The Consumer Advisor

If you’re going to drive an electric vehicle (EV), you’re going to need to recharge it. That can get a little complicated if you're not clear on how the different charging options work for electric vehicles. Here's a quick guide to the terms to know and the three EV charging levels you need to know. What Are EV Charging Levels, Anyway? Charging levels L1, L2, and L3 are three general terms that refer to how fast you can charge your EV battery. Think of charging your EV like filling up a pool. You probably wouldn’t use a fire hose to fill a kiddie pool or a standard garden hose to fill an inground pool. Recharging an EV is kind of like that: It can take minutes to days, depending on the car's battery capacity, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and vehicle on-board charger (OBC) capabilities. In other words, how you charge your EV is similar to understanding the size of your EV's 'pool' and the 'hose' used to fill it. Here are the basic terms to k...

As the world shifts towards more environmentally friendly modes of transportation, the debate between electric and hydrogen vehicles has risen. What distinguishes these two technologies? What advantages do they offer? And which will ultimately dominate the future? How do electric and hydrogen cars work? In a comparison of electric cars vs. hydrogen cars, it is essential to first understand how each technology works. In an electric car, instead of fuel combusting to provide energy to an engine, a lithium-ion battery is used to supply electricity to a motor, which then turns the wheels and powers other elements of the car. When depleted, instead of going to a gas station, an electric car is recharged by plugging into the electricity grid, much like with a telephone or computer. A hydrogen car works differently, although it does also contain an electric motor. Inside a hydrogen-powered car, a fuel cell filled with hydrogen reacts with oxy...

The Tesla Model 3, an electric sedan, has been refreshed with a new look and some exciting features. Let’s dive into the details. Overview: There are two variants of the Model 3: the base model with 245 bhp, a 57 kWh battery, and rear-wheel drive, and the Long Range model with 351 bhp, a 75 kWh battery, and all-wheel drive. The facelift brings subtle changes to the exterior, making it sleeker and more aerodynamic. The headlights are sharper, and the overall effect pays homage to Tesla’s original Roadster from 2008. The range has improved to 318 miles for the standard model and an impressive 390 miles for the Long Range version. Interior and Material Quality: Inside, the Model 3 maintains its minimalist design. Material quality has seen an uptick, although the wisdom of white seats in a family car remains debatable. The recent price drops make the Model 3 even more appealing, with prices starting at £39,990 for the base model and £49,990 for the Long Range variant. Tesla claims no plans...

1. Overview BYD Atto 3 is the latest electric vehicle from BYD. The BYD Atto 3 is a small-to-medium electric crossover that competes with models like the Kia Niro EV and the VW ID.4. The BYD Atto 3 represents a significant step forward for the Chinese automaker. As BYD’s first car built on its newest electric platform, it combines cutting-edge technology with practical features. Here are the key points: Platform Flexibility : The Atto 3 platform is versatile, accommodating various drivetrains (FWD, RWD, AWD), voltage options (400V or 800V), and sizes for both low-slung cars and SUVs. This adaptability positions BYD well for future EV models. Homegrown Technology : BYD’s holistic approach includes in-house development of batteries, motors, electronics, chips, and software. This vertical integration allows for better optimization and control over the entire electric powertrain. 2. Design and Features The...

As the world inches closer to crossing the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature limit, it’s becoming clear that our consumption patterns play a pivotal role in influencing the direction of climate change. That’s because our individual actions contribute to our carbon footprint. What we eat, how we travel, and what we choose to buy daily all impact the environment and the planet’s available resources. We cannot rely on governments alone to take action – being conscious of where we spend our money can help us choose environmentally-friendly options that protect the planet from further damage. A recent innovation, sometimes called a ‘carbon credit card’, is a tool that helps mitigate the carbon footprint of an individual’s purchases, while still offering the many of the perks and services of regular credit cards. What is a carbon credit card? A carbon credit card is a credit card that helps the user mitigate their carbon footprint, like how Aspiration plants a tree for each purchase made using...

Online MBA Malaysia Masters of Business Administration (MBA) are postgraduate degree programs in business administration. MBA is a program designed for students who want to further their academic skills and broaden their knowledge in the business space. Students gain a broad understanding of the key functions of a range of business areas and use these skills to contribute to lon term direction of a business. Some MBA program classes are online, students will not have to appear too many face to face classes. Schedules may not be as stringent when taking lessons online. Students can work on and carry out assignments when they are ready and at their personal pace.  There are many online MBA programs available both locally and globally. This is not a simple decision as it involves a significant amount of investment in terms of time and money. Ask your friends and seniors for advice.  We have selected 6 online MBA programs for you to choose. The selection of the online ...

One of the best (and worst) things about bitcoin, blockchain and cryptocurrencies is just how new the technology and its practical implementations are. Even though there have been many early adapters, the ecosystem as a whole involves a lot of learning, especially for those looking to come up to speed. This represents a massive opportunity as well as a pitfall for those who are on the outside looking in. I like to monitor different courses in the space for my own education as well as for resources to share with others to include them as part of the discussion and learning: We've compiled this list as a set of reliable resources to do just that. 1- DFIN 511: Introduction to Digital Currencies (Offered By UNIC) This free online course is taught by  Andreas Antonopoulos (author of Mastering Bitcoin) and Antonis Polemitis and it represents the first course in the  MSc in Digital Currency offered by UNIC. The course places bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in the broader framework of th...