• Category Archives: Transport

    The 2017 BMW i3 will increase driving range to 120 miles

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    The BMW i3 has been an EV heartthrob for a while now. However, with the 2017 BMW i3 we can expect it to be the next benchmark in EV technology. The car is expected to boost the current 81-mile range to go up to an incredible 120 miles. Thanks to the upgraded lithium-ion battery, this improvement is now possible. This can be considered to be confirmation to rumors from last year that hinted that there will be a range increase on account of a better battery and new software. There’s word that the company will also offer improvements on the i3 REx range-extended model. Owners will not be able to upgrade their vehicles for better range and usability.

    Posted in Transport on January 21, 2016
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    CES 2016: Volkswagen BUDD-e is an electric Microbus with a 373-mile driving range

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    It doesn’t get more beautiful than this. The Volkswagen BUDD-e has just given the Microbus and its fans a whole new perspective. With a driving range of 373 miles on a single charge, the van manages to charge its battery up to 80 percent in just 15 minutes! It may still be a concept but the practicality of the solutions it offers are phenomenal. The company has based the car on the Modular Electric Platform that accommodates larger batteries and electric drive components. The interiors of the BUDD-e will be studded with digital screens in place of mirrors, buttons and switches. Entertainment and navigation will operate with gesture controls.

    Posted in Transport on January 8, 2016
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    Rotterdam cyclists wait for lesser periods at red lights on rainy days

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    The Netherlands are leading by example when it comes to eco-friendly transport. However, the idea of abominable motorists sliding right into your cycling path is annoying and then again, there are times when it pours, making everything difficult. This is when you can resort to the magic of theses specially programmed traffic lights. The city council of Rotterdam has installed sensors that sync with the traffic lights and detect when it is raining. As soon as this is detected, all cycling lanes are released in 40 seconds while the motorists on the road have to wait longer. This facilitates the cyclists, letting them reach their destinations sooner, safer and with much calmer minds.

    Posted in Transport on January 6, 2016
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    Bicycle highways come to Germany!

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    It’s been the dream of every cyclist and Germany is sure to make it come true with the approval of a bicycle highway. The country is all set to unleash the 100 kilometer highway only for cyclists and has already made the first five kilometers functional. The idea of riding through a highway without worrying about trucks, other vehicles and obstacles such as signals makes it clear as glass that the future is green and much, much fitter. Imagine everyone taking the bicycle highway to work. The route falls in the home-office path of millions and could inspire them to take this fascinating route. One study predicts that the all new highway will get up to 50,000 cars off the road every day! That’s a significant reduction in pollution, noise and costs for the citizens and the government.

    Posted in Transport on December 31, 2015
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    Milan and Rome ban daytime private traffic in holiday week

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    Italy has given the planet a Christmas gift by pulling off a rather extreme stunt in two major cities. Both Rome and Milan have banned private cars in daytime in an attempt to reduce pollution levels. Special public transport fares will be announced and users will face a limit on when they can use roads. The ban will be in effect in Milan from December 28th to 30th. From 10 am to 4 pm, citizens will not be allowed to drive their private cars, scooters or motorcycles. This will surely pull down the smog levels in the city. In fact, Milan has gone on to ban fireworks displays so as to reduce the amount of pollution caused, especially during the festive periods. The authorities are making it easier for citizens as they have introduced anti-smog transport tickets that makes tickets available for just $1.65.

    Posted in Transport on December 28, 2015
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    Volkswagen to show off electric Microbus Concept at CES 2016

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    There’s a buzz in the air about Volkswagen’s next big move and its coming right at CES 2016 next month. The company will be showing off a cool Microbus Concept at the Consumer Electronics Show 2016 next month. The little van-like contraption will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and will promise no emissions, giving the brand the much deserved break it needed after the dieselgate scandal. While some may debate the practicality of an electric bus, we can be rest assured that the Microbus Concept can easily cover any distance between 250 and 300 miles on a single charge.

    Posted in Transport on December 28, 2015
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    BMW and Nissan deploy super-fast charging stations across the US

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    We earlier heard about Nissan and Renault partnering to create eco-charging zones across Paris. Now, Nissan has tied hands with BMW to deploy 120 dual-port 50 kW DC fast-charging stations across 19 states in the US. This is in promotion of green and clean driving as well as the Nissan Leaf and the BMW i3. The charging stations are equipped with CHAdeMO and CCS Cambo connectors that are compatible with all DC fast-charging capable electric vehicles. Speaking on the initiative, Cliff Fietzek, Manager Connected eMobility, BMW of North America, said, “BMW continues to pursue new ways to support the development of a robust public charging infrastructure that will benefit current and future BMW i3 owners across the country. This BMW-Nissan project builds on BMW’s ongoing commitment to participate in joint partnerships designed to expand DC Fast charging options nationwide for all EV drivers. Together with Nissan, we are focused on facilitating longer distance travel so that even more drivers will choose to experience the convenience of e-mobility for themselves.”

    Posted in Transport on December 23, 2015
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    Eva electric motorbike can reach 200 kmph sans a gearbox

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    While great design is a prerequisite in motorcycle purchase decisions, it is also absolutely necessary to ensure that performance doesn’t take a back seat. The Eva electric motorbike manages to marry both worlds and to make it all better, it does so sustainably. The 100 percent electric motorbike is made in Italy. It comes without a gear box in lieu of which, it packs a permanent magnet oil cooled motor that can take it to a range of 200 km and reach speeds of up to 200 kmph. The primary highlight of the motorcycle is the vehicle control unit that continuously manages the battery, electric motor, charger and even the anti-lock braking system. Thanks to the powerful electric motor that produces 70 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque, riding an electric bike has never been less cumbersome.

    Posted in Transport on December 15, 2015
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    Volkswagen to keynote CES 2016, roll out new electric car

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    What better way to leverage on the inherent hatred people have towards your diesel cars than selling them electric ones. The diesel-gate scandal has surely scarred Volkswagen’s reputation for good. However, their PR will surely make a recommendation that they work on a clean-up model where they dish out electric vehicles, thus curing the ‘pollutant’ stigma that is pretty deep-etched in the minds of consumers. In fact, Dr. Herbert Diess from the company’s Passenger Cars segment will keynote CES 2016 on January 5. “We welcome Herbert Diess to CES to share Volkswagen’s vision for the future, including the company’s commitment to sustainability,” said Gary Shapiro who represents CES. “We are pleased Volkswagen will use the CES stage to unveil a concept car displaying its latest developments in safe and energy-efficient electric vehicles consistent with VW’s long history of innovation in the driving experience.”

    Posted in Transport on December 11, 2015
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    Singapore to convert defunct railway corridor lines to 15-mile park

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    What do we do with all those idle patches of land on the planet that do not serve any particular purpose? Other than turning into storage yards and makeshift markets, they hardly do anything other than take up usable space. Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) went on to finalize a proposal that will convert a 15-mile non-functioning railway line between Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Malaysian border into a multipurpose linear park. This could pretty much travel across the nation in one scenic strip. Japan’s Nikken Sekkei won the bid along with Tierra Design and Arup Singapore. The park expanse will accommodate 122 access points, 21 modular platforms and a paved cycling path.

    Posted in Transport on December 3, 2015
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