2021 - The Red Ferret JournalThe Red Ferret Journal

Eco Friendly December 31, 2021 posted by Nigel

Tech of the Year 2021? Our vote goes to solar power. Again

Regular readers will know that The Ferret is a big fan of solar power. No other technology has the potential to replace our energy needs so efficiently and conveniently as solar. Sure, wind and sea turbines offer superb output at scale, but unless you have a few million in spare change, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to enjoy your own wind or sea power anytime soon. It’s only solar, with it’s local, household level (or even vehicle level)…

Electric Cars December 12, 2021 posted by Nigel

CyberLandr – the world’s first Cybertruck camper van

What’s the definition of vaporware? How about a brand new concept vehicle, based on an electric car that has never been sold on the market? A concept which has gained an instant valuation of $400 million? If that kind of stuff leaves you bemused and amused, then you’ll love the CyberLandr. The new electric camper van, based on the Tesla Cybertruck, will apparently retail at around $45,000 (which seems ridiculously cheap to us) when it finally arrives sometime whenever.

Eco Friendly November 21, 2021 posted by Nigel

Yara Birkeland – world’s first autonomous electric containership launched

Those clever Norwegians have gone and built the world’s first electric autonomous containership. Which is a big deal. The 80 metre long Yara Birkeland had its maiden voyage last week, and when operational will apparently cut the emissions of 40,000 truckloads of freight per year. Initial routes will be very local, delivering fertilizer from a factory to distribution depot down the Norwegian coast.

Reviews November 6, 2021 posted by Simon Bossuyt

Amazfit T-Rex Pro Review after 1 Month

I’ve used and compared the Amazfit T-Rex Pro for more than a month, so let’s see how it holds up!

Bizarre October 21, 2021 posted by Nigel

Walletmor – the implanted credit card that lets you pay with a wave

Anyone who’s ever forgotten their purse or credit card and found themselves embarrassed at a check-out till, now have a new option. The Walletmor is an implantable wallet which uses NFC tech to let you pay for stuff with a wave of your arm. The developers boast that the implant is accepted worldwide and cannot be hacked. The implant is apparently ‘painless’ to insert in a 15 minute session and costs €199.

Reviews October 17, 2021 posted by Simon Bossuyt

Philips Momentum 559M1 4K Monitor for Xbox Series X – Review

This Philips momentum monitor is the first monitor designed for the Xbox Series X specifically. Now what does this mean?

Electric Cars October 15, 2021 posted by Nigel

Stella Vita – van life gets the perfect solar electric makeover

Oh how we love this! The Stella Vita is the world’s first completely self sufficient mobile home. And it’s not just some remote concept, it actually works. The vehicle has been developed by am amazing student team in Eindhoven, Netherlands and has just completed an astounding 1800 mile run down from Holland to Spain using solar power and electric mains charge.

Electric Cars October 13, 2021 posted by Nigel

Electric Double Decker Bus – updates the London scene with zero emissions

Let’s say you’re the owner of a small to medium size city. And you want – no need – to improve your finances as fast as possible. You could turn it into a gambling metro. You could offer tax advantages for doing business there. Or you could, with a bit of imagination, invest $240,000 in this glorious rip-off of a London double decker bus. But electric. And run tours around your city all day long. Wowwee.

Electric Cars September 23, 2021 posted by Nigel

Nio ET7 – this flagship 1000 km range EV points to the future

So it looks like a Tesla, sounds like a Tesla and goes like the wind. The new flagship Nio ET7 electric car really points the way to a sea of classy looking rivals for the title of posh EV of the year. We like the design and the range from the 100kWh battery looks magnificent. But like everything else, the real proof will be in the reliability and support services.

Electric Cars September 18, 2021 posted by Nigel

Will solid state batteries trigger a magic new EV age?

It’s pretty common knowledge that upgrading battery tech is going to be crucial to mass adoption of electric transportation of any type. Lithium Ion is an establish tech, but it’s too volatile and inefficient to encourage a breakthrough in electric vehicles. The betting currently seems to be on solid state batteries, which is why this solid state battery post outlining the pros and cons is interesting.

Eco Friendly August 31, 2021 posted by Nigel

Buoyant – air freight just got interesting

Freight is a problem as far as the environment goes. Every mode of transport for goods has serious emissions, whether it’s boats, planes or trucks. Good then to see a new initiative, which if it takes off (heh) could dramatically reduce the environmental and financial cost of freight services. The Buoyant Aero freight blimp promises 250 mile all electric range and a payload of 650 lbs. All at half the operating cost of a Cessna light aircraft.

cool tech August 22, 2021 posted by Nigel

Chargie – worried about damaging your phone battery by over charging? This neat gadget has you covered.

Most of us have this secret fear of over-charging our phone battery, right? That’s why we unplug when we can, try not to leave the phone charging overnight and make sure to charge up before the battery has drained completely. But it can be hard to keep it up, which means that our phone battery often degrades faster than it could or should. Now there’s a new gadget which could solve that problem nicely.

cool tech August 5, 2021 posted by Nigel

Elroy Air Chaparral – this cargo drone could change the face of delivery in the future

Automation is still happening in full force, and the latest example of this is the Elroy Air Chaparral hybrid cargo drone. The craft is designed to deliver 300 to 500 pounds of cargo up to a range of 300 miles without an on-board human pilot. It’s a hybrid electric aircraft because it adds a generator to the electric power mix, to maximise lift during takeoff.

Eco Friendly July 22, 2021 posted by Nigel

MoEa – sneakers made from fruit offer a low carbon alternative to leather and plastic

Cool footwear is not so much a fashion thing, more a religion. Which is probably why so many eco shoe projects end up failing miserably. This latest effort, from international company Mother of Earth (MoEa) may buck the trend. Their MoEa Sneakers are apparently crafted from only the finest fruit and vegetables. Not sure whether they’re organic (artf!), but we applaud the concept wholeheartedly.

Electric Cars July 9, 2021 posted by Nigel

Lightyear One – solar car travels 710 kms (440 miles) on single 60kWh charge

Dutch electric car maker Lightyear has passed another milestone this week, with the announcement of a test run which completed 710 kilometres (440 miles) at a speed of 85 km per hour. The Lightyear One vehicle has long been marketed as a super efficient EV and this latest coup proves the point. The car features embedded solar panels, super efficient electric in-wheel motors and a bunch of other software and hardware enhancements focused on maximising the vehicle’s range. The results…

Yearly Archives: 2021