No one heard the surge in popularity of electric cars coming (probably thanks to their near-silent engines). But despite their many benefits – less pollution, lower carbon emissions, lower running costs – there are just as many potential roadblocks.
And to be fair, Saffers have a lot of unanswered questions about the new tech that seems to be a driving force in the everchanging motoring industry abroad. Is it really possible to get to and from work every day, go on cross-country road trips, and still come in on budget in a car that doesn’t use a drop of fuel? And are electric vehicles (EVs) even a possibility in SA really, or will load-shedding slam the brakes on our next drive? We investigate.
ROADBLOCK #1:
They’re Dangerous
According to the World Health Organisation, SA is near the bottom of the barrel when it comes to road safety, with approximately one million crashes reported in the country each year. Throw a self-driving EV into the mix, and it seems like you’re just asking for trouble. Remember when a Tesla Model S electric vehicle caught fire after it hit debris on a highway in 2013? The stock market remembers; Tesla’s stocks plunged 6.24% that day – and a further 4% the next, when footage of the fire went viral.
And those whisper-quiet motors aren’t without their safety concerns. A University of California, Riverside study found that people with headphones on could still hear a petrol-powered car coming from 8.5m away. However, a hybrid car in battery mode was only detectable at 2m – hardly enough time to get out of the way. A report by the UK Guide Dogs charity also found that people were 40% more likely to be hit by a silent electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle than one powered by diesel or petrol. And between 2012 and 2013, there was a 54% increase in pedestrian injuries involving quiet cars.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Last 7 Recipe You'll Ever Need
FADS COME AND GO. BUT GOOD EATING AND PROPER NUTRITION CHANGES VERY LITTLE. SO WE COMBED THROUGH ALL THE RECIPES IN MEN'S HEALTH'S 36-YEAR HISTORY TO FIND THE ONES THAT TRULY DELIVER ON BOTH FLAVOUR AND FUNCTION.
The Changing Face Of Cancer
While cancer rates are falling in older adults, they're increasing among younger age groups. It's a trend exposing holes in both diagnosis and care. It's also raised a new question for experts: how do you get vital and potentially life-saving information to people unaware they need it?
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 ADVENTURES
YOUR TIME OFF IS VALUABLE. TO BOOK YET ANOTHER FLY 'N' FLOP IS TO DO YOURSELF A DISSERVICE. THIS YEAR, BREAK FREE FROM THE POOLSIDE BAR AND GET YOUR KICKS IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS. FROM EXPEDITIONS IN FAR-FLUNG PLACES TO HIGH-OCTANE WEEKENDS CLOSER TO HOME, CONSIDER THESE YOUR FIRST STEPS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.
4 WAYS TO REBOOT YOUR MINDSET
STRESSED ABOUT THE STATE OF THE WORLD AND/OR YOUR SANITY? WE'VE GOT FOUR SIMPLE BUT ESSENTIAL TOOLS TO HELP YOU ADAPT AND OVERCOME, THIS YEAR AND BEYOND.
TRAIN TO YOUR MAX
Cardiorespiratory fitness is one of the most important health markers when it comes to your overall wellbeing. Here's how Discovery Vitality Fitness gives you more ways than ever to fire up your engine.
SLUSH FUN
FROZEN DAIQUIRIS ARE REFRESHI AND ALSO SICKENINGLY SWEET. TRY A FROZEN PIMM'S CUP, WHICH HAS ALL THE FLAVOURS WITH WAY LESS SUGAR.
THE HEALTH SNOB'S GUIDE TO COLD-BREW COFFEE
BOTTLED COFFEE MIGHT BE ABUNDANT, BUT CAFFEINE AFICIONADOS MAKE THEIR OWN. FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO PREP A HEALTHY BREW FOR A REFRESHING PERK-ME-UP.
SUPP CHECK RECOVERY PACKAGE
COLLAGEN IS TOUTED AS THE GO-TO SUPP FOR BONE, SKIN AND JOINT HEALTH, PLUS FAST INJURY REPAIR. BUT DOES IT DELIVER? TIME TO GEN UP.
THE SEMI-COMPLETE USER'S GUIDE TO...THE SINUSES
FOR AS LONG AS sinuses have been around, aka forever, there has been a ton that scientists haven't figured out about them.
BULLISH
The Blue Bulls scrumhalf Embrose Papier is striving for greatness. Here's how he's putting in the right reps to make sure mind and muscle are firing in unison.
