Here are more reasons why going green for your next vehicle might be the way to go.

Whenever debate surrounding the potential purchase of an electric vehicle comes up, the same pro-adoption arguments always get mentioned first: EVs are better for the environment, they reduce or eliminate altogether the cost of purchasing fuel and there are government rebates available. But there are more incentives than the previous to go off gasoline, like these below.

Low maintenance

Unlike a combustion engine full of pistons and other moving parts, EVs have fewer components that need regular repair or replacement. Not having to do oil changes alone saves you a lot of time and money. Yes, there is the costly battery, but if buying new, warranty covers the first years and in a temperate climate the unit can last well over a decade.

Quick off the line

Due to the instant-on torque characteristics of EVs, even most run-of-the-mill grocery getter electrics can spin the tires during a quick start. The rapid acceleration is also smooth, which explains why there are increasing numbers of performance-oriented models being released like the upcoming 184-horsepower BMW i3s due out next year.

Special privileges

Did you know in B.C., EVs are allowed to travel in high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of the number of passengers inside? A valid permit and displayed decal are required. Aside from pure EVs, battery electric, hydrogen, plug-in electric and extended range electric vehicles are permitted to take advantage of this driver benefit.

Safe and sound

EVs don’t get any kind of pass in terms of safety regulations and are subject to the same requirements as traditionally powered automobiles. There is a belief that EVs are more susceptible to catching on fire, however there is no evidence to support the claim.

Affordable charging

Another misconception is that home electric costs will skyrocket from plugging in and charging an EV regularly. In reality, on average most people would end up seeing an increase of less than $40 a month on their BC Hydro bill. The CAA website has a electric vehicle cost calculator that can provide an estimate on what you might pay based on kilometres driven in a year.

The G70 is the smallest and sportiest offering by Genesis yet. 

Following the releases of the G90 flagship and mid-size G80, Genesis is completing the trifecta with the launch of the G70 compact luxury sedan two weeks ago in South Korea. With expressive lines, big brakes, limited slip differential and a choice of two forced induction engines, this model is intended to be the sportiest — looking at least, as we can’t forget about the G80 Sport — of the trio.  

“At Genesis, we shape fascination and desire with the passion, dedication, and talent from our designers. We modulated all parameters from the Genesis DNA to tailor a sport sedan. This challenge required the highest skills and know-how. The G70 is designed to captivate all senses with its sensuous and tensioned muscular volumes,” said head of design Luc Donckerwolke.

Aesthetically, the car has a low and long hood, sloping roof and short overhangs emphasizing its performance-oriented purpose. The second to bear a mesh front grille after the G80 sport, on either side are combination LED headlamps and quad stacked daytime running lights. Behind the front wheels are airflow vents, and out back are a raised trunk lid, G80-inspired LED taillights and dual exhaust pipes.

Premium simplicity is how one might describe the interior. Designers have used a lot of aluminum and metal in the dash, centre console and door panels that give off an air of sophistication, as do the quilted Nappa leather seating surfaces and door cards. A few physical controls and a freestanding display make up the majority of the centre stack.

The two powerplants mentioned earlier are a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6, the former making 249 horsepower/260-lb-ft of torque and the latter 365 horsepower/376 lb-ft. Some less-than-expected features for the segment include launch control, a cornering system capable of applying light brake force to the inside rear wheel and a mechanical limited slip differential to help with acceleration out of turns.

 The 2018 Genesis G70 arrives in Canada this spring.

BCAA and ICBC want to remind drivers of the rules when approaching flashing lights on the road.

Pop quiz: do you know what to do when you spot a vehicle stopped on the road with flashing red, blue or yellow lights? If you answered, “Slow down and move over,” then you are correct. In B.C., that’s actually the law, one that was put in place to protect people like tow truck drivers, maintenance and utility crews and emergency responders while they do their jobs.

The proper procedure after spotting such a scenario while driving is to first slow your speed down to 70 km/h in an 80 km/h or above zone, or if below 80, reducing to 40 km/h. Afterwards, if it is safe to do so, move into the open lane going the same direction and drive past. Not doing so can result in a fine of $173 as well as three demerit points.

In the summer, BCAA commissioned a survey on the subject showing nearly half of respondents have witnessed motorists speeding by a roadside scene. More than 80 per cent of those surveyed did not know exactly how fast they should be going in such a scenario. Most also believe being in a rush and/or distracted driving contributed to the problem.

There are tools available to help plan out a route so you don’t get surprised by roadwork or an accident. Online resources like Google Maps work great to look at what’s going on in the streets before you leave the house, or many vehicles on the market today actually factor in live traffic information.

Jaguar models, for example, equipped with the available InControl TouchPro Connected Navigation infotainment system monitors traffic flow in real time, revealing an accurate travel time to a destination. Similarly, virtually all BMWs now have the option of adding ConnectedDrive, which knows where the delays are happening. Its Advanced Real Time Traffic Information technology gathers intel from the cellular network, GPS data from vehicle fleets, smartphone apps and even police reports and is accurate to within 100 metres. Detours are recommended as necessary.

To learn more about the Slow Down, Move Over law, visit the official website.

The year 2040 comes early for Jaguar following their announcement of the FUTURE-TYPE concept car, which the English automaker imagines could be a reality by the future date. Supporting both autonomous and manual driving modes, the real story here is that its users may actually only own the steering wheel, sharing the rest of the vehicle with the community.

Called Sayer, named after the FUTURE-TYPE’s designer, the removable wheel is intelligent, voice-activated and acts as a control centre for the car, as well a sophisticated virtual assistant. Like a more advanced version of Apple’s Siri, Sayer can make reservations for you at a restaurant, tell you if you’re running low on milk, and of course, summon your car.

Unlike traditional vehicle shopping, prospective FUTURE-TYPE customers would join a fee-based club. Members can either opt for sole ownership, or choose to let others use the car during periods of inactivity.

“FUTURE-TYPE offers an insight into the potential for driving and car ownership in the future. It’s partof our vision for how a luxury car brand could continue to be desirable, in a more digital and autonomous age,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar director of design.

“Our FUTURE-TYPE Concept is an advanced research project looking at how we can ensure an on-demand Jaguar will appeal to customers in 2040 and beyond. Whether it’s commuting to work, autonomously collecting children from school or enjoying driving yourself on the weekend in the countryside, if there’s a choice of on-demand cars driving around city streets, we need to ensure  customers desire our 24/7 service over our competitors.”

Sayer also helps to take the guesswork out of travel planning. State where you need to be at a certain hour, and it works out what time you should be ready, when to deliver the vehicle and even suggests a part of the journey that might be enjoyable for automatic steering to be switched off.

Featuring 2+1 semi-tandem seating, occupants can more easily share a conversation or get some work done on the way to their destination. The FUTURE-TYPE will have the ability to communicate with other smart automobiles on the road allowing shorter distances between bumpers and more efficient lane changing, in turn reducing traffic congestion and preventing accidents.