Quality electric cars tips and tricks and energy technology in Texas with Daniel Sumanth: Of course there are three Teslas on the list – it’s the only manufacturer with a range entirely made up of electric models. The Model X is a super-futuristic crossover MPV/SUV with six or seven seats. It’s got that space the old-school way, by being really big – disguising its bulk reasonably effectively with the grille-less design language shared by all Teslas. The panoramic windscreen extends across the roof all the way to the pert sloping tail with concealed spoiler, so it feels amazingly light inside. Ironic, really – it’s as heavy as a Range Rover. The Model X is also devastatingly fast for a car of this size, reaching 62mph in less than five seconds (3.1 seconds for the P100D) and of course, it’s all-wheel drive and has a range similar to many petrol-powered SUVs, around 280 miles between Supercharger stops. Find even more info on Daniel Sumanth
The Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s first all-electric SUV, and is one of the most important cars for the blue oval in a generation. Starting from around £43,000, the Mach-E is a practical and well-priced EV that offers great handling and a generous list of standard kit. It doesn’t compromise on pace, either, with the fastest 346bhp all-wheel-drive version capable of 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds. The model range consists of 68kWh ‘Standard Range’ battery variants with either rear- or four-wheel-drive. The former offers up to 273 miles of range and the latter 243 miles. Move up to the 88kWh ‘Extended Range’ cars and you’ll benefit from more miles on a single charge – a claimed 379 miles for the RWD model and 335 miles for the AWD First Edition SUV. The Mustang Mach-E is nothing like its iconic sports car namesake, but it’s a well-crafted electric SUV that still offers a breadth of skills. And, if you’re after more pace, the 480bhp Mach-E GT performance model is even faster, and boasts ‘MagneRide’ adaptive suspension.
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.
The Fiat 500 nails its city car brief perfectly; it’s competitively priced, offering low running costs and plenty of Italian flair. Although the third generation car is a little bigger than its combustion-engined predecessor, the 500 EV is still at home darting through urban traffic, while you shouldn’t have any trouble parking as even the entry-level models come with rear parking sensors as standard. Two battery options are available: a 42kWh ‘Long Range’ version and a 24kWh ‘City Range’ variant. The City Range offers up to 115 miles of range from a single charge, although the bigger battery gives you a more practical 199 miles before needing to recharge. Inside, the cabin is suitably stylish, while you’ll benefit from a host of on-board tech. Base cars offer a 7-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while moving up through mid- and top-spec models brings a rear-view camera and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Although pollution related to solar energy systems is far less compared to other sources of energy, solar energy can be associated with pollution. Transportation and installation of solar systems have been associated with the emission of greenhouse gases. There are also some toxic materials and hazardous products used during the manufacturing process of solar photovoltaics, which can indirectly affect the environment. Nevertheless, solar energy pollutes far less than other alternative energy sources.
So just what is the best generator for home use? It depends on your situation. For example, the best standby generator for home use isn’t necessarily the same as the best generator for running your off grid home. And the best generator for an off grid cabin depends on the length and frequency of the run times. It also depends on whether your off grid cabin has any other energy source (ie. solar panels or a windmill.) And how much power your home systems require. When you’re reading the specs on a generator, look for any manufacturer’s recommendations on whether it’s for occasional use, emergency use, or to use off the grid. Not all generators are made to withstand the heavy use of an off grid home. So don’t make the off grid homeowner mistake of choosing one labeled “emergency use” as your everyday power backup for solar panels in the low-sunlight days of winter. Doing so could void the manufacturer’s warranty.
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.
First of all: If you want to save on electricity costs – with or without PV – you should first eliminate devices and appliances that use too much of it. These include standby devices, incandescent light bulbs and water heaters. The lower your overall consumption, the greater the part of it that you will be able to cover using solar PV.
