Holiday Travel Adventures In an Electric Vehicle

Photo by Annie Spratt On Unsplash

Holiday Travel Adventures In an Electric Vehicle!

The surge in electric vehicles (EVs) has undoubtedly caught everyone’s attention, and with the holiday season fast approaching, it’s a prime time to consider an electric adventure. 

With this article, we hope to shed light on the benefits, tips, and crucial information on traveling in an electric vehicle during the holidays. 

Let’s embark on this electrifying journey!

Why Electric Vehicles for Holiday Travel?

  • Environmentally Friendly: The beautiful landscapes and scenic beauty of Sebastopol and our neighboring areas are worth preserving. Electric vehicles emit zero tailpipe pollutants, ensuring your journey doesn’t leave a carbon footprint.
  • Economical: On a per-mile basis, EVs generally prove to be more cost-effective than their gasoline counterparts on a per-mile basis. As the owner of an auto shop that deals with electric vehicles, I can attest to the long-term savings our customers have experienced.
  • Silence & Comfort: An electric motor means fewer vibrations, less noise, and a smoother drive. The serenity it offers can make your holiday travel more relaxed and enjoyable.

Tips for a Smooth Electric Journey

For a smooth ride, we suggest the following: 

1. Plan Your Charging Stops

One of the essential factors to consider is your vehicle’s range and the availability of charging stations on your route. Thankfully, with the proliferation of EVs, charging stations have become more commonplace. Utilize apps or built-in navigation systems in your vehicle to locate charging stations on your route.

2. Pack Smartly

With no engine in the front, many EVs offer a ‘frunk’ (front trunk). Use this space efficiently, and remember that packing light can help conserve energy and extend your vehicle’s range.

3. Know Your Vehicle

Understanding the specifications, features, and limits of your EV is paramount. Consult your vehicle’s manual or schedule an appointment with us at Switch Vehicles in Sebastopol, CA. We’re always ready to guide you through any questions!

Pre-Travel Vehicle Check

Just like any other vehicle, an EV requires pre-travel checks to ensure a hassle-free journey. Here are some crucial checkpoints:

  • Battery Health: Ensure your EV’s battery is in optimal condition. A full charge before embarking on your trip is a given, but do make it a point to check the battery’s overall health.
  • Tire Condition: With the weight of the batteries, tire wear can be slightly different in EVs. Ensure they are in good condition, inflated correctly, and have ample tread depth.
  • Brake System: Since EVs employ regenerative braking, it’s essential to check both the conventional braking system and understand the regenerative braking capabilities.
  • Software Updates: Modern EVs are more like computers on wheels. Ensure your car’s software is up-to-date to benefit from the latest features and optimizations.

If you’re unsure about any of the above or need professional assistance, remember that our team at Switch Vehicles is just a phone call away. Our expertise in electric vehicles ensures you get the best service in town.

The Joy of Electric Holidays

Holiday travel is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. An electric vehicle offers a fresh, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective way to enjoy this journey. Whether it’s the peaceful drives, the extended playlists you can enjoy without the noise of an engine, or the satisfaction of being kind to our planet, the benefits are numerous.

Moreover, Sebastopol and surrounding areas have been embracing the electric revolution with open arms. The support infrastructure, the community of fellow EV travelers, and the sheer beauty of our region make it an excellent place for an electric holiday adventure.

Make the Switch with Switch Vehicles

Electric vehicles are not just the future; they are very much the present. As an auto technician and shop owner, I’ve experienced the shifts in the industry and am thrilled about the opportunities EVs offer.

If you’re contemplating an electric holiday or have questions about your EV, Switch Vehicles in Sebastopol, CA, is here for you. The Switch Lab™ teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, collaborate as a team, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school. Let’s grow the EV tech future together!

Solar Energy and Recharging EVs: Powering the Future with Switch Vehicles

Solar Energy and Recharging EVs: Powering the Future with Switch Vehicles

Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash

Founded in 2013, Switch Vehicles has made it its mission to educate and inspire new generations of leaders and innovators while promoting the switch to sustainable energy. One of our flagship programs, The Switch Lab™, challenges students to build a full-size, road-worthy electric vehicle as a classroom project, demonstrating the practicality and potential of EV technology. 

At the heart of this mission is a crucial component: harnessing solar energy to recharge EVs. This blog post will explore the connection between solar power and recharging EVs and how Switch Vehicles lead the way.

Solar Energy: A Clean and Abundant Resource

Solar energy is one of our planet’s most abundant and sustainable sources of power. The sun bathes Earth with incredible energy daily, far exceeding our current energy needs. Utilizing this clean, renewable resource has become paramount in the fight against climate change and transitioning to a greener future. Solar panels are popular for powering homes, businesses, and, as we’ll see, electric vehicles.

The Case for Solar-Powered EVs

Electric vehicles have gained significant traction as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. However, the electricity used to charge these EVs often comes from fossil fuels, which can undermine their green credentials. This is where solar power comes in as a game-changer.

  1. Environmental Benefits: Solar-powered EVs are the epitome of eco-friendliness. EV owners can drastically reduce their carbon footprint by using solar panels to generate electricity. The energy used to power the vehicle is emissions-free, leading to cleaner air and a healthier planet.
  2. Energy Independence: Solar-powered EVs offer greater energy independence. Owners can generate their own electricity, reducing reliance on centralized power grids and mitigating the impact of power outages.
  3. Cost Savings: While the initial cost of installing solar panels can be substantial, it pays off in the long run. Solar-powered EV owners can significantly reduce energy bills and recoup their investments.

Switch Vehicles and Solar Power

Switch Vehicles recognizes the potential of solar energy to revolutionize the EV industry. Their commitment to education and sustainability extends to their operations, as they practice what they preach by integrating solar power into their electric vehicle manufacturing process.

  1. Solar-Powered Manufacturing: Switch Vehicles’ EV kits are hand-crafted in their Sebastopol, CA, shop, where they harness solar energy to power their operations. This demonstrates the practicality and benefits of incorporating renewable energy into everyday processes.
  2. The Switch Lab™: Switch Vehicles’ educational program, The Switch Lab™, empowers students to learn about EV technology while building their own electric vehicle. Introducing students to the concept of solar-powered EVs inspires the next generation of clean energy advocates and innovators.

Switch Vehicles: Inspiring A New Generation

Solar energy and electric vehicles are dynamic, holding the key to a cleaner, more sustainable future. As Switch Vehicles continues to lead the way in educating, inspiring, and promoting the switch to clean energy, their emphasis on solar-powered EVs showcases a brighter and more environmentally friendly path forward. By integrating solar energy into their manufacturing process and educating students about this powerful combination, Switch Vehicles is changing the way we think about transportation and pioneering a sustainable future we can all be proud of.

 

Surprise: Electric Vehicles are Already Driving Huge Distances Across America

Electric Vehicles: A Revolution on American Roads

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way since the first commercially available EV hit the market in the late 1990s. Today, EVs are becoming more common due to their environmentally-friendly nature, low operating costs, and improved technology, allowing longer driving distances. EVs are already driving huge distances across America, with more and more drivers taking them on long-distance road trips. 

Suppose you are an automotive trainer or educator looking to incorporate EV training into your curriculum. In that case, Switch Vehicles offers an innovative and hands-on approach to learning that can prepare students for the ever-evolving automotive industry.

Top Five Long-Distance Road Trip Routes for Electric Vehicles in the United States

Despite the increase in EV sales and use, concerns still need to be addressed about the infrastructure supporting EVs, particularly regarding long-distance travel. However, the good news is that the infrastructure in the United States is rapidly improving to support EVs, making long-distance trips more manageable than ever before. 

Here are the top five long-distance road trip routes for EV owners in the United States:

  1. West Coast Electric Highway: This route stretches 1,350 miles from the Canadian to the Mexican border, with over 40 charging stations.
  2. Electric Vehicle Southern Alliance: This route covers over 500 miles across the Southeast, with charging stations in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
  3. Charge Across America: This route spans 3,000 miles from New York City to Los Angeles, with charging stations along the way.
  4. Midwest EVOLVE: This route covers over 6,000 miles across eight Midwestern states, with charging stations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
  5. Charge NY: This route covers over 500 miles across the state of New York, with charging stations located every 30 miles or less.

Improving Infrastructure for Long-Distance Travel

While the EV charging network is still growing, it is rapidly expanding to accommodate long-distance travel. More and more charging stations are being installed in convenient locations such as rest stops, shopping centers, and hotels, making it easier for the owners of electric vehicles to travel long distances without worrying about running out of charge. In addition, charging technology is also improving, with some EVs now capable of charging up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

In conclusion, the electric vehicle industry is growing rapidly in the United States, and people are beginning to embrace the convenience and environmental benefits of owning an electric vehicle. With the development of better infrastructure to support long-distance travel and more training programs for automotive technicians and students, the future of electric cars is bright. 

Preparing the Next Generation of Automotive Technicians

As EVs become more popular, the automotive industry must keep up with demand by providing adequate repair and maintenance services. More automotive technicians and people in the automotive industry are obtaining more EV repair and maintenance training to meet this growing demand. 

Switch Vehicles is leading the way by offering EV assembly kits that help train students from high school to university levels, providing hands-on training while building electric vehicles.

Switch Vehicles EV Assembly Kits and Training

Switch Vehicles offers EV assembly kits that give students everything they need to build their own EV. When you purchase a Switch Vehicle, you get an entire program that can be used over and over again. The Switch Lab™ program includes the following:

VEHICLE

  • 96 Volt Lithium-ion battery
  • AC Drive System
  • Permanent Magnet Motor
  • Chassis
  • Required wiring
  • 2 seats and seatbelts
  • Lights
  • Windscreen

CURRICULUM

  • Build Your Own Electric Vehicle (BYOEV) Textbook
  • Class lectures
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Homework assignments
  • Homework review
  • 2-year Curriculum Club Membership (includes project challenges, community forum, and step-by-step assembly instructions)
  • PowerPoint lessons

KITS

  • Relay Lab Kit– Teaches students about relays, switches, contactors, and how to make and terminate wires properly. This is our most popular lab kit.
  • Measuring Tools Kit – Students learn how to use 10 measuring tools.
  • Enviro Battery Kit – Students learn how batteries work using food and beverages, lights, and buzzers.

Wind Tunnel Kit – Students use CAD and 3D printing to make the Switch chassis more aerodynamic. Ideal for Engineering, Physics, and auto programs to learn about the coefficient of drag.

TOOLS

Switch Vehicles offers safety, imperial, metric, and insulated tools to ensure schools have everything they need to safely and effectively assemble and disassemble the Switch.

TRAINING

Our train-the-trainer workshop provides 36 hours of hands-on professional development experience, preparing instructors to teach and assemble the Switch. 

Make The Switch For Your CTE & STEM Programs

Switch Vehicles is one of the companies leading the way in EV education and training with their comprehensive curriculum and assembly kits for building electric vehicles. By offering hands-on training opportunities for students from high school to university levels, Switch Vehicles is helping to prepare the next generation of automotive technicians and engineers for the future of the electric vehicle industry.

If you are an automotive trainer or educator looking to incorporate electric vehicle training into your curriculum, consider contacting Switch Vehicles. The comprehensive program and assembly kits provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about electric vehicle technology while gaining valuable hands-on experience building and maintaining their electric vehicles. 

By investing in the education and training of future EV professionals, we can continue to drive the growth and innovation of the electric vehicle industry in the United States and worldwide. The Switch Lab™ is an engaging hands-on project that your students will love. It makes learning complex topics fun and exciting. This new EV technology isn’t ahead of its time. It’s right on time.

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, collaborate as a team, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school. Let’s grow the EV tech future together!

Journey To The Road, Part 1: OIL

Photo by Zbynek Burival on Unsplash

Journey to The Road, Part 1: OIL

How is oil – also known as black gold – harvested from the earth? What journey does petroleum take to be refined enough to lubricate a car’s engine? 

A lot of work goes into extracting oil, and we thought it would be educational to share with you how petroleum goes all the way from an oil field to being poured into an Internal Combustion Engine vehicle. Allow Switch Vehicles to take you on this journey and show the future of automotive.

Journey To The Road: Oil Production

Oil, also known as petroleum or black gold, is a fossil fuel harvested from the earth and refined for various applications, including as a lubricant for internal combustion engines. But how is the oil extracted from the ground and refined for vehicle use? This article will explore petroleum’s journey from an oil field to being poured into an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle.

Oil is typically found in reservoirs deep beneath the earth’s surface, often located beneath layers of rock and sediment. To extract the oil, drilling rigs bore holes into the soil and reached the oil reservoirs. Once the oil is located, it is pumped to the surface using specialized equipment.

After the oil has been extracted from the ground, it must be transported to a refinery. Once at the refinery, it can be processed and refined. This is typically done using pipelines, tankers, or other transportation methods.

The oil is subjected to a series of processes at the refinery to remove impurities and extract useful products such as gasoline, diesel, and lubricating oils. The first step in refining is typically distillation, in which the oil is heated to a high temperature, and the resulting vapors are collected and condensed into various fractions.

The next step in the refining process is conversion, in which the various fractions are converted into more valuable products through a series of chemical reactions. For example, gasoline is produced by converting the fraction known as naphtha, while diesel is produced by converting the fraction known as gas oil.

Once the refining process is complete, the various products, including lubricating oils, are shipped to distribution centers where they can be bottled and sold to consumers. Lubricating oils are used in various applications, including as a lubricant for internal combustion engines.

To use oil as a lubricant in an engine, you must first pour it into its oil pan, located at the bottom of the engine. From there, it is pumped through the engine using the oil pump, which is driven by the engine’s crankshaft. As the oil is pumped through the machine, it lubricates the various moving parts, reducing friction and wear.

Oil can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and other impurities over time and break down and lose its lubricating properties. It is essential to regularly change the oil in an ICE vehicle to ensure that it continues to provide proper lubrication and protect the engine from wear and damage. Changing the oil regularly helps to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently.

In conclusion, oil is a vital resource harvested from the earth and refined for use in ICE vehicles. Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining the health and efficiency of an ICE vehicle’s engine. The journey that petroleum takes from an oil field to being poured into an ICE vehicle involves extraction, transportation, refining, and distribution.

What have we learned about oil’s journey to the road?

  • Oil is a fossil fuel that is harvested from the earth and refined for use in a variety of applications, including as a lubricant for internal combustion engines
  • Oil is extracted from the ground using drilling rigs and pumped to the surface using specialized equipment
  • Oil is transported to a refinery where it is processed and refined into various products, including gasoline, diesel, and lubricating oils
  • Lubricating oils are used in a variety of applications, including as a lubricant for internal combustion engines
  • Lubricating oils must be regularly changed in internal combustion engines to ensure proper lubrication and protect the engine from wear and damage.

If oil is a fossil fuel that can damage the planet through climate change, how can electric vehicles reduce the amount of oil used?

Electric vehicles (EVs) can help reduce the amount of oil used in transportation by providing an alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which rely on fossil fuels such as oil, gasoline, and diesel.

Unlike ICE vehicles, which convert chemical energy stored in fossil fuels into mechanical energy to power the engine, EVs use electricity to power an electric motor, which drives the vehicle. This electricity can be generated from various sources, including renewable energy such as solar or wind power, which do not produce greenhouse gasses and contribute to climate change.

Using electricity to power their motors, EVs can significantly reduce the amount of oil used in transportation and help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Studies have shown that EVs can produce up to 70% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than ICE vehicles over their lifetimes, depending on the source of the electricity used to charge them.

In addition to reducing oil use and greenhouse gas emissions, EVs can provide other environmental benefits. For example, they do not produce tailpipe emissions, which can improve air quality in urban areas. They also have the potential to reduce noise pollution, as they operate much more quietly than ICE vehicles.

Overall, the adoption of EVs has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of oil used in transportation and help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

Make The Switch.

The Switch Lab™ is an engaging hands-on project that your students will love. It makes learning complex topics fun and interesting. This new EV technology isn’t ahead of its time. It’s right on time.

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, collaborate as a team, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school. Let’s grow the EV tech future together!

Exploring The Future of Electric Vehicles: Imagine What We Can Learn in 2023

Switch Vehicles - The Switch Lab EV education training

Exploring The Future Of Electric Vehicles: Imagine What We Can Learn In 2023

As we move further into the 21st century, the world is facing several challenges related to climate change and the need for sustainable energy sources. One technology that has garnered much attention in recent years is the electric vehicle (EV). While EVs are still a relatively small part of the overall automotive market, they are quickly gaining in popularity. They are seen as a key part of the solution to our environmental challenges.

EVs have the potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

One of the biggest advantages of EVs is their potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, EVs are powered by batteries that can be charged using electricity from various sources, including renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. With the right infrastructure in place, EVs can help reduce our reliance on polluting fossil fuels and help combat climate change.

EVs can improve air quality and reduce air pollution in cities.

Another advantage of EVs is their potential to improve air quality. Because they produce no emissions, EVs can help reduce air pollution in cities, a major health concern. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution is responsible for over 7 million deaths yearly, making it one of the leading causes worldwide. By reducing emissions, EVs can help improve air quality and save lives.

The cost of batteries is currently a major challenge for the widespread adoption of EVs.

Despite these advantages, there are still many challenges to overcome for EVs to become more widespread. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of batteries, which are currently one of the most expensive components of EVs. However, as battery technology continues to improve and costs come down, EVs are becoming more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers.

The lack of infrastructure to support EVs is also a challenge that needs to be overcome.

Another challenge is the need for infrastructure to support EVs. For EVs to be truly effective, we need to have a network of charging stations so that people can recharge their vehicles when they are on the go. While some charging stations are already in place, there is still a long way to go before we have the infrastructure needed to support widespread EV adoption.

We can expect continued growth in the EV market, battery technology improvements, and infrastructure development to support EVs.

Despite these challenges, the future of EVs looks bright. As battery technology improves and costs continue to come down, more and more people will be able to afford EVs. And as the infrastructure to support EVs continues to develop, we will see more electric vehicles on the road.

So what can we expect in 2023? It’s hard to say for sure, but if current trends continue, we expect to see continued growth in the Electric Vehicle market, with more and more people choosing EVs as their primary mode of transportation. We may also see improvements in battery technology, which could make EVs even more affordable and effective. And with the continued development of infrastructure to support EVs, we can expect to see more charging stations and other support systems in place to help make EV ownership even more convenient.

In short, the future of EVs looks bright, and there is a lot to be excited about. As we move into 2023 and beyond, we can expect continued growth and development in this exciting technology, and we can only imagine what we will learn and discover along the way.

Learn by gaining hands-on experience by building a Switch Vehicle in 2023.

Is this the year you’ll make a switch? We hope so. It’s time to stop feeding fossil fuel companies and to begin an age of renewable energy in our commutes. These vehicles have great potential to take us into the 2030s with grace and substantial fuel savings. This new technology isn’t ahead of its time. It’s right on time.

If you want to purchase a Switch Vehicle for your school, but are concerned about how to obtain training, we offer a comprehensive Switch Vehicles Instructor Training program. These workshops are designed to teach Educators how to assemble the vehicles, problem solve, and promote the STEM Curriculum across the multiple education programs. Teachers love learning how to build our EV assembly kit, for it gets students engaged in something they’re excited to learn!

Upcoming Instructor Training Workshops include the following:

  • January 9, 2023, @ Switch Vehicles Headquarters in Sebastopol, CA
  • January 9, 2023, @ Alamo Colleges – St. Philips College in San Antonio, TX
  • January 23, 2023, @ Red River College Polytechnic in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
  • February 20, 2023, @ Switch Vehicles Headquarters in Sebastopol, CA
  • March 20, 2023, @ Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, CA
  • June 5, 2023, @ A-TEC Academy in Walpole, MA

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school.

The Five Most Anticipated EVs of 2023

Here Comes the 2023 EVs

As 2022 comes to a close, it’s time to look forward at the year ahead! The Electric Vehicle market is exciting and growing every year– both in what ‘Detroit’ is producing, and new, emerging brands on the market. New designs, new innovations, and new improvements are making EV enthusiasts salivate. Our Las Vegas trip to SEMA was a wonderful experience. We met and worked with some incredible people on their way up in the EV market!

The exchange got us excited– not only for the young generation of teenagers with an active interest in the EV build and repair future, but for the incoming crop of EVs being shown off all around our booth! In particular, 2023 is showing a surprising trend towards affordability. Switch Labs’ time at SEMA gave us a sneak peak at the future of Electric Vehicles in the North American market. We’re very excited for the 2023 lines, and we thought we’d introduce the five EVs we’re most anticipating in the market.

1. The Toyota bZ4X

Toyota is not new to the EV market, and the EVs they offer are not all that surprising for the company’s history and commitment to EV technology. What is surprising is the quality compared to other high-end luxury offerings. A fast-charging, sporty SUV, the bZ4X begins at $42k and has an approximate range of 252 miles per charge. 

2. The Fisker Ocean

Some cars just seem to surpass what you currently hope an EV will be. The Fisker Ocean understands what makes internal combustion cars exciting and fun, and translates that into the EV market. Some of the options offered will turn this roomy SUV into a convertible with one touch of a button. Add to all the things the Ocean offers the price: their most affordable model, the Ocean Sport, retails at $37.5k.

3. The Hyundai IONIQ 6

He Ioniq 6 line’s sleek design, roomy interior, energy efficiency and surprising ticket cost are all fine, but what makes the new Ioniq stand out is the pixel system, using 8-bit concepts that a generation grew up on to queue them into what the car needs. It’s the video game car of the future for Generation X!

4. The Cadillac Lyriq

The first EV Caddy on the market is as stylish as it is innovative, with a brand-new approach to battery construction. A phenomenal range (estimated 312 miles) makes it efficient and gorgeous, for the EV owner who doesn’t want to skimp on grace. Cadillac’s long-standing commitment to gent;e suspension and weight distribution is still in effect in the Lyriq. If you’re interested, start queuing now– the Lyriq has been sold out in pre-orders for some time.

5. The Nissan Ariya

The many different configurations of the Ariya offer range, four wheel drive or all wheel drive (e4ORCE, Nissan’s dual engine AWD system), self-parking systems, 360 degree camera systems, and more, for a range of prices that are well worth the investment.

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school.