With climate change taking over the globe, human beings collectively need to prioritize leading cleaner and greener lives. Along with avoiding plastic, recycling, and upcycling goods, we also need to stop consuming non-renewable resources such as fuels. For this purpose, as a start, we need to switch to electric vehicles over those powered by petrol or diesel. So, if you want to do your bit to save the planet, here are some of the best electric cars in the market.
BMW i3
There’s no denying that BMW makes some of the best cars on the market, from the design to the engine, their unique style is applauded among avid car enthusiasts. It then makes sense that they’d also have one of the slickest electric cars. In 2019, they released the BMW i3 with a whopping price tag, promising it would be worth it. It is a compact hatchback that makes for a perfect hybrid of luxury and functionality with heated front seats, parking sensors, auto windshield wipers, and a 6.5-inch touch screen. With an estimate of 153 miles on a full charge, the fancy car also comes with keyless entry and automatic headlights.
Mercedes Benz B-Class
Another powerhouse in the auto industry is Mercedes with its 2017 Mercedes Benz B-Class electric car. The midsized vehicle is suited for a family of five. It perfectly combines an everyday vehicle with electric power that can travel an estimated 87 miles on a full charge. It comes with extra features such as cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and even Bluetooth® and audio connectivity along with the Mercedes COMMAND™ interface. The electric vehicle also comes with 17.7 cubic feet of cargo or storage area in the rear, which makes this perfect for local grocery trips.
Ford Focus Electric
The Ford Focus Electric comes with a ton of features that combine luxury with eco-friendliness. With an estimated run of 118 miles on a full charge, this car is one of the most efficient electric vehicles on this list. It also comes with a whole bunch of other tech features such as heated seats and steering wheel, an eight-inch touch screen with the Ford SYNC® infotainment system, and a Sony® sound system with 10 speakers.
Nissan LEAF
A hatchback that combines style with practicality, the Nissan LEAF does not disappoint on any level. With an estimate of 150 miles on a full charge, the electric car provides for a smooth traveling experience with a capacity of four passengers and twenty-four cubic feet cargo in the back. The latest model comes with a panorama of features such as keyless entry and keyless ignition, automatic climate control (2019 model), a forward-collision warning system along with automatic emergency braking, NissanConnect® connectivity, and remote access system, along with Apple CarPlay. The older models come with rearview cameras, Bluetooth® connectivity, and even a five-inch display.
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5 things to look for in the best contract phones
Read moreEarlier phones used to come with a contract. All major carriers like AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-mobile, and Sprint were competing with each other for giving the best phone contract deals.
There are hardly any carriers that offer contract phones these days, but if you are specifically looking for the best phone contracts, then here are some things to consider before you take one:
- Cheaper phone: When carriers offer you a contract, a smartphone that works with that carrier often comes at a discounted price. Hence, you have to pay less for the phone. When you renew your contract with the same carrier, you have the option to change your phone too.
- Hidden charges: Be wary of the hidden charges that come with the contract. Normally the plans remain unchanged during your 2-year contract tenure. So there should not be any more extra charges apart from those mentioned in the plans.
- Saves money: No doubt while looking for the best phone contracts, you save money as you get a phone with the contract at a subsidized rate. You have the same plan for 2 years and that way your budget stays the same until the last day of your contract.
- Better coverage and network: Contract phones work best if you have a good network and 4G coverage. Normally users with contract get excellent network as carriers want the users to stick with them.
- Switching over: If you are not satisfied with your current contract, you have to either wait for the contract to get over or terminate the contract. If you are terminating the contract, then you have to pay the cancellation fees. In case you are planning to switch from your current carrier, then there are other carriers like Verizon or AT &T that offer competitive plans and some credit for the switchover.
There are few takers for contract phones, as all major carriers are offering unlimited 4G data, HD streaming videos, and 8-10GB of hotspot data. Keep your options open and think before getting into a contract.
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Advantages and warnings of robot vacuum cleaners such as Roomba
Read moreFed up with cleaning the regular dust and dirt sticking to your home floors or the irritating debris that collects in your backyard? If you are thinking of allocating this time-taking job to a robot vacuum, then you are moving on to a good decision. Brands such as Romba have come out with series of automated vacuum cleaners.
A powerful robot vacuum can save your time as well as help you get rid of a tiring and stressful routine job. While a robot vacuum cleaner comes with several advantages, we also want to make you aware of some warnings that come along. Check out both the aspects before you choose the right appliance for your home.
Major advantages of a robot vacuum
- Automatic cleaning: It is a boon when someone can clean your home every day on your behalf. A robot vacuum blesses you with its automatic functioning. It has pre-programmed cleaning patterns and mapping capability. As it cleans your home daily, it enhances this capability and works more efficiently. You only need to sync it and control it through an app available exclusively for your brand, such as Roomba or any other. This way, the robot vacuum will know which areas to cover and how.
- Greener cleaning option: A robot vacuum helps you avoid purchasing expensive cleaning chemicals and wasting gallons of water daily on home cleaning using scrubbers. While it does not eliminate the need for cleaners, it saves you enough to recover its cost. Besides, it offers you a much greener cleaning option.
- Safety assurance: If you think that a robot vacuum can bite you, then it is not the case. It is a safe appliance designed to avoid humans, animals, and similar obstacles like furniture on its way. Such accidents have rare chances of occurring with an intelligent robot cleaner.
- Consistent performance: As there are no chances of human errors with a robot vacuum, the appliance delivers consistent results. It even optimizes its performance when deep cleaning is required. Moreover, it works equally well with light dust and sticky dirt in simple to complex spaces.
- Free time and no labor costs: As you can operate a robot vacuum from anywhere using an app, the appliance leaves you with free time to invest in other activities. Additionally, you need not hire labor for cleaning work.
Warnings that accompany a robot vacuum
Common robot vacuum cleaners such as those from Roomba come with various warnings and precautions. You need to pay attention to these for safe usage.- Performance variations: Do not assume every branded robot vacuum to deliver the same performance. While some leading brands like Roomba offer high-efficiency robot vacuum machines, you should not expect every cleaner to deliver the results that manual cleaning may provide.
- Appliance cost: Investing in a cheaper model will not provide the same results as a high-end appliance will. While you may be ready for a one-time investment, you may have to bear the expenses on replacement parts in case of wear-and-tear happening over time.
- Pre-cleaning needs: A robot vacuum may not recognize every usable item and may suck up things you may not want it to. Thus, picking up small items like Lego or needles is required before running your appliance.