Car buying preferences in Europe are not the same as in the US. Especially in the UK, concern for the environment has increased as has private vehicle use. About 85 percent of traveling happens in a car or taxi. But even we were surprised to see that the Tesla Model 3 was the best-selling vehicle in June.
2021 Tesla Model 3 | Tesla
We’re not saying the Model 3 is the best-selling EV. No, it is the best-selling vehicle last month-EV or internal combustion, in the UK. It outsold the next-best-selling vehicle, the Volkswagen Golf, by over 800 cars. And the Golf, of course, is an ICE vehicle.
What is the best-selling vehicle overall in the UK this year?
Motorists drive in heavy traffic on the M25 motorway in London, England | Scott Barbour/Getty Images
What is interesting about this news is that the Model 3 isn’t even in the top ten best-selling vehicles overall in 2021, in the UK. That distinction goes to the Vauxhall Corsa. The Golf is listed as the third best-selling vehicle so far this year, one down from the Ford Fiesta.
Generally, smaller cars make up the top 10 vehicles in the UK for 2021. And cars are still a more popular platform than SUVs and crossovers. The top five best-selling vehicles are all cars with the Nissan Qashqai the first crossover to pop up at number six.
With the UK banning ICE sales by 2030 EV sales in the UK have ramped up
Queen Elizabeth II driving her children Prince Charles and Princess Anne to Windsor in 1957 | Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
Electric vehicle sales have increased by over 100 percent in June according to Teslarati. Part of that push is due to the UK banning sales of ICE vehicles by 2030. Obviously, the phase-out has clearly begun. In all, almost 5,500 Model 3s sold in June.
Across the pond in France, the Tesla Model 3 is the top-selling EV so far in 2021. Over 13,000 have been sold so far in 2021. The Model 3 beat out the next best-selling vehicle, the Renault Zoé, which sold 10,797 this year.
The Tesla doing so well in France is unusual. That’s because, besides being an EV, it is an import. Domestic vehicles have traditionally been the top-sellers in the past, the two most popular being Renault and Peugeot.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Tesla-Model-3-red-1024x536-2-1.jpg5361024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-09 15:47:322021-07-09 15:57:21You Won’t Believe What the Best-Selling Vehicle is in the UK
Summer is in full swing. If you’re shopping for a small recreational vehicle that’s similar to an ATV, chances are you’re looking at UTVs or side-by-sides. But what if you’re a beginner that’s never actually been behind the wheel of a UTV? Don’t worry, U.S. News & World Report has got you covered. Let’s talk about the organization’s picks for the best UTVs for beginners.
What does UTV stand for?
Riding in a UTV | Liz Nemeth/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
First, let’s talk about what UTV stands for. UTV stands for “utility terrain vehicle.” Though, according to NADA Guides, some also call it a “utility task vehicle.” Many also refer to a UTV as a side-by-side, NADA Guides added. Though, regardless of the exact verbiage, a UTV is a small recreational vehicle that’s built for utility. In fact, more often than not, side-by-sides are used for carrying passengers and cargo, hunting, and even towing farm equipment.
UTVs have been around for quite some time too. According to U.S. News & World Report, UTVs can be traced back to vehicles like the Willys Jeeps of the 1940s and even the Meyers Manx dune buggies from way back when in the 1960s. These days, some of the most common UTV brands include Honda, Can-Am, Polaris, Kawasaki, and Yamaha. These brands offer a variety of side-by-side models, some of which are the best UTVs for beginners, U.S. News reports.
What’s the difference between an ATV and a UTV?
While you may not have heard the term UTV before, chances are you do know what an ATV is. But do you know what the difference between an ATV and a UTV is? If you don’t, that’s OK. UTVs are meant for carrying passengers and cargo and are also capable of hitting the trails. Meanwhile, ATVs, which are sometimes called 4x4s or quads, are designed for a single person and aren’t as task-oriented. Though, they’re still more than able to get down and dirty on the trails.
Those aren’t the only differences between the two either. When compared to ATVs, side-by-sides typically come equipped with more powerful engines, U.S. News added. Further, unlike ATVs, many UTVs can be had with performance suspension systems and even rugged four-wheel-drive systems. Side-by-sides also feature a roll-over protection system, which will protect you if the UTV flips. Unfortunately, ATVs do not come outfitted with roll-over protection systems.
The best UTVs for beginners
If you’re new to the world of side-by-sides or are shopping for a UTV with a younger rider in mind, chances are you’re in the market for the best UTVs for beginners. If that’s the case, U.S. News suggests asking yourself what you want to use your side-by-side for. Are you buying it for recreational purposes? Or, are you buying a UTV to use for towing and hauling at the farm? Also, take into consideration how powerful of an engine you need, along with how much you want to spend on a new UTV.
As for the best UTVs for beginners? U.S. News suggests three different options: the Kawasaki Mule SX, the Yamaha Wolverine X2 R-Spec 850, or the Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail. The cheapest UTV of the three is the Kawasaki Mule SX, which starts at $6,849. This model comes powered by a 401-cc engine, which U.S. News says makes it a good choice for beginners. It can also fit in the bed of a pickup truck, making it an easy side-by-side to transport.
The Yamaha Wolverine X2 R-Spec 850, on the other hand, starts at $14,799. This new side-by-side comes powered by a liquid-cooled 847-cc engine. It also features an Ultramatic V-belt transmission with all-wheel engine braking, along with a three-way locking differential for two-, four-, and even full diff-lock four-wheel drive.
The Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail is also one of the best UTVs for beginners, U.S. News reports. It comes equipped with a 700-cc engine. It also comes standard with an electronic locking differential for two- or four-wheel drive. This UTV features a rugged suspension system too, and, according to U.S. News, is deft, narrow, and easy to control. Unfortunately, this side-by-side isn’t available new. However, buying a used side-by-side is a great way to save a couple of bucks too.
Should you buy a UTV?
Before buying a new side-by-side, try getting behind the wheel of one first. In fact, taking U.S. News’ picks for the best UTVs for beginners out for a spin is a great way to determine whether or not you should buy a UTV.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/UTV-Riding-1024x683-1.jpg6831024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-09 15:33:002021-07-09 15:57:22The Best UTVs for Beginners According to U.S. News
The 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning got to sit pretty as the best affordable electric truck for a while, but now a new EV is rolling into town. The Electric Ram 1500 is on its way to shock the competition. See what to expect with the new Ram 1500 EV.
The 2024 Electric Ram 1500 is coming
2024 Electric Ram teaser | Stellantis
Better late than never, right? That’s how we feel about the upcoming 2024 Ram 1500 EV. The only downside is waiting that long to see how it stacks up against the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning.
Each brand under the Stellantis name, such as Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, Maserati, Fiat, and more, will offer an electric vehicle by 2030. New platforms are being produced to support these fully electric vehicles, including supporting large body-on-frame trucks and SUVs.
The new platform is called the STLA Frame, and it’s only one out of four new platforms. The battery packs may range from 159 to 200 kilowatt-hours. Plus, with this frame, vehicles are capable of achieving 500-mile ranges.
What to expect with the new Ram EV
The 2024 Electric Ram 1500 accompanies a secret project known as the Range Electric Paradigm Breaker (REPB) truck. But it’s challenging to determine what that means until we can gather more information.
Perhaps it means that the Ram EV will have an enhanced range to rival the Ford F-150 Lightning. The F-150 Lightning generates 230 miles of range with the standard battery pack and 300 miles of range with the extended-range unit. This causes ranger anxiety for some drivers.
Mike Koval, RAM CEO, shared that Ram is all-in with this pickup truck and promised that it will be a ‘customer first’ option. Plans for the truck will involve smart and fast charging capabilities along with the ability to share onboard power and other technologies to push past what rivals introduced.
To push past the Ford F-150 Lightning, the electric Ram pickup truck will need some serious muscle. The F-150 Lightning targets 563 hp and 775 lb-ft of torque. It can also tow up to 10,000 lbs.
What else is Stellantis planning?
2024 Ram EV truck | Stellantis
We don’t know much about the 2024 Electric Ram 1500 yet. It’s tightly kept under wraps aside from the teaser image. You can see that the truck has a futuristic look, but the LED bar running across the top of the grille reminds us of the LED bar on the F-150 Lightning’s grille.
Stellantis is building tons of new electric components for vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler Magneto after the success of the 4xe. For example, the next generation of the eCMP platform is coming next year.
To control the cost, performance, and quality of electric power train related parts, they are expanding with joint ventures. Partners include ventures that will build electric motors and dual-clutch transmissions.
Also, Stellantis will manage battery software and supply battery cells through a joint venture with Automatic Cell Company (SAFT). We could learn more during the New York Auto Show, and we will keep you updated.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2024-Ram-EV-truck-1-1.jpeg481855Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-09 15:15:002021-07-09 15:57:23The Electric Ram 1500 Will Shock the Ford F-150 Lightning
For many, diesel engines are synonymous with black clouds of smog and heavy air pollution. These images are from a time, not long ago, that solidified diesel’s reputation as dirty burning fuel. A lot has changed since then, but diesel struggles to clean up its reputation. When compared to gas-powered engines, diesel has some surprising benefits.
Diesel is the hands-down winner in fuel economy
The cleanest gallon of fuel is the one that is never burned. Fuel economy is just as crucial for the environment as controlling emissions. No matter how clean a fuel burns, using less is always better.
This is where diesel is the clear winner. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, diesel engines are up to 25% more fuel-efficient than gas engines. Diesel fuel contains 13% more energy per gallon than gasoline.
If every full-size pickup in the U.S. were diesel, the country could save 500 million gallons of fuel. Diesel drivers pay 30% less in overall fuel costs. This savings, coupled with the higher power output of a diesel engine, is why so many commercial fleets choose this power train.
Cleaner fuel means lower emissions
Wind turbines | Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images
Diesel fuel has been cleaned up considerably in the last ten years. Much like lead was removed from gasoline in the 1970s, a massive effort has been made to reduce sulfur in diesel fuel drastically. This sulfur was responsible for a large amount of particle matter emissions.
Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) has been standard since 2007, and improvements continue to be made. The sulfur used in this fuel has been cut by 97%, which saw soot emissions drop by 10%. Diesel has another clear advantage over gas, its refinement process.
The process of making fuel is messy and creates pollution concerns. Gasoline refinement is more complicated than diesel and produces more greenhouse gasses along the way. A cleaner refinement process paired with excellent fuel efficiency makes diesel a greener choice.
Where gasoline outperforms diesel
While huge improvements have been made to diesel fuel production and the engines that burn it, there’s a cleaner future ahead. New EPA standards seek to cut diesel emissions by another 40% by 2027. When these goals are met, diesel engines could beat gas in the one category where they still fall short, nitrogen compound emissions.
Six countries participated in a 2017 study of diesel engine pollution. The study found that gas-powered engines produce 10 times more particle matter emissions than diesel. Gas engines also found 40% more greenhouse gasses, but diesel NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions are higher. Nitrous oxides are the one pollutant produced more by diesel engines.
The amount of nitrogen compounds produced by burning fuel directly correlates to the temperature reached. Diesel fuel burns hotter and therefore creates more NOx than burning gas. Exhaust emissions control systems can cut these emissions by up to 50%, but there’s room for more improvement.
There have been leaps in diesel emission improvement that don’t seem to impact public opinion. A single diesel truck from 1980 produces the same emissions as 60 trucks built by today’s strict emissions standards. Diesel has come a long way and should be thought of as a cleaner, non-renewable option.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blue-sky-1024x682-1.jpg6821024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-09 13:15:002021-07-09 13:29:04Why People Think Diesel Is Worse or the Environment and How They’re Wrong
