green mobility Archives Page 2 of 2 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Meet the most affordable electric vehicle in South Africa: The MINI Cooper SE

vuyi on September 8, 2020

My interview with Hailey took place in the plush visitors area of their environmentally friendly dealership – MINI Midrand.
-songo didiza, Green Mobility Guru, Driving In Heels South Africa

I was invited by the PR team at MINI South Africa to review their first ever electric car – the MINI Cooper SE.

Having spent most of the national lockdown in my sneakers I wanted to grace the momentous occasion with a cross between a formal business look and environmentally fashionable dress sense. I would be meeting Hailey Philander, Specialist: Product Communications (BMW i, BMW Motorrad and MINI) for the first time and as they say, first impressions count!

My interview with Hailey took place in the plush visitors area of their environmentally friendly dealership – MINI Midrand. Over a welcome mug of cappuccino, Hailey shared that the BMW Group has already lowered emissions per vehicle produced by more than 70 percent since 2006. Their next goal is to decrease emissions by a further 80 percent by 2030.

After discussing their other long-term strategic plans, which include introducing zero emission vehicles by year 2030 it was time for me to put the MINI Cooper SE to the Heels & Horsepower Magazine’s Green Mobility Test.

As much as I am a perfectionist for practicality, I am also a staunch advocate of ‘fashionable’ green mobility
songo didiza, Green Mobility Guru, Driving In Heels South Africa

First impressions

The first ever electric MINI looks like a standard MINI Cooper, with the exception of it being adorned with rather futuristic looking wheels – or heels as our editorial team prefers to call them. The look and feel of these 17-inch MINI Electric Power spoke 2-tone heels give the MINI Cooper SE its unique standing within the urban city environment. Coincidentally the yellow trim on the all new electric MINI matched my green stockings! Clearly green minds think alike.

As much as I am a perfectionist for practicality, I am also a staunch advocate of ‘fashionable’ green mobility. While the new electric MINI does not scream for attention, it does effortlessly exude design elements which set it apart from any other MINI Cooper on the market. These include the embossed MINI Electric logo found on the front grille and on both front fenders. To the rear, the MINI Cooper SE boasts a yellow S which can also be found on the door sills. These small details tastefully differentiate the all new electric MINI from its siblings.

Inside, the all new electric MINI Cooper SE is as spacious as any other. Premium quality materials have been used throughout and give a welcome sense of familiarity to those who know the MINI brand.

I was impressed that the electric MINI has not lost an ounce of all that makes it a fun drive.
– songo didiza, green mobility guru, driving in heels South Africa

The drive

To say I was excited to get behind the wheel of the all new electric MINI would be a gross understatement. It took a lot of effort, but I managed to curb my enthusiasm and remind myself of our publication’s criteria for the Green Mobility Test. These include driver-friendliness, technology, driving range and safety especially when navigating through bustling city traffic.

The MINI ticked all these boxes within the first 30-minutes of my powering it along the highway and within rather tight urban spaces. All the while, the grin on my face was a permanent feature. Not only did I arrive to all my different destinations safely and on time I was impressed that the electric MINI has not lost an ounce of all that makes it a fun drive.

The eery silence of electric cars is one of the global leading safety concerns for both the drivers, pedestrians and other road users.
– SONGO DIDIZA, GREEN MOBILITY GURU, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA

Instead of a petrol or diesel, the MINI Cooper SE is propelled by a smooth flow of power courtesy of its 135kW motor. This explains how the engineers at MINI have managed to retain the fun factor of the tried, tested and much-loved MINI go-kart feel! It accelerates from standing to 60 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and effortlessly keeps pace with conventionally powered cars.

The eery silence of electric cars is one of the global leading safety concerns for both the drivers, pedestrians and other road users. That said it seems MINI’s engineering team skillfully addressed some of these safety concerns. All components of the electric drive are protected by means of model-specific structural features and that immediately switch off in the event of a collision.

Different driving modes increase the driving fun factor

The first purely electrically powered MINI also enables the driver to adapt the vehicle settings to the current situation on the road as well as to their own personal preferences. There are four driving modes to choose from in the electric MINI (MID, Sport, Green and Green+). As I toggled from one mode to the next, I was delighted that the dashboard lit up in different colours, in accordance with which ever mode I had selected. White is for MID, red is for Sport mode and green is for, you guessed it, Green and Green+.

In Green+ one sacrifices features such as air conditioning and seat heating in order to increase the driving range.
– songo didiza

I opted to drive in Green+ mode as this is the most environmentally friendly option. However, when in Green+ one sacrifices features such as air conditioning and seat heating in order to increase the driving range.

MINI’s one pedal drive feature is enabled by BMW’s regenerative braking technology that can be found in all its Battery Electric Vehicles and Plug in Hybrid Vehicles.

MINI eDrive Services were specifically developed for the new all-electric MINI and make electro-mobility particularly easy and convenient
– Hailey Philander, Specialist: Product Communications (BMW i, BMW Motorrad and MINI)

What is Regenerative Braking and how does it work?

Part of the characteristic driving experience in an electrically powered BMW Group model is the so-called one-pedal feeling. In urban traffic in particular, the vehicle perceptibly decelerates as soon as the driver removes their foot from the accelerator. This is called regenerative braking technology.

It is called regenerative because the energy is recaptured in the battery where it can be used again. The motor is directly coupled to the wheels, so when you lift your foot off the pedal, it works like a generator and lets the all-electric MINI slow down more quickly than a fuel-powered car would. You put some power back into your battery every time you come to a stop at the next set of traffic lights. A proper implementation of regenerative braking system extends driving range, improves braking efficiency, reduces brake wear, and improves energy conservation.

Ease of Charging – how to keep your electric charge while navigating through city effortlessly

South Africa is very much in the early stages of electric mobility compared to its US and European counterparts, however it is a first mover on the African continent.

“MINI eDrive Services were specifically developed for the new all-electric MINI and make electro-mobility particularly easy and convenient. For instance, it provides useful details such as available range, charging status and the closest charging station,” Hailey said.

For a city executive, this makes the drive even more practical. The home charging is also a seamless and simple process (unless of course, you are experiencing load-shedding). One does not actually need any complex installation or unit to charge at home. All you have to do is plug into any conventional household power socket – and relax after a long busy day at the office. I can wake up, fully rested in the morning to a ‘full tank’ of 270km driving range to start the day which can be sufficient for a week’s drive of my daily 33km city commute.

For a faster charge MINI recommends a 3-phase 11 kW MINI Wallbox connection will generally give you up to 3-times faster charging time. So, your all-electric MINI can be fully charged within around 3.5 hours. These MINI Wallboxes need to be installed by a qualified electrician.

The MINI navigation system provided me with direct access to all charging stations in the MINI Charging network as well those of the broader BMW charging network since MINI is part of the BMW Group.

Leaping into the new decade we can anticipate greater amount of driving range between the Battery Electric Vehicles, Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles in response to changing demands of the African city business executives looking towards making an affordable eco-conscious motoring purchase.

Pros and Cons of purchasing Electric Vehicles in South Africa

Before you rush off to your nearest MINI dealership to buy your favorite go-kart in greenie derivative, be aware that the South African government currently views earth friendly cars as luxury items. As a result, green cars attract an import duty of 25% whereas the duty charged on cars with internal combustion engines is much lower at 18%. This obviously creates a problem for both manufacturers and potential customers.

Presently there aren’t any EVs manufactured locally, even though South Africa is a major car exporter to markets in Great Britain and Europe. These countries are in the process of phasing out internal combustion engines and it is only a matter of time before the South African government finds itself in need of a more sustainable approach towards its efforts to support electric mobility – across the board – if not specifically for export purposes.

The good news though is that the introduction of the carbon tax is a move in the right direction as it acts as an incentive to sway city executives towards zero emission mobility. For this reason, I believe the introduction of an affordable vehicle such as the all new MINI Cooper SE will attract potential customers towards electric mobility.

So, did the Electric MINI pass the Green Mobility Test?

In order to pass the Green Mobility test, the Heels and Horsepower team looks at a number of elements including affordability, drivability and electric mobility features. Overall, the all-electric MINI Cooper SE tested well against our criteria as follows:

Pricing: Currently, electric vehicles aren’t cheap, but the all-electric MINI Cooper SE comes in at R642 000. This makes it the most affordable electric vehicle in South Africa.
Drivability: My initial thoughts bordered along the lines that the MINI Cooper SE might be a bit of a snooze fest given that it is a plug in electric vehicle. Thankfully I was wrong. There is absolutely no difference between driving the MINI Cooper SE and any other MINI. None of the MINI fun factors have been compromised in the production of this new greenie.
Electric mobility features are available in abundance within the new electric MINI, providing the manufacturer with an opportunity to enter a new customer segment – the eco-conscious city executive that is looking for a little bit of everything at the right price!

Final thoughts…

The new MINI Cooper SE is the first model to combine electromobility in the urban setting with the hallmark brand properties of the original in the premium segment of small cars. This gives it an intergenerational edge over its competitors.

Based on these assessments we have confidently given the MINI Cooper SE a very high 8 heels out of 10!

Nissan Introduces The Ariya, A 100% Electric Crossover

vuyi on July 15, 2020

The Nissan Ariya enables you to go further, easier and in comfort.
– ASHWANI GUPTA, NISSAN OPERATING OFFICER

YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan today (15 July 2020) introduced the all-new Nissan Ariya, an electric crossover SUV that lets customers travel farther while enjoying greater driving excitement, confidence and comfort, and connectivity.

With a 100% electric powertrain, the Ariya promises powerful acceleration and smooth, quiet operation. Drivers and passengers can relax and enjoy the ride thanks to autonomous driving technology, concierge-level assistance, seamless connectivity and a spacious, lounge-like interior. With an estimated range of up to 610 kilometers¹, the no-compromise Ariya is perfect for daily commutes and weekend road trips alike.

CEO Makoto Uchida and Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta unveiled the Ariya to a global audience during a livestreamed event at the new Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama.

**GIOVANNY ARROBA** Senior Design Director

“The Nissan Ariya is a truly beautiful and remarkable car,” Gupta said. “It enables you to go further, easier and in comfort. The Ariya is designed to impress, and to express what Nissan strives for – making our customers’ lives better.”

The all-new Nissan Ariya is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in mid-2021. It will be priced at around 5 million yen. The Ariya is planned to go on sale in Europe, North America and China by the end of 2021.

Powerful performance for a wide range of needs

Building on Nissan’s strength as an EV pioneer, the Ariya takes the powerful performance and capabilities of zero-emission vehicles to a new level.

The car’s all-electric drivetrain (combining power delivery, charging capabilities and range) allows customers to choose from multiple configurations in order to meet their individual needs. These include two-wheel-drive and e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive versions, as well as two different battery sizes.

The e-4ORCE all-wheel control systembalances the powerful performance with all-weather capability. The system’s twin electric motors provide a balanced, predictable ride, with sports car-level power delivered in the blink of an eye.

Advanced design and technology for stress-free driving

The Ariya is also the most technologically advanced Nissan car to date.

Drivers will feel more confident and less stressed thanks to the ProPILOT 2.0 advanced driver assistance system and the ProPILOT Remote Park and e-Pedal features. Also standard across the Ariya lineup is Nissan’s Safety Shield system. This includes Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking technology.

It’s more than just a great EV crossover, it’s a great vehicle
– ASHWANI GUPTA, NIssan Operating Officer

An all-new human-machine interface lets customers use natural speech to adjust car settings. Over-the-air firmware updates keep the Ariya feeling fresh and exciting. The Ariya also includes Amazon’s Alexato help customers simplify and organize their lives.

**ASHWANI GUPTA** Chief Operating Officer

Spacious, flat-floor cabin

The Ariya’s striking looks represent Nissan’s new design language, Timeless Japanese Futurism. It is characterized by a distinctive Japanese approach, conveyed in a simple yet powerfully modern way.

Nissan’s designers took advantage of the car’s new EV platform, which allows for a flat floor, and its compact climate control components to give the Ariya the most spacious cabin in its class. The lounge-like interior, featuring Zero Gravity seats, provides a welcoming and comfortable environment for driver and passengers alike.

“The Ariya enhances driving excitement, ensures high levels of comfort and confidence and heightens the joy of connecting,” Gupta said. “It’s more than just a great EV crossover, it’s a great vehicle. It’s a true force of wonder, and it’s coming soon.”

Are Green cars safer than ‘normal’ cars?

vuyi on July 3, 2020

Songo Didiza, a true ‘greenie’, entrepreneur and green economy expert is the founder of Green Building Design Group. She is a contributor for Driving In Heels, focusing on green mobility in the motoring sector

This past December holiday I was overjoyed to join my sisters on our annual Ubuntu road trip to the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape. The trip was particularly interesting because some of our party were on Honda sponsored motorcycles whilst others we cocooned in the comfort of the spacious 7 seater Isuzu mu-X. We travelled a distance of over 2000kms of tarmac and rough wild coast terrain which was evenly matched by both the adventure motorcycles and the dynamically powered SUV.

The question that plagued me was ‘would I be able to drive my EV to a destination such as Coffee Bay and back without worrying about my safety?’
– Songo didiza, founder – green building design group

Our drive was pleasantly uneventful, that is until we turned off the highway and headed towards Coffee Bay when driver and riders had to employ some pretty nimble skills in order to manoeuvre between gigantic sized potholes and stray animals. It got me wondering if there were any electric vehicles (EV) on the market that would be up for this challenge?

As an EV pundit, I must say I had to scratch my head for this one. (In my previous article I had touched on the safety of EVs. This was addressed from a performance perspective. It was clear as the EV technology improves that these cars can also be held to the same performance standards as convention internal combustion engines). The question that plagued me was ‘would I be able to drive my EV to a destination such as Coffee Bay and back without worrying about my safety?’

Before I delve into the safety and durability of EVs we need to understand the different types that are out there on the market.

There are three main types of electric vehicles (EVs), classed by the degree that electricity is used as their energy source. BEVs, or battery electric vehicles, PHEVs of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and HEVs, or hybrid electric vehicles.

Battery Electric Vehicles, also called BEVs (and more frequently called EVs), are fully electric vehicles with rechargeable batteries and no petrol/diesel engines. Battery electric vehicles store electricity on board with high capacity battery packs. Two of these are currently available in South Africa in the form of the BMWi3, Jaguar I-PACE and the Nissan LEAF. Two of these are suitable for city driving. They are not recommended for long distance drives at the moment ( > 1000 kms).

Hybrid Electric Vehicles or HEVs, are hybrid vehicles powered by both petrol/diesel and electricity. The electric energy is generated by the car’s own braking system to recharge the battery. This is called ‘regenerative braking’ which is a process where the electric motor helps to slow the vehicle and uses some of the energy normally converted to heat by the brakes. Regular HEVs most commonly use an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric batteries to power electric motors. Many HEVs reduce idle emissions by shutting down the ICE at idle and restarting it when needed. An HEV gets all its energy from petrol, however, the HEV’s engine is smaller and maybe run at various speeds, providing more efficiency. The Toyota Prius is one of the most commonly available HEVs within the global car market. All Prius’ sold in South Africa are HEVs.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles or PHEVs can recharge the battery through both regenerative braking and ‘plugging in’ to an external source of electrical power. PHEVs have batteries that can be recharged by connecting a plug to an electric power source. It shares the characteristics of both conventional hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles, having an internal combustion engine and batteries for power.

While ‘standard’ hybrids can (at low speed) go about 1-3 kms before the gasoline engine turns on, PHEV models can go anywhere from 16-64 kms before their petrol/diesel engines provide assistance. Hybrid cars are all the rage these days with every automobile manufacturer moving into the forte to make its mark. Whether you are driving a cost-effective Toyota Prius or a costly BMW i8 these provide the owner with benefits like better fuel efficiency and lower environmental emissions.