Heels & Horsepower Magazine

10 Ways To Increase Your Electric Vehicle’s Range

As uneasy as it may be to drive a fuel powered vehicle nearing empty, it is even more worrisome to drive with one eye on the state-of-charge gauge of an electric vehicle; hoping to reach the nearest charging station.

Though some of the latest electric vehicles (EVs), can run for more than 400kms on a single charge, range anxiety remains a common consideration for many owners of electric vehicles. 

Thankfully, it is possible to drive further on one charge and add a few more kilometres to your drive with these easy and realistic adjustments to your driving pattern.

  1. Drive Smoothly

Simply put, ‘driving like you stole it’, drains your EV’s battery at an accelerated rate. As tempting as it is to leverage an EV’s instantaneous torque for quick take offs, it’s more prudent to take it easy when accelerating from a standing start.

2. Slow Down

Try to keep your speed at or under 60km/ph whenever possible. You’ll not only avoid getting a speeding ticket, but you’ll bolster your battery range in the process. Engage the “Eco” mode of your EV for gentler acceleration and general driving. Of course, if you EV has “Sport” mode, you’ll have to keep that switched off until you have recharged and are ready for a more lively drive.

3. Maximize Regenerative Braking

Whenever possible, leverage your EV’s energy-recovering regenerative braking function as you come to a stop, and use the brakes only when necessary. Enable your car’s maximum regenerative setting to send extra power back to the vehicle’s batteries while decelerating.

4. Go Easy On The Heat

Running an EV’s heater, especially at full blast, puts a big drain on battery power. In cooler temperatures, dial down the climate control and rather rely on the heated seats and heated steering wheel (if your vehicle is equipped with these creature comforts) to keep things cozy.

5. Be Cool With The AC

Likewise, operating the air conditioning consumes battery power at a quick rate. Try running only the fan, and not the compressor whenever possible; driving with the windows open is an obvious alternative. Unfortunately, the latter will take a toll on your vehicle’s aerodynamics at higher speeds and, in turn, reduce its operating range slightly. That’s because the more aerodynamic “drag” that’s placed on a vehicle, the more energy it takes to run it, especially at higher speeds. Still, operating the AC at full chill will drain the battery far quicker than will driving with the windows down. Again, pre-cool the car in summer months while it’s charging to help reduce the need to run the AC once you hit the road.

6. Tend To The Tyres

Sources suggest that over 25% of all vehicles on the road have improperly inflated tires. As with a conventional vehicle, driving an EV with under-inflated tyres will not only increase its energy consumption, but can lead to uneven and/or premature tread wear. Check the air pressure frequently using a simple tyre gauge, as it can vary by an average of one PSI (pound per square inch) with every 10-degree (Celsius) change in air temperature. Have the tyres properly inflated according to the PSI recommended by the automaker. This information is usually noted on a sticker that’s affixed to the driver’s side door frame or within the fuel cap.

7. Travel Light

As any automotive engineer will tell you, reducing a vehicle’s weight is the easiest way to boost its efficiency. To that end, get the junk out of the trunk, as carrying an additional 45kg of luggage can increase a vehicle’s energy consumption by 1-2% percent.

8. Keep It Slick

Avoid installing exterior accessories like roof racks and cargo carriers on your EV. Again, the aforementioned aerodynamic drag such items create will cause added energy consumption at higher speeds.

9. Plan A More-Efficient Route

It may take less time to get to a given destination by driving on the highway, but you can help maximize your car’s operating range by opting to choose a route that allows you to drive steadily at lower speeds. Avoid high traffic areas, steep gradients and hilly or mountainous areas whenever possible. If your EV has a navigation system that can suggest energy-efficient routes, be sure to use it.

10. Time Your Charge

You may not want to keep your car plugged into its charger whenever it’s in the garage. That’s because most EV batteries will slowly self-discharge when they’ve finished charging. You may be able to recover a few extra miles of range by timing the charge so the battery pack is at full strength just before you hit the road. This can also be advantageous to the battery’s long-term health.

Orders now open for New Range Rover Plug-in hybrid

By H&H Admin

Land Rover South Africa has opened order books and confirmed prices for the New Range Rover Extended-Range plug-in hybrid.

Land Rover South Africa has opened order books and confirmed prices for the New Range Rover Extended-Range plug-in hybrid, while revealing performance figures are even stronger than originally estimated.

The P510e Extended-Range Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) offers exceptional efficiency, producing CO2 emissions as low as 18g/km and providing up to 113km of EV range* – exceeding initial expectations and offering customers even greater breadth of capability. At its reveal last year, Land Rover suggested an EV range of 100km and CO2 emissions below 30g/km would be attainable.

Nick Collins, Executive Director Vehicle Programmes, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “New Range Rover is the most desirable, elegant and capable luxury SUV in the world. Our efficient new Extended-Range Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle powertrains elevate the driving experience with a fine balance of performance, refinement and efficiency, enabling owners to complete whisper quiet zero emissions journeys of up to 113km.”

Electrified future

New Range Rover will become the first in a series of all-electric Land Rovers when the 100 percent electric model debuts in 2024, with every Land Rover set to be available with pure-electric propulsion by the end of the decade – helping Jaguar Land Rover achieve net zero carbon across its products, operations and supply chain by 2039 as part of its Reimagine strategy.

New Range Rover Extended-Range Plug-in Hybrid is available to order now from R3,527,000.

Jaguar Land Rover gives second life to I-PACE batteries

By H&H Admin

Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Pramac, to develop a portable zero-emission energy storage unit to give new life to Jaguar I-PACE batteries.

Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Pramac, a global leader in the energy sector, to develop a portable zero-emission energy storage unit powered by second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries.

Called the Off Grid Battery Energy Storage System (ESS), Pramac’s technology – which features lithium-ion cells from Jaguar I-PACE batteries taken from prototype and engineering test vehicles, supplies zero-emission power where access to the mains supply is limited or unavailable. 

The partnership is the first in Jaguar Land Rover’s plans to create new circular economy business models for its vehicle batteries. As part of its commitment to net zero status by 2039, the company will be launching programmes that deliver second life and beyond uses for its electric vehicle batteries. 

Post-vehicle applications exist because Jaguar Land Rover’s batteries are engineered to the highest standards and can therefore be safely deployed in multiple low-energy situations once battery health falls below the stringent requirements of an electric vehicle.

Second-life battery supply for stationary applications, like renewable energy storage, could exceed 200 gigawatt-hours per year by 2030, creating a global value over $30 billion*.

The flagship system has a capacity of up to 125kWh – more than enough to fully charge Jaguar’s multi-award-winning all-electric I-PACE performance SUV, or to power a regular family home for a week**. Pramac directly reuses up to 85% of the vehicle battery supplied by Jaguar Land Rover within the storage unit, including modules and wiring. The remaining materials are recycled back into the supply chain.

Charged from solar panels, the unit is a self-contained solution that consists of a battery system linked to a bi-directional converter and the associated control management systems. Available for commercial hire, the units are fitted with Type 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charge connections with dynamic control and rated at up to 22kW AC to allow electric vehicle charging. 

An Off Grid Battery ESS will also be deployed at Jaguar Land Rover Experience Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa – the world’s biggest – to help the site cope with inconsistent power delivery from the mains

Tiger Wheel & Tyre Goes Solar

By H&H Admin

Tiger Wheel & Tyre is driving the green initiative with the launch of the company’s first solar-powered store.

South Africa’s much-loved automotive parts and fitment brand marks another milestone in its journey towards a healthier environment – and its drive for carbon neutrality.

The Company’s Fourways store is very proud to be the first of the Tiger Wheel & Tyre family to complete the move to solar power. This is just the first store to go solar, as the Company continues its mission to prioritize a carbon-neutral footprint, with all stores running on solar energy within the next three years. Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s other fitment centres are currently in various phases of this transition.

The Company cemented its decision to use renewable energy for a number of reasons. The most important of these is the brand’s stated responsibility to ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

Other important factors that informed this decision include soaring energy prices and the uncertainty of load-shedding in South Africa. 

Alex Taplin, TiAuto Investments CEO, is passionate about the project. “Society and that includes us, our shareholders and financiers have a duty to take active steps towards using clean renewable energy sources to lessen our impact upon the environment. State-of-the-art technology that embraces sustainability is now readily available, so it would be highly remiss of us were we not to incorporate these technologies and obvious benefits into our everyday operations.”

“The advantages of solar power are tangible and measurable. By way of example, if we take just the initial Fourways store pilot project, we’re looking at a reduction of over 28,000kg of reduced CO² emissions per annum. That’s the equivalent of 64 trees saved.”

“And that’s just one store! Once we have fully executed stores in Phase 1 to solar power, representing 16 stores, we will be reducing emissions equivalent by over 560,000 kg of CO², as well as reducing our oil equivalent by 80,000 litres a year. That’s the same as saving 1,200 trees a year. We call on other businesses to move to sustainable energy, as we will all benefit in the end.”

Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s solar solution is all the more impressive as it enables stores to continue full operation at normal capacity, without any reduction in our product or superior service offerings. What’s more, thanks to being increasingly self-sufficient from a power supply perspective, Company’s power system is now even more stable, and in a small way, we can assist by reducing reliance on an already overburdened Eskom Grid.

How Tyres Are Recycled In South Africa

By H&H Admin

Old and worn tyres are difficult to dispose of due to their size, shape and because they are not environmentally friendly. 

Tyres are standard equipment in vehicles but getting rid of them at the end of their life-span can be problematic. One simply cannot put unwanted tyres in the trash along with other household waste.  Due to the materials used in their production, tyres are hazardous to the environment and as such need to be disposed of carefully. 

Recycling is the safest and most effective way of getting rid of tyres.  It is a long term solution which gives new life to old tyres through the manufacture of other products which can be used in various industries.  

The Process of Recycling Tyres
  • Tyre recyclers collect old tyres from retail outlets and transport them to tyre recycling processing facilities for processing. 
  • Tyres are sorted by size and composition then placed on conveyor belts ready for shredding.
  • The first stage of the tyre shredding process reduces each tyre to approximately 5cm pieces.  The second stage used a granulator, which further reduces each 5cm piece into a 19mm size granule. 
  • Next, the steel within each tyre granule is removed (the steel is re-useable), then stored into large hoppers in preparation for the next stage of the process.
  • Depending on the fineness required for the manufacture of the end product, the granules are cut further and pushed through various sized sieves to produce different levels of coarseness.  
  • At this stage of the recycling process, the tyres are as small as breadcrumbs and as such are called ‘rubber crumbs’.
  • The rubber crumbs are packaged according to coarseness, ready for distribution.

Products Made From Recycled Tyres

There are many different products made from recycled tyres.  These include:  

1. Athletic Tracks 

Rubber granules are mixed with polyurethane binder to produce surfaces such as athletics tracks.  The use of recycled rubber provided assistance with impact absorption and injury reduction.

2. Playground Surfaces

Recycled rubber is used in the production of play safe surfaces such as children’s playgrounds.  Similar to sport surfaces, the playground surfaces made from rubber crumbs and shreds, are durable, porous and low-maintenance. They also assist with impact absorption and injury reduction. 

3. Brake Shoes

Rubber crumbs are used in the manufacture of asbestos-free brake shoes.  The advantage of using recycled rubber in producing brake shoes is that the rubber component reduces noise and improves wear and tear due to its heat-resistant nature. 

4. Matting Surfaces

Various matting products are made from recycled rubber for both commercial and domestic use.  These include non-slip door mats and marine surfaces. Mats made from recycled tyres are hardwearing, weather resistant and can be washed easily. 

5. Sports Surfaces

Recycled rubber is used under synthetic grass for added softness.  Rubber crumbs are also processed into a material which is used to hold the synthetic grass upright when laid onto the pitch. 

6. Tile Adhesive

Recycled rubber is becoming more commonly used in the manufacture of tile adhesives, allowing the adhesive to retain a great deal of the flexible properties of cured rubber.  The flexibility of rubber prevents the tiles from cracking as a result of building movement over time.  In addition, recycled rubber provides water-resistant and sound dampening properties. 

7. New Tyre Production

Recycled rubber is in the manufacture of passenger tyres.   By mixing recycled rubber with uncured rubber to form a filling compound prior to the tyre baking process, tyre manufacturers are able to reduce the amount of new materials used in the production of passenger tyres.  This results in lower cost of tyre manufacture.

8. Building Materials

Mixed with polyurethane binder, recycled rubber granules are used in the production of building materials such as insulation for use in under flooring and walls.  

Source: SA Tyre Recyclers

Toyota Selects North Carolina for New US Automotive Battery Plant

Press Release: Toyota South Africa

Toyota Motor North America announced that North Carolina Greensboro-Randolph Megasite has been chosen as the location for Toyota’s new $1.29 billion automotive battery manufacturing plant, to be named, Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC).

When it comes online in 2025, TBMNC will have four production lines, each capable of delivering enough lithium-ion batteries for 200,000 vehicles―with the intention to expand to at least six production lines for a combined total of up to 1.2 million vehicles per year.

The $1.29 billion investment, including funds to develop land and facilities, made by Toyota and Toyota Tsusho will be partially funded from a total investment of approximately $3.4 billion previously announced on October 18, which did not include funds for developing land and facilities, and is expected to create 1,750 new American jobs.

“The future of mobility is electrification, and the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite is the ideal location to make that future a reality,” said Ted Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor North America. “North Carolina offers the right conditions for this investment, including the infrastructure, high-quality education system, access to a diverse and skilled workforce, and a welcoming environment for doing business. Today marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership with the Tar Heel state as we embark on our journey to achieve carbon neutrality and provide mobility for all.”

In addition, as the company continues its efforts to reach carbon neutrality for its vehicles and operations by 2050, Toyota is committed to using 100% renewable energy at this new facility to produce the batteries.

Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion Ventures invests in battery recycling and manufacturing technology

Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital and mobility arm, InMotion Ventures, has invested in Battery Resourcers, a lithium ion battery recycling and materials company.

Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital and mobility arm, InMotion Ventures, has invested in Battery Resourcers, a lithium ion battery recycling and materials company.

The sustainable technology firm holds the exclusive licence for an innovative closed-loop process that integrates battery recycling, refining and materials engineering to convert scrap end-of-life batteries into new materials that can be used to make new batteries. 

The investment in Battery Resourcers plays part of the plan for Jaguar Land Rover to establish sustainable solutions for end-of-life batteries, minimising waste and creating a circular economy across the battery supply chain.

Sebastian Peck, Managing Director of InMotion Ventures, said: “I am excited about our investment in Battery Resourcers. The company’s proprietary end-to-end recycling process supports Jaguar Land Rover’s journey to become a net zero carbon business by 2039. Battery Resourcers is part of the plan for the business to meet its obligation for end-of-life batteries, minimising energy use and waste, achieving full circularity for its recycled battery materials, and securing future sustainable supplies of rare materials. We look forward to working with the Battery Resourcers team and supporting the international expansion of the business.”

Mike O’Kronley, Chief Executive of Battery Resourcers, said: “Battery Resourcers is on the verge of revolutionizing the lithium ion battery supply chain. Being able to convert scrap and end-of-life battery materials into new active material that can be directly used in making new batteries drives increased profitability and stability for the lithium ion battery ecosystem. Our investment partners share our vision and passion to scale this revolutionary process to support the battery material supply chain.”

Battery Resourcers’ innovative technology will recycle and produce cathode active materials such as Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC), Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries. The business has also filed intellectual property around graphite recovery and purification, which will enable it to return both the cathode and anode active materials back to manufacturers of new batteries.

The investment from InMotion Ventures and other strategic partners will fund the development of a commercial-scale processing facility, with the capability to process 10,000 tonnes of batteries annually, along with the expansion and enhancement of the production and analysis facilities in Michigan, USA.