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.

Volvo Cars recognised for its leadership in climate action

Volvo Cars has been recognised for its sustainability strategy by global environmental non-profit CDP, securing an A-score for its actions aimed at cutting emissions, mitigating climate risks and becoming a climate-neutral company.

This places Volvo Cars in the highest tier of CDP’s climate change list, together with only a smaller number of companies. More than 13,000 companies participated by disclosing data on their environmental impacts, risks and opportunities, and Volvo Cars’ high score reflects its position as a leader in environmental ambition and climate action.

Volvo Cars Torslanda becomes company’s first climate neutral car plant

“We are very proud to see that our hard work to cut emissions and becoming climate neutral is being recognised by CDP,” says Anders Kärrberg, Head of Global Sustainability at Volvo Cars. “Receiving the prestigious A-score shows that we are on the right track, and hopefully we can inspire other companies to do even more.”

Volvo Cars aims to become a fully electric car maker by 2030 and plans to roll out a whole new family of pure electric cars in coming years, one of the auto industry’s most ambitious electrification plans. This is part of its ambition to become a climate neutral company by 2040, as it works to consistently cut carbon emissions across its business.

Volvo C40 Recharge

The company seeks to reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint per average car by 40 per cent between 2018 and 2025, including through reducing carbon emissions in its supply chain by 25 per cent by 2025.

Volvo Cars is taking active steps to address these emissions, including through planned collaborations with Swedish steel maker SSAB to develop fossil free steel and with Swedish battery company Northvolt to develop and manufacture the next generation of sustainable battery cells.

In conjunction with signing the zero emission road transport declaration at the UN climate change conference COP26 in November, Volvo Cars also introduced an internal carbon price of 1,000 SEK for every tonne of carbon emissions from across its entire business, becoming the first car maker to implement such a carbon pricing mechanism across its complete operations.

What you should know about servicing the Audi e-tron

For over 100 years, Audi’s history has been marked by prestige, automotive ambition and technological excellence.

Here are a few things you need to know about charging the Audi e-tron range which is due to hit our shores soon.

How often do I need to service my Audi e-tron?

Service intervals for the Audi e-tron is 30,000km or 2 years.

Does the Audi e-tron come with Roadside Assist?

Your Audi e-tron has as standard, 24/7 Roadside assistance backed up with our nationwide Dealer network.

When does Roadside Assistance help?

Audi Roadside Assistance helps whenever you have a problem with your Audi and call Audi Assist. Of course this also applies for the Audi e-tron including problems with charging. Services under the conditions of the Audi Assist programme are free of charge for you subject to an active AFP Maintenance Plan.

What happens if a charging station is out of service and I do not have enough range to reach another one?

If the vehicle breaks down or is about to break down due to an empty battery, depending on the situation, Audi Assist provides on-the-spot assistance (e.g. mobile charging) or tows the vehicle to the nearest charging station. Services under the conditions of the Audi Assist programme are free of charge for you subject to an active AFP Maintenance Plan.

Do electric vehicles require special insurance?

This will be at the discretion of your insurance company, however our belief is that there is no difference regarding the insurance of an Audi e-tron versus any other equivalent priced vehicle.

All the basic stuff you ought to know about the Audi e-tron

For over 100 years, Audi’s history has been marked by prestige, automotive ambition and technological excellence.

Here are a few basic things you need to know about the Audi e-tron range which is due to hit our shores soon.

Can you tow with the Audi e-tron? What towing capacity does it offer?

Yes, the Audi e-tron can tow. The tow rating on the Audi e-tron is 1.8 tonne. A tow bar is available as an optional accessory.

What is the range of the Audi e-tron?

WLTP (real world driving test) sets the Audi e-tron 55 quattro range at up to 417km, Audi e-tron 55 Sportback range at up to 446km, and the Audi e-tron 50 quattro Advanced has an estimated range of up to 336km. This is variable based on driving conditions, style, situation and terrain.

The e-tron offers an innovative recuperation system, meaning the vehicle can recover energy in two ways allowing the potential of further range: by means of coasting recuperation when the driver releases the accelerator, or by means of braking recuperation when the brake pedal is depressed. In both cases, the electric motors function as a generator and convert the kinetic energy of the Audi e-tron into electric energy so you can raise your charge level when driving.

What performance does the Audi e-tron deliver?

Two electric motors power the Audi e-tron. The Audi e-tron 55 quattro and e-tron 55 quattro Advaned has a system output of up to 300 kW (in boost mode) and 664 Nm of torque. The Audi SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with top speed electronically governed at 200 km/h.

The Audi e-tron 50 quattro Advanced outputs up to 320 kW and 540 Nm of torque, while accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h.

Is there anything special regarding the Audi e-tron’s handling?

The electric e-tron SUV is optimised for on-road and off-road capability. Placement of the battery gives the Audi e-tron a low centre of gravity, enhancing the dynamics of the vehicle.

Air suspension come standard on the vehicle, allowing customisation at the push of a button.

Does the Audi e-tron feature quattro technology?

quattro has gone electric with the Audi e-tron. Our iconic 4WD system allows all terrain capability within the e-tron model.

What safety systems does the Audi e-tron have?

  • ISOfix child safety system
  • Audi level of active and passive safety features
  • Class leading driver assistance systems
  • Battery – Crash tested safety system

Is there a range of accessories available for the vehicle?

We have a wide range of Audi e-tron accessories available from your local authorised Audi Dealer to suit your needs and lifestyle including roof rails and attachments to mount roof boxes.

Meet the future: Audi e-tron range heading to South Africa

For over 100 years, Audi’s history has been marked by prestige, automotive ambition and technological excellence.

Audi South Africa is fully embracing the global drive towards premium sustainable mobility and looks forward to progressing this topic locally in an effort to reshape the way South Africans view electric vehicles. 

“Across the world, the automotive industry is announcing plans to phase out combustion engines to advance the transformation of the industry for the future. As Audi South Africa we see ourselves as being in a position to contribute to this global vision, and having the responsibility to do that. Not only are we aligned with the importance of sustainability, but we have the technology, performance and design credentials within our e-tron range, to offer our premium customers an all-electric drive that will inspire and excite,” said Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa.

Announcing our electric vehicle range is a key part our objective to have the youngest and freshest product offering in the market.

– Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa

As part of this local commitment, Audi South Africa will introduce a fully-fledged e-tron range in the local market and this will include:

Under the SUV category:        The Audi e-tron 50 and e-tron 55

Under the CUV category:        The Audi e-tron Sportback 55 and e-tron Sportback S

Under the high-performancecategory:     The Audi e-tron GT and Audi RS e-tron GT

This year has already been successful for the Audi brand in South Africa with many new product introductions, and the launch of these electric vehicles early in 2022 will be an exciting crescendo to this new model offensive.

“Announcing our electric vehicle range is a key part of our objective to have the youngest and freshest product offering in the market and we’re excited to share more details with our customers on our electric journey over the next few months, leading up to the e-tron range’s official model introduction in quarter one next year,” Sauer concluded.

Product specification and pricing associated with the e-tron range will be announced closer to retail launch. 

Volvo Car South Africa Launches Online Store

My Volvo allows you to buy a car – at the click of your mouse

Volvo Car South Africa has launched My Volvo, a unique online store that will enable South Africans to purchase or rent a new car in as little as 20 minutes – and without leaving home.

The store – the first for Volvo in the Sub-Saharan Africa region – is available exclusively to South Africans. However, this is not the first time that Volvo has dipped its toe in the online shopping arena. Volvo Cars global launched its first online sales store in 2020 as a result of lockdown restrictions the world over.

My Volvo offers a smooth, convenient and secure end-to-end vehicle purchase process. Designed to be flexible, secure and intuitive to use (there are five easy steps to follow), it provides a complete end-to-end service, from vehicle selection right through to the final purchase agreement.

South Africans can start the process by browsing My Volvo and seeing all new Volvo vehicles that are currently available. Customers can then select the model they want from the Volvo range, selecting a model with the powertrain and colour that they require. Optional extras are also detailed.

It makes buying a car as easy as possible without compromising on choice or safety

– Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa

Every type of buyer is catered for, whether they want to rent, finance or pay cash. Customers can choose to have the vehicle delivered or they can collect their new car. All vehicles purchased through My Volvo come with the standard five-year / 100 000km maintenance and warranty plan.

In 2020, Volvo Cars more than doubled its number of cars sold online versus 2019

– GREG MARUSZEWSKI, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT VOLVO CAR SOUTH AFRICA

According to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, My Volvo is indicative of the fact that the way people buy cars has changed. “We have accelerated the company’s move towards online sales. In 2020, Volvo Cars more than doubled its number of cars sold online versus 2019,” he reveals.

Going forward, the emphasis on online will grow. “Volvo’s first pure electric car, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8, will be coming to South Africa this year. It is one of a new family of electric cars to be launched in the coming years – all of which will be available online,” Maruszewski says.

He is expecting wide customer acceptance of My Volvo.

“It makes buying a car as easy as possible without compromising on choice or safety, and it allows customers to make the purchase when it’s most convenient for them.

It places our customers firmly in the driving seat when it comes to the purchasing process – and we have no doubt that they will like this,” Maruszewski concludes.

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. 

WATCH: New Lexus IS Sports Sedan presentation

The South African line-up for the re-imagined new 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan has been unveiled.

Lexus has decided to launch IS as a hybrid-only model. The hybrid market has shown immense growth on a global scale in the past five years and the shift from diesel to alternative-propulsion vehicles is expected to keep growing at rapid rate. 

Lexus will position hybrids as performance and technology-rich vehicles, and as such is launching three model grades in hybrid: IS 300h EX, IS 300h SE and IS 300 F Sport.

The Lexus IS models retail from R841 300 for the EX grade, R899 800 for the SE grade and R916 100 for the F Sport. The entire IS range boasts a best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicle service intervals are pegged at every 15 000km, alternatively once a year.

Kia reveals its first battery electric vehicle, the EV6

Kia Corporation has revealed the first images of the exterior and interior design of EV6, its first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), ahead of the car’s world premiere.

EV6 was designed under the brand’s new design philosophy, ‘Opposites United’, which takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. At the centre of the design philosophy is a new visual identity evoking positive forces and natural energy, with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes.

With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design

– Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Centre

Boasting a distinctive crossover-inspired design and based on the brand’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated BEV to be influenced by the new design philosophy, which embodies Kia’s shifting focus towards electrification.

“EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV market,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Centre. “With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes while providing a unique space as a futuristic EV.”

EV6 will make its world premiere in March 2021, during a special online event.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is coming to South Africa!

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric – the first all-electric car from the Swedish luxury brand – will be launched in South Africa in the second half of 2021.

Volvo’s all-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) has already demonstrated strong sales internationally. Thousands of orders were placed for the XC40 Recharge even before the formal start of sales in Europe last year. By the start of production in the company’s Ghent, Belgium, plant on October 1 last year, every car scheduled to be built that calendar year had already been sold.

According to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is capable of travelling more than 400 km on a single charge. “It can be charged to 80% of its battery capacity in as little as 40 minutes using a fast charger,” he reveals.

The XC40 Recharge will deliver a brisk performance, with its twin electric motors producing 304 kW (408 hp) of power and 660 Nm of torque to deliver a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.9 seconds. While pleasing in the area of performance, the car scores highly in the field of practicality too.

Volvo Cars will launch a fully electric car every year, as we look to make all-electric cars 50 percent of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids.

Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa

For instance, the lack of an internal combustion engine frees up space for an additional 30-litre storage compartment – or ‘frunk’ – under the front bonnet, while the placement of the batteries under the centre of the car means space is not compromised elsewhere.

Owners will be able to charge the vehicle at a dealership, at home or at one of the ever-growing network of public charging stations. Volvo Car South Africa is also rolling out an extensive network of charging stations at its dealerships and, by the end of 2021, each Volvo dealership will have a charging station. 

The XC40 is the first of five fully electric cars to be launched by the Swedish company over the next five years. “Volvo Cars will launch a fully electric car every year, as we look to make all-electric cars 50 percent of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids. Recharge will be the overarching name for all chargeable Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain,” Maruszewski explains.

We look forward to bringing the huge benefits of electric driving – and more – to an already award-winning package.

– – GREG MARUSZEWSKI, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT VOLVO CAR SOUTH AFRICA

The launch of the XC40 Recharge is a significant step towards Volvo Cars’ ambition to reduce its CO2footprint per car by 40 percent by 2025. “That same year, it expects 50 percent of its global sales to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest hybrids. But 2030, the company aims to only build electric cars,” he elaborates. 

Maruszewski believes that the XC40 Recharge will find favour in South Africa. “South Africans are already firm fans of the internal combustion engine-powered XC40; it had an 8.40% share of its segment in 2019; that grew to 14.70% in 2020.

We look forward to bringing the huge benefits of electric driving – and more – to an already award-winning package,” he concludes.

Volvo dealers will start taking orders for the XC40 Recharge in April. Deliveries will commence in August.

The price of the XC40 Recharge will be confirmed later this month.

 

Get ready to meet the “World’s Most Beautiful Supercar”

Maserati South Africa is ready to accelerate into 2021 with a line-up of new models and the much-anticipated arrival of the World’s Most Beautiful Supercar.

The luxury Italian car manufacturer will soon launch the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid in South Africa as the first model to kick-start the brand’s new era.

A new consignment of Levante Trofeo models is on its way, accompanied by bespoke versions of the Ghibli Trofeo and Quattroporte Trofeo

– Nagesh Naidoo, the Dealer Principal of Maserati Johannesburg.

“It is only fitting that the Ghibli Hybrid is the first new model from Maserati to be launched in South Africa. It combines petrol and electric power, which is significant for the future of our brand, and South Africa was host to the hybrid testing mules during their hot weather testing cycle,” says Nagesh Naidoo, the Dealer Principal of Maserati Johannesburg.

Following the introduction of the Hybrid, Maserati will shift its focus to high performance cars, with the launch of a complete range of Trofeo models.

“Last year we introduced – and quickly sold out – the Levante Trofeo with its bi-turbo 433 kW V8 engine. This year, a new consignment of Levante Trofeo models is on its way, accompanied by bespoke versions of the Ghibli Trofeo and Quattroporte Trofeo,” says Naidoo.

The Ghibli Trofeo and the larger Quattroporte Trofeo are fitted with the same Ferrari-sourced V8 engine but promises a pure driving experience with 433 kW delivered through the rear wheels. Both models will offer a top speed of 326 km/h.

Following the launch of the Trofeo range, Maserati’s most powerful models thus far introduced in South Africa, the focus will shift to the MC20 super sports car.

Maserati’s new MC20 will make its debut in mid-2021 and will arrive in South Africa towards the end of the year. Maserati Johannesburg placed the first South African orders shortly after the model’s global reveal in Modena, Italy, in September 2020.

The MC20 – for Maserati Corse – is the harbinger of a new era of style, performance and passion for the Italian brand. It features a new 463 kW V6 engine, made by Maserati, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of only 2.9 seconds.

This model was voted the World’s Most Beautiful Supercar at the 2021 Festival Automobile International.