EVs Dead In The Cold Weather

By now most people who have either owned an electric vehicle or done some research on them know all about how terribly unreliable they can be in cold weather. Limited travel range, overall battery drainage and massive charging issues when the temperatures drop. They are simply not fit for purpose. And when considering how dangerous these problems can be out there on the road in real-time, as well as all the other safety issues with electric vehicles not cold weather related, it's a no brainer.  Do not waste your hard earned money on one of these potential death traps. But that's enough from me, watch the video below by MGUY Australia for a quick and informative overview of what to expect from an EV in minus temperatures.
 



Some comments from the video

Architect here. The added danger of EVs catching fire and being nearly impossible to put out has not gone unnoticed. Building codes are looking at restricting the number of EVs allowed in parking garages and building fire enclosures around the charging area.
What a pain. Why would anyone want to inflict EV ownership on their lives? Isn't life challenging enough already?
They say to keep the EV battery last longer, you can only charge to 70% capacity, now in cold winter, you must keep that for at least 20-30% before next charge. It means that you can only have 40-50% of the capacity for the winter, and most of the capacity will be drained by heating rather than mileage. Current EVs are not for cold places for sure.


Electric Car Sales Drop In America

Electric cars have been heralded as the future of sustainable transportation, promising reduced emissions and decreased reliance on fossil fuels [forget about the devastating impact on the Earth that EVs take to produce and dispose of]. However, recent data suggests a potential downtrend in electric car sales in America. The reasons behind this drop are suspected to be various. But factors talked about below, such as market saturation, limited charging infrastructure, decreasing federal incentives, and consumer preferences all have a part to play.

Market saturation plays a significant role in the downtrend of electric car sales in America. Initially, the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) garnered considerable attention and excitement. But as the number of electric car models and brands on the market increased, not only did the negative aspects to EVs start to appear, but consumers also became overwhelmed with choice. 

Video: An interesting news report by CNBC which goes through some of the reasons for the sales drop, and talks to some experts in the car industry who have some very valid points and concerns.





The limited charging infrastructure in America [As well as in the UK] remains a significant issue hindering the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. While strides have been made in infrastructure development, including public charging stations, there is still a prominent lack of accessibility compared to conventional petrol [gasoline] stations. This concern leads to 'range anxiety' among potential buyers, who, rightfully fear being stranded without a charging option on long journeys. The lack of convenient charging stations outside urban areas may deter potential consumers from committing to an electric car purchase.

Another crucial factor contributing to the downtrend in electric car sales is the decreasing federal incentives. For a number of years, the federal government incentivized the adoption of EVs through tax credits and other forms of financial assistance.

But the diminishing scale and limited time-frame of these incentives have made electric vehicles less appealing to cost-conscious consumers. A decline in financial benefits may have resulted in potential customers waiting for better deals or delaying their purchase altogether, contributing to the observed downtrend in sales.

Consumer preferences heavily influence the sales performance of electric vehicles. Despite increasing environmental awareness, many buyers remain focused on factors such as pricing, safety, and range capabilities.

Gasoline-powered vehicles generally offer a wider variety of models, often with good acceleration and longer ranges, meeting the demands of buyers seeking performance and convenience. Economic uncertainty and the higher initial cost of electric cars may also further deter price-sensitive consumers from embracing this relatively new technology.

The dealerships in the US don't really seem to help the situation much either. Many potential buyers complain about dealers adding extortionate amounts of money on top of the average retail price, making people even more hesitant to part with their cash in fear they are being ripped off.

As well as a downtrend in electric car sales in America, there's also talk about the situation being very similar in Europe. And I wouldn't be surprised to also find out that its close to the same in the UK.

Owning a Car In The UK Is So Expensive

In recent years, owning a car in the UK has become increasingly expensive due to various factors that have impacted the costs associated with purchasing, maintaining, and using a vehicle. It is important to note that while car ownership certainly poses financial challenges, it remains a personal choice that's influenced by individual circumstances, financial status and lifestyle preferences. But in first world countries, it should be viable for everyone who wants to own a vehicle to be able to do so without the fear of not being able to afford it.


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New Ford car showroom / dealership in Birmingham UK


Unfortunately this is the case. And many people who would like to drive simply can not own a vehicle because the running costs are just too high. So, other than vehicle repairs and consumable parts, which are not covered in this post, here are some of the other costs associated with owning a car in the UK.


Taxation


First off, one of the main reasons for the increasing costs of car ownership in the UK is the high rate of taxation imposed on vehicles. The government implements various taxes on cars, including Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and the new car purchase tax, also known as the showroom tax. VED cost is calculated by a car's CO2 emissions, which translates to - the higher the higher emissions - the higher the price. 

The implementation of additional levies such as the diesel surcharge has further escalated the financial burden on motorists. Where does it end. These taxes have been introduced to promote so-called "eco-friendly" vehicles and reduce pollution levels, but they have undoubtedly contributed to the increased expenses of owning a car.


Auto Insurance


Not forgetting that insurance costs have risen significantly over the years, making it more expensive for individuals to own a car in the UK. Insurance premiums take into account various factors, including the driver's age, experience, and the value of the car being insured. With the increasing cost of repairing modern vehicles equipped with advanced technology, insurance companies have had to adjust their premiums accordingly. Additionally, the rise in fraudulent claims and uninsured drivers has further impacted insurance rates, as insurance companies need to cover the escalating costs of these incidents.


Fuel


The price of fuel has always been a major concern for car owners. In the UK, petrol and diesel costs are influenced by a combination of factors, including the global oil prices, refining costs, and government taxes. Despite fluctuations in oil prices, the government's high taxation on fuel remains constant, which contributes to the steep prices at the pump. As fuel costs continue to rise, car owners face a considerable strain on their budgets, particularly those who heavily rely on their vehicles for commuting or transportation.


Congestion Charges


And now, congestion charges also contribute to the growing expenses of car ownership in certain areas of the UK. Cities like London have added congestion charges to discourage the use of private vehicles in heavily congested areas. This additional cost, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and air pollution, has become a considerable financial burden for individuals who must drive through these zones regularly. And there's even more for some people.


ULEZ and Clean Air Zones


The introduction of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) has added yet another expense for car owners in London by imposing charges on vehicles that do not meet certain emission standards. Other cities like Birmingham, Bristol, Sheffield and Bradford have "clean air zones" [CAZ for short], which charges drivers a fee if their vehicle does not meet emissions standards. This has been a terrific earner for Councils. 

One example: Birminghams clean air zone has sucked in £79 million alone since it started in 2021. In the whole of the UK, vehicle emissions-based money collection rackets have made well over £400 Million since 2021.

Pioneer AVH A240DAB Double Din Stereo

Pioneer's AVH-A240DAB double din car entertainment center is an all-in-one stereo with a built in DVD and CD player, USB port, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a great quality 6.2" touch screen interface. It allows you to listen to your favorite music, watch your favorite TV shows and browse the web on one simple device. The AVH-A240DAB is almost identical to the A240, except it does not have a built-in GPS. And to use the DAB / DAB+ features you will have to use / buy a DAB antenna or a FM to DAB converter.


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The AVH-A240DAB has an easy to use touch screen interface. Almost everything can be controlled via the touch screen display. The screen also shows song titles and album art for your music. You can also access various apps like the BBC iPlayer, Amazon Instant Video and Napster from the stereo screen. Pioneer has made it very easy to navigate through all of your content options with the AVH-A240DAB.

The AVH-A240DAB can be used with external devices such as the Apple iPod, iPhone, Android Smartphone, and is also Bluetooth compatible. And the WebLink App opens up many more options for connection and control to external devices with this stereo. Basically, in terms of media, if you have it on your Smartphone or tablet, you can or should be able to mirror it to the stereo.




You can access most of these options and features from either the main Pioneer AVH menu or through Pioneer's AVH app. In terms of radio coverage, there are quite a few apps that contain many preloaded stations that can be used with this model. These will provide you with a multitude of different radio stations from all over the world.

It would be nice to see some new apps added, such as local weather information and social media apps, as these seem to be lacking a little. These are features that most people use frequently on their smart devices, so adding them to your in-car stereo would be a great addition.


Some things to be aware of

Overall, the review score is very positive. It's a great stereo, with very good sound quality, being sold at a decent price. But with all electrical products, there are a few reported issues that have affected some units. Although not very widespread, here are some of the main problems experienced by a few buyers.

Some users state that the touch screen needs more press-pressure than they would have liked. I believe this is just the way the touch screen has been made on this stereo, and not just an issue with a few dodgy units.

There are a few reports of saved radio stations being automatically removed for no reason, and bad hands-free quality for a Pioneer unit. These last two issues are not very common but worth mentioning. Looking for the AVH-A240DAB PDF manual? You can read / download that here on the official Pioneer Europe website. Also available to download on the same page is the firmware update.

Some other Pioneer audio products also reviewed on this website can be found here: Pioneer FH-S720BT 2-DIN stereo | Pioneer TS-WX120A Underseat Subwoofer.

Motorbike or Car: Insurance Considerations

In the United Kingdom, individuals seeking transportation options often debate between owning a motorbike or a car. Among other things, some of which will be touched upon below, one significant factor that can play an influence in a persons choice is the cost of insurance. With a few diversions along the way, this article aims to look at some of the factors that impact insurance costs for motorbikes and cars in the UK. The key aspects being age, driving experience, vehicle type, coverage level, usage and overall safety.
 

BMW_Blue_Parked_UK


Age and Driving Experience


One key factor that influences insurance costs in the UK is the driver's age and level of driving experience. Going on the numbers, younger and inexperienced drivers are more prone to accidents, resulting in higher insurance premiums. Whether a motorbike or car is chosen, individuals under the age of 25 with limited driving experience will likely face disproportionately high insurance costs due to their perceived risk. It is important to note that younger drivers often incur higher motorbike insurance premiums as well just like with car insurance. 

But usually, a motorbike should be less to run for a new, young driver if compared to a car. The same is generally true when it comes to insurance also. However, like cars, there are many factors that will play a role in the annual price. Drivers age, no claims bonus, postcode [is there a lot of vehicle crime in the area], parking location, vehicle engine size and driver history are high on the list of things to consider. Motorbikes are also more susceptible to theft and damage, especially when parked in high crime areas with limited security. 


Vehicle Type


Which to choose, a car or a bike. Generally, motorbikes do tend to be less expensive to insure than cars. This is primarily due to the fact that motorbikes are typically classified as less expensive vehicles overall, both in terms of purchase value and for replacement  / repair costs. Cars on the other hand, are whole new level of expensive, and as a result they do tend to have higher insurance premiums attached to them due to the increased costs that come with repairs and replacement.


Fuel Usage


If we take the whole "electric cars are the more clean for the environment" debate out of the equation. Yes, the "fuel" / energy used in EV's is cleaner than petrol and diesel powered vehicles, but EV's are much worse environmentally overall. The car components used in electric vehicles, in particular lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which power practically all of the top of the range EV's, actually cost a lot more to produce.

And the mining processes for the metals / minerals used in EV batteries other than but including lithium, such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, graphite and copper, and not to mention the eventual disposal of the electric vehicle batteries, is extremely damaging and resource intensive. This poses a much bigger problem for the environment than that which comes from the production and disposal of normal vehicles. And the truth is, right now drivers don't get more mileage from a full charge in an EV when compared to average cars that run on fossil fuels.

Back to the car vs bike fuel comparison. Motorbikes use much less fuel and cost less money to fill up than an average car that uses petrol or diesel. So the saving on fuel costs will definitely be noticed quite quickly with a motorbike.


Insurance Coverage Level


The level of coverage required by the policyholder also plays a considerable role in determining insurance premiums for motorbikes and cars in the UK. The best option for most is comprehensive cover [full cover], which includes protection against theft, vandalism, and damage caused by natural disasters. However, this almost always comes at a much higher price regardless of the vehicle. Third party and third party, fire and theft are generally cheaper but don't have the same level of coverage that full cover has. If you have a really nice car or motorbike that you cherish, you would of course choose fully comprehensive cover. But if you drive an old banger that's not worth much and you couldn't care less about it, then either Third party or third party fire and theft may be better options.


Safety Features


Fact: cars are much safer than motorbikes. Another factor that affects insurance costs is the inherent safety features of a vehicle. Cars are typically equipped with a wide range of safety measures and advanced technologies such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC). These features do reduce the risk of accidents and potential injuries, which should translate into lower insurance premiums over time. However, with motorbikes, the rider is out there, exposed with minimal protection.

man_on_motorbike_motorway_uk


Yes, there are crash helmets, protective pads and clothing that are commonly worn, but the sheer lack of any real, solid safety protection in the form of a real barrier from danger [other vehicles, the road, buildings, lamp posts and 100 other things], can and does equate to taking a much higher risk while out there on the road, and a higher probability for severe accidents and injuries. For this reason I, personally, would always choose to drive a car. Motorbikes can be a lot of fun, but the dangers are just too great in today's world.

And remember, the risks can not be understated, and they are only getting worse. With more in-car entertainment than there's ever been [TV's DVD players, Android stereos etc], smartphones, the stress of being on the road, peoples patience being very low, and life moving at a faster pace than ever before [everyone seems to be in a big rush], car, van and truck drivers are now potentially more distracted than ever before. Needless to say, this is not good news for people who drive motorbikes. 

Usage


The mileage and usage patterns of a motorbike or car also significantly impact insurance costs in the UK. Is it being driven to work and back, in a busy city at rush hour. Is the vehicle being driven for How many miles are being driven each month or year. The more a vehicle is out on the road being used, the more the potential for accidents increases. Less mileage per year equals less risk for insurers.

It's your call


Ultimately the choice is yours. Motorbikes are cheaper overall to run and insure, but are one of the least safe forms of transportation. Bikes are also not very practical. Just think of when it rains or is really cold. Which person would you rather be, the one on the bike in the leather bodysuit wearing a big helmet, or the one in the car. Warm, comfortable and cosy, while listening to some music. I know which one I would choose every time, regardless of the extra expense.

Car Insurance Price Keeps Rising

A common irony of car insurance premiums rising when people are already struggling financially is all too common. But the truth is, no matter what's going on with in the world of car coverage or on the global financial scene, car insurance companies always have an excuse as to why premiums are being raised. This year is no different for the majority of drivers. According to data reports, UK premiums are up a few percent across the board. Add fuel, tax and MOT to that cost, combined with the rising price of car repairs and parts, and its clearly not getting any cheaper to own a car. Of course, car insurance prices are so dependent on individual circumstances, where everything is taken into account, assessed and used as a risk measurement stick. The higher the risk, the more money a driver is required to pay.


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If you are struggling to keep your car on the road, there are a few things that could help strip down the premium to a more affordable level. But some are risky depending on how much your car is worth and how much it could cost to repair.

For expensive cars, changing the coverage level from fully comprehensive cover to, say, third party fire + theft, or just standard third party only coverage is not recommended.

Expensive and mid-range cars: ways to get the price down


If you've been through all your insurance details looking for things that could be added, removed or changed to lower the premium, such as removing a named driver that no longer uses the car, deleting old business usage coverage that is no longer active, lower annual driving mileage, change in parking location, the addition of a tracker or black box, and all these boxes are ticked, the best thing to do if you are not happy with the price you are paying is to phone up your current policy provider.

Your Call Counts


Explain your situation. Mix in some cost of living crisis difficulties if you are genuinely struggling. Be friendly and polite, but let them know you are not happy with the price and are considering finding a new insurer. Ask the representative to help explore any possibilities that will result in getting the price lowered. If everything has been looked at and the agent can not lower the price, ask to speak to someone higher up the chain.

I'll let you into a little secret. I do this literally every year when the renewal comes around, and every year I get the renewal price slashed by hundreds of pounds. Don't be apprehensive about this, you have nothing to lose and potential savings to gain. Explain your situation again, hint at the potential of you leaving them in search of of a cheaper alternative. If you already have a confirmed cheaper quote from another insurance company, that's even better. 

Show them this information and they will more than likely try to beat or match that quote to keep you as a customer. In all honesty, I never do a real quote before phoning them, I just hint at leaving and remind them of my loyalty, and I still manage to get the price lowered. These days customers are more like a number than a real person, but the bottom line is, they do not want to lose you. After all, you are paying them a considerable amount of money each year, and if you haven't been much hassle to them, this will work in your favour. 

Such as, no penalty points, or no fresh points on your driving license, none or minimal driving offenses, no constant crashes / accidents [fault or non fault], been with them a few years, never or non frequent failed / missed payments etc, these are all key "good customer" points that will help in getting them to consider lowering the price.

They Won't Budge - Move On


If all this fails for you, don't be scared to take your custom elsewhere. Do a fresh quote online. New companies are added to quote websites all the time, and they are all looking to snag new customers by offering them a cheap first year. After the first year, if they raise the premium to a ridiculous amount, phone them up, try to get the price lower or near what the first year was, if they won't budge, perform a new quote and go with another company that is trying to acquire new customers by offering them a cheap first year. Do be sure to read the reviews on the company you're considering changing over to, as some of them can be a nightmare to deal with.

Alternative to normal insurance


There's also pay by the mile car insurance to consider. Pay-By-Mile car insurance can work out cheaper for some drivers, but most insurers offering by-the-mile auto insurance have limits on who they will insure depending on the number of miles they drive. ByMiles UK, which is one of the leading pay by the mile insurers will only cover drivers that travel less than 7,000 miles each year. 

With the rise in fuel prices in full swing, resulting in drivers trying to use their cars less and less, this can be a good fit for those who are cutting back the miles spent on the road. But like the rest of the coverage options out there, pay by the mile requires equally as many personal details and is just as diverse as "normal" car insurance in terms of pricing. It can vary from person to person. So, the only way to really know if Pay By Mile will work out cheaper is to carry out a free quote online. This can be done on the official ByMiles UK website. 

Please Note: All policies offered from ByMiles UK are fully comprehensive and a Miles Tracker is required in-car to track mileage accurately. This is supplied for free with all new policies and is very small. For the full details of who ByMiles motor insurance is suitable for please refer to the official ByMiles website.

Other options to cut the cost. If you pay car insurance in monthly installments, consider paying it all off in one go, which works out a little cheaper over the year. There's always the option of swapping for a cheaper car or going electric / hybrid. If you're thinking Tesla, just to be on the safe side, read this post first.

Cheaper cars: ways to get the price down


If you own a cheaper car, or as most people call them in the UK, a run around, much of what has already been mentioned above also applies to cheaper cars. Things like, going through the policy to double check if there's anything that can be added or removed which will help lower yearly renewal price, shopping around in search of new quotes [read the reviews carefully before changing insurers] where insurance companies are looking to build a fresh new customer base by offering a low introductory premium, and definitely one of the most important, phoning your current insurer, telling them your personal situation and asking them for a discount.  There's also pay by the mile / pay as you go cover to consider if it seems like a good fit for your current lifestyle.

With cheaper cars, fully comprehensive insurance is not as essential as it is with the more expensive vehicles. Changing from Fully comprehensive cover to either third party fire and theft or third party only can slash the price of car insurance.

But the savings made on the switch does have some drawbacks, which I'm sure you are aware of, as they are pretty self explanatory. Obviously, the car isn't fully covered with third party fire and theft, and not really covered at all with third party only. 

However, parts are usually cheaper and drivers who get into minor accidents / collisions with no personal injuries that don't want their premiums to rise sometimes decide not to go through the insurance but to sort it out between themselves, which can save money in the long run because no claim was ever made. 

Major accidents, with hopefully no serious injuries. If the car involved is considered a right-off [too much to repair and will be salvaged / scrapped], it's easier to replace a cheaper car with another one. You could always get a car on finance / HP if you fit the criteria, but that is not recommended. Why put yourself in debt when there's no shortage of good reliable run arounds to choose from. Just be sure to pick one that's in good overall condition and scores well on safety features.

Video Shows Moment Before Deadly Tesla Crash In France

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Scary video footage from a restaurant shows the moment a Tesla, which is believed to be a model 3, goes past at breakneck speed before crashing. One person died and 20 others were injured, 3 seriously. What was the reason for the car to be travelling at such a high rate of speed? Some say the driver was speeding, others claim his foot hit the wrong pedal, which doesn't seem plausible at all. Especially when the driver of the car, which was a Taxi, has 30 years of experience as a Taxi driver.



Tesla has responded and said there was no sign of technical fault / malfunction with the car. However, many people are suspicious and think the fault lies with the car. The driver of the Tesla said the car accelerated on its own and the brakes would not work. This is not hard to believe at all. Just take a look at one of the lists of Sudden Unintended Acceleration complaints submitted to the NHTSA. Sudden Unintended Acceleration is a known problem.

It's obvious that G7, the Paris taxi company the driver works for, also thinks the issue may be with the car. After the crash they put the use of their 37 Tesla Model 3 cars on hold. That says it all really. The Taxi driver involved in this accident has filed a law suit against Tesla. The reputation of Tesla's safety has been under fire for quite some time now, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better as the years roll by; with news reports, complaints submitted by owners and videos of incidents becoming commonplace.

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