topcarus5566

  Aren’t electric cars boring to look at? Despite the free rein many firms have to package these futuristic machines, it’s a shame that most turn out decidedly dull. Not the BMW i3, though. And not only does it look cool, but there’s real innovation behind it, too, with the BMW being constructed predominantly from carbonfibre-reinforced plastic, helping to offset the 230kg heft of its lithium ion battery pack. The i3 has a high price and only a modest range, so it has been overtaken by many cheaper models that may not look interesting but can go further on each charge and are more practical. However, as a used buy, the i3 now stacks up as a reasonable route into EV ownership. Careful which version you go for, mind. The original 2013-2017 BMW i3, known as the 60Ah, has a 22.6kWh battery pack, from which you should expect to extract only around 80 miles. In late 2016, the 94Ah arrived with a 33kWh battery and realistic range of about 120 miles – a useful hike that...

  Skoda has previewed its upcoming  Modern Solid design language  with a sketch showing the interior of a new electric concept car, the Vision 7S.  The image shows a spacious interior with a wraparound design and room for up to six adults. An integrated child seat has also uniquely been positioned on the centre console, which Skoda says is the safest place in a vehicle.  The Czech manufacturer has placed an emphasis on haptic controls, which appear on the steering wheel and the door panels. Ambient lighting also features, activating when people are getting in and out of the car. It’s also used to indicate the EV's charging status.  Meanwhile, the backrests of the seats in the second and third rows feature mounts for multimedia devices and benefit from integrated backpacks.  The concept’s interior offers two different configurations. The driving configuration is said to emphasise the most ideal driving position available with de...