9 factors to consider when buying an electric car
9 factors to consider when buying an electric car

An average passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. So, finding effective alternatives to traditional fuel-run vehicles is the need of the hour. Electric vehicles strike the perfect balance between being environmentally friendly and able to satisfy commute requirements. Further, several electric cars have advanced luxury features, giving tough competition to regular cars. Following a few tips can help one make the best decision while buying an electric car:

Consider all requirements
While some look to fulfill their everyday intracity commute requirements, others require powerful sports cars for out-of-city travel and driving through rough terrains. Many may also look for cars that fulfill both of these needs. So, one must understand their personal requirements and preferences before purchasing a car. Today, in addition to regular electric cars for day-to-day utility, several brands offer high-end electric sports cars with power-packed electric motors and excellent acceleration. Understanding the requirements makes the purchase process easier.

Set a budget
Buying a car is a major financial decision, so setting a budget is essential for planning finances optimally and avoiding overspending. Establishing a budget also allows one to consider financing options like car loans and determine the mode of payment. The best electric cars are the ones that perfectly integrate utility and comfort with affordability. Checking out cars in different price ranges vis-a-vis purchase requirements can help one shortlist the ideal electric car.

Consider tax benefits
Typically, buyers of electric vehicles may reap the benefits of federal tax credits, and the amount may vary based on different factors; however, buyers may qualify for EV tax credits amounting from $2,500 to $7,500. These benefits can help one save considerable amounts on taxes, leaving room for investment. So, buyers should check out electric-vehicle tax benefits and incentives beforehand.

Look up the driving range
An electric car’s driving range is an important factor to consider. The ideal driving range for regular electric vehicles for everyday utility is 100 miles; sports and other high-end electric cars may have driving ranges of up to 350 miles. Besides checking the driving range with the manufacturer, one must also look for online reviews of the model to confirm the driving range. Discussing the car’s features with family, friends, or colleagues can also help one cross-check if the range quoted by the manufacturer is accurate.

Understand charging levels
Charging is an integral process of using an electric vehicle. So, one should know the different levels of EV charging. Level 1 charging is suitable for short drives of up to a few miles per day. This slow-charging process is meant for only local commutes, and the car may require charging even if one drives a few additional miles. Level 2 charging involves using a 240-volt connection to charge EVs. The charging process is much faster than Level 1 charging and lasts for more miles. One may install a Level 2 charging station at home; sometimes, these stations are set up in offices and other public places. Finally, Level 3 is the fastest type of charging for electric vehicles and can last hundreds of miles. Understanding the charging levels allows one to opt for one of the three types based on their requirements.

Prioritize EV software updates
EV software updates are crucial to ensure that electric cars are up to date with the latest technical developments. EV software updates offer several benefits, including an increase in EV range. So, buyers must remember to carry out frequent software updates for their electric cars. Some electric car manufacturers offer free software updates, while others charge a certain amount for each update. So, the car-buying decision should also involve a consideration of the software-update terms of each brand.

Explore purchase options
One can find brand-new 2023 electric cars from dealerships or opt for pre-owned vehicles. But, it is important to purchase electric cars from reliable dealers who can explain the technical details and pros and cons of the purchase with ease. One should consult family members and friends regarding the dealer’s credibility.

Look for incentives
Some lenders may offer preferred rates and incentives to car buyers on buying electric vehicles, owing to the positive impact on the environment. It is a good idea to check out which lenders offer such incentives and preferred rates, as it can help one save money and plan finances more efficiently.

Check out multiple brands
One of the most important steps in purchasing an electric car is to check out the various auto brands and the specifications, prices, and features of each of their models. Understanding the different options available can help one make an informed purchase decision. Several new electric car models of 2023 offer excellent features and perfectly integrate utility and performance. One must also go through online reviews and recommendations from friends, family members, and acquaintances while planning to purchase an electric car.

Electric cars contribute significantly to reducing emissions in the environment, lowering pollution levels along with fuel costs. The best purchase decision here would be one that takes into account all the key features of electric cars, the different price ranges, and individual requirements.

  • Benefits of ingredients used in a slow cooker recipe

    Slow cooking tends to bring out the flavor in most meat cuts and even vegetables. Often the subtle benefits of slow cooking go unnoticed and people only see it as a cheap and easy alternative to traditional methods, like baking and frying. Slow cooker recipes do not require a lot of supervision, wherein all the ingredients simmer over low heat to be ready in four or five hours. This also reduces the risk of burning or overcooking the ingredients. But there are more benefits of slow cooking, which can be divided across the various ingredient that go in the recipe. Be it your pot roast or chicken stew, the traditional recipes can be easily modified for slow cooking.

    Health benefits of slow cooking pot roast: One of the main advantages of cooking over a low flame is that the ingredients used in the recipe, retain their nutritional value which might be otherwise lost in traditional roast, oven or grill recipe. Slow cooked beef or meat not only retains the flavor, but also manages to absorb all the nutrients from the other ingredients and vegetables that complement the recipe in the broth. Vital minerals, vitamins, nutrients, amino acids which are all beneficial for maintain the overall body heath are preserved this way. Tough cuts of meat used in the recipe are also low in fats, which help cut down the overall fat and calorie content. These tough meats can be prepared only in a slow cooker to yield the best possible results.

    Health benefits of slow cooking chicken: Slow cooking chicken over time prevents cancer causing toxins to develop which are a high chance in other traditional methods. Grilling and other methods produces glycation from burnt meats, which is the toxic reaction. Slow cooking does not allow the toxins to develop since the meat is cooked over a low flame and chances of overcooking or burning the meat, is the least of your concerns. Slow cooked recipes are beneficial for overall heart health as the main amino acid taurine, which is responsible for cardio vascular health is preserved this way.

    The other advantages include minimum use of processed ingredients and foods which can be beneficial for the overall health. Processed foods contained considerable amounts of sodium, fat, calories which will only add to the overall carbohydrate and calorie count in the recipe. Using all natural ingredients or organic ingredients, which can be easily substituted in a slow cooked recipe for readily available ingredients and canned foods ensures a healthy recipe.

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  • Designer jackets- fake v/s original

    There are more than 500 designer clothing brands in the United States. Millions of brands are launched in a span of minutes to attract more and more customers. There are customers who can afford the expensive designer jackets, and they look for designer jacket sale on original brands while there are a few who opt for fake or cheap designer jackets as they cannot afford the designer ones. Clearance sales, exhausting stock sales slash the prices on already high markup priced designer jacket sales for the easy-going sale. The Outnet, Bluefly, and Fashionesta are the major brands competing on original designer jacket brands while online brands like 6pm offer fake or cheap designer jackets for reasonable prices. The major difference points on the competing platforms on designer jackets sale are pricing, clearance sale offers, variety, material, texture, availability, etc.
    At times people would surely opt in for the cheap designer jackets sale as they look the same as their original counterparts at lower rates. If you look at the physical stores, there are plenty of showrooms that offer cheap and fake designer jacket on sale, and you won’t even be able to distinguish between the original branded designer jacket with the fake ones. This doppelganger effect is widely seen in areas like New Jersey, Buffalo, New York, Pennsylvania, California, Oklahoma, Texas and of course Seattle.
    Designer sleeveless jackets have been trending in the recent times. They are also expensive, hence copies are available in the market for cheap and lower rates.
    The primary marketing campaign that is trending is ‘buy now and return after Christmas’ which is an affordable option. One can buy it on a rental basis. Once worn, you can return it back before or after Christmas. The other offers include next day delivery; designer jacket sale offers on brands with coupons or codes to get discounts. 6pm is a user-friendly website which aims to provide their customers the experience of branded wear at extremely low and affordable rates. These are mostly excluded garments or designer jackets due to minor flaws like tag tear, side thread jam, cross stitch, etc. and these negligible faults result in customers getting an excellent experience of viewing designer jackets sale and get them online then and there.
    In the case of designer jacket sale women can choose from 29 brands and men can choose from 33 brands to buy the same. The original scores like Bluefly, Outnet and Fashionesta have a sequential pricing like a cartel formed on how to manage sales on the highly priced designer jackets.

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  • 3 best smartphone offers under $500

    Every year manufacturers exceed consumer expectations by releasing state-of-the-art smartphone models, creating a buzz among gadget enthusiasts. However, owning a high-end smartphone packed with extra advanced features is not every consumer’s desire. In fact, most consumers are looking for a functional model that lasts long and falls under budget. Fortunately, brands identify the no-fuss, budget-conscious consumer viewpoint, which is why you can easily find a decent selection of models under $500, that fits your needs, budget and comes with bonus add-ons as well. Although, scoring the best smartphone offers within this budget can be a little tough as they are so many options priced competitively. To help you out, we have listed some best smartphone offers under $500 for the year 2018.

    OnePlus 5T
    One of the most popular phones on the market, OnePlus 5T is furnished with Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 6GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage and AMOLED screens. This piece can be bought for approximately $500. If you wish, you can upgrade it for an 8GB of RAM and internal 128GB of storage by shelling out an extra $60. Some of its positives comprise a simple as well as a faster user interface. Although, this device is just splash-proof, not waterproof and its camera comes with some great functions but lacks in certain areas as compared to its rivals. However, OnePlus 5T is still a solid choice on the overall, faring well without burning a hole in your pocket.

    Moto Z2 Play
    Motorola is widely recognized for manufacturing impressive wallet-friendly smartphones, and currently, Moto Z2 Play is one of the favorites among several consumers this year. Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 processor, users can choose between a 64GB internal storage and 4GB RAM or 32GB and 3GB RAM. Moreover, one can enjoy a fantastic phone memory by adding a 2TB microSD card. It dons a Corning Gorilla Glass screen and 5.5 Full HD 1080p Super AMOLED display. Its 12MP dual autofocus camera is featured by an LED flash, professional and night mode, and phase detection. Its battery life is relatively low when compared to its predecessor, Z Play but it is sufficient enough for a day’s use. At the moment, you can land a Moto Z2 at a decent deal of $500.

    iPhone SE
    With a starting price of just $350, iPhone SE is a major steal for customers wanting to switch to the Apple family. The iPhone SE is upgraded to the iOS 11 and now supports 4K video recording and ARKit for running top-of-the-line augmented reality apps. It is outfitted with an A9 chip with 64‑bit architecture and is available in two capacities, i.e., 32GB and 128GB. Some highlights of its 4-inch (diagonal) screen are retina and LCD Multi-Touch display with IPS technology and fingerprint‑resistant oleophobic coating. Its 12MP camera, on the other hand, comes with a ton of cool features including 5x digital zoom, photo stabilization, face detection, panorama, noise reduction, burst mode, and geotagging. Moreover, iPhone SE is also has a remarkable battery life.

    Apart from the devices mentioned above, Essential Phone, Samsung Galaxy 8, Moto X4, Moto G5 Plus, and refurbished iPhone 7 also make for some best smartphone offers. You can find these best-priced smartphones through online sellers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Overstock. Usually, the most opportune time for landing the best mobile phone offers is during holiday seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Likewise, manufacturers usually slash prices on their old models when they are about to launch a new smartphone. Therefore, keep an eye on the tech calendar for landing the best mobile phone deals.

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  • Take a closer look at Highlander highlights

    Looking for an SUV, then you need to take a closer look at the 2017 Toyota Highlander. The 2017 Toyota Highlander SUV is available in 8 variants and nine colors. All the models are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). The look of the Highlander is enhanced by a bold front grille, dark black accent headlights and daytime running lights. Up to 8 people can be comfortably seated along with a ton of cargo. There are more specifications in the 2017 Toyota Highlander that makes a special impression:

    Performance
    The Highlander comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a direct shift 8-AT. This advanced engine gives the driver more control, efficiency, and power while driving. The estimated fuel efficiency is 27MPG on the highway. In the gas powered Highlander models, Toyota provides Stop and Start Engine System – when the car is at a stoplight or rest, this technology shuts the engine off. Releasing the pedal brake seamlessly restarts the engine. The models with the All Wheel Drive (AWD) provide superior braking control on adventurous terrains.

    Design
    the Highlander is made bold and beautiful with the addition of the front grille and redesigned headlights. The multi spoke alloy wheels, and the stylish stripes of the seats give this SUV a sporty look. The LED taillights give advanced visibility in the rear.

    Interior
    5 USB ports allow everyone to enjoy their favorite electronic devices on the go. The roomy interior can seat up to 8 people comfortably making the 2017 Toyota Highlander the true family SUV. The interiors are designed specifically for maximum space utilization – the third row can be split 60/40 to accommodate all cargo and passenger needs. The rear seat entertainment system with two wireless headphones and remote offers seamless entertainment to the passengers.

    TSS-P
    The Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Steering Assist keeps the car in its lane by providing corrective steering when the car drifts out of the lane. The automatic high beam is another special feature of this SUV which helps detect oncoming vehicles as far away as 2000 feet and enhances visibility in night time driving.

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  • Here’s how to improve blood circulation with healthy lifestyle habits

    Blood circulation is the continuous movement of blood in the different parts and organs of the body. The circulation of blood takes place as a result of the heart’s ability to pump out blood at a constant rate. An individual dies when the heart stops pumping out blood and blood circulation comes to a halt.

    Poor blood circulation can bring about several health conditions. These include blood clots, cardiovascular diseases, headaches and memory loss. This is why it is essential to strive and improve blood circulation. Here is how to improve blood circulation by practicing the following activities:

    Hydrate the body – Today, most people live a busy lifestyle and tend to ignore the underlying need of the body that is hydration. The organs of the body require being well-hydrated to function properly. Also, blood is made up of a high percentage of water. Water also flushes out toxins from the body. Thus, you should continue to sip on water through the day.

    Stress management – High-levels of stress has a significant impact on the blood circulation. When one encounters too much of stress, the body puts up a fight. This affects the functioning of the central nervous system and this limits the flow of blood through the body. Stress should be managed by indulging in activities that make you happy, such as painting or riding a cycle. Yoga and meditation too are effective practices that are found to improve blood circulation.

    Get moving – When the body is not active, the circulatory system does not work as well as it should. The blood circulation heavily relies on the movement of the body. If you are not able to stay active during the day, making exercise a part of a routine is an effective way to improve blood circulation. A 30 min run or walk every day will help.

    Reduce alcohol consumption – Excess alcohol consumption can harden the arteries, this leads to a hindrance in healthy blood circulation. It can cause dehydration and a spike in blood pressure levels. Thus, if you are wondering how to improve blood circulation, drinking alcohol in moderation is the key.

    Get a massage – Getting a massage is not only perfect for relieving stress but also stimulate the flow of blood. A massage can be done using soothing oils such as almond or coconut oil. Using this therapy at least once a week is a good way to improve blood circulation.

    The above activities are natural and come with no harsh-effects on the body. Thus, they should be practiced regularly and made a part of life.

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  • 10 Cyber Monday 2022 deals on laptops

    If you missed the Black Friday deals, you get another chance on Cyber Monday to save money on all kinds of products, especially electronics. If you are looking for laptops, Cyber Monday deals cover every gadget—Windows laptop, Chromebook, and even MacBook. Laptops are extremely crucial devices for your everyday work and home requirements. So, based on past years’ deals, here are some of the best Cyber Monday laptops offers you can expect.

    1. Dell Inspiron 16 Plus
      The Dell Inspiron 16 Plus features a 3K display, 11th Gen Intel Core i7, RTX 3060 GPU, 16 GB RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. Last year, shoppers got discounts on the Dell website using the code SAVE15 on the laptop’s regular price of $1,232.49.
    2. Asus VivoBook Pro 14 OLED
      Retailing at $749, the Asus VivoBook Pro 14 could sell for $599 this Cyber Monday. This laptop has a brilliant 14-inch OLED display and comes with a built-in number pad on the touchpad. Other specs of this laptop include 11th Gen Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD.
    3. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
      This is a solid laptop cum tablet that comes with an i3 processor, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD. At Walmart last year, the Surface Pro 7 carried a discount of $400, selling for $599 with the original price being $999.
    4. MacBook Air M1
      You could save $70 on the MacBook Air featuring Apple’s new and powerful M1 CPU. This premium, thin, and lightweight laptop comes with a 13-3-inch Retina display, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 SSD. It was on sale for $929 last year against its regular price of $999.
    5. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360
      This laptop comes with solid specifications and is ideal for work and entertainment. Samsung’s 2-in-1 packs a 13.3-in AMOLED touchscreen, an i7 processor, 8 GB RAM, and 256 SSD. Retailing at $1199, the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 was available for $809 on the Samsung website.
    6. Lenovo Legion 5
      If you are looking for a gaming laptop with a large screen, then the Lenovo Legion 5 is a great option. The 17.3-inch laptop was on sale for $1199 at a price drop of $200. Other specs of this gaming laptop include AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Octa-Core CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 6GB CPU, 16 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD.
    7. HP Envy
      Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, this laptop that usually retails for $949.99 was available for $649.99 at HP during last year’s sale. This laptop comes with a full HD 13.3-inch display, 8GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD, and it can also be customized.
    8. Acer Swift 5
      Acer Swift 5 has a 14-in display and comes with an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD. You can get this premium lightweight laptop without breaking the bank. For Cyber Monday, this laptop previously carried a discount of $310 on its regular price of $1,300.
    9. Google Pixelbook Go
      Google Pixelbook Go is one of the best lightweight Chromebook laptops. With a brilliant 13.3-inch HD touchscreen display, this laptop also has an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD. Amazon offered this Chromebook for $722 at a $127 discount.
    10. Razer Book 13
      Featuring an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, this 13-inch laptop is perfect for your gaming needs. The laptop has a vibrant 4K touchscreen display and comes with 16 GB RAM and 512 SSD. You could get $200 off its regular price of $1,700.

    Brands could offer last year’s deals or similar discounts on their laptops. So, you should check out different sales, and based on previous Cyber Monday offers, be ready with a list of online sellers and laptops.

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  • Adorn fashion accessories in style to steal the show

    Wearing Fashion accessories has become commonplace in the modern world, however, the tradition is being practiced since ancient era. Beautiful handbags along with watches could go a long way in accentuating the appearance to a great extent. People like to wear branded products and flaunt the style while attending a wedding or red carpet functions. Even they can also be used as casual wear during the day time.

    Contemporary accessories play an important role in complementing the costume. They should be subtle in style and not too gaudy or else the accessories might overshadow the appearance of the costume. Vibrant colored products are quite popular among the people with fair skin tone. Women can carry the jewelry in style as they impart exclusive grace to the overall personality of the individuals.

    Shoes are important accessories and are available in different configurations. One of the most important factors that have to be incorporated is the appearance of the item. For instance, if you are attending a party, the occasion calls for formal leather shoes. They shine in combination with the costume and do not in any way look the odd one out.
    Whatever product you are buying, make sure that it matches the outfit. The cost of the accessories can also influence the decision of the person. If the watches or the jewelry are too expensive, they can create a hole in the pocket and cause all sorts of problems to the customers.

    If you are not sure about the products that have to be purchased, search the internet and fashion magazines to know the latest trends. They would help to zero in on the best choice. You should also focus on selecting those accessories that impart completely new appearance to the individuality of the person.

    Age of the person is also taken into consideration as too funky accessories are bound to create a mismatch. People may not take you seriously as the personality may appear funny. Amazing designs are available on the website however one should analyze the materials forming the products.

    Solitaire is quite famous among the couples because of it an epitome of love. Simplistic appearance stands out among the plethora of designs both in the offline and the online mode. For instance, while selecting the necklaces, do not buy items that have huge weight. Sometimes, they are so flashy and heavy that the neck might get strained after a very short time.

    Similarly, earrings are selected based on the shape of the face. Oval shaped facial contours can look good with different types of accessories. Similarly bigger sized earrings can very well gel with square shaped jaws. In short, customization of accessories would do a whirl of good to the people.

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  • Finger lickin’ good – A close look at the KFC food menu

    It is rightly said that people bond better over food. KFC’s chicken enjoys a particularly large fan base. This fast food chain’s delicious products come in a variety of dishes and flavors. From basic chicken burgers to buckets of fried chicken, KFC has a lot to offer to its devoted clientele.

    What makes KFC the largest food chain on a global platform
    Globally, KFC is the fourth largest platform in the food chain industry. According to a survey, they have around 20,604 outlets worldwide. They generate a revenue of approximately 4.2 billion USD, as accounted in the year 2014.

    The unsafe food provision scare had tarnished the image of KFC on a global basis. However, they came up with campaigns such as enlisting a succession of actors including Norm Macdonald and George Hamilton to portray the Colonel and retraining employees on proper methods of food preparation. All the efforts put emphasis on the betterment of the food quality and it did have a positive effect, hence KFC earned its popularity back.

    What makes the chicken so good

    • The moistness in the meat makes it softer, thus enhancing the eating experience.
    • The combination of meat with a semi-emulsified layer of crust makes it crispy.
    • The orang-ish tint with a hint of fresh white meat enhances the flavor.
    • The cooked chicken prompts your primal instincts.
    • The white pepper acts as an important ingredient. It is responsible for the basic taste of the chicken. Did you know that white pepper is the ingredient that promotes the tangy tingling sensation in your mouth?

    Lose yourself in the wide range of chicken varieties

    • A big $10 bucket for 2 serves a decent proportion of chicken. It has different varieties (depending on the availability).
    • A $20 family bucket with double quantity and more chicken variants. A fancy meal for 4.
    • The boneless chicken comes in the form of nuggets and popcorn chicken. They are soft and juicy.
    • The super-saver combo meals are good for a personal meal. They come with soda, choice of french fries and different kinds of burgers.
    • The kids too can rejoice as KFC serves a kid’s combo meal too.
    • The Nashville hot chicken is a treat to the taste buds.

    Reinventing chicken with Chizza
    KFC has an ambitious plan to remodel 70 percent of its 3000-plus U.S. restaurants over the next three years. But the core of its appeal remains chicken, and the brand is hoping it can reinvent its menu thanks to additions like the Chizza. A mash-up of chicken and pizza, the Chizza is a breaded chicken breast slathered in marinara sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and peppers. The result is probably something close to a chicken parm dish without the pasta but delicious.

    Desserts
    For the sweet tooth cravers, KFC brings to you a delicious and spongy chocolate cake. The chocolate chip cookies are also an all-time favorite. With a plenty of options out there, make the most out of the amazing food range at KFC!

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