Tesla to Roll Out “Destination Charging” Program At Hotels, Restaurants And Resorts

Tesla has begun installing high-power wall chargers at restaurants, hotels, beach parking and other locations that can send 80 amps of electricity into the Model S and add 58 miles of range in an hour. While that’s not nearly as fast as a Supercharger, which can recharge the 85 kWh pack in around 30 minutes, it’s twice as fast as the standard 240-volt chargers that can be more commonly be found around in parking lots and garages.

Tesla has been rolling these out quickly across the US as a convenience to customers. The company says 106 of them have been installed since the program began this spring, with more coming online daily. Like the Superchargers, they are free to use for Tesla owners.

Unlike Superchargers, which function more like a petrol station, these wall chargers are designed for destinations. Teslas can also use standard charging stations with the use of an adapter that comes with the car but due to the out-sized capacity of the battery in a Model S (up to 85 kWh), a full charge from a standard 240v 10 amp outlet might take as long as 30 hours. To make utilizing the full range of a Model S practical, for example for weekend trips, higher powered 'destination' charging is required to provide up to 500 km worth of charge in approx 4-5 hours.

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Improve Office Functionality with An ESI Monitor Arm

ESI monitor arms provide excellent ergonomic benefits for home and business work environments. These fully functional and adjustable computer screen mounting systems will change the way you operate while computing for life. In today's post, we'll highlight 5 of the top selling monitor arms from ESI and their benefits. Enjoy!

1.) Single Screen Monitor Arm

First up is the EDGE series monitor arm from ESI. This single screen unit is perfect for small home and business office applications. The EDGE mounts securely through a desk grommet and can also be clamp mounted to the side of most office desks. This simple to use monitor arm is easy to install and features an integrated wire management routing track to help keep you space looking nice and neat. Priced at $198.99, this starter unit is an excellent value.

2.) Dual Screen Monitor Arm

Next up is the EDGE dual screen monitor arm from ESI. If you're still working with a single computer screen sitting on your desk and flipping back and forth between tabs, it's time to step into the modern age of office ergonomics. Similar to the EDGE single screen model highlighted above, this dual screen unit adjust easily to create more usable workspace. This 2 screen set up allows users to simultaneously mouse between monitors for quicker and more efficient computing. Priced at $361.99, this product will help you operate at performance levels you never knew existed.

3.) Three Screen Monitor Arm

Used commonly in high tech work environments and in networking furniture layouts, three screen monitor arms are incredibly versatile and beneficial. Type an important email, check your stocks, and browse the web simultaneously with this super cool setup. The horizontal display does take up a significant amount of space, so be sure to measure your screens before adding this unit. Needless to say the 3 screen look, will add plenty of wow factor to your workspace while speeding up your day to day computer tasking. This MMFS3 unit is available for $439.99 and includes free shipping.

4.) Six Screen Monitor Arm

Unless you're a tech junkie or working in a fast paced networking job, our next ESI unit may be a little much. None the less, the MMFS6 model 6 screen monitor arm from ESI is just plain cool. Talk about making your space look futuristic. While having 6 screens up at a time is a bit unnecessary for the average home office, believe it or not these MMFS6 units are quite helpful to credit card monitoring companies and fast paced call centers. Priced at $834.99, this mega mounting system was just too awesome not to sure and will probably become the industry standard one day!

5.) Heavy Duty Monitor Arm

ESI also specialized in a variety of heavy duty monitor arm systems for those who want to operate on multiple screens. Units like the EDGE2-MAX will support up to 40 lbs. and screens up to 24" in size. This heavy duty pole mounted setup offers a 14" height adjustment range and monitors can be positioned by sliding along the crossbar to accommodate various screen sizes and shapes. Priced at $448.99, you'll be hard pressed to find a better unit on the market today.

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The Ormskirk MotorFest was proper classic car fun

APOLOGIES if I brushed past you in Ormskirk the other day in the mad rush to make it to my car on time.

My MG was booked in for three glorious laps of Ormskirk MotorFest glory, and I was about 30 seconds from missing out. Regular readers will know I’ve been an avid supporter of West Lancashire’s motorsport-themed spectacular since its inception – it is, after all, the best possible use for Ormskirk’s one-way system – and that my trusty old MGB GT has for years joined scores of other classic cars in the event’s street parades.

What you probably won’t know, however, is that while the old girl made its usual appearance at last year’s event it was actually too poorly to take part in the parades, thanks to an unfortunate incident involving a sprint circuit, historic race ace Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams and a slightly misguided attempt by my colleagues to mend a misfire which went horribly wrong. Having decided that West Lancashire’s petrolheads would prefer not to hear an MG which sounded like an East European tractor, I pulled my classic car out of the parades altogether. That’s the joy of classic car ownership for you!

This year, however, I decided it’d be a crime not to get the MG, with all its rattly bits mended, into the parades around Ormskirk’s one-mile circuit. The only problem was that I somehow had to photograph the parades AND take part in them, which was why as the last of the bubble cars tootled up from Coronation Park towards the Parish Church I was nudging my way through the crowds in the opposite direction, eager to get from my photography spot to the MG in record time. With just seconds to go before the classic car parade eased onto Park Road, I got my pride and joy fired up.

It was great not only to be involved in the most exciting aspect of the MotorFest once again, but also to see how the event’s evolved from that single, full-throttle spark of an idea back in 2010.

The most welcome change was the hugely increased emphasis on safety, with barriers installed right the way along Park Road – there’s never been an accident in the parades, but from the perspective of a driver cruising past thousands of spectators it’s good to know the fans have got some added protection!

The event’s still got its uniquely egalitarian atmosphere, where anyone can come and watch an F1 car charge past the bus station and pay nothing for the privelige, but the addition of the autotests, the car club displays and the emphasis on organisation have helped it mature into something with a slicker, more mature feel. It’s also, given the Government’s decision to legalise what are effectively road racing events on closed public roads, a prime example of the spending power petrolheads bring to town centres when they flock their in their thousands for a car show.

Count me in for next year.

Check out the 3 September issue of Classic Car Weekly for David's full report on this year's Ormskirk MotorFest

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Lesro Impresses with Mystic Reception Furniture

The Lesro Industries Mystic reception furniture collection is truly impressive. This line of high quality guest chairs, bench seating, and accent tables offers the perfect blend of wood and metal accents for a contemporary look that's simply unmatched. In today's post we'll be highlighting a variety of unique products from the Mystic collection and their aesthetic benefits. Enjoy!

First up, the Mystic S1801G7 side chair. This single user guest chair is available in a wide range of fabric and leather upholstery options that work well in lounge, waiting room, and reception area applications. The S1801G7 features wood arm caps available in 6 finish options to compliment your choice of 2 frame finishes. This stand alone chair offers a highly preferred wall saver design and just the right amount of wow factor. Priced at $221.10, the S1801G7 is also an excellent value.


The S1891K8 guest chair from the Mystic Lounge Series is perfect for big and tall users. This heavy duty chair supports up to 750 lbs. and doesn't lack in terms of style. All too often, users are left sorting through a slim selection of quality chairs for bariatric applications. Luckily, Lesro has introduced seating solutions like the S1891K8 to meet the needs of design teams looking to impress while keeping visitors in supreme comfort. This comfy chair is available in all the top upholstery options Lesro has to offer and is a top choice for healthcare based waiting areas.

The Lesro Industries Mystic Collection also offers a wide variety of versatile bench seating solutions for larger reception areas. Products like the S4803G7 bench accommodate up to 4 users at a time without the need for ample spacing between each seat. These space saving bench chairs are great for applications where seating a large number of guests comfortably is top priority. Priced at $867.90, Mystic bench chairs are a bit more pricey than most of the products from this collection, but provide tons of space and style benefits that will be appreciated by businesses for years.

Lesro has also introduced a line of Mystic series accent tables to help design teams and businesses alike further enhance waiting areas. Products like the S2811G7 can be added to provide table space as well as seating for 2 guests for only $552.75. The S2811G7 is truly a versatile product that stands apart from the crowd.

Mystic series coffee tables and end tables like the S1485T5 and S1285T5 incorporate the same wood and metal design characteristics as the incredible chairs from this collection. Choose a cohesive finish and show your design prowess and business sophistication with ease. These tables start at $152.90 and are a must have for any makeover project using the Lesro Mystic line.

Last but certainly not least, the S1005B7 from the Mystic Collection was just too cool to leave out. This two person backless guest bench features upholstered seating surfaces and contemporary metal legs. The S1005B7 can act as a modular coffee table or seating option for guests and provides a ton of aesthetic appeal. As the title of today's post says, Lesro truly impresses with the Mystic collection!

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London’s hybrid buses to wirelessly recharge at stops

Hybrid London buses that use batteries and a motor will now start recharging at stops, wirelessly. The inductive charge should mean the engine won't need to be used as much, or at all.

The inductive charging, built into the bus stops, will be trialled by TfL in four stops in east London from next year. The special Enviro400H E400 hybrid buses, with wireless charging capabilities, will run on route 69 between Canning Town and Walthamstow.

By keeping the batteries topped up the buses should be able to run longer in battery mode meaning lower running costs and less environmental damage. The journey should offer less vibrations and noise while travelling too. The trial should help enhance the electric bus offerings in London.

There are currently six pure electric buses being tested in London also. The Mayor of London wants the city to be the world's first Ultra Low Emission Zone by 2020. There are currently 800 hybrid buses operating in London with 1,700 expected in 2016 – making up 20 per cent of the total bus fleet.

Mike Weston, TfL’s Director of Buses, said: "We are continuing our assessment of new technology in the capital that can deliver genuine environmental benefits. This trial of extended range diesel electric hybrid buses, utilising the latest inductive charging technology, could be a step closer to getting even cleaner double deck buses on London’s streets. We will be closely monitoring the results of the trials, which may help us adopt this new cleaner technology more widely in London."

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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to enter 2014 Australian Safari

Mitsubishi’s top selling Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is set to tackle a new frontier when it takes on one of the toughest off-road events in outback Australia next month.

With technical support from Mitsubishi Motors Australia (MMAL), Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Australia (TMR Australia) will enter a plug-in hybrid Outlander PHEV in the iconic Australasian Safari, which takes place in Western Australia from 19-27 September.

It will be the first plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive officially entered in an Australian motorsport event – including the Safari, which is considered one of the most demanding off-road endurance rallies in Australia.

Experienced local driver and co-driver team of Steve Glenney and Bernie Webb will put the TMR Australia petrol electric Outlander PHEV through its paces during the nine-day outback event.

The Outlander PHEV will compete in class A1 for production vehicles, in a category specially created for hybrid or dual powered vehicles.

TMR Australia’s Australasian Safari entry marks the third international off-road rally outing for an Outlander PHEV since its launch in late 2012. Previously, the Outlander PHEV’s all-terrain performance and durability have been tested in the Thailand, Cambodia Asia Cross Country Rally, which the Mitsubishi SUV successfully completed in 2013 and 2014.

TMR Australia Outlander PHEV Safari Team Principal Alan Heaphy said the Australasian Safari is a challenging event that demands stamina and endurance from competitors and vehicles alike.

“We’re very excited about building the first plug-in hybrid to compete in the Australasian Safari,” he said.

“The Outlander PHEV showcases the latest Mitsubishi hybrid and four-wheel drive technology, making it an ideal platform for an entry in the Australasian Safari.

“From our long-term experience working with Mitsubishi products, the quality of engineering and technology is a good match for motorsport, and we’re looking forward to proving the Outlander PHEV’s durability and technology in genuine off-road conditions.”

Competing in Australasian Safari production class A1, the Outlander PHEV will be built to meet FIA specification with only minor modifications made for durability and safety.

To help it withstand the punishing conditions, the Outlander PHEV will have extra underbody and frontal protection, reinforced suspension arms and strut towers along with competition brake pads, rally tyres and springs with adjustable dampers for added strength and durability.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. It uses Mitsubishi Motors’ advanced electric vehicle technology by combining a 2.0L MIVEC petrol engine with high output 60kW twin front and rear motors, high capacity 12kWh drive battery and regenerative braking system for maximum efficiency and performance.

Mitsubishi Motor Company will support the TMR Australia Outlander PHEV Safari entry by sending three plug-in hybrid specialist engineers to Western Australia for technical assistance during the gruelling seven day event, which will cover more than 2,500 competitive kilometres through sand, salt plains, dry river beds and rugged desert tracks.

The 2014 Australasian Safari concludes in Kalbarri – 600 kilometres north of Perth – on Saturday 27 September.

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Next Generation Nissan Leaf to get 300 km range and new look

The next-generation Nissan Leaf will boast a more conventional hatchback look and an improved 300 km driving range, according to a report from Auto Express.

Nissan bosses are promising new battery technology is on the way, with better energy density for a more usable pure electric vehicle. A figure of about 186 miles (300 kilometres) is likely to be the target.

There’s a good chance Nissan will offer smaller battery packs with less range, like Tesla does with its 60kWh and 85kWh packs. The new battery technology and motor will be shared with Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti, too.

Source: AutoExpress

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Why A Home Office May Be Right For You

It seems like every day brings a new work trend that takes us further away from the past. However, with all the bring your pets to work days, bring your kids to work days, pajama days, and casual fridays, there's definitely a trend to the trends - there's no place like home. Modern workplaces all over the world have been striving to make the working life more accessible, but sometimes it's just impossible to escape the distractions. In today's article, we'll highlight the top reasons why a home office might just be the next big thing!

Best of Both Worlds

Pets, casual clothes, pajamas - there's a reason modern offices allow them once in a while, and that reason is comfort. Working at stylish home office desks rather than an iron office building gives all that and more. In fact, part of the reason modern and open offices have become such a huge trend is because they typically allow more room to be oneself. The casual clothes, personalized spaces, and room to chat with coworkers is supposed to reduce stress so employees can work comfortably. Unfortunately, all the hustle and bustle can be distracting for individuals that need quiet to concentrate. With phones, Skype, FaceTime, and social media sites however, instant contact is a snap. Nowadays, home workers get the peace and quiet they need, and all the coworker contact they want!

Comfortable Environment

For most of us, home is where the heart is, and we're never as comfortable as we are in our own controlled environment. Unlike a public office, at home, you get to decide just about everything to do with the world around you - control that is vital to focus. All too often, public office workers have no control over lighting, noise, chairs and furniture for office use, equipment, office accessories for work and other vital things that could help them work better as individuals. Contrarily, with the kids away at school, most home workers enjoy plenty of quiet time. Surrounded by one's own home office furniture and recliners, they are the captains of their own ships so long as the job gets done.

Save Money, Improve Health!

Commutes, lunches, and snacks can all take a surprisingly large dent out of paychecks. In addition, working under the gun can also inspire poorer health, especially when a quick trip to McDonalds is faster than making a sandwich in the morning. Responsible home office workers on the other hand don't have to have these problems. For most of them, the morning commute merely consists of a few steps. Lunch is as simple as a trip to the refrigerator. With the opportunity to choose better foods from the pantry, shop ergonomic chairs to reduce pain, and take the dog for a 15-minute walk after lunch, home workers have a much better chance to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Forced Responsibility 

For all the benefits a home work life provides, it is not the choice for everyone. This is a lifestyle that requires great personal discipline and accountability. If power goes out, it's still the home worker's responsibility to finish a proposal, even if that means going back to the office building for a day. Being able to call that desk your own comes at a price when your work from the house. For some, it builds great time management and organizational skills. For others, it may just build up courage to confront the boss about adding sound absorbers to the walls - and that's okay too!

Be Yourself

Whether you decide to work at a home or in a building, it's important to find a place that gets you be the best of who you are. If you are responsible, accountable, and focused all on your own, then a home office life may be just the thing to make you shine. Fortunately, some modern workplaces are hipping up to the benefits of a home-work lifestyle, and are striving to make public business life as comfortable as possible. By adding discount modular furniture and sound barriers, along with a mix of team-working open floor plans surrounded by quiet individual work areas, offices everywhere are beginning to meet the needs of everyone. In the end, wherever you work - there's no place like home!

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Life On Cars takes on the Nürburgring

YET ANOTHER Porsche 911 screamed past as I dived into a tight right-hand corner on the world’s scariest race track.

My passenger was grinning like an overexcited schoolboy, but I couldn’t help but thinking what I was doing was slightly mad. There I was, beginning a lap of the longest, most challenging – you could even argue most dangerous – race track in the entire world, with half of Europe’s BMW M3 owners closing in from behind. What’s more, I wasn’t at the helm of the latest supercar. I was in my own car, a 25-year-old Mazda MX-5 I bought for a grand six months ago, and I was mixing it with 911s, hot Audis, superbikes and even the odd Ferrari or two.

Yet this is exactly why, if you’re a committed petrolhead so into cars you might as well have GTX Magnatec coursing through your veins, you simply HAVE to drive the Nürburgring at least once in your life.

It is, with 13 miles and 73 corners to contend, easily the longest race circuit in the world. The F1 circus abandoned it after Niki Lauda’s horrendous accident – heading to the much shorter, newer and safer Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit next door. It still amazes me that a place deemed too dangerous for F1 is open to just about everyone else, at £20 per no-holds-barred lap.

A friend and I had just fired up the MX-5, stuck it on an overnight ferry, and driven it down from Rotterdam the previous morning, which goes to show that it’s no harder to get to Europe’s motoring playground than it is to get to Cornwall or the Scottish Highlands. In fact, the overwhelming majority of the cars queuing to get onto the track – despite being in deepest Germany – had British registration plates.

As soon as I got onto the track it wasn’t hard to see why so many Brits make this automotive pilgrimage. It is, as long as you keep your wits about you and make sure your car’s up to the job, one of the few places in Europe where you can really put a car through its paces.

I’d love to brag in the pub about doing a blistering lap, but in truth I was overtaken by just about everything, as I had no idea which way the 73 twists and turns went. However, the MX-5 absolutely reveled in it, and revealed depths in its steering and handling I genuinely didn’t know it had.

There’s no logic whatsoever to a 13-mile race track where just about anyone can turn up and have a go, but I loved it anyway. 

It’s a challenging place you underestimate at your peril, but go prepared – and make a foreign holiday of it by taking your own car over – and it’s one of the most spectacular things you can do with a car.

Read more in the 20 August, 2014 edition of Classic Car Weekly

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Ultracapacitors to be used for braking energy recuperation in Spanish rail system

Maxwell Technologies, Inc has announced that Win Inertia, an engineering firm specializing in power electronics, energy storage and control and communication systems, is using its ultracapacitors for a stationary wayside braking energy recuperation system at an electric rail system in Cerro Negro, Spain. Win Inertia designed and installed the system under a contract with the Spanish government's Administrator of Railway Infrastructures (ADIF). In this installation, the system also enables ADIF to store excess energy in a battery bank that supplies an electric vehicle (EV) charging station located at the rail station. The facility also seamlessly integrated a photovoltaic (PV) generator to supply additional energy if required.

The recuperation system employs Win Inertia's SHAD® hybrid control technology (international patent pending) to integrate batteries and Maxwell ultracapacitors to increase energy recovery efficiency and reduce stress on the batteries, thereby extending battery life. Ultracapacitors' rapid charge/discharge characteristics uniquely enable them to capture and store more energy during each braking event than battery-based systems, which have limited ability to absorb energy in the few seconds required to stop a vehicle. Win Inertia's high-efficiency hybrid energy storage and power delivery system furthers ADIF's return on investment as it enables dual use of the recuperated energy for rail vehicle propulsion and EV charging. By converting kinetic energy into stored electric energy through regenerative braking, the system recovers 8 to 10 percent of the total energy used by the railway system, which is then used to power the EV charging station.

"By incorporating ultracapacitors, which accept charge from the braking energy recuperation system much more efficiently than batteries, the system recovers significantly more energy," said Eugenio Domínguez Amarillo, Win Inertia's CEO and chief technology officer. "Additionally, by using ultracapacitors to relieve the batteries of the stress of repetitive cycling, we expect to extend battery life by 20 to 25 percent."

Braking energy recuperation systems in electric and hybrid rail vehicles save fuel and electrical energy by using resistance from the electric motor to stop the vehicle, and, through that process, converting kinetic energy that would be wasted in a conventional friction-based braking system into stored electrical energy. Ultracapacitors' high reliability and extremely long operational life also make them a preferred option for heavy cycling electric utility grid applications.

Dr. Franz Fink, Maxwell's president and CEO, said, "Transportation is the world's largest energy consumer, so systems that enhance energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions can play a transformational role in energy management and create tremendous long-term growth opportunities for rapidly advancing ultracapacitor technology."

Unlike batteries, which produce and store energy by means of a chemical reaction, ultracapacitors store energy in an electric field. This electrostatic energy storage mechanism enables ultracapacitors to charge and discharge in as little as fractions of a second, perform normally over a broad temperature range (-40°C to +65°C), operate reliably through one million or more charge/discharge cycles and resist shock and vibration. Maxwell offers ultracapacitor cells ranging in capacitance from one to 3,000 farads and multi-cell modules ranging from 16 to 160 volts.

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A 'quick' test drive in a Tesla Model S P85+

Earlier this week EV News had the opportunity to test drive a Tesla Model S P85+ around the streets of Sydney. It was only a very brief experience compared to the week long test drives we've had with most other EVs, but it was long enough to confirm that Tesla Motors make electric vehicles that are in a league of their own.

The first thing you notice about the Model S is that it's a big car. All dimensions including wheelbase and track are larger than a full-size car like the Holden Commodore VF. The wheelbase seems governed by the size of the floor mounted flat-pack battery enclosure which makes up 700 kg of the vehicles 2,100 kg kerb weight. The upshot of this being the Model S has more interior storage space (1,796 L) than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SUV we tested a few weeks ago.

For such a heavy car the weight wasn't noticeable while driving, although I am familiar with driving full sized cars and the test route didn't allow for any high speed loaded cornering. In acceleration the P85 Model S is stunning! Unlike all other EVs I've driven which have synchronous BLDC permanent magnet motors, the asynchronous AC induction motor in the Model S really gives a kick in the back off the line. So much so I'm thinking perhaps Elon Musk should consider issuing Tesla reps with neck braces for test drives.

The BMW i3 I drove in Munich earlier this year was, up until this week, the fastest EV I had driven. I noticed from a standing start, full off the line acceleration in the i3 didn't really come on strong until over approx 25 km/h, on it's way to 100 km/h in 7 seconds. With 310 kw and 600 Nm peak torque from zero RPM, the 3 phase AC induction motor launches the P85 Model S from a standing start to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds. That's faster than your average Porsche. As with all EVs, mid-speed acceleration was also impressive but with the Tesla, mind blowingly so!

One of the reasons I've been so keen to sample a Model S is because on paper it is the only EV that is broadly comparable to my current daily driver, which has 255 Kw / 475 Nm with a 1600 kg chassis. The 5.7 Lt 4 door sedan does 0-100 km/h in around 5 sec which is faster than both a standard Model S 85 (5.6s) and the 60 version (6.2s). I've clocked up over 300,000 km in this car so am very familiar with it's above-average acceleration, yet the Model S P85 absolutely kills it!

Ever since the Tesla test drive I've been trying to get my head around how the Model S P85's mid-speed acceleration could feel twice as fast as my ICE car. Multiplying the Tesla's 600 Nm peak torque by the 9.73:1 reduction gear ratio gives 5,898 Nm at the rear wheels. Divide that by the 2,100 kg kerb weight and the Model S has 2.8 Nm /kg. Running the same numbers for my Corvette engined family sedan gives 4,476 Nm (in first gear only). Divided by 1,600 kg kerb weigh surprisingly results in the same 2.8 Nm/kg figure.

So why does the P85 feel twice as fast at mid speed? The 3 phase AC, copper rotor, induction motor's torque curve gives a flat 600 Nm between 0 and 5,000 rpm. As with all EVs this broad torque curve allows the Tesla to have a single speed transmission. With the gear ratios commonly used in EVs they're effectively in the equivalent of first gear all the time. So while my ICE powered car has approx the same torque to weigh ratio in first gear, the V8 engine doesn't reach peak torque until 4,000 rpm (which accounts for the extra second 0-100) and rear wheel torque reduces with every up-shift of the gearbox until top gear where maximum torque is down to 'only' 1,000 Nm. By comparison, the Tesla has approx 6,000 Nm available on-demand from standstill up to 70 km/h. Over this speed electric motor torque starts to decrease but at 120 km/h the Model S P85 still has 3,405 Nm at the wheels.

The bottom line is, from a standing start the Tesla has full torque almost immediately (see dyno chart below) and at mid-speeds, due to the advantage of a permanent low gear ratio, the Tesla has up to 6x more peak torque available at the flick of the throttle pedal compared to my reasonably powerful internal combustion engine equipped car. There's no waiting for auto gearbox kick-down, it's just immediate torque at any speed. The results are... absolutely devastating acceleration from any speed and an almost permanent 'Tesla grin'.

When a start-up company like Tesla Motors can execute a new luxury car with such startling performance, 500 km range and running costs that are 1/10 th that of equivalent ICE cars, It's no surprise that Mercedes, Audi and BMW are already working on their own versions of the Model S. I don't think it's much of an exaggeration to say this car is revolutionary!

The Model S P85+ as driven was priced around $190k. A basic P85 option package with the full 310 kw / 600 Nm and 21" wheels is $130,600. Unfortunately luxury tax and other government charges add another $25k bringing the total cost to $155k in Australia.

(dyno torque curve from a Tesla Roadster - the Model S P85 has 2x more torque @ the wheels)

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The global market for EV traction motors to exceed $25 billion in 2025

The electric vehicle business will approach a massive $500 billion in 2025 with the traction motors being over $25 billion.

Their design, location and integration is changing rapidly. Traction motors propelling land, water and air vehicles along can consist of one inboard motor or - an increasing trend - more than one near the wheels, in the wheels, in the transmission or ganged to get extra power. Integrating is increasing with an increasing number of motor manufacturers making motors with integral controls and sometimes integral gearing. Alternatively they may sell motors to the vehicle manufacturers or to those integrating them into transmission.

In a new report from IDTechEx called "Electric Motors for Hybrid and Pure Electric Vehicles 2015-2025: Land, Water, Air" these complex trends are explained with pie charts, tables, graphs and text and future winning suppliers are identified alongside market forecasts. There are sections on newly important versions such as in-wheel, quadcopter and outboard motor for boats.

Today, with the interest in new traction motor design there is a surge in R&D activities in this area, much of it directed at specific needs such as electric aircraft needing superlative reliability and power to weight ratio. Hybrid vehicles may have the electric motor near the conventional engine or its exhaust and this may mean they need to tolerate temperatures never encountered in pure electric vehicles.

Motors for highly price-sensitive markets such as electric bikes, scooters, e-rickshaws and micro EVs (car-like vehicles not homologated as cars so made more primitively) should avoid the price hikes of neodymium and other rare earths in the magnets.

In-wheel and near-wheel motors in any vehicle need to be very compact. Sometimes they must be disc-shaped to fit in. However, fairly common requirements can be high energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, high torque (3-4 times nominal value) for acceleration and hill climbing and peak power twice the rated value at high speeds. Wide operating torque range is a common and onerous requirement. Overall energy saving over the drive cycle is typically critical. Usually winding and magnet temperature must be kept below 120C and then there are issues of demagnetisation and mechanical strength.

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Chair Questionnaire: Choosing The Perfect Office Chair for You!

Finding the perfect office chair for your specific needs can be a long and difficult process. With thousands of popular chairs available on the market today, how do you know which model is right for you? No need to worry! In today's post we'll be highlighting our simple and easy to follow 7 question guide to help shoppers choose the most best chair possible. Enjoy, and happy shopping!

1.) What's Your Price Range?

Right out of the gate, it's important to determine an acceptable budget for your new office chair. While respectable seating options can be purchased for as little as $100, high end chairs range well into the thousands. Determine a price you are comfortable with and move on to question 2.

2.) What Chair Style Showcases Your Personality?

Modern, traditional, contemporary, and retro are all trending office chair styles that accommodate a variety of different style preferences. Some shoppers prefer a cutting edge modern chair with plenty of wow factor, while other like the class look featured in today's luxurious traditional seating options. Choose a style that highlights your individual personality and move on to question 3.

3.) Why Type of Upholstery is Best for Your Office?

When shopping for office chairs online, you're bound to run into a variety of fabric, leather, vinyl seating choices from reputable brands. Chair upholstery options are graded by the amount of double rubs (times a material can be used without showing wear) to determine the quality and grade. Determine what type of material will work best for your decor and style preferences and select a grade withing your budget. Most of the chairs for sale on the market today are standard in one or two fabric or leather color options to keep things a bit more simplified. However, top office chair brands offer ample textiles to provide variety to shoppers like you!

4.) What Back Height Do You Prefer?

Today's most popular ergonomic chairs come in low, mid, and high back styles to accommodate users of all sizes. Test a few models at a local showroom to determine which back height will best suit your daily needs.

5.) What Daily Functions Do You Perform?

When selecting your new office chair, it's important to determine your most common office functions and the purpose your chair will serve. If your shopping for a new chair for the home office, computing styles will  work great for your needs. If the chair is for your high end business space, executive styles will be preferred. Those who sit for long periods of time throughout the week will typically be performing more functions and should expect more from their chairs. That being said, it's important to shop accordingly for styles built around the demands of your specific work day.

6.) What Ergonomic Features Do You Need?

Selecting ergonomic features is not a step to be feared. While the options are quite numerous, most chairs come standard with the basic attributes needed to provide you with customizable comfort throughout the work day. Pneumatic seat height, chair tilt features, lumbar support mechanisms, and adjustable arms are the most common. If you'd like help determining your ergonomic seating needs, meet with a physician or chair specialist at your convenience. Most will be happy to provide suggestions.

7.) How Soon Do You Need Your Chair?

Shoppers looking for in stock office chairs will find plenty of solutions available both in store and online. Basic color options like black, brown, blue, and gray will be available in a timely manner. Those who want unique textiles and colors will be shopping brands like Global Total Office and RFM who offer made to order products that take approximately 3 to 5 weeks to manufacturer. It's important to determine how soon you need your new chair, to then determine what brands you should consider. In a nut shell, If you are in a hurry, ask your dealer about in stock office chairs. If you want something a bit more fancy, inquire about made to order products.

Once you've answered the 7 questions above, it's time to choose a manufacturer. Brands like Boss, Offices To Go, and Eurotech offer excellent computer chairs that ship quickly. Brands like Global Total Office and RFM mentioned above specialize in more made to order products available with customizable options. Shop a variety of brands to determine styles, features, and attributes you need before settling on one particular manufacturer. For suggestions you can read office chair reviews online, visit ergonomic forums, or consult with professionals about best selling models. In the long run, it's most important to choose a chair that keeps  you comfortable, showcases your personal style, and stays within the budget!

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BMW Formula E course cars to be equipped with Qualcomm wireless charging

The all-electric FIA Formula E Championship has today confirmed that its course cars for the inaugural season will be fitted with Qualcomm Halo™ wireless charging technology – an inductive charging system which allows the car’s battery to be charged without the use of cables.

With the final specification of car set to be announced shortly, the championship’s technical team took advantage of today’s final test at Donington Park to trial two BMW i8 and two BMW i3 models with the aim to evaluate them for the series’ official course cars. Earlier this year, the German marque was part of the Global Launch event of the Formula E in London.

All four BMWs have been specifically modified to meet FIA requirements, with one of the BMW i3 models featuring an inductive charging system from Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), with the remaining three vehicles set to be adapted at a later stage. The technology has been developed by San Diego-based Qualcomm Incorporated, one of the official Founding and Technology Partners of the series and a global leader in 3G, 4G and next-generation wireless technologies. The Qualcomm Halo™ technology uses resonant magnetic induction to transfer energy between a ground-based pad and a charging pad fitted to the underside of the vehicle. The cars can then simply park over the base pad for charging to start automatically.

The chosen safety car – which will be officially entitled the Qualcomm Safety Car - will be driven by experienced driver Bruno Correia, whilst the medical and extraction cars will be overseen by FIA Medical Delegate Dr Phil Rayner and his team. The cars will be positioned at the end of the pitlane, charging wirelessly and ready to be rapidly deployed as required during each practice, qualifying and race.

Steve Pazol, GM, Wireless Charging at Qualcomm Incorporated, said: “Qualcomm is honoured to be an integral part of FIA’s Formula E Championship. As electric vehicles become more ubiquitous, charging them wirelessly is an obvious next step in the EV evolution and we are excited to showcase this in Formula E. Motorsport is a known proving ground for new technologies, and in addition to our wireless EV charging technology, Qualcomm will be bringing more of its technologies to bear as the series goes forward.” Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E, said: “Qualcomm’s wireless charging system is ground-breaking technology and represents an exciting evolution for charging electric vehicles. Wireless charging has the potential to radically improve the electric vehicle driver experience and Formula E provides the perfect platform in which to develop, test and showcase this exciting new technology.”

Formula E is the FIA’s new fully-electric single-seater championship designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fans, whilst accelerating the interest in electric vehicles and promoting sustainability. Competing entirely on city-centre circuits – with races also in China, Malaysia, Uruguay, USA, Monaco, Germany and the UK – it uses cars capable of speeds in excess of 150mph (225kph). Its 10 teams and 20 drivers feature some of the leading international names in motorsport including Alain Prost and Michael Andretti, along with high-profile environmental supporters including Sir Richard Branson.

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Go Modular with Global Bungee Tables

Designing a conference room is never easy. As a room with a purpose, the final product must be functional, modern, and appealing enough to impress corporate guests. Unfortunately, for offices that have to budget money and space, a fancy one-room area just for the occasional conference is not always an option. To anyone in need of versatile conference room furniture that's both functional and stunning, look no further. In today's article, we present modular Bungee Tables by Global Total Office - the perfect thing to jazz up a conference room. Enjoy!

About Global Bungee Tables

Global Total Office is a top notch furniture manufacturer that's been designing quality desks, tables, and chairs for many years. Their experience definitely paid off in design of the Bungee table series, which showcases some of the most versatile, high tech conference tables on the market. Featuring a high end modular design that allows these tables to be connected, reconfigured, and easily stored, Global Bungee tables allow conference rooms to be used for more than just talk. The need for presentations, projects, and training new recruits also gives Bungee tables lots of use. They are the perfect thing for business owners wishing to minimize extraneous costs by choosing furniture that can accomplish more than one task.

Here, There, Everywhere!

So where exactly do Bungee tables work best? Well, the answer may surprise you. Initially designed for use in conference rooms, Bungee tables by Global Total Office are the most ideal for meetings. However, with highly functional features, these tables make one room capable of so much more. Styled for meetings with corporate executives, these versatile conference tables for sale are also utilitarian enough for internal meetings with coworkers. The ability to rearrange and connect in multiple layouts also renders these tables perfect for training purposes, education, presentations, special events, and workplace projects too.

Superior Style

Not only are Bungee tables capable of great things. They are also wonders of modern style. Global is notorious for offering plenty of customizable aspects to their products, such as upgrades, colors, and upholstery options, and the Bungee table series is no different! Here, tables are offered in multiple sizes to fit conference rooms large and small. Most models, like the Global BK180F 15' Bungee conference table set offer multiple leg finishes, shapes, and optional caster kits for mobility. In addition, Global's reputation for custom styling is also replicated by a set of ten stunning table finishes. The selection is an office interior designer's dream come true!

Ultimate Versatility

In the high stakes business world, style can get you far, but it definitely isn't everything. Thankfully, a quality office furniture brand like Global Total Office knows this. Through their Bungee table series, this brand works to provide every office with the equipment to combat every task! In most workplaces, conference rooms aren't just for conversation. They are places of education, idea sharing, and business projects where employees build cooperation and teamwork. With excellent ergonomic features like the ability to reconfigure, rearrange, connect, nest, fold, and roll, Global Bungee tables can adapt to every scenario. With just a few bungee cords, users can build their own ideal work environment to get the job done.

Final Grades

With all that Global Bungee modular boardroom tables are capable of, it's no surprise that we give this series an A+ for utility. Paired with professional modern styling that any corporate leader can be proud of, they have definitely earned themselves five stars! Of course, there are many conference tables and furniture for less, but considering all the attributes of the Bungee series, the tables are a steal. If multi-functional tables are a must for your office, no series is better than this one!

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LG Chem wins battery order from Audi for plug-in hybrid cars [VIDEO]

South Korea's LG Chem said on Wednesday it had won an order from Audi to supply batteries for its plug-in hybrid and micro hybrid electric vehicles.

LG Chem said the deal was "worth hundreds of millions of dollars" but declined to give further details. It said it expected to win more such orders from Audi parent Volkswagen in the future.

LG Chem, which has secured a total of 20 customers including General Motors, also it aims to achieve combined sales of over $10 billion from large-sized batteries by 2018.

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LG Chem signs battery deal with Volkswagen [VIDEO]

LG Chem has agreed to supply electric-vehicle batteries to Volkswagen, a company executive said Tuesday.

"Volkswagen has designated LG Chem as one of its key battery-sourcing channels to push its electric car projects," the executive said by telephone on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the issue. "LG is going to supply battery packs and solutions to the German carmaker."

The deal with Volkswagen is not as big as similar deals between LG and other leading carmakers such as General Motors and Ford, said the executive.

The partnership also involves collaboration on various products the German car manufacturer is working to develop as part of its electric-vehicle projects, part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

For example, Volkswagen is working to attain "ultra-low-carbon mobility" for its new eGolf electric vehicle, said officials.

The vehicle is a fully electric version of Volkswagen's popular Golf.

"LG Chem will join futuristic electric car business projects such as [projects to develop] plug-in hybrid electric vehicles led by the German carmaker thanks to the latest battery deal," said the official.

An LG Chem spokesman declined to confirm.

LG Chem has been in talks with Volkswagen over the past four years regarding a business partnership involving batteries for electric vehicles.

The executive said it was Beijing's approval to proceed with LG's plans to build a battery joint venture in China that helped the LG Group affiliate land the partnership with Volkswagen.

Volkswagen plans to spend more than $2 billion on models and on two new facilities in China, increasing total investments in the world's biggest auto market to nearly $8 billion.

LG Chem Chief Financial Officer Cho Suk-jeh told investors and analysts that the company aimed to generate nearly 2 trillion won in revenue from its large battery business, including energy systems, by 2016.

The petrochemical business is the biggest cash cow for LG Chem, accounting for 77 percent of its 5.87 trillion won in sales in the second quarter. Batteries accounted for 12.3 percent and electronic information materials 12.1 percent.

LG Chem is gradually cutting its reliance on petrochemical products as part of an effort to diversify its revenue sources.

On a related note, in 2016 the company plans to begin providing carmakers with batteries capable of powering electric vehicles for at least 200 miles (322 kilometers).

LG Chem currently supplies lithium-ion batteries to General Motors, Ford, Hyundai-Kia, Renault, Volvo, and other carmakers. The 200-mile-plus range of the new batteries is roughly double that of the company's current, first-generation electric-vehicle batteries.

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What's Hot: Powered Conference Tables

As the world of technology races, so does the world of business! So it's no surprise that the addition of tablets, laptops, and smartphones has brought about a new generation of professionals who rely on them to get the job done. Thankfully, great furniture manufacturers have devised powered conference tables to better integrate this new technology. Check out today's article featuring the top powered tables for conference and idea sharing in the workplace!

Napoli

First on our list of top-of-the-line powered conference tables is the Napoli series. If versatility is what you're seeking, no set is better than this! The Napoli collection by Mayline features a swath of conference tables in varying sizes to meet the needs of every office. Most options are offered in the choice's choice of either mahogany, sierra, or golden cherry for a luxury finish. In addition to excellent versatility and high quality veneer styling, these tables also feature power ability to appeal to the modern workplace. Constructed of AA-grade North American hardwood, Napoli collection tables are always a utilitarian office tool your workplace can be proud of!

Aberdeen

Our next selection of high powered conference tables hails from the same reputable manufacturer as the Napoli collection. Also from Mayline, it's not hard to see why the popular Aberdeen series is an office favorite. With a styling that expertly blends modern applications with traditional charm, Aberdeen conference tables appeal to guests and business executives alike. Like the Napoli collection, most Aberdeen tables are offered in versatile sizes and colors with great discount prices to stay in budget. Optional modules for power are a staple of most models so users can hook up laptops and smartphones for presentations!

Mystic

For minimalist modern appeal that gains a ton of use, look no further than Lesro for your conference room furniture needs! With stunning tables and chairs for sale, their Mystic collection will undoubtedly leave guests mystified. Offered in numerous sizes with a choice of five stunning finishes, Mystic tables by Lesro can find a place in just about every office. The uptown styling includes tables with elliptical, square, and round tabletops to appeal to specific decor needs. Of course, the power capabilities of most models enhance the boardroom experience by integrating technology into every meeting. Best of all, they're amazingly affordable!

Zira

Our next series comes from a brand that's famous for products with excellent style and utilitarian features. For conference tables with versatile design, look no further than the Zira collection by Global Total Office. Like the other collections on this list, Zira tables boast a dazzling array of style options, adjustable features, and varied sizes for every workplace. However, where most furniture lines offer only one basic styling, Zira collection conference tables come in diverse designs. This way, users can choose a table they like based on looks, then customize size, color, and power capabilities to meet their specific needs. Talk about creative freedom!

TransAction

And finally, we leave you with Mayline's unique TransAction tables to make your workplace shine. Featuring optional technology ports, these tables offer all the best hookups! Tables with power capabilities allow users to plug in their smartphone or laptop to make presentations a breeze at meetings. With variable sizes, colors, and casters available offered too, these tables are some of the most useful conference tables for sale on the market. Enhance your workplace with a few incredible TransAction tables today and know that your workplace is equipped with the best of the best!

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WORLD FIRST: Electric Racer beats field of petrol powered cars.. twice

With less than 4 weeks to go until the inaugural FIA Formula E race in Beijing China, an electric race car in Australia has already made history.

In what is believed to be a world first, a battery powered Radical SR8 entered by ELMOFO in the NSW SuperSports State Championship has become the first electric car to win a race against petrol vehicles in a sanctioned race event. To prove it was no fluke, it won twice!

Not only did the EV win two of the three races comprising round four of the championship, held 17th August at Wakefield Park Raceway, the ELMOFO Radical, driven by Garth Walden, also set the fastest lap time for the entire meeting (57.6870 sec) beating all other categories which included Formula 3 and Sports Sedans.

The ELMOFO Radical is similar in concept to the current Nürburgring EV lap record, the TMG EV P001 built by Toyota Motorsport GmbH and the TMG EV P002 modified by TOYOTA Racing Development U.S.A. to tackle Pikes Peak in 2013.

The race winning electric Radical SREV was built by Newcastle based Solar PV systems firm Solar Power Australia. The car delivers 280 kw (375 hp) and 570 Nm (428 ft-lbs) of torque almost instantly from its twin sequential BLDC motors. Power is controlled by dual Rinehart Motion Systems inverters which are fed voltage from a 37 kWh lithium ion battery pack controlled by a Batrium BMS. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a single speed limited slip differential. Performance specs for the all-electric racer, built on a Radical SR8 chassis, include 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds, 0 to 160 km/h (100 mph) in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph).

The 2014 CAMS NSW SuperSports Championship is mostly a one-make series for Radicals, with a couple of Stohr WF1 single seaters also contesting the series. The ELFOMO team have worked hard over the previous three rounds to debug the car and the wins are a just reward for achieving solid reliability. Since the beginning of the season the car has demonstrated it had raw speed by routinely qualifying on the front row of the grid. In only round 4 of the championship the battery powered racer dominated from the front with Walden blasting well ahead of the pack for the first 4 or 5 laps and then backing off a little to preserve the car.

The ELMOFO team would like to thank Rinehart Motion Systems, AM Racing, Batrium, Garth Walden Racing, Royal Purple and the Supersports Racecar Club Committee who have been very supportive of the car, scheduling some races of a length that the battery powered vehicle could complete to ensure it’s inclusion in the series.

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Silicon Valley startup Renovo Motors unveil $529,000 EV supercar [VIDEO]

When they started their company in 2010, the founders of Silicon Valley startup Renovo Motors saw a hole in the market for a pure electric supercar.

Today they revealed their first product, the $529,000 Renovo Coupe, scheduled to launch in the United States next year.

Performance specs for the all-electric two-seater, built on the Shelby CSX9000 chassis, include 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 120 mph. The company says the car will deliver 370 kw (500 hp) and 1,356 Nm (1,000 ft-lbs) of torque almost instantly from its twin sequential axial flux motors. Power is controlled by dual RMS inverters which are fed high-voltage from a 740 volt lithium ion battery pack, with output power transmitted to the rear wheels via a single speed differential.

After developing the car in secrecy for the past four years, Renovo launched the running prototype last weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The company plans to begin taking orders for a production run of less than 100 cars, with the first cars due to be delivered in California next year.

Renovo’s founders, Christopher Heiser and Jason Stinson, previously worked at the computer security company Verisign and chipmaker Intel. Though they are new to the industry, they hope to find space in the supercar market alongside venerable names such Ferrari and Lamborghini, and relative newcomers such as Pagani and Koenigsegg.

Though many luxury brands and exotic car companies are starting to offer plug-in hybrids and pure EVs, including Ferrari and McLaren with their LaFerrari and P1, Heiser said in an interview Thursday that no one offers a product like the Renovo Coupe. That includes their Silicon Valley neighbor and inspiration of sorts, Tesla Motors Inc., which stopped selling its Roadster sports car in 2012.

Source: Renovo Motors

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