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Electric vehicles and charging stations in Europe

November 27, 2020

It is no surprise that the technological revolution has broadened the horizons of today’s generation. While new, advanced devices have taken networking and communication to a whole new level, the automotive industry is in no way behind when it comes to incorporating smart technology in both vehicle manufacturing and the vehicle itself.

Since road traffic has become a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, certain measures are being implemented to prevent global warming. One step towards the effective use of renewable resources is the progression of the EVs industry. It is, therefore, becoming more and more important to know how electric cars work and why they are a great alternative to fuel-based vehicles.

The mechanics behind electric cars

Simply put, EVs are driven by electric motors, which are powered by batteries that can be charged with power supply. These are called battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The amount of power required is moderated by a control unit that allows smooth acceleration and deceleration.

Other EVs that are based on 100% electric motors include fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), which convert chemical energy into electric energy, and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) that are equipped with an additional fuel-based power unit for improved range. The other two popular EV types are hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These work thanks to their internal combustion engines, with the only difference that in HEVs, the battery connected to the electric motor doesn’t have the option of external recharging like in PHEVs.

The process of EV charging

Electric car owners can charge their vehicles using the electric supply at home or the commercial charging stations. There are, however, certain time durations which, unlike in the case of refilling fuel-based vehicles, vary depending on the charging point types and methods. Three major EV charger types include:

Level 1 or slow charging requires a simple socket, provides 3kW-6kW power but takes 8-12 hours for a complete charge.
Level 2 or fast charging can be done at public charging stations, provide 7kW- 22kW power, and takes 3-4 hours for charging.
Level 3 or rapid charging uses direct current (DC) charging stations, providing 100kW- 350kW power, and taking less than an hour to fully charge an EV battery.

So far, the future of EVs looks promising. Reduced operating cost and no tailpipe emissions attract an increasing number of buyers. The biggest challenge the electric car market is currently facing, though, is range anxiety. Range anxiety is what happens to EV drivers when their fully charged battery doesn’t suffice and the car falls short until the next charging station. That is particularly troublesome when traveling long distances and on specific routes where charging stations are not dense enough.

The good news is that many European countries are now realising the need to facilitate things for EV owners. According to July 2019 reports, 170,149 public charging stations have been made available with fast charging points supplying 22kW power. As for the year 2020, it is observed that they are continuing to grow exponentially. The heat map below illustrates the current numbers of charging stations per country in Europe.

The incentives to be enjoyed by EV owners and buyers

The good news doesn’t stop here. To further encourage EVs, European governments have provided tax benefits and subsidies on the purchasing of electric cars. Romania, Germany, and France are leading the way in delivering approximately 9,000 EUR subsidy while Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom provide 3000-6000 EUR subsidy on EVs purchase.

These measures have resulted in stellar growth of Europe’s EV market share. The first quarter of 2020 showed a 6.8% increase in EVs purchase in contrast to 3% last year despite the Covid-19 pandemic. It is expected that by 2021 EVs production in Europe will boost to over 2 million and will surpass China’s market.

The promising future ahead of EVs

Electric cars are emerging as a beacon of hope for convenient and efficient yet environmentally-friendly transportation. Already promising in their current form, the exciting sustainable technologies that are available now will be, without a doubt, consequently improved over the next years. As a result, the advancement and accessibility of EVs have no other option but to grow.

Images from: Electromobility in Europe: EVs and Charging Stations

Petter Solberg / News /

Tyres: Over A Century of Safety

May 24, 2020

The invention of the wheel was one of the most groundbreaking moments in the history of mankind. Around the year 3500 BC, the way people travelled was revolutionized and led to the widespread use of carts, chariots, coaches and eventually, cars.

However, when it comes to drivers, and passengers’ safety and comfort, as well as to the durability of wheels itself, the greatest change came with the introduction of rubber tyres in the 1800s. For that, credit goes to two Scotts, Robert William Thomson and John Boyd Dunlop. The latter opened a first tyre factory under the name Dunlop Tyres in Ireland, in 1890. That brand has been associated with quality products ever since and is still a very popular choice, with car owners.

Arguably, the expansion of the whole automotive industry would be impossible without the invention of rubber tyres. Without them, travelling by cars would simply be too uncomfortable for most people. Tyres also allowed for greater speeds, providing vehicles with much needed traction and made the first racing and rally event possible as early as 1895!

After all, when we use the brake pedal while driving, how soon our car comes to a complete stop is not only up to the brakes. We also rely on the tyres that we use, to keep us safe on the road regardless of weather conditions. Further improvements came with the introduction of synthetic rubber, that reduced the demand for harvesting latex from the rubber trees as well as the radial tyre, that increased flexibility and ride comfort, an invention by another big name in the industry, French company Michelin.

Today, we can hardly imagine transportation or traveling without tyres. An astonishing 2.5 billion tyres are produced annually and brands like Dunlop and Michelin are still important market players. And it isn’t just the automotive industry that relies on a constant supply. After all, bicycles, motorcycles, industrial machines and planes, they all need tyres too.

There are various kinds of car tyres in production, that cater to a wide range of drivers. We use different types for winter and summer season, both made of special rubber mixtures that provide better performance in either low or high temperatures, on wet and snowy roads. Another type of tyres is used for off-road cars which might need that extra grip when crossing mud, going up or downhill. Finally, there are performance tyres, carefully designed for great velocities, and top tier, marked with speed symbol W, can safely reach even up to 270 kilometres per hour. Without those, millions of fans around the world simply wouldn’t be able to hold their breath while watching WRC or Formula 1 championships.

There is a lot of good news when it comes to future developments in tyre technologies, both for those who drive to commute as well as for motorsports enthusiasts. We can definitely expect substantial improvements in safety and comfort for drivers and their passengers.

From self-sealing and airless tyres that are going to require less maintenance, to those reducing road noise, to new versions of threads for better control in tight-radius turns and shortest braking distance on both dry and wet surfaces. And let’s not forget energy saving tyres, for better fuel efficiency, to keep more money in our pockets. The biggest and most advanced companies like Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone and Continental are working tirelessly in cooperation with car manufacturers and the effects are driven by us.

Images from Evolution of Tyres

Petter Solberg / News /

2019 Rallies in Summary: Developments and Predictions

February 1, 2020

2019 has come and gone, and with it another rally season. Those who mark the time by the round will know that the season saw its fair share of upsets but that it generated even more familiarity. With that in mind, let’s dive into an assessment of the season to see who won, who lost, and what fans will need to look for in the season to come.

Rallies in 2019: A Summary

Rallies are only as successful as their manufacturers. Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT produced some of the most popular – not to mention most successful – racing vehicles in the 2019 season. Of the fourteen official rallies the season hosted, four saw a Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT vehicle in the winner’s circle. Some of the most popular vehicles to grace the routes included:

Citroen C3 WRC
Ford Fiesta WRC
Hyundai I20 Coupe WRC
Toyota Yaris WRC

source: https://www.oponeo.co.uk/blog/2019-in-the-automotive-industry

The Ford Fiesta is definitely a favourite, being both the UK’s top one and in the top best rally cars globally.

2019 World Rally Championship Results

The overarching victory in the rally world this past year went to Ott Tanak, who took the title of World Drivers’ Champion. Tanak, who originally drove for Toyota, was recently recruited by Hyundai as a driver for the 2020 rally season.

Martin Jarveoja took the title of World Co-drivers’ Champion, while Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT took the title of World Manufacturers’ Champion.

Rallies and the Broader Automotive Industry: A Comparison

In the world of racing alone, Europe dominates the automotive market. Rally racing in the EU generated 46% share in 2015, with that share only growing over the past few years. The market is expected to hit $2.96 billion in value by 2023.

In terms of the global passenger market share, small brands dominated over half of the broader automotive industry. The largest, well-known brand to generate a remarkable market share was Volkswagen with an impressive 9%.

Comparatively, Ford dominated the 2019 rally market, with the majority of drivers using Ford vehicles during their runs.

Looking Forward

Where, then, should fans and automotive investors alike expect the rally scene to go in the later months of 2020? Citroen has already shaken the World Rally Championship by cutting its rally program entirely. Even so, drivers at the wheel of some of the manufacturer’s previously released vehicles will appear on the track come 2020.

The World Championship’s first round is set to take place between the 23rd and 26th of January at Monte-Carlo. Ford thus far dominates the track, with 23 of the 88 entrants driving some variation of the manufacturer’s WRC vehicles.

Surprisingly, none of the brands previously mentioned previously garner the second-most popular spot, as Peugeot has outplaced them all with 19 drivers. 13 drivers represent Hyundai, while 12 drive for Citroen, and 8 for Toyota. Volkswagen and Skoda are also set to appear at this raise, with 4 and 8 drivers, respectively. Other manufacturers with vehicles appearing in the first round include:

Renault
Fiat
Dacia

With so many changes from 2019 still resonating through the industry all fans can do now is wait and see how a new season shakes up the rally standing.

Petter Solberg / News /

F1 Will Have a New Venue in 2020

March 8, 2019

F1 is going up a gear as it adds another racetrack to its calendar. The latest addition, the Vietnamese Grand Prix, is set to happen in the city of Hanoi in 2020.

The racetrack is set to be a 5.565-kilometre long street circuit that will run alongside the My Dinh National Stadium in Western Hanoi. The racetrack will feature a newly constructed section as well as a 1.5-kilometre long straight. Preliminary simulations indicate that F1 cars could reach a possible top speed of 335 km/h on some parts of the track.

It is the first new addition to F1 since Liberty Media replaced Bernie Ecclestone as F1’s commercial rights holder. F1 chief executive Chase Carey said that this landmark is just the beginning in terms of their long-term plans to expand. Carey went on to state that the organization is thrilled to be in a city as rich in history as Hanoi.

The launch party was held in central Hanoi’s Thang Long Imperial Citadel and was attended by former F1 driver David Coulthard. This isn’t the first time Coulthard has been in Vietnam in recent years. Last year, he attended an event in Ho Chi Minh City in April, when F1 and Heineken organized a publicity event. The event was to celebrate the Dutch brewing company’s expansion into the Southeast Asian market.

All out local support

The Grand Prix is set to be hosted by Viet conglomerate Vingroup JSC. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in a statement that “this is an important event not only in the field of sport but also in culture and society, contributing to the development of Vietnam.”

Moreover, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said that the event is a testament to the city’s ability to host global events. He further added that it is a great opportunity to provide inward investment to the country.

These are all part of F1’s continuing attempt to expand into new markets. After Singapore, Azerbaijan and Abu Dhabi expressed interest in making F1 an integral part of their respective tourism campaigns. F1 is also pursuing expansions into Copenhagen and Buenos Aires. Another territory, which F1 is looking to get into is the United States, as Liberty Media aims to penetrate big city markets such as New York, Las Vegas, and Miami.

Conquering the largest continent one country at a time

At the moment though, fan interest in F1 is picking up in Asia. This translates to more interest in other related industries such as domestic car manufacturing and the regional betting scene. In light of F1’s entry, Vingroup’s Vinfast unit is now gearing up to become the country’s first domestic car manufacturer.

This is expected to breathe new life into Vietnam’s local automotive industry, and may also affect local betting laws on car racing. F1 bosses had actually planned to build a track in Ho Chi Minh City, but pulled out due to strict rules against betting on sports events. Laws like the Decree No.03/2017/ND-CP, AKA Casino Decree, cover all facets of gaming in the country, which even include online versions. The live dealer scene in Vietnam was covered by an article on ExpatBets, and they mention that although local operators are banned in the country, people usually play through online platforms. Only a few types of pari-mutuel betting are allowed, including some forms of horse racing. As of this moment, motorsport is yet to be added, but with an F1 race set to be staged in the country in 2020, the likelihood it that motorsport-related enterprises will flourish in the coming years, and that could include relaxing the laws on sports betting.

Feel free to check out some fun facts about F1 in another previous post. Follow us on social media to remain updated on all things motorsport.

Petter Solberg / News, Special Lists /

Top 4 Best Used Sports Cars Under $30,000

June 13, 2018

There used to be a time when the sports car was something that you could only drive if you had worked your whole life for it. What’s the point of waiting until you’re older to enjoy the feeling of speed? Unfortunately, many sports cars tend to be a little too steep to afford for many of us, but there is always the used car market.

Whenever you bring up wanting to buy a used car, you probably have that one friend who will go on for ages about how you should buy it new. Unfortunately, you won’t be getting a new Porsche for anywhere near 30,000 dollars, but you will undoubtedly be able to find one used for a similar price.

Over the course of today’s guide, we are going to be looking at some of the best used sports cars that you can find for under $30,000. We’ll be going over a varied selection of vehicles from various manufacturers so that you can get the right car for your needs (and even your preferences).

While these cars may be lacking some of the bells and whistles you’ll find in their modern counterparts; they are still impressive pieces of engineering. Without any further delay, let’s get into some of the best used sports cars on the market.

Best Used Sports Car Under $30K – Our Recommendations

Porsche Cayman/Boxster 986 (First Generation)

Details:

In production: 1996 to 2004
Engine: 2.5 to 3.2L flat 6
Transmission: Manual or automatic (5- or 6-speed)
0 – 60 mph: 6 – 7 seconds
Top speed: 160 mph
Horsepower: 200 to 250 hp

For those that are looking for an affordable sports car, few options will be able to match the Porsche Boxster or Cayman, both of which are essentially the same vehicle in a different form. First off, the Boxster is a two-seat roadster (meaning it has a convertible roof, for our non-auto lovers).

On the other hand, the Porsche Cayman has a bit more of a conventional layout, being a fastback coupe. While most coupes will feature a defined line where the trunk begins, a fastback takes inspiration from the vehicles of the 30s and 40s with a streamlined rear window that almost blends into the trunk.

Enough about the differences between these two cars, however, as they are similar in nearly every other aspect. Being a Porsche, this car features their typical inline six configuration for the engine, producing anywhere between 200 and almost 260 horsepower, which is quite a bit for such a light car.

While you would expect the Boxster to be lighter than the Cayman, you may be surprised to find that the two models are quite similar in weight. This is due to the additional chassis reinforcement that is needed in a roadster due to the amount of longitudinal stability that is lost by the omission of the roof.

So why would you want to drive this car? You’d have a harder time finding reasons why you wouldn’t want to. First of all, it’s a Porsche, and while they may have higher maintenance costs than American or Japanese cars, they are a little more reliable than some other German makes.

Of course, reliability often comes down to the car itself. If you look around long enough, you may even find an Alfa Romeo that has never had any problems (but don’t hold your breath). Taking that into consideration, you will have to be prepared to pay a little bit extra to keep your car maintained.

While maintenance costs won’t reach anywhere near the levels you can expect to pay for a 928 or one of Porsche’s similarly old models; you will still have to allocate a budget. Other than keeping the car running, you won’t face too many problems with a Porsche 986, whether it is a Boxster or a Cayman.

Maserati Coupe/Spyder (Tipo M138)

Details:

In production: 2001 – 2007
Engine: 4.2 L Ferrari and Maserati F136 R V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
0 – 60 mph: 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 177 mph
Horsepower: 390 hp

With the Maserati Coupe and Spyder, we are moving into real sports car territory. While many will look at the Porsche Boxster as a sports car lite, one glance at the Maserati Coupe will not give that impression. Of course, a car’s looks don’t determine how good of a sports car it is, but we’d be lying if we said they weren’t important.

The Maserati Coupe and Spyder share the same relationship as the Porsche Cayman and Boxster, being essentially the same car, with the former having a hard roof and the latter being convertible. While the Spyder is more sought-after, you will have to consider that the roof is a possible point of failure when it comes to reliability problems.

This car represented a fundamental shift for Maserati. In the early 2000s, the company had a tough transition from the automotive icon that they used to be to a brand that no one really remembered. The Maserati Coupe and Spyder helped bring the company back from the edge.

If it wasn’t for this car, it is entirely possible that Maserati would have been shuffled into another company, much like many other legendary names in this industry. With a combination of aggressive styling, impressive performance, and Italian build quality, the Coupe and Spyder are excellent vehicles.

Perhaps the most impressive part of this car is the engine, which was designed in conjunction with Ferrari, so you know that it is made to some high standards. The F136 is an iconic engine, and it has been used in cars ranging from the Maserati Quattroporte all the way to the Ferrari 458 Italia.

If you are lucky, you may be able to find the Gran Sport version of this car for a more reasonable price. Featuring improved performance and a redesigned interior, this special edition was produced for the last few years of this model’s run, and it is what directly led to Maserati’s legendary GranTurismo.

As with most other sports cars, you can expect to pay a hefty bill for maintenance when issues arise, though the continued support of F136 engines means that it won’t be that bad. Keep in mind that these are relatively popular cars on the resale market and they didn’t have that large of a production run.

Lotus Elise Series 2

Details:

In production: 2001 – 2011
Engine: 1.4 L Rover I4 or 1.4L Toyota I4
Transmission: 5- or 6-speed manual
0 – 60 mph: 5.7 seconds
Top speed: 124 mph
Horsepower: 118 hp

British automakers have had a tough run of things when we look at the past 30 or 40 years. From a once-proud industry, it is almost as if British car factories have gone the way of their empire and disappeared faster than you can blink your eyes. Thankfully, there are still some holdouts, like Jaguar, Bentley, and of course, Lotus.

Lotus has always been a well-known name in the automotive world for many reasons. From their Esprit S1 that was used to make the submersible Wet Nellie driven by James Bond to their long and storied history in motorsport, Lotus is an exceptional company, and so is their Elise.

The first series of the Lotus Elise did not last very long, and that is due to a change in European crash safety regulations. Once the car was redesigned, it was released as the Series 2, which is still arguably the most iconic variant of the Elise, and the most recognizable one.

When it comes to looks, the Lotus Elise is a somewhat divisive car, with some claiming that it resembles a bug, while others praise its squat, sporty appearance. The car’s small size isn’t just so that it can look cute, however, as it plays a crucial role in the vehicle’s performance and design philosophy.

So what does this mean for the car? First of all, the handling of a Lotus Elise feels more like a racing cart than a full-blown car. Keep in mind, however, that this little speed demon can go 124 miles an hour at full power, so driving flat-out in this car is not an experience that you will forget any time soon.

Due to the lower weight of this car, the acceleration is impressive even though the engine isn’t all that powerful. If you should choose to purchase this car, don’t underestimate it when you first step into it, as it just might surprise you with how responsive both the throttle and the steering wheel are.

BMW M3 (E46)

Details:

In production: 2000 – 2006
Engine: 3.2L S54B32 I6
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG (paddle)
0 – 60 mph: 5 seconds
Top speed: 155 mph (limited)
Horsepower: 333 hp

Of course, in a list of the best used sports cars, we would be remiss not to include the most iconic affordable sports car ever. The BMW M3 is well-known to automotive enthusiasts for being priced reasonably and being capable of some serious performance, but which generation is currently the one to buy?

While the E36 series is a favorite (if unreliable) option, most will agree that the E46 improved on it in every possible way. This car is an excellent option for someone who isn’t looking to spend too much money up front, though you may have to dispense some cash on keeping the vehicle running, as with any BMW.

The M3 is the performance model of BMW’s 3 Series coupe, which is an excellent vehicle in its own right, if not a little boring (especially compared to the M3). Once BMW’s M Division gets around to a car, however, everyone knows that it’s going to change immensely, and that was the case here.

The 333 hp engine in this vehicle gives it significant acceleration for what looks like an unimposing car. If it were not for the electronic limiter in this car at 155 mph, it would be able to make it to around 170 mph. Many people are shocked to find that a car that externally resembles a 3 Series can go so fast.

The choice of transmission is a bit of a challenge for some drivers, though we prefer the traditional manual with clutch. You also have access to the SMG transmission which is a flappy paddle gearbox, for those of you that prefer to have an electrohydraulic system managing the clutch.

Usually, the first part of the M3 to go is the internal electronics, so don’t be surprised if the windows sometimes jam up or some of the buttons stop working. When looking over a car, you may buy, pay particular attention to the interior and whether or not everything works.

Keep in mind that if you can’t find an E46 in your area for a reasonable price, there is nothing wrong with opting for an E36, but you will have to be even more diligent when overlooking the car. Older cars are more likely to have reliability issues, so it always helps to be eagle-eyed.

Conclusion

There is a wide range of affordable used sports cars on the market, and what we have presented is but a slice of what is available. If you are looking for the most affordable option on this list, it will likely be either the M3 or the Porsche 986 (either variety) because of how common they are compared to the others.

We hope that at least one of these cars has caught your eye, as we chose a varied mix of vehicles to ensure that our readers would each find one thing they like. Feel free to leave any other affordable sports car recommendations in the comments below.