Tag: Electric Vehicles

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Suzuki Swift 1.2 Dualjet, the lightweight hybrid


In the city car category, the Suzuki Swift ticks almost all the boxes. Barely restyled – the thinner grille is now barred with a chrome ring – the little Japanese woman reinforces her power of seduction. Inside, we can certainly blame it for a monotonous atmosphere and cheap plastics, but, from 15,340 € for the entry-level version, we can not ask for the impossible. When it comes to equipment, the Swift has it all. From the Privilege level, the driver is spoiled: adaptive cruise control, speed limiter, blind spot detector, heated front seats, reading of road signs, lane change and lane departure warning. As for the Pack finish (+ € 1,250), it gives access to the adjustable steering wheel in two planes, automatic air conditioning and keyless starting.

Four-wheel drive on demand

Suzuki

It’s in tune with the times and the Swift is no exception: its 1.2-liter double-injection 4-cylinder offers a dose of electricity. This is a micro-hybridization comprising an alternator-starter acting as an electric motor and a 12 V battery whose capacity has been increased from 3 to 10 Ah. Charts on the dashboard allow you to follow the energy exchange. The battery recharges during deceleration and braking. This energy is restored at start-up and during acceleration, thus relieving the 4 cylinders. In town, below 15 km / h, the system cuts the engine, on condition of putting itself in neutral. Under these conditions, consumption is less than 5 liters per 100 kilometers. The very quiet mechanics participate in the approval, but the lengthened reports oblige to race the engine on fire. If the road is not its privileged terrain, the Swift can count on its AllGrip all-wheel drive to move with confidence on slippery roads.

Technical sheet

Engine: 4-cylinder petrol, 1,197 cm3, 83 hp, 107 Nm

Transmission: all-wheel, 5-speed manual

Dimensions: L. 3.84, l. 1.73, h. 1.49 m

Consumption: 5.5 l / 100 km

CO emissions2: 123 g / km

Speed: 170 km / h

Price (AllGrip): from 18,540 €

Suzuki

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Auto

Mercedes C 300 wagon, the star continues to shine the diesel


We shouldn’t let diesel die. Especially if it is associated with plug-in hybrid technology. This is the first thought that comes to mind after a trip of nearly 3,200 km on the roads of France at the wheel of the Mercedes C 300de station wagon.

In the context of diesel bashing, the star firm is certainly sailing against the grain by being the only manufacturer to market a plug-in hybrid diesel engine on the market, but in use, the solution has many advantages. Meeting the next emission standards, the new 194 hp 2-liter turbo diesel 4-cylinder is cleaner than a gasoline engine. The injection pressure is increased to 2,050 bars and the cylinder wall is covered with a special material reducing friction by 25%. The vehicle always starts with the 122 hp electric motor installed in the 9-speed automatic transmission. Unless the outside temperature is too low or the battery is discharged. We experienced it during our journey: by charging the 13.5 kWh battery as often as possible, all city crossings and daily journeys were made without emitting a single pollutant. It takes 5 hours to recover all of the energy on a household outlet.

Sylvain Reisser

If the really successful system guarantees good performance in electric mode, we have never managed to exceed the 39 km of autonomy while the manufacturer claims 11 more. The interest of this diesel vehicle is evident on long journeys. On the secondary network, consumption has never exceeded 4.2 l per 100 km. The highway requires about 1.2 l / 100 km more. This is how the range of this break exceeds 1000 km. And at the pump, the bill is moderate. By using all the resources of the programs which make it possible in particular to recharge the battery while driving and to save energy in anticipation of a city crossing, we drove 36% of the time on electric.

Daimler AG – Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars / Daimler AG

Another advantage of this diesel which is full of watts: the times are those of a GT, past the engine latency. Alternative to the C 300d (245 hp), the C 300de suffers from two black spots: a suspension subject to ripples and a trunk amputated of 170 liters and handicapped by an imposing formwork nearly 12 cm high to house the battery.

Technical sheet

Engines

Displacement: 1,950 cc

Type: 4-cyl. turbo diesel (194 hp) + electric motor (122 hp), Power: 306 hp (cumulative), Torque 700 Nm (cumulative)

Transmission: Propulsion, Auto Gearbox. 9 reports

Dimensions (L / W / H): 4,702 x 1,832 x 1,465 mm

Safe: 315 liters

Weight: 1955 kg

Performance (0-100 km / h): 5.7 seconds

Speed: 250 km / h

Consumption (Mixed EU): 1.2 l / 100 km

CO emissions2: 32 g / km

Price: 59 800 €

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Auto

Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e, up to 67 km in electric


NEW – The new generation of the plug-in hybrid A3 has a fuel consumption of 1.4 liters per 100 km.

Audi

The first compact sedan to have benefited from the plug-in hybrid powertrain in 2014, the Audi A3 takes advantage of the change of generation to return in a revised version. The denomination E-Tron has given way to the vowel “e” for electrified. On paper, the technical characteristics and performance are very similar between the two generations: the cumulative power comes out at 204 hp and 100 km / h are reached in 7.6 seconds. Going into detail, we can see that the system has been optimized. The power of the electric machine has increased slightly to 107 hp (80 kW) instead of 102 hp while the lithium-ion battery remains the same, still showing a capacity of 13 kWh. The progress results from the use of a new chemistry for the cells of the batteries.

AUDI AG / AUDI AG

Result: the new A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e would be able according to the homologation standard to cover up to 67 km in electric. The old version could not exceed 50 km according to the old NEDC standard, which is 28 km less than the new model with the same protocol. This is how the latter claims a standardized official consumption of 1.4 liters per 100 km, which is equivalent to CO emissions.2 of only 30 g / km. That’s five grams saved compared to the old E-Tron model.

AUDI AG / AUDI AG

The A3 Sportback 40 TFSI e is not immune to the loss of a few precious liters of cargo. According to the manufacturer’s file, the trunk would still be reduced by nearly 100 liters of volume.

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Auto

BMW X1 xDrive 25e, a thread to the paw


On paper, BMW’s plug-in hybrid family access SUV has it all. Not content to benefit from the 2,000 euros of government bonus in its basic version (46,650 €), it displays, thanks to the electricity fairy, a standardized consumption of 1.7 l / 100 km, or CO emissions2 of 39 g / km.

This gives individuals a total or partial exemption from registration fees according to the departments and, to companies, an exemption from tax on company vehicles, a partial recovery of VAT on gasoline and an increased ceiling of the tax. damping thanks to the battery.

Before converting to the X1 xDrive 25e, a detailed analysis of its needs and movements is necessary. If you are a frequent rider (more than 30,000 km per year) and you only drive very occasionally in the city, this vehicle is not for you. On the other hand, if the week, your trips are limited to chip jumps of a few tens of kilometers and each time you return to your base, you can connect to an outlet to recharge the battery (5 hours on a domestic outlet) , this SUV better meets your expectations.

UGO MISSANA

In practice, aligning the sobriety supported by BMW seems out of reach, but the more often we recharge the 10 kWh battery (8.8 kWh of useful capacity) and we drive in town or at low speed, the less we will spend at the pump . Of course, our electric range has never exceeded 46 km with a full battery, instead of the 52 km advertised, but this has proved sufficient for our daily journeys.

Advances in technology are also measured by the ability to maintain zero-emission propulsion when climbing and under heavy acceleration. Energy exchanges are perfectly managed.

On the highway, the cumulative power of 220 hp obtained thanks to the association of the 3-cylinder 1.5 l turbo of 125 hp with an electric machine of 95 hp placed on the rear axle guarantees satisfactory performance (0 to 100 km / h in 6.9 seconds) for a vehicle admitting all the same more than 1,800 kg on the scale. In this case, it will be necessary to agree to flirt with the 8 l / 100 km and even to exceed them if one selects the mode “Save battery” which makes it possible to recharge the accumulators while driving.

UGO MISSANA

The small gasoline tank (36 l) reduces the range to around 400 km. Others through: a driving position typical of minivan, a suspension that is too firm and decked out with trepidation, a 55-liter (450 l) amputated trunk and a rear seat that no longer slides.

Technical sheet

Engines

Displacement: 1499 cc

Type: 3-cyl. turbo petrol (125 hp) + electric (95 hp)

Power: 220 hp (cumulative)

Torque: 385 Nm (cumulative)

Transmission: Integral, automatic gearbox. 6 reports

Dimensions (L / W / H): 4,447 x 1,821 x 1,598 mm

Weight: 1,820 kg

Safe: 450 liters

Performance (0-100 km / h): 6.9 seconds

Speed: 193 km / h

Consumption (Mixed EU): 1.7 l / 100 km

CO emissions2: 39 g / km

Price: from 46 650 €

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Auto

Fiat 500 BSG 1.0 Hybrid, still trendy


TEST – Thanks to a 3-cylinder light hybridization, the Italian city car reduces its CO emissions2 by 20%.

By Pascal Martin

Giancarlo Gobbi / Gobbi / eventoLive.it

Do not be fooled by appearances! Under its “hybrid” name, the Fiat 500 has a much lighter hitch than true hybrid city cars such as the Toyota Yaris. Exit the Fiat 69 hp 4-cylinder and make way for the new atmospheric 1.0 3-cylinder 70 hp from the Firefly family, here combined with a 12V starter-alternator. Powered by a small lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 11 Ah, this 3.6 kW “electric boost” is certainly not powerful enough to animate the crisp Italian alone, but this system makes it possible to recover energy at the same time. deceleration, to support the petrol engine during the next acceleration, to cut the latter as often as possible (under 30 km / h and in neutral) to reduce its consumption and to restart it immediately. In practice, these operations carried out instantly are carried out in full transparency.

The 500 Hybrid is also available in a Cabrio version. Fiat

If the 500 Hybrid perhaps does not steer as short as a Twingo and its driving position is not a model of ergonomics, its ease of evolution in the city gives a smile. In the urban jungle, its compactness (3.57 m), its wide field of vision and its soft controls – the City button lightens the steering when maneuvering – are sacred allies. However, we regret the imprecision of the control of the new six-speed gearbox and the percussion of the suspension. Its 70 hp and 92 Nm of torque are sufficient in town, even if the contribution of the electric boost from the alternator-starter is hardly noticeable. The 3-cylinder is docile, but not very demonstrative, in any case less than the old 1.2 with 69 hp and 102 Nm. On the other hand, the higher engine braking due to regeneration on deceleration is really felt. By anticipating driving, braking is often superfluous. In fact, we were able to note an average consumption of less than 6 l / 100 km all routes combined (5.3 l / 100 km and 120 g / km of CO2 announced by Fiat) during our test.

Fiat

Displayed from € 15,290, or € 1,000 more than the old 500 4-cylinder 1.2 69 hp, already not given and now only offered in a Dualogic robotic gearbox (from € 16,290), this Hybrid is the solution for the manufacturer. the cheapest to lower consumption and CO emissions2 (all 500 Hybrids escape the penalty). As for the wealthy city dwellers, they will be able to turn to the new 100% electric 500. In the La Prima version, they will have to pay a minimum of € 27,900, including a bonus of € 7,000.

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Auto

Volvo XC40 P8 Charging, first contact


At the rate of one new model per year, Volvo will have five electric vehicles in 2025. With this zero-emission range, the Swedish manufacturer aims by then to achieve 50% of its volumes and reduce the carbon footprint of the vehicle by 40%. life cycle of its cars. Developed from the XC40 SUV voted Car of the Year in 2018, the first model of this new family arrives at the end of the year on our roads. The closed grille painted in the color of the bodywork and discreet badges are the only elements that distinguish the Recharge P8 AWD version from models with a combustion engine.

ACE Team

Inside, the differences are just as minimal and only visible when the system is powered on. The new interface was developed with Google. Its operating system running on Android makes it possible to take advantage of Google Assistant voice control, Google Maps and remote updates. Next year, new features will ensure the unlocking and starting of the vehicle via the smartphone, but also the transfer of the digital key to a third party, your spouse or your children.

ACE Team

At the cost of a few adaptations of the battery placed under the floor, the engineers managed to preserve the livability of the XC40. The loss of 47 liters of trunk capacity (413 liters) is largely offset by the provision of 31 liters of space under the front hood. The latter easily accommodates the two charging cables provided, one of 10 A to connect to a domestic socket and the other for wallbox, unfortunately limited to 16 A (3.7 kW) and requiring nearly 20 hours of charging. To divide this time by three, it will cost 355 euros to access the optional cable to use the maximum power of the onboard charger of 11 kW. Provided a quick charge is found, the Volvo battery accepts a charging power of 150 kW so as to recover up to 80% of its energy in 40 minutes. To encourage the switch to electric, the Swedish manufacturer offers any buyer of an XC40 T8 before December 31, 2020, the charging station, up to a limit of € 1,149 for a single house or € 599 for a joint ownership.

ACE Team

It is characteristic of an electric vehicle: the XC40 T8 comes to life without a sound. No more vibrations from a diesel and the soundtrack that attacks the eardrums. The best is yet to come. This SUV leaves its location with disconcerting vigor, similar to that of a GT. The acceleration puts you in the seat. 100 km / h is reached in 4.9 seconds; 130 km / h barely three seconds later. On the Mortefontaine circuit, the scene of our test, a small straight line is enough to block the counter at 180 km / h, the top speed of this SUV. A performance for this SUV still weighing nearly 2.2 tons including 500 kg attributable to batteries with a capacity of 78 kWh (75 kWh useful). It must be said that the XC40 T8 claims a power of 408 hp thanks to its two permanent magnet synchronous electric machines of 204 hp (150 kW), one per axle.

ACE Team

The traction managed by the all-wheel drive is never faulted thanks to a fine distribution of the torque (660 Nm). The lower center of gravity and the firmer sports chassis of the R-Design finish also contribute to the balance of handling. Given the inertia of the whole, we are not sorry to have a very powerful regenerative braking and three positions. The highest allows a rather pleasant driving called “a pedal”. Perfectly completed and free of jerk, this system eliminates the need to apply the brake pedal in many situations, especially in town. It contributes to the safety that Volvo has set to an even higher level than usual.

ACE Team

The manufacturer, which no longer wants any death or serious injury in its cars, has equipped the XC40 T8 with the ADAS device coupled with a multitude of cameras, radars and sensors and allowing in particular the automatic avoidance of pedestrians or cyclists, in addition to braking emergency. There remains the other thorny subject of the electric vehicle: autonomy. Our brief contact did not allow us to verify it but Volvo announces 418 km in the combined cycle and up to 538 km in the city, according to the WLTP standard. Available as an option (+ € 660), the heat pump helps increase autonomy. Finally, the XC40 T8 Recharge is expensive for its quality services. If it is eligible for the ecological bonus of 3,000 euros, at 59,940 €, it remains by far the most expensive model in this range of SUVs.

Technical sheet

Motors: 2 synchronous electric permanent magnets of 204 hp (cumulative power: 408 hp), 660 Nm of torque.

Transmission: all-wheel, 1-speed auto.

Dimensions (L x W x H): 4,425 x 1,863 x 1,652 mm

Weight: 2,150 kg

Consumption: nc

Range: 418 km

Speed: 180 km / h

Price: 59 940 €

Volvo

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Peugeot 3008, a more statutory SUV


Among the latest projects carried out by Gilles Vidal before he packed up his bags for Renault’s design, the facelift of the 3008 has just been unveiled. As this is a vehicle sold which is a phenomenon having already attracted more than 800,000 motorists since its launch at the end of 2016 and which ensures comfortable margins thanks to the high mix of superior finishes, Peugeot has limited risk-taking. The Sochaux builder has above all been keen to strengthen its personality through a style that continues to flourish and to enrich its technological content.

This is how the 3008 adopts the latest stylistic changes that appeared on the recent 508 and 2008. Now frameless, the grille is extended in the form of fins to the redesigned optics. These are crossed by a vertical light ring that has the effect of a scar. Glossy black side scoops complete the shield. Result: the 3008 adopts an even more carnivorous look.

Peugeot

This is even truer with the GT and GT Pack versions which receive full LED headlamps benefiting from the cornering light function (EVS) which optimizes visibility up to 90 km / h. Guaranteed effect also for those who will follow the new 3008: the light signature of the rear lights adopts a 3D effect, the indicators are scrolling and the optics are covered with a transparent smoked glass. From the top-of-the-range GT and GT Pack finishes, Peugeot offers the even more aggressive “Black Pack” version as an option. It can be recognized by its black grille, front fender trims and shiny black rear fascia strip, satin black roof bars, black door sills and 19-inch varnished black rims.

Peugeot

On board, we find the i-Cockpit dear to Peugeot, but its definition has been redesigned in favor of enhanced refinement. The improvements center around the adoption of a better-quality instrument cluster, a 10-inch multimedia display and more opulent trim. The GT and GT Pack versions have a choice of red nappa leather or mixed textile / suede upholstery with the most beautiful effect. Together with the dark lime wood decor, this creates a very tasteful ambience. In addition, the combustion engine versions equipped with the automatic transmission now have access to the driving mode selector (Normal, Sport and Eco). The 3008 takes advantage of its facelift to enrich its technological content, with, in particular, driving aids allowing level 2 autonomous driving and the night vision system making it possible to detect the presence of pedestrians and animals on the road in the dark. pavement. Simplified, the structure of the range now revolves around three finishes, Active, Allure and GT, completed for each of them with an intermediate Pack version.

Peugeot

The engine offer includes two petrol versions, the 130 hp 1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder available as an 8-speed manual or automatic transmission and the 180 hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo, as well as a single diesel model, the 1.5 liter BlueHDi 130, available with both transmissions. Two plug-in hybrid versions complete the range: 225 or 300 hp. The first combines the 180 hp 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with a 110 hp electric motor coupled to the 8-speed automatic gearbox. The second adds a second 112 hp electric motor on the rear axle. This is how the Hybrid 4 version has four-wheel drive. The latter is also available in electric mode. The 225 hp version claims a standardized consumption of 1.3 l / 100 km, or CO emissions2 of 30 g / km. The 300 hp version is approved at 1.2 km / h, which corresponds to CO emissions2 of 29 g / km.

Still produced in the Sochaux plant, the new 3008 will be marketed at the end of 2020. As for the 5008, it should in turn be equipped with the changes made to the 3008.

SERVICES: View used Peugeot 3008 cars for sale on Paruvendu.fr

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The electric vehicle under conditions


NEWS – The French are not against the battery car but make its purchase subject to a few requirements.

Tibo

We only talk about her. The electric car is on everyone’s lips. While the French government has given its development a financial boost by raising the amount of the premium to accelerate the ecological transition, consumers seem, in a large majority, ready to take the plunge. According to a study Accelerating the Evolution commissioned by the company Castrol and carried out among a panel of consumers, fleet managers and leaders of the automotive industry, French motorists are ready to buy a battery vehicle by 2024 , on average. The evolution of technologies and the development of the fleet of charging stations would encourage them to convert to electricity. More than half (56%) of fleet managers indicate, for their part, that they expect their competitors to take the plunge to do the same.

The study reveals that the purchase of an electric vehicle is conditioned on three factors: price, charging time and range. For 75% of French consumers, the electric car is still too expensive. This perception is distorted by the fact that many of them are unaware that the cost of maintaining and operating these vehicles is much lower than that of a thermal engine vehicle. Around 27% according to the latest studies. The fact remains that the price of an electric vehicle should not exceed 28,000 euros for French consumers to adopt the zero-emission car. This is 4,000 euros less than the world average.

Second factor that may explain the reluctance of French consumers: the duration of the recharge. The majority of those questioned still find it too long. The average time should not exceed 27 minutes to encourage as many people as possible to drive electric. For the moment, we are far from the mark. The number of fast terminals is not yet very developed.

Finally, and this is the third brake on the widespread adoption of electric vehicles: the fear of breakdown. These models indeed suffer from limited autonomy. For motorists to take the plunge, vehicles would need to be able to travel from Paris to Lyon with a single charge. This is far from being the case today. Above 100-110 km, the consumption of an electric vehicle becomes almost exponential.

It is clear that today on the market, no electric vehicle meets these three conditions – an average price of € 28,000, a recharge time of 27 minutes and a range of 465 km. The Renault Zoe comes close to it but its city car architecture does not satisfy all uses. For the three conditions conditioning the mass adoption of electric vehicles to be met, we will certainly have to wait for a technological breakthrough.

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Jeep Renegade 4xe, a yankee with green feet


In Europe, its big V8 rolling mechanics are no longer in the smell of sanctity. Jeep, like its competitors, has no choice but to switch to the world of sobriety to meet the objectives of reducing CO emissions.2 imposed by the European Union. Behind an embryo of a mathematical formula on the way to becoming a signature – 4xe – the American manufacturer is taking its first steps on the plug-in hybrid market. To give yourself every chance of going down to 95 g / km of CO2, the two best-selling models, the Renegade and the Compass, benefit.

ACE Team

With its grille reminiscent of the Willys and its compact shapes, the first has an extra soul but the interior, both materials and design, cannot make you forget its age. However, the arrival of the plug-in hybrid engine gives it a new lease of life. This system is as efficient as that of its rivals for a particularly attractive price. From € 38,700 (excluding the € 2,000 bonus) for the 190 hp version.

Four-wheel drive on demand

ACE Team

The better-equipped 240 hp model claims an additional € 3,800. It combines the 1.3 in-house turbo petrol of 180 hp with a 60 hp electric motor installed on the rear axle and allowing the benefit of all-wheel drive. A second electric machine placed at the front acts as a high voltage generator at low speed. A useful 8.9 kWh battery completes the system. The result is convincing. The electric autonomy can exceed 50 km. We thus crossed the island of Ré without consuming a single drop of gasoline. The system also offers a full range of modes to manage energy as well as possible. The fact remains that this technology only delivers its full efficiency when the battery can be recharged as often as possible. Other pitfalls: the whole is ballasted by 200 kg and due to a reduced 11-liter tank, the range does not exceed 400 km.

ACE Team

Technical sheet

Engines: 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 1332 cc3, 180 hp,

+ 1 electric motor 60 hp (cumulative power:

240 hp)

Transmission: Integral, auto. 6 reports

Dimensions: L. 4.23, W. 1.80 h. 1.71 m

Consumption: 2.2 l / 100 km

CO emissions2: 50 g / km

Speed: 199 km / h

Price: 42,500 €

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