Electric Vehicles (EV) from a beginners perspective

Thank you for taking a few moments of your time to see what I've created.  No fluff, just my personal experiences and ways for you to connect and or engage. 

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I consider myself a concerned citizen and I want to do my part to improve the environment. 

Some suggest EV's or Electric Vehicles as a step in that direction.  This led me to take the redesigned 2022 Hyundai Kona EV Limited on a extended test/review ride. 

In appearance the Kona EV differs slightly from the gas powered version.  In particular the grill and colorways.  I enjoyed the subtle appearance with the paint and finish providing various tones and reflections depending on the light.  

The interior includes a leather trimmed steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, a 10.25 inch touch screen navigation as well as a wireless charging pad.  The Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go was a big hit for me.

(Manufacturers suggested retail price) MSRP $42,500 check for details about current incentives.

The Kona performance was more than adequate. With quick acceleration that reminded me of a go-kart.  Merging or passing was not an issue.  

The rear row is tight and may be considered cramped.  The rear cargo area is small. The 60/40 split seating helps.

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The ~380 mile trip is one I have done before.  I've taken the turnpike and other routes going or coming from Western PA., specifically Sharon PA for the Waterfire Sharon Art Event.

Immediately I noticed how the ergonomics led making seating, mirror, communication/navigation adjustments easy.

The steering wheel mounted controls were also fine with me. A little tricky getting used to the navigation menu and correspondence to the digital drivers screen.

I suggest some time familiarizing yourself with the regenerative breaking system which helps to "recharge' the battery.  The driver can adjust the levels.  In short when the accelerator pedal is released the vehicle brakes.  Again I reference a go-kart or a golf cart.

The Kona EV Limited was a hit for me. The appearance, amenities and functionality were right on.

This extended test/review ride gave me an insight to the infrastructure that is needed for EV - Electric Vehicles.  Several companies are leading the way and were prominent on my trip.  

Walmart stores were the most conveniently located charging areas.  I found using the apps available to be more efficient use of time.

This vehicle comes with a charging cable that can plug into a typical 220 outlet.  Charging times using this method are very slow.  Best for overnight use. 

In the near future I would expect most new construction projects to have some EV charging stations.  Pay attention to charging rates, kwh, charging speeds and be sure the vehicle is charging properly before/if you walk away.

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https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/kona-electric

https://www.waterfiresharonpa.org/

A New Era of Skateboarding by Misha Meyer

A new era of skateboarding is upon us, spurred by the serendipitous intersection of the pandemic and

the popular skater girl aesthetic on TikTok. COVID-19 has isolated people, made them restless at

home, and decreased the average family’s income, causing people to crave the active, low-investment

solo-sport that is skateboarding. Compared to a bike or canoe, the skateboard is an apparatus that

even people living in more compact, urban housing can store. And for the first time, skateboarding is

qualified as a sport in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With all these factors leading to a new dawn for the

sport, it's a wonder that Trenton—the vibrant New Jersey capital—has yet to contain a single

skatepark. 

In the past couple of years, Trenton has seen a rise in skateboard-related events and groups (as well as an influx of skaters simply riding around town), proving that there would be demand for a skatepark. Some of these events have included Freedom NJ weekly skate sessions, pop-up skating and skateboard donation events, and the creation and support for Friends of Amtico Square—an organization that has spearheaded the discussion for a permanent skatepark in Trenton and held free weekly skateboarding lessons open to anyone. Friends of Amtico Square was co-founded by Jacque Howard and Marc Leckington and has only gathered momentum.

Howard and Leckington have big dreams for Trenton’s hypothetical first skatepark, Amtico Square park. Not only will it have a regular skateboarding section, it will also have covered skate ramps for inclement weather, and courts that support tennis, bike polo, “papi” soccer, and more. They envision it becoming a regional attraction that will unite the Trentonian skaters in addition to pulling in other Jersey athletes from neighboring towns. Anyone would agree that the vision for the park is more than ideal—luckily, the plans for the park are also extremely organized, researched, and plausible.

Amtico Square is currently an abandoned dumping lot, but it’s location and attributes give it the great potential to be something better. It’s situated on top of a flood plain where other types of buildings cannot be built, and is next to Assunpink park, placing it in lush green scenery. The square even already contains a concrete base, which is a popular foundation for skateparks. In conclusion, the skatepark is not only the addition of a community center to the city, but the cleansing and removal of an old dirty space.

In June of 2021, the proposal for the skatepark as well as projected images were presented to the Trenton City Council, and met with majority support. You too can become a Friend of Amtico Square and get the project approved by spreading the word, liking the official Facebook page, showing up to local skateboarding events, and reaching out to the Trenton Council to show your interest. With your support.

Images via www.amansbrindled.com