Author: Colin Martin
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Tesla Model 3, It’s Different
Driving a Tesla Model 3, is the screen safe? Over many years, more than I care to admit, I’ve driven lots of cars. It’s usually reasonably easy to get into another and drive away after a quick familiarisation. When confronted with a new car experienced drivers usually find the switches and familiar controls easily. However, Driving…
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Tesla Model 3 Training Car
The New Training Car Has Arrived The Bright Red L now uses a Tesla Model 3 training car, continuing the commitment to training in an EV. The new training car is here after nearly four years using Nissan Leaf EVs as training cars. The new training car is a Tesla Model 3. The Leafs have…
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Do EVs Work for a Driving Instructor?
It’s been nearly 4 years years since I started teaching in an EV. A lot has happened in the world of electric cars in this short time and with a new car on its way I thought it would be a good time to review life as a driving instructor using an EV and ask…
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Eco Safe Driving Increases EV Range
Driving style has a big affect on EV range as well as fuel economy in a fossil fuelled car. Eco safe driving techniques can increase range showing an average improvement of over 11% with eco safe driver training. As I sit writing this in Lockdown through the winter of late 2020 and early 2021, and…
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Is An Electric Car Expensive?
There are many perceived barriers preventing people switching to an electric car. One of the biggest is that EVs cost more than a fossil car. They might cost a bit more to buy, however, is total cost of ownership any greater? Because my car is my business the figures have to add up when buying…
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Goodbye Leaf, Hello Leaf
Goodbye 30kW Leaf, Hello 40kW Leaf Using an electric car for driving lessons has proved very successful. Pupils have enjoyed learning in my previous 30kW Nissan Leaf. Running costs have been tiny and the on street residents charging bays installed by Portsmouth council have worked well for overnight charging. So in August I picked up…
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More Residents Charging Bays in Portsmouth
Another 79 electric car charging points are to be installed in Portsmouth. This is great news in a city which has very few homes with off street parking, Portsmouth council are making it possible for residents to own and run EVs. I have benefited from the first phase of 37 residents chargers installed last year.…
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Enough Carbon Dioxide To Fill 10 Houses
Last year my carbon emission saving has been enough to fill nearly 10 average UK houses running the Nissan Leaf. 2019 was a busy year for the Electric Instructor and being an EV owner has secured specific EV work, especially in the fleet sector where the switch to EVs is becoming a hot topic. So…
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By The Time I Bought My Lunch The Car Was Charged
One of the concerns about owning an EV is what happens if an unexpected trip comes up and the car isn’t charged. I’m 4 months into 30kW Leaf ownership now. My daily use as a driving instructor works well starting each day with a full battery and charging for an hour at lunch time on…
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Recharging Point Made
At last the urban charging bay is complete. However, fossil fuelled cars blocking charging bays are a big problem to an EV owner with a low battery. There is a now little plate by the charging space I use saying “Electric vehicle recharging point only” this little piece of metal means ICE cars will get…
