The Torque Talk - Episode 1

EVs

By Mandla Lubanzi

Hi, I'm Erick Mandla Lubanzi,  I call Bloemfontein, South Africa, my home. Known as the "City of Roses," Bloemfontein is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful parks, and a vibrant cultural scene. Talk less of the beautiful landscapes,  the Naval Hill, with its panoramic views and wildlife reserve, is a popular destination for locals and foreigners. It is quite a busy City with everything seemingly moving rapidly. It's a place where tradition meets modernity, and I love being part of this dynamic community. One day before infinity, I'll tell you about Bloemfontein. 

I'm thrilled to announce my partnership with Sunset Saga to run the 'Torque Talk' column. In this column, we'll be diving deep into the fascinating world of cars—exploring everything from classic models to the latest innovations in the automotive industry. The host said a bit about me earlier, what he didn't tell you is that I'm here indefinitely. Maybe three weeks, maybe two months, maybe six years and maybe forever... 

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Latest Trends in Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric cars use electricity stored in a large battery pack to run. Easily imaginable, a typical EV, such as a Tesla, has approximately 4,000 small rechargeable batteries, each of which is slightly larger than an AA battery. Must be a massive battery pack, right?

So you plug the car into a power source, such as a 110v or 220v outlet or an actual car charger, to charge the battery. When you drive, the battery charges one or more electric motors. Electric vehicles are transforming the automotive landscape with several exciting trends emerging, lets dive into these trends;

Increased Range and Battery Efficiency: One of the biggest developments in EV technology is the improvement in battery range and efficiency. Modern EVs can now travel significantly longer distances on a single charge. For example, the Tesla Model S Long Range offers over 400 miles of range, addressing the range anxiety that many potential buyers have.

Image by: Otto

Rapid Charging Technology: Charging infrastructure is evolving with the introduction of ultra-fast chargers. Companies like Electrify America and Tesla are deploying networks of high-speed chargers that can provide a substantial charge in just 15-30 minutes. The Porsche Taycan, for instance, can charge from 5% to 80% in just over 20 minutes using a high-power charger.

Image by: the car expert 

Affordable EV Models: As technology advances and production scales up, the cost of electric vehicles is decreasing, making them more accessible. Models like the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Bolt offer affordable entry points into the EV market without compromising on performance or features.

Luxury and Performance EVs: The EV market is also seeing an influx of high-performance and luxury models. Brands like Audi, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz are releasing EVs that combine luxury, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance. The Audi e-tron GT and the Jaguar I-PACE are prime examples of this trend.

Autonomous Driving Features: Many EVs are now equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving capabilities. Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) packages, along with systems from other manufacturers like General Motors' Super Cruise, are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with vehicle automation.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials: Beyond just being zero-emission, EV manufacturers are increasingly using sustainable and eco-friendly materials in their vehicles. BMW's i3, for instance, uses recycled materials and renewable resources in its construction.

Electric Trucks and SUV: The market for electric trucks and SUVs is growing rapidly. Vehicles like the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and GMC Hummer EV are bringing electric power to larger, more rugged vehicles, appealing to a broader audience.

Image by: CNET

These trends indicate a bright future for electric vehicles, with continuous improvements in technology, performance, and accessibility. I'm excited to explore these developments and more in the 'Torque Talk' column, where we'll be talking about cars, cars, and more cars!

See you in the next episode. Enkosi!