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Tesla at a workshop abroad

Posted 15/09/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

We have tested Tesla workshops abroad. The Tesla network works and is perhaps the brand's most important and decisive factor.

With Tesla abroad

I sometimes live in France. In recent months, I have discovered that there have been more Teslas on the road, more charging stations and a brand new service centre. In August, Tesla was the 8th best-selling car brand in France with the Model Y as the best-selling electric car. I guess Tesla has gained the most popularity in the rich parts of France, but even here where I live, I occasionally meet Tesla Model 3 and Model Y - and since I drive a Tesla myself, we sometimes say hello over the steering wheel when we meet. When Tesla establishes new charging stations and service centers, it is not only to serve the local market, but also to provide security for everyone who travels with Tesla in the area - in our case, this applies to the stretch between Italy and Spain along the coast of the Mediterranean.

Tesla's network worked!

While other car manufacturers build cars, Tesla has invested in building a network. Already when Tesla came out with the Model S, they had built a total infrastructure for electric cars with charging stations, service points and extended roadside assistance to ensure a simple car service where everything can be operated via the mobile phone.

When we arrived at our house in the south of France, it was in the middle of a heat wave. The windscreen was well cooled, and because of a tiny piece of stone it cracked almost its entire width in the middle of the field of vision. I opened the Tesla app, sent photos and booked an appointment. The job of changing the windscreen was conveyed to Tesla's brand new service center in Perpignan. Had the car not been drivable, I could have had it picked up. Delivery and collection of the car takes place via the app - payment too. Everything goes via Tesla.

As a Norwegian in France, it is much easier to relate to one app instead of a local workshop. This avoids misunderstandings and errors due to language skills or the workshop's lack of expertise in your car. In addition, you avoid unscrupulous workshops. The Tesla workshop in Perpignan did a super job with the car where they also carried out two repairs free of charge under warranty.

Thumbs up!

Tesla Supercharger at Rivesaltes. Photo: Google Maps

Dedicated charging stations

Tesla's network also includes charging stations. Locally in our city, I charge from other charging stations, but it often takes several attempts to connect. If I had been dependent on these chargers along the road while traveling through, I would have experienced it as a stressful moment. Tesla's chargers are, by comparison, "plug-and-go".

Can Tesla's network explain Tesla's sales success?

In the sales statistics for the 2nd quarter in the USA, we find the Tesla Model Y in 4th place and the Model 3 in 12th place. After Tesla, we have to go far down the list to find more electric cars. The Chevrolet Bolt is in 112th place and the Ford Mustang Mach-E in 115th place. There are still areas in the US without public chargers. Tesla's network is probably not as important for car buyers in electric car countries as Norway, but can play an important role for car buyers in other countries.

A digital society

It is obvious to think about how you book flights today. A few decades ago we contacted a travel agency (independent retailer) who helped us set up an itinerary of hotels that they sold to us. Today, we fix everything ourselves online directly with the airline. It's a win-win for all parties concerned - except for the part you no longer need. Tesla's network can be described as follows:

100% online
Primary communication takes place directly with the car manufacturer – not via local dealers.
100% online car purchase from order to delivery.
100% online service from ordering to collection.
100% online delivery of rescue services.
Dedicated “plug-and-go” charging points along the road.

No other car manufacturer can offer the same type of network. If established car brands were to base sales, service and customer care on a similar network, they would have to make major cuts in their dealer networks in the same way that the travel companies have done. After Volvo fired Bilia, they are now free to build up network-based sales, service and customer care. If Volkswagen and Stellantis are to restructure, they must fire - or reduce - the collaboration with MøllerBil and Bertel O Steen. Tesla has proven that the car industry does not need to pay salespeople who fill out forms, give quotes, value cars, sell financing packages and mediate payments. Nor middlemen at the workshop who create forms and invoices, accept payments and get pats on the back when they manage to sell repairs the customers don't need. Seen from a sober, modern, economic perspective, such functions are redundant and expensive.

I have tried to map how other car brands are equipped to establish all business through an app-based network. Ownership structure and dealers tell how quickly they can adapt. A car brand with several independent dealers is in a bad position to make the business 100% online. Ideally, a network should also include charging. Finally, I have seen if the brand is represented in France.

Car manufacturers with an app-based sales model similar to Tesla

NIO
NIO Norway is owned by NIO Nextev Europe Holding. They have a sales model similar to Tesla and build their own charging stations with the option of changing batteries in a few minutes. The charging network is under development. The brand is being established in France, but needs a larger volume to expand its network.

Polestar
Polestar Automotive Norway is owned by Polestar Performance AB. They have a sales model similar to Tesla. Polestar owners are offered a discount on Ionity's charging network, but do not manage their own charging stations in Europe. Polestar is represented in several European countries, but not yet in France, partly because the rights to the brand name are not in place. The brand needs better support for charging services.

Chevrolet
GM Europe is re-establishing itself in Europe with new electric car models. It is not entirely clear which sales model will be chosen, but as they are establishing themselves with a showroom in Oslo, it may indicate that they will sell cars online. GM has planned its own dedicated charging network together with Stellantis. It will be interesting to see what GM comes up with.

Car models sold via independent dealers

MG
MG is not registered as a separate company in Norway, but manages its European operations through the European company MG Motor Europe (SAIC). Sales and service take place through independent Norwegian dealers such as Kverneland Bil and others. There are no charging networks earmarked for MG's customers. In France, MG has independent dealers as in Norway. The brand is not in a position to build an app-based platform in line with Tesla.

Xpeng
Xpeng Motors Norway is owned by Xpeng European Holding. Sales and service take place through independent dealers such as Motor Forum and Bilia. There are no charging networks earmarked for Xpeng's customers. The brand is being established in France and is not in a position to develop an app-based platform in line with Tesla.

BYD, Maxus and JAC
The car brands are introduced and sold through the independent Norwegian dealer chain RSA. There are no charging networks earmarked for customers. BYD has only recently been established in France. Maxus' commercial vehicles are transported in France with service equipment through the workshop chain NorAuto. JAC's commercial vehicles are serviced in France through the workshop chain TekAuto. BYD is a brand that has models that can challenge Tesla. They are established in Europe with a wide range of vehicles, but with different, independent dealers to handle the passenger car market. They are not in a position to develop an app-based platform in line with Tesla. BYD and Shell have, however, entered into a partnership with regard to charging.

Voyah
Voyah is a brand new car brand and these days is being introduced through the independent dealer chain Sulland. No charging network is earmarked for customers. The brand is being established in France.

Car brands with charging networks

Free2move Charge Go is planned for customers of GM and Stellantis.

IONITY offers an integrated charging solution for German car brands and Hyundai. The charging network is under development.

I am convinced that the car industry is forced to adapt to new technology in the same way as in the travel industry, the insurance industry and banks and more. No airline would survive today without the possibility to book a seat via app. By cutting out the middlemen, the services are made less costly while simplifying the process for the customers. Ultimately, it comes down to cost. Car manufacturers without intermediaries will be able to operate with lower prices than the others, although Tesla must have spent a lot of money on building charging stations and service centers. The investment can make them better equipped to adapt to bad times.

It wouldn't surprise me if they drop their prices again.

See

tesla's network — To Europe with an electric car in 2023

Tesla receives 160 million USD in EU support to expand its Supercharger network...

To Europe with an electric car in 2023

Posted 25/08/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

I have great respect for the electric car pioneers who went down to Europe ten years ago. It must have been exciting to arrive at the town's only charging station and find that it was out of order. That makes good stories. Many of the stories are still out there online and can scare people away. A lot has happened in the last year alone. Everyone can travel with an electric car in Europe, although not entirely without challenges. It may be a good idea to prepare in advance.

Convenient with large charging stations

We are a husband and wife with a dog who recently went by electric car to our little house not far from Perpignan in France. Although we drive a Tesla, the post is not only about Tesla. Large parts of Tesla's charging network can now also serve other car brands. If you have the opportunity, you should register your car in the Tesla app. Not because it is necessary, but because it is convenient to know that you can arrive at charging stations with over 20 terminals. You rarely have to wait - and if so, hardly more than 5-10 minutes. Other players, such as IONITY, have a good spread, but there are fewer terminals at each location.

Preparations

Apps are an important part of the preparations. It is not as easy to arrange such things when you are standing in front of a charging terminal in a foreign country. If you have the "right" charging chip, you can get through the whole of Europe with one chip or one app. The Electric Vehicle Association and NAF have such chips. I have a chip from Recharge (Fortum Charge & Go) which also covers IONITY and many - to me - completely unknown charging operators in Germany, France and Spain. Not only are the main roads covered, but I can charge locally in our little town too. But just to be safe, you should have multiple options in case the payment solution for one app is down. IONITY and E.ON are good alternatives for the whole of Europe.

If you depend on a well-developed charging network, it is also important to have mapped the travel routes – not just one route, but also be prepared for alternative routes. Our main route went through Hamburg, Hannover and Frankfurt. If we had chosen to drive via Luxembourg to France, the distance between the charging stations would have been greater. No problem for today's electric cars, but I fear that large distances between charging stations create charging queues during the holiday season. By checking the charging map for various operators, you can quickly find the driving routes with the best coverage.

Ferry or Sweden?

Part of the planning is finding out which ferry to take, or whether to drive through Sweden. With the Kielfergen, you start in Germany and can drive across the country in one day, provided you have the time and money to spend almost a day on the boat. DFDS from Oslo arrives in Fredrikshavn around midnight and then you either have to take in an accommodation or bet that the driver has had enough sleep during the voyage. The Larvik-Fredrikshavn ferry departs at 08.00 and 12.00 and arrives after approx. 4 hours. The advantage of ferries is that you don't have to spend as many hours in the car.

Sweden

We chose to drive through Sweden. Do you live in Oslo and start at 8, you can arrive in Southern Denmark at approximately the same time as you would have arrived with the boat that leaves Larvik at 12. Our reason for driving was that we would feel bound by having a "mammadalt" dog on the boat. Also, it feels liberating not to be bound by departure times either. The trip through Sweden went well. We loaded up in Kungälv, but took the lunch break in Falkenberg. Our next stop was Löddeköpinge in Scania. It was very busy at the Tesla station there and you could only charge up to 80%. To make sure we got to the last stop of the day, we chose to top up at E.On right next door while eating ice cream.

Sweden has good charging networks near service centers with easy access from the E6. The charging terminals were clearly visible.

Denmark

Did you know that AutoPass tags also work on the Øresund Bridge and the Storebælt Bridge? We have a toll subscription without a tag, but on the occasion of the trip over the Danish bridges we had found an old AutoPass tag. I optimistically held it up to the windscreen in front of the barrier in the "Biz field" to the Øresund Bridge - but the barrier would not budge. A nice guard came to our rescue and scanned the code on the chip - and found that it was blocked. Fortunately, we were able to pay on the spot and didn't have to back up to choose another hatch - which the cars behind us probably appreciated.

My wife revealed that crossing the Øresund Bridge had been on her "bucket list" for a long time. The bridge is a fantastic piece of construction, but the main road through Zealand and Funen is, in return, terribly boring. The only thing we saw was the road. What the world looked like behind the bushes, we could only guess by studying the map on the screen.

Germany

After spending the night at Comwell Middelfart, we entered Germany. We hadn't booked a hotel in advance, but I had set my sights on a hotel in Herbolzheim just before Freiburg. When we arrived there in the evening, the hotel was unfortunately full. In the last week of the holiday season in Germany, many were out on the same errand. What were we supposed to do? Drive on, or try to find another hotel?

The main roads in Germany are well developed with rest areas and service points, where you can also charge from local - and unknown to me - charging stations, but the large Tesla charging stations are located in places without service facilities. This meant that we stopped more times than we strictly needed - once to charge and once to eat, drink and stretch our legs. If I had wanted, I could have charged at almost all the stations that were located at the service points with the code tag from Recharge, but I noticed that these chargers were widely used by other car brands, so I thought to myself that "you who have a Tesla, can well charge in a quieter place”. What's more, the electricity is cheapest at Tesla. Back home, we will probably make more use of local electricity companies.

Driving at night

With holiday time and full hotels in the border area between Switzerland, Germany and France, we found that we might as well drive on into nocturnal France. Driving at night has several advantages. There are fewer cars - and a greater proportion of steady drivers, so that you can drive efficiently on cruise control. Driving on French motorways costs money. The trip from Mulhouse to the exit just before the border with Spain cost us €80 (NOK 925) but is worth every penny. Not just offers Vinci Autoroutes the best roads, but also good night-time service offers where you can relax before driving on. At night, I think it is important to take breaks at least once an hour to feel the body whether it is safe to continue driving.

In France, as in Germany, you rarely find Tesla chargers at the 24-hour rest areas. In France, we experienced finding brand new chargers in rather secluded places. In the darkness of the night, they became even more secluded, because in many places the street lights are switched off after midnight. A couple of times we had to take detours, and soon found out that when maneuvering in tight urban areas, you have to drive at a snail's pace so that the navigation system has time to update itself. It's an advantage to have two - one to drive and one to scout for hidden charging stations. It's almost like a game - Find the charging station!

toilets

Toilets are important welfare when you are on the road. We were disappointed by the McDonalds along the main thoroughfare. Bad food and wretched sanitary conditions throughout Europe. When we chose a McDonalds restaurant a couple of km outside the motorway system, the quality increased considerably. We are also left with the impression that organized rest areas with joint service offers (Serways and Vinci) generally have good sanitary conditions.

Beware of heat wave

In Europe, there is now a heat wave. This can result in shorter ranges, although we didn't notice anything about that since we had the ventilation system on right from the start in Denmark - also for the dog when he had to be alone in the car. A negative experience was that the windscreen cracked a few hours after we arrived. Perhaps it was not very smart to park a car with a cooled compartment in the scorching sun when the thermometer approached 40 degrees.

A positive experience is that the charging chip from Recharge (Fortum Charge & Go) works at the local charging stations here.

Power Dot is available in Spain, France and Belgium, but can be used with a charging chip from Recharge

See

E.ON — Rechargeable roads with induction

nine norway — NIO changes batteries in 3 minutes

New R5 in stock

Posted 29/05/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

Alpine A290 — Renault 5 in front of the Roland Garros stadium

Renault Zoe is no longer offered in Norway. By the first half of 2024, it will disappear for good from shop windows across Europe. There is no direct successor.

It is Fabrice Camboliva, head of the Renault division, who has disclosed this to the British motoring press. It's no surprise that today's Zoe will disappear. The model has been upgraded several times, but the round lines from 2012 are no longer modern. With no Zoe 2 planned, EV buyers will have to find alternative cars in Renault's existing model range – currently the Mégane and Twingo. It could also just as easily be a car brand from Stellantis or China.

What about the new R5?

When Renault presented its new R5 concept in 2021, it was designated as the successor to the Renault Zoe. It still does, although it won't be launched until 2025, - and definitely not as Zoe 2. It still seems obvious that the R5 will fill the void left by Zoe.

Renault 5 concept in front of the stadium for the French Open 2023 (Photo: Renault)

Driving around disguised as a Clio

Renault is currently testing the new R5 technology where they have used the Clio model as a mule, for example for winter testing in Arvidsjaur, Sweden. The electric car platform CMF-BEV is shared by Nissan and Renault. The engine is stated to be 20 kg lighter than in the current Zoe and the battery pack will be both lighter and less voluminous than the Zoe, - and also provide more rigidity in the chassis and better sound dampening. Another factor that will strengthen the driving characteristics is the rear axle it inherits from the new Mégane E-Tech. Recently, Renault has given us several hints about the future, including recent images of the R5 linked to the stadium for the French Open 2023 where Renault is a Premium Partner.

Alpine A290 _β (beta)

Last weekend a large Alpine meeting was held at the factory in Dieppe, France, where more than 760 Alpine cars took part. Among other things, Alpine showed off its R5-based concept car Alpine A290 _β in daylight. This is an electric car created for rallying in line with other Alpine models. The car has a special seating arrangement with 3 seats where the driver sits forward in the middle. The seating arrangement is reminiscent of the McLaren F1.

From the Alpine meeting at the factory in Dieppe, France (Photo: Alpine)

A seating arrangement with 3 seats (Photo: Alpine)

The widow of Jean Rédélé, Michelle Rédélé, cast a spell over the event in the A290 (Photo; Alpine)

Several models on the same platform

Besides the new R5, Renault has shown off the crossover concept car 4ever which is based on the same platform as the R5. The head of the Renault group, Luca de Meo, mentions both R5 and 4L in connection with the new strategy they call "Renaulution". The 4L is a model that may be slightly smaller than the R5, but there have not yet been any drawings - only speculation. For 4L - or "quatrelle" as it is called around the Mediterranean, is a common term for all Renault 4s built throughout the ages.

Renault has - and has had - several iconic models. Renault 4 and 5 are probably examples of that. Some might argue that the Renault Zoe was also iconic. It was a pioneer in paving the way for electric cars for ordinary people. But Zoe thus disappears without any direct successor. Other iconic models that will also disappear at the same time as Zoe are Twingo and Espace. All three models introduced something new to the car market. Let's hope Renault doesn't replace them with boring models.

R5 looks promising!

See

Renault.no

A new spring for an old Land Rover?

Posted 05/03/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

Interest in converting older cars to electric drive has accelerated in recent years. According to the customer list of one of the main suppliers of battery solutions and electric motors, the UK is at the top, with dealers scattered around Europe. Sweden has one supplier, while the electric car country of Norway is currently untouched.

Electrogenic

Several companies can convert cars with internal combustion engines to electric operation, but for now all are in the starting phase. One of the companies, Electrogenic Ltd, now offers conversion kits for certain car models, and aims to be able to deliver to workshops and restorers. One of the standard solutions is adapted to Land Rover. The simplest kit is called Agricultural Kit, where the conversion can be carried out according to a drop-in principle. In the future, you should be able to take your Land Rover to a local dealer and have it rebuilt. Agricultural Kit only requires remodeling inside the engine compartment. Larger kits require more extensive intervention – so large that they should be included as part of a restoration project.

Vass Technology

Most Land Rover Defenders on the road today are powered by Land Rover's own 2.5 5-cylinder turbodiesel TD5 or Ford Duratorq 2.4 or 2.2. Typical candidates for conversion are 12-15 year old, relatively well-used cars. Since the conversion will cost several hundreds of thousands of kroner, with upgrades to the steering, chassis, brakes and drivetrain, a certain degree of restoration will also be necessary. Vass Technology exhibited two Land Rovers at this year's event London Classic Car Show. These were restored down to the smallest detail, including changing the frame and undercarriage etc. The company is in the initial phase of developing solutions for converting cars with internal combustion engines to electric drive. The exhibition cars are prototypes for two different conversion solutions. They attracted the public not only because of their electric powertrains, but also because they were so beautifully restored. These are cars that would have attracted positive attention anyway even with their original diesel engines, but both cars now had Tesla engines and Jaguar I-Pace battery packs.

Not in Norway

Using Tesla motors and batteries does not mean that any formal collaboration exists. This can be bought freely on the international parts market. The company NetGain Motors, Inc. specializes in supplying basic components to professional rebuilders, such as Electrogenic. The company has 8 partners/dealers in the UK alone, and the same number spread across the rest of Europe, including 2 in Sweden. Electric car country Norway is untouched. Sweden has relatively liberal rules for conversions carried out by self-builders. The problem with today's electric car conversions is that they are considered significant conversions of previously type-approved vehicles, which is very demanding to get approved in this country. Only when the conversions take the step to produce standard solutions can they be approved by international agencies. Then it is possible that cars can be rebuilt in Norway as well. We are not there yet - and the conversions will hardly be possible without the politicians relaxing the rules so that it becomes easier to approve conversion to electricity.

Perhaps a case for the MDGs?

A car for life?

The Land Rover Defender is a British icon. They are solid, simple and unglazed working iron that fits in anywhere - in front of an old pub, manor house or commercial building made of glass and concrete. Classic Land Rovers will probably never go out of style. If you are going to have one car for the rest of your life, Land Rover is a good candidate. The Land Rover Defender (or earlier series) deserves an extra life - and is well suited for heavy batteries. The industry has already found that out. Almost all the British companies now offer solutions for Land Rover.

Electrogenic showcased the Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type and Land Rover.

What hides underneath

Although Land Rover is better suited to electrical conversion than many other models, the kits do not differ much conceptually from other models. If you open the bonnet on the prototypes from Vass Technology, you will find a control box on top of a battery box. Another battery box is located behind where the fuel tank used to be. The Tesla engine sits between the frame walls in the middle of the car and is connected to a permanent 4×4 transmission. This is an expensive solution.

Electrogenic offers simpler solutions where the electric motor is fitted into the existing flywheel housing, so that the clutch and gear can still be used. According to the supplier, slippage in the clutch plates can save the drive if you drive "butt" into a tree stump or similar. They also offer a clutch-less drivetrain.

What speaks against electrical conversion

Electric Land Rover has some clear disadvantages. Regardless of what the suppliers might claim, I would never dare drive in water or wet mud. And what range will you really get on bad roads with snow or mud? With critical eyes, you can ask yourself - why hasn't Land Rover itself chosen to launch an electric Defender? The biggest objection will still be the price. If you convert a 15-year-old TD5, the price will easily end up in excess of what you have to pay for a brand new Land Rover Defender 110 with a plug-in hybrid drive (PHEV). Then it's tempting to put your old Land Rover up for sale and order a new Defender instead.

- although you can hardly keep it for the rest of your life.

Rebuilt cars

2012 Land Rover 90 TD5 Soft Top converted to electric power

Center screen - otherwise original seating arrangement

Vass Technology EV Defender 90 Soft Top

The donor car from 2012 has received a full nut-and-bolt restoration with a new Marsland frame, new interior and brakes, etc. The drivetrain consists of one Tesla engine with 286 HP and a torque of 600 Nm connected to constant 4×4. According to the supplier, the off-road capabilities are as good or better than the donor vehicle even without the low gear range. The battery pack is 83 Kwh and originates from the Jaguar I-Pace. Stated range is up to 272 km. The on-board charger can take 6,6 Kw and CCS fast charging 85 Kw. RHD. The car is for sale. Price: £119 (ex VAT) - NOK 995 million (ex VAT and weight tax).

EV Defender 110 TD5 XS Station Wagon

2004 model from Vass Technology has undergone full frame-off restoration with new springs and brakes. The car is equipped with tough "backdated" doors, external cage and soft top. The battery pack is 35 Kwh which gives a relatively low range of around 110 km. This car also has one Tesla engine of 286 HP and a torque of 600 Nm. The on-board charger can take 6,6 Kw and fast charging with CCS can take 38 Kw. RHD. The car is for sale. Price: £94 (exempt from VAT) - NOK 995 (ex VAT and weight tax).

New Land Rover Defender

The new Defender 110 XS Edition P400e 2.0 SI4 PHEV AWD plug-in hybrid produces 404 HP, and has a range of up to 43 km in electric mode. The price is NOK 1 before winter tires and extra equipment. This is therefore a real alternative to the converted cars above. In England you can actually get a Defender V323 for about the same price.

This beautiful Austin Healey has been converted to battery powered drivetrain - London Electric Cars

See

Used cars without a safety net

Posted 04/02/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

If you are going to buy an older electric car, it is of great importance to know how much the batteries have lost. If you are unlucky, you can end up with the "cat in the bag" without being successful in some instances. No one is required to disclose the health of the batteries. You have to find out for yourself.

Much to gain from checking battery health

When the first electric cars arrived, many were skeptical about the lifespan of the batteries. Therefore, an extended warranty was given. Everyone knows that batteries lose weight over time, but no one can predict exactly how much. By comparing 8-10 year old cars of the same model and year, you see clear variations. As the batteries gradually wear down over several years, it can be easy to forget to check the batteries before the warranty expires. And for those of you who are looking for a good electric car from an older vintage: Of course you should check the battery's health before signing a contract!

Let's go back to 2015

Then ordinary people could buy full-fledged electric cars - cars that could be used on longer journeys and that looked like real cars. The Nissan Leaf was already well established when it was joined by the Volkswagen e-Golf, BMW i3 and KIA Soul. Today, 8 years later, we can state that the cars have withstood the test of time well, both technically and visually. They are good options for first-time buyers and as the family's number 2 or 3 car.

KIA Soul EV

Watch out for bullshit!

It was a breath of fresh air on the electric car market with its tough, youthful design and – for its time – "large" battery pack with more capacity than the competition. Net 27 kwh and 30,5 kwh gross. From 2018, the net capacity increased to 30 kwh. KIA gave a 7-year guarantee of at least 70% battery capacity. Several owners have reported large capacity losses, so if you own a KIA Soul, you should check the batteries before the warranty expires. The remaining capacity can be read via the car's OBD2 connector, or have it checked at any workshop.

Prices

The 2015 KIA Soul is offered today for between NOK 80-120. Stated range is 000 km (NEDC).

Find battery health

The remaining battery capacity can be easily read via the OBD2 connector which you will find under the cover on the lower left of the dashboard. An OBD2 dongle costs only a few hundred Swedish kroner and can be purchased online. Make sure it supports the CAN protocol and fits your phone (Android or Iphone). With the dongle in the socket, you can connect via Bluetooth with apps such as "SoulSpy" or "Torque". Go to "Vehicle" data. The field is called SOH (State of Health) and shows the remaining battery capacity in percentage.

If the seller is a car dealer with a workshop, ask them to check the SOH, regardless of whether the seller tries to convince you that it is not right or necessary. It only takes 5 minutes. If you are going to buy from a private person, it is not as easy to fumble with an OBD2 dongle and app, if you cannot do it together with the seller. If you cannot read the status, you must try to calculate the range based on remaining km and remaining charge. It is the only basis for documenting that the batteries are relatively intact. You have to trust the numbers - not what the salesperson tells you.

Sales picture. 49km over 13/18 dashes reveals either an uneconomical driving style or a bad battery. As a buyer, you must assume that it is the latter.

Nissan Leaf

Battery capacity and condition (dotted line at outer edge)

Ordinary people's turn!

In contrast to today's government, Nissan understood early on what this term meant, when they were the first car manufacturer to make full-fledged electric cars for most people. The Nissan Leaf has proven to last for many years and is a very safe used car purchase. On cars between 2013 and 2015, the battery pack is 22 kwh net - 24 kwh gross. with a stated range of 199 km (NEDC). From 2016, the Leaf could be delivered with batteries of 28 kwh net - 30 kwh gross. Nissan only gave a 5 year/100 km warranty on the first battery packs. Extended warranty of 000 years 8% was introduced for battery packs from 70 kwh and above.

Prices

The 2014 Nissan Leaf is offered for between NOK 70-90 (source: Finn.no), and 000 models for between NOK 2015-60. I would strongly recommend ditching these early models and going for a 120 or 000 model year with 2016 kwh batteries. There are cars at the same price as the ones mentioned above (from NOK 2017-30) - perhaps with higher mileage and not as pretty - but still a better buy due to better range and battery warranty.

Find battery health

Nissan has an exemplary system for showing the remaining battery capacity on the instruments. On the scale above the charge, the remaining battery capacity is shown in the outermost arc. 12 lines mean that the battery's capacity is between 100% and 85%. At 9 bars, the battery is below 70%. Nissan's warranty is triggered if the number of dashes falls below 10 during the warranty period.

BMW i3

The BNW i3 is also usable with a short range

The design and choice of materials place the BMW i3 in a class above the KIA Soul and Nissan Leaf. In terms of size, it is smaller than the other two with 4 seats and 3 side doors. Original battery capacity was 18,8 kwh net - 21,6 kwh gross. From model year 2017, the BMW i3 had its battery capacity increased to 27,2 kwh net - 33,0 kwh gross. BMW's battery warranty is 8 years for at least 70% remaining capacity.

Prices

BMW is also in a different class in terms of price. Both model year 2014 and 2015 are in a price range just below NOK 100 to 000 (source: Finn.no). Be aware that the BMWs are also more expensive to maintain. According to the manufacturer, the batteries in the i140 should not be damaged by being constantly fully charged with the charger connected. The remaining battery capacity can be checked from the dashboard.

Find battery health

There is a service function via the dashboard where you can read the remaining battery capacity. The video clip below shows this in an excellent way. The trick is that you must first retrieve the car's ID number, add up the last 5 digits and use this sum as an access code to unlock the service function. Information about the remaining battery capacity in kWh can be found under "Tank/Battery". It must be net capacity that is displayed.

If you are in a position to buy, it might be nice to have done the test on another i3 before you approach the seller. Is the seller private, maybe you can do it together? If you buy from a brand dealer, they will know the function - and maybe talk you out of checking. Anyway, since the function exists and can be performed without doing any physical intervention, you should verify the number.

Markus Klemm – How to Find Your BMW i3 Battery Capacity

Volkswagen e Up!

Sales picture showing good range in summer conditions.

The little brother of e-Golf

10 years ago, several car manufacturers planned to offer electric cars as variants of regular production models. The Volkswagen e-Golf and e-Up were electric variants of fossil car models. The E-Golf appears to be a class above the Nissan Leaf and KIA Soul. The net battery capacity was 20,5 kwh - 24.2 kwh gross - until 2017 when the e-Golf had its battery capacity increased to 32,0 kwh net - 35,8 kwh gross. Instead of the very earliest year models of the e-Golf, I recommend the Volkswagen e-Up, which is a 4-seater with roughly the same size and range as the BMW i3. The cars are produced in Bratislava and maintain good quality. Early editions of the e-Up had a battery capacity of 16,8 kwh net (18,7 kwh gross). Being a smaller and simpler car, it could be cheaper to maintain than the e-Golf and in a format better suited to short ranges. Volkswagen's battery warranty is 8 years for at least 70% capacity. Normal range is just over 100 km in winter and 130-140 km in summer.

For model year 2015, prices are NOK 60-90.

Find battery health

The Volkswagen e-Up has an OBD2 connector, but I don't know what measurements and calculations need to be done to arrive at the remaining battery capacity - if it is even possible? The Austrian company Aviloo offers a solution where you plug a device into the OBD2 connector, charge to 100%, drive down to 10%, charge fully again and return the box for analysis. This is not something that can be done in one fell swoop.

If you are in a buying position, you are dependent on trusting what the instruments tell you about the remaining charge and km estimated on the basis of previous driving. E-up does well 100 km on winter roads. Many sellers fail to show this in the pictures or can show an acceptable range when viewing. If the instruments show a poor range, it may be due to uneconomical driving or a bad battery. As a buyer, you must assume the latter.

Bad battery gives "Cat-in-the-bag"

When buying, you can never trust the seller's information about real range. These figures depend on so many different conditions that they cannot be verified. Before you buy an older electric car with a – by today's standard – small battery pack, you should make sure that it can supply usable electricity for a few more years. To put it a little more bluntly, so can you risk ending up with a car with a real range of 50 km without the possibility of canceling the purchase - without a safety net. The car works - the batteries have died - that's normal. Did the seller promise you something else? Enjoy leather seats and a premium music system!

"The last idiot has not yet been born"

If the seller cannot provide figures showing remaining battery capacity, he or she must at least be able to show a decent estimated range based on previous driving. Unfortunately, many retailers seem to hold their cards close to their chests. Of course, they know the condition of the battery, but try to focus on other, superficial subtleties. I have browsed hundreds of ads, and am amazed to see dealer ads that neither tell about the real range nor the condition of the batteries.

Battery capacity based on charge

One test you can do yourself to test the battery's capacity is to compare what the charging station have supplied electricity against what knowing says it has received. For example, if you charge from 10% to 60% on a battery of 30 kwh net, the charging station should have given you 15 kwh plus what is lost in charge loss. If you charge from a wall box with a T2 cable, as much as 5-10% can be lost on the road in the form of heat. Since we do not know the exact loss of charge, this method can never be very accurate, but carried out over a longer period of time - on the same car and wall charger - it can reveal a pattern.

Battery health – the most important characteristic of used electric cars

Battery health is undoubtedly a 2015 model year's most important characteristic, both because of the cars' market value and the fact that lost range can make the car almost useless. Car buyers without technical insight into electric cars can easily end up with the "cat in the bag" without the opportunity to advertise. It is a fact that all batteries deteriorate over time, but not everyone realizes how much. Based on a search among 7 and 8 year old Nissan Leafs, I find that normal annual battery loss is between 1,7 - 2,5%. When I look at cars that are 9-10 years old, the variations are greater. One in three cars has had a greater average loss than 3% per year. Do batteries lose more weight as they age? Was the quality of 2012-2013 model year cars worse than 2014-2015?

Factors affecting battery health

High number of charges due to high mileage.
The batteries have been fully charged for a long time.
Extensive use of fast charging.
The batteries have been exposed to heat, for example during highway driving and fast charging in hot weather. The cars in the review have primitive systems for regulating the temperature of the batteries.
The car has been parked outdoors in cold areas.
The batteries have run out of power.
Manufacturing defects or damage to battery cells.

Shouldn't battery health be as mandatory as mileage when selling used electric cars?

See

Buying a used car without technical knowledge

Electric car on the smooth

Posted 08/01/2023 by Terje Bjørnstad

regenerative — Peugeot e-2008 is safe and predictable on smooth roads (photo: Bublik_polina/Depositphotos.com)

A woman experienced several times that the Tesla lost traction on winter roads. It slid into the wrong lane. Elbil24.no wrote about this earlier. NAF warns drivers of electric cars against regenerative braking on winter roads. Is driving with one pedal unsuitable for smooth winter roads?

Are electric cars more dangerous than other cars on the road?

The incidents occurred in a Tesla Model Y, but can certainly be provoked in other electric cars with regenerative braking. The woman who experienced slipping into the opposite lane said the following:

"Out of habit, I let off the gas on the way into a bend, and find that the car brakes sharply, then slides into the opposite lane."

Winter driving is no problem for the i3.

When the BMW i3 came with a one-pedal solution, I imagined that this could happen. I drove up to Sørkedalen to test how one-pedal worked over a parking lot with mirror-like ice on a slope. I hit the gas, aimed diagonally across the icy section and let off the gas abruptly. If you release the accelerator suddenly, the car brakes more strongly than if you release it slowly. Since the BMW is rear-wheel drive, I expected the rear wheels to lock and the rear end to drag down the slope in the same way as when you grab the handbrake. But nothing happened. The car did not brake as usual. I assumed the ABS system was preventing the brakes from taking effect. On the way back I had to speed up to get over the icy place - it was so slippery. I tested several times, and "cleared" the BMW i3 for the same thing that the woman with the Tesla Y reported.

Left to the car manufacturers

Both the BMW i3 and Tesla drive with a so-called e-pedal, where the drive wheels decelerate as soon as you lift the accelerator. During normal driving, the 4-wheel drive Tesla "Dual Motor" primarily pulls on the rear wheels. Locking the rear wheels against a bend can throw the car off course on slippery roads. The problem with cars like the BMW i3 and Tesla is that we can't switch off the one-pedal driving. We have to trust that they don't lock the wheels unwanted. Tesla reports that they have made several improvements to their software.

The Tesla Model 3 automatically goes into a kind of snow mode when it detects winter conditions. Bjørn Nyland (Tesla Bear) discovered this during their measurements and have documented it on their YouTube channel. This is good news, but still a puzzle as one wonders if the technicians in California manage to imagine Norwegian winter roads at their worst. Furthermore, I hope that they are careful when they "tamper" with the winter driving characteristics, so that the cars do not change character after a program update.

How should one prepare for wheel locking with regenerative braking?

Although regenerative braking should never lock the wheels, one should be prepared for it. On the Tesla Model 3 of 2020 model or older, you can choose to drive with "Chill" throttle application and "Low" regenerative braking. It works well in winter. On later models, regenerative braking can no longer be set. Since the system is not perfect, it is required that you get used to driving safely with one pedal. At the driving school, we have learned to handle difficult situations by pressing in the clutch and letting the wheels roll freely. You can't do that on an electric car. To let the car roll, you have to keep your foot on the gas so that you neither accelerate nor brake - between consumption and charging. On smooth surfaces, you should gently lift the accelerator to brake carefully. It takes a mental adjustment not to "jump off" the gas when things get scary.

Tesla Model 3 (2020) – regenerative braking force setting

Favorable weight distribution

Electric cars and hybrid cars with a centrally located battery pack have a more favorable weight distribution than most fossil fuel cars - close to 50/50. I have studied the weight distribution on the most popular models, and they show that cars that pull primarily on the rear wheels have slightly more weight bak, while front-wheel drive cars have more weight at the front. This is absolutely ideal and a great advantage in winter driving. Favorable weight distribution means that the consequences of oversteering or understeering are not as dramatic. Weight on the drive wheels also provides better road grip when starting up.

Use the four-wheel drive correctly!

Many electric cars have 4-wheel drive. That's good, but can give false security. The 4-wheel drive helps you when you step on the gas. For many, it is unusual to step on the gas when things get scary. Intuitively, you will then let off the gas and brake. It is therefore important that you arrange your driving in such a way that there is room to give gas in parts where you can easily lose your grip. Take it easy when you drive into curves, around street corners and roundabouts and you will have room to hit the gas to get out. If you enter the roundabout too quickly and are forced to brake, the 4-wheel drive will not help you.

Electronic systems

All modern cars are equipped with "anti-lock" brakes and anti-skid. Some cars also have their own driving programs for winter driving. Electric cars have good driver assistance systems. The best systems already correct oversteer and understeer before the car loses traction - so that it is difficult to provoke it even on purpose. Test the anti-skid system in a safe place, an open space or similar. Find out how much it takes to get the car out of balance and how much the car can skid before the system catches it again. In many cases, enough to be able to cause significant damage should a situation arise.

Are cars without an e-pedal preferable on smooth roads?

The electric cars from the Volkswagen group (Audi, Seat, Skoda, VW) cannot be driven in pure one-pedal mode. They still have a functionality that you should be aware of. If the car has "automatic" regenerative braking, the car's adaptive cruise control and navigation system are used to regulate the braking. If there are no obstacles, the car will roll freely and the brakes will automatically apply when it approaches an obstacle. I have not tested this type of braking in freezing rain and ice, but consider that the system can pose a potential risk of locking the wheels in the same way that Tesla Model Y owners have experienced. If, on the other hand, you set recuperation to "manual", the car rolls with no – or very little – regenerative braking. You can adjust the braking force manually - either with "paddles" on the steering wheel, or via the gear lever. This is a great way to drive an electric car and is unlikely to cause any negative surprises on smooth roads.

PSA's electric cars (Citroën, Peugeot, Opel) have manual regenerative braking with paddles on the steering wheel.

Volvo's electric cars optionally offer either manually controlled regenerative braking or the option to drive with one pedal.

Conclusion

New cars must not lock the wheels when braking, either with the use of the foot brake or regenerative braking. The technology for "anti-lock" exists, but we cannot rely on it 100%. After all, it's about life. Therefore, we must realize that there is a risk that the car's regenerative braking can take the car off course on extremely slippery roads. NAF's recommendation not to use regenerative braking - or to set it to the lowest strength - is real. If the car can only be driven with one pedal, it is an advantage to familiarize yourself with the car before taking the car straight out on the winter road.

Especially if you get your new Tesla delivered in the middle of winter.

Take it easy – keep your distance – keep a steady flow – use your turn signals – give your brake lights – make room for other cars 🙂

See

Unfortunate focus winter range
How many kWh does the Tesla 3 lose in the blast cold?
ID.4 GTX when winter comes

Elbil.24 – The Tesla just slipped into the wrong lane

Tesla Model 3 LR Snow Mode demo and explanation by Bjørn Nyland

Do electric cars need a grill?

Posted 29/12/2022 by Terje Bjørnstad

For over 100 years, the radiator grille has been a necessary part of the car's design. It has not only sent air into important components, - it has also created identity and brand loyalty, and sent signals about horsepower and status. Are we ready for cars without grills?

Elon Musk: Electric cars don't need grills

In 2016, Tesla removed the grill from its Model S. Until then, it had a fake grill to look like cars with internal combustion engines. I have read somewhere that the range increased by a couple of kilometers as a result, although that is difficult to measure as Tesla also delivers ongoing software updates that contribute to the same. Elon Musk's reasoning for removing the grill was that it was not needed. He is absolutely right. Electric cars don't have exhaust pipes either.

Brand identity

Tesla had an advantage – they were a new car brand with no previous brand identity. Car manufacturers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have for many years used the grill to express brand identity. If you remove the grill on a modern Audi, many people may have problems recognizing the car brand. Then the cars could be confused with models that cost less. That may be the reason why Audi has chosen to equip electric car models with the same type of monoframe grill that models with internal combustion engines use. For many years, the car industry has allowed the brand identity to be linked to the grill. With so-called "badge engineering", you can simply replace the grill - and voilà, you have a new model. Without a grill, car manufacturers have to create brand identity in other ways.

Will monster grills sell electric cars of the future?

Electric cars also need air

Audi's electric car models are equipped with grills that look completely real - so real that one wonders where the air flow actually goes. On the largest models, Audi can legitimize its oversized grills by saying that they actually let air in, albeit to a much smaller extent than the grill's size would suggest. The Audi Q8 e-tron controls the cooling air flow dynamically. Electric cars still need air intake for the radiator that cools the batteries, perhaps also for vulnerable electronics and brakes. But the amount of cooling is far less than what is needed for an internal combustion engine. The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, for example, have their air intakes just above the front spoiler.

A new design era?

The automotive industry is facing a new way of designing cars. Previously, the cars were made in a 2- or 3-box design where the front box was reserved for the engine compartment. Electric cars do not need an engine compartment in the same way as before. The prototype NIO EVE is a style study of tomorrow's self-driving electric cars. Here, the car is designed around the passenger compartment - without grill, bonnet and engine compartment. As electric cars and self-driving technology enter the fleet, these things will gradually disappear. It could be as big an upheaval as when the cars got pontoon bodies after the war.

The NIO EVE prototype is located in Oslo

Despite a rather tall front, Hyundai has designed a nice front section (photo: Bublik_polina/Depositphotos.com)

Different approaches

It's not about good and bad electric cars – it's about a design trend that could change how cars look in 5 to 10 years. In the end, it is not the car manufacturers who decide what tomorrow's cars will look like - it is what the customers choose that decides. The car manufacturers' challenge is to create a design that stands on its own two feet without a cooling grill - and which at the same time creates a distinctive character and brand identity. Distinctiveness is necessary for the models to sell well.

Today we see the following 3 approaches to the new design era:

1 – Electric car designed as an electric car

The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are designed as electric cars. The front part lacks a visible cooling grill, but the distinctive shape means that few are in doubt about which brand it is when they see a Tesla. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is another successful electric car design. It has also been given contours in the front, which over time can create a brand identity. Volkswagen's ID.3 and ID.4 have a real electric car design, but lack character and distinctiveness. The cheap light strips between the headlights only seem like a desperate attempt to create something special. What the aforementioned models have in common is that they have a design that stands on its own without a grill or air intake.

2 – Electric car and "fossil car" share the same design

When the same electric car model can also be delivered as a "fossil car", it is difficult to ignore the cooling grill and engine compartment. Some manufacturers have chosen not to make any external adaptations for electric cars, although several replace the grill with a smooth material. It may not help much with air resistance, but creates a front that is adapted to electric cars. The Hyundai Ioniq mk1 and Hyundai Kona have succeeded well in creating good electric car designs in the same bodywork as their "fossil car" variants. The Volvo XC40 and C40 have not only received a nice front section for the electric car variants, but also room for a "frunk" in the engine compartment. Opel has developed a theme for the front of its models, called Compass. Compass are contours that create an imaginary compass around the centered Opel logo. This creates a distinctive character and brand identity regardless of grill and air intake - and both "fossil cars" and electric cars can use the same design.

3 – Electric car disguised as a "fossil car"

Audi has created a brand identity with the help of its monoframe grills, which have characterized the brand for over 15 years. That's why the electric cars are also equipped with monoframe grills with actual ribs to imitate the cooling capacity of a "fossil car". BMW's new electric SUV, the iX1, wears the brand's new grille with vertical ribs that better suit a diesel car than an electric car. Mercedes-Benz has replaced the grill on its electric car models with a smooth material to show that it is about electric cars, but the design of the front parts does not stand on its own without the grill area. The Jaguar I-Pace is an obvious candidate in the "electric car with fossil car feel" category. The dominant grill is beautiful, but it doesn't belong on an electric car. The I-Pace has had a poor range for its class, probably for reasons other than the large grill - but the large "wind catcher" in the front also signals that beauty is prioritized over function. One might also wonder why the Polestar 2 has a large, slightly undercut grill, since they started with blank sheets with no previous brand identity. The reason is probably that Polestar has wanted to create associations with Sweden and Volvo. Without a grill it will be difficult.

Although there are many air intakes in the front, the distinctive character is created by Opel's "Compass" theme. the air intakes play a subordinate role.

Tesla Model Y has marked its brand identity through design - without any grill (photo: Bublik_polina/Depositphotos.com)

Jaguar I-Pace - a model not on the list.

audi e tron — The Audi e-tron 55 is equipped with Audi's large monoframe grille.

Polestar has endeavored to signal the models' Swedish origins. That might explain why the Polestar 2 is equipped with a grill that might make owners of old V70s envious (photo: autodatanet/Depositphotos.com)

Successful "conversion" of a fossil car to an electric car.

See

High-rise or low-rise electric car?

New electric SUVs don't exactly ooze aerodynamics, but they shouldn't look at the dog's hair. The BMW iX produces impressively low air resistance without you seeing it. **See more**

Opel for those of us who liked the Manta

Opel's new design language is taken from the Opel Manta. It consists of imaginary compass-like lines in the front and a new grill that can "talk". It's called the Opel Vizor. Then those of us who liked Manta can like Opel again. **See more**

Aerodynamics Audi Q8 e-tron 55

Opel Corsa-e

Posted 12/08/2022 by Terje Bjørnstad

The Opel Corsa-e is an electric car that "most people" can buy. It looks good, has a usable range and charging speed, - and doesn't cost much more than a used e-Golf.

Why Corsa-e?

It was my wife who brought the Corsa-e to the track. The night before I had searched for cars on the car sharing portal Getaround.no and during the night a teaser had arrived on the company email about completing the order for the Corsa-e. That prompted her to suggest renting a Corsa electric car for the Tuesday we were going on a trip. Like most ladies, she wants a nimble car that is easy to maneuver in the parking garages, but is big enough for a married couple to take trips around the countryside. Earlier this spring we had a Corsa petrol car on Spanish plates for a few weeks. In short, I can say that it was "all right for its price range". Will the electric car version of the same car be just as good with batteries and on Norwegian roads?

Usable electric car

There aren't that many usable electric cars to choose from in the Corsa's price range. For us means usable a car with the range to visit friends in Tønsberg and return to Oslo without recharging en route. Furthermore, it must be able to offer all-right comfort and space - be easy to drive and have safe driving characteristics. The competitors are the Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, Opel Mokka, Hyundai Kona and Kia e-Soul. Looking at the models through my wife's female eyes, Zoe and Corsa end up as clear favourites. For my part, I imagine how an everyday life behind the wheel of the Corsa-e will fade away.

Good experiences with the petrol version

I already partially know the answer. The Corsa does not appear to be a dream car in my eyes. But Opel's new models look better than in a long time and you get a car that doesn't cost a fortune, that will hold its value well and will be cheap to both own and drive due to the tax policy. The new Opel Corsa PureTech worked well when we stayed in our shepherd's hut in the South of France. There, the car fleet is older and consists of smaller cars than here. The best sellers are currently the Peugeot 208, Citroen C2 and Renault Clio. Here at home, the models in the B segment are almost disappearing from the sales lists due to the fact that they cannot be supplied as electric cars.

Built over the same last

The Corsa-e is built in the same way as a petrol-powered Corsa. There are no visible differences between the two variants. Both have the front engine and front-wheel drive. The batteries are in two banks - one under each row of seats. In addition, electronics are placed under the luggage compartment. I didn't notice it at first glance, but the electric car has less luggage space than the petrol car. Inside, everything seems pretty much the same. The Corsa-e has a gear lever with transmission forwards and backwards "by wire", "Park" on its own button and an electromechanical handbrake between the seats.

Plus for front wheel drive

The Corsa-e has the same good driving characteristics as the petrol version. On the road it feels like a car in the class above. I noticed that it was a little heavier - in a positive way. The electric car then also weighs 367 kg more than the petrol car. I noted the same precise steering and fine road holding as the petrol car. It is also worth highlighting the front wheel drive when winter comes. Unlike me, my wife does not like the car "cha-cha-cha dancing" on snowy roads.

The trip

We set out on a trip over Sollihøgda towards Sundvollen. It was time for lunch at Vik Skysstasjon. As usual good food and good service. It was pike cakes for me and Caesar salad for the wife. One of the tables with a view of the Steinsfjorden is our "main table". We were on our way to a place on the other side, but took the long way across the north side of the fjord. We had dessert at Åsa Landhandleri, where they sell soft ice cream. The space appears as a period piece from 1980. A perfect background for a photoshoot of cars from the same era.

Range and consumption

Opel shares batteries and drivetrains with other models on the same platform from Peugeot and Citroen and others. I have previously driven this drivetrain in the Toyota ProAce Electric and then concluded that the 50 Kwh battery pack gave too little range for such a large car. For the Corsa-e, on the other hand, the range is much better. "Our" car has a range of 337 km measured according to WLTP combined. On cars manufactured from December 2021, the range has been increased to 359 km by, among other things, optimizing the heat pump, changing the gear ratio and the option to choose tires with less rolling resistance. Real range can vary greatly depending on the road, speed and temperature. My own experiences with electric and hybrid cars in daily operation is that real range often ends up at 4/5ths of the WLTP range. For upgraded Corsa-e, this will mean 287 km. At Opel's websites is there a useful calculator to calculate real range. Here are some examples:





80 km/t ved 20 grader og aircon
311 km


110 km/t ved 20 grader og aircon
217 km


80 km/t ved 0 grader og varme
262 km


110 km/t ved 0 grader og varme
188 km


80 km/t ved -10 grader og varme
225 km


110 km/t ved -10 grader og varme
169 km

Estimated range based on our driving over a distance of 115,6 km would give between 335 – 345 km. It is based on ideal conditions - calm road driving in temperatures between 16-20 degrees with an interior temperature of 21 degrees and driving mode "Normal". You can choose "Eco" for optimal range. It makes the car slow and adjusts the interior climate. The Corsa-e has a heat pump so moderate use of cooling and heating has little effect on the range according to Opel's range calculator. "Eco" should only be selected in the event of an acute power crisis.

According to the trip computer, the average consumption of "our" car was 16,4 Kwt/100km measured since the car was new.

Cargo

There is a lot of talk about fast chargers. The more Kw, the better. But my experience is that I rarely experience getting the stated number of Kw even if the car can receive it. The higher the Kw, the greater the deviation. Corsa-e can receive a decent 100Kw. Then you can charge from 0-80% in 30 minutes. When I fast-charged the Corsa at a station with "only" 50Kw, it quickly charged from 59% up to 90%. Converted, the time would correspond to about 60 minutes to charge from 0-80%.

When I charged from the 11Kw wall box, the car did not take more than about 3,6kw. I tried in two cases and both gave the same result. I guess the car's Type2 cable didn't allow 32A. But there may also be other reasons in my charging network. Wall chargers are most often used between trips. Then time plays less of a role. The Corsa-e's on-board charger can take 7,4Kw - but an 11Kw on-board charger can be supplied as an optional extra. With 11 Kw, the car should be fully charged in about 5,5 hours.

Place

With a length of just over 4 metres, the car is ideal for street parking and maneuvering in narrow car parks. But the Corsa does not seem designed to provide optimal interior space within the external dimensions. Perhaps that is the price you have to pay for an appealing exterior. A car with optimal use of space would be more "boxy" and perhaps less beautiful. Earlier this year, when I drove two burly fellows to the railway station, he who sat in the front seat had to sit with his knees all the way up in the dash so that he who sat in the back would have room. Suitcases require one of the rear seats to be folded down. Cars in the B class are therefore not suitable for families who depend on using more than 3 seats. Legroom in the back seat is on par with other cars in the same class. With two couples in the car, it works best if women and men sit diagonally. Two men in the same longitudinal direction require cooperation. But tall people will be able to get comfortable behind the wheel. I am 1,88 meters tall and have shoe size 46 and it fit perfectly.

Safety

EuroNCAP tested the 2019 Opel Corsa – 1,2 Edition. There, the new Corsa only got 4 out of 5 stars! The problem for Opel is that what is standard safety equipment varies between different countries. The department that tested the new Corsa was located in a country where the middle position in the back seat lacked a headrest in the standard equipment. It is further stated in the report that the test car's side airbags only provided protection for the chest section and not the pelvis. Modern side airbags are usually two-piece – one for the chest and one for the pelvis. Opel's international brochure material unfortunately bears the stamp of being a rushed project. Neither the brochures nor the websites explain what kind of safety equipment is available in the Corsa. Too bad, because the smaller a car model is, the more important built-in safety modules are.

Opel should understand that in 2022 today's small car customers are more concerned with safety equipment than the color of the seat cover.

By looking up the German instruction manual, I have found text that explains that the side airbags in the Corsa are two-piece to protect both the chest and the pelvis. Newly developed cars today also have a central airbag which prevents people in the same row of seats from "clashing" their heads into each other in side collisions. This was not common equipment at the time when the current Corsa model was developed, and is therefore not installed.

The report from EuroNCAP however, shows that both driver and passenger escaped safely in all types of collisions. The only critical point is the high risk of whiplash injuries in both the front and rear seats.

Economy

The Opel Corsa-e is one of the most affordable models of "usable" electric cars on the market, that is, it meets minimum requirements with regard to range and space. Purchase price and operating costs are one of the model's most important advantages and will play a more decisive role for "most people" now that we are entering difficult times. At the moment there are favorable ones promotional prices for cars with equipment packages.

Used imports

At the moment, it may seem that the used market is dominated by used cars imported from abroad. When comparing prices on used cars, you have to take into account that used imported cars often lack winter tyres, which the dealer is unlikely to inform you about before you are ready to sign a contract. Also remember that the Corsa-e produced from December 2021 has an extended range of approx. 359 km. I mention it because a dealer chain advertises used import cars on Finn.no as 2022 models without stating when they are first registered.

Popular B-class cars have generally had good trade-in prices. I think the electric cars in this class will also benefit from that. One of the questions one can ask is how Opel's popularity will be in a few years. The brand is now part of the giant group Stellantis, which is going to use the ax on unprofitable projects. according to elbilstatistikk.no the Corsa-e is in 40th place among sold electric cars in Norway with 1995 cars so far this year. In Germany, the Corsa-e is in 6th place among sold electric cars in the first half of the year with 6531 cars – actually one place ahead of the VW ID.3. It is also worth noting that this year's most popular electric car in Germany is the Fiat 500-e. The future for small electric cars looks bright for now.

Smiley faces and surfing

: )
Economical in purchasing and operation
Safe driving characteristics with front-wheel drive
Good range and charging speed

🙁
Not a particularly good use of space

The luggage compartment in the Corsa-e is 42 liters smaller than in the petrol version

Facts Opel Corsa-e

Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 406 x 177 x 144 cm
Wheelbase: 254 cm
Net weight: 1457 kg (without driver)
Payload: 388 kg
Number of seats: 5
Max trailer weight w/brakes: not possible
– without brakes: not possible
Roof load: not possible

Drivetrain
Engine: Electric located at the front
Power: 136 HP
Torque: 260 Nm > 0 revolutions
Gearbox: 1-speed automatic
Front wheel drive

Performances
Top speed: 150 km/h
0-100: 8,1 seconds

Battery pack
Manufacturer: CATL
Type: Li-ion
Location: Two-part under the bench seats
Temperature control: Liquid-based
Total capacity: 50 Kwh
Available capacity: 46,3 Kwh

Range and consumption
WLTP before Dec.2021: 337 km (combined)
WLTP from Dec. 2021: 359 km (combined)
Estimated range of our driving: 335 – 345 km (dry road, 16-20 degrees, aircon, quiet country road)
Stated consumption WLTP: 16,9 kwh/100 km (brochure Nov. 2022)
Measured consumption: 16,4 kwh/100 km (measured since new)

Cargo
Contacts: Type2 and CSS
Charging time Type2 32A, 11Kw (optional), 0-100%: 5,5-8 hours
Charging time CSS, 100Kw, 0-80%: 30 min.
Our charging via wall box and Type2 20A: 20 km per hour
Our charging 50Kw 0-80%: 62,4 min (calculated)

Luggage compartment
As a five-seater: 267 litres

Tires
Dimension: 195/55R16
Type: Summer tire
Brand: Continental Eco-Contact

Prices
Price: 282.900 (Edition)
Varnish supplement: 4.000
11kw onboard charger: 5.000 (recommended)
Rear alarm and camera: 3.500 (recommended)
Electric rear windows and central armrests: 3.500
LED light package: 5.900 (recommended)
Adaptive cruise control mm: 5.900

About the car
Place of manufacture: Zaragoza, Spain
Colour: Crystal Silver/Black
Equipment level: Unknown
Leased by Getaround
Owner: Private
Model: 2022
Mileage: 9140
Km driven: 132
Source: opel.no, opel.de

See

Opel Corsa 1,2 T PureTech

Do you need an excuse to choose a car that doesn't run on electricity? We who write about cars see that fossil-powered vehicles do not attract as many readers as before, even if the car is perfectly OK.
**See more**

How we test the cars

Cupra born

Posted 30/06/2022 by Terje Bjørnstad

The first thing that strikes me is how similar it is to the ID.3. But the Cupra Born has a tougher appearance and seems more luxurious inside. The strange thing is that it does not cost more than the ID.3. Who wants to buy the ID.3 when you can get this for the same price?

A new car brand

Cupra has for several years been a term for trimmed, sporty car models from SEAT. Now Cupra is registered as its own car brand, as a sporty alternative to SEAT. The model selection consists of the electric car Born, the hybrid car Formentor, as well as lowered, sporty versions of existing models such as Ateca and Leon. Cupra Leon is therefore only a sporty version of SEAT Leon. In Norway, only Formentor and Born are sold - and it is undoubtedly Born that has the best chance of success.

According to the VIN number of "our" Cupra, the car is produced at the same place as the ID.3 - at Volkswagen's Zwickau plant in Germany - probably on the same assembly line.

terminal copper — Same layout as in ID.3 but better "look and feel". The infotainment system takes some getting used to.

A better place to be

There is no doubt that the compartment in the Cupra is experienced as a better place to be than in the ID.3. Very good fully cast, electrically adjustable sports seats provide a perfect driving position. The car seemed better soundproofed than the ID.3 that we drove almost two years ago. In any case, the interior acoustics are quieter, thanks to more luxurious surfaces. When we drove the ID.3 for the first time, we perceived it to be politically correct - a contrast to all the luxury cars that preyed on the state's tax relief. In comparison, the Cupra looks far more snobbish - but is actually just as politically correct as the ID.3.

Place

In terms of size, the Cupra has the same length and width as the Golf 7, Audi A3 (8V) and SEAT Leon mk3, - only a few cm higher. It to be however, much larger than the aforementioned models. The shape of the bodywork with the forward A-pillars probably contributes to a more bulky feel, but the practical usable space is the same as the aforementioned models. The space in the compartment is good in all directions. The boot holds 385 litres, which is good for the class, but at least designed as a full-fledged family car. Unfortunately, it is not possible to mount either a roof box or a hanger.

The ID.3 and Cupra Born are based on Volkswagen's MEB platform, which is also used by the three-door ID.4, Skoda Enyac and Audi Q4. These are a size class above the Cupra. All models share engines and battery packs, but the Cupra and ID.3 cannot be supplied with 4×4.

e Boost

Cupra can be delivered in more expensive versions with "e-Boost" - a button on the steering wheel that increases the effect so that you can overtake quickly or get out of the intersection first at a green light. The power is then increased from 204 HP to 231 HP. The advantage is that a stronger engine does not draw unnecessary current when you do not need all the power. Still, I wouldn't spend a penny on the boost function. - There is more than enough power in this car.

Does the Cupra really need more power?

After running a few errands with the wife, I took the Cupra out on my own. There had been a real downpour. When the road surface is soaked after a dry period, it can become slippery even when the water is drying up. On the way out of a wide roundabout, I had a wheel slip on the rear wheels. Completely undramatically brought in by ECC, but it felt unfamiliar to drive with rear-wheel drive and could easily provoke a rear-wheel slip. I took Enebakkveien towards Ytre Enebakk and Skiveien towards Ski. On the twisty roads and surfaces the Cupra had more than enough power for me to get the rear wheels to drop by pulling out of the corners. I stand by what I have previously written about the MEB platform - that the weight distribution provides good traction. The Cupra Born is slightly sportier than the other cars on this platform. It felt sharper on the steering and firmer in the chassis than the ID.3 - but far from as firm as the Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2. It is also somewhat lowered compared to the ID.3. If one were to make the Cupra Born more suitable for active, sporty driving, I would prefer 4-wheel drive rather than more power.

Range

I never quite get the hang of the factory range figures. After driving a leisurely 103 km at speeds between 50 and 100 km/h, the batteries had only lost 23%. With the same driving style, I should therefore be able to cover more than 440 km before the batteries were empty. The factory figure, measured according to WLTP combined, is 417 km. My numbers agree well with the measurements I made with the ID.3. It proves that low consumption is just as important as battery capacity. Actual numbers will always vary with weather, wind and speed. On them French websites for the Cupra I found a useful range calculator. It gives the following calculated ranges based on the air conditioner being in use and it being 15 degrees outside. The speeds indicate French speed limits.





100% Motorveikjøring i 130 km/t
324 km


100% Landeveiskjøring i 80 km/t
381 km


100% Bykjøring
440 km

Regenerative braking

The Cupra cannot be driven with the "e-pedal" - that is, both the accelerator and the brake are applied with the same pedal. Electric cars from the Volkswagen group have an alternative, intelligent solution where the car itself figures out how to dose regenerative braking. It checks the condition of the road according to the navigation map and uses data from the car's adaptive cruise control to provide optimal braking. If you let off the gas on a freeway, the car can continue to roll freely at the same speed for quite a long time if the conditions are right for it. But if you let off the gas towards a roundabout, the car will slow down automatically – first a little, then more. This worked fine on my itinerary, but the system depends on the map and terrain matching. If you drive on roads under construction, the system can behave annoyingly unpredictably. Unfortunately, there is a lot of road work and detours in summer Norway.

Cupra Born. Illuminated door handles in the dark

Order

Cupra is not just a new car brand. It also represents a new sales model for the Volkswagen Group based on online ordering without local dealers. A single showroom has been opened in Harbitzalleen on Skøyen in Oslo where you can view the cars. The purpose is for you to order online directly from the factory. Test drives can either be ordered from the premises at Skøyen or you can have the car delivered to your home for a half-hour test drive. If you live in the vicinity of Oslo, I recommend spending a few hundred Swedish kroner on renting a Cupra Born via Rent. Then you can pick up a fully charged car and drive around for hours - or a whole day or two - not just half an hour. If you have not had an electric car before, this provides a great opportunity to test how an electric car works on a daily basis. You arrange the order and payment yourself on the web - and you get the car delivered to your door free of charge. Service and repairs are carried out at selected Volkswagen workshops. There is only one minus – the delivery time is currently 12 months.

Smiley faces and surfing

: )
Interior "look and feel"
Molded sports seats
Good balance between comfort and sportiness

🙁
The infotainment screen takes some getting used to - a lot of swiping
Neither trailer hitch nor roof load is possible

Conclusion

Cupra is a new car brand that has landed in the middle of a swarm of new, unknown car brands from all over the world. Cupra Born is basically a Volkswagen ID.3 with a higher premium feeling in the cabin, sharper steering and firmer chassis. It is better than the ID.3 in every way – also in terms of price. Although it is necessary to add some extra equipment, you get a lot of driving pleasure and range for the money. It is also interesting that the car can be ordered online in a similar way to Tesla, Polestar and NIO. It seems that the Volkswagen Group has singled out the Cupra as a guinea pig for its new sales concept, although Born is no guinea pig. It is built in Germany - together with the ID.3. And now the factory must have fixed all the commissioning problems?

Facts about the Cupra Born 58 Kwh

Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 432 x 181 x 154 cm
Wheelbase: 277 cm
Net weight: 1787 kg (without driver)
Payload: 398 kg
Number of seats: 5
Luggage compartment: 385 liters (no "Frunk")
Hanging not possible
Roof load not possible

Drivetrain
Battery pack: 58 Kwh Li-ion, water-cooled, located under the passenger compartment between the axles
Motor: Electric, located in the rear axle
Power: 204 HP
Torque: 310 Nm
Gearbox: Stepless.
Rear wheel drive

Performances
Top speed: 160 km/h
0-100: 6,6 seconds

Range and consumption
WLTP: 417 km (combined)
Calculated from our driving in 20 degrees: 440 km
Stated consumption WLTP combined: 15.7 – 18.0 Kwh/100 km
Measured consumption: –

Cargo
Contacts: Type 2 and CSS
Stated charging times (0-100%)
… 11 Kw – 6 h 15 min
Stated charging time (0-80%)
… 120 Kw – 35 min

Tires
Dimension: 215/55 R18 95T
Type: Summer
Brand: Bridgestone Turanza

Price
List price: 334
Varnish supplement: 7
Pilot M w/Navi, Adaptive Cruise, Reversing camera etc.: 16 (recommended)
Price "our" car: 394 (without winter tires)

About the car
Place of production: Zwickau, DE
Owner: Rent
Rented via hyre.no
Model: 2022
Mileage: New car
Km driven: 103
Source: cupra.no, cupraofficial.fr og vegvesen.no

The Cupra Born is lowered 1 cm at the rear and 1,5 cm at the front compared to the ID.3.

Rotary switch for gear selection like the Volkswagen ID.3.

Cupra Born. Trunk with hidden compartment for charging cables and the like underneath

See

ID.3 – Politically correct

I imagine that the politicians' purpose in removing the one-off tax and VAT on electric cars was to promote models such as the ID.3. Not too expensive, not too big, but still big enough for many families. **See more**

How we test the cars

80 km/t ved 20 grader og aircon	311 km
110 km/t ved 20 grader og aircon	217 km
80 km/t ved 0 grader og varme	262 km
110 km/t ved 0 grader og varme	188 km
80 km/t ved -10 grader og varme	225 km
110 km/t ved -10 grader og varme	169 km

100% Motorveikjøring i 130 km/t	324 km
100% Landeveiskjøring i 80 km/t	381 km
100% Bykjøring	440 km

With Tesla abroad

Tesla's network worked!

Dedicated charging stations

Can Tesla's network explain Tesla's sales success?

A digital society

Car manufacturers with an app-based sales model similar to Tesla

Car models sold via independent dealers

Car brands with charging networks

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Convenient with large charging stations

Preparations

Ferry or Sweden?

Sweden

Denmark

Germany

Driving at night

toilets

Beware of heat wave

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What about the new R5?

Driving around disguised as a Clio

Alpine A290 _β (beta)

Several models on the same platform

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Electrogenic

Vass Technology

Not in Norway

A car for life?

What hides underneath

What speaks against electrical conversion

Rebuilt cars

Vass Technology EV Defender 90 Soft Top

EV Defender 110 TD5 XS Station Wagon

New Land Rover Defender

Overview of companies

Netgain Motors dealers

Other dealers

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Much to gain from checking battery health

Let's go back to 2015

KIA Soul EV

Watch out for bullshit!

Prices

Find battery health

Nissan Leaf

Ordinary people's turn!

Prices

Find battery health

BMW i3

Prices

Find battery health

Volkswagen e Up!

The little brother of e-Golf

Find battery health

Bad battery gives "Cat-in-the-bag"

"The last idiot has not yet been born"

Battery capacity based on charge

Battery health – the most important characteristic of used electric cars

Factors affecting battery health

See

Are electric cars more dangerous than other cars on the road?

Left to the car manufacturers

How should one prepare for wheel locking with regenerative braking?

Favorable weight distribution

Use the four-wheel drive correctly!

Electronic systems

Are cars without an e-pedal preferable on smooth roads?

Conclusion

See

Elon Musk: Electric cars don't need grills

Brand identity

Electric cars also need air

A new design era?

Different approaches

1 – Electric car designed as an electric car

2 – Electric car and "fossil car" share the same design

3 – Electric car disguised as a "fossil car"

See

High-rise or low-rise electric car?

Opel for those of us who liked the Manta