Fiat’s all-new, all-electric Fiat 500 city car has been caught testing again ahead of its expected 2020 Geneva motor show debut. The new prototypes, clearly based on the outgoing model, don’t reveal much about the new car’s exterior. They do, however, offer the briefest of glimpses into the car’s cabin. We can see the Mini Electric rival’s dashboard has been completely overhauled, with new instruments and a large central infotainment screen visible. A new rotary gear selector also features, mounted on a plinth below the centre console and surrounded by buttons. Earlier this year Fiat said it would invest 700 million Euros on the electric city car, to include a new production line in Mirafiori, Italy. Fiat hopes to produce 80,000 examples of the new 500e. The car will be sold alongside the existing 500, which will continue to be powered by conventional petrol engines as well as receiving styling and technical updates. The all-new electric 500 will sit on a bespoke electric car platform, according to Fiat boss Olivier Francois, with the same platform potentially earmarked for use if the the new Panda-inspired Centoventi concept makes production. The electric 500 will be a key part of Fiat’s transformation in Europe into a brand focusing on small electrified city cars. “The car will stay true to everything you know about the 500, but will be entirely new,” said Francois. “Under the skin it will be radically different, but otherwise you will recognise the size and proportions. “But it is a big statement, starting our electric path with the 500. We are doing it with that car for reasons of pricing. It is clear that we cannot sell an electric 500 for the same entry price of today’s 500, but what’s clear is that more than half of our 500 customers today do not buy entry-level models. In fact, for them a 24,000 euro price is normal today. “If you look at our electric competition, they are priced around 32,000 euros. The leap then from 24,000 to 32,000 is not so much, especially if you factor in government grants for electric vehicles. Francois refused to be drawn on whether the electric 500 could be rear-wheel drive like the original, but said he would be open to the idea. He also said that an electric Abarth model could hold appeal. The electric car platform that the 500e will sit on will be FCA Group developed. Francois said he would personally be open to sharing the technology with partners – the 500 platform has previously been shared with the Ford Ka, for instance, but he stressed that any such decision would have to be made at a Group level. Fiat also confirmed the 500 lineup will be expanded with a 500 Giardiniera estate, although the firm didn’t say if that version would also appear at next year’s Geneva show. The aim is to consolidate the brand’s dominance of the city car segment – the 500 and Panda hold a third of this market – while developing technologies that allow these models to satisfy emission regulations. The 500 Giardiniera, which references the tiny wagon of 1960, will offer the best space efficiency in its class, says Fiat, and “unmistakable design”. It too will get electric and mild hybrid variants. The 500’s new platform architecture can also cope with a mild hybrid system. That unit consists of a belt driven, 12V starter-generator, although little detail has been provided on the electric drivetrain to be used in the 500. Lower-emissions petrol engines will also be offered in the 500 and Panda. Francois conceded that the decision to develop the electric cars was driven “both by the desire to create a profitable electric car for our future, and to ensure we avoid the pressures of potential fines if we don’t hit CO2 targets.” Given the limited space for batteries and the 500’s urban appeal, range of the 500e is likely to be less than EVs such as the Nissan Leaf, which offers around 250 miles. The 500e will be a rival to a growing number of small EVs – Mini’s first series-production electric car is due in 2019, at the same time as the Honda Urban EV. The 500e will be one of four electric powertrains offered by FCA. It will sit use a ‘City Car’ powertrain, while a ‘Mainstream’ powertrain will be launched in the Jeep Grand Commander. A ‘Performance’ powertrain will feature in the 2020 Maserati Alfieri and a ‘Premium’ EV powertrain will power the 2022 Maserati Quattroporte. The push for electrification comes amid Fiat Chrysler’s abandonment of diesel; by 2022, there will be no diesel options in the FCA catalogue. These will be replaced by numerous hybrids, both full and plug-in, the first of which will be the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, landing in 2020. The production capacity released by the deletion of the Punto and other unspecified Fiat models – such as Tipo – will be used to build more Alfa Romeos and Maseratis, whose premium prices can withstand the electrification costs. Some Italian capacity will be used to build some plug-in hybrid models, including
Origin: New Fiat 500e: electric city car seen inside and out in new shots
City
The newest New York City taxi cab is — the Tesla Model 3
In addition to its five stock colours for consumers, you might soon see Teslas Model 3 in bright yellow. The all-electric sedan has been approved for use as a taxicab in New York City.According to Autoblog, the Model 3 was recently added to the list of vehicles permitted by the citys Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC).Its the first all-electric car officially approved for taxi use since the first electric carriages that drove alongside horse-drawn cabs in the 1890s. The Model 3 was one of some twenty cars added to the list.In a response to Autoblog, the TLC said it didnt know who submitted the request to approve the Tesla. The city issues Alternative Fuel Medallions, but up until now, the published rules have stated these are valid only for a vehicle that is a hybrid electric vehicle or is powered by compressed natural gas that is manufactured by an original equipment manufacturer for the general commercial or consumer market. In addition, such a vehicle has to meet the same standard as other taxis, including minimum exterior size and interior volume, luggage capacity and air conditioning. Vehicles with internal combustion engines cant make more than 295 horsepower, and the Tesla meets that restriction in all but the Model 3s high-performance versions.New York previously designated an official taxicab, which most cab owners were required to purchase. In 2011, the Nissan NV200 Taxi of Tomorrow was named the official vehicle, but it was a controversial decision since it pushed out the previous greener choice, the Ford Escape Hybrid.Some believed the loss of the lucrative New York taxi market was the reason behind Fords decision to ditch the hybrid version which had far fewer consumer sales when the Escape was redesigned for 2013.In 2018, the TLC dropped the NV200 purchase requirement and approved a list of 30 possible vehicles, such as the Toyota Camry.To qualify as a taxi, the Model 3 as with every other vehicle will have to be equipped with a roof light, medallion and decals, an interior partition and cameras to photograph passengers, and be painted yellow. It will be allowed to remain in service for a maximum of seven years.LISTEN: In this week’s episode, we talk about all the electrifying news coming out of the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show with Postmedia Driving senior writer David Booth, including Ford’s bold Mustang Mach-e SUV. And, of course, we get Booth’s take on Tesla’s Cybertruck. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: The newest New York City taxi cab is — the Tesla Model 3
20$ million are dropped in the Canadian city where our first electric cars rolled
Last Friday, Quebecs Minister of Economy and Innovation, Pierre Fitzgibbon, fought Highway 15s busy traffic heading north to St. Jerome, bringing with him $20 million in much needed funding and subsidies.He stopped off first at a conglomerate of seven Quebec companies specializing in heavy electric vehicles, namely the commercial EV platform developed by Compagnie Électrique Lion and underlying its St.-Jerome-built electric school buses (sold mostly to California).The $7.9-million provincial contribution should help materialize projects like electric ambulances, dump trucks and firetrucks, which together could reduce greenhouse gas emissions totaling nearly 3 million tons of CO2 over a horizon of ten years, reads the press release.While that news garnered the most headlines, the real deal, was the non-profit connecting those companies, the beneficiary of the largest portion $12.7 million of governmental aid: L’Institut du Véhicule Innovant (The Innovative Vehicle Institute, or IVI). St. Jerome: Where “modern” EVs were first testedThanks to IVI, Ville de Saint-Jérome has been a hot-bed of EV development for more than 20 years. In the beginning, it was all about electric cars remember in 1996, Tesla wasnt even a gleam in Elons eye and the garage-laboratoire, then named CEVEQ (Centre d’expertise du véhicule électrique du Québec), was something of a global pioneer.It made Laurentians capital the first Canadian city inundated with zero-emission cars. An electric Citron Berlingo was used by municipal administration; local police drove an electrified Peugeot 106. And the corporation helped develop and commercialize the St. Jerome-assembled ZENN, a Zero Emission No Noise low-speed two-seater. (If you dont remember the ZENN, its because it barely sold 500 units from 2006 to 2010, mainly Stateside.)At that time, we were a voice in the wilderness, says IVIs executive director, Franois Adam. Then, around 2010, electric passenger cars took off with the likes of Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. Since 2015, the Institute has focused on electrifying heavy-duty vehicles, industrial equipment and even autonomous machinerie.More square feet — for crazier ideasSo, yes, Quebec has a specialized think tank bringing to life all kinds of strange vehicles for clients who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Theres the MadVac, from Longueuils Exprolink, an electric garbage collector currently cleaning up New Yorks Central Park; the Manufacture Adria, from Rouyn-Noranda, a piece of specialized electric mining equipment. IVI helped with the Lion electric school bus mentioned above, as well as electric motorcycles and boats.In the last five years, IVI worked with 120 companies from all over La Belle Province, generating more than $12 million of retombées, says its executive director. While initiating those commercial and industrial energy efficiency solutions, its also been training future technicians IVIs a collegiate center of technology transfer, affiliated with Cégep de Saint-Jérôme.But until now, IVIs 30 employees were spread out between the downtown college and a business park, its current garage-laboratoire so small only one project can be tackled at a time. Theres no room in this 100-square-meter laboratory to welcome any other innovation en devenir.Thats about to change, with the $12.7 million issued by Quebecs Infrastructures for Research and Innovation. The money, plus some land granted by the city of St. Jerome and another $1.3 million from IVIs own pockets, will help erect a new 2,712-square-meter building uniting the firms employees under one roof, while adding a much-needed bigger prototyping room.The new pavilion should be ready early 2022. We have so many interesting projects but with our current limited space, were always on the brake, says Adam. With this new facility, not only will we add 10 haute technologie jobs, but well quadruple our laboratory
Origin: 20$ million are dropped in the Canadian city where our first electric cars rolled
Bristol City Council approves first UK ban for diesel cars
Bristol City Council has approved plans for Britain’s first no-diesel zone in the city centre as part of a drive to improve air quality in the area. The so-called Clean Air Zone, to be implemented in 2021, has been devised as a means of delivering “the fastest possible improvement in air quality against targets for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) legal limits”, according to the council. The measures will see privately-owned diesel vehicles banned from entering a designated section of the city centre between 7am and 3pm every day. A wider charging zone would be in constant operation for high-emission commercial vehicles, with vans and taxis facing a £9 fee and buses and taxis facing a £100 fee for entering it. The announcement comes two years after Bristol City Council was ordered by the government to produce a plan for bringing the area’s NO2 levels to within legal limits. It has been suggested that the Clean Air Zone could help to achieve this by 2025. The proposal still needs government approval, however. Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: “These ambitious plans demonstrate our commitment to tackling air pollution so we meet legal limits within the shortest time, without disproportionally affecting citizens on lower incomes, which would happen with a blanket approach to charging vehicles. “Protecting the most vulnerable people from pollution is central to these plans and we have ensured that all impacts have been carefully considered. If approved, mitigation measures will support those most affected, especially those living in the most deprived communities.” Nicholas Lyes, head of policy at the RAC, said the planned restrictions could have an adverse affect on roads elsewhere: “Major routes into, out of, and even around the city – like Temple Way and Brunel Way – would become out of bounds, with diesel vehicles forced onto other roads, which risks causing congestion problems where they don’t exist at the moment.” He also called attention to the fact that “drivers of diesel cars who are locked into finance packages may face a significant penalty to exit their contract early”, and suggested that drivers of older vehicles could be forced into upgrading at significant cost. SMMT boss Mike Hawes echoed the RAC’s concerns, adding that “this proposed blanket ban, which goes against government’s guidelines, fails to distinguish between modern vehicles and decades-old technologies and will only cause confusion for drivers while also undermining efforts to boost air quality”. The predicted cost of implementation of the scheme totals £113.5 million, with comprehensive upgrades to the city’s ANPR network, road marking and signage necessary to its successful operation. The final business case is due to be submitted to government in February next
Origin: Bristol City Council approves first UK ban for diesel cars
Bristol City Council plots diesel vehicle ban
Bristol City Council is consulting on proposals to introduce the UK’s first no-diesel zone by 2021, as part of a drive to improve air quality in the area. The so-called Clean Air Zone has been devised as a means of delivering “the fastest possible improvement in air quality against targets for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) legal limits”, according to the council. If implemented, the measures would see privately-owned diesel vehicles banned from entering a designated section of the city centre between 7am and 3pm every day. A wider charging zone would be in constant operation for high-emission commercial vehicles, including buses, taxis, HGVs and LGVs, with suggested costs yet to be announced. A diesel vehicle scrappage scheme would launch at the same time, to encourage Bristol drivers to swap into less polluting cars. The announcement comes two years after Bristol City Council was ordered by the government to produce a plan for bringing the area’s NO2 levels to within legal limits. It has been suggested that the Clean Air Zone could help to achieve this by 2025. Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: “These ambitious plans demonstrate our commitment to tackling air pollution so we meet legal limits within the shortest time, without disproportionally affecting citizens on lower incomes, which would happen with a blanket approach to charging vehicles. “Protecting the most vulnerable people from pollution is central to these plans and we have ensured that all impacts have been carefully considered. If approved, mitigation measures will support those most affected, especially those living in the most deprived communities.” The predicted cost of implementation of the scheme totals £113.5 million, with comprehensive upgrades to the city’s ANPR network, road marking and signage necessary to its successful operation. The proposals will be fully detailed and debated at a meeting of Bristol City Council’s cabinet on 5 November. The final business case is due to be submitted to government in February next
Origin: Bristol City Council plots diesel vehicle ban
Plugged In Podcast: From electric Porsche replicas to three-wheeled city cars
Meccanica founder Jerry Kroll with the Sparrow electric car, which served as the prototype for the Vancouver-based company’s Solo vehicle. He will be the first guest on Plugged In, our new podcast on EVs.Gerry Kahrmann / Postmedia Plugged In connects you to the ever-expanding Canadian electric vehicle network, featuring in-depth interviews with experts, engineers and everyday EV owners from across the country and from around the world.In this inaugural episode well speak with Jerry Kroll, the founder of Vancouver-based electric vehicle manufacturer Meccanica. You might be familiar with the companys three-wheeled, single-seat Solo, which has been displayed at auto shows across the country and has been a sensation on social media platforms.Jerry epitomizes the passion that people working in the electric vehicle segment have, not just for the remarkable technology itself, but also for the bigger picture of how the technology can impact the future of our planet.Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.
Origin: Plugged In Podcast: From electric Porsche replicas to three-wheeled city cars
Nissan reveals electric IMk city car concept
Nissan has revealed the IMk concept, an electric city car that hints at future styling for the maker’s small car range. The Japanese car maker said the concept, which sits on a new EV platform, previews a “new direction of Nissan’s design language” and brings to life Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the brand’s umbrella term for technology including connectivity and autonomous systems. The boxy concept, to be shown at Toyko motor show later this month, is reminiscent of popular Japanese kei cars, but the car maker said the IMk was created to address a segment that’s “prevalent in Japan and becoming so the world over: the city car”. This suggests the IMk previews a global model, rather than a kei car, examples of which are typically only sold in Nissan’s home market. When asked whether a production version would be sold outside of Japan, Nissan said: “It’s a concept car. It shows the possibility of a small, chic urban EV. We look forward to hearing what potential customers think about it.” Currently, Nissan sells one EV: the Leaf. A zero-emissions SUV, previewed in the IMQ concept, is expected to be revealed in 2020. A production version of this IMk concept would allow Nissan to offer a cheaper EV, and one focused on city dwellers who are most likely to buy EVs. Given that the IMk concept sits on a new EV platform, it is likely such an architecture will be used across a number of Nissan’s cars to ensure economies of scale. The slightly bigger Micra is one candidate for the platform. The concept is shorter, narrow and taller than the current Micra, in line with traditional kei cars, although the bespoke EV platform will allow for considerably more interior space. Inside, the cabin is intended to be a new type of room “that exudes the nature of a cafe or lounge”, said Nissan. It features bench-style seating and, other than the start button and gear selector, is devoid of physical controls. Instead, driving information, such as sat-nav directions, appears in mid-air via a prism display. Other information is conveyed via holographic displays. The concept represents “another step toward fully autonomous driving”, said Nissan. The Remote Park feature, powered via a smartphone, can search for a car parking space after the car’s occupants have left the car. When you’re ready to leave, you can summon the car. Nissan sales boss Asako Hoshino said: “The IMk concept provides a glimpse of the new direction of Nissan Intelligent Mobility as technology evolves toward electrification and connectivity. At Nissan, we intend to continue launching cars with the latest advanced systems to maintain our lead in automotive
Origin: Nissan reveals electric IMk city car concept
Uber is suing New York City over rule aimed to reduce traffic congestion
Times Square, New York City, New York State, Night, TaxiGetty Uber is suing the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission over a new regulation intended to reduce traffic congestion, saying the rule is arbitrary and cant be achieved.The suit, which seeks to nullify the rule passed August 7, was filed in New York state court in Manhattan, and reported on late September.One part of the new regulation places a 31-per-cent cap on the amount of time that for-hire vehicles can spend on the road without passengers, while another provision bars the issuance of more for-hire vehicle licenses until August 2020.While reducing congestion in Manhattan is an important goal and one Uber has publicly and vocally supported the August 2019 rule is the product of a rushed and unlawful process, including reliance on flawed and arbitrary economic modeling, Uber said in the
Origin: Uber is suing New York City over rule aimed to reduce traffic congestion
Best lease deals of the week: City cars
Leasing can be an affordable, practical route into having your own private car, but it’s not always easy to tell the good deals from the duds. The experts at our sister magazine What Car? work hard to find you the best pay-monthly schemes, taking into account mileage allowance, montly outlay, contract length and initial deposit. We’ll be bringing you the best deals they find from a different segment each week. This week, it’s budget family SUVs: 1. Fiat 500 1.2 Pop £740 deposit, £123 per month, 48 months, 8000 miles per year The little Fiat brings a welcome helping of style to a model segment characterised by functional design. Agreed, it has only two doors and is cramped, but for two, it’s perfect, as well as great value for money. 2. Ford Ka+ 1.25 85 Active 5dr £828 deposit, £138 per month, 36 months, 8000 miles per year Not the prettiest city car but one of the roomiest and best to drive. Around town, the Ka+ is little short of a revelation, being surprisingly comfortable and good to steer. If only it had a little more power. 3. Hyundai i10 1.0 S 5dr £770 deposit, £128 per month, 48 months, 8000 miles per year A neat, roomy package backed by a five-year warranty makes the i10 a great ‘drive and forget’ city runabout. The trouble is that it’s just that: a little anonymous and charmless, if utterly reliable. But what value. 4. Kia Picanto 1.25 X-Line 5dr £956 deposit, £159 per month, 48 months, 8000 miles per year A seven-year warranty speaks volumes about this Kia’s expected reliability but it’s not the only highlight. Others include its sharp styling, roomy and high-quality cabin, comfortable ride and characterful engines. 5. Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-I X-Play 5dr £892 deposit, £149 per month, 48 months, 8000 miles per year Where the Fiat 500 is chic, the Aygo is all youthful vigour. Its engine lacks flexibility but its handling is reasonably entertaining. For a more conservative version, see its Citroën C1 and Peugeot 108 siblings. For more great personal business lease deals visit What Car?
Origin: Best lease deals of the week: City cars
Big city and small town shows across B.C. this weekend
Two of the spectacular classics that will be at the Crescent Beach Concours dElegance on Aug. 31st: Ethan and Troy Coopers Riley, left, and Gerry Sungs Intermeccanica Italia. Sung is joined by Dave Sanderson.Cam Hutchins Im going to miss some great events this weekend, but that doesnt mean you have to. There are great downtown shows in Ladner and Port Coquitlam, the Early Ford V8 Club sets up at Hougen Park in Abbotsford and the annual BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show Shine takes place tomorrow at the Twilight Drive-In in Aldergrove.Of course, its not like Im going to be car-starved as Im in covering Car Week in Carmel, California for the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada. That includes attending the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, the Concorso Italiano, and the historic racing at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca. The annual BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show Shine takes place tomorrow at theTwilight Drive Inn in Aldergrove. PNG Files I got a little preview of that kind of racing last weekend during the British Columbia Historic Motor Races at Mission Raceway Park, and it brought back memories of my Westwood days shooting in the rain. Saturday midmorning the skies opened up, and considering the downpour I was impressed that not many cars spun out. Clearly a testament to the mad skills of the drivers in their precious old tin.. One of the older Camaros got into wet part of the drying track coming out of turn one and certainly showed us what racing in the rain is all about. Rain or shine, historic racing is great.My weekend actually started at 7 a.m. on Friday morning with a photo shoot of two cars for the cover of the Crescent Beach Concours dElegance program. This annual fundraising showB.C. Childrens Hospital Foundationtakes place on the Saturday of the Labour Day weekend at Blackie Spit in Crescent Beach.One of the two cars was a Riley, and really the only thing I knew about Rileys is that my dad had a framed print of which I now have. Turns out Riley started as a bicycle manufacturer in the 1890s before building cars and merging with larger companies. In 1952 it became part of British Motor Corporation and was shuttered in the late-Sixties after being reduced to making rebadged Austins.The other car looked familiar and when I asked if it was an Apollo GT convertible, I was told it was an Italia. Both made by Vancouver-based Intermeccanica. The company was the brainchild of Frank Reisner, a Hungarian-born engineer who was living in Canada and moved to Europe to build sports cars in the late-Fifties. After some success and some struggles he eventually moved to Vancouver and produced very high quality Porsche speedsters for decades. Franks son Henry is still making those, along with Solo electric vehicles under the Meccanica banner.Henry has been involved in cars since he was a kid and now he runs the car company, so remember to take a kid with you to a show this weekend.SH0WSAUG. 16Date: Aug 16What: Friday Night Rod RunWhere: Starts at AW Restaurant at Ivy Green Husky, proceeds through downtown Ladysmith and returns to AWWhen: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.Info: 250-246-0637, 250-245-2263 or duckwon@shaw.caWebsite: ladysmithshowandshine.comAUG. 17What: BurnOuts in the Sky Bradley McPherson Memorial Show ShineWhere: Twilight Drive Inn, 3360 260th St., AldergroveWhen: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Admission: $5; Children under 11 freeRegistration: 8 a.m. $20 and open to all vehicles, including motorcyclesInfo: 604-360-7455 or burnoutsinthesky@gmail.comWebsite: burnoutsinthesky.comWhat: Ladysmith Show ShineWhere: Downtown LadysmithWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Registration: 8 a.m. $15 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 250-246-0637, 250-245 2263 or duckwon@shaw.caWebsite: ladysmithshowandshine.comWhat: Rods Rails Car ShowWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Downtown ArmstrongAdmission: FreeRegistration: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Open to all vehiclesInfo: cmelanson@shuswapins.com or 250 838 7707What: Beverly Corners Show ShineWhere: Cobble Hill Country Grocer, 5847 Chesterfield Ave., DuncanWhen: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.Admission: Free (donations accepted)Info: 250-748-1314 or info@beverlycornersshownshine.comAUG. 17-18What: Downtown PoCo Cruise Car ShowWhere: Downtown Port CoquitlamWhen: Saturday cruise starts at 6 p.m. at Leigh Square; Sunday show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Admission: FreeInfo: 604-674-2899 or info@pococarshow.caWebsite: pococarshow.caAUG. 18What: Hougen Park Show ShineWhere: Hougen Park, AbbotsfordWhen: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: FreeRegistration: 9 a.m. $15 and open to all vehiclesInfo: 604-942-5651, questions@earlyfordv8bc.com, oldcars@telus.netWebsite: earlyfordv8bc.comWhat: Vintage in The Valley Vintage Motorcycle ShowWhere: Chilliwack Heritage Park, 44140 Luckakuck Way, ChilliwackWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission: Adults $10; Children under 16 freeRegistration: By donationInfo: 778 242 7104 or wallylevy@hotmail.caWebsite: vintagemotorcycleshows.comWhat:
Origin: Big city and small town shows across B.C. this weekend