The Electric Car: A Startup top speed!

The electric car has been this year, the star of the Paris Motor Show.
It seems that the major influencers (government, communities and professionals) are really determined to make the year 2011, the starting point for the real launch of the electric car.

French manufacturers are even looking to enter the market before the end of 2010 several models of electric cars.

The Central Public procurement (UGAP) is preparing to make 2011 a bid of about 50,000 electric cars.

If all this continues, 2011 will be truly the year of the electric car, but only for a large customer accounts (administrations, businesses and local government).

But for the general public, what will happen exactly?

Despite the willingness of policy makers, to install once the electric automobile in our environment, it would be wiser, he seems to wait another 2 or 3 years before we seriously consider purchase.
For several reasons:
1. The acquisition cost is too high
2. The purchase cost of the battery and its still limited autonomy of the battery
3. The lack of infrastructure to accommodate electric cars.

• The cost of acquiring an electric car is still high today. It takes about more than 17,000 € (state aid deducted). It's expensive for a car whose speed is limited (less than 100km / h) and reduced autonomy (160 kms).

· The battery life of an electric car is still low. For a trip from Paris to Marseilles, for example, an electric car will be charged 4-5 times before reaching its destination. It is a huge constraint Valeo consider easing in 2011 by reducing consumption by 35%.

• For the electric car really takes hold on the European and especially French, it is vital that it can have an adequate infrastructure, suitable to accommodate both in town and on major roads. France, she plans to install 1 million points of supply by 2015 and just over 4 million in 2020.

In contrast to these teething problems, the electric car has undeniable qualities just waiting to be recovered when these handicaps are gone and especially his average purchase cost will be affordable. This will be a real boost for the automotive household budget.

What would you be able couvrir1000 kms with a electric car for under 13 €?
How about having a car with an efficiency of around 80% against 30% for a combustion engine?
What would you be able to contribute, through the electric car, the pollution control (0% CO2) and noise?

All told, the electric car is technically a viable option that could allow modern man to reconcile the imperatives of travel, travel fast and his quest for a healthier environment.

Maintain your car: a daily work

Firstly it is necessary to take care of the body of your car. Today, the paint takes much longer than before, but this is not a reason to neglect regular cleaning, especially when you do not have a garage and your vehicle is facing external aggression. You dwell in detail because even minor injuries can prove to be a significant source of damage in the long term. Once the rust attack your body, it is impossible to stop the process. To avoid this, grab the paint and feel free to fill each stripe, as small and insignificant it may be.

Then you can choose from four options for cleaning the vehicle. First washing by hand which has the advantage of being economical, but who will take a long time. Note that this is the method to clean the deep as possible. However, be careful not to scratch your body with a sponge doubtful. Second, you can simply pass a gas station and do not take the risk and damage your little gem. The Karchers are quick but sometimes superficial, because the water jet can leave a layer of grime on the surface. Similarly, if you already have impacts, it may aggravate them. For this method, pay attention to prices that are far from being the same from one station to another. Third, it is strongly recommended to use rollers, brooms and brushes of automatic stations, they damage the body. The 4th is the best solution, but also the most expensive. Entrust your vehicle to a company that specializes your car will shine with the right products. Also, remember to polish your car in small areas with high quality products and use the elbow grease so that the cabin is always clean.

From a mechanical point of view, do not forget to warm your engine before using. Note that doing this in neutral no interest. Regarding oil, it is imperative to set and check the level regularly, even if nowadays, many model warn you in case of too low a level. While this maneuver is not as regular at the time, but that is a reason to be vigilant! Also, make sure you use an oil suitable for the type of trips you make in general.

To keep your clutch, make a habit to put you in neutral and not to stay on a speed unnecessarily. Also avoid the most of being trampled or use the clutch pedal to be unnecessarily put your foot! Finally: do not stay too long and avoid pointing the sidewalk in a niche.   

Driving on snow

Snow, especially in urban areas, leads to huge traffic jams. Between the lack of salting and inexperience of many motorists, travel becomes a real challenge. So if you can, avoid taking the road. If you can, put a RTT or ask to work exceptionally you. Otherwise, opt for the train and the subway.

If you have no choice, here are some easy tips to help prevent most accidents.

Start and Accelerate gently: for a safe, ban the flying shots. Start cautiously and accelerate gradually. If you lose control, go up a gear: a small sub-scheme to regain control.

Anticipate and avoid hazards and to slow: indeed, a brake, however slight, is likely to get you out head-to-tail. Anticipate thus ceasing to be able to slow speed.

If you're forced to brake suddenly, and you turn your wheels, stop stop, wait to get traction and braking (the toe) again.

In turn: tell a curve and take advantage of engine braking to avoid having to brake too abruptly at the entrance of turn or in the middle of the curve.

A car followed by a mechanic you avoid many of the incidents. Check carefully the condition of the tires, lights. Also think if you go to channels in the resort.

The freezing rain may also pose a real danger on the road. They occur when a mass of warm air aloft meets a cold air mass. The freezing rain falling and fixed on a frozen ground, turning the road into a real ice rink.

If you have an accident, take the necessary measures to avoid secondary accidents. We often see evil in the snow. Warn other users upstream of the accident, using your triangle, turn your orange vest, possibly keep the warnings on.   

Checklist for safe driving

The basic rules of safe driving are taught during the course of conduct. For those of us who have followed their progress for a long time, some of these rules may have been forgotten, or be neglected from time to time. Yet if all motorists adopting safer driving at all times, share the road would be more enjoyable for everyone, and the number of accidents involving automobiles could be dramatically reduced. Here is a list of some safe driving rules to keep in mind during your travels.

Seatbelt safety: This is a simple practice that everyone should apply before starting their vehicle. Yet many drivers still fail to fasten their seatbelts. In terms of babies and young children, make sure you install them properly in their car seat or booster seat. If necessary, refer to manufacturer's instructions to make sure you make a good use of the seat and is securely installed.

Look up and away: Do not put your eyes on the road immediately in front of your vehicle. Look up and ahead. By expanding your field of vision, this will allow you to see upcoming obstacles in advance. You'll be better able to avoid them.

Report its maneuvers: It is important to note your maneuvers so that other motorists can better anticipate and adapt to your actions. Even when you are on a road less traveled, do not forget to use your turn signals.

Check your blind spot: Look in your regular side mirrors is not enough. Before making a turn or overflow, pamper yourself back to verify that no pedestrian or vehicle is not in your blind spot. So you can make your maneuvers safely.

Obey the signs: It is essential to completely stop your vehicle at traffic lights or stop signs, and not exceed the crosswalk or stop line. When you cross a crosswalk where a pedestrian is involved, you must give way. Of course, it is also important to respect the speed limits at all times.

Pay attention to the bus: You should exercise caution when approaching a school bus. You must not cross or pass a bus with the lights or the stop signal is activated. You must instead you stop at a distance of about 5 meters from the vehicle and wait until it arranges its lights and switches on again.

Summer: Pay particular attention to pedestrians, children playing, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Winter: You may come across less than pedestrians, but you must pay attention to snow removal vehicles. You will also drive more slowly than usual, especially when the road is very slippery.

Whatever the situation where you are, always remember to be courteous to other motorists and pedestrians and other road users. Try to stay calm and patience while driving, and always be cautious.