-highway-hits-battery-metals/amp/ 4,183 views|Oct 17, 2019,9:10 pm Demand Crash On The EV Highway Hits Battery Metals Tim TreadgoldContributor Asia A collapse in sales of electric vehicles in China has triggered a chain reaction up the raw materials pipeline and raised fresh questions about the short-term future of EVs without heavy-duty government subsidies. What rocked supporters of the EV industry earlier this week was a report from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers that sales of new-energy vehicles, a description that include full electric and hybrids, fell 34.2% in September compared with the same month last year. Explanations for the sharp decline range from consumer concern about a reduction of government incentives to buy an EV, to lingering doubts about how far an EV can travel without a power top-up (range anxiety). Read more

Top 7 Electric Cars Will Challenge Tesla Model 3 in 2019/20 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5VX2gu5mgc

This is the the limited-edition NIO x Razer ES6 Night Explorer. The electric car was displayed at China Joy 2019, a digital expo and conference in Shanghai. It was announced as a collaboration between the homegrown gaming brand and NIO, a Chinese automobile company manufacturing smart electric vehicles. Before you get too excited, the exclusive automobile is only limited to 88 units for sale in China. But interested Razer fans shouldn’t fret, as the new electric SUV is the first of several future partnerships between Razer and NIO. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBMSM2VOQOc

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jul/14/just-a-matter-of-when-the-20bn-plan-to-power-singapore-with-australian-solar Maybe in 15 years?

2020 Kia Niro Hybrid launched in Korea this March. With battery and electric could this SUV? crossover? hatchback? be the most practical SUV we can find today? Let’s check what has changed inside & out and test drive it. 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid 4,355x1,805x1,545x2,700mm 171.5x71.1x60.8x106.3 in. 1.6gdi Hybrid Total: 141hp 1.6 Gdi - 105hp @ 5,700 | 32kw electric motor - 43.5hp 6 speed DCT Competition: Hyundai Ioniq, Toyota Prius https://youtu.be/EqR5UNprPAo

https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-oslo-going-be-first-world-charge-electric-taxis-wirelessly Oslo is going to be the first in the world to charge electric taxis wirelesslyBy Marcus Wong - on 22 Mar 2019, 11:51am Norway’s capital Oslo is set to become the first city in the world to install wireless charging systems for taxis using induction technology. Basically, charging plates are installed in the ground and a receiver installed in the taxi, allowing for charging via induction at up to 75 kilowatts. Finnish utilities firm Fortum, US company Momentum Dynamics, and the municipal government of Oslo will work together to install the system. Annika Hoffner, Head of Fortum Charge & Drive has this to say about how the system will work: We will install the wireless chargers at taxi stands, such as the one at the Oslo Central Station. Taxis will be able to drive up to the charger and a wireless charging session will automatically start. This allows the taxis to charge in a place where they would anyway be waiting for new customers. The difference is that they won’t be emitting exhaust while waiting, instead they will be receiving renewable energy to charge the taxi's battery. Related video That certainly seems like a workable solution, and it might have the added benefit of keeping electric taxis in continuous operation. Not having to search for a charger, plug in and wait for charging to complete certainly seems makes things easier for taxi drivers to keep their cars charged, and it may even have the benefit of bringing more cabs to more remote taxi stands while they wait for their cars to get charged. Norway has the world’s highest rate of electric car ownership, in part because the government has implemented perks such as free or discounted road tolls, parking and charging points. Reuters reports that almost one in three cars sold in Norway last year was electric, with 46,143 new battery electric cars bought in 2018, making it the biggest market in Europe. Given the relatively small size of our country, you can’t help but wonder if we can implement a similar system for our buses in time to come. Sources: Fortum, Reuters,The Verge

The US Army is currently testing a prototype all-purpose vehicle powered by a Subaru turbodiesel-electric hybrid drivetrain. Called the ULV (Ultra Light Vehicle), it is meant to replace the HUMVEE. Commissioned by the Secretary of Defense and developed by the US Army's TARDEC (Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center), the ULV addresses some of the HUMVEE's shortcomings and serve as the next generation of go-anywhere military truck. Unlike the HUMVEE's V8, the ULV's petrol motor is a Subaru turbodiesel boxer making 175 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, even the military is changing with the times with a hybrid drivetrain. According to Jalopnik, the hybrid system is comprised of two Remy electric drive motors and a 14.2 kWh Navitas Li-Iron Phosphate Battery, which at peak power can generate 180 kW (241 hp). TARDEC says the ULV has a range of 337 miles at 35 mph on level ground. On pure electric power, it can cruise up to 21 miles with the advantage of doing so in sheer silence. The electric motors mean that a driveshaft is no longer necessary, and when combined with an improved undercarriage it's a significant improvement over the HUMVEE's ability to shield occupants from roadside mines, whose blasts originate beneath the vehicle. Though the Ultra Light Vehicle is so in name only, and at 13 thousand pounds actually weighs about 3,500 pounds more than the HUMVEE, it has a better power-to-weight ratio thanks to its hybrid drivetrain. In accordance with specs put forth by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the vehicle will have a payload capacity of 4,500 pounds and cost of $250,000 per unit over a 5,000 unit production run. Testing is scheduled to finish sometime this year, whereupon a determination for production will be decided.

With the introduction of the Audi e-tron, the Audi brand presents its first fully electric production model. The mid-size SUV is electrified, performance oriented and fit for every aspect of daily life. In combination with a comprehensive range of available charging solutions for home and on the move, customers can enjoy fully electric driving without compromise. The Audi e-tron is an electric SUV for sport, family and leisure. It is 193 inches long, 76.3 inches wide and 65.5 inches high. It offers the spaciousness and comfort commensurate with an Audi. With a wheelbase of 115.1 inches, the Audi e-tron has ample space for five occupants and cargo. The total luggage capacity is 28.5 cu ft. (57.0 cu ft. seats down), equipping the electric SUV for short jaunts and long road trips. Electrification visualized: the exterior design The Audi e-tron reflects the fundamental idiom of Audi design - translated into the electric age by new, stylistically refined aerodynamically focused details. Consistent with one of the brand's SUV models, the Audi e-tron bears the octagonal-design Singleframe grille with vertical struts. Its uniquely enclosed grille is presented in platinum gray - identifying it as a fully electric model. At the lower edge of the standard LED headlights, four horizontal struts, reminiscent of a charging status indicators, create the e-tron-specific signature in the daytime running lights. For the first time this is integrated directly into the headlights. Light is used as a signature design feature. Another important design element is the continuous shoulder line. It extends from the headlights, along the flanks, to the rear lights, giving the Audi e-tron a sense of stature and presence. The expressive design approach of the sill area with the black inserts on the door trim visualizes the location of the battery and thus the energy center of the Audi e-tron. Meanwhile, the roof stretches across the muscular body, which displays clear SUV attributes with its quattro blisters over the wheels and prominent D-pillars. At the sculptural rear, the long roof spoiler and wide diffuser accentuate the sporty look. One distinct element on the e-tron is the light strip connecting the LED rear taillights, consistent with the brand's D segment offerings including the Audi A7, A8 and Q8. With their horizontal emphasis, the tail lights echo the graphics of the daytime running lights that are graphical representation of full battery charge. Meanwhile the four cross-slats in the diffuser draw attention to the absence of tailpipes, another reference to the fully electric drive. Every detail matters: aerodynamics and efficiency When developing the Audi e-tron, the exterior designers worked in close collaboration with the aerodynamics experts. The result of this attention to aero is an array of high-tech efficiency solutions, such as the regulated cooling air inlet with ducts for cooling the front brakes and the adaptive, speed-dependent air suspension that is standard on the Audi e-tron. The standard-fit 20-inch wheels are aerodynamically optimized and fitted with 255/50 tires. These are especially engineered for their ultralow rolling resistance. The fully clad underbody including aluminum plate to help protect the high-voltage battery likewise plays a vital role in lowering drag. The screw connection points are recessed to deliberately create minor vortices so that the air flows even better. In addition to aerodynamics, thermal management has an important role to play. The standard equipped heat pump uses the waste heat from the electrical components - up to 3 kW of the actual power loss are used for cabin heating and air conditioning as well as cooling the electric motor. Depending on ambient temperature, the heat pump's design at can help contribute to the Audi e-tron range by up to ten percent. Highly flexible thermal management also allows fast direct-current charging to help maintain a long battery operating life and repeatable road performance. Sporty efficiency: drive and recuperation From high-efficiency to high-performance - the particularly appealing component of the Audi e-tron's drive is its breadth. The two electric motors accelerate the e-tron from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 124 mph. The advantage of the electric motor is felt especially in its impressive off-the-line starting performance from a standstill. The maximum drive torque is reached in 250 milliseconds - a performance worthy of a sports car. US horsepower and torque figures will be available closer to launch. The two asynchronous motors (ASM) of the Audi e-tron are especially robust. Their sophisticated cooling concept is designed to keep the temperature level low. Single-stage transmissions transfer the torque to the axles via the differentials. Each motor is supplied by power electronics that act in close consort with the powertrain control unit. When the Audi e-tron is traveling at moderate speeds, in the interest of efficiency it is powered mainly by the rear motor. When coasting, the motors operate free from magnetic drag torque - another strength of ASM technology. The Audi e-tron uses an innovative recuperation system encompassing both electric motors, to boost efficiency. On average, our engineers estimate that this system is responsible for as much as 30 percent of the e-tron's range depending on the conditions, terrain and driving style. The electric SUV can recover energy in two ways: by means of coasting recuperation when the driver releases the accelerator, or by means of braking recuperation by depressing the brake pedal. When pressing the brake pedal, the electronic control unit computes within milliseconds how much pressure the system needs to build up for the specific braking process required. A high-performance electric motor supplies the necessary energy. The integrated brake control system is approximately 30 percent lighter than a conventional system thanks to its more compact design. The conventional vacuum pump is no longer needed in this configuration. According to the driving situation, the brake control system decides whether to use the electric motors as alternators or to use the friction brakes - all without the driver noticing. Up to 0.3 g, the Audi e-tron is decelerated solely by the electric motors - that covers over 90 percent of braking scenarios. So energy is returned to the battery in practically all normal braking instances. Above this deceleration value, for example in a full brake application, the friction brakes come into play. Thanks to a newly designed electro-hydraulic activation principle, they are particularly quick to respond. The driver can select the degree of energy recovery in three stages by means of paddles on the steering wheel. In the lowest setting, the Audi e-tron glides with no additional braking torque. At the highest stage the electric SUV is slowed more noticeably - the driver can slow down and accelerate solely via the acceleration pedal, if desired. This creates what is referred to as a one-pedal feeling. The efficiency assist additionally promotes an economical driving style by prompting the driver when he should move his foot off of the accelerator pedal. It does this by using the navigation system's route data, radar information and camera images, Depending on the traffic situation the predictive system makes the Audi e-tron slow down proactively and in turn, recuperate. Strong performance on a variety road surfaces: electric all-wheel drive and suspension In the Audi e-tron, the brand introduces a new generation of quattro drive as standard: electric all-wheel drive. This new system enables the electric SUV to achieve optimum traction in a variety of weather conditions and on challenging road surfaces. In a similar way to the mechanical quattro with ultra technology, the second axle - in this case, the one at the front - can be connected predictively. This happens if the driver requests more power than the rear electric motor can supply, or predictively even before grip noticeably declines in wintery conditions or in dynamic cornering. The electric motors are an ideal power source for the high-precision, ultrafast electric quattro. Torque can be controlled spontaneously - the output can be redistributed between the axles within a fraction of a second. Towards the limits of driving dynamics, torque vectoring enhances handling by means of brief wheel brake applications. The dynamic talents of the Audi e-tron are especially apparent on a low-friction surface, such as snow. For the first time in the e-tron, the quattro torque vectoring are integrated on the central suspension controller, distributing the torque with a slight rear bias. The innovative traction control regulates wheel slip by the millisecond directly via the electric motors' power electronics. The powertrain control unit is integrated with the built-in brake control system and helps maintain an optimum power flow between tires and road surface. Together with the electric all-wheel drive, this produces the high traction and directional stability that are typical of an Audi. This is especially evident in the four-stage Electronic Stabilization Control, which offers the "sport" and "offroad" modes and can also be fully turned off when desired. The SUV's driving character can be adjusted with the standard Audi drive select across seven profiles - from comfortable, through efficient, to distinctively sporty - according to the driving situation, road condition or personal requirements. Some of the modes also influence the standard air suspension with adaptive dampers. Depending on road speed and driving style the suspension adjusts the body's ride height by up to 76 millimeters (3.0 in). Especially on long journeys, a lower ride height improves the air flow around the body, thus helping to increase range. In the "offroad" mode, the Audi e-tron is primed for driving away from paved roads: Its ground clearance is increased by 35 millimeters (1.4 in) compared with the standard level. If the driver activates the additional function "Raise" in Audi drive select, the body can adapt to another 15 millimeters (0.6 in) higher. The electric SUV is both uniquely dynamic and stable in changing driving conditions. The low position of the drive components helps in that regard: The battery system is optimally matched to the dimensions of the Audi e-tron body and is located between the axles in the form of a flat, broad block beneath the passenger compartment. That places the Audi e-tron's center of gravity a few centimeters lower down than in a conventional SUV. The axle load distribution is balanced at approximately 50:50, and self-steering behavior is neutral. The front and rear suspensions take the form of five-link designs. The standard progressive steering adjusts its ratio according to steering angle and provides speed-dependent assistance. The further the steering is turned, the more direct it becomes - this helps make the vehicle agile and precise to move with little effort. This advantage comes into play in city driving and for tight maneuvering. The optionally available trailer tow hitch can increase the Audi e-tron's versatility, for example as a sport and leisure vehicle. When equipped with the tow package, the Audi e-tron has a maximum tow rating of 4000 lbs. It can also be used for mounting a cycle carrier, for example. 95 kWh of energy: the high-voltage battery system The battery system in the Audi e-tron is located beneath the cabin and is 2.28 meters (90 inches) long, 1.63 meters (63.6 inches) wide and 34 centimeters (13.4 in) high. It comprises a total of 36 cell modules in square aluminum housings, each of which is roughly the size of a shoe box. They are arranged on two levels, known as "floors" -a longer lower floor and a shorter upper one. At market launch, each module is equipped with twelve pouch cells having a flexible outer skin of aluminum-coated polymer. The battery operates with a nominal voltage of 396 volts and stores 95 kWh of energy. A cooling system of flat aluminum extruded sections divided uniformly into small chambers has the task of maintaining the battery's high-performance operation over the long term. Heat is exchanged between the cells and the cooling system beneath them via a thermally conductive gel pressed beneath each cell module. In what is a particularly resourceful solution, the gel evenly transfers the waste heat to the coolant via the battery housing. A strong surround frame and lattice-type aluminum structure that holds the cell modules is designed to protect the battery block. A substantial aluminum plate provides protection against damage from flying stones or curbs, for instance. These measures demonstrate how the Audi engineers have developed the batter and cooling systems with safety in mind. The weight of the battery system including the housing pan with intricate crash structures is roughly 700 kilograms (1543.2 lb). It is bolted to the underbody of the Audi e-tron at 35 points. This increases the torsional rigidity of the body, which in turn integrates numerous aluminum parts such as the floor plate in the rear structure, the doors, as well as the hood and tailgate. The cabin features components made from heat-formed ultra-high-strength steel. At up to 150 kW: charging on the move and at home Designed for efficiency and integration, the e-tron is engineered for both AC and DC charging via the widespread SAE J1772 and Combined Charging System (CCS) standards. In an industry first to-date, the e-tron debuts a DC fast charging capability of up to 150 kW available at select high-speed public charging stations, this capability can deliver up-to an 80 percent charge in only approximately 30 minutes. For customers' residential charging needs, a standard 9.6 kW AC capsule charger (Level 2, 240-volt/40 amps) is provided and designed to deliver a fresh charge overnight. This charger will include plugs that can utilize both a standard 120-volt household outlet (1.2 kW) as well as a fast-speed 240-volt NEMA 14-50 outlet (9.6 kW). Audi e-tron buyers will have the opportunity to ready their homes for their all-electric SUV with available Amazon Home Services in the first-ever home charging collaboration between Amazon and an automaker. "Audi Home Charging powered by Amazon Home Services" offers e-tron buyers a fully-digital experience for in-home electric vehicle charging installations, designed to make the process of home charging set up as easy as ordering the millions of others items and services U.S. customers depend on from Amazon. Furthermore, customers can define their own personal priorities, such as charging when electricity is less expensive where available. With the myAudi app, it can be accessed from the convenience of the home. It can be used to plan, control, and monitor the charging and pre-heating/-cooling of the electric SUV. The customer can set a departure time, for example, so that the Audi e-tron is charged and/or heated/cooled at the desired time. Customers can even choose to heat or cool certain zones in the car. On cold winter days, for example, customers can turn on the optional seat heating. The app also displays charging and driving data. For charging on the go, the e-tron will be supported by a nationwide charging network, "Powered by Electrify America." By July 2019, this network will include nearly 500 fast-charging sites complete or under development throughout 40 states and 17 metro areas. Offering advanced charging, Electrify America's chargers are capable of delivering up to 350kW. With the purchase of the Audi e-tron customers will receive 1,000 kWh of charging at Electrify America sites over four years of ownership. Place of relaxation: the interior The interior of the Audi e-tron represents performance, intelligence and lightness - attributes that are manifested in an array of details. A generous arc, the wraparound dash, envelops the stepped dashboard as far around as the sculptural door trims. The entire cabin has a strong driver orientation and in addition to the central Audi virtual cockpit featuring a slim, visually free-standing display, the two MMI touch response displays are angled towards the pilot. When off, the upper screen blends almost invisibly into the large black-panel surface. In clear contrast, the lower display sits on the broad center console. The central tunnel rests on open side panels and incorporates a storage compartment, cup holders as well as the standard Audi phone box for inductive smartphone charging. This solution combines lightness with functionality. The hand rest that incorporates the gear selector appears to float above the console. The driver selects the drive position in a one-touch action with a movement of the thumb and index finger. In every equipment line, the interior of the Audi e-tron presents exceptional upholstery materials, colors, and inlays. The Audi e-tron meets our highest quality standards in terms of interior build quality and choice of materials such as the available Valcona leather seats or the natural wood inlays. The stitching on the seats creates a motif that evokes the precision of electric circuit boards. Typically full-size: spacious and comfortable Not only does the interior have an airy design, it genuinely offers ample space. The Audi e-tron offers excellent interior packaging -interior length, second-row leg room, and headroom front and rear provide comfortable seating for five adults. In the rear, there is a flat plateau instead of the center tunnel usually found in conventional models -resulting in additional space. The luggage capacity totals 28.5 cu ft, including an additional handy storage compartment beneath the front lid. This storage space is designed to accommodate the vehicle tool kit and mobile charging cable. With the rear seat backs folded down, the Audi e-tron has up to 57.0 cu ft of luggage space. The tailgate can be opened and closed electrically as standard for ease of loading, and can be operated by a foot gesture when the key is in your pocket or purse. As well as the car's spaciousness, its standard of comfort and convenience is what you would expect from a typical Audi. The standard panoramic glass sunroof helps keep the interior bright and intensifies the impression of airiness and space. In addition, four-zone automatic air conditioning is standard with the option for available air quality package. The latter helps to maintain premium air quality by means of an ionizer and aromatization, the intensity of which can be adjusted over several levels. Multi-adjustable customized contour front seats with massage function are available as well. The available contour/ambient lighting package creates highlights after dark: It illuminates surfaces softly, edges sharply, and also back-lights the e-tron badge on the dashboard. A new level: acoustics and sound With its combination of electric drive and a comfortable, sophisticated interior, the Audi e-tron creates a new feeling for mobility. Especially when driving in the city, it radiates an almost perfect sense of calm. The only sounds are from its tires and the gentle hum of the electric motors. The body has special soundproofing in all zones that could transmit noise interference and help reduce wind vibrations. This makes the Audi e-tron the perfect platform for the standard Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound in the front. It allows the music to be enjoyed precisely how it was recorded. Digital world: operation and displays In keeping with the all-new Audi C and D segment portfolio, the Audi e-tron features the MMI touch response operating system. Its two large, high-resolution displays - the upper one with a diagonal of 10.1 inches and the lower one 8.6 inches - take the place of almost all conventional switches and controls. Operation is swift and simple: When the finger activates a function, it triggers a tactile and acoustic click by way of confirmation. The few remaining buttons, for example for the lights, are also available with touch response technology if desired. In the upper display, the driver controls the infotainment, telephone, navigation, and special e-tron settings - this allows the activation of a charging timer or specifying the type of desired recuperation, for example. In the lower screen text input, comfort function selections and the HVAC are all managed with the wrist resting comfortably on the gear selector lever with integrated support. The menu structure is intuitively logical and flat like on a smartphone, including freely configurable favorites and start screens. In addition, the driver can activate a wide range of functions using natural language recognition. Information on destinations and media is either available on board or can be delivered from the cloud at LTE speed. The system understands spoken commands; the dialog manager asks questions if necessary, allows corrections, offers choices, and also defers to the speaker when interrupted. Alexa has been fully integrated into the MMI system and is on board for customers to access the many of the same features and services in the Audi e-tron as they can in their home or through other Alexa-enabled devices. You can check news, weather and sports scores, order groceries and add things to your to-do list, stream music and audiobooks via Audible, Amazon Music and TuneIn. And you access the wide variety of Alexa skills. And with smart home controls, you can lock the doors, turn off the lights, and close the garage door directly from the vehicle - all you have to do is ask. The digital display and operating concept in the Audi e-tron is rounded off by the standard feature of the Audi virtual cockpit, which can be operated from the multifunction steering wheel. Its display benefits from the very high resolution of 1,920 x 720 pixels and new e-tron-specific graphics. The driver can choose between three views: In the classic view, the power meter and speedometer are presented as large dials; in the infotainment view, they appear smaller and the focus is on the navigation map. Additionally, with the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus an additional view is shown that puts the power meter center stage. The head-up display complements the displays as an option. It projects important information straight onto the windscreen. Top-caliber connectivity: navigation, Audi connect The Audi e-tron is equipped with MMI Navigation plus as standard. The top-end media center supports the high-speed data transmission through LTE Advanced with integrated Wi-Fi hotspot for passengers' mobile devices through a 6-month unlimited Audi connect PLUS trial subscription. The navigation system can make predictive destination suggestions based on previous journeys. The route is calculated both on-board in the car and online on the servers of the map and navigation provider HERE, using real-time data for the overall traffic conditions. The online services of Audi connect PRIME ideally complement the navigation system, especially the e-tron route planner. The customer can use it either in the in-car MMI touch system or in the myAudi app. In both cases they are shown the suggested route with the available charging points. The navigation system considers not only the battery's charge but also the traffic conditions and includes the required charging time in its arrival time calculation. The e-tron route planner provides charge locations as part of the route planning. Arrive more relaxed with comprehensive driver assistance systems Whether parking, in the city or on long journeys, the Audi e-tron can make life easier for its driver in life's many situations. The system at the heart of the optional Driver Assistance Package is adaptive cruise assist, which comfortably provides longitudinal and lateral control in traffic jams or at highway speeds. It supports the driver with accelerating, braking, maintaining speed, keeping distance. The system can detect lane markings, roadside structures, vehicles in adjacent lanes and vehicles driving ahead. In construction zones, the Audi e-tron automatically adapts its speed to the traffic situation, taking into account the speed limit. If the lane is too narrow to allow side-by-side driving, adaptive cruise assist enables offset driving through narrow stretches. In conjunction with efficiency assist it predictively slows down and accelerates the Audi e-tron based on its evaluation of sensor and navigation data as well as road signs. It automatically adjusts to the current speed limit, reduces the speed before corners, during turning and on roundabouts. The system can maintain a driving style that reflects the driving program selected - from every day to sporty. Driver assistance features for urban areas include intersection assist, rear cross traffic assist as well as lane change and vehicle exit warning. The 360 degree cameras provide multiple views to facilitate centimeter-precision maneuvering, while showing crossing traffic. The 3D view with freely selectable perspective is the highlight. Park steering assist eases the parking process. It steers the Audi e-tron independently into parallel parking and perpendicular parking spaces - forward or backward. The driver only has to accelerate, select the gear and brake. Operating as standard behind the driver assistance systems in the Audi e-tron is the central driver assistance controller. It continuously computes a differentiated picture of the surroundings. The required data is obtained - depending on the selected options - from up to five radar sensors, six cameras, twelve ultrasound sensors and the laser scanner. e-tron Reservation System Accompanying the debut of the e-tron, customers are now able to configure their e-tron and reserve their vehicle with a fully refundable $1,000 reservation fee ahead of delivery in mid-2019. This new Audi reservation system is part of how Audi of America will create a digital ecosystem for Audi owners to confidently go electric. After customers place a reservation, they will be able to track it online and with their local dealer. As an electric SUV that includes integrated digital tools, in-home charging solutions, and the support of Audi of America's 303 dealer partners - e-tron owners can confidently choose electric performance knowing they have the support of a full Audi ecosystem.

Electrek Review Jaguar I-PACE: a stunning electric vehicle with some issues https://electrek.co/2019/01/20/jaguar-i-pace-review/ We got a Jaguar I-Pace for a few days last week and we were able to take the electric vehicle on a decent road trip in California. Last year we took it on a drive through Portugal but that was a heavily regulated and scripted ride by Jaguar. How does the I-Pace work in a real world, unscripted use case? Here I give my thoughts on the I-Pace, which I think is a stunning electric vehicle and a first great EV for Jaguar, but it has some issues. Jaguar I-Pace DesignLet’s start with the design and form factor of the I-Pace, which is interesting for different reasons. First of all, it’s a beautiful vehicle. Absolutely stunning. The design was growing on me over the few days I was driving the car and I never had so many strangers complimenting me for a car before. When on our road trip, we even had someone flagging us down in traffic to tell us how beautiful it was. Jaguar didn’t fall for the same traps that many established automakers have fallen into when making their first electric vehicles. They didn’t make feel the need to include some “electric design accents” and instead focused on making a great looking car that just happens to be electric. Why the Jaguar I-Pace is not really an SUVAs for the form factor, Jaguar is calling it an SUV, but I can’t really get on board with that. The only way this car looks and drove like an SUV is when you put the suspension on the “off-road” setting and that’s not something you should do most of the time: When the suspension is on “normal”, the car looks a lot more like a sedan or a wagon but not exactly. It makes for quite a unique crossover CUV in my opinion. The design is not the only thing that differentiates the I-Pace from an SUV. When you are driving, it certainly feels more like a sedan than an SUV since you don’t really have that height advantage over other cars on the road. But that’s not a bad thing at all. Also, the cargo space, which is 25.3 cubic feet in the trunk and 51 cubic feet with the rear seat down, is only what you would expect in a compact SUV or even sedans. There are sedans, like the Tesla Model S, with more cargo space than that. In short, it doesn’t have most of the things you would expect from an SUV today, but to be fair, it does have the “sports” aspect of an SUV…in spades. Jaguar I-Pace Driving ExperienceThat’s where the I-Pace shines the brightest. It’s a fun car to drive. So. much. fun. With their first EV, Jaguar managed to take advantage of the instant torque of the electric powertrain and it delivers on an exciting pedal response. The handling is strong and helped by the lower center of gravity thanks to the battery pack – the vehicle hugs the road. I also liked the steering responsiveness. On the highway, the driving is comfortable and … boring, as it should be in a luxury vehicle. As for the driver assist features, I wasn’t impressed. I had to correct the steering system regularly and sometimes it would stop working without warning other than the wheel render going gray. The active cruise control was mostly working fine, but the car gave me a few weird front collision alerts in stop and go traffic while active cruise control was enabled, which is not what you want out of that. Jaguar has some work to do here. Jaguar I-Pace User InterfaceThat was the biggest downside of my entire experience with the I-Pace. The user interface is unintuitive and it had several bugs. Jaguar’s navigation system wasn’t great so we wanted to use Apple Carplay, but it wouldn’t work. Apple Carplay would stop working after 30 seconds or so and the iPhone wasn’t the problem because we tried two different ones and the problem persisted. Some apps simply wouldn’t launch when we clicked on them and the center touchscreen would be very sluggish at times. Jaguar I-Pace User InterfaceThat was the biggest downside of my entire experience with the I-Pace. The user interface is unintuitive and it had several bugs. Jaguar’s navigation system wasn’t great so we wanted to use Apple Carplay, but it wouldn’t work. Apple Carplay would stop working after 30 seconds or so and the iPhone wasn’t the problem because we tried two different ones and the problem persisted. Some apps simply wouldn’t launch when we clicked on them and the center touchscreen would be very sluggish at times. Photos from the recent motorshow. Seems like this is going to be on sale in Singapore.

Hi guys, I wish to change my ride passenger seat from manual to electric powered seats. Any recommendations?

I am using the box-type fans in my house as they are very cheap. However, their angle they can reach is quite narrow, and the wind can't quite reach the taller places (e.g. baby cot). I thinking of either the old-style floor standing fan, or the more modern tower fan. The latter is more modern looking, and seems safer with kids. But I wonder if they are worth the extra $. Grateful for your advice. Any good place to get fan cheaply?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE3g-hgx7Lk The future is here. Seriously, auto opening doors?

Anyone else here trims their nostril hair? I am someone who gets incredibly disturbed and distracted if I see another person (male/female) having nostril hair sticking out while I am talkimg to them face to face. So I myself will make sure I do not have these hair visible from my nostrils. Used to secretly "borrowed" my wife's eyebrow plucker to pluck those stray nose hairs. Never fail to bring wetness to the eyes with every plucking. Then I also secretly "borrowed" my wife's eyebrow scissors to try trim the nostril hairs. Much better but takes abit of dexterity to get the angle right for the snip. And then I found this: Just stick it into the nostril and move it around the walls, quick 1 minute job can last me a month.....

I'm looking for a small porridge maker for my mil who just eats a very small amount of porridge due to dysphagia. Small one on Qoo100 but instructions etc in Japanese. Seen a 0.5l one in Courts but wonder if there is anything smaller anywhere here.

The E6 has an open market value of about $48,000 - in the ballpark of a BMW 5-series. The car would be close to $200,000 with COE. That is after a tier-2 carbon rebate of $15,000. But even if the E6 were to qualify for the tier-1 rebate of $30,000, it would still be priced nearly as much as a Toyota Fortuner, a huge seven-seater SUV. http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/motoring/chinese-electric-car-to-be-on-sale-here Will u buy??

Can this hyper-shooting brake become Audi’s plug-in supercar phoenix? https://www.topgear.com/car-news/concept/audi-pb18-e-tron-has-753-electric-horsepower If at first you don’t succeed, stop thinking logically and design something so white-hot radical it burns a hole straight through the middle of the drawing board and lands smouldering on the floor. We can assume that’s the brief at Audi’s ‘Design Loft’ in Malibu, California, which has dreamt up this concept for a shooting brake electric hypercar inspired by Audi’s dominant decade in Le Mans racing. This 23rd century rollerskate is the Audi PB18 e-tron. Ignore the underwhelming name, merely initials referring the car’s unveiling at the Pebble Beach festival of brightly dyed corduroy and champagne pricier than liquid platinum. Concentrate instead on details like a low, mid-mounted 95kWh solid-state battery, capable of accepting a full, 361-mile charge in only 15 minutes, thanks to 800-volt charging capacity. Or, if you’re less stung by range anxiety, a claimed 0-62mph sprint of two seconds flat. That comes courtesy of three electric motors: one shared between the front wheels, and one each for the rears, developing a combined 661bhp, but capable of short ‘overboost’ spurts up to 753bhp. So far so ‘generic electric supercar concept’. But what makes the PB18 different is its love for you. Yes, you. The driver. Audi wants you there to enjoy yourself. Which is why this is the first battery powered hyper-pod we can remember which doesn’t twin its bowel-bothering acceleration with utopian visions of a self-driving, computer-controlled future. There’s none of that ‘you enjoy the twisties, then let the chips take over for the commute’ rhetoric here. In fact, Audi says the skunkworks codename for the PB18 was ‘Level Zero’, to ram home the fact it couldn’t be further in philosophy from the Level 4/Level 5 grades of self-driving autonomy it’s currently scrambling to offer in flagship models. Should’ve stuck with ‘Level Zero’, Loft-scribblers. It’s better than ‘PB18’ at any rate. Unless you fetishize accurate private numberplates. So, there are no self-driving systems on-board. But you can alter how you experience the ultimate in Vorsprung durch Elektrisch – as long as you’re happy to trust a machine with no mechanical connection whatsoever between its brake pedal and the carbon brakes, nor its steering wheel and those 22-inch front tyres. Thanks to the wonders of drive-by-wire, Audi’s designed the entire cockpit of the PB18 to slide from stage left to dead centre. Bucket seat, pedals, steering wheel and OLED head-up display – which overlays the ideal racing line on circuit into your field of view, or sat-nav directions on the way home into your eyeline – all shuffles as one. Get the full single-seater racecar experience, or ride side-saddle with space for a passenger via a flip-down jump seat. Get the spanners out and it might even fit right-hand drive… Audi might have hit on something with the ultra-flexible cabin idea – despite being Aventador-sized, this is a very practical supercar. The pert shooting brake tail - which is home to an extending rear wing and dropping diffuser which morphs closer to the road for more downforce – allows for a 470-litre boot, not far off what you find in the back of an A4 wagon. Of course, there’s also a Brian Cox brain’s-worth of physics going on here. Like magnetic conductive charging, corner-aceing torque-vectoring, laser headlights and so many lightweight periodic elements in the construction the whole car only weighs 1,550kg – Lotus-like for a full EV. But under it all, it’s supposed to be a selfish, purist driver thriller. It deserves to become science-fact this time please, Audi. Third time lucky?

Would you buy a pure electric car like a Tesla S should there be.... 1) Ample charging stations in multi storey carparks or commonly available? 2) Companies such as Tesla set up their base here? Will that change the landscape of cars in SG should there be no tax on electric vehicles as of now?

Just thinking aloud whether there are ready made electric car seats that fit most cars in the local market? Anyone know this lobang? Regards,

I just bought a IS250 (year 2010) and boot feels hard to open / close. Feels like a lot of resistance. Wondering if it's like that by design? Anyone tried installing a power / electric tailgate or boot for IS250 before? This will make it much easier for my wife to open/close the boot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08PG-62ufck CITYBUG2S More power – more fun to drive! The CITYBUG2S has been designed for people with an athletic bent who like to flit about without hassle. With his new powerful 48 V/350 W rear-wheel hub motor the electric scooter will lead you also on hilly roads. Different from Citybug2 the S-version accelerates easily after the kick-start with a thumb throttle used by your right hand. To slow down just release the throttle and apply the supplementary E.A.B. (Electric Assist brake System) on the front wheel of the scooter. To stop the scooter completely, just press the fender brake. The CITYBUG2S can also be folded very small whenever you want to carry it or stow it away somewhere – pure, uncompromising compactness with an outstanding design! GET ON AND GO FASTER Press the Start button and off you go. Then just kick-start the Citybug2S with one Foot so the motor will turn over. To speed up, use the thumb throttle with your right hand and rely on your intuition to experience a carefree, enjoyable ride on your new CITYBUG2S. Having reached the desired speed, you can slow down by releasing the throttle and apply the supplementary E.A.B. SAFETY For us, safety always comes first. All our CITYBUG2S models are therefore equipped with two braking systems that work independently of each other. Both can be operated intuitively. With the new supplementary “Electric Assist brake System” called E.A.B. you can decelerate your Citybug2S gradually. So you always have full control about the speed. This special brake is located on the front wheel of the scooter and slows down the support of the electric motor. The second method of braking your scooter is the fender brake – a robust rear-wheel brake that you can operate with your foot to immediately bring your CITYBUG2S to a full halt. GREEN AND CLEAN No emissions – good for your environment! The CITYBUG2S produces no CO2 pollution whatsoever. Combined with green energy from your power supply company, the sophisticated battery technology, which ensures maximum intervals between charging, means that your actual carbon footprint becomes smaller every day. No noise pollution – The CITYBUG2S is a lightweight electric vehicle that moves through the city without generating any noise. Enjoy the feeling of discovering your city on the quiet. INTUITIVE RIDING Press the Start button and jump on Accelerate up to 5 km/h by kicking off with your foot until the electric drive starts up Speed up until 22km/h by using the thumb throttle with your right hand Once you have reached your desired tempo just enjoy your ride To reduce your speed, release the throttle and apply the supplementary E.A.B. to slow down the motor To stop immediately, step on the rear-wheel brake/on the mudguard THUMB THROTTLE Press the Start button and jump on and kick-start your Citybug2S. To accelerate use the smooth and easy going throttle with your right thumb until you reached your wished speed. You then travel at constant speed. To slow down release the throttle and use the supplementary E.A.B. System. Rely on your intuition to experience a carefree, enjoyable ride. FOLD & GO Arrived at your destination? The CITYBUG2S can be carried effortlessly or parked in a small space practically anywhere: 1. Pull the lever on the bottom side of the handlebar 2. Fold your CITYBUG2S until you hear a slight click 3. Now, you can take it wherever you want to go 4. Reverse the process and drive somewhere else Once folded, the CITYBUG2S is smaller than a folding bicycle. It is light enough to carry up several flights of stairs and small enough to take with you on public transportation or even stow under a shopping cart. STOP & STAND It is a well-known fact that it is often the little things that make all the difference. You can park your CITYBUG2S anywhere you want, without having to look for a wall or fence to lean it against. All you have to do is release the fold lever and pull on the handlebar until the underside of the footboard comes into contact with the ground. Elegantly parked, your CITYBUG2S then sits there, waiting for your next ride. FACTS & FIGURES Spec Product dimension - 986 x 335 x 1081 mm (Unfolded) Weight - 13.5 kg Driving distance - Approx. 18 km (80kg rider) Max speed - 22 km/h (limited) Motor - 350 w Torque - 17 NM Battery - Li-Ion 48 V 4.4 AH Charging - 2A charger, charging time 2.2hrs Riding Control - Thumb Throttle Rear Brake - Fender + Electric Assist Brake Wheel - Front: 8" Air Tire, Rear Wheel: 7.2" Hollow Rubber Front Light - Integrated LED + Reflector Rear Light - Integrated LED + Brake LED Trimen Ventures Pte Ltd 31 Bukit Batok Cresent #01-13 The Splendour Singapore, Singapore 658070 Phone: 67343111 Website: www.facebook.com/TrimenVentures/timeline

Elon Musk Loves This Tesla Ad, Even Though It's Fake

Happy new YEar! I got 3 radio clocks (those plug into wall supply) of different brand at home. Everytime after tallying the time with my handphone, few weeks later 3 of them sure go faster than the actual time. Even the radio clocks at my cousin's home also behaving the same thing.... it can go as fast as 20mins from the actual time. Anyone have the same problem? Is it cause for the supply frequency of our wall outlet which should be 50hz right?

Saw someone using this in SG today. Looks very suitable for short trips and won't take up much space even in MRT train. Anyone has used it? Quick check on-line selling for about USD500. Better than foldable bicycle?

Hi all the i8 has been in the news for afew years and its nice to see a concept car that evolved into actual mass production. Below is the youtube video for your enjoyment. I wonder when it will hit our roads. Unlike the Tesla this is a hybrid petrol and electric car which mates a 1.5L 3cylinder engine with a electric battery which gives 350BHP combined and 0-100kph in 4.4 secs. In petrol mode the i8 is RWD. In Electric mode it is FWD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3NPhRpiRmc

http://mitsueki.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/p...nocked-her-down LTA AND TRAFFIC MATA - PLS WAKE UP