#ev mode hybrid

[techdriveplay]

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD Review

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD ushers in a bold new era for family SUVs, showcasing a daring departure from its predecessor in both design and functionality. Hyundai has reimagined the Santa Fe, crafting a seven-seater that stands out with its striking looks and impressive features. It’s not just the exterior that has undergone a transformation; the Santa Fe Hybrid promises a well-rounded…

[gaadikey]

2024 Toyota Hyryder Hybrid Review - Great for Long drives!

Introduction Hyryder is the first product from Toyota after a joint collaboration with Maruti Suzuki in developing Hybrid technology. The Hyryder uses the self-charging series-parallel drive train mated to a petrol engine and the battery. This is our first time driving a car of this nature – a self-charging strong hybrid which has capability to drive in both EV mode and ICE mode. What follows…

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Mazda Iconic SP Concept, 2023. A prototype sports coupé powered by a 2-rotor rotary EV system that can run on hydrogen but also has an all-electric mode. The combined output of the hybrid powertrain is 365hp and it can also be used as a backup power source and supply a family with enough electricity for more than a week. Presented at the Japan Mobility Show, the high output generated by the two-rotor rotary EV system and the weight distribution of around 50:50 are said to "achieve excellent driving performance" but no word of when we might be able to buy one.

[exorcqism]

𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐎 𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐎

„𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓”

𝐂𝐖;; 18+ content, MDNI. afab!reader, obsessive!choso, masturbation, mentions of sex (?), praise kink (?), no uses of y/n. not proofread so i apologize in advance for any mistakes if they’re made.

: ̗̀➛ art creds by;; MAPPA. dividers are not mine, if you own these, you may claim them in comments.

: ̗̀➛ WORD COUNT;; 2.3OK

dark mode recommended

do not copy this plot. i’m perfectly fine with inspirations but give creds. if this plot his stolen in any way, the post will be taken down and you will be blocked.

𝐃𝐀𝐊𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒 ✉️🖇️;; being on c.ai just gave me this idea. ya probably missed my smut so im back at it. here’s choso for everybody that asked (more of him coming up!) hope ya enjoyyyyy reblog to support meeeee and if you want more :D and merry christmas eve!!

another note: i was listening to “in for it” by tory lanez when writing this…i think it’s perfect. i was also listening to “from the start” by laufey…that inspired the plot also. also the (?) means that i listed the warning just in case it happens and i may change my mind mid story so still be cautious! (putting that in for my future stories) (some aspects inspired by: @chososdiscordkitten)

choso was lying on his bed and he was holding his phone. he was now looking over at his text messages and he saw that his “friend” was now texting him. that “friend” was you. he sighed softly and he put his phone down and let his hand travel down to between his legs.

he was already rubbing himself lightly ans slowly. he started to breathe in and out slowly. his body would become hot as he was thinking of you and how he wanted to have you back in his presence.

you and choso were really close. you met through his kid brother, yuji. the younger assumed that choso should try to go out and find himself some acquaintances to keep him occupied. it was also the right thing to do, considering that curses weren’t really accepted by society and he was a hybrid.

you both hit it off pretty quickly. you thought he was funny because of his awkwardness and tendency to get flustered every time you compliment him. he doesn’t hear those very often.

he had been thinking about all the different things he could say to you and he was just staring at your message with his thoughts swirling in his head like a storm. he also began to think of the possibility of you breaking his heart and the fact that you were probably talking to some other guy. you probably liked him better. he began thinking of how he can stop it before it starts. so you never leave him.

his fingers started to stroke his erection in a consistent rhythm and he was letting his thoughts takeover. he was imagining you with him and imagining you in a vulnerable position, wanting him and needing him

his strokes became faster and his breathing became more erratic, his body was starting to tense up as he couldn’t help but imagine you in every position. he let his mind become intoxicated by his lust and this sensation of losing control.

he was nearing the point of no return, he was taking heavy breaths and his body was tensing and relaxing in a consistent rhythm. he started to speak aloud and he would moan softly and he whispered your name under his breath, hoping no one can hear him.

he could feel himself getting close and his breathing was becoming faster and his voice now sounded like a growl as he let your name slip through his lips repeatedly. his breath was now hot and his body was tensing up and his fingers and fists were now clenching tightly as the sensation grew inside of him.

right before he could finish, he heard a knock on his door. choso sucked his teeth and covered himself with his blanket, slightly frustrated that he couldn’t completely satisfy himself without being interrupted. he would quickly try to slow his breathing before answering the door.

the door opens and yuji is standing there with an eager smile, “hey, did you wanna come to the mall with me and my friends later? i know it’s hot as hell out since it’s summer but we shouldn’t be inside all day.”

choso couldn’t see himself but he knew he was flustered and his chest was still moving up and down a bit quickly. it made yuji slightly suspicious.

“you sound outta breath, are you okay?”

“no—i mean, yes, i’m fine.” choso swallowed, running a hand through his hair. at this moment, choso didn’t have his hair up in his twintails like he normally did…part of that reason was because you mentioned that you liked him with his hair down and that he should wear that style a bit more often. it was also because he takes the rubber bands out of his hair after being out all day and wearing them as bracelets until the next time he had to leave the house.

“right,” yuji chuckled, “i’ll let you know when later if i’m still going.” the pink haired boy began to walk out of choso’s room but he quickly stopped him before the door closed.

“yeah?”

“is…you know who…gonna be there?” choso asked. the question alone made yuji smirk and lean against the doorframe in a goofy manner. it wouldn’t be a surprise if he picked this kind of stuff up from gojo.

“oh, yeah. she’ll be there.” yuji smiled. that’s when choso felt like he had to actually look like something today. he wanted to impress you. he wanted you to compliment him again. he wanted you to praise him. to give him the satisfaction that he had been craving from you for so long.

when yuji left the room, choso looked at his phone, reading the time. it was still a bit early in the morning. ‘9:15 AM’ the clock read. he’d glance down a the wallpaper on his phone, which was you and yuji smiling while eating some ice cream.

‘she’s so pretty…’ he thought. it felt like you were looking directly at him, the longer he stared at the photo, clearly hypnotized by your eyes and your smile. he needed you more than ever and he was gonna make it happen sooner or later.

choso got up and made his way to the bathroom to shower and clean the pre cum off of him. after he was done with his hygiene, he’d put his hair up in his usual twintails then he would put on something simple. a tan oversized sweater with a pair of joggers. he was a simple man and going out in a huge white robe and a gi wasn’t very ideal for the heat that was surging through the city.

a sweater and some joggers weren’t very ideal for this weather either but choso seemed to be fitting in very well…humans did the same thing. some of them.

when it was time to head out with yuji to go to the mall, choso was fully prepared to see you. the male would spray a few squirts of cologne on himself, fix his hair, and he even held out on putting on that eyeshadow that made him look like he didn’t get any ounce of sleep at all.

choso remembered you talking about spider lilies on your story. they came in beautiful colors that looked like they came from a fantasy world and you were in love with them. they were extremely rare and they had a deep meaning behind them.

though, he was aware that they were extremely rare, he was able to get his hands on them after searching around for a while. he found white and red spider lilies. he thought they were a pretty mix of colors. he was even lucky to get one that was white and faded into the usual deep red color like a gradient.

“who are those for?” yuji teased as he peered over at the four spider lilies that choso was carrying with him. the older male’s cheeks flushed a red color, hesitant on answering the question. he couldn’t lie to his brother so he decided to tell the partial truth.

“they’re a home decoration. they aren’t particularly for anyone. they’re for whoever wants them.” the male answered. yuji lifted an eyebrow. he thought it was a bit odd to buy flowers and carry them around until someone asked for them…but choso was still learning so yuji couldn’t blame him for being backwards.

when the two arrived at the mall, choso could see you sitting with nobara and megumi. megumi was spacing out, wandering around the area in circles while you and kugisaki were bumbling about what stores you were going to.

your head suddenly looks up, noticing choso and yuji standing a good distance away, pretty close to the entrance. when you put on a friendly smile and waved in their direction, he was pretty sure you were waving at him.

yuji and choso advance towards you and your other two friends and begin your plans for the day. plans like relaxing at the park or getting some sushi and udon came up. megumi remarking that yuji might stick one or sukuna’s fingers in his meal and call it a secret recipe.

while everyone talked, you noticed that choso was disassociated as usual, holding onto the spider lilies that he bought for you and zoning out.

“hey, how’d you get these?” you asked. choso’s heart skipped a beat when he felt your hand lightly brush against his when you attempted to touch the spider lilies. “they’re so rare.” you added.

“oh—uh…yeah.” choso mumbled. there was a silence. you knew choso was a quiet guy, so you didn’t force him to speak any more than he already had. you reach up and touch the flowers and your smile grows a bit.

“can i?” you begin. choso doesn’t hesitate to hand you the trio of lilies. you weren’t really expecting him to give you all of them since you only wanted to hold one of them. your eyes light up at the rare white one that faded into red. it caught your eye quicker than the regular red and white ones that were in that set of spider lilies.

choso fixed his lips to say something but yuji had come over to the two, “hey, you guys ready?”

of course, you were over the moon because you couldn’t wait to go shopping and go to your favorite places with nobara. you nod and trotted off, already knowing where you were going for your first store.

‘she didn’t give the flowers back…’ choso was in awe when you walked away, holding your favorite species of flowers in your hands. he felt the heat rising in his cheeks again. he’d take the time to take a mental image of you before smiling to himself.

it might’ve been the one in few times he’s actually smiled.

choso would follow yuji and megumi around, hoping that he’d end up running into you again while they circled around the building. instead of looking at things to buy, his thoughts were entirely filled with you.

he fantasized about what you say to him when it was time to confess. how it would feel to kiss you just one time. to sit in a park by all the cherry blossom trees and just have a long conversation about whatever came to mind.

he loved you but you weren’t seeing that. it was frustrating him. then it hit him…you probably did like someone else that wasn’t him. the thought made his chest hurt but he pushed those feelings down because he didn’t want to have a mental breakdown in public. not again.

when the five of you went out to get food after enjoying some time at the mall, choso made sure to sit beside you at the table but also near yuji so nothing was made terribly obvious. he listened to you ramble on about the stuff you bought from the mall. new clothes, a set of undergarments with a robe, and a vase for the spider lilies that you ended up getting from choso.

each time your hand accidentally brushed up against his hand or his arm, he couldn’t help but blush. he’d shove food into his mouth to force himself from smiling when you spoke to him.

this was regular to him. he was more than confident that you were in love with him when you flashed a warm smile at him and asked him for his input on each topic that bounced around the table.

his heart raced each time he fixed his lips to speak, mortified that he’d embarrass himself in front of you but he spoke smoothly and clearer than ever in his low adverb voice. currently, the conversation was on how yuji believed that choso was a terrible teacher. a moment that sent choso into an embarrassed spiral the first time it happened.

“i don’t think you’re a bad teacher,” you assure him, “there’s just things you need to learn and there’s …a million things yuji needs to learn. you both need each other’s support.”

your words meant everything to him and it also gave him a new form of confidence. it wasn’t that he really lacked confidence. he was just too stuck up in his own world to care about anything else.

at the end of your night, unknowingly making choso crave you even more as he continues life with his unrequited love, choso walks with you to the bus stop.

“oh, i meant to say thanks for the flowers. i think it’s a coincidence that you bought them, considering they’re rare…and they’re my favorite.” you say.

“oh…i didn’t know that.” choso replied. he felt terrible for lying. he knew a lot about you. he knew what kind of music you liked, what your favorite movies and shows were. everything. but he didn’t want you to run off because of his tendency to be honest and he might end up saying the wrong thing.

“do you…have instagram?” choso suddenly asks you as he noticed the bus approaching. you don’t think anything of it and you give him your username while he gives you his. he wanted to smile when he felt your phone in his hands but he managed to keep his disassociated expression.

when the bus arrived, the vehicle hissed as its doors opened up so you can board. you looked back at choso and waved goodbye to him and gave him a quick hug before you got onto the bus.

you quickly waved to him again the moment the you sat down on the bus and choso would wave back and there a a subtle smile on his face. once the bus pulled off, his smile faded and he took a breath.

‘next time…i’ll take more direct actions…’

𝐄𝐍𝐃.

⋆｡࿇ ·࣭࣪̇˖ 𖦹°༅༚

[babs-babbles]

Do you mind telling us more about your fan kids?

Lemme try to rack my noggin here

Naomi and Kyla! My blorbos my munchkins my half demon spawns

I don't have any new art of the girls BUT here's the most recent art of them I still have in my pocket

Naomi is a kaieve kid. Spawned from parasite/demon energy cross breeding (aka Eve and Kai'sa got it on real good one night and she appeared the next morning) Naomi (or Mimi for short) is a near spitting image of Evelynn, and the personality to go with it...

Taking well after Kai'sa Naomi is very passionate and outspoken with her interests and gets excited at new projects and learning opportunities. The other half from Evelynn is her dramatic flare on life and constantly making moves for success, a natural business woman and entrepreneur. Is often praised for by Eve for just the smallest things and she loves having her mom's constant attention

Raising Naomi was an odd case for her four moms. She wouldn't do much as a baby, just follow mommy Eve around mostly, or sticking close to her big sister. But she had the rare "demon baby" moments. She's a very strong hybrid who has void powers and demon instincts. It took a full void suited Kai'sa and demon shade mode Evelynn to calm her down from a tantrum. Later on Naomi grew a strong attachment to Ahri's fox form in her kid years, and often turned to momma Ahri for comfort

Some facts about Naomi

- very artistic. Enjoys fashion and painting

- smooth singing voice with lots of range. Loves learning songs in different languages

- an exceptional dancer and her favorite is tango

- is described as a socialite, but keeps her friend circle small

- used to stare blankly at Evelynn as baby, later learned that's how she shows affection

Now for Kyla. She's the oldest and was carried by Ahri. Born from Evelynn's demon energy mixing with the magical power of love for her wife and boom! A happy lil accident :D Kyla is born some good years after kda has made some albums and built a flourishing legacy (I see them all in their late 30s- early 40s when Kyla is born) Eve, Ahri, Akali and Kai'sa smothered their bab with the upmost love and attention as she grew up.

Raised as a legacy to the kda house name, Kyla was exposed to a lot of musical creation at home and grew a particular fond for music production. Often sneaking into Akali's studio after being put down for bed to watch her momma make cool sounds and beats. It's there she learns to create her own tracks and grows to carry on the kda name in the music industry

Personality wise Kyla is very quiet and is selectively mute. Only speaking when at home and to close friends (and the rare interview). Picking up after Akali she's often found held up in her room creating music for hours on end, often getting dragged out by Kai'sa and her sister to get a taste of sunlight. She uses music as her outlet and a way to speak to people and express herself. If not in the studio she can be found curled up in her fox form under Ahri

Some facts about Kyla

- doesn't speak as many languages as Naomi and Kai'sa, but is fluent in sign language

- sneaks out at night to underground clubs to test tracks (the only ones who know are Evelynn and Akali)

- her and Naomi both form the new kda group

- despite her shy personality Kyla has a much different stage presence with more energy

- looks up to Seraphine as her idol

PHEW!! that's all I can remember from like 2 years ago? I'm definitely gonna give them some redesigns tho so these ones aren't that canon anymore. I remember making these girls as a joke like "hurhurhur what if they unexpectedly had kids and stumbled into a chaotic family lifestyle" then ended up really liking the kids I made. Small note tho, I don't see kda actually having kids at some point. Both personally and logically in their universe. These girls exist more in an au setting of kda expanding into a more familial territory

[rs-junk-drawer]

Hi I’m the anon on sapphlings post w the nissan leaf its so bad out west besides like. Colorado and oregon and washington. I went through idaho and missed my exit and drove 20 miles on 0% in turtle mode before it succumbed 2 miles out from the charger. At like 2am. And then the charger wouldn’t connect when I got towed. I hope your ev is doing well. We are spiritually connected

hi fellow nissan leaf driver!! that does sound like idaho and lmao I love that the universal technical term is turtle mode. ours is a 2013 and only gets about 70 miles for a full charge so it's a bit painful sometimes </3

I live in (the actually populated part of) utah so it's not too bad compared to like, nevada or idaho like you said. 2 miles out from the charger is BRUTAL i am so sorry friend. (the first thing me & my partner did when we bought the car was add towing to our insurance coverage. because like. yeah. that sounds like us). I've driven across most of the country (middle new england -> UT) in a hybrid and it was a blast and I cannot imagine doing it in a fully electric.

godspeed friend I believe in you and your little bug lookin car. holding your hands on the astral plane. may chargepoints always work for you and your drives always be downhill

[things-about-cars-in-posts]

So, uh... this post was answering an ask, but then the saving glitched or something and now the post is in the drafts but it no longer has the ask in it, but the ask isn't in the inbox either. So I don't know if it vanished completely or if it will appear in this post upon posting. And perhaps more importantly, I don't know if the asker will get a notification when I hit post. I guess this is a good moment to ask you all to please avoid asking questions anonymously if possible, so I can reach out if need be (especially considering the months I tend to take to answer, har har).

Well, great, my quest to write a brief post is off to a great start. Oh, I know!

*ominous clattering sounds*

So, ever seen Speed? The movie, not the phenomenon. I haven't, but from what I heard, it's a movie where a bus driver finds out there's a bomb that will go off if they go slower than 50mph. I've gotta see it just to find out what prompted that, did a passenger get frustrated with how slow it- see?!?! I'm doing this again! But no more, thanks to this nifty device I've fitted, that will blow up if this post's word count reaches 2000 words. Yes, that's a pretty high bar, but you know, we tryna stay alive, like Wyclef Jean said. Wait, no, I don't think he ever actually says the song's title in the lyrics. But surely he mentioned its title at some point, right? I'm doing it again aren't I. What was the question anyway?

Do I- Okay, let's not repeat the "do I have thoughts on that" line. Last time it didn't end well.

But yeah, of course! I wrote about the Corolla previously, and who could forget the first mass production hybrid car?

Well, most of the people who drove one, probably - and likely even some that are currently involved in driving one. And, as I went over, I think that's to Toyota's credit.

Now, in my post about hybrid powertrains (definitely a recommended read to anyone who's giving a shit right now) I forewent one of the few important distinction between an F1 car's KERS system and my mom's Toyota - since the former can never run purely on electric power it's a mild hybrid, whereas Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD for friends) is a full hybrid system since it can. So essentially the reason her Toyota is not like an F1 Ferrari is that it's more capable. (And also it burns down less.) So the car could be using only the electric engine, or only the combustion engine, or both, or energy could be getting generated through regen braking or even by the engine(???) and I'm not even sure that's it. There's even a little animation you can toggle that shows you what the drivetrain is doing and what energy is going where. And I always thought that was a bit of a test-drive-only gimmick, not realizing that in my reaction lay proof of the system's brilliance: you don't ever really notice nor care what it's doing! Thanks to the smoothness of a very clever CVT made of planetary gears that I vaguely assume I understand, you barely ever feel any of those goings on. Aside from shifting into B when you need engine braking -even that a very smooth affair- all you ever experience is the variation in noise from the silence of EV mode to, should you ever be so unlucky as to encounter a road that points up...

(credit to @ggrtl1)

The HSD system now being in most of Toyota's range makes it easy to forget how it was a Prius exclusive for the longest time, and how starkly the Prius stood out when that was the case. But if we look back with that in mind, the Prius being an environmentally conscious choice that doesn't actually require you to have a clue about shit, and a car that almost actively dodges your attention, it's clear how it immediately became extremely popular… almost as much as it was maligned.

Car enthusiasts, as I already went over (oh sorry, I'd already linked this one), hated the Prius with unfathomable passion. I grew up in car meme circles and counting the jokes at the Prius' expense was akin to counting your breaths. To this day you can probably spot peeling "Prius repellent" stickers atop the exhaust pipes of the most insulting trucks of the Walmart lot. And really, I think there's more to why than what I talked about. For one, the Prius's architecture and marketing attracted and created drivers without much eagerness to get out of their own way, and by extension the cars behind them's. But really, people hated on Audi drivers tailgating and BMW drivers being seemingly unaware of the turn signal stalk's presence, and that never translated into cheering at pictures of M3s and RS4s engulfed in flames. There also was the idea of the Prius driver as someone eager to rub their environmental consciousness in your face - and I believe that gets closer to the point, but again, however much you can hate a driver, that doesn't really translate into hating the car with such memetic reliability that a key mechanic in my favorite gaming series ever involves finding pink Priuses and blowing them up.

It's something about the car itself. Or rather, what it represented.

I believe the Prius was the vegan of cars.

It was never just about what it did or how, but about how its existence implied that our way of life (in our case our acoustically, socially and environmentally obnoxious gas guzzlers) was bad, was wrong. It was an attack on how we rolled. And so we attacked back: "No, fuck YOU. You're nerdy, and uncool, and boring, and ugly. Go die." And really, it's interesting how those were the angles the Prius was attacked by - even though it was clearly never concerned with being cool or exciting to drive and, if I do say so myself, the Prius never looked that bad in the years when that hate developed.

I mean, even this interior is neat if you ask me!

Really, I think the reason those angles were chosen goes beyond the car. Nerdy, uncool, boring, ugly. What image does that conjure up?

Exactly.

And just like that emoji, those are comebacks you huck at someone who's getting in the way of your good time. But how did someone else's car get in the way of our good time? Simple: by highlighting the problems with our good time. Again, the vegan of cars. And just like them, this opposite faction was also seen as a threat. If this view wins, we feared, our vehicles for The Good Time will get banned or canceled or neutered beyond recognition. We were arguably living through the start of such events and they did get worse with time.

But still, our approach was misguided, handling serious environmental issues with the same maturity of children being reminded of their homework by their parents. The solution was not to try and boo the issue away, as though a relative handful of enthusiasts could drown out environmentalism, but to recognize that our smaller number and the masses' different priorities could have been assets: get out of this tunnel vision whereby everyone needs to have what you like and let others have a Prius; hell, encourage others to get a Prius, because the more people buy fuel efficient cars on their own accord, the less governments will feel the need to force them to do so with bans! Because bans? They SUCK. Not being able to use your car or go some place no matter how much you're willing to pay and how many hoops you're willing to jump through SUCKS. And it's unfair to everyone: the greener choice should be the better choice, because if not you're short changing people, and that betterness should be communicated well to the people, so they know they're not getting short changed. At which point you wouldn't need a ban anyway because the only people who wouldn't pick the greener thing of their own accord are us, the handful of weirdos who'll gladly stick with something worse for The Experience™, whose impact will be too small to be worth restricting everyone's freedom over.

We were too few to matter, but instead of using that as the asset it was we fought against that idea. And that's understandable: we all like for our opinion to be popular, we all like to push people to be more like us because we like the idea that it's a good thing to be the way we are. So it's tough to embrace the idea that the fewer people like us there are the better. And perhaps we were too proud to admit that our passion really is problematic at scale and thus have that conversation altogether. Or we just didn't feel like dealing with that problem. Again, kids not wanting to do homework.

But now that half of all Toyotas sold (in the U.S. at least, but that's always been the cultural trends dictator anyway) are hybrids, funnily enough, it all seems okay. I mean, whose vitriol is being spent on the Corolla Hybrid? And it's not because the Corolla name did get slapped onto enough different cars that eventually it landed onto something with some enthusiast cred...

...because that never made enthusiasts hold the "normal" Corolla in any higher regard than 'boringly sensible, nondescript transportation only ever interesting as a way to justify any unwise sportscar purchase of a similar buy-in price' ("Can you believe I got this V10 twin turbo Audi RS6 for the price of a new Corolla?", usually said a month before the first night spent under a bridge). And even if it did, it would be all the more reason to curse the HSD powertrain for "ruining" it, or whatever. People don't hate on the RAV4 Hybrid, the Sienna Hybrid, the whatever Hybrid nowadays. (Or maybe they are and I'm just hanging around more mature people now, but I do feel like a cultural shift has gone on.)

Is it because hate struggles to spread itself too thin, especially across vehicles whose hybridness isn't their whole personality as the Prius's was? Maybe, but I doubt it looking at all the positive sentiment around the fifth gen Prius, surprising a glowup as it may have been.

(Y'ain't really fuck with me way back then girl

how 'bout now)

It could also be that a threat is often worse than the event itself, because focusing on a threat makes it feel like an all-encompassing hypothetical that must be avoided at all costs or how will we manage, but when we live through it it's just one of the many things going on in our lives, and we find out we manage just fine. Many cars we barely cared about to begin with are hybrid now, so what. Those seeking to avoid hybrid powertrains just... do that. Some cars are canceled, so we buy used or look elsewhere. That Prius was not a harbinger of doom, just a precursor of a trend that it didn't cause, and didn't really kill us all. But maybe it's the move that we're currently fearing will kill us all, electrification, that has not just shifted attention away from hybrids, but framed them more positively by comparison. But perhaps there's an even bigger, show-stealing enemy, doing what we feared hybrids would do and what we're fearing electrification will do: SUVification. Sure, people raged at things like the Honda NSX becoming a hybrid or the Mazda MX-5 announcing electrification, but travesties like the new "Capri" really make that rage look silly, as if we lost the focus of what was really vital, like i did with the word count oh no

Links in blue are posts of mine about the topic in question: if you liked this post, you might like those - or the blog’s Discord server, linked in the pinned post!

[aiautos]

The 2023 Lamborghini Equus was a Gas-Turbine EV Hybrid sold with only 600 models produced. It was designed to be the worlds fastest production EV, with a top speed of 270 mph. It was made to celebrate the history of Lamborghini, and show a push towards new technologies, like the Gas Turbines that Chrysler had been pioneering for the past 50 years, combined with electric motors. The car has a 0-60 time of 0.87 seconds in "Assurdo" Mode, translating to "Absurd" in English.

[martin-cambell]

What are the Various Types of Electric Vehicles and How Do They Work?

The automotive landscape is undergoing a monumental shift, fueled by technological advancements and a growing awareness of environmental concerns. At the forefront of this transformation are Electric Vehicles (EVs), heralding a cleaner and more sustainable era of transportation. In this in-depth exploration, we'll navigate through the intricacies of electric vehicles, dissecting their diverse types, unraveling their operational mechanisms, and glimpsing into their promising future.

Understanding Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles distinguish themselves by relying on electric motors powered by electricity stored in a battery. This departure from traditional internal combustion engines presents a promising solution to environmental challenges posed by conventional vehicles.

The Intricate Working of Electric Vehicles

Breaking down the workings of an Electric Vehicle reveals a symphony of components, from the crucial battery pack and controller to the electric motor and accelerator pedal. This orchestrated dance results in a clean, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Exploring the Diverse Electric Vehicle Types

Electric Vehicles come in various flavors, each catering to specific user needs:

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): The purest form of electric mobility, BEVs run solely on electricity, eliminating tailpipe emissions and contributing significantly to reducing air pollution. Examples include the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Bridging the gap between traditional and electric vehicles, HEVs combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, enhancing fuel efficiency. Popular models include the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Offering flexibility with electric and gasoline power, PHEVs can operate emission-free for shorter distances while providing extended range for longer journeys. The Chevrolet Volt and Ford Escape PHEV are notable examples.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): Using hydrogen gas in a fuel cell stack, FCEVs emit only water vapor and heat as byproducts. Though in early commercial stages, models like the Toyota Mirai are pioneering this unique approach to electric mobility.

Future Prospects and Challenges of Electric Vehicles

While the road to widespread EV adoption presents challenges like charging infrastructure development and battery technology advancements, the promise of cleaner, greener transportation beckons. As technology advances and sustainability takes center stage, Electric Vehicles are poised to revolutionize the way we move, offering not just a choice but a responsibility towards a cleaner and healthier planet.

To read more, click here.

Discover the fascinating world of advanced electric vehicles and beyond with SearchEV, your ultimate gateway to awe-inspiring EV technology and much more!

[max--phillips]

Finding out Ferrari has 2 plug in hybrids: oh neat ok

Finding out said Ferraris only gets about 10 miles of EV range: yikes?????

Finding out the Ferrari PHEVs don’t have a mechanical reverse gear, so the entire reverse gear is in all-electric mode:

[fitnessbeautyarts]

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid powerhouse, offering 40 miles of electric range and 34 mpg overall in hybrid mode. With 302 horsepower and a refined interior, it’s perfect for efficient and comfortable driving. Charging takes about 5 hours on a 240-volt outlet. Best for: Drivers seeking top-notch fuel efficiency, quick acceleration, and a comfortable ride in a compact SUV. The Subaru Crosstrek combines affordability and practicality, offering 29 mpg overall and standard all-wheel drive. Its comfortable ride, practical interior, and optional 2.5L engine make it great for everyday use or mountain adventures. Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who need an affordable, versatile subcompact SUV with all-weather capability. The Kia Sportage PHEV delivers 34 miles of EV range and 31 mpg overall. With a spacious interior, quick charging in 2.5 hours, and responsive handling, it’s ideal for city and suburban drivers looking for efficiency and comfort. Best for: Families or commuters wanting a stylish, fuel-efficient hybrid with generous space and urban-friendly features. The Honda CR-V offers practicality and reliability with 26 mpg overall. It features a spacious rear seat, intuitive controls, and a firm yet absorbent ride. Though slightly underpowered, it remains a top choice for families. Best for: Families looking for a reliable and spacious compact SUV that’s easy to use and practical. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid shines with 35 mpg overall and 226 horsepower. Its firm and steady ride, quiet cabin, and roomy interior make it a strong choice for those wanting hybrid efficiency with premium features. Best for: Eco-conscious drivers who want hybrid efficiency with a roomy and comfortable compact SUV. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a family-friendly SUV offering 35 mpg overall and a roomy second row. Its agile handling and upscale finishes on higher trims make it perfect for those needing efficiency and space. Best for: Larger families seeking a fuel-efficient 3-row SUV with excellent reliability. The Honda CR-V Hybrid combines 35 mpg overall with responsive handling and standard safety features. With ample cargo space and a comfortable ride, it’s a practical and efficient choice for everyday driving. Best for: Commuters and small families who want hybrid efficiency and all-around practicality. The Kia Telluride delivers a smooth ride with 291 horsepower, seating for up to 8, and 5,000 lbs of towing capacity. Its spacious interior and thoughtful features make it a top pick for families who need versatility. Best for: Families who want a spacious, feature-packed midsize SUV with towing capability. The Hyundai Palisade shares its platform with the Telluride, offering quiet comfort and seating for up to 8. Its thoughtful interior design and smooth V6 engine make it a great choice for larger families. Best for: Families who prioritize comfort and need seating for 7 or 8 passengers. The Mazda CX-90 stands out with its sporty handling, luxurious interior, and available plug-in hybrid option. With 24 mpg overall and an EV range of 26 miles, it’s perfect for those who want performance and efficiency in a 3-row SUV. Best for: Drivers seeking a luxurious and sporty 3-row SUV with hybrid options and premium features. No matter your needs—efficiency, space, or luxury—these SUVs have something for everyone. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

[tuhinnseo]

A Practical Approach to Lowering Your Carbon Footprint for a More Sustainable Future

The term “carbon footprint” refers to the total amount of greenhouse gasses, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂), emitted directly and indirectly by human activities. Every action we take, from driving a car to eating a meal, contributes to our carbon footprint and has an impact on the planet. With climate change becoming an increasingly urgent issue, understanding and reducing our carbon footprints is more important than ever.

This article explores what a carbon footprint is, its sources, and practical steps individuals can take to minimize their impact on the environment.

What is a Carbon Footprint?

A carbon footprint measures the amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities. This includes not only carbon dioxide (CO₂) but also methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), which are all significant contributors to global warming. The carbon footprint of an individual, organization, or nation is typically measured in tons of CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e) per year.

Carbon footprints are divided into two main categories:

Direct Emissions: These are emissions from sources that are directly under an individual or organization’s control, such as the fuel burned by a car, or the electricity used in a home.

Indirect Emissions: These emissions are associated with the production and distribution of goods and services that we consume but do not control directly. For example, the emissions created by the manufacturing of a product we buy online or the production of the food we eat.

Reducing both direct and indirect emissions can help lower overall carbon footprints and slow down climate change.

Major Sources of Carbon Footprints

Understanding the primary contributors to carbon footprints can help identify areas where we can make a difference. Some of the biggest sources include:

Transportation: The burning of fossil fuels in cars, airplanes, and other modes of transportation is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Personal vehicles, in particular, produce a significant amount of CO₂ per mile driven, with larger vehicles and longer commutes creating higher emissions.

Energy Use in Homes: The electricity, heating, and cooling used in homes contribute significantly to individual carbon footprints. Coal, oil, and natural gas are often the primary sources of energy, and burning these fossil fuels releases CO₂ and other greenhouse gases.

Food Production and Consumption: Food production, especially meat and dairy, has a substantial carbon footprint. Livestock farming produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, while industrial farming, transportation, and food waste contribute additional emissions. Foods that are processed or transported over long distances add even more to the carbon footprint.

Manufacturing and Consumer Goods: The production, transportation, and disposal of goods we buy, from clothing to electronics, require energy and resources. Manufacturing processes emit greenhouse gases, and many products contain plastic or other non-biodegradable materials, which contribute to pollution.

Waste: Waste disposal, particularly in landfills, releases methane and CO₂ as organic materials decompose. Recycling, composting, and reducing waste can help lower these emissions.

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes; even small adjustments in daily habits can make a big impact. Here are some practical ways to lower your emissions:

Use Energy Efficiently: Reduce energy use by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, installing energy-efficient light bulbs, and investing in energy-saving appliances. Consider switching to renewable energy sources, like solar panels, to power your home.

Drive Less: Reduce transportation emissions by using public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking when possible. Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars emit far less CO₂ than gasoline-powered cars, making them a good alternative if you need a vehicle.

Choose a Plant-Based Diet: Reducing meat and dairy consumption can have a significant impact on your carbon footprint, as livestock farming is one of the largest sources of methane emissions. Choosing a diet that’s rich in plant-based foods like vegetables, grains, and legumes can help lower emissions. Additionally, try to buy locally-sourced foods to reduce emissions associated with long-distance transportation.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimizing waste is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. Buy items that are durable, reusable, and biodegradable whenever possible. Recycling materials like plastic, glass, and paper reduces the need for new production and keeps waste out of landfills.

Conserve Water: Reducing water usage can indirectly lower carbon emissions. Heating water uses energy, so taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, and using water-efficient fixtures can all contribute to a smaller carbon footprint.

Shop Mindfully: Buy only what you need and look for sustainable brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials and practices. Fast fashion, for example, generates a large carbon footprint due to the quick turnaround of clothes and high resource consumption.

Offset Your Carbon Footprint: For emissions that are difficult to avoid, consider purchasing carbon offsets. These are investments in environmental projects, such as reforestation or renewable energy, which help balance out the emissions created by your activities.

The Role of Awareness and Advocacy

Raising awareness about carbon footprints is crucial in the fight against climate change. By educating yourself and others, you can inspire change on a larger scale. Supporting policies that promote renewable energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture are essential in reducing global emissions. Community efforts like neighborhood recycling programs or tree-planting initiatives also help promote a culture of sustainability.

Conclusion

Understanding and reducing our carbon footprint is essential to preserving the planet for future generations. By making conscious choices in our daily lives—like using less energy, adopting a plant-based diet, and minimizing waste—we can all play a part in mitigating climate change. Although individual efforts may seem small, collectively, they contribute to a larger impact. With the right knowledge and practices, each of us can help create a more sustainable, low-carbon future.

[blogueericdescarries]

Chevrolet Blazer EV, Honda Civic Hybrid et le Festival des Essais

Le 3 novembre 2024

Il y a de ces semaines où…il y en a trop! Trop de quoi? Trop d’histoires automobile, trop d’évènements… mais pas assez de temps pour tout couvrir. C’est ce qui vient de m’arriver. Deux véhicules à analyser et surtout le Festival des Essais où il m’a fallu rouler jusqu’au nord de Toronto pour conduire plus de quinze véhicules en marge du concours du Véhicule de l’année de l’Association des Journalistes Automobile du Canada (AJAC).

Bon, assez chiâler! Commençons par le premier véhicule de la semaine, le VUS intermédiaire Blazer à propulsion électrique de Chevrolet. Au départ, je dois vous avouer que j’ai été favorablement impressionné! OK, il m’a fallu quelques minutes pour me retrouver lors de ma prise de contact. Mais, il ne m’a pas fallu beaucoup de temps pour apprécier mon expérience au volant!

Le Blazer EV RS dans toute sa splendeur. (Photo Éric Descarries)

Il faut avouer que ce Blazer est un peu plus gros qu’il semble être. Son redesign est réussi, du moins à mes yeux. Je vous laisse juger de vous-même à partir des photos publiées ici. Quant à l’intérieur, j’ai encore une fois été impressionné par ses vastes dimensions.

Même de l’arrière, ce Blazer électrique démontre un styling agréable. (Photo Éric Descarries)

Le portillon de la prise de courant est plutôt…grand! (Photo Éric Descarries)

Le tableau de bord est impressionnant, surtout au niveau de l’instrumentation qui est incluse dans un grand écran horizontal. Il faut une courte étude pour tout comprendre mais la majorité des commandes est facile à deviner. La carte routière apparaissant à cet écran est grande et précise mais il me semble qu’il n’y ait pas de connexion avec Apple CarPlay ou Android? Bizarre. Semble-t-il que ce soit une question de… « sécurité »…Incidemment, le système d’infodivertissement est de Google. Les multiples buses rondes de la planche de bord ne sont pas sans nous rappeler celles des Camaro maintenant abandonnées.

Voici comment les designers de GM voient le tableau de bord…d’aujourd’hui! Simple mais fonctionnel! (Photo Éric Descarries).

J’ai réussi à charger la batterie complètement…448 km de réserve…(Photo Éric Descarries)

La sellerie est agréable à l’œil mais il n’y a que cinq places à bord. Toutefois, l’espace réservé au compartiment cargo est suffisant voire même caverneux si l’on baisse le dossier des sièges arrière. On y accède par le grand hayon mais je n’y ai pas vu d’opération provoquée par le passage du pied sous le parechoc.

Les places arrière sont vraiment généreuses. (Photo Éric Descarries)

Évidemment, il est presque impossible d’y voir la « mécanique » (électrique) même si le capot avant se soulève. La version qui m’a été confiée était un Blazer à traction intégrale. Il y avait donc deux moteurs. Celui d’avant fait 241 chevaux, celui d’arrière 90 pour une puissance combinée de 288 chevaux et 333 li-pi de couple. Il existe une version à traction avant seulement et une version de performance avec moteur arrière seulement (de 340 chevaux). Bien entendu, il n’y a pas de boîte de vitesses sur un tel modèle électrique. La batterie du nom (maintenant abandonné) d’Ultium est de 85 kW. Quant aux pneus, mon véhicule d’essai était équipé de Bridgestone Alenza 275/45 R21 d’été. J’ai regardé le prix de ces pneus en version Hiver et j’y ai constaté des chiffres qui peuvent dépasser 600 $ chacun donc quelque 2500 $ le jeu de quatre ? Vaut mieux magasiner…

Décidemment, il ne manque pas de place pour les bagages... (Photo Éric Descarries)

...mais à l'avant (ce que les Américains appellent "frunk" combinant les mots "front" et "trunk")... (photo Éric Descarries)

Sur la route

Rouler avec un Blazer à traction intégrale demande un peu d’ajustement. D’abord, selon la nouvelle « mode », lorsqu’on monte à bord…il n’y a pas de contact où insérer la clé. Le seul fait de mettre le pied sur la pédale de frein anime toute l’électricité dans l’habitacle. Pour « avancer », on tourne la manette à D et voilà, tout se met en action ! On accélère tout doucement et le Blazer se déplace alors que le moteur électrique (ou quelque chose du genre) émet un son bizarre du style électronique jusqu’à quelque 30 km/h. Ensuite, il disparaît. Était-ce pour avertir les piétons autour du véhicule?

Dire que le Blazer serait un « foudre de guerre » comme le veut l’expression consacrée ne serait pas tout-à-fait exact. Oui, les moteurs électriques sont rapides mais passer de 0 à 100 km/h en environ sept secondes n’est pas vraiment sujet pour écrire à sa mère. Les reprises sont bonnes mais toujours pas excitantes.

Il faut dire que j’ai dû débrancher le véhicule avant de prendre la route. Or ce faire, il faut déverrouiller le Blazer et refermer l’imposante « trappe » dans l’aile d’avant (ce qui peut se faire tout simplement en mettant le véhicule en D). Le câble est sensiblement de la même longueur que celui des autres VÉ mais j’aimerais qu’il soit un peu plus long d’environ deux pieds…Le freinage contribue à la régénération de la batterie.

J’ai donc utilisé le Blazer EV RS surtout en conditions urbaines. Malgré les dimensions imposantes de ce Chevrolet, j’ai apprécié non seulement sa conduite mais aussi le confort de son habitacle. Toutefois, le plus que j’ai pu obtenir de la batterie est une autonomie de quelque 450 kilomètres (et ce durant une période climatique plutôt chaude…je n’ose pas imaginer cette autonomie en plein hiver durant une période très froide!). Je n’ai aucune idée de la « consommation » avec une remorque à l’arrière mais avec la version à traction intégrale, le Blazer EV RS ne peut tire que 1500 livres. Pour tirer plus (3500 livres), il faut opter pour la version de performance avec la propulsion arrière seulement!

Toutefois, cette « économie de carburant » vient à un prix. Son prix de base étant de 63 998 $, mon Blazer VE RS était équipé d’options comme une peinture rouge éclatante de 695 $ avec une taxe d’accise de 100 $ pour le climatiseur et les frais de transport de 2500 $ ce qui fait gonfler la facture à 67 294 $...plus les taxes!

Loin de moi l’idée de critiquer négativement ce Blazer car j’en ai apprécié le confort et le rendement. Un jour, je devrai adopter l’auto électrique car j’ai bien l’impression que cette configuration dominera le marché. Si c’est un véhicule comme le Blazer, je crois que je serai convaincu…en autant que l’autonomie soit plus près de 1000 km et que le temps de recharge soit vraiment minime (en passant, j’ai eu l’auto avec 40% de réserve de batterie mais j’ai choisi de la brancher sur mes prises de 120 volts dans mon entrée de garage et, au bout de quelques jours, j’ai fini par obtenir les 100 %)…

Une Honda Civic hybride pour un voyage en Ontario

Parmi mes obligations du début de la semaine, je devais me rendre à une petite ville pittoresque au nord de Toronto. Son nom? Mono (pas de farce) en plein cœur d’une région vinicole qui s’appelle Hockley Farms. Pour m’y rendre? Sept heures de route. Heureusement, je ne l’ai pas fait seul. J’étais accompagné de mon vieux compagnon Denis Duquet et nous avions obtenu une toute nouvelle berline Honda Civic Hybrid pour faire ces quelques 650 kilomètres (en moins de sept heures) en plus de 650 autres kilomètres pour revenir!

La version hybride de la Civic est toute nouvelle pour 2024. Mais dans notre cas, il était plutôt difficile d’exploiter la fonction hybride vu notre déplacement presque strictement sur autoroute. (Photo Éric Descarries)

C’est fou. Je connais les Honda Civic depuis les années soixante-dix quand elles sont apparues sur notre marché. Qui plus est, chez nous, mon frère courait sur Honda durant l’époque du Volant Québécois et, plus tard, durant la populaire période des courses sur glace (une discipline qui a presque disparu de nos calendriers de sport automobile locaux). Enfin, j’avais trouvé une Honda Civic 1975 légèrement usagée pour ma femme, un superbe petit bolide à boîte manuelle (il n’y avait pas d’automatique à cette époque) avec de belles roues d’alu et des pneus Bridgestone de performance. La carburation avait été remplacée par une unité Weber alors que les tubulures d’échappement de performance passaient par-dessus le bouclier avant (ce qui n’a pas résisté à la rouille bien longtemps).

Même de l’arrière, la nouvelle livrée de Civic semble s’adresser aux amateurs de voitures intermédiaires plus imposantes. (Photo Éric Descarries)

La nouvelle Honda Civic que je viens de conduire n’a plus rien à voir avec les petites autos de cette époque. La version Hybride de 2025 est tellement plus grande et elle présente une ligne des plus modernes. Il en va de même pour l’intérieur. Je n’aurais pas osé attaquer un voyage de sept heures au volant de nos anciennes Civic mais, avec la nouvelle version, je n’ai eu aucune hésitation.

Sous le capot se cache un puissant quatre cylindres combiné non pas qu’à un seul mais deux moteurs électriques. (Photo Éric Descarries)

Sous le capot de cette auto dite « compacte » à traction avant se trouve un puissant quatre cylindres de 2,0 litres combiné à deux moteurs électriques qui, ensemble, produisent 200 chevaux et 232 li-pi de couple, le tout avec de l’essence régulière! Ce qui est intéressant, c’est que la boîte de vitesses à variation continue (CVT) est réglée par électronique ce qui en fait une eCVT qui ne fait pas appel à un convertisseur de couple régulier pour transmettre la puissance du moteur à la boîte (une explication technique qui vaudrait la peine d’être développée). Évidemment, il s’agit ici d’une auto à traction avant. Autre détail, les pneus étaient d’imposants Continental 235/40 R18.

La Civic a un tableau de bord modeste mais de conception plutôt moderne. (Photo Éric Descarries)

L’intérieur de la nouvelle Civic est certes plus cossu que celui des autos que j’ai connues dans le passé. Le tableau de bord est d’un design traditionnel mais agréable à l’œil. J’ai surtout apprécié la mince calandre en son centre où se logent les buses d’aération. Belle touche de finition! L’instrumentation est bien disposée et surtout très claire à lire. Quant au petit écran au centre du tableau de bord, je n’ai eu aucune difficulté à la faire fonctionner alors que j’ai fait appel à son système de navigation qui m’a superbement bien servi! J’ai eu un peu peur que les sièges soient trop dur pour de longues distances (ce que j’ai déjà reproché à sa cousine Acura Integra) mais ce n’en fut pas le cas.

Ironiquement, il y a beaucoup de place à l’arrière pour une voiture dite « compacte ». (Photo Éric Descarries)

Regardez les photos du compartiment arrière et vous y verrez une banquette aussi confortable pour les passagers. Ce n’est peut-être pas l’espace que l’on verrait dans une limousine mais on peut y voir suffisamment de débattement pour les jambes des occupants ce que j’ai déjà reproché à une des versions précédentes de cette berline. Quant au coffre, il est suffisant pour les bagages de deux personnes mais pas plus que cela.

Évidemment, le coffre d’une « compacte » ne peut être trop grand. Mais dans le cas de la Civic, il devrait suffire pour deux personnes en voyage. (Photo Éric Descarries)

Enfin, pour la visibilité, cette Civic passe le test haut la main. La finition y est irréprochable avec aucun bruit de carrosserie audible. Par contre, je conseillerais à Honda de porter un peu plus d’attention à l’insonorisation. Le bruit des pneus pénètre plus facilement à l’intérieur si le revêtement de la route est rugueux…

Sur la route

Il faut que je sois honnête ici. Mes impressions de conduite se sont résumées presque seulement sur autoroute. Normalement, j’aurais dû couvrir au moins une distance semblable en situation urbaine (là où la Civic Hybrid prouverait, selon moi, encore plus son efficacité énergétique!). J’aurai donc à demander à Honda Canada un autre prêt pour compléter mon essai!

Mais qu’importe, sur grand-route, cette auto (qui n’est certes plus aussi petite que celles que j’ai connues à ses débuts) s’est avéré une excellente routière. Son comportement routier était irréprochable sur autoroute (les 401, 407 et 412 ontariennes) et toute aussi satisfaisant sur les quelques portions de routes de campagne que nous avons empruntées. 

La Civic Hybrid Touring est capable d’atteindre le cap des 100 km/h en mois de sept secondes alors que ses reprises (auxquelles j’ai fait appel plusieurs fois) sont nettement à la hauteur de mes attentes ce qui est appréciable pour une berline de quelque 3300 livres. Question consommation, avec deux personnes à bord, j’ai obtenu une consommation observée de 4,75 l./100 km et ce, malgré le fait que nous avons dû conduire à des vitesses dépassant souvent la limite permise (sachez que la route ontarienne 401 affiche désormais une vitesse limite de 110 km/h…qu’il est difficile de respecter car on risque de se faire emboutir si l’on roule à des vitesses avoisinant cette limite…vous observerez qu’autour de soi, les automobilistes ne craignent pas de rouler bien au-delà de 125 km/h!).

À combien se détaille cette berline Honda haut de gamme (construite à Alliston en Ontario) ? Elle commence à 36 800 $ alors que notre voiture d’essai incluait 892 $ d’options (incluant les 300 $ supplémentaires pour la peinture choisie). Ajoutez à cela 1948 $ de frais (dont 1830 $ pour le transport et la préparation, 100 $ de taxes pour le climatiseur et 18$ pour diverses petites taxes supplémentaires dont celle pour les pneus) et on en arrive à un total de 36 630 $.

Pas nécessairement née pour être une grande routière, la Honda Civic Hybrid Touring y tire quand même bien son épingle du jeu. De plus, on connaît maintenant la réputation de fiabilité et l’image sportive que cette petite auto transporte ce qui aide à la recommander à ceux qui recherchent à la fois une auto abordable mais aussi luxueuse. Il faudra certes que je la redemande!

Le Festival des Essais de l’AJAC

Vous comprendrez qu’avec tout ce que je dois couvrir de ces temps-ci, j’ai un peu moins d’espace (et de temps) pour tout couvrir. Je vais donc repousser à la semaine prochaine un premier reportage sur le Festival des Essais de l’AJAC où je me suis rendu la semaine dernière. Il y avait tellement de véhicules intéressants à conduire…

Un petit échantillon de ce que j’ai pu conduire à l’AJAC. (Photo Éric Descarries)

Le monde est-il devenu fou?

Non, je ne parle pas de la situation politique chez nos voisins du sud mais des gens qui nous entourent. On dirait que plus personne ne respecte les lois, même celles du gros bon sens.

Par exemple, comme je l’écrivais plus haut, les automobilistes ne se gênent pas pour dépasser largement la vitesse limite affichée sur nos autoroutes (même sur la 401 où plusieurs conducteurs québécois redoutent la surveillance policière). Rouler à 135 km/h et se faire dépasser à tour de bras n’est pas inusité.

Et les piétons de chez nous seraient-ils devenus inconscients? Combien de gens (surtout des jeunes) traversent les rues sans se préoccuper des véhicules qui viennent. Ils sont plutôt préoccupés par leur téléphone ou ils se moquent éperdument du poids du véhicule qui peut les frapper…ils ne les regardent même pas en marchant à un pas lent et léger…4500 livres contre 150 ?

Et je ne parle pas des automobilistes qui « forcent » les feux de circulation…ou se stationnement dans des espaces réservés aux handicapés ou encore aux places réservées aux autos électriques en recharge…même avec des véhicules à moteur à essence! Mais, où sont les policiers? Y en a-t-il suffisamment pour tout surveiller? Où cela nous mènera-t-il?

[kims123456]

Sustainable Practices in Logistics: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals in Kochi

As industries grow and supply chains expand globally, logistics has become a major contributor to environmental impact, with emissions from transportation and waste from packaging posing significant challenges. In response, there’s a growing push towards sustainability in logistics, emphasizing eco-friendly practices that reduce the carbon footprint and promote a greener approach to the movement and storage of goods. For aspiring professionals in Kochi—a coastal city with a vibrant logistics sector and a rich cultural heritage that values environmental stewardship—understanding and implementing sustainable practices is increasingly essential best logistics courses in kochi

This guide provides an overview of sustainable practices in logistics, focusing on strategies that aspiring professionals in Kochi can incorporate into their future careers to contribute positively to the environment and the industry.

1. The Importance of Sustainability in Logistics

Logistics is the backbone of modern trade, connecting suppliers and consumers across borders. However, it also consumes considerable resources, from fuel to packaging materials, and generates greenhouse gases. With climate change concerns and regulatory pressures on the rise, many companies are rethinking their logistics operations to align with eco-friendly practices. Sustainable logistics not only benefits the planet but can also lead to cost savings and improved brand reputation, as more consumers and clients favor companies that prioritize environmental responsibility.

In Kochi, where logistics is a critical industry thanks to its port and location on international trade routes, adopting sustainable practices is both an opportunity and a responsibility. As future professionals in this field, students and job seekers can gain an edge by understanding these eco-friendly practices, which are rapidly becoming standard in logistics management.

2. Green Transportation Solutions

Transportation is one of the largest contributors to logistics emissions. For aspiring logistics professionals in Kochi, understanding sustainable transportation solutions is a key part of eco-friendly logistics. There are several ways to achieve greener transportation in logistics:

Fleet OptimizationBy optimizing routes and consolidating loads, companies can reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Aspiring logisticians can use route-planning software and fleet management tools to ensure efficient delivery routes, minimizing the distance traveled and fuel used. Learning these tools during training or internships can prepare future professionals to contribute to sustainability right from the start.

Switching to Eco-Friendly VehiclesElectric and hybrid vehicles offer significant environmental benefits, emitting fewer greenhouse gases than traditional fuel-powered vehicles. For students and young professionals, gaining familiarity with electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable transport options will be valuable, as logistics companies in Kochi and worldwide are increasingly adopting EVs to reduce their carbon footprints.

Intermodal TransportationCombining different transportation modes—such as rail and sea, which are more eco-friendly than road transport—can cut down on emissions. In Kochi, where the port plays a central role, professionals can integrate rail and sea transport to reduce reliance on long-haul trucks, making logistics operations more sustainable.

3. Efficient Warehousing and Inventory Management

Warehouses are vital nodes in the logistics chain but can consume vast amounts of energy and produce waste. Sustainable warehousing practices focus on reducing energy consumption and optimizing space to lower environmental impact.

Energy-Efficient WarehousesEnergy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, automated lighting systems, and energy-efficient HVAC systems, can significantly cut down electricity consumption. Professionals can promote and manage green energy initiatives, like solar panels, for warehouses, especially in sunny regions like Kochi. Familiarity with these solutions will help future logistics professionals reduce costs and improve a company’s environmental footprint.

Space Optimization and Smart Inventory ManagementEfficient use of space reduces the need for additional warehouses and helps keep energy usage low. Using warehouse management software (WMS) to track inventory levels, turnover rates, and space utilization is essential. Aspiring logisticians in Kochi can leverage these tools to streamline inventory management and make warehousing more sustainable.

4. Sustainable Packaging and Material Use

Packaging waste is a critical concern in logistics. Single-use plastics and non-biodegradable materials contribute to landfill waste and pollution, particularly in regions with fragile ecosystems, like Kerala’s coastal areas.

Eco-Friendly Packaging MaterialsCompanies are shifting towards biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials to cut down on waste. Aspiring professionals can gain expertise in sustainable packaging solutions, such as compostable or recyclable materials, and work to find suppliers that offer these alternatives.

Minimalist Packaging DesignReducing packaging size and weight not only minimizes material usage but also cuts down transportation emissions by allowing more goods to be transported per trip. Logistics professionals can support minimal packaging design by optimizing packaging to fit products better and minimize waste, a practice especially valuable in a hub like Kochi, where numerous goods flow through the port.

5. Utilizing Technology for Sustainable Logistics

The role of technology in promoting sustainable logistics cannot be overstated. For aspiring professionals, gaining proficiency in the latest logistics technology is vital, as it allows for more precise and sustainable management of resources.

IoT for Real-Time MonitoringThe Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming logistics by allowing real-time tracking of shipments, vehicle conditions, and environmental metrics. In Kochi, professionals can use IoT technology to monitor fuel consumption, track vehicle routes, and ensure product conditions, helping to reduce waste and maintain eco-friendly operations.

Data Analytics for Decision-MakingData analytics enables logistics professionals to make data-driven decisions that optimize efficiency. For example, analytics can help identify peak demand times, allowing for better planning and inventory management, which ultimately reduces waste. Aspiring professionals who understand how to leverage data analytics can drive impactful sustainability initiatives.

6. Emphasizing Reverse Logistics for Waste Reduction

Reverse logistics focuses on the return, reuse, and recycling of goods. By incorporating reverse logistics into their operations, companies can reduce waste and promote a circular economy, where products are repurposed instead of discarded.

Product Returns and Recycling ProgramsProfessionals can establish processes to handle returns efficiently and resell or recycle returned products. Learning the principles of reverse logistics will benefit students in Kochi by giving them a practical way to reduce waste, especially for sectors like e-commerce, where returns are frequent.

Repair and Refurbishment InitiativesInstead of discarding damaged products, logistics professionals can implement refurbishment programs. For example, electronics and machinery can be repaired and resold, extending their lifecycle. This approach not only reduces waste but also offers a cost-effective alternative to sourcing new products.

7. Preparing for a Sustainable Career in Logistics

Sustainability in logistics is no longer optional; it’s an industry standard that aspiring professionals must embrace. For students and young professionals in Kochi, learning about green logistics practices prepares them to meet the industry’s growing sustainability demands and become valuable assets to any organization.

Local institutes, such as KIMS Academy, offer specialized logistics programs that incorporate sustainable practices, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of eco-friendly operations. Engaging in internships, industry workshops, and certifications in green logistics can also help students build their expertise and practical knowledge.Sustainable logistics practices are critical in today’s world, where environmental concerns are increasingly central to business operations. For aspiring logistics professionals in Kochi, adopting eco-friendly practices like green transportation, efficient warehousing, sustainable packaging, and reverse logistics can make a significant difference in reducing the industry’s environmental impact. By leveraging technology, improving inventory management, and embracing innovative strategies, Kochi’s young logisticians can become leaders in green logistics. As they enter the workforce, these professionals have the opportunity to shape a more sustainable future for the industry, aligning logistics practices with both economic and environmental goals logistics course in kochi