List of countries who are switching from fossil fuel cars to electric cars

In an ever changing world where there are thinking and futuristic leaders who are visionary and who had the mindset of making lives better for its citizenry at mind, they go all length to make things work.

While Nigeria is still battling with petrol prices, diesel and aviation jets, some countries are already planning to eradicate petrol cars from their roads.

Nigeria as a nation is blessed with crude oil of which as become a source of corruption to anyone vying for office, the mindset of those going into power is going to have part of the national cake.

AutoReportNG decided to do a report on countries who are switching from fossil cars (Petrol cars) to electric or hybrid cars soon.

Norway was one of the first countries in the world to propose a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars by making the switch to electric-powered vehicles, with many nations following its lead.

AutoReportNG takes a look at European countries banning fossil fuel cars and introducing electric incentives in their various countries, come along with us...

According to reports, there are seven countries in Europe that have announced measures to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles in favour of electric models.

Norway

Norway announced its proposed ban on fossil fuel cars in 2016, planning to prohibit the sale of all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2025.

The country introduced a ‘polluter pays’ tax system that was designed to discourage the sale of new petrol or diesel cars and increase the number of electric vehicles to 50,000. The system introduced fines for fossil fuel cars using toll roads and ferries depending on emission rates, whereas the services were free for zero or low emission cars.

The target amount was met by 2015 and the government decided to keep the incentives until 2018, when they began being phased out, making electric vehicle owners pay half of the annual road licence cost.

In January 2017, more than half of all new cars sold in Norway were either electric or hybrid models, making it the first country to have more of the zero or low emission cars sold than petrol and diesel vehicles combined. Sales of new electric vehicles totalled 39.2% out of all car sales throughout 2017.

As of 2018, there are more than 135,000 electric vehicles registered in the country. To continue this growth, the country’s electric vehicle association aims to have more than 400,000 battery-powered cars on its roads by 2020. To put this into context, the country only has a population of approximately 5.3 million, with 2.7 million private cars registered. Reaching the goal would mean that an estimated one in seven cars in Norway would be electric-powered.

Germany

Germany’s Bundesrat federal council agreed to ban fossil fuel powered vehicles by 2030 in October 2016, when it also suggested for the European Commission to introduce an EU ban on diesel and petrol vehicles. German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to these plans in August 2017.

The country is aiming to reduce its CO2 emissions by 95% by 2050, hoping that the introduction of electric vehicles will help it reach the target. However, the ban could put production jobs at risk within Germany’s automotive industry, which is the fourth biggest in the world with 5.6 million passenger cars produced in 2017.

In February this year, the government ruled that German cities can enforce their own bans on diesel cars in an effort to lower air pollution. In May, Hamburg became the first city to introduce a ban that affects two-thirds of the diesel cars registered in the area. Older diesel trucks are not permitted to drive on a one-mile section of the Stresemannstraße highway. Diesel cars are also banned from a section of Max-Brauer-Allee, excluding buses and residents’ vehicles.

France

In July 2017, France announced plans to ban all petrol and diesel cars by 2040, in addition to phasing out oil and gas production. This forms part of the country’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.

France Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot made the announcement following Volvo’s plans to stop selling petrol and diesel cars from 2019. Manufacturers will only be allowed to sell cars powered by electricity or renewable energy, including hybrid vehicles.

Paris later authorised a plan to eliminate all non-electric vehicles from the city by 2030. The city often enforces temporary bans to help lower pollution, and a total ban in the capital city is likely to encourage the rest of the country to follow.

Announced along with a number of sustainable initiatives, the plan would provide French households with financial support to assist in exchanging old petrol or diesel cars for a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Since 2008, France has enforced penalties on the purchase of high-emission vehicles while offering incentives for customers buying low or zero emission cars. In 2018, there are approximately 150,000 electric vehicles registered in France and electric passenger cars formed 1.98% of new cars registered in 2017.

France also plans to eliminate the use of coal to create electricity by 2022 and introduce more clean energy alternatives, which would further decrease the overall impact of electric vehicles on the environment.

UK

The UK originally announced plans to ban the sale of new petrol or diesel cars in July 2017 with a target date of 2040. The plans were confirmed to include hybrid vehicles in 2018 following increasing pressure of legal action from the EU over the illegal levels of air pollution.

High concentrations of nitrogen oxide, which go over the legal limit of 40 micrograms per cubic metre, are one of the reasons the ban was introduced. Initiatives such as clear air zones with blocks and fines have been considered, but there are concerns that these will divert traffic to the less polluted areas instead.

The Road to Zero strategy was announced by UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling this month. It also includes other targets such as for half of all cars sold to be ultra-low emission by 2030.

Scotland

In September 2017, Scotland announced plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032, eight years ahead of the rest of the UK. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon outlined a number of plans to expand charging infrastructure and set up initiatives to encourage electric car sales. The 269-mile A9 is to be turned in an electric-enabled highway as part of the plans to cut emissions across the country. This would mean creating more charging points along the route, which has an 88-mile stretch without any charging points, as well as expanding the infrastructure already available.

Low-emission zones (LEZ) will be introduced in Scotland’s biggest cities, which would ban three-quarters of diesel cars and one in six petrol vehicles from the city centres. The first LEZ is due to be launched in Glasgow by the end of the year.

Netherlands

The Dutch Government confirmed in October 2017 that it is looking at plans to ban petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, stating that all new cars in the Netherlands must be emission-free.

Plans were initially brought up in April 2016, considering an earlier target date of 2025 similarly to Norway. When plans were announced, 6.4% of the Netherlands’ cars were electric.

To encourage emission-free travel, a number of other policies have been introduced. Initiatives for plug-in vehicles were phased out in 2016 and remained only for all-electric zero emission vehicles. This saw the sale of hybrid vehicles decrease in parallel to an increase in electric vehicle purchases.

Meanwhile, Amsterdam has introduced a fleet of 100 electric buses operating at its airport and throughout the city. Electric buses are also in operation on some public service routes across the country, including in Ballum and Hollum.

Ireland

As part of Project Ireland 2040, which was signed off in February, the country is planning to completely phase out non-zero emission cars by 2045 under the climate action scheme.

In order to reach this target, Ireland is aiming to have approximately 500,000 electric vehicles on its roads and stop the sale of non-zero emission cars by 2030. Irish Environment Minister Denis Naughten stated that hybrid cars would not be included as there would be no need for them.

Sales of new and imported electric vehicles were up by 40% in April compared to just a year earlier and the total amount of the vehicles on Ireland’s roads stands at 3,800.

Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann will only be permitted to operate electric buses from 2019 as part of the plan, helping reduce air pollution in the cities.

The project also includes a Renewable Electricity Support Scheme that will be used to provide up to 4,500MW of additional renewable electricity by 2030 to help reduce the environmental impact of electric cars.

Bosch and Foreca to introduce Cloud-based weather detecting technology

German engineering and electronics firm Bosch has formed a partnership with Finnish weather expert Foreca to roll out a Cloud-based weather detecting technology for self-driving cars by 2020.

The Cloud-based weather detecting solution will alert autonomous cars about environmental conditions, which will give them sufficient time to adjust their driving style.

Bosch management board member Dr Dirk Hoheisel said: “Wet roads, snow, ice, with our predictive road condition services, we alert to hazards before critical situations can develop.

“We are helped here by the weather data provided by our partner Foreca. This means an automated vehicle will know exactly where it can drive autonomously, and how.”

Bosch noted that cars will be able to adjust their speed well in advance to a level that excludes any risk of aquaplaning and allows them to stop safely at any time if they choose to drive through rain.

The weather detecting technology will use Cloud-based data provided by Foreca to prepare a digital image of the environmental conditions around the car.

As the number of vehicles fitted with car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure technology will increase, Bosch will integrate vehicle data into its system.

The data will include information such as inside and outside temperature and whether the windshield wipers are on or not. It will be stored on the Controller Area Network bus, the vehicle’s central data network.

Rolls-Royce and Intel announce autonomous ship collaboration

Rolls-Royce and Intel are intending to collaborate on designs for sophisticated intelligent shipping systems that will make commercial shipping safer, the parties announced today.

This will advance smart, connected and data-centric systems for ship owners, operators, cargo owners, and ports, bringing together the expertise in advanced ship technology from Rolls-Royce with components and systems engineering from Intel. With a focus on safety, new ships will have systems with the same technology found in smart cities, autonomous cars and drones.

The new shipping intelligence systems will have a data center and artificial intelligence capabilities, as well as sophisticated edge computing throughout that, independently manage navigation, obstacle detection, and communications. The components embedded in these systems are dedicated to work load consolidation, edge computing, communications, and storage, including:

- Intel® Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology will solve design challenges associated with shipping intelligence by providing engineers with a flexible platform and the IP and components for edge operations such as obstacle detection and navigation

- Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors optimized for High-Performance Computing (HPC) technology will manage complex modeling of ship functions, with future developments using learning models to support fully autonomous operations

- Memory and storage, including Intel® Optane™ DC Persistent Memory and Intel® Optane™ SSD Intel® 3D NAND SSD, will ensure ship intelligence systems are reliable, responsive and support extracting maximum value from the data generated through real-time analysis and systems modelling

Kevin Daffey, Rolls-Royce, Director, Engineering & Technology and Ship Intelligence said: “We’re delighted to sign this agreement with Intel and look forward to working together on developing exciting new technologies and products, which will play a big part in enabling the safe operation of autonomous ships. This collaboration can help us to support ship owners in the automation of their navigation and operations, reducing the opportunity for human error and allowing crews to focus on more valuable tasks.

“Simply said, this project would not be possible without the leading-edge technology Intel brings to the table. Together, we’ll blend the best of the best, Intel and Rolls-Royce to change the world of shipping.”

Adrian Criddle, General Manager and SVP of Intel UK said: “Rolls-Royce is a key driver of innovation in the shipping industry we are proud to be working with them on smart, connected and data-centric systems that will be a foundation for safe shipping operations around the world in the future.”

Box-Shaped Personal Electric Vehicle for Easier Daily Movement

Living in a world of highly placed innovations and technology, you can't but imagine what the next innovative will be like.

In a fast-paced lifestyle, a combination between bulky documents and traffic congestion can make daily commute difficult.

QUADRA Box-Shaped Personal Electric Vehicle wants to make your daily travel easier, it combines quick travel with convenient storage. This unit is both vehicle and portable storage, it’s an energy efficient and environmentally sustainable traveling device.

Designed by Guangzhou Husky Design, QUADRA has been designed to meet air travel requirements and also boarding baggage restrictions.

The retractable handle allows this vehicle to be compacted into a truck or when extended, it functions as a luggage pull handle. QUADRA is also equipped with a mobile charging port.

B Drone: Earthquake Disaster Rescue System Drone to Speed Up Search and Rescue Task

When an earthquake strikes, the rescue team races with time to find and rescue isolated survivors. The first 72 hours are critical after an earthquake, it’s called “golden hours” where the chance of finding survivors is at best. That’s why it’s so essential to make proper plans for emergency response activities, especially the process of search, rescue, and relief.

B Drone is a concept earthquake disaster rescue system drone designed specially to help rescue workers do their tasks easier. In the process of searching for survivors, emergency workers also risk their lives, they can be injured and even died. Inspired by that hero act, this drone has been designed to minimize the risk, it works by navigating around the collapsed structure to find isolated survivors within 72 hours.

B Drone concept by Jeong Hwan Sohn uses the principle of “Drone in Drone”. It’s a mothership drone with four drones that are small enough to fly through small gaps between collapsed buildings. This UAV would help search more survivors in golden time while increasing the safety of rescue workers. This drone is designed and developed with 3D printed parts, making it easy and affordable for mass production. All damaged parts can also be reproduced using a 3D printer.

Why Is Your Car Making Noise When Reversing?

Have you been wondering why is your car making noise when reversing every time? Each time you are backing up your ride, it makes a squealing noise. At times, an old brake pad can cause this as it rubs against the rotor and creates a high-pitched noise. It is a sign that your car brakes need a change. You can replace the old bake pad with a new one to resolve the issue.

We will tell you the reasons why your car squeals when in reverse gear. These will help you pin down the exact cause and get the noise taken care of properly.

Why Is My Car Making Noise When Reversing?
If you hear a car reverse sound, the most probable cause of this might be a brake issue. Whether this issue is severe or not, it requires your immediate attention. If you hear brake noise while reversing the car, the chances are that brakes are not the only issue affecting your car’s smooth running.

You can follow the expert maintenance tips below to keep the car running smoothly in reverse.

1. Clicking Noise
One of the most common noises that you will hear when reversing the car is clicking. This car making noise when reversing can occur due to the brake pads shifting to a new direction for travel. However, too much movement between the surface of the pad abutment and caliper can lead to continuous noise. You can take care of this by installing disk brake caliper grease. The grease will lubricate the brakes and eliminate the noise.

The absence of anti-rattle chips can also cause a clicking noise. In addition, not replacing the anti-rattle chips during changing the brakes will lead to this noise.

2. Check The Wear Tabs
In case, you have not driven your vehicle brakes when driving longer distances, the first thing to check is the wear tabs. If the car makes noise when backing up or even while moving forward, wear tabs might be a cause of concern. These are located at the end of the brake tabs and can rub against the rotor to create a squealing noise.

3. Check For Metal
At times, you might wonder as to why do cars whine in reverse gear. The squealing noise can occur when metal touches metal. Check the car rotor and pads and if there is any small metal part between the two, it will create a squealing noise. Make sure that you clean the rotor as well as pads to prevent any metal part from getting in between both.

4. Examine The Grease Shims
Greasing Shims can lead to the squealing noise your car gives out when reversing. These need lubrication from time to time to suppress the noise. Make sure that you apply the lubricant on both sides of the greasing shims to avoid any problem with the brake pads. Also, remember not to use too much grease as it might lead to a large, sticky built-up.

 Conclusion
Thus, if the car making noise when reversing every time then these tips can help you avoid an unnecessary headache. These tips will ensure that your ride works smoothly, whether moving forward or reversing back to the garage.

See The New Gibbs Terraquad Amphibian That is More Than Just UTV

Terraquad is a derivative of the already established Quadski platform. It has a side by side seating configuration, roof bars, and a rear load deck, similar in concept to a typical UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle). The integration of HSA technology, however, provides a vehicle platform that can also use waterways, so can access many more areas than an ordinary UTV. The potential applications for this versatile platform in many different roles are significant.

Terraquad Amphibian Vehicle by GIBBS has a 4-cylinder petrol engine that delivers maximum power output of 140HP.

Update on The Ongoing Construction of Oshodi Transport Interchange - Video

The Oshodi Transport Interchange is the brainchild of the Lagos state government, as there are serious works ongoing at the site daily.

According to Project Planet, the construction company handling the ongoing Oshodi Transport Interchange has promised that the three terminals under construction by the company, would be completed before the end of the year.

“There is no design like this anywhere in the world, it is unique and a peculiar structure due to the shape and geography of this place, Oshodi.

“We tailored the design to fit the geography of the environment, so we have three terminals that take care of interstate, the BRT and the one serving Lagos state itself,’’ he said. The engineer said that the terminals were built in such a way that passengers could link one terminal from the other.

The engineer said that the terminals were built in such a way that passengers could link one terminal from the other.

“With this, we are solving transport, environmental and security problems in Lagos State; Oshodi that I used to know is getting shape gradually, in a few months, you will see a new Oshodi,’’ he added.

The Lagos State Television Crew went on a site tour to access the level of works at this site and so far, its 70% completion. Watch the video and see things for your self.

Live Pictures From Lagos-Ibadan Railway Construction Site

Earlier today, the minister of transportation, Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi was quoted to say that Nigerians should not just sit to read about constructions site alone, he advised Nigerians to go to the site, take pictures and see things for their selves.

According to him, “In a couple of months, Lagos Ibadan Railway will take off, it will only take you 50 minutes to travel from Ibadan to Lagos and with so much comfort. You can live in Ibadan and work in Lagos or vice versa…”

Well, as a responsible media organization who believe some much in fairness, we decided to link up with an engineer who is part of this project to get us some onsite pictures.

Nigeria had signed a contract with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation for the construction of the Ibadan to Kaduna rail project, and the minister stated that the government was pushing hard to secure about $6.7bn loan for the project.

Amaechi said, “We’ve signed the contract but we’ve not got the loan. What is key is the loan, which is a bit difficult but we are pushing hard. If we get the loan, then they (CCECC) will start this year, because we are pushing hard. Honestly, it is one of the items I’m putting before the President for consideration.”
AutoReportNG was able to get some real-life pictures.

Credit:
Mahmud Isma

Lagos Set To Commission Modern Ferry Terminal, New Ilaje-Bariga Road

In furtherance of the intermodal transportation system of Lagos State Government, all is now set for the commissioning of an ultra-modern ferry terminal and new access road in Ilaje-Bariga area of the State.

The State Government, in a statement on Sunday by Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ade Akinsanya, said the ferry terminal and the newly upgraded road were part of the initiatives of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration to further scale up the integrated transportation initiative of the State Government aimed at ensuring seamless connectivity within the State.

According to him, the access road and the terminal would be commissioned by the State Government by mid-November 2018.

Giving details, Akinsanya said: “The terminal situated at the tail end of the upgraded Ilaje Road which provides access to the terminal from Akoka Road, abuts the lagoon front facing the Third Mainland Bridge.

“The state-of-the-art terminal sitting on a reclaimed land area of over 2000 square meter, has a parking facility that will accommodate no fewer than 150 cars and ample space for park and ride buses for those that will want to park their cars to get to their various destinations through the terminal by ferry.”

He added that ferry services would be provided from the terminal to connect other existing terminals such as Ipakodo and Badore in Ikorodu axis, Badore in Ajah axis, recently commissioned Five Cowrie Creek Terminal in Falomo, Marina Terminal, among others.

The Commissioner said the Ilaje terminal, in addition to a well-lit surrounding, had been designed with other complementary facilities such as ticketing office, passengers seating area, restaurant, mini mart, shops, toilets, seat-out area for relaxation, boatyard as well as security watchtowers.

On the road, he said the newly upgraded 1.1km Ilaje Road with carriageway and width of 8meters, is equipped with a bicycle lane, street lights as well as covered side drains which serve as a walkway.

“Transportation in Lagos is predominantly road-based and it is pertinent to state that the administration of Governor Ambode has made concerted efforts to reduce the pressure on the roads with the aim of promoting an integrated transportation system.

“In this quest, the administration is progressively taking advantage of the vast waterways that Lagos is endowed with by embarking on waterfront infrastructure projects including dredging of predetermined viable waterways routes to provide alternative and reduce the travel time of road users,” Akinsanya said.

He said aside from the new road and ferry terminal in Ilaje, a new transportation and tourism hub was being proposed at Oworonshoki by the foot of Third Mainland Bridge, which is a stone throw from the Ilaje Terminal.

“The reclamation of the area is presently at an advanced stage and it is designed to accommodate another ferry terminal, shopping areas, bus terminals, and relaxation facilities.

“With the commissioning of the Ilaje terminal, the residents of Bariga, Akoka and environs will, among other benefits, enjoy shortened travel time to their destinations under a more relaxed and stress-free condition. It would also result into savings in transport cost and reduction in vehicle maintenance cost aggravated by the present condition of our roads that State Government is assiduously working upon,” Akinsanya said.