(A series of articles highlighting this new technology.)
It seems that something is being announced almost every day at the moment in the world of electric vehicles, with mainstream internal combustion engine (ICE) manufacturers giving details of new models and upgrades to existing units, so we want to keep you up to date with all this new-fangled electrickery techy thingy, as only your dedicated newsletter team can!
Well, it’s the April edition of the newsletter already, and as always there is lots going on in the world of electric vehicles….
Word on the street is that an electric car company is bringing out an “over the air” software update” that will allow users to book their IAM RoadSmart driving test on the main screen in the car. Once booked, the car will download the entire routes used for that area, and will self-drive for you. All you need to do is sit there and pretend you are driving. A F1RST is guaranteed, or your money back. A spokesperson said “This will allow IAM membership to increase dramatically whilst keeping up the fantastic driving standards that we see on our roads every day”.
You might remember that some time ago the forward-thinking team at Bolton group developed a course aimed at drivers of ice cream vans - well, with the introduction of the electric ice cream van, this course has now been updated. As well as the tried and tested Cockpit drill, that includes checking “All Fridge Doors Closed” an amendment has been added that asks drivers to ensure that the charging cables have been removed. This important addition is in response to a number of incidents that have recently come to light, that whilst chilling a box of cornetto’s, on “super chill” setting, drivers have been so keen to get out, and get first dabs on any sales, they leave the cable in position. This has resulted in local power failures, and irate homeowners boycotting the purchase of cornettoes. Bolton Group Chairman said, “Something had to be done, the last thing we want is melting cornetto’s leaking all over our car park”.
Now it’s not every day that you come across unusual “live cargos” on the roads around Bolton and District, but recently, there has been a spate of near collisions with vehicles carrying loads of electric eels. Naturally, the vehicles are electric! This is due to an interesting experiment being conducted by local universities, that by carrying approx. half a ton of electric eels you can convert their charge to fuel the vehicle, and recharge the batteries whilst on the move! This has come as a complete shock to local dealerships who are selling self-charging cars themselves, as they are now being upstaged by half a ton of eels. They are countering this experiment by saying that in a collision, emergency services would be put at risk by eels being discharged onto the road surface causing a slipping hazard, as eels are known to be slippery characters. However, as always Bolton and District Group came up with the answer. It only needs a line adding to the Risk Assessment for both the carrying vehicle, and, the emergency response vehicle, and all should be well!
Now, there’s lots of talk about “self-charging” hybrid cars both in the press, internet sites and on car related TV programs. But as yet no one has come up with how to charge a fully electric car whilst “on the move” without using the “regen” facility, until now!
In a stroke of genius, we have heard of a car company that is testing and getting ready to launch a car that will allow users to keep fit and charge their car whilst on their journey! Most of us know and will have heard about adaptive cruise control, where your vehicle always keeps its distance from other vehicles by the use of various sensors. However, this car, will release a set of bicycle type pedals into the floor well once the cruise control is selected. This allows both the driver and passenger to pedal which in turn will generate charge that will go back into the battery! A true self charging car! Now, come on, is that a genius idea or what? As soon as we have more details you can be sure we will be letting you know, but what a way to travel and keep fit and help to become fully self-sufficient.
As most of you know, it looks like this year is going to be an election year, and all the local candidates will be looking for your vote. So, it seemed only right that we should canvass the parties to see what they might be doing to get our vote, after all, we as advanced drivers and associates need to get our views heard! As you might imagine, we formed a super sub-committee to get the message out there. Our suggestions for the manifestos are:- 1. Complete abolition of all taxes for holders of an advanced driving qualification. 2. Fully funded and expense account reimbursement for all purchases of cornettoes, Cappuccino coffees, and the occasional “Big Mac”. All vehicles owned by people with advanced driver qualifications to have automatic radio signal control that on approach to traffic lights they turn to “Green” allowing us priority through junctions. And finally, a £50 McDonalds voucher to every observer when a group associate passes their advanced test.
Well folks, that’s about it for this April edition, we hope you like the world class, award winning, journalism we bring you every month, not just in April, so look forward to seeing you again next month. Until then, drive safe and remember to avoid any electric eels you may see on the roads!
Remember, if you’re thinking of “upgrading” to electric, please let us know, we would love to hear what you are thinking of changing to, plus if you have any questions, just shout out!
Well, that’s it till next month, hope you like “Electric Avenue”, please let us know. Plus if there is anything you would like to comment on or have questions to ask, then again, just let us know.
Barry Sloan – Publicity Officer