In the July 25, 2021 edition of the Las Vegas Sun, I had the opportunity to share my experience purchasing my first electric vehicle, and how new clean cars standards proposed for the state of Nevada could make it much easier for future EV buyers.
https://m.lasvegassun.com/news/2021/jul/25/electric-cars-are-the-smart-choice-in-nevada/
The current administration’s policies to roll back many standards, including fuel efficiency, may affect sales of electric vehicles, and the car companies’ incentive to make them.
The problem of finding a place to charge your EV continues to get smaller, with the partnership between DC Fast charger EVGo and VW’s Electrify America program. Details below from Green Car Reports:
Since both the Kia Niro and Hyundai Kona are recent newcomers to the EV marketplace, stories are fast and furious showing recent drives and initial driver impressions.
This one gives driver reviews of each vehicle and their unique features (spoiler alert: since Kia and Hyundai are sister companies, both rank pretty highly). Here’s the link to review them for yourself:
Hyundai and sister company Kia have jumped into the EV market with both feet. The Kona is making waves due to the long range and good price point.
KQED-FM recently posted an informative article on the things you should think about when considering an electric vehicle for your next purchase.
It begins, “Electric vehicles (EVs) are getting cheaper—so whether you’re looking for a way to save on the hassle and cost of gas, shrink your carbon footprint, or simply zip around in a new Tesla, there are lots of reasons to consider a hybrid or electric car.
But before you go electric, there are a few decisions you have to
make—and some planning you need to do—to make sure the car you buy fits your driving needs. Here are a few things to consider before you make the switch.”
The link to the full article is included below:
https://www.kqed.org/science/1947909/the-beginners-guide-to-electric-cars
From CNET’s Road Show section:
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/every-electric-car-ev-range-audi-chevy-tesla/
Of course this is the list of new vehicles. But if you’re in the market for another vehicle – and are at least considering an EV – don’t forget to check sites like AutoTrader, Cars.com, TrueCar and others for fantastic deals on used ones.
HERE’S A TIP: If you’re especially concerned about battery capacity, consider a certified pre owned vehicle. Every major manufacturer has a CPO website. They typically come with extended warranties.
A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out for National Drive Electric Week for 2019! Springs Preserve was jumping this year, as we had nearly 60 electric vehicles on display, with over 250 people in attendance.
Some of the brands represented at this year’s NDEW event included Tesla, Chevrolet, Honda, BMW, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Zero Motorcycles. EV conversions included a sports car built on a 1965 Ford GT frame.
Our thanks to many of our partners, including Sierra Club, Citizens Climate Lobby, FIRST Nevada Robotics, Green Alliance of Nevada, and NV Energy.
And don’t forget, our next event is just a month away!
The Electric Car Guest Drive
By Kirsten Korosec, TechCrunch
Nissan and EVgo said Tuesday they will install another 200 DC fast chargers in the United States to support the growing number of consumers who are buying electric vehicles, including the new Nissan Leaf e+ that came to market earlier this year.
The 100 kilowatt DC fast-charging stations will have both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors, making them accessible to more EV drivers. The inclusion of both charger connectors is logical; it’s also notable for Nissan, once the primary advocates for CHAdeMO chargers.
The announcement builds off of the companies’ six-year partnership, which included building out a corridor of EV chargers along Interstate 95 on the East Coast, as well as between Monterey, Calif., and Lake Tahoe.
Nissan says it has installed more than 2,000 quick-charge connectors across the country since 2010.
Plans to add another 200 fast chargers follows the launch of the 2019 Nissan Leaf e+. The Nissan Leaf e+, which came to the U.S. and Canada this spring, has a range of 226 miles and fast-charging capability.
This new version of the Leaf all-electric hatchback has 40% more range than other versions thanks to a 62 kilowatt-hour battery pack. That 226-mile range puts the Leaf e+ just under the Chevy Bolt EV, which has a 238-mile range, the Kia Niro EV with 239 miles and the Tesla Model 3 standard range plus with 240 miles.
“Given the tremendous driver response to the 2019 long-range all-electric LEAF, Nissan and EVgo will accelerate fast charging by committing to a multi-year charger construction program that will continue to expand fast-charging options for EV drivers across the country,” Aditya Jairaj, director, EV Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America said in a statement.
The companies also plan to partner on a marketing campaign to sell consumers on the benefits of EVs, and for Nissan, hopefully persuade more to buy its Nissan Leaf Plus. Nissan’s July sales figures were down compared to the same month last year, a slump that has affected the Leaf, as well.
By Jon Fingas, Engadget
Chevy hasn’t tweaked the Bolt EV much since its introduction, but an impending refresh could be welcome by giving drivers what they often crave: more range.
The EPA has rated the 2020 Bolt EV as delivering 259 miles of range, up substantially from the 238 miles you’ve seen since the start. As Car and Driver observed, that would give it greater longevity than the Tesla Model 3’s Standard Range Plus trim (240 miles), the Kia Niro EV (239 miles) and the Hyundai Kona Electric (just shy at 258 miles).
It’s not certain just how Chevy wrung out that extra 21 miles of driving, but C&D understood that new battery chemistry was the key. Don’t expect a drastically upgraded car beyond that. The Bolt order guide only makes reference to new color and minor feature options. If you’re not fond of the design, this won’t change your mind. Having said that, added range could be enough of a selling point by itself.
It can make the difference between having to recharge mid-route and making a non-stop trip, and that could reel in buyers who’d either look at other EVs or (gasp) consider a gas- powered car instead.
