To Purchase an EV, or to not Purchase an EV, 2023.

     An EV is defined as a vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery and is capable of being charged from an external source. (IEA.org)

     The choices are extensive in 2023.  Choose wisely.

     Some newer, up to date models have long waiting lists. You can buy a used EV right off the lot, right now, though.

     EVs are the right choice if you want to help the environment by cutting emissions.

     In comparison, combustion engines have more repair costs than EVs. Although, the EV trade off in repair costs hasn't completely been charted, yet.  Mechanics for combustion vehicles are everywhere.  You might go to an EV station to get it repaired and there might be only one EV mechanic.

     EVs began with a bad wrap.  To be nice, the original Prius was very ugly.  Current EVs are more normal and brand worthy.

     The ranked Best Used Electric Cars 2023:
1. Nissan Leaf
2. Tesla Model S
3. Tesla Model 3

     Other EVs 2023:
BMW i3
Chevrolet Bolt EV
Kia Niro EV
Hyundai Kona Electric
Volkswagen e-Golf
Kia Soul EV
Jaguar I-Pace
Ford Mustang Mach-E

     In general, the more range on a single full charge, the bigger the battery, and the higher the price of the car.  The average price, right now, for an electric vehicle is more than $60,000. That’s before incentives, rebates, and tax credits from the state, federal and local government. Tax credits can add up to a $10,000 savings per car, depending on the vehicle and in many cases, a buyer’s income.

     The key to not spending so much money when going used is to make sure the original seller is giving you all of the original charging equipment. It becomes extremely costly to have to purchase new EV charging equipment.  In a sample EV search, the battery specifications weren't listed online. Make sure it is an asking point, and possibly a bargaining point at the dealership. (Consumer reports)

     The range on older EVs tends to be fairly low.

     Ask the sales people if the battery is new. Obtain battery maintenance paperwork. New EV battery replacement is expensive. Basic battery warranties on EVs are more or less than 8 years or 100,000 miles.

     Estimate your needed charge range. As previously, the newer the EV, the longer the range. Is the vehicle for business use?  Is the vehicle for personal use?   Think about the convenience of your access to charging stations. You should have one charging station at home, and you should have other charging stations on your daily route. Charging stations have different levels: one, two, and three. Also, consider the charging speed of your charge station. Are you ready to spend all day sitting there, or would you rather charge your car, all night, at home? You won't miss the ease of access to gas stations until they're no longer an option. Metropolitan cities have a variety of charging stations while some cities don't have any at all.

     EVs are available with top ranges from about 100 miles to more than 500 miles.

     Although the warranty is 8 years/ 100,000 miles, the first 5 years are the best miles in a new EV.  After 5 years, or so, the mileage per charge reduces drastically.

     Area electric charging compatibility inconveniences can become a problem.  Charger locations can be unsuitable. It takes a long time to charge a car.  Depending on the vehicle and the charger, it can take from half an hour to several hours for a full charge. Public chargers don't always work perfectly, the same as gas station pumps.

     Tax credits are available for EV drivers.  Yes, there are nice tax incentives for EV owners. Research state tax credits details.  Make sure that the Make, and Model of your EV dwells underneath the requirements to receive a tax break.

     Some researchers say an EV costs more to use and fill up than it does to fill up a gas powered car.  The cost for a new EV battery can be upwards of $15,000. These statistics can change based on the economy.

     Noticeably, how fun is it to sit for 35 minutes to recharge your car versus 3 minutes to fuel up a combustion car?  Take a guess.

Quick example Used EV Search comparison:

(Google search conducted 9/2023) 

1) used EV highest price: CarMax.com: 2022 TESLA X $90,998, 8K mi, $799 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), red/white

2) used EV highest price: CarMax.com: 2022 TESLA X $89,998, 52K mi, $1,899 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), white/grey

3) used EV highest price: CarMax.com: 2021 TESLA S Plaid $87,998, 52K mi, $1,099 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), red/white

---
1) used EV lowest price: CarMax.com: 2014 SPARK EV LT $11,599, 52K mi, $799 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), white/black

2) used EV lowest price: CarMax.com: 2015 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC $11,998, 15K mi, $1,099 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), white/black

3) used EV lowest price: CarMax.com: 2014 BMW I3 $15,998, 17K mi, $1,099 shipping, (battery specifications not mentioned), red/white

---
1) used EV highest price: Carvana.com: 2020 PORSCHE TAYCAN $91,990, 5K mi, $990 shipping, AC electric motor, grey

2) used EV lowest price: Carvana.com: 2023 BMW iX $86,990, 52K mi, $1,490 shipping, AC electric motor, grey

3) used EV highest price: Carvana.com: 2022 RIVIAN R1T $72,990, 18K mi, $0 shipping, AC electric motor, green

---
1) used EV lowest price: Carvana.com: 2012 NISSAN LEAF $10,990, 32K mi, $1,490 shipping, AC electric motor, white

2) used EV lowest price: Carvana.com: 2014 MITSUBISHI iMiEVi $11,990, 59K mi, $0 shipping, AC electric battery, grey

3)used EV lowest price: CarMax.com: FORD FOCUS $11,990, 28K mi, $1,190 shipping, AC electric motor, white 

     

     In conclusion, an electric vehicle is a nice choice if you have the available funds. Money is always an issue, but in this case, it seems to be the only deciding issue.  Convenience is a heavy trade-off. EVs are quiet and very modern. If you have the money you don't really need the tax credits.  Always research customer comments.  Dealing with climate change, in 2023, is a really good argument in favor of an EV. 

     Test drive at least 3 different EVs.  Check out some comparison videos, too.

     To buy or not to buy an EV, 2023.

New Home Mortgage

      Are you ready to buy a home?  

     You should be able to get the right mortgage.  Likewise, seek out the right lender and acquire the right price.

     Avoid bad fees. Attempt to manage the home-buying industry.  Negotiate the most cost-effective way to finance your home.

     Plenty of people will need to get a mortgage.  Mortgage is for individuals unable to pay up front, directly (http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/mortgage.html)

     Paying "up front", means you are unable to pay cash. Buying a house in cash means it requires 100% down.  The seller will lower the price, and as the buyer you will be sans lenders.

     If buying it in cash is a dream, it’s important to find a loan that meets your needs.  Your needs include your budget.  There are different types of mortgages:

1.  Conventional Mortgage- 

     a loan that is not subsidized by the federal government. There are two types of conventional loans: conforming and non-conforming.  

a) A conforming loan is bound by maximum loan limits which are set by the federal government. These limits vary by geographic area.  

b) A non-conforming loan in general can’t be sold or bought.  Loan bartering is restricted on non-confirming loans due to the principle amount or underwriting guidelines.  

2.  Government-insured loan- 

   lenders are less concerned with the risk of repayment.  This sort of loan is supported by the government.  The government guarantees repayment to the bank should you default on your mortgage payment.

3.  FHA- Federal Housing Authority-  

     this type of loan has more lenient requirements. Credit prerequisites and down payment are minor in comparison to other loan types available. It is necessary for the buyer to acquire the loan in order to purchase or refinance a primary residence. FHA loans tend to be more popular with first-time homebuyers.

4.  FHA 203k loan- 

     this Federal Housing Authority loan is designated with regard to home improvement and home purchase, together.  A 203k loan is guaranteed by the FHA, which means lenders take less risk when offering this loan.  There is a minimum and maximum applied in conjunction with the repair costs.  The total value of the house is rated a few different ways, but the lesser of the values is taken into account(https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/sell-your-house-fixer-upper/).

5.  Veterans Affairs loan- 

     this option is available to veterans, reservists, active duty military, and surviving spouses of veterans. A VA loan is typically considered the best loan option  at one's disposal because it requires no down payment, no private mortgage insurance.

6.  USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) loan- 

     these are for those individuals purchasing a home in a eligibly rural suburban community. Affordable interest rates apply. To be eligible means the neighborhood has to meet population size requirements.

7.  Good Neighbor Next Door program- 

     this is sponsored by HUD(Housing and Urban Development).  This loan is provided for housing aid for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers.

     When acquiring a loan, or mortgage, you will need to have a fixed rate, or an adjustable rate.  Fixed rate applies to buyers seeking a lower payment over a longer period of time. Fixed rate are stable, with a consistent monthly payment amount.  Adjustable rates are subject to change after an initial grace period.  One month can be completely different than the payment for the following month.  

     In conclusion, plenty of mortgages are available.  Check your credit report before applying for a home loan. You'll have room in order to fix the problem area.  Acquire your financial goal and work on saving a large down payment.  Try to resolve any history of late payments before you approach a mortgage lender.  Arrange and compare all of the loans available to you.

You'll be ready to buy a house soon

Zika Virus update

1. Effective-

In both cell cultures and mouse models, a drug used to treat Hepatitis C effectively protected and rescued neural cells infected by the Zika virus -- and blocked transmission of the virus to mouse fetuses.

Cell culture-
refers to the removal of cells from an animal or plant and their subsequent growth in a favorable artificial environment.

Mouse models-
mice naturally develop conditions that mimic human disease conditions, so inbred laboratory mice have been used as model organisms to study the virus.

2. Useage-

Researcherssay their findings support further investigation of using the repurposed drug as a potential treatment for Zika-infected adults, including pregnant women.

3. Explanation-

Research took place in the Muotri Lab, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093.

Goal: a cure for the zika virus.

    
     "The team investigated an antiviral drug called sofosbuvir, approved and marketed under the brand name Sovaldi to treat and cure hepatitis C infections.  The drug works by inhibiting replication of the hepatitis C virus. Researchers noted that both hepatitis C and Zika belong to the same viral family and bore strong structural similarities that could make sofosbuvir effective against the latter. In addition, it had been reported that sofosbuvir was protective against Zika in different cell types (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180125135529.htm)."

Zika vs. Sofosbuvir-

a.  rescued dying NPCs infected with the Zika

b.  restored gene expression linked to their antiviral response

c.  arrested Zika replication in vivo

d.  stopped flow from mother to fetus

e.  the drug was well-tolerated by the Zika-infected pregnant mice

     "In subsequent tests using an immunodeficient mouse model infected by Zika, intravenous injections of sofosbuvir significantly reduced viral loads in blood serum compared to a placebo group. Moreover, fetuses of Zika-infected pregnant mice did not show detectable Zika virus amplification in the sofosbuvir-treated group."
 http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/repurposed_drug_found_to_be_effective_against_zika_virus

More research needs to be done, but we are approaching the effective cure of the Zika virus.

Hydrogen Batteries

     Have you ever wondered why you can't get a lot of life out of your battery?

There's variety ways to maximize your battery is potential.

battery conditioning instructions-

-charge your extended battery 8-10 hours every single time you charge it

-keep your smartphone updated

-etc.

     We might not have to worry about battery maximum usage, anymore.

"Hydrogen has drawn backing from big energy companies from Royal Dutch Shell Plc to Uniper SE in addition to carmakers BMW AG and Audi AG. They’re supporting research into how the element can be used to store energy for weeks or even months beyond what lithium-ion batteries can manage."

(https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2017-09-05/better-than-a-battery-big-energy-backs-hydrogen-power-storage)

What are hydrogen fuel cells?

    Hydrogen fuel cells can be found in many different places today. The technology is still developing.  

     Most fuel cell applications have been for demonstration projects. Applications have included small handheld devices, such as cell phones and laptop computers, electric vehicles, from passenger cars to buses, and stationary power for office buildings, hospitals, and other large commercial and institutional facilities. They are particularly useful in indoor warehouses to power forklifts because they don’t emit any noxious fumes. They are also used in remote places where access to a conventional power supply is limited or impossible, such as off-grid home-sites and field weather stations. 

     As of today, fuel cells can be found in the space shuttles, and below the ocean surface in recent submarines.

     Wouldn't it be awesome if we did not have to worry about battery maximum usage?

The EDUCATION box

So, are you going to college?

In 2013, you might as well look at continued education as minimum requirements for any job. 

               

Consulting firm Accenture conducted a survey by speaking with 1,005 students who graduated from college in 2011 and 2012.  The survey, out Tuesday, found that 41% of college graduates from the last two years are stuck in jobs that don't require a degree (New York, CNN Money, Isidore May 1, 2013)

 

You have done the math already.  All of the students working jobs with a no degree requirement are moving the bar up a notch.  Take into consideration that employers find that the person with the degree might be overqualified, but demonstrates a higher degree of work performance.  Thus, you do need a degree to have that position.

When an applicant reaches the EDUCATION box on a job application, it should be full, and diverse.  One four year degree, a few certificates, and a master’s degree show great diversity and better qualifications.  Graduates get their hopes up without an understanding of the economy out of the textbook.  There is a lack of job options.  The typical graduate will feel that if a different major had been taken there would not be an unemployment problem. 

 

“Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said they would need additional training in order to start their chosen career, with 42% saying they expect to go to graduate school (New York, CNN Money, Isidore May 1, 2013).”

 “Most jobs attract a large number of applicants, and those who have graduated from college are more attractive to employers, because they have taken an additional step toward gaining knowledge, skills and training (http://www.happynews.com/living/college/college-required-jobs.htm).”

 

When you get the question, “So, are you going to college?”  This question should follow with a quick, proud, self-assured, “Yes, indeed.  You want to see what my application will look like?”

Those that have gone to college are always pleased to answer that question. In the EDUCATION box, there isn’t enough lines.