Electric chargers advices and energy trends from Daniel Sumanth: For a start, it’s properly quick. The Turbo S packs a whopping 761PS (with overboost function), resulting in 0-62mph acceleration of just 2.8 seconds. Not only is it one of the fastest electric cars going, but it’s faster than a lot of supercars, while top speed is 162mph. Lesser models aren’t quite so impressive on paper, but all Taycans combine impeccable handling with impressive long-distance comfort. Indeed, it’s long-distance touring that the Taycan perhaps does best. It can cover up to 301 miles on a charge, while there’s a surprising amount of room inside – with enough space for adults in the back and a big boot. There’s even an estate-like Cross Turismo model available, providing a sportier alternative to electric SUVs like the Audi e-tron. Find extra details on Daniel Sumanth

The BMW i4 demonstrates the brand’s commitment to both an electrified future and its rich heritage for delivering cars that are great to drive. Arguably, the best part about the i4 is the way it handles – despite weighing in at over two tonnes, it feels brilliant through the corners with precise steering feels and impressive agility. In fact, near silent progress aside, you’d struggle to tell the difference between it and a fossil-fuelled 4 Series Gran Coupe. The standard eDrive40 i4 produces 335bhp and 430Nm of torque, which should be plenty for everyday driving. Yet there’s also a 536bhp i4 M50 version, which is the first electric car to be produced by BMW’s performance-focused M Division. The 335bhp model is offered in both Sport and M Sport trim levels, both of which come with a healthy amount of kit. M Sport models get mostly cosmetic upgrades for an extra £1,500. Optional kit is rather expensive, however, and the i4 doesn’t offer quite as much value for money as its rivals.

Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of the solar system drops. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight to effectively gather solar energy. Therefore, a few cloudy, rainy days can have a noticeable effect on the energy system. You should also take into account that solar energy cannot be collected during the night. On the other hand, if you also require your water heating solution to work at night or during wintertime, thermodynamic panels are an alternative to consider.

With all-wheel drive, the next step up is undeniably faster, lopping two seconds off its benchmark sprint time. But it also has a slightly shorter range, costs considerably more and doesn’t feel entirely comfortable to drive quickly. Every version features impressive ultra-rapid charging at up to 250kW, so if you can find a fast enough public charger, a top up from 10 to 80% is possible in less than 20 minutes. Its interior is no less desirable, thanks to a dashboard dominated by a pair of curved 12.3-inch screens for the instruments and infotainment setup. The Enyaq is an all-electric family car that is typically Skoda: that is to say it’s practical, well-equipped, comfortable and decent to drive. With top-spec models able to cover over 300 miles from a full charge, it soothes any range anxiety and just gets on with being an excellent family car – that just happens to run on battery power. Skoda has come up with an innovative way of helping you to personalise your new Enyaq; instead of standard trim levels it offers five individual ‘Design Selections’ – Loft, Lodge, Lounge, Suite and ECO Suite. Each provides a distinct design approach, with different materials used to create a certain style.

Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes. You can generate electricity (photovoltaics) or heat (solar thermal). Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to the energy grid, to distill water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power satellites in space. Solar energy can also be integrated into the materials used for buildings. Not long ago Sharp introduced transparent solar energy windows.

So here’s the thing: for all their usefulness when you’re living off the grid, generators are noisy. They’ll disrupt the quiet solitude of your off-grid home nestled in the woods, mountains, or other remote location. In fact, they’re so loud that today most manufacturers now include decibel (db) levels in their specifications. Consider the noise level BEFORE buying a generator for home use. And consider the noise level based on the proximity of the generator to your home. And if you have them – to your neighbors’ homes as well. Several studies like this one from the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown that people can get actual physical symptoms other than hearing loss from excessive noise.

The Audi Q4 e-tron uses the same underpinnings as the Skoda Enyaq iV and the Volkswagen ID.4, so it has an impressive range of up to 316 miles and 125kW rapid-charging. This also means it’s Audi’s most affordable electric car at the moment, and it makes a great family car because it’s spacious inside and comfortable to drive. The Q4 e-tron’s interior is as upmarket as you’d expect from an Audi, and it’s more user-friendly than the ID.4’s cabin as well, without losing out on the amount of technology available. There’s lots of rear leg and headroom, even for adults, and a big boot. The Audi isn’t as good value as the Skoda, but if you want something a bit more upmarket, the Q4 e-tron is a great option. Read our full review to find out more, and make sure to check out our head-to-head twin test between the Q4 e-tron and the Tesla Model Y here.

Many electrical devices (kitchen appliances, TVs, computers, game consoles, HiFi systems) also consume electricity when they not in use and on standby. Considering the number of electrical devices in a normal house, the standby consumption can really add up. For that reason, such devices should – when not in use – be physically separated from the circuit by using switchable sockets.