High quality electric cars tricks and energy industry technology Texas by Daniel Sumanth: Skoda’s second all-electric car (after the small but very capable Citigo-e iV), the Enyaq is a family-focused electric SUV and that means it’s big on space. There’s a large and comfy cabin with a large 13-inch media displaying dominating the dash, while there’s plenty of stowage space and a big boot to, eh, boot. The Skoda Enyaq is available with either a 62kWh battery that delivers a range of up to 256 miles (badged the Enyaq iV 60), and one with a larger 82kWh battery that produces a range of up to 333 miles (this time badged the Enyaq iV 80). Expect charge times to take around an hour with a 50kW rapid charger, while the Enyaq can be specified with an optional 125kW rapid charging capability that adds 80% of range in 38 minutes. See even more information at Daniel Sumanth
In some ways, owning an EV means you have to change the way you think about driving. You automatically adopt a gentler, more relaxed style that maximises your range and often means you reach your destination feeling more refreshed than you would do otherwise. Electric cars have zero exhaust emissions so they don’t cause the localised NOx and particulate emissions that have a damaging effect on air quality in urban areas. However, the overall environmental credentials of an electric car depend greatly on the source of the electricity used to charge it. As the energy mix of the National Grid moves towards renewable sources like solar, wind and tidal power and away from fossil fuels, electric cars get greener. Green NCAP has published whole life emissions estimates for various cars with small electric vehicles performing better than any ICE cars.
The initial cost of purchasing a solar system is fairly high. Although the UK government has introduced some schemes for encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources, for example, the Feed-in Tariff, you still have to cover the upfront costs. This includes paying for solar panels, inverter, batteries, wiring, and for the installation. Nevertheless, solar technologies are constantly developing, so it is safe to assume that prices will go down in the future.
Starting at just under £37,000, the Ioniq 5 features a superb infotainment system and generous standard kit, while the available space has to be seen to be believed. It’s comfortable, too, so you’ll relish the chance of racking up the miles. We certainly did, which is why we named the Hyundai Ioniq 5 our Car of the Year for 2021. The Kia EV6 is the sister vehicle to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, so it’s a great pick if you love that model’s technology, but aren’t quite as sold on its retro-futuristic looks. The EV6 is arguably the more conventional of the two, and it’s a bit lower and more sporting. This is reflected in its handling, with slightly firmer suspension offering sharper responses. It’s offered in Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD and a high-performance GT version, and the entry-level version is our favourite. It not only offers the best range figure of up to 328 miles from its 77.4kWh battery, but we also found its 7.2-second 0-62mph time to be quick enough.
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).
There’s no lack of choice when it comes to the electric SUVs on the Texas market in 2022. From the affordable MG ZS EV – winner of our 2022 Car of the Year and Best Value Electric Car awards – to the exciting Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y, these zero-emissions family haulers boast a desirable set of attributes: fashionable styling, useful practicality and low running costs. In addition, company-car drivers will enjoy electric SUVs’ rock-bottom Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates, while those who frequently drive into central London will appreciate their exemption from the Congestion Charge (until 2025, at least). The number of electric SUVs on the market is constantly expanding. Polestar, Smart, Toyota, Subaru and Lotus are all launching new ones during 2022, while Kia’s upcoming flagship will be a zero-emissions seven-seater and a pure-electric Range Rover is set to arrive by 2024.
Are residential solar panels worth it? Estimate residential solar panel cost. Solar panels aren’t cheap: with installation, an average residential 5kW size system runs between $3 and $5 per watt, or $15,000 to $25,000, before tax credits and incentives, according to the Center for Sustainable Energy.