EM - June/July 2014 - (Page 26)

26 June/July 2014 * www.esb.ie/em HEALTH & HABITAT Image in-box ROAD SAFETY BUREAU a selection of your photography MOBILE PHONES WHILE DRIVING - CHANGES IN THE LAW FROM 1ST MAY 2014 2. 1. By Grainne Coogan 3. 4 1. 'The duck's not for turning' by Catherine Bracken 2. 'Battle of Clontarf Millenium' by Brian Fleming 3. 'Volcano near Jakarta, Indonesia' by Conrad Murphy 4. 'Rock of Dunamase, Laois' by Pam O'Shea WHAT'S NEW? BMW'S I3 IS FUTURISTIC By Dave Washe AND FABULOUS THE I3 IS a big car for BMW. It was launched simultaneously in New York, London and Beijing. Why? Well it's BMW's first car using the fuel of the future - electricity. The i3 is 'a sporty, agile, yet space-efficient and comfortable premium car for an urban environment' and this being the boast the ideal fuel to use in an urban environment has to be electricity. Research has shown that approximately 80% of drivers travel less than 50kms per day, so it's time to buy cars that fit IT WON'T KILL YOU TO PUT IT AWAY our needs rather than perceived needs. To cater for journeys longer than 130-160kms BMW can fit a 2 cylinder petrol engine that will allow the car travel a total of around 290kms before recharging / refuelling. The petrol engine acts as a generator charging the batteries, so you always drive using the electric batteries. Step inside this 4 seater and you step into one of the best interiors available. It looks like a futuristic concept car that will be available in 20 years time - but it's actually available today. Two high definition screens capture everything about the vehicle from SatNav, stereo, phone, battery information etc. to keep you well informed. There is also a brilliant app that records everything about the car and will even guide you back if you can't remember where you left it. All manner of high tech materials are used to reduce weight - the enemy of every car when it comes to fuel consumption. The front seats are a design master class in themselves - being utterly supportive yet a lot leaner than most seats. All of this would count for nothing if the drive was a let down. With perfect 50:50 weight distribution the car handles so well. The power delivery from the 170hp electric motor is instant with 0-100kmph taking just 7.9 seconds. Around town it is super nippy and out on the motorway it is a stable and able performer. BMW has remained true to their ethos of providing excellent driving dynamics. For the brand conscious you can get a BMW iWallbox fitted to your home for fast charging purposes that will take less than 3 hours for 80% of a charge with charging from the normal plug top taking 10 hours. The rear doors are hinged like the Opel Meriva at the back but without the B pillar thus allowing full unimpeded access to the car - a good thing. Not so good is the inability to open the back door without opening the front door first. Pre-Existing Mobile Phone Legislation (remains in force) It is an offence to hold a mobile phone while driving a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place. An offence is committed by holding a mobile phone (this can be in the hand or supporting or cradling it with another part of the body, i.e. between the neck and shoulder) while driving, and matters such as whether or not the phone was being used or switched on at the time are not relevant. Pre-Existing penalty Making that call or holding that phone results in 2 penalty points and a €60 fine payable within 28 days. New regulations in respect of mobile phones and driving came into force on 1st May 2014, making it an offence to send or read a text message from a mobile phone while driving. 'Send a text message' includes composing and typing a text message, but does not include anything done without touching the mobile phone. The exterior matches the interior's futuristic theme. All the lines look deliberately disrupted producing a unique appearance. There is nothing like it on the road and it looks fabulous. To get your hands on an i3 you will need deep pockets. Rebates etc. aside, the car I drove 'Read a text message' includes accessing or opening a text message (other than by voice activation) so that it can be read. These regulations apply to mobile phones which are not being held, i.e. to hands-free devices. It is not an offence to touch a button on a hands-free device in order to answer a phone call, or to speak via a hands-free device. WHAT IS THE PENALTY? Cases will come to court and, if convicted, the penalty will be: €1,000 maximum fine for a first offence €2,000 maximum fine for a second or subsequent offence €2,000 maximum fine and/or up to three months in prison for a third or subsequent offence within a twelve month period. Regardless of any legislation and as outlined in both ESB Drivers' Handbooks, research shows that it is dangerous even to use a hands-free mobile device while driving. Find a safe and legal place to park before use. Do not phone colleagues who you suspect may be driving at the time. n For more information email esbroadsafetybureau@esb.ie or visit the ESB Road Safety Bureau Website: http://esbnet/ esbroadsafetybureau/. costs €48.5k but that included €7.5k of extras - some of which are must haves, I felt. The basic model starts at €34k with no range extender. The i3 is a perfect example of designing a car based on trip requirements whilst making it very enjoyable to drive. It is another step along the way to our migration to electricity. n

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of EM - June/July 2014

EM - June/July 2014
Contents
News
Innovation
Generation & Wholesale Markets
BSC & Electric Ireland
ESB Network Ltd
Health & Habitat

EM - June/July 2014