Tag: electric

Electric vehicle charging points vulnerable to cyber attack

Belfast based cyber security specialist ANGOKA says developers of the UK’s fast-growing network of electric vehicle charging points could be sleep-walking into a high-risk vulnerability to hacking and cyber-attacks.  

Significant and rapid growth in the number of electric vehicle charging points is expected in the next three years. There are estimated to be more than 100,000 petrol and diesel pumps across the UK while the number of EV charging points( home and Public) stands at over 350,000 and counting.  While the growth in public charging points will grow exponentially, the risk of hacking, disabling and even weaponizing these has become an increasingly recognized problem. 

Richard Barrington, ANGOKA’s head of land mobility says the race to decarbonize and the shift to electrification goes hand in hand with digitization.  

“We need to electrify our economy but we have not fully understood the need for cyber security in this transition,” says Mr Barrington.  

“While data protection through encryption is in place to prevent the theft of financial information through credit cards and electronic payment forms, the cyber security of the actual charging points should be at the top of the agenda,” he says. 

Because EV charging points are all networked, the risk goes beyond theft of financial information or abstracting electricity. ANGOKA says the potential to engineer an attack back onto the national grid or spoof charging indicators allowing batteries to be over or undercharged means the industry must adopt the Zero Trust principles of Never Trust, Always Verify! 

“The threat landscape becomes even more extensive when you consider the bi-directional data exchange between vehicle and charging point,” says Mr Barrington, “this data exchange can be unprotected and vulnerable meaning hijacking, the introduction of malware and denial of service attacks become probable. 

ANGOKA says the responsibility of providing the cyber security to protect these from attack has fallen between the players in the supply chain, Manufacturers, Installers, operators and procurers e.g. local authorities. 

New regulations coming into force next year creates a more open market in that anyone should be able to use any charging point  irrespective of the operator.  Unfortunately greater levels of interconnectivity will lead to a widening of the threat landscape and risk potentially at national scale.  Mr Barrington. “We believe there is an approach that can address these concerns and the  EV charging sector and the motor industry must step up and take action.” 

Representatives from the automotive sectors are due to meet ANGOKA representatives in Belfast in the coming weeks in anticipation of new EV charging point regulations to be introduced next summer.  

Pinergy & Kearys driving an electric future for Munster Rugby

Energy specialist Pinergy, in partnership with Munster Rugby and Kearys Motor Group, was joined by Munster Rugby players Simon Zebo, Niall Scannell and Patrick Campbell at Musgrave Park for the announcement of the installation of EV (electric vehicle) charging technology and the distribution of electric vehicles to Munster Rugby staff.

The new initiative sees Pinergy and Kearys Motor Group working alongside Munster Rugby to begin migrating their car fleet to electric, supporting Munster Rugby’s ambitions to reduce staff emissions in their day-to-day travel. Pinergy will also install the latest Easee EV charging technology in Munster Rugby’s staff members’ homes, to help power their battery every morning. The Munster Rugby staff included in the partnership range from players, coaches, Development Officers, and administrative staff. Based on their needs, staff members availing of the new charging solutions will also be supported with the new Pinergy PowerUp App for EV drivers which enables the drivers to control and manage their charging needs.

Pinergy has supported Munster Rugby since 2017, through the provision of renewable energy as the province’s Official Energy Partner and through the offering of essential expertise to efficiently manage their energy use.

In November 2021, Munster Rugby – having taken steps to reduce carbon emissions since 2008 – first signalled their ambition to become one of the most sustainable clubs in world rugby by becoming one of a number of signatories to the Sports for Climate Action Framework (S4CA), run by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Munster Rugby pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2040.

Pinergy is serving as a lead partner to Munster Rugby in the development and implementation of its sustainability policy and supplies clean, renewable energy to Munster’s Thomond Park and Musgrave Park to help achieve their Net Zero ambitions by reducing their carbon footprint through a range of energy supply & solutions.

Speaking at the launch at Musgrave Park today, Pinergy Chief Executive Officer, Enda Gunnell commented: “It is fantastic to see the tremendous work and collaboration between Pinergy, Munster Rugby and Kearys Motor Group, who all share the same ambitions and values for a better, more sustainable future. This new partnership allows Munster Rugby staff members to drive change in their everyday lives, ensuring the sustainability of Munster Rugby remains a priority for the future. The new EV charging solutions showcases Pinergy’s commitment to helping Munster Rugby become one of the most sustainable sports clubs in the world, with our focus over the past six years remaining in innovation, collaboration, and a collective determination to make positive changes. We are delighted to support Munster Rugby on this journey and have no doubt that our long-standing partnership with the province will continue to lead towards a brighter, greener future for all at Munster Rugby.”

Ian Flanagan, Munster Rugby Chief Executive Officer, said: “At Munster Rugby, we are proud to continue developing our sustainable habits for a greener future.

“We are delighted to have Pinergy and Kearys Motor Group supporting our staff in making a difference first-hand to our carbon footprint and contributing to our greener ambitions.

“This EV project partnership is an inspiring step forward in our sustainability commitment as we continue to target reaching Net Zero by 2040.”

Brendan Keary, CEO, Kearys Motor Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with Munster Rugby and Pinergy to contribute to Munster Rugby’s vision of a more sustainable future, not just for rugby in the province, but also life in the community. Our shared commitment to excellence and innovation makes this partnership a truly exciting one, and through providing electric vehicles to some of the dedicated staff members of Munster Rugby, we are not only supporting the club’s journey towards Net Zero carbon emissions, but also setting a new standard for responsible, sustainable living nationwide.”

Committed to Munster Rugby, Pinergy is also proud sponsor of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club Choir as well as being title sponsors of the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup continuing to back the future of rugby in the province.

Drivers in the Republic of Ireland can now claim up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of Indra’s EV home chargers

Indra, leading British electric vehicle (EV) charging provider and smart energy technology company, has announced today that its range of smart EV home chargers has achieved Triple E certification from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

This means that EV drivers can now claim up to €600 off their Indra Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ purchase and installation through the Irish Government’s Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant scheme, which is designed to encourage the transition towards EV adoption in Ireland.

The Triple E certification is an important step for Indra as the British manufacturer continues to scale its operations and enter the Irish market.  With 75,000 EVs currently on the road in Ireland, the market has shown impressive growth, including a 49% year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2023 alone.

Leighton King, Chief Commercial Officer at Indra, said:

“We are delighted that EV drivers in Ireland are now able to access the government grant scheme to purchase and install Indra EV home chargers, making the transition to EVs more affordable.

“But that is not the only potential cost saving for EV drivers as our chargers come with the latest charging technology, giving users access to the greenest and cheapest energy tariffs.”

Compatible with any energy supplier, the Indra Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ chargers work seamlessly with Indra’s intuitive app, helping users to minimise both their carbon footprint and energy bills.

All Indra chargers are equipped with industry leading, proprietary, and patented PESTTM technology and water and dust protection, making them the safest EV chargers on the market. The Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ chargers automatically receive remote over-the-air (OTA) software updates to keep them getting smarter every day.

Indra’s class-leading smart EV chargers are available for purchase via its website. To find out more about Indra, please visit: https://www.indra.co.uk/

Bolt launches shared electric bike rental in Bray, allowing customers to travel by bike and taxi with the same app for the first time in Ireland

European shared mobility leader Bolt, in partnership with Wicklow County Council, has officially launched its shared electric bike service in Bray today. The occasion was marked by an event at Bray’s Civic Offices attended by Cathaoirleach Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr Aoife Flynn Kennedy, members of Bray Municipal District, and other public representatives.

The bikes can be found at a variety of designated locations throughout the town and rented by the minute. Bolt and Wicklow County Council are confident they will support the transition away from the private car towards a combination of public transport and shared mobility. The service has an affordable €0.18 per minute charge and has been designed to connect to local Dart stations.

The launch coincides with #YourCouncil Day, which is intended to raise awareness of the many services local councils offer across the country. Bolt and Wicklow County Council are hoping the new service fits seamlessly into the local transport offering, and aid the Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 which, amongst other objectives, seeks to facilitate a modal shift to more sustainable transport options.

Bolt offers a range of services on the same app in cities across Europe, but this marks the first time such a ‘multimodal’ service has been available in Ireland, with e-bikes now connecting with Bolt’s existing ride-hailing service in Dublin. This means a wide variety of mobility needs can be met within the Bolt app alone. For example, citizens can ride a bicycle to a public transport hub or destination in Bray at the start of the night, and then get home safely by taxi after public transport services have stopped for the night.

Bolt’s electric bike service will operate 24 hours a day. Amongst several other initiatives to ensure Bolt remains a responsible operator, the company will be employing an in-app cognitive reaction test 11pm-5am 7 days a week. This means prospective riders have to prove they are in a fit state to ride a bicycle through their reaction time. If a customer fails this test, they will be encouraged to take a Bolt taxi or use public transport instead, another benefit of offering multiple transport modes within the same ecosystem.

Bolt is taking multiple efforts to ensure the bicycles seamlessly integrate into the lives of riders and pedestrians alike. The roll-out of the bikes will be gradual, starting with an initial 50, scaling up to 100 pending positive feedback from all corners of the community and high levels of demand.

Bikes will be stationed in designated mandatory parking locations on public realm and private property (as agreed with the landowners). This means riders will be instructed where they have to park their bike through the app and physical signage. Locations are intended to be convenient yet unobtrusive, with examples including Shoreline Leisure Bray, Pettitts-SuperValu on the Southern Cross, Ballymore lands on the Dublin Road and of course at Bray’s Dart station. Operations – including the tidying and maintenance of bikes – will run from a town centre base, and feedback of all kinds can be shared in app or by emailing Ireland@bolt.eu.

Bolt is widely experienced in operating micromobility services. The company is the largest electric scooter provider in Europe with over 260,000 scooters across 25 countries, and already has a highly utilised electric bike service in Sligo, Kilkenny and Wexford. Furthermore, Bolt is in talks with several other councils keen to accelerate their active travel services in line with the National Development Plan and the Climate Action Plan.

For those not yet familiar with bicycles with pedal assisted motors, there is ‘Beginner Mode’. This limits the top speed of the bicycle to 15 km/h. Once ‘Beginner Mode’ is turned off, the bicycles have a maximum speed of 25 km/h.

Bolt Operations Manager for Rentals in Ireland, John Buckley, said: “Bolt has seen rapid traction in e-bike schemes across a range of Irish cities, driven by strategic parking collaborations and affordable pricing. We’re thrilled to launch our electric bike service in Bray, and what great timing. Your Council Day embodies the value councils bring to their local communities – through this great initiative, we’ll be working with the Council to provide people with sustainable transport options so they can make the change where possible.

“It’s also great timing since our recent research revealed that only one-quarter of Irish drivers believe they are likely to give up their car in the next five years*. We’re on a mission to provide and advocate for the alternative, and make cities for people, not cars. Our thanks go to Wicklow County Council for the opportunity.”

The Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, Cllr Melanie Corrigan, said: “I am delighted to launch this e-bike scheme here in Bray on ‘Your Council Day,’ the first of its kind in County Wicklow. It will offer local residents and visitors the opportunity to avail of a sustainable transport option in our town. With the introduction of this e-bike initiative on a pilot basis in Bray, we hope many people will change how they travel by reducing the reliance on private vehicles when travelling short-to-medium distances. Now more than ever, with both the climate and energy crisis, it is vital to provide facilities that allow the public to choose alternative modes of travel. This e-bike sharing scheme allows us to choose to travel in a more sustainable way and enjoy the social, environmental and health benefits of cycling.”

Emer O’Gorman Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council stated: “I welcome this low-carbon, sustainable e-bike scheme which will provide a vital transport option to the community of Bray. The initiative is a significant step forward towards fulfilling yet another commitment under our programme for Climate Action. Bray is an ideal town for this initiative and hopefully it will encourage more people to cycle over short trips and connect with DART and bus services in the town. It has been shown that e-bike users cycle further and more often so the benefit will extend beyond low carbon sustainability and will contribute towards the health and wellbeing of our citizens.”

Lorraine Gallagher, District Manager, Bray Municipal District added: “This is an excellent initiative which will assist in promoting the many benefits of sustainable travel to the people of Bray, and I would like to commend the project team from Bolt and Wicklow County Council for bringing this initiative to fruition and for choosing Bray. I would also like to thank local businesses who have worked with the project team in allowing bike parking bays to be installed on their property. I expect this shared electric bike scheme to be incredibly popular and will provide the enthusiasm for this Council to explore and introduce further sustainable and affordable travel initiatives going forward.”

Bank of Ireland and Nevo Announce Finance Partnership Agreement

Bank of Ireland Finance has been announced as the exclusive finance partner for Nevo, Ireland’s first dedicated electric vehicle platform. The Nevo platform offers a comprehensive range of services for people who want to learn more about electric vehicle ownership, and those looking to make the switch to electric motoring.

The latest insights from the Irish motoring industry revealed that 26% of all new cars licensed in the first five months of 2023 were electrically chargeable vehicles (PHEV or EV), while 18% of all new cars licensed for the first time were electric – compared with 13% in the same period in 2022.

The timing of the new agreement is key also, with sales figures from the first quarter of 2023 revealing that new fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales by-passed diesel car sales for the very first time.

As dedicated finance provider Bank of Ireland Finance will work with Nevo to support customers as the EV transition gathers pace and Ireland enacts its Climate Action Plan aiming to achieve the Government’s stated target of having 945,000 electric vehicles on our roads by 2030. This is the latest step taken by Bank of Ireland as it makes progress across its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) pillars. It also signifies another funding milestone for an indigenous Irish business, following Nevo’s growth since its launch in early 2022.

Speaking at the formal launch of the partnership in College Green Derek McDermott, Managing Director at Bank of Ireland Finance said: “Our recently published Sustainability Report sets out the steps that Bank of Ireland is taking in supporting our customers in making the green transition, and this Nevo partnership is another important stage on that journey. Bank of Ireland Finance is now working with Nevo in providing consumers with the information they need to make the right choice in this area, as the sales of plug-in and fully electric vehicles continue to increase.”

Derek Reilly, Nevo General Manager added: “Nevo is delighted to partner with Bank of Ireland Finance, and we have a shared goal of supporting Irish consumers and businesses to make the transition to electric vehicles and a greener future. Bank of Ireland Finance is uniquely positioned within the Irish automotive industry, already partnered with 22 of the motor manufacturers and OEMs operating here. All of these brands and franchise dealerships are available on Nevo, which allows consumers access every fully electric and plug-in model in one location. Nevo also provides the latest electric vehicle reviews, advice and technology news to help consumers make the switch with ease”

EasyGo invests €1million in Mayo Electric Vehicle charging network

EasyGo, Ireland’s largest car charging network provider, has today officially launched its network of electric vehicle (EV) charging units across County Mayo following an investment of €1 million. Supported by Mayo County Council, once completed, the network will consist of 24 EV charging units at 21 locations across the county.

In partnership with eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications provider, EasyGo are already installing approximately 135 new EV chargers nationwide in collaboration with eleven local authorities, with more in planning. The EasyGo network is today used by more than 45,000 Irish EV drivers who can avail of charging at more than 3,000 publicly available charge-points nationally.

EasyGo founder and technical director Chris Kelly said: “With transport accounting for one-third of Ireland’s energy-related CO2 emissions, EasyGo is on a mission to decarbonise transport by investing in and expanding the national EV charging infrastructure. As we enter the busy summer season, this new network of EV chargers around County Mayo will benefit both locals and tourists – EV range anxiety will become a thing of the past in Mayo.

“We are grateful for the active engagement and support from the team at Mayo County Council, and look forward to expanding our network further across the island of Ireland in partnership with eir.”

Commenting on the agreement, Tom Gilligan, Director at Mayo County Council, said “Today’s launch of the new EV charging network will make Mayo one of the best-connected counties in Ireland for EV drivers, right in time for summer. Increased adoption of EVs is a key aspect of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and it’s our aim that these easily accessible locations right across Mayo county will increase the appeal of EVs for drivers, both locally and from further afield.”

Throughout this programme, EasyGo and eir will utilise the Tritium next-generation DC Rapid Chargers, adding up to 100 km range to an Electric Vehicle in just 15 minutes. Of the 24 chargers being installed in Mayo, 15 are fast (DC) chargers and nine are AC chargers.

Pat O’Sullivan, Director of Support Services with eir said :“eir is on a journey to become a more sustainable business for the future and a critical part of that journey is ensuring that the infrastructure that once served our communities so well can continue to do so into the future. We are proud to partner with EasyGo and Mayo County Council to assist in the installation of EV charging points across Mayo. We are continuing discussions with other County Councils across the country about similar programmes and, wherever possible, we will replace unused eir payphone kiosks with rapid EV charging units to assist in making the transition to EV ownership more viable.”

In addition to County Mayo, EasyGo is working with County Councils across the country, with new fast chargers already installed in Counties Cavan, Monaghan, Offaly, Carlow and Kilkenny, and more planned for Counties Tipperary, Wicklow, Laois, Waterford and Roscommon.

The Bolt electric scooter guide: the go-to overview of micromobility in Ireland

The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 is set to go before the cabinet before being signed into law in the coming weeks, paving the way for the use of shared electric scooter schemes in Irish towns and cities while also setting rules for private electric scooter users.
 
Bolt, the European mobility champion currently operating in 500 cities across 45 countries, has compiled an electric scooter Q&A guide focusing on the current legislative situation in Ireland

The purpose of this guide is to give clarity about the current legalities of electric scooters and when regulations might change.

There are currently no regulations surrounding the use of e-scooters on Irish roads by the public and the Gardaí have the power to confiscate and issue fines for their use. There are presently retailers stocking private electric scooters in stores and online for use on private properties, but not permitted for use on public roads or spaces.

What is the current status of Electric Scooters?

  • Presently, e-scooters are classified as MPVs (Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) thus requiring tax, a licence and insurance, if being used on a public road. Given there is no licensing or tax regime for this category of micro transport, their use on public roads is effectively illegal.

  • In general, Gardai have not been actively enforcing these requirements on electric scooter users in cities, however, they are still liable to be fined if stopped.

 

When will this change?

  • The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 is a broad piece of legislation that allows for the Minister to introduce regulations to govern the lawful use on public roads of Powered Personal Transports (PPTs) which includes scooters, hoverboards, and future innovations.

  • The Bill was last debated in the Seanad on the 1st of February at Committee Stage. As a result of issues arising on that date regarding data protection for detection cameras on Bus Corridors, the Bill is awaiting further proposed amendments, before which will be proposed in the Seanad at Report stage. It will then be quickly referred back to the Dail for final stage, after which it will be signed into law. It is hoped this will have taken place by May 2023.

  • After the primary legislation has been enacted, the Minister will have the power to sign secondary legislation/regulations to govern the use of e-scooters. These regulations are likely to be completed in the coming months, however, prior to being signed into law, they will first need to undergo under further scrutiny by the EU for 3 months as part of the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS).

  • The use of private electric scooters should be legal by late Summer or early Autumn.

  • At this time, local councils nationwide are also likely to begin completing Bye-laws and issuing tenders to operate shared e-scooters schemes in their jurisdictions.

  • With various electric bike schemes already in existence throughout the country, there is a high probability that we could see electric scooter schemes integrated alongside these existing schemes.

  • It is not expected that we will see shared e-scooter schemes in Dublin or other regional cities until early-2024.

 

What are the key milestones dates?

  • February 1st 2023 – The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 was debated in the Seanad

  • The Bill is currently scheduled to be debated in the Seanad in mid to late April when it is likely to pass Report and final stage.

  • Likely May 2023- The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 will be officially signed into law

  • The Minister for Transport’s draft Regulations will be sent to the European Commission for scrutiny under the TRIS procedure – The EU TRIS procedure aims to prevent creating barriers in the internal market before they materialise. Member States notify the European Commission of any legislation which may restrict certain products, so that it can be scrutinised in light of EU legislation to ensure it does not result in any unfair or anti-cpmpetitive restrictions. Member States participate on equal footing with the Commission in this procedure and they can also issue their opinions on the notified drafts.

  • Autumn 2023 – E-scooters will become legal to operate in Ireland for the first time and council tenders are likely to be issued.

  • It is likely that we will see shared electric scooter schemes being deployed in early-2024.

 

When and where could we see shared schemes come in first?

  • There is a keen interest in introducing shared e-scooter schemes into the larger towns and cities across Ireland. However, their introduction may vary due to a number of factors.

  • For example, how quickly Dublin will see shared e-scooters will depend on whether Dublin Councils work together or whether separate tenders will be launched for each of the 4 Dublin Councils.

 

We expect there will be a sense of urgency for a swift introduction of schemes in the capital and other regional cities. The speed at which we see e-scooters rolled out in Dublin may also depend on whether the four councils team up.

 

What are the main benefits of electric scooters?

  • Reduce congestion

    • Research conducted in conjunction with Norwegian-based TOI, demonstrated that 40-60% of Bolt app users across 10 European countries would opt to use an e-scooter instead of a taxi for journeys in the range of 3-5KM, demonstrating an awareness of sustainable alternatives and a desire to reduce traffic congestion in cities, when available.

  • Electric Scooters can be integrated into the wider public transport system

  • They are a sustainable alternative to private cars

    • A Bolt internal survey showed that Bolt scooters helped avoid more than 2.4 million kg CO2 eq emission (20 million car km) in 17 countries in 2022.

      • That’s equivalent to:

        • Offsetting 18.5 million plastic single-use bags

        • Taking more than 2600 flights from Paris to New York (round trips).

        • The amount of kg CO2 eq offset by almost 117 thousand trees yearly.

    • Bolt is making cities for people by shifting drivers from private cars to sustainable shared mobility.

    • By offering sustainable shared scooters, Bolt helps people to switch from driving private cars, which translates to reducing CO2 emissions, noise pollution, and congestion.

    • According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 30% of car journeys in Europe cover distances of under 3 km, and 50% cover less than 5 km. This means there is a huge potential in shifting people from private cars to shared mobility and thus making cities less congested, noisy and polluted.

 

E-scooters are a sustainable, effective and inexpensive alternative mode of transport for short to medium-length journeys. In a study in conjunction with TØI, Bolt found that 40-60% of app users would choose a scooter over a taxi/shared ride for journeys measuring 3 KM or less when prompted that an electric scooter was available nearby. Once people discovered the simplicity and convenience of using a scooter, they were more likely to opt for one instead of a car in the future. When integrated with the wider public transport system, electric scooters, alongside other forms of micro-mobility, are an effective solution to reducing congestion and pollution caused by an excessive amount of private car journeys.

 

What will the regulations look like?

 

Regulation

Status

Likely outcome

Max speed

TBC

25KM/H with Lower Max speeds in designated busy areas

Age Restrictions

TBC

Unclear if the Minister will impose age restrictions in regulations. Most shared e-scooter operators prohibit use for under 18 year olds.

Banned from paths and pavements

TBC

Extremely likely that electric scooters will only be permitted for use on roads and bike lanes

Need to wear a helmet?

TBC

Unlikely to be a requirement but likely to be recommended

Situation on insurance?

TBC

Private electric scooters will not be required to have insurance but will be personally liable for damage or injuries that they cause. Insurance is ordinarily included in the rental fee for shared scooter scheme users

Licence/ Reg Plate/ Identification requirement

TBC

Users will not be required to have a licence to operate an electric scooter. However, they will need to adhere to the rules of the road.

What will fines/consequences look like?

TBC

Breaking the rules of the road, not following regulations and improper and/or dangerous use of an electric scooter will likely result in fines.

Parking

TBC

Likely to vary across Councils, but mandatory virtual parking locations will likely be required in urban areas to ensure controlled and orderly parking.

 

What is Bolt doing to promote e-scooter safety?

  • Bolt sets a max speed for first times users at 15KM/H

    • Users then have the ability to set their own speed limit if they want to keep the speed lower than the 25km/h max

  • Speed control in mixed use areas

  • Tandem riding detection which will alert a user to the breach of rules if they are carrying a passenger on the scooter with them, and restrictions will follow if repeated.

  • Geo-fencing technology which can control virtual parking to ensure parked e-scooters do not present a hazard to other road users

  • Cognitive reaction testing, used during night-time hours to detect and prevent usage of the e-scooters while drunk.

 

Bolt has introduced several features to enhance the safety of its users and the wider public. Inexperienced e-scooter riders are provided with the option of implementing ‘beginner mode’, which provides them the freedom to set their max speed lower than the default 25km/h until they are more comfortable in their ability to use the scooter.

We have installed geo-fencing technology, which enables us to prevent users from riding scooters in restricted zones – i.e. pedestrianised streets – or beyond city limits. In addition, Bolt can control the speed of e-scooters in areas of mixed use.

Our tandem riding detection tech has the ability to detect if there is more than one person using the scooter, curtailing irresponsible and dangerous riding. 

During the nighttime and early morning hours, we switch on cognitive reaction testing on the app. This is aimed to detect and prevent users from using our scooters when under the influence of alcohol. If the user fails the cognitive reaction test, they are prompted to order a taxi on the app as an alternative and the e-scooter is not unlocked. 

How Has Electric Car Technology Evolved?

Electric cars have come a long way since their inception in the 1800s. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of electric cars due to advances in technology, environmental concerns, and changes in government policies. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how electric car technology has evolved, including the benefits of leasing a car like the KIA XCeed.

The Early Days of Electric Cars

Electric cars have been around since the 1800s, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that they began to gain traction. The early electric cars were limited by their range and battery technology, which made them impractical for most drivers.

The Modern Era of Electric Cars

In recent years, advances in technology have made electric cars more practical and affordable for everyday drivers. One of the most significant advances has been in battery technology, which has improved the range of electric cars and made them more reliable.

Additionally, advances in charging infrastructure have made it easier to charge electric cars on the go, making them more practical for long-distance driving. As a result, electric cars are becoming an increasingly popular choice for drivers around the world.

Leasing an Electric Car: The Benefits

Leasing an electric car like the KIA XCeed has several benefits. First, electric cars are typically more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts, making leasing a more affordable option for many drivers. Additionally, leasing allows drivers to try out an electric car without committing to a long-term purchase.

Leasing also allows drivers to stay up to date with the latest technology and models, as most lease agreements last for three years or less. This means that drivers can upgrade to a newer, more advanced electric car when their lease is up.

The Future of Electric Cars

The future of electric cars is bright, as advances in technology continue to make them more practical and affordable for everyday drivers. In the coming years, we can expect to see even more advances in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and electric car design.

For example, the KIA XCeed is one of the most advanced electric cars on the market, featuring a range of up to 278 miles and a host of advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. As more drivers switch to electric cars like the KIA XCeed, we can expect to see even more advanced features and technology become available.

The Impact of Electric Cars on the Environment

One of the most significant benefits of electric cars is their impact on the environment. Unlike gasoline-powered cars, electric cars produce zero emissions, which can help reduce air pollution and combat climate change.

Additionally, electric cars are typically more energy-efficient than gasoline-powered cars, which means they require less energy to operate. This can help reduce the demand for fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

Cars on Lease: Making Electric Cars More Accessible

Cars on lease have made electric cars more accessible for drivers around the world. Leasing allows drivers to try out an electric car without committing to a long-term purchase, making them a more affordable and practical option for many drivers.

As more drivers lease electric cars like the KIA XCeed, we can expect to see even more advances in electric car technology, charging infrastructure, and renewable energy sources. This will help promote the use of electric cars and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.

Final Thoughts

Electric car technology has come a long way in recent years, and advances in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and electric car design have made them more practical and affordable for everyday drivers. Leasing an electric car like the KIA XCeed is a great way to try out an electric car without committing to a long-term purchase, and it also allows drivers to stay up to date with the latest technology and models.

As we look to the future, we can expect to see even more advances in electric car technology, including longer ranges, faster charging times, and even more advanced features. As more drivers switch to electric cars, we can also expect to see a reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change and create a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.

So if you’re in the market for a new car, consider leasing an electric car like the KIA XCeed. Not only will you be doing your part to help the environment, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the latest in electric car technology and features without breaking the bank.

 

Introducing the Amazing Edifier QD35 Bluetooth Speaker – “Acoustics, Lumia, and Electric All-in-one System”.

High-quality acoustics expertly combined with Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification and support for LDAC. Lighten up your mood with the stunning ‘Lumia Art’ effects: – pulsating, dynamic, vivid lights combined with powerful audio to give a creative, musical experience.

Edifier, the forward-thinking audio-technology brand, have announced the release of the QD35 – a tabletop, Bluetooth speaker expertly designed combining high spec audio features with ‘Lumia Art’ effects for the best acoustic/visual effect. The term Lumia was coined by a twentieth-century artist, Thomas Wilfred, when artists began to promote colors and light together in their works as a form of art that uses light. ‘Lumia Art’ was originally associated with music then latterly paintings. The QD35 is a perfect example of how Edifier have created an aesthetically pleasing speaker incorporating a brilliant, kaleidoscopic display of colored lights. Various preset light effects are available but you can also customize your own light effects using  the Edifier Connect app. 

The QD35 is an all-in-one music system. It is certified to both “Hi-Res Audio” and “Hi-Res Audio Wireless” standards. The USB-A port and the AUX jack on the rear panel support high-resolution audio signals. With the enhancement of LDAC technology, you can also stream high-quality music with a 96kHz sampling rate to this speaker via Bluetooth. 

The full-digit DSP chipset divides the signals precisely into treble and mid-bass. In two independent ways, the TI Closed Loop digital amplifier distributes enhanced audio signals of different frequency bands to target drivers for accurate reproduction. With a total power output of up to 40RMS, the audio blasting from the QD35 can easily fill your lounge, studio or other home living space. 

The casing for the QD35 has been designed to perfectly intensify and balance the acoustics. The 3-inch mid-bass drivers, with the aluminium alloy diaphragm (benefitting from the ‘long stroke’ design) reproduces bass frequency down to 60Hz and provides a mid-sound which is intense and rich. The 1-inch silk diaphragm dome tweeters are finely tuned for the exact reproduction of highs, from which the trebles sound crisp and bright. With the enhancement of MazeTube Bass Reflex Channels and TurbMuff Air Noise Suppression Technology, port noises and resonance are reduced to their lowest level.

Powered by TurboGaN’s high-efficiency charging technology, it can charge 1000+ compatible devices. With the addition of full-time fast charging technology, full time temperature control technology and smart power assignment technology, charging is quick and safe.

The Edifier Connect app allows you to synchronize the clock automatically or manually, customize your own EQs and share your EQs with friends. 

Main Features:

  • LDAC codec with Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification
  • “Hi-Res Audio” and “Hi-Res Audio Wireless” standards
  • Stunning lighting displays
  • Bluetooth 5.3, USB-A, Aux-in
  • 40 RMS setting
  • Customized EQ settings

Price & Availability –  The Edifier QD 35 will be available in the UK from April at £189.99 inc