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Hydrogen EV Charger AFC Energy

Details: Published: Sunday, 08 December 2019 20:38; Written by Ben David T Quirk

Welcome to the AFC Energy solution to EV Charging.

On Friday Annabelle and myself were invited to the launch of a new Hydrogen EV charger.

We arrived at the event there were Press, Officials and interested investors.

There was a new Audi eTron and a Tesla Model S P90D and 2 Rolec charging points, an AFC Energy printed small container.

The first thing you realise is the chargers aren't connected to any electric feed, rather to the container and that is where this EV charger is different, this Hydrogen EV Charger can run off grid, with absolutely no electric.

This type of application versatility is astounding, it is zero emission which inturn helps in reducing a carbon footprint.

It's can fit in an existing location where diesel generators have been operating.

The H Power Electric vehicle charger on display here is a 20 kW unit and increases from there, this one is a 10ft unit.

This allows you to be able to charge your electric cars in places where there is no electrical grid in operation e.g. the desert and it's only bi-product is mineralised water which is an asset for a myriad of reasons.

It's sustainable and versatile making it an interesting charging solution.

The more electric vehicles that are put on our roads and require plugin charging puts more strain on our grid and people have been wondering if the existing infrastructure will be able to cope with the additional vehicles.

Plug in charging whether it be on street charging or home needs additional power.

H Power EV chargers don't need this, the video explains what the company wants to achieve and explains how the system works.

Find out more on AFC energy's website as well as prices, sizes and what is possible, this company have also partnered with The 2020 British Motor Show.

MK2 Golf GTI restoration Battery tray

Details: Published: Friday, 22 November 2019 12:24; Written by Ben David T Quirk

The Volkswagen Mk2 Golf project is no longer at a standstill, thanks to Triple M Roadside Assistance.

Christian turned up in his trust Ford Transit Connect to assess the Valver, after a look round, he said yes im up for it, great news for us.

Triple M is a mobile mechanic local to our area with a wealth of knowledge and vast automotive skill set - Typically, our garage door failed, fixed that with block of wood...after that though, we cleared the car bit, bumper and other bits and other things that were in front of the Mk2 Golf GTI, giving Christian room to peruse.

The video is a first taster at what's going to happen in the restoration of the classic Volkswagen, the battery tray was quite bad, rusty and holey.

On inspection the rust hadn't penetrated the inner wing meaning there was good metal that he could work with, it was in the chassis leg, however not as much that could compromise the integrity of the chassis.

Christian started by cleaning up the area, then cutting out the rot with a grinder until he hit solid metal.

Then it was just a case of cleaning up the area with a wire brush, and placing the battery tray over the top, aligning it and drilling holes for the weld.

The whole job took around 3 hours, including spraying and rust treating.

The Mk2 is well on the way to being back on the road!

Next Tuesday, it's the start of the engine conversion, which will require an engine crane.

First is change the timing belt whilst it is outside the car as this far easier, and it is a lot quicker.

As you can see, the VW project forges on and ChickenPig our Mk2 Golf may well be ready for spring - yay! then it's the Mercedes W124...

MG ZS EV 400 mile Road Trip Pt1

Details: Published: Monday, 14 October 2019 18:00; Written by Ben David T Quirk

Watch our adventure as we take the MG ZS EV on a road trip of over 400 miles, we use apps, we charge and we have fun, this is Part One, two and three to follow.

The Kia Stonic

Details: Published: Tuesday, 29 January 2019 16:41; Written by Ben David T Quirk

The Kia Stonic is a B SUV built on the same platform as the Rio, it's roomy, punchy and great value. This is our 8th best performer this month on our youtube channel, and it's not surprising.

The model we had came with 1 litre turbo charged 3 cylinder with a 6 speed manual gearbox, we gained around 40 - 45 mpg.

Infotainment includes DAB, Apple carplay and Android Auto.

The video shows a full review including our driving experience.

2001 Honda Insight - A hybrid ahead of its time?

Details: Published: Wednesday, 13 November 2019 11:39; Written by Ben David T Quirk

The Honda Insight 1st Gen, a hybrid car devleoped with one goal in mind ground breaking fuel economy.

The 2 seater is powered by 1 litre 3 cylinder VTEC and an electric motor.

It offers around 70 mpg, even Ben has achieved 60mpg with his style of driving. It's construction is all aluminium, making it light and the design has cues such as covered wheels sloping roof and sloping sides.

It was manufactured in Suzuka Japan, the same factory as the NSX.

We have this car on review all week, we're even doing a long haul to see how an 18 year old hybrid copes in todays world.

The Kia CEED 2019 CRDI 2 Review & Road Test

Details: Published: Saturday, 02 March 2019 15:55; Written by Ben David T Quirk

The Kia Ceed has come along way as has the Kia brand, this car is ready to take on the German premium hatchbacks. The model we have is the '2' which is the base model of the CEED, sayong that base level has some great option, auto lights with self dip and Apple car Play and Android Auto.

This car also returns around 70mpg, it is also NCAP 5 and looks rather cool too, find out more in the video review.

Ford Ka+ Plus Active 2019 1.2 3 Cylinder Review

Details: Published: Wednesday, 12 December 2018 15:20; Written by Ben David T Quirk

Wondering how the latest Ford Ka+ Active fairs?

Well we've just reviewed this rather well priced Crossover come city car from Ford. The model we had came with a 1.2 3 cylinder petrol engine with 85ps, you can also get another petrol model and 1 diesel too, they are all 5 speed manual.

Now how does the Active differ? Well you get 15" alloy wheels, AWD style cladding and rough road shocks.

Find out how it drives, if it's roomy and whether it's economical in the review.

50 Years of the Ford Capri Classic Motor Show NEC

Details: Published: Sunday, 10 November 2019 16:21; Written by Ben David T Quirk

It's quite crazy to think, the Ford Capri has just turned 50 years old this year, now everyone has either owned one or experienced one.

There were 3 Mk's produced in total and one of the final models was the Capri Brooklands Edition a 2.8l that came in green and was a special edition Capri.

We interview the founder of Ford Capri club Mansfield, this club attracts members from all over the UK with a range of fabulous cars.

These cars include a Zakspeed tribute, Tickford and the exact Mk3 Capri that was used as a base for the yellow Corgi model car that was sold in many toy shops.

The Zakspeed is a rather special model, it's creator wanted the car to feature 3 points the racing car had, petrol filler on side rear window, a Turbo engine and a side exit exhaust, all these were achieved, both this and the RS were driven to the show in torrential weather, a rather brave feat.

Each car on display was pretty much spotless and each model was different and very cool in it's own unique way.

Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Series 5 Review & Road Test

Details: Published: Thursday, 07 February 2019 13:51; Written by Ben David T Quirk

Last week we reviewwed the Mitsubishi L200 Series 5, the pickup truck which is soon to be replaced by the new one, already available in Thailand.

This model is superb, a better turning circle, well refined and very capable off road which is easy to engage with it's Super Select II mode.

The L200 is powered by a 2.4 turbo diesel engine which develops a staggering 430nm of torque and is coupled to an auto gearbox.

To find out more watch our full video review, you won't be disappointed.

Tour of UK Car Events in Honda Cars, we're now back

Details: Published: Saturday, 15 September 2018 13:17; Written by Ben David T Quirk

What a crazy week, we've been radio silence for some time, how ever all in a good cause. We've been touring rounding the UK in our Honda press cars, the Jazz Sport and Civic Type R GT visiting the finest car events the UK has to offer, here's what we did:-

Concours of Elegance | Hampton Court, London
Classic and Super Car BCS | Blenheim Palace, Blenheim
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Launch | The Cotswolds
Goodwood Revival | Chichester