Prince Charles Ditches Nearly Brand-New 2021 Tesla Model S

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Few things can be as good for a car company as a literal prince choosing to drive one of its cars. That is exactly what happened for Tesla when Prince Charles decided to buy a 2021 Tesla Model S. However, very soon after buying the high-octane EV, Prince Charles decided to ditch the 2021 Tesla Model S.

2021 Tesla Model S | Tesla

Prince Charles abdicates his brand-new 2021 Tesla Model S

Prince Charles has decided to rid himself of his Long Range Plus Tesla Model S. According to Autorevolution, the second-hand dealer, We Buy Supercars came to Windsor Castle a couple of weeks ago to pick the Tesla up. The Model S is now for sale through Castle Motors, with a little extra tacked on, at $114,000 (based on current exchange rates.) However, given the circumstances, it will probably see a lot of interest, even at that price. 

Can you buy a 2021 Tesla Model S in the U.K.? 

On the one hand, this Tesla Model S was driven by Prince Charles. Something tells me there are people who care about that sort of thing over there. Like any celebrity, their discarded vehicles become elevated just because they owned them. I would wager Prince Charles’ second half of a sandwich would have serious value to someone.

Equally if not more important than the fact that Prince Charles’ butt was once in the seat, getting a new Tesla Model S Long Range Plus in the U.K. right now is next to impossible. As with many other new cars, getting one’s hands on a new Tesla Model S Long Rage Plus would take the better part of the year, if not longer. So, to get one that the Prince only had for five months and only drive 7,000 miles, even at a premium, will be worth it to many Tesla fan hopefuls. And, the whole Prince thing. 

Let’s take a closer look at Prince Charles’ Tesla

Prince Charles picked up his Tesla Model S Long Range Plus to use in a demonstration but fell in love with the car and decided to keep it. However, after only five months and 7,000 miles, he decided to ditch the sporty EV. 

This one is finished in Midnight Silver Metallic against the all-black Premium interior with Figured Ash Wood Decor. It is “one of the last registered Tesla Model S Long Range Plus models in the country and its VAT qualifying,” the current owner adds. 

The Long Range Plus spec comes with AWD and, of course, the extended range of 402 miles. As might be expected, this one has all the bells and whistles. It comes loaded with 19-inch Sonic Carbon Slipstream alloys, electric heated seats, Cold Weather pack including heated steering wheel and heated wipers, “Full Self Driving” Computer, Premium audio system, full panoramic glass sunroof with manual blind, power boot, Tesla Premium Connectivity (Live Traffic, Satellite view maps, video streaming, karaoke, music streaming, internet) until 29/06/2022, Adaptive Air suspension, and much more. 

Hear ye, Hear ye

I’m guessing the future King of England probably has plenty of other rides jealousy waiting to tote the King around his domain. However, the Tesla was a good look for the Prince who capes for the Crown to make more environmentally friendly policies. Let’s hope he gets something at least as cool as the Tesla, if not much, much cooler. 

RELATED: Princess Diana’s Missing Ford Escort Sells for $72,000

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Your Kids Can Drive This Tesla, the 1st of Its Kind

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla fans will collect almost anything with the brand’s name on it, including tequila, shorts, surfboards, and even flamethrowers. All of these limited-edition products are great gifts for adults, but what about Tesla products for the little ones? Well, Radio Flyer offers two Tesla vehicles for kids, and one of them is the first of its kind.

What’s the big deal about the adult-sized Model S?

2019 Tesla Model S | John Keeble/Getty Images

The Tesla Model S comes with a few long-range versions. The top-trim Plaid+ boasts a dual-motor setup that can take this EV about 520 miles on a full charge. It can also zip from 0 to 60 mph in a searing 2.0 seconds. 

With a price of over $130,000, the Plaid+ trim has plenty more to offer. The interior has a futuristically styled steering wheel, an auto-shift feature, 19-inch Tempest wheels, and a potent infotainment system with a humongous screen. And for an extra $10,000, you can add full self-driving capabilities. 

The Model S comes in various colors. They include Pearl White Multi-Coat (which is standard), Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, and Red Multi-Coat.

Though it isn’t the best-selling Tesla — that distinction belongs to the less expensive Model 3 — the Model S is arguably the most impressive. Perhaps that’s why Tesla and Radio Flyer teamed up to create a Model S for youngsters.

The Tesla Model S for Kids is a 1st among pintsize EVs

Though kids can’t drive a real Model S, there’s still something for them. The Tesla Model S for Kids by Radio Flyer lets little ones experience their own EV. This toy comes complete with a lithium-Ion battery that kicks out approximately 140 Wh on the standard model. Fork over another $60, and you can get a 190-Wh battery for “50% more playtime,” Radio Flyer boasts. This toy is also “the first-ever fully customizable, lithium-ion battery-powered ride-on for kids.”

But it carries a hefty price tag. Expect to pay around $499 for the standard model. Though that might seem steep, it’s not all that surprising considering what you get for it. This little model has working headlights, a trunk to store their precious items, and even a music player to blast their tunes. Depending on other features you choose — such as upgrade wheels, an indoor car cover, a custom license plate, and a custom parking sign — this toy car could cost as much as $800, Motor 1 reports.

You’ll also have four paint colors to choose from. They’re Solid White, Red Multi-Coat, Midnight Silver Metallic, and Deep Blue Metallic. So if you happen to own a Tesla Model S yourself, you can find a color to match yours.

It’s even customizable for parents: You can set it to have a top speed of 3 mph; otherwise, it’s capable of going 6 mph. According to Radio Flyer, the Tesla Model S for Kids is for ages 3 to 8 and can hold up to 81 pounds.

Even toddlers get a ride-on Tesla

Though the Tesla Model S for Kids isn’t suitable for children under 3, toddlers can still get in on the action. Radio Flyer also offers a Tesla Model Y. It isn’t an EV but a ride-on, so little ones can push themselves around in style.

The car’s body is fashioned after the real Model Y, outside of the steering wheel that pokes out of the windshield. This Tesla toy has working steering, rubber induction wheels for good tread, and even a honking horn. Built for ages 1.5 years to 4, the Model Y can hold up to 43 pounds. 

The price for the toddler-sized Model Y is $79.99, much lower than the Model S. It’s perfect for when you want your toddler to have their own Tesla but they’re not ready for the kids’ version yet. 

So if you’re a Tesla fan and looking for a gift for toddlers to 8-year-olds, one of these toys could hit the spot.

RELATED: 2022 Tesla Model S Plaid Records Unreal 0-60 MPH Time

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London’s Famous Black Cabs Are Now Transforming Into Tiny Electric Camper Vans

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are few things less outdoorsy than the squat little black cabs from London. Be that as it may, a new EV start-up in England aims to change that with their tiny electric camper vans converted from old black cabs from London. Like the new ElectricBrands X-Bus, London Electric Vehicles Company is aiming at eco-conscious campers looking for a camper van that is small, easy to drive, and friendly to the environment.

LEVC e-Camper | LEVC

It may not be an EarthRoamer, but It’s much friendlier to the Earth

The London Electric Vehicle Company has just unveiled a new tiny electric camper based on London’s iconic black cabs. According to Robb Report, the LEVC was once known as the London Taxi Company, and like most things in London, it has been around for a long time. The company that has provided London with its famous black cabs since the early 1900s has pivoted and rebranded. LEVC now makes a lovely little 4×4 electric camper known simply as the e-Camper. Although it’s a very tiny camper van, it promises adventurers the comforts of home while exploring off the grid. 

This tiny camper van was made for the U.K. 

Tiny camper van with family cycling behind it
LEVC e-Camper | LEVC

LEVC only fits the e-Camper with enough battery to cover 60 miles on one charge. While we here in the states could barely get to the next town in 60 miles, for U.K. users, 60 miles covers a bit more ground, respectively. However, the electric motor is not the only way to motor around in the e-Camper. The tiny camper van also comes with a tiny 1.3-liter that stretches the overall range to 304 miles. Now, that’s a bit more useful. 

Although these tiny camper vans might feel too small for some, the size is its secret weapon. The e-Camper takes most of its exterior styling cues from the already iconic black cabs it is based on. However, these tiny camper vans come in a variety of exciting colors and many other customizable options. 

How can you live in a tiny camper van? 

London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) is a tiny camper van with a surprisingly roomy interior
LEVC e-Camper interior | LEVC

Unlike some other camper vans, it may be tough to live in the e-Camper full-time, but there is more room in there than it seems. With a bit of engineering wizardry, LEVC has really maximized the amount of interior space for the tiny camper van. 

For those who have ridden in a black cab, don’t be alarmed; there is more room in the e-Camper than in the old ones. LEVC was clever with their design making this tiny camper far more usable than it seems. The front seats flip around 180 degrees to create a makeshift dining space, while the rear bench seat converts into a double bed to accommodate two. Another couple of campers can also sleep up in the pop-up roof tent. 

The added benefit of this tiny camper van’s size is that navigating off-road is much more pleasant in a smaller vehicle. One of the silliest things about the massive overlanding rigs is that, while they may have every feature known to the universe, they are simply too big to get down many trails. The e-Camper will struggle to find a trail it doesn’t fit down. 

Also, even with its petite size, it still makes room for a little, all-electric kitchenette, meaning that its carbon footprint is even smaller than small. Like Rivian, the e-Camper can cook using all renewable power. 

The tiny camper van trend should continue 

Although the massive overlanding rigs are super cool, they are out of reach for most camper van customers. These giant rigs can cost anywhere from $120,000-$500,000 without even trying. This tiny camper van is far more in line with the times both ecologically and financially. 

Many people don’t want a giant rig that has tons of gadgets. They are more expensive and often more intimidating to drive. The e-camper is neither intimidating nor over-priced. In fact, this tiny electric camper van starts at only $86,000. 

“Our new electric, zero-emissions capable e-Camper offers the perfect solution and is well-equipped with high-quality features that can be tailored to meet a range of customer requirements,” LEVC’s CEO ​​Joerg Hofmann said in a statement.

RELATED: The Rivian R1T Is the Coolest Electric Pickup Truck Due to These Rad New Camper Features

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Is It Legal to Use Your High Beams on the Highway?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Although all drivers have been through driver’s education and taken the driving test to get their license, there are some aspects to car safety that aren’t always taught or made clear in the classes. Common questions about driving that arise even among seasoned drivers often have to do with high beams. Learn more about whether you can use high beams on the highway, situations where you shouldn’t use them, and whether using high beams can ever create unsafe situations. 

Using high beams on the highway

Car headlights in the dark | Altan Gocher/NurPhoto via Getty Images

High beams help illuminate the environment allowing you to see better while driving at night. High beams are great for allowing you to see which way the road curves up ahead, upcoming street signs, and even animals that may suddenly cross your path. For these reasons, some people think it’s good to drive with their high beams on at night. 

High beams are meant to be used at night on roads where there aren’t cars in front of you or coming your way. This often includes interstate highways and country roads when there is little to no traffic. NSC reports that high beams truly can make high-speed driving safer by increasing your field of vision at night. However, be sure to dim your lights when you are in the presence of other vehicles or certain weather conditions. 

When not to use them

Whenever you are within 500 feet of another vehicle, whether it’s oncoming traffic or you are approaching it from behind, you should return to standard headlights every time. This prevents your high beams from blinding other drivers and making it more difficult for you to see what is directly in front of you. Meanwhile, if you are ever driving along a road or highway and an oncoming person or person behind you has their brights on, making it hard for you to see, focus your vision on the right shoulder of the road and slow down to stay safe. 

Dimming your lights at these times isn’t just for safety purposes, either. According to Car and Driver, it’s actually illegal to have your high beams on within 500 feet of traffic, though there are some exceptions. C/D also reports that some states allow drivers to flash their lights if another car either doesn’t have their lights on or their brights are on, making it hard for you to see.

Flashing one’s lights has been deemed a right due to free speech in Florida, but it’s a very generalized gesture that can confuse other drivers as to what you are trying to tell them. In other states, you can get pulled over for flashing your lights at another car or having your high beams on when you shouldn’t, resulting in a hefty fine. 

Can using high beams ever make driving less safe?

Yes, definitely. Using high beams in proximity to other cars can be dangerous by negatively affecting your and other drivers’ vision. Additionally, they can also make driving in stormy, wintery, or foggy weather more dangerous. Low beams, sometimes referred to as fog lights, are better suited for these conditions, as they shine downward and help you see the lines on the road and objects that are directly in front of you, rather than those off in the distance. 

Using your high beams in poor weather can make it harder for you to see than if you didn’t have lights on at all. Driving Tests says this is because the intense light from your high beams reflects off of fog, snowflakes, and raindrops, and these objects reflect the light to you. This reduces the visibility down the road, making you more likely to get into an accident or drive off the road. 

When in doubt, save your high beams for nights where you aren’t around other cars. Otherwise, rely on your regular lights and fog lights in most other situations. 

RELATED: Night Driving 101: How to Avoid Tragedy

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