Tag Archives: EV

First drive, Motoring

Easy as ABC with new BYD Dolphin models

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Choosing a spec for a Dolphin supermini is as simple as ABC, says Chinese electric car maker BYD (Build your Dreams).
Well, you should make that as simple as ABC and D with the launch of two new trim levels.
The Active and Boost compact hatch models join the Comfort and Design specs (ABCD, geddit?), but come with a smaller battery.
All are smart with excellent standard equipment, are spacious and offer decent range.
All are well specified and there are also a couple of innovative features like the tablet-style info screen that can swivel to landscape or portrait, depending on your preference. A bit like you mobile phone.
Prices start from £26,195 for the Active and £27,165 for the Boost which have a 44.9kWh battery as opposed to the 60.4 kWh output of the existing models Comfort and Dynamic models.
The range for the Dolphin Active on a full charge is 211 miles with the Boost, which has a more powerful motor capable of up to 193 miles. It can also power normal AC equipment via its Vehicle to Load (VtoL) technology


In the Active version, the battery is paired with a 95PS motor and can be charged using AC power up to 7kW or by DC power up to 65kW. The Boost version features a 176PS motor and can be charged using an 11kW AC (3-phase) charger or by DC power up to 65kW.
On both models a 100 kW DC charger can top up the battery from 30 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes.
It’s a decent size, accommodating five and features heated and powered vegan leather sports seats. The rear seats provide ample legroom, and when split increase boot space from 345-litres to 1,310 litres.
The vehicle also includes over 20 practical storage spaces.
Another premium touch is the panoramic camera provides the driver with 360-degree visibility for safe vehicle manoeuvring.
On the road, both are quick, as electric cars are, although the Boost offers a bit more grunt. The Active feeling hits 60mph in a shade over 12 seconds, the Boost a little quicker.
All Dolphin models feature a comprehensive list of safety kit.
They are good value for money and boast about being the fastest growing brand in the UK. Well that depends on your starting point. But they do have plenty to offer.
The Chinese are serious players in the EV market with BYD, MG and now Ora. The traditional brands need to keep on top of their game to compete.

Crossover, electric, Nissan

Ariya takes a leaf out a successful playbook

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Nissan Ariya EV

By Bill McCarthy

It is perhaps fitting that the manufacturer that provided the first fully electric family car in the UK, the Leaf, should produce a second model that once again pushes the technology boundaries.

The Ariya is sleek, stylish, and packed full of advanced technology. It features a streamlined design and a claimed range of up to 330 miles on a single charge, depending on the model. It is not cheap by any means, starting at nearly £44k, but it is competitive in price when you look at the specification.

This all wheel drive version with the optional sport pack comes in at nearly £60k.

There are two trim levels, Advance and Evolve and a choice of two battery sizes, 63kWh and 87kWh and an all-wheel drive e-4orce.

It has joined the Leaf and electrified Townstar on the fleet and features cutting-edge safety kit, including the  ProPILOT Assist system which allows drivers.

A medium-sized crossover or SUV it has striking looks, with a coupe-like profile.

But this is offset by the smart, slim headlights and deep daytime running lights which double up as sweeping indicators, privacy glass and 20-inch alloys with aero covers.

 It also features a rear roof spoiler and hands-free powered tailgate.

It looks good from the outside, but the interior is a quantum leap forward with innovative design, clever practical additions and oceans of room.

This model features heated and cooled front seats with Nappa leather upholstery, heated steering and wheel and unusually, heated rear seats.

The deep pile carpet to the front could have looked gimmicky, but work well, while the powered centre console is a clever and practical addition, opening up more space is it moves backwards. At the touch of a button, there is also a concealed oddments tray that springs from the dash.

There is a real feeling of spaciousness throughout, Nissan describes it as lounge like and they are not wrong. 

The panoramic roof also allows more light to enhance the feeling of spaciousness. Even the rear headroom is good despite the slightly sloping roofline. The design is minimalist but still has a classy feel with twin 12.3 inch digital displays dominating.

One controls infotainment which on this model includes a high-end sound system, smartphone connectivity and navigation while the other gives real time driver information, including how the power is being consumed. It is one of the best for connecting my Android phone, connecting within seconds and many of the controls can be voice operated.

Another clever innovation are the controls which appear to be part of the faux wooden dash. They are push buttons with a haptic touch feedback and add to the elegance.

On the road, as you would expect with EVs, it is rapid off the mark, the car hits 60mph in just under six seconds and while the twin motors provide the all-wheel capability, it is more for traction in poor road conditions than actually going off-road. The e-Pedal also allows the driver to launch, accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal.

It’s an SUV, so there will be some body roll if you take the corners too quickly, but the central battery position ensures near-equal weight distribution, front and rear. Otherwise, it feels sure-footed and stable and offers a comfortable enough ride.

In practical terms, the boot offers a reduced 408 litres of space on this AWD model losing a full 50 litres to accommodate the all wheel drive, but it can be increased with folding the split car seats.

It’s not cheap, but is literally packed with high-end equipment to give it that premium feel. Losing that much space in the boot and the extra cost also begs the question, do you really need all wheel drive?

FACTFILE

ARIYA e-4ORCE Evolve Sport Pack

Price: £58,590

Mechanical: 242bhp, dual electric motors driving all wheels via a single speed automatic transmission

Max speed: 125mph

0-62mph: 5.7 seconds

Range: 309 (WLTP combined cycle)

Insurance group: 41

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles