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<p>When watching a car television commercial or on a computer screen, the vehicle shown may not be the same as the one used during the production. This is because certain automotive advertisements <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJhn1OPO3Ig" target="_self">feature Blackbird</a>, a miniature car with no windows or side panels. The blackbird functions as a digital stunt car. You may be wondering how the Blackbird works and what technology it utilizes. Worry not. This article will shed light on this and many other features of the Blackbird.</p>
<p>This machine is a <a href="https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/the-mill-blackbird-proves-nothing-in-car-commercials-is-real" target="_self">small digitalized stunt car</a> used mainly in filming car commercials and films. This nascent electric machine appears to be enjoyable to drive, but it's a lot more remarkable than it seems. It is a fantastic creation of a company known as <a href="https://archive.themill.com/portfolio/3002/the-blackbird%C2%AE" target="_self">The Mill</a>, which is a VFX creation production studio. When placing the actual bodywork during post-production, you can modify its width, wheelbase, suspension, and engine response. It has an onboard 360-degree camera to create the perfect projection of a real-life vehicle during production. Most vehicle commercials made in Canada that appear too good to be true most likely utilize this small machine.</p>
<h2>Its Features</h2>
<p>The Blackbird is a machine that may be used in various ways. It was designed to swiftly modify the chassis to practically any car's exact length and width. It also has an electric engine and can be set to simulate acceleration curves and gear shifts of every Chevrolet, <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/dodge" target="_self">Dodge</a>, and <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/ram" target="_self">Ram</a> vehicle out there. It similarly has adjustable suspensions that alter the vehicle's height, stiffness, and damping. This is to replicate typical driving characteristics.</p>
<p>Because this machine is used to simulate an actual car, things like realistic ground contact, motion dynamics, and shadows are some things that it captures during production. How does it do this? A fully customized realistic CG vehicle is integrated into it with 100% photo-realistic HDR visuals reflecting the environment on the car's body. Models, styling, colours, and accessories for vehicles can be introduced afterward, obviating the need to retake commercials for each location or audience.</p>
<h2>CGI?</h2>
<p>In post-production of commercials or films, the vehicle utilizes CGI to match the exterior look of any desired car model. The Mill recently created an augmented reality tool that allows commercial directors to get a glimpse of what Blackbird's CGI looks like during filming. This machine has been used in a number of ads for <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/chevrolet" target="_self">Chevrolet</a> and <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/gmc" target="_self">GMC</a>.</p>


<h2>How It Works</h2>
<p>CGI works by modifying the machine to match the parameters of the vehicle you're replacing. The wheelbase and breadth can be adjusted up to 4 feet. The suspension can be fine-tuned to mimic practically any chassis you want. Check out their video.<br>The output curve of the rig's electric engine may also be changed to fit the target vehicle, whether it's a rear-wheel-drive V8 or an all-wheel-drive Flat four. After that, put the proper wheels and tires on and go head out to shoot. As previously stated, this machine is equipped with remarkable camera gear, which is used to film the driving environment in 3D.<br>Directors evaluate if the actual surroundings of the tires, wheels, and shadows of the car match the shot in the final composition. If this fails, the vehicle can be replaced entirely by a photo-realistic replica that includes realistic reflections generated by the facility's cameras. You won't be able to tell that the director didn't use an actual car because the results are so convincing. You'll question why they used a computer-based vehicle instead of an actual vehicle in various scenes.</p>
<h2>What Are The Benefits Of CGI In Car Commercials?</h2>
<p>Computer-generated imagery is an effective tool for creating effective campaigns that empower and inspire more innovative marketing concepts in the automotive sector. It quickly adapts to various changes in markets and demographics. Marketers can avoid shooting in actual automobiles by using entirely seamless and photo-realistic computer-generated imagery work, reducing the time to market and the expense of traditional automotive shooting. Here are a few more compelling reasons why <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cinematographer-reveals-one-thing-you-dont-know-about-car-commercials-2019-5" target="_blank">automobile rigs use computer-generated imagery.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Endless VR Options</h2>
<p>Computer-generated imagery provides an infinite virtual environment. Automobile companies can choose any environment to display their vehicle and place a 3D model of the vehicle into it. To give your brand a fully distinct environment, you could shoot the vehicle from any angle in a specified place and modify it as you wish. With CGIO, there are no shot permits, light tracking, or site closures. A virtual environment is also more sustainable. Commercial shooting typically increases carbon dioxide emissions because cars must drive great distances, and many individuals fly to remote regions.</p>
<h2>It Is More Than Just Marketing</h2>
<p>Computer-generated imagery is excellent for marketing and advertising but also has other significant applications. In reality, computer-generated imagery can be used at any stage of the vehicle's development process from prototyping, concept, manufacturing, and even design. You can see a car "reanimate" with computer-generated imagery years before developing it. You may also use the CGI model to raise money from venture capitalists even before building your product. Using computer-generated imagery, product design, production, and manufacturing teams helps you gain a significant competitive advantage. As a marketer, you have so many benefits. Before your product is released, you may display exactly how it will look and how customers will use it.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>We can see from this post how the Blackbird has revolutionized car commercialization. As listed in this article, car dealerships in Canada are encouraged to employ it in advertising to enjoy its numerous benefits.</p>


Did you know, most of the time you are watching a car commercial you are watching a CGI'd version of that vehicle, superimposed onto a car rig? That rig is made by a company called The Mill and is called Blackbird. We take a look at what this rig can do and how it's customizable to the commercial they are shooting.&nbsp;


How Car Commercials are Actually Made

<p>Despite being a Marvel or DC fan, everyone agrees that Batman has some of the most impressive gadgets and the coolest car. However, the first Batmobile, featured in Detective Comics #27, released in 1939, was very plain. It even did not have any brand name, and it took some time before gracing the big screen.<br><br>Since then, we have not seen any hero go through as many iconic vehicles as Batman. The batmobile comes with customized features like the bat-finned design, the ability to drive itself, climb walls, fly, and carry an array of missiles and powerful weapons. As a result, this fantastic supercar is among the most recognizable cars.<br>Since its official debut in 1939, this supercar has evolved significantly. As shown in "The Dark Knight" series, Justice League (2017), and "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016), it now features a more formidable and military look.<br><br>Unless you live in a hole, you know that there is a new 'The Batman' 2022 film featuring Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz. In celebration, we have created a timeline tracking the on-screen ascent of the legendary Batmobile over the years.<br>Keep scrolling to see how the batmobile has helped Bruce Wayne's efforts in protecting Gotham.</p>


<p>The classic T.V. Series Batmobile on Detective Comics No. 48 in 1941 was the original. It was much more understated than its predecessors. The automobile had a little gold bat on its hood, it wasn't even black and resembled that of the Cord Roadster.</p>


<p>The first on-screen debut of the Batmobile was in 1943, in Columbia Pictures' 15-chapter Batman series. Lewis Wilson played Batman and Douglas Croft as Robin. At 23, Wilson is the youngest actor ever to star in Batman.<br>His Batmobile was a plain 1939 <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/cadillac" target="_self">Cadillac</a> Series 75 convertible, possibly the most basic of the Bat vehicles. This vehicle also operated as Bruce Wayne's vehicle, with the top down representing Bruce Wayne and the top-up representing Batman. And if you want to know how a convertible top deceived anyone, go no farther than Clark Kent's spectacles.</p>


<p>The 1966 rendition of Adam West's live-action film and television series "Batman: The Movie" featured the original drivable Batmobile. George Barris, the renowned designer, created the automobile within 15 days, inspired by the 1955 <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/lincoln" target="_self">Lincoln</a> Futura concept vehicle.<br>It was light years away from its predecessors, which debuted in the 1940s. <a href="https://www.streetmusclemag.com/features/car-features/the-great-sacrifice-lincoln-futura-morphs-into-barris-batmobile/" target="_self">George Barris acquired the automobile from Ford for only a dollar</a> and redesigned it. It was auctioned off for approximately <a href="https://money.cnn.com/2013/01/20/autos/batmobile-sold/index.html#:~:text=The%20Batmobile%20used%20in%20the,legendary%20car%20customizer%20George%20Barris" target="_self">$4.62 million in 2013</a>.</p>


<p>Skip ahead 20 years, a new version of the Batmobile, complete with its menacing, sleek, and powerful look, is black from top to bottom. Machine guns, concealed grenades, and impenetrable armour were among the devices and weaponry.<br>1989 batmobile, which was later dubbed as the "Keatonmobile," is known to have defined how Batman is currently perceived. Michael Keaton's Batman is among the best, intriguing, serious, yet charming characters. His automobile, over 20 feet long, fits the same description. It was a low-slung behemoth with a front-mounted jet inlet, inspired by two Chevrolet Impala chassis with a V-8 engine.</p>


<p>Perhaps the only model to rival Tim Burton's design regarding aesthetics is the batmobile utilized in Batman Animated Series. Most of the vehicle's throwback features, including its ultra-long nose, Duesenberg-designed exhaust pipes, and Art Deco fins, refer back to the design in the 1920s and 1930s.<br>It is no coincidence that the automobile from the Batman Animated Series is the most refined version to have ever been conceived. It debuted the batmobile version featured in the ‘Justice League’ spin-off, but it also introduced the bat missile, an escape vehicle that ejects on command.</p>


<p>Although Batman Forever was not a major triumph, it did give birth to a Batmobile, which emerged as the top 10 most iconic rides on the franchise. It chooses a biomechanical and Giger-esque concept that is tuned to the film. However, it is a significant departure from previous batmobile looks.<br>Tim Flattery developed this Batmobile from fibreglass and based it on a high-performance ZZ3 engine from a Chevy 350. Its design is a replica of the 1989 batmobile version, but with a shell that looks like a rib cage and classic wings and tail fins that look like the ones on vampire bats.<br>All in all, it reflects a more modern vibe.</p>


<p>Batman and Robin (1997) is another less popular film in the franchise. The Batmobile here, for George Clooney's role as Batman, earns a brownie point for its unusual and iconic design. Harald Belker designed this modern car with a shape similar to many prior versions of the Batmobile but with more visual appeal.<br>It features a look inspired by classic racing cars, like the <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/jaguar" target="_blank">Jaguar</a> D-type. Although certain aspects are potentially dangerous, the automobile is a visual, sophisticated, and inventive delight. It was 30 feet long, had an open cockpit, and could go 225 KM (140 mph). The vehicle remains entirely functional with an impressive number of gadgets and a sleek and curvy shape that hides missile launchers and other weaponry.</p>


<p>In 2005, Christopher Nolan reinvented the Batman/DC realm with the now-iconic Dark Knight trilogy. Nathan Crowley and director Christopher Nolan built an equally intimidating Batmobile for this new and more sinister universe. This automobile, dubbed the Tumbler, is part-<a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/lamborghini" target="_blank">Lamborghini</a> and part-tank in a bid to match the intensity of Batman Begins. The velvety and menacing vibe of Christian Bale's performance, one of the greatest of the dark superhero genre, reinforced the trilogy's theme.</p>


<p>Although this version of the Batmobile is a <a href="https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP1018-CUSA00133_00-ARKHAMBUNDLE0000" target="_blank">video game</a> version that never hit the silver or small screens, it is one of the best-looking models in the franchise. The Batman: Arkham Asylum automobile resembles a blend of the best attributes of the Batman Animated Series and Tim Burton vehicles. It is sufficiently menacing but a little tiny compared to your on-screen persona.</p>


<p>Dawn of Justice is a film starring Batman and Superman. The Batmobile is a massive hybrid beast of a car that first debuted in 2016 and then resurfaced in Justice League (2017).<br>Director Jack Snyder reportedly collaborated on the cross-breed Batmobile alongside Kevin Ishioka, Patrick Tatopoulos, Joe Hiura, and Ed Natividad. They hoped to produce a thinner variant of Dark Knight's Tumbler by deleting the legendary Bat-features from earlier versions.<br>The automobile consists of the most modern and well-hidden deadly defence system, making it a more lethal crusader on Gotham City's dangerous streets.</p>


<p>Robert Pattinson, a heartthrob, and previous vampire boyfriend plays the newest Batman in <a href="https://screenrant.com/batman-robert-pattinson-batmobile-car-make-model/" target="_blank">The Batman 2022</a>. While we are looking forward to seeing how he and Zoe Kravitz depict the Batman-Catwoman feud, fans cannot help but be enthralled with the new Batmobile. It resembles a <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/chevrolet-camaro" target="_blank">Chevy Camaro</a> but pays homage to the renowned Futura concept, with a <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/ford-mustang" target="_blank">Ford Mustang</a> and <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/dodge-challenger" target="_blank">Dodge Challenger</a> tossed in for good measure.<br>Director Matt Reeves and Product Designer James Chinlund based the 2022 Batmobile on the late 60s Dodge Charger. The entire vehicle was custom-built and consisted of a monstrous bumper serving as a battering ram and a V8 motor. It also has a cabin with just one off-the-shelf Corbeau seat, a catalogue steering wheel, and an OMP wheel similar to <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/bmw-z3" target="_blank">BMW Z3</a>s. The Batman 2022 Batmobile for sure complements Bruce Wayne’s character as played by Pattinson. If you have not seen the film, we highly recommend that you book your movie tickets as soon as possible to see it!!</p>


<p>Batman’s vehicles contribute significantly to the thrill experienced while watching his films. Over the years, we have seen it evolve from a classic T.V. series Batmobile to an intimidating military tank full of sophisticated and powerful weapons. We cannot wait to see the future transformations of this supercar.</p>


The Batmobile is arguably one of the most iconic vehicles in modern-day pop culture. In DC comics, the high-tech and gadget-filled car driven by Batman has been featured in numerous iterations under different bat-personas. From the small fins to the black rubber tires, the batmobile has been a staple to every arrangement of Batman's pitch-black personality and has evolved through quite a few generations. Let's break down the Batmobile through its distinct generations and key features regarding each.


The Batmobile Through the Generations

<p>According to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/markewing/2022/01/08/zero-emissions-vehicles-at-scale-steps-to-replace-fossil-fuel-vehicles-with-battery-electric-part-2/?sh=5fde88eb2be7" target="_self">Forbes</a>, Police vehicles and ambulances may transition to gas-electric hybrid powertrains. Already 11 hybrid ambulances are in service in Toronto.<br><br>Below are some details about EV electric vehicles in Canadian emergency services.</p>
<h2>1. Canadian Police Force Electric Vehicle Pilot Project at Quebec</h2>
<p>The city of Repentigny's police department is determined to be early adopters of electric vehicles. The <a href="https://electricautonomy.ca/2022/02/17/electric-police-vehicles-quebec-nova-scotia/" target="_self">pilot project</a> intends to convert the <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars?make=Ford&model=Mustang%20Mach-E" target="_self">Ford Mustang Mach-E</a> into an electric police car. The car will be designed to have the features found in a regular emergency response patrol car. Cyberkar will undertake this project.<br><br>A patrol car that runs round the clock is expected to burn a lot of fuel. Therefore, it will emit a significant amount of greenhouse gases like CO2. The new all-electric car will go a long way to cut emissions. The car will also undergo tests in a real environment and various conditions of use. This is to evaluate its battery performance and efficiency.<br>In addition, the innovative breakthroughs and expertise gained will be adopted by the rest of the Quebec police forces. The project is already gaining ground and will attract interest within the police force and the outside world. There is no doubt more and more officers will be interested in acquiring these electric patrol cars.</p>
<h2><strong>2. Bridgewater Police Force Electric Vehicle Pilot Project in Nova Scotia</strong></h2>
<p>Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, has not been left behind by their counterparts in Repentigny, Quebec. The <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/tesla-model-3" target="_self">Tesla Model 3</a> has been approved as the forces’ electric vehicle of choice for trials. The electric vehicle is available for purchase, and they intend to put it into service by summer. After piloting, more electric vehicles are expected to be added to the forces’ fleet. So, the transition to electric vehicles in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, is inevitable.<br><br>Tesla is anticipated to accommodate necessary police equipment. The electric vehicle is already in use by forces in <a href="https://driveteslacanada.ca/model-3/first-tesla-model-3-police-car-arrives-in-canada-but-not-where-you-would-expect-it/" target="_self">Ottawa and Toronto</a>. The reports from these forces on the efficiency of Tesla are encouraging.<br><br>Furthermore, Tesla Model 3 is expected to last much longer than its corresponding gas-powered car. The maintenance cost of Tesla is also much lower. Thus, it will help save financial resources besides cutting the emissions of greenhouse gases.</p>
<h2>3. Electric Vehicles Chosen for Policing</h2>
<p>Ford Mustang Mach-E is the most appropriate model in line with the many features required in a police car. The body and technology in the Mach-E have been retained. But still, many of the <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars?make=Ford&model=Mustang%20Mach-E" target="_self">Ford Mustang Mach-E</a> components have been modified to make them more customized. Several accessories have also been added.<br><br>The <a href="https://www.cyberkar.com/en/about" target="_self">Cyberkar firm</a> that designed the electric Mach-E is specialized in high-end technology for emergency vehicles. Yet, designing policing electric cars posed a huge challenge. You have to do research and come up with a development plan from scratch. You have to redesign the interior ergonomics with workplace comfort and safety in mind. So, the focus is on the improved security and working environment for officers. Also, feedback from officers who spend much of their time in cars has been considered.<br><br>Tesla Model 3 is another electric vehicle that can be used as a patrol car in Canada. Indeed the first fully equipped tesla model 3 car has arrived in Canada. However, it is being tested to see if local forces can use it. Some of the changes made include front lighting, sirens, and a customized center console.</p>
<h2>4. Comparison Between Tesla Model 3 and Mach-E</h2>
<p>Regarded as one of the best EV electric vehicles in the market, Tesla Model 3 faces stiff competition from Ford Mustang Mach-E. The driver appeal of the Mach-E could help it to edge the Tesla.<br><br>Design-wise, Tesla is a large executive saloon car while the Mach-E is a sporty SUV. The electric Mustang has an impeccable presence on the road. Thanks to its long, wide, and muscular body that emphasizes the sporty nature. On the other hand, Tesla has a futuristic look. It has a minimalistic design with some defining features on its grille, such as inlets. Nevertheless, Tesla has a panoramic roof, something the Mach lacks.<br><br>The interior space of both cars is equipped with a monstrous infotainment system on the dashboard. The one in Tesla is just more user-friendly. However, you get a driver information display conveniently positioned behind the steering wheel in the Mach dashboard setup. Tesla's display is on a central screen which we found somehow distracting while on the move.<br><br>The Mach-E is much more spacious, with more headroom at the back than Tesla. It is also longer, so taller people can sit in the back more comfortably than the Tesla car. Tesla makes up for these shortfalls when it comes to the front. The Tesla has ample front space with more cabin storage bins on the door. Thus, storing your small items and drinks is better than in Mach-E.<br><br>Performance-wise, Tesla beats its competitor Mach-E due to its huge 271bhp electric motor. This makes the Mach-E feel slower. Both have similar entry-level specifications with a range of about 215miles.</p>
<h2>5. Electric Ambulances Made in Quebec</h2>
<p>Quebec seeks to position itself as the leader in<a href="https://electricautonomy.ca/2021/10/26/demers-lion-electric-ambulance/" target="_self"> electric medic-ambulance</a> production. <a href="https://www.demers-ambulances.com/" target="_blank">Demers ambulances</a> and <a href="https://thelionelectric.com/en" target="_blank">Lion electric</a> disclosed their all-electric ambulance. The ambulance model has been under design for five years to meet the needs of paramedics. We considered the security of paramedics and patients' comfort in the design of our model.<br><br>Besides undertaking the final assembly, Demers medic-ambulances will take charge of the medical compartment. Lion electric, on their part, will build the electric vehicle's chassis and batteries. The electric vehicle will be capable of travelling 200 kilometres on a single charge.</p>
<h2>6. Main Specs of Demers eFX</h2>
<p>Demers eFX is the first custom purpose-made medic-ambulance in the world. The main features of the Demers eFX include:<br>Capable of covering a range of 200 km on a single charge.<br>It is an 8,845kg class 5 vehicle.<br>Has a 340 HP motor powered by a 130 to 195 kWh battery.<br>Equipped with an adaptive smart suspension.<br>Low floor design.<br>3.2" drop suspension kneeling ability.<br>Concluding Remarks<br><br>All-electric or hybrid electric vehicles have many advantages. Among the many reasons the world needs to go electric is to create a cleaner planet. Paramedics also deserve a safer experience, and patients merit a smoother transport. Ultimately, electric vehicles will be a game-changer in the transportation industry.</p>


The future of emergency vehicles is electric — and the future is now. We took a look at how some Canadian emergency service fleets are converting to electric vehicles, with pilot programs and taking advantage of both new opportunities for enhanced safety, cost savings, and improved performance.


The Future of Emergency Vehicles Is Electric

<p>Early last year, <a href="https://www.cpr.ca/en/media/cp-announces-hydrogen-powered-locomotive-pilot-project" target="_self">Canadian Pacific Rail</a> released a prototype, of the H2 OEL (<a href="https://heyauto.com/blog/brain-fuel/alternative-options-to-traditional-gasoline" target="_self">Hydrogen Zero Emission</a> Locomotive). The locomotive is believed to be a better replacement for the traditional diesel-powered engine trains.</p>
<p>The locomotive has been undergoing testing since the summer, a spokesperson said. CP Rail expects it will be <a href="https://electricautonomy.ca/2022/03/02/cp-cn-zero-emission-locomotives/" target="_self">available for revenue use by the end of 2023</a>.</p>
<p>CN Rail followed suit with its battery-electric prototype. While it isn’t expected to hit the rails until mid-2024 at the earliest—with further tests required before full deployment can begin—CN Rail this electric train should provide greater performance while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.</p>
<p>Both companies say their products will reduce emissions compared to traditional diesel or even natural gas-powered equivalents. But it’s the potential market impact CN and CP hope to achieve from launching the new locomotives that make this standoff all the more interesting.</p>
<p>This past August, at the Railway 2030 Conference, a meeting held annually in Ottawa, both companies said they intended to invest $400 million each over the next three years to develop their respective alternative technologies. By the time they enter commercial use, these projects could cost hundreds of millions of dollars apiece.</p>
<p>CP, which operates across Canada, including some lines in western Canada, is also planning to add another 15 hydrogen-powered locomotives to replace older units along the length of its network.</p>
<p>While CP hasn’t yet specified where it intends to deploy the first H2 OEL, many speculate it might become part of the West Coast Express, its main intermodal train running between British Columbia’s industrial port areas and Alberta Saskatchewan’s oil centers.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, CN boasts a fleet of more than 3,000 locomotives, spread out among several railroads throughout Canada. Most locomotives operate on routes through Quebec and Ontario, particularly in eastern Canada.</p>
<p>With about 85 percent of its fleet located outside Quebec, the province provides the bulk of CN’s volume. In fact, according to figures provided by the provincial government, nearly half of CN’s total freight volumes are moved through Quebec’s network. That represents roughly 9 billion tonnes per year; if the two railways combined operations, the combined fleet would account for well over 30% of Quebec’s entire annual transit capacity.</p>
<p>If CN did indeed bring a significant portion of its fleet onto Québec’s tracks, it would represent a major shift in how freight moves around the province. Most notably, it would dramatically expand the scope of services offered by CP in Western Canada. The two companies currently compete for freight customers throughout the country, but most of their business takes place within the territories covered by one railroad versus the other.</p>
<p>But that dynamic couldn’t change overnight. As much as infrastructure costs (and the additional investment needed to build it) had shrunk since the 1990s when CN was the dominant player in passenger and freight service on railways in North America, it still costs billions of dollars to purchase a single railway car. And the cost of operating such vehicles quickly adds up.</p>
<p>CN has already made big investments to improve its freight capabilities during its recent ownership transition. Among them is an ongoing modernization program covering thousands of locomotives and wagons. But with CP having no plans to introduce its new rolling stock until at least 2024, this remains the only way CN will be able to keep competing with its larger counterpart.</p>
<p>That means the biggest game-changer will come from the railroads themselves. They need to commit to purchasing a certain amount of trains every year and stick to it, even as technology changes.</p>
<p>In 2016, more than <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210426/dq210426d-eng.htm" target="_self">26 million railway cars were used across Canada</a>. At the end of 2017, that number had grown to more than 28 million — representing the highest activity level in decades. “The railways must continue to invest in new technologies and equipment to meet growing demand,” said Marc Laviolette, president of Railway Association of Canada. “We can expect railways to increase purchases of locomotive power and new electric vehicle fleets, including freight-hauling locomotives.”</p>
<p>So far, the major players appear to be following the same path. Both CP and CN have recently introduced battery-electric locomotives in pilot programs, while Ottawa’s Via Rail tests a hydrogen generator train. Meanwhile, Bombardier Transportation is developing a plan to convert its existing diesel fleet to electricity and working on battery-powered coaches.</p>
<p>Yet as these efforts gain momentum, the real question is whether any of them will prove successful enough to alter the landscape fundamentally. If so, how long before the next generation?</p>


<h2>Cost and competing for zero-emission technologies</h2>
<p>The cost of producing an EV remains the biggest hurdle facing hydrogen fuel cell technology. Fuel cells require specialized materials like platinum catalysts, which account for about 10 percent of the total manufacturing cost per unit. In addition, producing large quantities of hydrogen requires expensive and complicated technology. All told, the cost associated with making hydrogen could rise 25-30 percent once producers scale up their operations.<br>However, the two Canadian giant train companies are not giving up as they electrify Canada’s railway grid.<br>According to John Grayling, vice president of strategy and planning at Union Pacific, the company is currently buying about 500 horsepower of electric locomotives yearly. He says his company expects its annual energy use to double over the next five years and reach almost 1 billion kilowatt-hours by 2023. In addition to switching to electric, UP is looking into other forms of propulsion, such as solar and hybrid batteries. These are all ways to reduce operational costs and ensure all those freight trains get where they need to go.<br>Meanwhile, the CNR hopes that its partnership with Hydrogenics Inc., a company specializing in the chemical processing of natural gas into hydrogen, will lead to better prices for hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles.</p>


Few companies get to the level of rivalry between competitors as that of Canada’s top railway companies, Canadian Pacific, and Canadian National Rail. The rivalry between these two giant companies dates back many years. Recently, the companies offered to develop zero-emission plans for locomotives. One company chose hydrogen fuel cells, while the latter came up with battery-electric.


Hydrogen vs. Electric: The Battle Between Canadian Rail Companies

<h2>Why Electric Vehicles Do Not Have Clutches</h2>
<p>Electric vehicles do not require a manual transmission. The gearbox solves the problem of potentially stalling, a potential problem with gas-based engines. A gearbox also makes it easier to shift between gears; that is, when the driver wishes for the system to deliver greater torque for greater speed or lesser torque for greater control, the driver can shift gears up or down respectively for the specific effect. There is also the visceral feel of being in control that a gearbox gives the driver while shifting which adds to the experience.<br><br>However, an electric engine does not need to increase its torque; if anything, the electric engine has more than enough potential torque for any situation. Also, there is no need for shifting down; if you desire greater control over the vehicle, you can just apply the brakes. As such, there is no physical need for a clutch; the advantages it gives just do not pertain to an electrical engineer. This means that the clutch that car aficionados love is superfluous in EVs and is thus commonly omitted from those builds.</p>
<h2>That May Be Changing</h2>
<p>Car companies, ever attentive to their customers, are starting to find ways to put clutches in their EVs and in such a way that the clutch is an intrinsic part of the vehicle rather than merely an add-on. One solution is to offer three different modes: an idle mode, an automatic mode that operates as normal, and a clutch mode. The clutch mode effectively limits the magnetic field of the motor, with each gear opening up more power; this allows the driver to simulate the different levels of power and therefore gives that driver the desired level of control over its speed.<br><br>The only two currently on sale are the <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/porsche-taycan" target="_self">Porsche Taycan</a> and <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/audi-rs-e-tron" target="_self">Audi E-Tron GT</a>, but it looks like <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/ford" target="_self">Ford</a> and  <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/toyota" target="_self">Toyota</a> are also exploring the possibility. Toyota has recently <a href="https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1135114_toyota-patented-a-manual-transmission-for-electric-cars" target="_self">filed a patent</a> as a first step before it works out the details of how it attaches to its vehicles. The vehicles are each fitted with a clutch pedal to work with the gearbox; while the patents make it clear that they are optional parts of the vehicle, they are nonetheless part of what makes enthusiasts happy to own the vehicle.</p>
<p>Similarly,<a href="https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1134995_ford-patents-manual-transmission-with-electric-clutch" target="_self"> Ford has also filed a patent</a> for a manual transmission system, however, their patent will not include a clutch pedal but an electronic clutch built into the computer that would detect the movement of the shifter and change the gear internally within.</p>
<h2>Some Additional Background</h2>
<p>It should be noted that EVs did originally have a variation of a clutch, but that was to deal with the issues created by the under-par performances of the original batteries. However, these would be dropped over time as they ended up not really affecting the performance of the vehicles in question, and vehicles without them were performing more effectively. As there was no real need for their version of a clutch, it would eventually be dropped by manufacturers as “unneeded” even as manufacturers seem to be racing towards implementing them now.<br><br>This was also not the first time that features have been added in order to make car aficionados happy. Initially, one of the problems with EVs was that they were so quiet: With no internal combustion and its associated noise, EVs could run pretty silent. This made them feel a little weird, as drivers were used to using the sounds to determine how well their vehicles are doing. The relative silence also created some additional safety concerns, as pedestrians were used to listening for motors before crossing. Between the possible safety concern and the general dislike of quietness, a number of manufacturers ended up adding software that adds audio resembling a car's motor as an option.<br><br>It would also be noted that various hobbyists have been looking at <a href="https://driving.ca/vehicle-types/classic-cars/canadian-firm-showcases-trio-of-ev-conversions-for-gas-guzzling-classic-cars" target="_self">converting</a> an electric vehicle into a gas-powered one. There are a number of drawbacks to consider, ranging from where to place the engine to the electronics of the vehicle not understanding the information being given it causing all sorts of error messages, but conversions have nonetheless been made. It should be noted that these are not hybrid conversions, where the gas and electric engines would supplement each other, but full-on conversions. Suffice to say that while they are of interest, they are still seen as more interesting than anything else.</p>
<h2>In Conclusion</h2>
<p>A lot of the engineers of car manufacturers became engineers because they love cars, and that shows in their attentiveness to the needs and desires of their customers. Drivers have been complaining about a number of the differences between gas and electric motors, and car manufacturers have been trying to nail down those differences. While a lot of those differences are based simply on nostalgia, car manufacturers nonetheless are doing their best to factor in that nostalgia, especially when it affects the experience of driving. All told, bringing back the clutch should make for a good nostalgia trip for all involved.</p>


While most drivers are satisfied that a car will just get them from point A to point B, some drivers prefer a more nuanced experience, where they can control every aspect of the experience; they are not about just driving but enjoying the drive. For these people, the lack of manual transmissions has been sorely missed, but they are about to be given a gift.


Is The Manual Transmission Making A Comeback in EVs?

<p>Big news has been released in the automotive industry last week with the announcement of the acquisition of the second-largest auction company in the US, <a href="https://www.adesa.com/" target="_self">Auto Dealers Exchange Services of America</a> commonly known as ADESA. The<a href="https://www.adesa.ca/" target="_blank"> Canadian division</a>, located in Mississauga, ON will remain in operation. ADESA is run by <a href="https://www.karglobal.com/" target="_blank">Kar Global</a>, a global digital platform offering end-to-end solutions for the automotive wholesale industry providing remarketing solutions. According to a press release from Carvana, the CEO, Ernie Garcia plans on spending a hefty one billion US dollars to transition those locations. ADESA U.S. President John Hammer and some key staff will passage over to Carvana once the deal has been finalized.<br><br>Several years after the US government's auto industry bailout, founded in Phoenix, <a href="https://investors.carvana.com/news-releases/2022/02-24-2022-210700642" target="_blank">Carvana</a> (NYSE: CVNA) said “its mission is to change the way people buy and sell cars”. They are the company that innovated the consumer car buying experience virtually and operates fifteen inspection and reconditioning centers allowing for the preparation of vehicles before selling.<br><br>Carvana.com enables customers to seamlessly peruse more than 55,000 vehicles including financing, trading, or selling their current vehicle, signing contracts, and scheduling delivery or pickup at one of its 24 exclusives, mechanized Car Vending Machines. When selling used cars, representatives are dispatched directly to customers for preparing their vehicles for online purchasing. A Fortune 500 company, as quickly as next-day delivery is provided to customers in over 300 U.S. markets. Since last week’s announcement, CVNA stock is up over an impressive 17.5%.<br><br>The <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2022/02/24/carvana-buys-adesa-us-auction-business-to-jumpstart-used-car-sales/" target="_blank">acquisition</a> could have a greater impact on the future of car buying in continuing the trend of online vehicle purchasing contributing to their becoming the largest and most profitable automotive retailer. Garcia stated, “Over time, we will leverage our combined infrastructure and complementary expertise to deliver even better selection, better value, and faster delivery times to our retail customers while simultaneously raising the bar and providing more access and better experiences to our wholesale customers.” He added, “ADESA and Carvana are committed to ensuring a smooth, seamless transition for the ADESA US physical auction customers,” said John Hammer, President of ADESA. “We look forward to bringing our innovative teams together and combining the power of our physical auction and retail capabilities to better serve buyers, sellers, and consumers across the automotive industry.” The press release further stated, CVNA has “received committed financing of up to $3.275B from JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. and Citi and intends to fund the purchase price and an additional $1 billion in improvements across the 56 sites through a committed debt financing. The proposed transaction will provide significant infrastructure and team to expand and enhance Carvana’s customer offering with a broader selection of vehicles and even faster delivery times".<br><br>Its losses were greater year-over-year: $182 million in the fourth quarter from $154 million last year. However, its total losses for the year due to the pandemic hadn’t seemed to impede revenue growth giving the online automotive retailer an advantage over their brick and mortar competitors reporting a net loss improvement difference of $175 million between 2020 and 2021. Even the continued chip shortage hasn’t adversely affected the innovative corporation with increased revenue gains year over year since inception. They will continue managing ADESA’s physical auctions while concurrently evolving the facilities to encompass its standard retail inspection including used car inventory, reconditioning, and logistics capabilities, according to its shareholder communication.<br><br>In addition, the corporation said the reconditioning operations could aid in increasing its production capabilities to a million units annually. Profit typically accompanies loss where the online car retailer will undoubtedly see shrinkage due to the increased operational expenses. However, with the 56 site increase plus its existing infrastructure, 78% of the US consumer locale will fall within 161 kilometres of inspection and reconditioning centers making the conglomeration a win-win for all involved long term.<br><br>The company unquestionably will solidify its mark in the US automotive industry.</p>


Carvana announced the acquisition of Adesa USA, the leading provider of wholesale vehicle auctions in the United States for $2.2 billion. The deal will allow Carvana to expand its footprint from 27 locations today to 56, with operations that include more than 220 employee-owned and operated auction sites across the U.S by early next year.


Carvana Acquires Adesa Auction Company Expanding Car-Buying Platform

<p>The car smell is a scent that is often associated with a new car. It is created by the chemical reaction of plastics, leather, and other materials used in the manufacturing process. The scent is also produced by the off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the initial heating and driving. Currently, auto manufacturers do very little to address car odours, however, they take a hit when it comes to initial quality surveys.<br><br>Most people are unaware of the amount of work to design the perfect car smell. According to Ryunosuke Ino, who works from the <a href="https://usa.nissannews.com/en-US/channels/facilities-nissan-technical-center-north-america" target="_self">Nissan Technical Center</a> in Japan as a technical expert in the Vehicle Interior Air Quality department and his outlook on the topic is "The smell of a car should be balanced carefully across the seats so that passengers can experience it in every corner." <br><br>Automotive giants such as <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/nissan" target="_self">Nissan</a> have been working hard to recreate the new car smell for their customers. To do this, they use artificial odours and scents that are usually stored in a cartridge and can be delivered through the air conditioning system. The goal is to enhance the experience of driving with a new car and mask any unpleasant smells that may be lingering in the vehicle.<br><br>The science to the new car smell results from the manufacturing process. Some people believe that this scent can be attributed to chemicals such as phthalates, which are used to soften plastic to make them more flexible. This chemical has been banned in many places because it is harmful when inhaled or ingested over time.<br><br>The chemical that creates the smell for new cars comes from two different sources. The first is a phthalate plasticizer, which makes plastics flexible and resilient to damage. The second chemical comes from an anti-rust agent called trimethyl pentanediol diisobutyrate or TMPIBA, which protects against corrosion and rusting on metal surfaces like steel and aluminum panels in the car body.<br><br>The tests for these chemicals are done in light chambers (as seen in the photo below). They use spare rooms to test their cars because they believe this will provide more accurate data about how the vehicle will behave in different conditions. <a href="https://www.autoevolution.com/news/why-nissan-has-smellmasters-and-what-they-do-180823.html#" target="_self">The Nissan light chamber</a> is situated in a warehouse-like building and comprises three rooms, each with its purpose: one for testing, one as office space, and one as a break room. The chamber is designed to simulate weather conditions such as snow, rain, sunlight, and darkness. The light section is a closed room with fluorescent lights that mimic the sun's heat, respectively.</p>


<p>The testing lab has been doing these tests to ensure that its cars are safe for consumers. They have been doing this by testing the durability of materials, checking the stability of the car's body, and examining how well they can withstand extreme weather conditions. This facility performs the "smell test," which involves opening up a new car to see if it smells like new or even has any unpleasant odours inside.<br><br>The automotive industry has been working on <a href="https://www.motorbiscuit.com/nissan-trying-perfect-new-car-smell/" target="_blank">perfecting that new car smell</a> that you've come to know and love. Manufacturers have found ways to produce these chemicals on a large scale. The smell is a big part of how we experience our world, and the car has its own unique scent. Some love it, some don't, but one thing's for sure: The car smell needs to be something you can trust. We've created this smell in concert with a whole host of specialists like perfumers, researchers, and artificial intelligence experts.<br><br>Ino's team is focused on creating a pleasing atmosphere in the cabin. They also prioritize looking at what other parts suppliers can do to bring back as many industry innovations as possible. One way is by addressing the smells in your car. Proper air circulation and exposure to sunlight can improve the smell of your vehicle by reducing odours.<br><br>A <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-researchers-uncover-new-connection-between-smell-and-memory" target="_self">study by the University of Toronto</a> found that people in Canada have a distinct smell preference. Recent research suggests <a href="https://www.theworldcounts.com/challenges/consumption/transport-and-tourism/cars-impact-on-the-environment/story" target="_self">climate influences the smell</a> preferences of new car buyers. As a result, Nissan created a custom aroma for their new car buyers to appeal to different tastes. Nissan noted that customers in Canada smelled other new cars and consulted with an aromas specialist to create a custom aroma added when the vehicle is built at each of its plants.<br><br>Nissan offers regular training workshops and invites employees to join their new scent strategy meetings to optimize the team's smell-detector skills. They also host employee focus groups to get their scents and solicit feedback through employee satisfaction surveys. Nissan takes pride in the meticulous care and pays attention to the details that make their car fleet stand out, including how they train the people responsible for quality control. This training includes a section specifically dedicated to the team's olfactory sense, ensuring that the "new car" smell is always just as it should be.<br><br>Ino's sense of smell is finely tuned. He would know. Though his field tests weren't exactly the most glamorous, he makes a living off of them. To ensure there was no natural odor substance in the room, he had to sit and do nothing for about two hours before conducting his tests to ensure that any odour he detected in the car came from the materials and not from himself. To ensure his sense of smell is clean and his impressions are free from soaps or perfumes, Ino wears a Nissan-logoed uniform washed without detergent. These days, Ino conducts his tests under much better conditions. He sits down in the vehicles and relaxes—and waits for smells to come to him.<br><br>It may not come with a certificate of authenticity, but a <a href="https://www.motor1.com/news/532810/nissan-new-car-smell-lab/" target="_self">new car smell</a> is a status symbol as a diamond to many people. And given its scarcity in nature, it's also as valuable. So we couldn't deny you—or ourselves—a little more science on the components of new car smell. Knowing a little about these volatiles and their effect on our moods and behavior can help you decide everything from what car to buy to when you should drive it.</p>


With electric vehicles making significantly less noise than internal-combustion engines, the focus of our senses is going to shift to the smells around us. Nissan has dedicated an entire team of professionals to determine and replicate the perfect "new car smell".


The Science Behind Creating the New Car Smell

<h2>How does one-pedal driving work?</h2>
<p>One pedal driving works by using the accelerator pedal to control both acceleration and braking. When you want to accelerate, simply press down on the pedal; when you want to brake, simply slowly release the pressure applied from the pedal. It takes a little bit of practice to get used to <a href="https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-one-pedal-driving-and-how-does-it-work" target="_self">one-pedal driving</a>, but once you get the hang of it, you will find that it is a very convenient and efficient way to drive.</p>
<h2>One pedal driving and electric cars</h2>
<p>One pedal driving is <a href="https://www.autoevolution.com/news/one-pedal-driving-what-is-it-how-it-works-and-what-are-its-advantages-158164.html" target="_self">not only limited to electric cars</a>. Hybrid vehicles can also be outfitted with this type of system. However, it is most beneficial in electric cars because they rely heavily on regenerative braking. When you use this driving system in an electric vehicle, you allow the car to do most of the braking for you. This takes advantage of the regenerative braking system and allows you to save energy. In addition, it makes driving much easier and more relaxing since you don't have to worry about pressing down on the brake pedal all the time.</p>
<h2>What is regenerative braking?</h2>
<p>Regenerative braking occurs when the car slows down and uses the electric motor to generate power that can be stored in the battery. This helps to conserve energy and extends the range of the car. Regenerative braking captures the car's kinetic energy and converts it into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery. This electrical energy can be used to power the electric motor later.<br><br>In a traditional gasoline-powered car, this kinetic energy is wasted as heat when the brakes are applied. However, in an electric car, this energy can be recaptured and reused, thereby improving the range of the car. <a href="https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a23477930/electric-car-one-pedal-driving/" target="_self">Regenerative braking </a>is one of the main reasons electric cars are so efficient. Some cars with one-pedal driving include the <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/bmw-i3/trim-range-extender" target="_self">BMW i range</a>, the <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/tesla-model-s" target="_self">Tesla</a> <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/tesla-model-s" target="_self"> Model S</a> and the <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/Nissan-leaf" target="_self">Nissan Leaf</a>. <br><br>Often, one-pedal driving shifts to two-pedal driving when the car is slowing down and needs to come to a complete stop. This is usually because motor voltage reduces with motor rpm until the regenerative electric output can't be stepped up beyond the battery's voltage. Most EVs at this point cancel regenerative breaking because they have nowhere to put the low-voltage electricity. They then coast until they come to a stop unless the driver engages friction brakes using the pedal.</p>
<h2>Not to be used for emergency stops</h2>
<p>One-pedal driving is a great way to maximize the efficiency of your electric car and make driving easier and more relaxing. However, it should not be used as an emergency brake; if you need to stop quickly, use the standard brakes by pressing down hard on the pedal. When using this driving system, the brake lights still function to let other drivers know you are slowing down.</p>
<h2>Benefits of one-pedal driving</h2>
<p>One pedal driving is becoming increasingly popular because it offers several benefits over traditional braking systems. Here are some of them:</p>
<h2>Fuel efficiency</h2>
<p>As one pedal driving utilizes regenerative technology to create <a href="https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1123547_what-is-one-pedal-driving-in-an-electric-car" target="_self">kinetic energy</a> that the vehicle stores while "breaking" and then takes the energy and resupplies it into electricity to charge the battery to extend the range you. Therefore, if you are driving start, stop traffic you are not wasting energy and can travel longer without having to stop to charge.</p>
<h2>Ease of use</h2>
<p>One-pedal driving is simple and easy to learn. Even if you have never driven a car with one-pedal before, you will be able to get the hang of it in no time. This makes one-pedal driving an excellent option for novice drivers or anyone who wants an easier way to drive.</p>
<h2>Safety</h2>
<p>One-pedal driving also offers safety benefits. It can be difficult to control the car when braking suddenly if you are using both hands. With one-pedal driving, you can brake quickly and easily with just one hand, giving you more control over the car and making it less likely to lose traction or skid.</p>
<h2>Reduce carbon footprint</h2>
<p>One-pedal driving is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and make your commute a little bit more efficient. If you are considering buying an electric car, be sure to look for one that offers this feature.<br><br>One-pedal driving is a great way to save fuel, reduce emissions, and make driving easier and safer. If you're looking for a more efficient and convenient way to drive, consider cars with this technology. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do, you'll find that it's a great way to save energy and relax while behind the wheel. One-pedal driving is the future of car driving, and it is sure to revolutionize the way we drive. You will enjoy the experience and find it very beneficial in the long run.</p>


One pedal driving is a new way of driving that allows drivers to operate a car using only one pedal. This may seem like a strange concept, but it is actually very straightforward. This technology is slowly gaining popularity, and more and more cars are coming equipped with one-pedal driving capabilities. But how does one pedal driving work and what is it?&nbsp;


How Does One Pedal Driving Work and What is it?

<h2>Electric Vehicles Integration in the Grid</h2>
<p>Electric vehicle users charging their vehicles at home will put enormous strain on a power system that is, in many cases, unprepared. Meanwhile, the number of individuals charging at public stations may soon outnumber the number of available places, putting additional strain on the grid. According to a <a href="https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/id/eprint/987617/" target="_self">Concordia University</a> researcher working on vehicle charging protocols to maximize energy consumption, existing uncontrolled charging might result in a power outage if millions of these vehicles charge simultaneously.<br><br>According to a study, <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/electric" target="_self">new zero-emissions vehicle</a> in Canada registrations <a href="https://electricautonomy.ca/2021/10/26/canadian-ev-sales-data-q2-2021/" target="_self">rose to 4.9 percent</a> of overall vehicle registrations in 2021, an increase of 89.2 percent over the same time in 2020. These figures are projected to rise as petrol prices rise again. The Canadian government has required that all new car sales be electric by 2040. The cost of electric vehicles is steadily falling due to improved technology, greater demand, and various generous <a href="https://heyauto.com/blog/brain-fuel/changes-to-the-electric-vehicle-izev-rebate-program" target="_self">provincial subsidies</a>.<br><br>There are already 200,000 electric vehicles on Canadian roadways, but it is expected that by 2030, there will be half a million in Ontario and 635,000 in British Columbia. Between 2022 and 2040, Ontario's Independent Power System Operator forecasts a 15% yearly increase in electricity consumption, the equivalent of six months of nuclear reactor production.</p>
<h2>Best Time to Charge your Vehicles?</h2>
<p>According to Tanya Fish, a BC Hydro spokeswoman, <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/drive/mobility/article-are-our-power-grids-ready-for-an-electric-vehicle-surge/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CA%20dozen%20EVs%20using%20%5B240,in%20an%20e%2Dmail%20statement" target="_self">charging an EV at 240 volts (Level 2) is akin to using an oven</a>. According to Fish, there are already roughly 17,000 EVs on the road in British Columbia, with BC Hydro estimating that there will be roughly 350,000 by 2030. It is projected to add 1,050 gigatons of energy demand each year, which they have budgeted for and will supply.<br><br>EVs can be helpful in this circumstance, mainly because users frequently recharge in the evenings and nights when demand is lower. Vary from province to province, and the electricity maybe even cleaner since provinces such as Ontario may quickly bring natural-gas plants online to meet peak demand during the day. A Level 2 charger uses about the same power as a house. If every home had a vehicle and they were all charging simultaneously, we'd need to look at the location and the region effect to see whether any changes to the infrastructure are required.</p>
<h2>How will this affect the grid?</h2>
<p>It's impossible to say how this will affect the grid. According to Cara Clairman, it is debatable, like a good lawyer's answer. Clairman is the Chief executive officer of <a href="https://www.plugndrive.ca/electric-vehicle-smart-charging-pilot-program/" target="_self">Plug'n Drive</a>, an organization dedicated to encouraging the usage of electric vehicles. The impact will be determined by how rapidly EV adoption rises and, according to Clairman, where those EVs are driven and charged.<br><br>New restrictions will have an impact on this. By June 2022, 45 percent of all parking spaces in new non-residential buildings in Vancouver must have charging stations. The Nelsons' voltage problem isn't a concern in newer communities since practically every property has enough panels. However, it can occur in locations with older residences, such as Toronto or Winnipeg. According to Clairman, this is a good thing because it is not happening overnight. Hence the utilities can plan before the EVs cluster in the neighbourhoods.<br><br>A variety of pilot projects are being planned around the nation, with varying provincial and industry participation levels. Bidirectional charging, in which electric vehicles can discharge electricity from their <a href="https://heyauto.com/blog/top-5s/top-5-electric-vehicle-battery-types" target="_self">batteries</a> and send it back into the grid, is now being tested by <a href="https://www.nspower.ca/about-us/articles/details/articles/2021/09/10/bidirectional-charging-a-first-in-atlantic-canada" target="_self">Nova Scotia Power</a>. However, the technology is still years away from commercialization. By next spring, a pilot initiative to establish 16 fast-charging stations at different locations all across Prairies will be completed—a start, but not enough to get Tesla owners in those provinces excited.<br><br>Intelligent charging, which uses Intelligence systems, data analytics, smartphone applications, and sensors to provide efficient, coordinated charging, might avert the cataclysmic future predicted by Concordia's El-Bayeh. Alectra, a utility serving Ontario's Golden Horseshoe, constructed several similar initiatives in preparation for the technological boom.<br><br>Grid Exchange, one of its newer programs, allows consumers with EVs, solar panels, or backup battery storage to swap energy with Alectra for cash and points payable at local businesses. If a neighbourhood experiences unexpected energy events—for example, many vehicles are charging simultaneously, or a severe storm—Alectra might suggest that consumers reroute, ramp up, or restrict their energy.</p>
<h2>Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Investigates</h2>
<p>As electric vehicle adoption rates rise, many of Canada's electric grids will be impacted by the requirement to provide adequate electricity to power these cars. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) initiated an initial round of public consultations to estimate the expected impact of high EVs on grids to understand the issues better and develop solutions.<br><br>The government requested written responses to the following questions from utility providers, system operators, energy service firms, and other power stakeholders.</p>
<ol>
<li>What are the effects of faster objectives for mandating all new cars sold to be zero-emissions on the power grid?</li>
<li>Do you believe difficulties or opportunities will disproportionately impact some electrical consumer categories?</li>
<li>How can the national government assist the electrical industry in accelerating the deployment of these vehicles?</li>
</ol>
<p>The answers to the questions, which had a deadline, required empirical proof or research to back up statements and might include a wide range of related issues, difficulties, and possibilities.<br><br>According to the report, Canadian utilities and system operators must investigate and implement alternative load control techniques at the grid distribution system level.<br>The report also suggests that utilities thoroughly evaluate their transmission system design procedures and maybe adjust the conventional design guidelines to prepare for a higher load per consumer to vehicle charging.</p>


As the sales of electric vehicles grow year over year the demand for the power to charge these vehicles is growing at the same pace. Are our power companies ready? Canadian electrical companies are making strides to ensure when the time comes for everyone to have their own EV, that they plug into their homes to charge, our electrical grids are capable of withstanding the extended demand.


Canadians are Ready for EVs - Are Our Power Grids Ready?

<p>While the automotive and transportation industries are one of the largest beneficiaries of burning fossil fuels, they are also the biggest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. Historically, there have always been ways of trying to curb CO2 emissions and minimize their effects on the environment. But if the <a href="https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2022/february/yushan-yan-capturing-carbon-dioxide-from-air-fuel-cells/" target="_self">University of Delaware</a> discovery is anything to go by, it will by far be one of the most effective ways of capturing carbon dioxide emissions.</p>
<h2>How the New Tech from University of Delaware to Capture CO2 Works</h2>
<p>One of the greatest selling points of this new tech is the fact that it’s designed to<a href="https://interestingengineering.com/new-game-changing-technology-removes-99-of-carbon-dioxide-from-the-air" target="_self"> capture carbon dioxide emissions</a> directly from the source. Given that motor vehicles make for one of the biggest contributors of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, this carbon-capture prototype device from the University of Delaware is designed to be fitted right on the vehicle exhaust.</p>
<p>Using a hydrogen-powered electrochemical setup, the prototype comprises a multilayered can-sized cell. The cell, which is about 5 centimetres by 5 centimetres, works by continuously filtering out about 99% of carbon dioxide from the air, with a working airflow rate of about two litres per minute. In an earlier but rather bulkier prototype implementation, the system had an efficiency rate of removing up to 98% of carbon dioxide from the air, with an airflow rate of about 10 litres per minute. This current compact setup got rid of all the bulky components, making it efficient and small enough to fit existing vehicle exhaust systems.<br><br>Although the prototype is still in its infancy stages, and different design iterations are still being tried out, there have been talks of other different implementations for the design. One such implementation is in other vehicles like submarines and spacecraft. This new tech will prove to be effective here as well because it means that submarines and spacecraft operate with a constant need for air filtration due to their limited air supplies. Working as an onboard carbon scrubber, the device could be used to effectively minimize the required load of air on these vessels, in turn creating room for other loads or personnel.<br><br>Industrial buildings and aircraft could also benefit from this technology, which would greatly help in reducing the energy used in air recirculation. Given that this new technology can capture up to 99% of carbon dioxide in the air with the right implementation configuration in a single pass, it will create an efficient air supply system in these setups. The technology would also make for a good alternative to fuel-cell vehicle implementations, given that it’s considerably costly to operate in the domain of hydrogen.</p>
<h2>Conventional Ways of Removing Carbon Dioxide from the Air</h2>
<p>Though CO2 and other <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/27/1031650704/greenhouse-gas-levels-are-the-highest-ever-recorded#:~:text=Scientists%20at%20the%20National%20Oceanic,ever%20observed%2C%20the%20scientists%20said" target="_self">greenhouse gas emissions are currently at an all-time high</a>, you may or may not have known that the situation could have been much worse were it not for some of the measures in place to deal with the menace. Even with the rise of electric vehicles in the past few years, the production of fossil fuel-powered vehicles has been steady over the past few decades, meaning that carbon dioxide contribution from the automotive industry has done nothing but increase.<br><br>You’re likely to have come across or heard about some of the conventional measures that have been in place over the years to help deal with managing carbon dioxide levels in the air. Before discovering the new tech from the University of Delaware, below are some of the ways humans have been actively or inactively, for some, doing their part in managing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.</p>
<h2>Increasing Forest Covers</h2>
<p>Naturally, carbon dioxide is one of the requirements for the process of photosynthesis in plants, and with forests making the largest plant-covered surfaces, their CO2 intake cannot go unnoticed. From local jurisdictions international environmental organizations, there have been calls for individuals to do their part in helping increase forest covers globally. Aside from obviously reducing our own carbon dioxide emissions, this is one of the few ways that you and I can play our part, albeit small, in helping to manage carbon dioxide levels in our ecosystem.<br><br>Though this <a href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/climate-change-adapting-impacts-and-reducing-emissions/climate-change-impacts-forests/forest-carbon/13085" target="_self">forestry approach</a> is one of the more obvious ways to help with the carbon dioxide problem, it’s still riddled with hurdles that make it rather challenging to put in effect. An example is an increasing need for land for habitation and farming due to population growth. This usually presents a tradeoff for many developing jurisdictions. They have to choose between feeding and hosting their people or playing their small part in the global effort to help manage CO2 levels.</p>
<h2>Direct Air Capture of Carbon Dioxide</h2>
<p>Direct air capture of carbon dioxide, as the name suggests, is considered one of the more obvious and head-on methods of dealing with CO2 in the air. The method works by chemically absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and storing it either in high carbon-absorbing materials or underground. Unlike the new tech from <br> the University of Delaware, the direct capture method works by capturing carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere rather than capturing it directly from its source.<br><br>While the direct air capture method is rather straightforward, it is considerably expensive to both initiate and operate. Substantial amounts of power and heat are required to carry out the process, with some estimates being put at over two hundred dollars operating costs for every metric ton of carbon dioxide absorbed. As you may have guessed, for this method to be as effective as it’s intended to be, it needs to be powered with energy sources that have zero to no carbon emissions, and such energy sources do not come cheap.</p>


New breakthrough technology to remove 99% of CO2 from the air, led by Professor Yushan Yan, an innovative team of engineers from the University of Delaware demonstrated to have figured out an effective way of capturing up to 99% of CO2 from surrounding air. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is and has been for a long time, the highest emitted greenhouse gas that’s as a result of human activity.


New Breakthrough Technology to Remove 99% of CO2 From the Air

<p>The future of autonomous vehicles is starting to take shape with the new <a href="http://media.toyota.ca/releases/toyota-research-institute-pushes-vehicles-capabilities-to-advance-active-safety" target="_blank">Toyota Supra</a> as one of the most anticipated cars of the year. Toyota Supra autonomous drifting car features a Supra body and an autonomous driving guardian system as shown in<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfU5_gzqPaM&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank"> this video</a>. This functionality is an excellent step towards driverless cars that are safer than many human drivers. It can assess the driving conditions and make independent decisions in real-time, rather than just following a set of programmed rules.<br><br>Engineers adopted a GR Supra to resemble a Formula Drift pro vehicle to make the self-drifting GR Supra a reality. It has a broader body package, a more comprehensive angle kit, and more horsepower than a regular Supra. The steering, throttle, and clutch displacement are all computer-controlled. Individual, per-wheel braking control gives the computer the most granular inputs available, providing the Supra more control over the car.<br><br>The <a href="https://www.toyota.ie/world-of-toyota/articles-news-events/2019/Toyota-Guardian-safety-technology.json" target="_blank">Guardian technology</a>, according to Toyota, will enhance rather than replace a driver’s abilities. The system allows you to drive the car as you desire, but if you get into danger, such as failing to respond quickly to an object ahead of you or falling asleep while driving, the system can take over.<br><br>TRI researchers have designed a car to navigate obstacles on a closed track automatically, as shown in their official video. TRI’s algorithms use the Supra research vehicle’s computer-controlled steering, throttle, clutch displacement, sequential transmission, and individual wheel brakes to initiate and control drifting. The suspension, engine, information, and safety systems have been updated to near Formula Drift spec to run the experiment safely under the test environment and collect data. Toyota’s test Supra exhibited its self-drifting abilities on Thunderhill Raceway’s 2-mile West track.<br><br>TRI’s Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) strategy expands the vehicle’s operational domain to the very boundaries of its performance by combining a thorough understanding of both vehicle dynamics and control architecture.<br><br>If your future <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/toyota" target="_blank">Toyota</a> or <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/lexus" target="_blank">Lexus</a> vehicle had the self-drifting capacity, it could momentarily and automatically offer you the driving ability of an expert, the ability to maintain control in difficult conditions. This capability is achieved by, among other things, TRI’s Nonlinear Model Predictive Control. According to the corporation, this technique “extends the vehicle’s operational realm beyond the point of tire saturation.” In other words, it permits you to get loose.<br><br>This research uses controlled, autonomous drifting to prevent accidents by negotiating unexpected barriers or dangerous road conditions such as black ice. The car calculates every new trajectory every 1/20th of a second to maintain graceful balance when drifting.<br><br>“At TRI, our goal is to leverage modern technologies to complement and amplify humans’ abilities, not to replace them,” Avinash Balachandran, senior manager of TRI’s Human Centric Driving Research, explained. “Through this effort, we’re increasing the controlled region of a car, to give everyday drivers the intuitive reactions of a professional racing car driver, allow them to tackle the most difficult circumstances and keeping people safer on the road.”<br><br>Car accidents kill roughly 40,000 people in the United States each year and 1.35 million people globally. While most collisions occur in everyday conditions, in some extreme cases, drivers may be forced to undertake moves that push their car near to and sometimes beyond its regular handling capabilities.<br><br>TRI and Stanford University’s Dynamic Design Lab set out a year ago to create a new level of active safety to prevent crashes and prevent fatalities, and injuries. Current accomplishment is another step in that quest, thanks to the help of automotive performance specialist GReddy and drift icon Ken Gushi. This technology can enhance and augment a typical driver’s ability to adapt to dangerous and extreme incidents by developing skills equivalent to those of an experienced driver, helping to keep passengers safe on the road.<br><br>Drifting is fun, but who cares whether a car can drive itself around a corner? So, what’s all the fuss?<br><br>“Professional drivers may opt to ‘drift’ the car around a curve when faced with wet or slick roads, but most of us are not professional drivers,” stated Jonathan Goh, TRI research scientist. “That’s why TRI is developing vehicles that can recognize impediments and drift past them independently on a closed track.”<br><br>This accomplishment takes TRI researchers closer to a complete understanding of vehicle performance. The software advancements presented calculate a whole new trajectory every 20th of a second to balance the car while rolling the circuit smoothly.<br><br>The majority of future safety technologies are uninspiring, but this one from Toyota is interesting. Many issues remain concerning how autonomous drifting might operate in the real world, such as whether it would be helpful in low-powered, front-wheel-drive vehicles. Regardless, this appears to be a promising and truly unique feature.<br><br>We do not even anticipate the following <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/toyota-supra" target="_blank">Toyota Supra</a>  to come equipped with accessible auto-drift assist since drifting on a confined 2-mile (3.2-km) stretch of track with designated barriers is radically different from doing so on a highway with unknown risks and traffic. However, Toyota continues to push the limits of vehicle safety technology in the future by investigating new and more effective ways for upcoming safety technologies to augment human capabilities on the roads.</p>


We are living in a time when cars are increasingly becoming more brilliant, and self-driving technology is quickly moving from a world that was once science fiction to one that is now a reality. The auto industry is becoming more integrated with technology, and the concept of self-driving cars is quickly moving from science fiction to reality.


Toyota Supra Autonomous Drifting Car - Tech to Safer Vehicles

<p>Driver intoxication, drowsiness, and distraction are the major factors in road accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving causes over 1,000 injuries daily and about <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html" target="_self">eight deaths per day</a>. That explains why many transport, automotive, investigative, rating, and regulatory bodies recommend using driving monitoring systems on all new vehicles to ensure vehicle safety.<br><br>The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently took action to reduce the number of crashes caused by driver distraction. This happened after a grisly accident involving a driver who activated the "Autopilot" mode in a semi-autonomous vehicle.<br><br>A report published by NTSB blamed the accident on the driver for depending on the "Autopilot," thus disengaging from the driving task. The board came up with many recommendations, one of which is to use driving monitoring systems as part of motor vehicle automation. The driver monitoring system checks the driver's vigilance while on the road.</p>
<h2>What Is a Driver Monitoring System?</h2>
<p>Also known as a driver state sensing (DSS), a driver-monitoring system (DMS) is a state-of-the-art security feature that monitors the driver's distraction or drowsiness and issues an alert or warning to the driver to get back to the driving task. The system uses a camera affixed to the dashboard to collect observable driver information, which it then analyses to determine whether the driver can continue with dynamic driving safely.<br><br>In many publications, several types of driver monitoring systems have been mentioned. One such system is the sensor-based monitoring system. However, experts have found that the camera-based non-contact system is the best. This is because the camera-based systems rely on physiological signals that the sensor-based systems cannot pick up. Besides, the camera-based systems are more affordable when used in real-life scenarios.<br><br>The camera-based system can monitor the road and detect whether the driver is distracted or fully alert and engaged in dynamic driving. The system also monitors how the driver uses the infotainment system and the driving controls. In addition, it tracks facial features to detect whether the driver is alert or tired. The driver's condition is estimated from head rotation, yawning, gaze direction, blinking, and other eye statistics.<br><br>According to the motor vehicle rating and regulatory requirements, all new vehicles should have driver-monitoring systems (DMS) as a standard feature. In fact, the European Union (EU) has already ordered that all new vehicle models must have DMS from the year 2024. In addition, the<a href="https://www.euroncap.com/en" target="_self"> Euro NCAP</a> (the European New Car Assessment Program) already awards vehicle points toward a five-star rating for DMS inclusion.</p>
<h2>Evolution of the Driver Monitoring System</h2>
<p>In 2006, <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/toyota" target="_self">Toyota</a> introduced its first DMS for the <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/lexus" target="_self">Lexus models</a>. Later on, it found its way to Japan, where it was offered on the GS 450s. In 2008, Toyota developed further on its Toyota Crow system to monitor the driver's eyelids to determine if the driver is becoming sleepy. In 2017, the Super Cruise System by <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/cadillac" target="_self">Cadillac</a> incorporated DMS to allow hands-free driving on mapped highways.<br><br>Today, engineers have developed many built-in sensors that work alongside vehicle cameras. Additionally, they have also designed wearable sensors to help drivers perform specific tasks while driving. The advantage of these wearables is that users can control them using smartphones. With these and many other developments and research going on, driving will become safer in the future.</p>
<h2>How does the Driver Monitoring System work?</h2>
<p>As already mentioned, a DMS comprises a driver-facing camera affixed to the dashboard to monitor the driver's physiological features. The camera has lasers or LEDs (light-emitting diodes) that help "see" the driver's face, even in darkness. Likewise, the camera can "see" your eyes even when wearing dark glasses.<br><br>The system has software that collects data from the driver's face and then creates a database of how the driver's face looks when attentive. For example, the software can determine when the driver is smiling or blinking normally and when the blinking or smiling is more than normal. It can also detect when the driver's eyes are narrowing or fully closed and whether the head is over-tilting.<br><br>Not only that, the software will determine whether the driver is drowsy or distracted, absent-minded or non-attentive. When the system detects anything out of the ordinary, it will issue visual and audio alerts on the dashboard and vibrate the driver's seat.<br><br>Suppose the internal system indicates the driver isn't attentive, and the external sensor indicates the vehicle is about to cause an accident like in the case where the <a href="https://heyauto.com/blog/tips-&-tricks/what-are-tire-blowouts-and-how-to-prevent-them" target="_self">tire blows out</a>. In that case, the system will apply the brakes automatically, based on the information from the exterior and interior sensors.</p>
<p>Why Should You Use a Driver Monitoring System?</p>
<p>Using a driver monitoring system is for your safety and the safety of the people you have in the car. Take, for example:<br><br>1. You get so exhausted in the evening after a hard day's work, and you feel sleepy, the driver monitoring software will check your eye statistics and warn you not to drive.<br><br>2. You have your family or friends in the car; suddenly, you turn your head to talk to someone at the back. The DMS will detect your head movement and alert you to concentrate on your driving.<br><br>3. According to the USA's NSC (National Security Council), drivers using mobile phones while behind the wheel cause <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-safety-council-estimates-that-at-least-16-million-crashes-are-caused-each-year-by-drivers-using-cell-phones-and-texting-81252807.html" target="_self">1.6 million accidents annually</a>. That's why the DMS is necessary to alert you when using your cell phone while driving to <a href="https://heyauto.com/blog/top-5s/top-5-new-safety-features-in-cars-you-might-not-have-heard-of" target="_self">ensure your safety</a> and the other vehicle occupants' safety.<br><br>4. The DMS will alert you when you want to leave a pet or a kid in the car. According to the NSC, about 39 children aged 15 and below die of heatstroke every year when left behind in vehicles.</p>
<h2>Driver Monitoring System and Autonomous Driving</h2>
<p>At levels three and four of autonomous driving, you'll have to re-engage as you prepare to take control of the car at certain points along the road. This will necessitate the use of DMS. Without DMS, you may forget to start dynamic driving, which can lead to an accident. In addition, DMS will ensure you are alert when you are supposed to take charge of the vehicle.</p>


Driver monitoring systems are coming out in new vehicles to help determine if you are intoxicated, tired or just distracted, which could become the next safety standard throughout all new vehicles. The tech that surrounds these systems are getting more sophisticated every day, so it is important to know what is keeping you safe.&nbsp;


What Are Driving Monitoring Systems and How Do They Work?

<h2>A Unique Collaborative Effort for Success</h2>
<p>As a global leader in automotive design, production and technology, <a href="https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2021/may/0526-lockheed.html" target="_self">GM</a> is the ideal partner for Lockheed Martin for this unique collaboration. Lockheed’s leading status in the production of world-renowned spacecraft is unrivalled. These two companies are the ideal fit for partnering to design a dynamic moon-based mobility system of electric vehicles.<br><br>Kirk Shireman, Lockheed's vice president of Lunar Exploration Campaigns, will lead this joint effort. He will do so with leverage from Lockheed Martin’s celebrated history of <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/26/lockheed-martin-and-general-motors-partner-for-nasa-lunar-rover-.html" target="_blank">working with NASA</a>. According to Jeff Ryder, GM Defense vice president of Growth &amp; Strategy, Lockheed and GM complement one another very well. The interaction of these two industry giants creates a power-house of innovative strategies and designs for this vital and fascinating project.</p>
<h2>Plans and Strategies for Building the New Tech-Advanced Lunar Rover Buggy</h2>
<p>GM and <a href="https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2021/lunar-terrain-vehicle.html" target="_self">Lockheed Martin</a> are focused on building an advanced electric vehicle that is cost-effective and surpasses the buyer’s requirements. They intend to create this EV quickly with the use of the latest digital tools. They will fine-tune and expand their experiences with previous programs throughout this project</p>
<h2>Major Contributions from GM</h2>
<p>GM has years of experience designing and building vehicles for on and off-road use. Their engineers and designers have consistently produced models structured for top-quality performance and safety.<br><br>This acclaimed automotive manufacturer also produces electric vehicle models that exhibit the company’s optimal quality battery-electric technologies. GM’s comprehensive EV strategies also include advanced propulsion systems. Predictions are that new developments in the battery and power systems of the new lunar rover buggy are likely to advance EV developments here on planet Earth as well.<br><br>Obviously, both the moon and Mars lack structured roads. Subsequently, successfully building electric vehicle models for use in these environments will positively impact versatile Earth-based EV designs. Safer and higher-quality batteries will soon be designed for use here on our own planet.</p>
<h2>Innovative Input from Lockheed Martin</h2>
<p>Lockheed’s primary contribution to this technologically advanced project is ensuring a future for the U.S. and for humankind in space. Time spent by astronauts on the moon’s surface during the Artemis mission will be focused on high degrees of science value. The objective is to maximize the benefit of having humans return to the lunar surface.<br><br>Scientific data collected during the Artemis mission will enable NASA to gain a greater understanding of the potentially valuable resources at the moon’s south pole. The plan for this project is to create an Artemis Base Camp concept and reality before 2030.</p>
<h2>Features of the Original 1960s Moon Rover Buggy from GM and Boeing</h2>
<p>Lockheed officials report numerous technological advancements over the past 50 years that affected the Moon Rover buggy design. These updates and improvements have enabled engineers to include autonomy capabilities in the latest lunar buggy models. Autonomy makes it possible for these vehicles to transport samples and tools.<br><br>It also enables space-travel crews to accomplish more while they are on the moon’s surface. More scientific work that moon surface mobility can support includes field geology, collection of samples and initiation of experiments.<br><br>Yet the original <a href="https://www.boeing.com/history/products/lunar-roving-vehicle.page" target="_self">1960s Moon Rover buggy</a> that was produced by GM and Boeing also had important properties and components. The major features of these lunar rover vehicles (LRVs) included the following:<br><br>• Motor. The original Moon Rover buggy had four brushed DC motors with approximately 0.25 hp. The usual speed of the LRV was 12.88 kph. However, the astronaut Eugene Cernan pushed an electric vehicle to reach 17.70 kph as a member of the Apollo 17 mission.<br><br>• Power. This early lunar rover was powered by two 36-volt, 4.4-kWh silver-zinc batteries. These batteries had a parallel connection that produced a total capacity of 8.8 kWh. Although this was a much less sophisticated powering method than our current-day Lithium batteries, the lunar buggy could travel up to 80.47 kilometres per full charge.<br><br>During the Apollo 15 and 16 missions, the buggies were restricted to travelling 16.09 kilometres in one direction for safety reasons. The total first drive of Apollo 15 equalled just 27.76 kilometres. Yet during Apollo 17, the LRV travelled a distance of 35.89 kilometres, including a one-way distance of 20.12 kilometres.</p>
<h2>Next-Generation Lunar Rover Vehicles</h2>
<p>The new lunar buggies display huge jumps in technological advancements since the Apollo 17 mission. GM experts have revealed that these <a href="https://www.motortrend.com/news/gm-design-lockheed-martin-new-lunar-rover-renderings/?wc_mid=4035:22474&wc_rid=4035:38035140&_wcsid=62AE2D85752D7F0C44A2F56AAF617939A43DA52350550F05" target="_self">updated lunar rovers</a> are designed and built to travel farther than their predecessors. They must be equipped to support the initial excursions to the moon’s south pole.<br><br>These latest LRV models also required additional structural improvements and updated technology. This is because it is quite dark at the moon’s south pole. As a result, temperatures are significantly colder, and the terrain is much more rugged than the conditions encountered by the Apollo mission.<br><br>The Ultrium technologies from GM that are currently available are designed to help provide the battery packs and performance that the latest lunar rovers require. Also, the autonomous properties of these tech-advanced moon buggies will enable them to launch ahead of touch-down by human crews. This feature helps facilitate commercial payload activities. It also improves the range and use of any scientific payloads or experiments.</p>
<h2>Concluding Thoughts</h2>
<p>The new autonomous Moon Rover buggy design created through the collaboration of GM and Lockheed Martin reveals their outstanding corporate legacies. It also exhibits the many industry-leading structural and technological highlights that both companies have achieved throughout their histories.<br><br>This innovative and unique new autonomous moon buggy design can travel farther than the earlier models. Its autonomous feature enables this tech-advanced lunar vehicle to launch before human spacecraft crews land on the moon. The next-generation lunar buggies are powered by ultimate quality battery-electric technologies.<br><br>These advanced-design electric vehicles also offer updated propulsion systems. Innovative developments in the battery and power systems of these latest lunar rover buggies are expected to advance EV improvements here on our planet Earth as well.</p>


GM and Lockheed Martin are combining their collective brains and brawn to create a new autonomous Moon Rover buggy design. These innovative moon buggies are transformative models with characteristics and highlights of the legacies of superior engineering from both companies.


GM Partner with Lockheed Martin to Create New Lunar Rover

<p>A few months ago, we posted a blog about the <a href="https://heyauto.com/blog/this-or-that/canadian-electric-vehicle-and-low-emission-rebates-in-2021" target="_self">Incentivised Zero Emissions Vehicle Program(iZEV)</a>. Since then, in December, the government of Canada has announced an increase of <a href="https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/innovative-technologies/zero-emission-vehicles/program-statistics" target="_self">$72.3 million</a> in funding to extend the program until March 31, 2022, and that is big news for Canadian residents!</p>
<p>The Government also stated that if the funds drop below $20 million before the end of March, they will establish a process to ensure the incentives are honoured.</p>
<p>The iZEV rebate program has also been expanded to include new vehicles on the market such as the <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/chevrolet-bolt-ev" target="_self">2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV</a> and <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/mazda-mx-30/electric" target="_self">Mazda’s 2022 MX-30</a>, both 5 seaters. And the <a href="https://heyauto.com/cars/kia-sorento/hybrid" target="_self">2022 5 seater Kia Sorento </a>is a Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle(PHEV). <a href="https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/innovative-technologies/zero-emission-vehicles/list-eligible-vehicles-under-izev-program" target="_self">Click here to view the full list of eligible vehicles</a>.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for Tesla, which was a top-selling EV's, the 2022 and 2021 Model 3 Standard Range and Standard Range Plus are no longer eligible because of a price increase. The $72,600 Volvo C40 Recharge and Ford F-150 Lightning EV, which is one of the largest EVs available starting at $68,000 for the XLT, are also not eligible under the current iZEV rebate program.</p>
<p>The good news is that many provinces are offering additional incentives on top of the Federal iZEV rebate program and are stackable to increase your savings! <a href="https://www.saanichnews.com/autos/canada-looks-to-retool-ev-rebate-program-to-include-more-expensive-suvs-pickups-2/" target="_self">The Liberals</a> are also promising to increase the incentives budget to $1.5 billion to reach net-zero by 2050. And the Liberals of Ontario are planning to reinstate their incentive program if re-elected, keep reading to find out more! So far the program has been very popular, but Transport Minister Omar Alghabra thinks there’s room for improvement.</p>
<p>Find below the updated rebate programs offered from each province that can add additional rebates upon purchasing an EV vehicle.</p>
<h2><strong>Incentives by Province</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>British Columbia</strong></h3>
<p>British Columbia is still offering their fantastic $3,000 rebate and <a href="https://scrapit.ca/" target="_self">SCRAP-IT</a> programs for residents looking to upgrade to an electric vehicle. The province is very interested in continuing the programs and added <a href="https://newcardealersgoelectric.ca/cleanbc-goelectric-vehiclerebate-program" target="_self">$94 million</a> to its 2021 budget which they planned to use to increase their 2,500+ public charging and hydrogen fueling station networks. They also planned to use the money to fund 10 academic and research projects to provide electrical and automotive tech training to fortify their infrastructure.</p>
<h3><strong>Quebec</strong></h3>
<p>The Roulez vert program in Quebec which is their electric vehicle incentive program will remain in effect until <a href="https://vehiculeselectriques.gouv.qc.ca/english/rabais/ve-neuf/programme-rabais-vehicule-neuf.asp" target="_self">March 31, 2022</a>, and they will continue to offer the $8,000 rebate on new EVs costing less than $60,000 until then.</p>
<h3><strong>Ontario</strong></h3>
<p>Ontario is still not currently offering a Provincial rebate, however, the Ontario Liberals are <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-liberal-electric-vehicle-election-2022-1.6259069" target="_self">proposing an $8,000 incentive</a> for qualifying electric vehicle purchases and a $1,500 rebate for home charging equipment IF they win the 2022 provincial election in June. The non-profit <a href="https://www.plugndrive.ca/used-electric-vehicles-incentive/" target="_self">Plug’N’Drive</a> is still offering a $1,000 incentive on the purchase of used EVs up to $50,000. And a <a href="https://www.plugndrive.ca/used-electric-vehicles-scrappage/" target="_self">$1,000 scrappage incentive</a> of an old gas car that can be used towards the purchase of a used electric vehicle.</p>
<h3><strong>New Brunswick</strong></h3>
<p>New Brunswick is the most recent province to offer an <a href="https://www.nbpower.com/en/products-services/electric-vehicles/plug-in-nb/" target="_self">incentive program</a> and it has taken off! The demand has been so high in fact, that processing your EV rebate application may take longer than expected! It’s easy to see why New Brunswicker’s are so enthusiastic. The province has been matching the federal electric vehicle iZEV rebate program with a $5,000 incentive on EVs or Plug-in Hybrids and a $2,500 rebate on used EVs or Plug-in Hybrids. Additionally, you can get a $750 rebate to install an electric vehicle charging station at your home.</p>
<h3><strong>Nova Scotia</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://evassist.ca/rebates/" target="_self">Electrify Nova Scotia Rebate Program</a> was introduced in February of 2021 and is still going strong. They are still offering an instant point of sale rebate of up to $3,000 on new EVs and Plug-in Hybrids and up to $2,000 on used vehicles. The vehicle must have an MSRP under $60,000.</p>
<h3><strong>Prince Edward Island</strong></h3>
<p>Islanders still have access to a very generous <a href="https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/environment-energy-and-climate-action/electric-vehicle-incentive" target="_self">EV rebate program</a> of $5,000 which can be applied to either a new or used electric vehicle. While hybrids only qualify for up to $2,500. P.E.I. is offering one extra perk, they will send you a free Level 2 charger once the application has been processed. Installation charges will be your responsibility and only one charger per household.</p>
<h3><strong>Newfoundland &amp; Labrador</strong></h3>
<p>Newfoundland is still accepting applications for its <a href="https://nlhydro.com/electricvehicles/ev-rebate/" target="_self">EV rebate program</a> of $2,500 for new models. March 15, 2022, is the date when the $500,000 budget will be exhausted, so hurry!</p>
<h3><strong>Northwest Territories</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://aea.nt.ca/program/electric-vehicles/" target="_self">The Arctic Energy Alliance</a> is also offering a $5,000 rebate for new EVs and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles and $500 for Level 2 chargers. The government of the Northwest Territories is funding this program to meet the objectives of the NWT’s 2030 Energy Strategy.</p>
<h3><strong>Yukon</strong></h3>
<p>The Yukon in the far north wants to see more electric vehicles on the road and less pollution in the sky. They are offering a <a href="https://yukon.ca/en/driving-and-transportation/apply-rebate-new-zero-emission-vehicle" target="_self">$5,000 rebate</a> on new EVs, Plug-in Hybrids with a 15-kilowatt-hour battery capacity or greater, and Hydrogen Fuel Cells. They are also offering a $3,000 rebate for a new Plug-in Hybrid with a battery capacity of fewer than 15 kilowatt-hours. Yukoner’s can use 2 rebates during the life of the program.</p>
<h2><strong>Canadians Protecting The Environment</strong></h2>
<p>With so many available incentives, it’s easy for Canadians to take advantage of the federal and provincial electric vehicle iZEV rebate program. And take a proactive part in protecting the environment. There are no fees associated with the Federal program, just savings!</p>


As of December, an additional $73 million was added to the iZEV electric vehicle rebate program, bringing the total contribution to $660 million since 2019. We also look at the provincial rebate programs that have also been updated and are stackable with the iZEV program.


How Car Commercials are Actually Made