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Electric vehicles helping drivers to reduce their bills

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  • 90% of vehicle-owning US households could reduce their bills as well as their carbon footprint by switching to electric vehicles. 
  • 85 million households could halve their transport bills by going electric compared to just 25 thousand households if they switched to newer, gasoline-fuelled cars. 
  • Adopting an electric vehicle would more than double the number of US households with low transport costs, spending less than 2% of their annual income on transport fuels. 

Newswise — Drivers in Washington, California, and New York are set to see the greatest reductions in transport costs and greenhouse gas emissions due to a combination of cleaner power grids and low electricity prices in comparison to gasoline prices, among other factors.  

Over 90% of vehicle-owning US households could slash their greenhouse gas emissions as well as their transport costs by switching to electric vehicles. A study maps the change in annual income spent on transport fuels for vehicle-owning US households upon adopting electric vehicles.  

US households are highly dependent on private vehicles, with over 80% of journeys taken via personal cars. These journeys are not only bad for the environment and public health, but they are also expensive: around 67% of US households are currently considered to have medium-to-high travel costs, spending greater than 2% of their annual income on transportation. 

“Joshua Newell, co-author of the study and Professor of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, says: “As the need for decarbonisation becomes increasingly urgent, it is crucial that we identify where and how we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, starting with assessing the long-term affordability of electric vehicles. Our results show that not only are electric cars better at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but in most cases, they are cheaper to run too.” 

Study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of switching to electric vehicles in comparison to new gasoline-fuelled vehicles, for different regions across the United States. The results show that 71% of US drivers could halve their transport bills by going electric. In comparison, just 0.02% of drivers would see the same reduction in fuel costs by switching to newer, gasoline-fuelled cars. 

Moreover, the team found that adopting an electric vehicle would more than double the number of US households with low transport costs, spending less than 2% of their annual income on transport fuels. Nationwide, this equates to over 80% of vehicle-owning households. 

“Our research contributes to the topic of energy justice, ensuring participation in the energy system is equitable, affordable, and accessible for all. We are hopeful that this study will inform people on where significant, affordable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can be made. For the majority of people, the ongoing fuel cost of electric vehicles will be even lower than adopting newer, more efficient gasoline vehicles. However, the prominent differences across the nation emphasize the need for a regional approach to electric vehicle transitions,” concludes Jesse Vega-Perkins, lead author of the study. 

Source: Institute of Physics (IOP) Publishing

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/aca4e6

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

art, culture and humanities

Hyundai Motor Group Art Cars Rally in Paris to Support Busan’s Final Bid to Host 2030 World Expo

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SEOUL/PARIS – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) is rolling out a fleet of art cars in Paris, France, from November 23–28, in a final drive to promote Busan, South Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo. The voting for that honor will take place at the 173rd General Assembly of the BIE in Paris on November 28.

The Group is providing the Korean delegation with 10 Hyundai IONIQ 6 and Kia EV6, all-electric models, wrapped in a colorful graffiti design featuring symbols of Busan, such as seagulls and the Gwangan Bridge, as well as the slogan ‘BUSAN is Ready.’

The 173rd General Assembly of the BIE will see final presentations from each of the three candidate cities — Busan, South Korea; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Rome, Italy — elected via secret ballot by each BIE Member State.

For this final campaign, the Group selected IONIQ 6 and EV6 to emphasize Busan’s commitment to hosting a carbon-neutral World Expo under the theme ‘Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future.’

The art car fleet will tour major attractions, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre, as well as areas near the BIE headquarters and the embassies of various countries, promoting Busan’s bid to key officials from BIE member countries and tourists from around the world.

On November 28, the day of the 173rd General Assembly of the BIE, the Group will operate an art car around Le Palais des Congrès d’Issy, the venue of the General Assembly. It will make every effort to win the support of BIE members until the vote is cast.

The Group is running outdoor video advertisements highlighting Busan’s charms on a large scale through 270 digital screens located in major areas of Paris during the month of November. The art cars were also used during the Busan Expo Symposium and K-POP concert held in Paris last month to further promote Busan’s bid.

In addition, the Group’s art cars traveled to major international events, such as the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in San Francisco, the UN General Assembly in New York, the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, and the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Group has actively promoted the Busan World Expo at home and abroad in the digital realm, publishing more than 90 pieces of global content, such as short form videos and card news, to proclaim that Busan is the best city to host the 2030 World Expo.

The ‘Busan Initiative with the Whole World,’ a promotional video for the Busan World Expo that the Group released last month, exceeded 100 million views within 17 days of its release, contributing to the promotion of South Korea’s desire to host the event and Busan’s competitiveness.

Source: Hyundai

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Tennessee Titans, Nissan Announce Naming Rights Partnership in New Stadium

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – The Tennessee Titans and Nissan North America today have reached an agreement on a 20-year, exclusive naming-rights partnership that brands the new Titans home venue as ‘Nissan Stadium.’ This announcement further solidifies the partnership held between the Titans and Nissan since 2015.   Slated for completion in 2027, the new Nissan Stadium will […]

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Nissan Stadium Rendering
The Tennessee Titans and Nissan North America have reached an agreement on a 20-year, exclusive naming-rights partnership that brands the new Titans home venue as ‘Nissan Stadium.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – The Tennessee Titans and Nissan North America today have reached an agreement on a 20-year, exclusive naming-rights partnership that brands the new Titans home venue as ‘Nissan Stadium.’ This announcement further solidifies the partnership held between the Titans and Nissan since 2015.  

Slated for completion in 2027, the new Nissan Stadium will host Titans home games, Tennessee State University football games, concerts, large-scale events and other community events.  

“This partnership is a natural extension of our already longstanding friendship with Nissan,” said Burke Nihill, Titans President and CEO. “Our mission at the Titans is to Win, Serve, and Entertain. We pride ourselves on collaborating with organizations who love this city and state as much as we do, and for the past 40 years, Nissan has invested more than $10.5 billion statewide, serving as a great example of an outstanding corporate steward and community advocate. We look forward to the continued positive impact of this relationship for the Titans organization and the City of Nashville.” 

“Since 2015 our fans and organization have called our home ‘Nissan Stadium,’ and we are proud to continue that tradition in the new stadium as we deepen and expand our relationship with them,” said Titans Chief Revenue Officer Adam Nuse. “The new stadium will host the world’s largest events, as well as serve as a community hub for our local neighbors. We’re excited to have a partner like Nissan embark on this journey with us as we look towards the future.”

The partnership will feature dedicated areas in the new stadium for brand experiences and displays, innovative technology integration, and involvement in Titans broadcast platforms. Nissan also will support a to-be-determined program in the Titans ONE Community philanthropic platform, which reaches Nashville’s most underrepresented and marginalized communities with a focus on three areas – Opportunity, Neighborhoods and Education.  

“Nissan Stadium is a centerpiece of the Nashville skyline and has become a household name in Middle Tennessee. It is important for Nissan to keep our name on the new stadium,” said Jérémie Papin, chairperson, Nissan Americas. “As more people come to Nashville both to visit and to live in this wonderful city, Nissan Stadium is true showcase for our brand and for the career opportunities we’ve offered here for more than four decades. This partnership sends a strong message about the bright future for Nissan, the Titans, Nashville and the State of Tennessee.”

Nissan’s ever-growing footprint in Tennessee includes vehicle and powertrain manufacturing facilities in Smyrna and Decherd respectively, along with its North American headquarters in Franklin. Nissan is home to more than 11,000 employees across all three locations.  

“Nissan has been a strong partner to middle Tennessee for four decades, and I’m thrilled that the Titans have united with a partner that invests in our community and its people,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “The familiarity and trust they’ve established with the Titans in the last eight years will undoubtedly be a great asset as we plan for the stadium’s opening in 2027.”

The new Nissan stadium will be built on the east side of the current stadium campus, along Nashville’s East Bank. Features of the building include: a circular translucent roof; exterior porches with panoramic views of Nashville; improved sightlines for all spectators through a range of diverse seating experiences; and a 12,000 square foot community space available for use year-round. A waitlist for those interested in purchasing PSLs or suites is now open at NewNissanStadium.com.

Source: NISSAN

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Green NCAP proves all powertrains need greener objectives

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Green NCAP releases the assessment results of seven vehicles with a range of powertrains: three electric vehicles from Tesla, Renault, and MG, three hybrid cars from Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Alfa Romeo, and one purely petrol-powered car from BMW, all recently introduced onto the European market. The results of these vehicles may answer some of the questions that consumers ask themselves when buying a new car: for example, do hybrids fulfil the greener expectations of their technologies? Green NCAP reveals that unless manufacturers make a strong commitment to sustainability by lowering emissions, and fuel consumption, and increasing efficiency, then cars may not be as green as they claim to be, independent of the powertrain.

Green NCAP encourages consumers who are interested in lessening environmental impact to pay attention to the finer details of their future car’s performance. It is critical that new buyers consider independent consumer information to achieve a greener choice aligned with their driving preferences. The label of ‘hybrid’ does not automatically mean it outperforms a well-managed combustion-engine vehicle. Manufacturers offer various levels of hybridisation to cater to different objectives. At the same time, in some cases, more power does not necessarily result in more impact on the environment.

Aleksander Damyanov, Green NCAP Technical Manager


The Tesla Model S impresses not only for its innovative technology features but also for its attention to energy efficiency, performance, and driving range. The version tested is the AWD Dual Motor version, with 100 kWh of battery capacity and impressive power and torque output (504 kW, 842 Nm). The flagship Model S sets an example for the segment of pure electric luxury cars by displaying a high and consistent driving range of up to 630 km (about 391.46 mi) in real-world On-Road Drive, smart heat management, and high efficiency. With an uncompromised focus on efficiency and thermal comfort despite an abundance of power, the vehicle easily earns all 5 Green Stars and reaches an Average Score of 97%, just 1% less than the Model 3 tested last year.

Similarly focused on power and torque, the Mazda CX-60 is a large and luxurious SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) and is claimed to be Mazda’s most powerful production car to date. The car is a plug-in hybrid and uses its electric powertrain to satisfy consumers’ desire for greater power which consequently has an impact on fuel and energy consumption. Its control of pollutant emissions fails to impress. In the Clean Air Index, it received a modest score of just 5.4/10. As a result, the vehicle’s average score drops below the threshold for the added robustness rating and the car is rated based only on the standard tests. The CX-60 Plug-In Hybrid receives an Average Score of 48% and gathers 2½ Green Stars.

Two mild hybrids are underwhelming in this release. The Japanese Mitsubishi ASX, a compact SUV with a 1.3 l turbocharged petrol engine is supported by a weak mild-hybrid system. Tested consumption values are around 6 l/100 km, with the demand increasing to 8.1 l/100 km in the Highway Test with full-power accelerations. Pollutants are, on average, managed well, although ammonia (NH3) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions could be better handled. The Mitsubishi ASX earns an Average Score of 41% and 2½ Green Stars.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a sleek SUV with a 1.5 l turbocharged petrol engine that is supported by a 48V mild-hybrid system. Like the Mitsubishi, pollutants are averagely managed, but increased ammonia output and carbon monoxide handling are challenging for this Italian car. The consumption values depend on the situation – from around 5 l/100 km in the standard On-road Drive to 8.3 l/100 km in the Highway Test. The Alfa Romeo Tonale 1.5 VGT 48V-Hybrid obtains an Average Score of 42% and receives 2½ Green Stars.

Some mild hybrids may not be living up to their greener expectations, but electric vehicles are still delivering on their promises. In this release, the historic English brand MG celebrated a 5-star rating with its MG 5. This fully electric station wagon reaches a maximum power of 115 kW and a declared installed battery capacity of 61 kWh. As expected, the Cold Ambient Test at -7°C revealed a significant increase in energy demand but this can be attributed to a quick cabin heat-up and provision of adequate thermal comfort in cold, winter conditions. During the battery capacity test, the vehicle was charged with 11 kW charging power and the determined grid-to-battery-output efficiency impressed with 92%. The MG 5 finishes with an Average Score of 95% and 5 Green stars. Last month, Green NCAP announced its new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Award and Green NCAP calculations indicate that the MG 5 has a relatively low estimated LCA based on the European average and meets the criteria for this LCA award.

For some time, Euro NCAP has set to task in raising the level of safety equipment within vans & Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), however long-term sustainability should also be an important driving factor for manufacturers. In this release, Green NCAP introduces its first-ever electric MPV tested under its tough protocols: the Renault Kangoo E-Tech. This is a pure electric vehicle that offers enhanced transport capabilities for goods and is targeting small and medium businesses (SMBs). With its relatively small battery (45 kWh), the car is primarily useful for shorter distances. The vehicle lets itself down, however, with its lower grid-to-battery-output efficiency of 84% which is poorer than the usual value of today’s electric cars. With an Average Score of 90%, the Kangoo E-Tech just manages to receive all 5 Green Stars.

The only purely petrol-powered vehicle in this release, the BMW X1 sDrive18i, is a small SUV that supplies 100 kW peak power, which is the lowest among all currently offered X1 versions. Like most other fossil-fuelled petrol cars, it scores the least in the Green house Gas Index due to the CO2 emissions measured at the tailpipe. The strongest suit of the X1, however, is its exhaust aftertreatment. In the Clean Air Index, BMW shows high and robust performance and earned a very well-deserved 7.7 points out of 10. The BMW X1 attains an Average Score of 45% and collects 2½ Green Stars.

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About Green NCAP

Green NCAP is an independent initiative that promotes the development of cars that are clean, energy-efficient, and cause as little harm to the environment as possible.

Green NCAP uses a broad range of tests to address the flaws in approval tests and, through consumer information, rewards those manufacturers whose vehicles go beyond the minimum requirements and offer excellent, robust, real-world performance.

We believe that consumers need to be adequately informed about the energy consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions of the vehicle of their choice.

Source: Green NCAP 

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