Yes, absolutely! Stow your sponges and squeegees: You can take your electric car through any automated car wash. Automatic car washing systems may include soft-touch, no-touch, high-pressure and tunnel washes.
Automatic car washes are as safe for EVs as they are for cars powered by gas (aka internal combustion engines, or ICE). These washing systems will not damage batteries, electrical systems or motors. (You can even charge your EV in the rain, but that’s a topic for another day.)
Just as you would when taking your ICE ride through an automated tunnel car wash, it’s a good idea to follow this checklist when you line up for a sudsing:
Automated car wash tips:
One more thing, because sometimes we can’t help ourselves! About those sponges and squeegees: You may want to hang on to them. Although you can safely run your EV through a car wash, these convenient cleansers can scratch or damage the paint finish of any car, ICE or electric. Plus, many car washes use environmentally harmful chemicals that can degrade paint and pollute rivers and streams. From an environmental and budgeting standpoint, your best bet is to hand-wash your car with biodegradable soap.
2023 is going to be great for EVs! According to Car and Driver, enthusiasts can expect new models from Audi, BMW, Genesis, GMC (hello, Hummer EV), Jaguar, Kia, Mercedes, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.
Find an EV for you
There are nearly 100 battery-only EVs (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) available in the U.S. And here’s a look at all of them.*
*Available in the U.S. as of Sept. 4, 2022.
After the record-snapping cold spell of 2022, the cold weather question is fresh on the mind. Here’s the thing: All cars, gas and electric, use more energy in cold weather. That means lower gas mileage for ICE drivers and a shorter range (how far an EV can go on a single charge) for EV drivers.
According to Consumer Reports, extreme temperatures can reduce an unplugged EV’s range by about 20%, and recharging takes longer. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your EV range during extreme cold (20° F and below) temperatures:
Extreme heat (95° F and above) can cause a temporary drop in an EV’s range. According to PCMag, most cars are built with heating and cooling systems to regulate their temperature to prevent long-term detrimental effects on your battery.
Generally speaking, over the lifetime of the car, electric vehicles are better for the environment than their gas-powered counterparts, even when you account for battery manufacturing.
Here are a few big-picture environmental benefits of driving electric:
*Bidirectional charging allows electricity to flow from an EV back into the grid or into your home.
Yes. Electric vehicles like the Audi e-tron, Ford 150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV, Hyundai Ioniq and Kona, and Rivian trucks – to name just a few – are all rated for towing.
However, towing heavy loads can cut range in half, so plan your trip accordingly!
Fire risks exist for both electric and ICE vehicles. Let’s take a look at the numbers and the facts and check out the sources below:
Yes (for now), and most electric cars have only one gear! However, some models – like the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron – are bucking the one-speed trend by offering a multi-speed gearbox.
In these models, first gear helps cars launch quicker. After launch, both cars automatically shift into high gear for better high-speed driving performance and a higher top speed.
There are plenty of benefits to EVs: They are fun to drive, environmentally friendly, cost less to fuel, have lower maintenance costs, require fewer trips to the mechanic, offer at-home charging/refueling convenience and provide great performance. Although there are plenty of entries in the pro-EV column, there are valid concerns worth addressing.
Let’s dive right in and speak to the biggest concern for many drivers: finding charging stations. Even though charging an EV at home more than covers a week of typical commuting, long-distance road trips will require some planning.
Fortunately, the charging infrastructure – or electric fueling infrastructure – is growing. More and more communities, hotels and parks are embracing DC fast chargers, solar chargers and Level 2 charging stations for public use.
Plus, Tesla is opening up its supercharger network to vehicles made by other manufacturers, a move that will dramatically increase fast charging options for some EV owners. Not only that, but Tesla is even inviting other companies to use its charging technology, which the company renamed in late 2022. It’s now known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS).
Both Ford and General Motors have announced that they will offer built-in NACS ports in the future. In the meantime, both companies will begin providing adapters to their customers soon. In early 2024, Stellantis also announced that it would adopt the Tesla-invented and SAE standardized plug.
Find a charger
Until very recently, EV sticker prices were generally higher than their gas-powered counterparts; however, federal incentives and rapidly falling battery and raw material costs have many experts predicting that EVs could match gasoline cars on price this year.
Nope! EVs are powered by electric motors rather than internal combustion engines, which require regular oil changes to lubricate all the moving parts.
Although you can bid farewell to motor oil and other expensive engine- and transmission-related routine maintenance, EVs still need some routine maintenance and fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, and wiper fluid.
As more and more EVs hit the streets, there’s a growing body of evidence indicating they’re at least as safe as gas-powered cars.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – an independent nonprofit scientific and educational organization – recently handed its TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation to the Volvo XC40 Recharge, Audi e-tron and Tesla Model 3.
Looking for more good EV safety news? The IIHS-affiliated Highway Loss Data Institute analyzed crash data on electric and conventional versions of nine models from 2011 to 2019 and found that injury claims related to the drivers and passengers of EVs were more than 40% lower than injury claims for identical conventional models because the drivers and passengers in heavier vehicles, like EVs, are exposed to lower forces in multi-vehicle crashes.
This site’s content (including, without limitation, references and links to third-party information) is based on information provided at the time of publishing, and TVA makes no warranty therein.
Author
The TVA EnergyRight EV Team
Bio
About the author: The TVA EnergyRight EV Team works diligently to make sure the people of the Tennessee Valley region have fact-based information about electric vehicles so they can decide how EVs fit into their lives. TVA is collaborating with state agencies, local power companies and other partners to pave the way for EV adoption in the region. This includes developing the Fast Charge Network, which will place public fast chargers at least every 50 miles along the interstates and major highways across TVA’s seven-state service area by 2026.
Published : 2022-07-19 11:43:00
Categories : Kids Battery Cars
ELECTRIC CARS FOR CHILDREN: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING AND FIVE VERY INTERESTING OPTIONS
Electric cars for children are the most popular toy among children. In addition to being a super original and fun toy - since they can imitate their parents and it is something that excites them - they also provide many benefits for their learning and development , among them, the improvement of balance, coordination, teaching of the rules basic circulation and… a long etc. But here comes the big question: How to choose the most suitable children's battery car for our children? What ages are they for? How much does this type of toy cost?
One of the most striking things about these electric cars for children with remote controls is that they are miniature replicas of the vehicles we see on the streets of our cities. They look like real cars! And it is that it does not lack any detail: extras, accessories, technology... They are increasingly becoming more complete, safe and practical. They also have the advantage that they can be directed by the parents, with the parental control that they include. The latter means that it covers a wide age range so that they can play with them, from 1 year old babies to 6-7 years old (depending on each model).
In this post, we will solve all the doubts that there are about children's electric cars and we will make a small selection of the most interesting options that you can find on our website to give away. For the smallest driver in the house to have a great time playing with his new stroller. You will find a great variety: from classic, sports, off-road... There is something for all tastes!
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ELECTRIC CARS FOR KIDS: WEIGHT AND BATTERIES ARE THE KEY
Although they may seem like it, not all these electronic toys are the same. Before buying an electric car for children, some fundamental factors must be taken into account , such as, for example, the speed, the size, the weight of the child or the restraint systems that they include.
Likewise, these electric cars for children can be classified based on their power, recommended age and the maximum weight for which they are indicated.
In general, the most common children's battery cars that we can find on the market are divided into three different power types: 6v, 12v and 24v battery cars.
ELECTRIC CARS FOR CHILDREN 6v
The electric cars for children with a 6v battery are specially designed for the babies of the house. From 1 year old to 3-4 years old (depending on weight and height). Its maximum speed is 3.5km/h.
ELECTRIC CARS FOR CHILDREN 12v
The 12v battery electric cars for children are focused on a broader age range and for slightly older children. The age is usually between 1 year and 5-6 years (maximum weight 30-35kg). They usually reach a maximum speed of 6-7km/h.
ELECTRIC CARS FOR CHILDREN 24v
The 24v battery electric cars for children are the largest and most robust cars that we can find. These cars are usually 2-seater – suitable for two small children between 2-3 years old or for 1 larger child up to 7-8 years old (in some exceptions up to 9 years old).
WHAT AUTONOMY DO THE ELECTRIC CARS FOR CHILDREN WITH REMOTE HAVE?
Surely you are wondering what autonomy these children's electric cars have . The duration of the game is usually between 60 and 90 minutes (1 hour or 1 hour and a half) and always depending on some factors such as the weight of the child, the use of music and lights, the terrain where they are used (if it is smooth, with stones, grass, small elevations or slopes, etc.).
The charging time is usually between 8-10 hours (but not more than 10 hours) for the first charge and, for the following charges, between 6-8 hours maximum.
One of the key requirements in these toys is the safety of children, for this reason, it is important that before buying any electric stroller for children, it complies with the corresponding certificates required by the European Union ( European Certificate EN62115, EN71-1 -2- 3) and that they also comply with current regulations regarding safety measures regarding any type of toy for children.
What do the above regulations monitor? Especially that the small parts (belts, mirrors, levers, buttons, brand logos, etc.) are well fitted so that they do not come loose easily and, therefore, could endanger our little ones. Likewise, the bodywork is another of the points that are inspected the most in quality controls; These have to be made of resistant, strong and stable materials to prevent them from cracking easily. Therefore, the safety of the little ones is the most important thing.
WHAT ELECTRIC CAR FOR CHILDREN TO BUY: FIVE INTERESTING OPTIONS TO GIFT TO OUR CHILDREN
The offer in this type of children's electric toys is increasing, so on our website you will be able to find electric cars for children for all types of ages, styles, brands, colors, price ranges, etc.
Keep reading to discover them!
AUDI R8 SPYDER 12v
Electric car for children Audi R8 Spyder 12v . This children's electric car is the favorite and the most sought after by children and children. Everyone wants to have an Audi R8! It is an ideal car for the smallest of the house (1-4 years). Of all our electric cars for children, this is one of the most complete on the market and, best of all, for a fairly affordable price. It has the official license of the brand, a seat, parental control, seat belt, leatherette seat, EVA rubber wheels, ignition key, door opening, LED lights, USB, gear lever, progressive exit, horn, sounds.
RAPID 12v
Electric car for children Rapid 12v. This battery-powered car for children is one of the favorites in our store among the little ones. A simple car, but at the same time with numerous extras that delight the little ones. If your child likes off-road style cars, don't hesitate, this is your car! It is aimed at children up to 5-6 years old. Includes parental control, seat belt, independent on/off switch on the dashboard, slow and fast speed selection wheel, USB port, starting sounds, horn, backlit control panel, real key start, LED lights , opening doors, drag handle.
ATAA F1 RACING 12v
ATAA F1 Racing 12v electric car for children . Does your little one like sports style cars? Well, here we show them the perfect car for them. This Lamborghini Aventador style stroller will leave your little ones speechless. It looks like a real sports car! Directed especially for children up to 6 years old. Includes parental control, 5-point harness-type seat belt, upward opening doors, music, USB port, sports-style steering wheel, rocking function, LED lights.
MERCEDES MCLAREN 720s 12v
Electric car for children Mercedes 720s 12v . The Mercedes brand, in general, is one of the favorites among the little ones. On our website, you can find numerous models of the German brand, including this fabulous Mercedes McLaren 720s, identical to the original. Ideal for children up to 6 years old. It has the official license of the prestigious brand. Includes upward opening doors with pneumatic shock absorber, parental control, safety belt, very resistant EVA rubber wheels with click and easy assembly, independent light button on the dashboard, music, USB port, air conditioning by means of a button on the dashboard, lights and starting sounds.
RANGE ROVER SPORT 24V
Electric car for children Range Rover Sport 24v . One of the largest cars we have available in our online store. Perfect for big boys and girls up to age 8! You can find it in several colors: white, red and black. Includes the official license of the brand. In addition, it has two seats, leather seat, EVA rubber wheels, real start key, 4-wheel suspension, lights, door opening, real start sounds, music, USB port, bluetooth to connect the phone and play music, parental control, progressive exit.