EV Owners Thread

[CXRAndy]

All these different apps is absolutely nuts. Can't imagine a better way to put people off going electric.

I agree, contactless payment should be mandatory. Even Tesla are going to have contactless payments when they replace their superchargers for the next version

 

[CXRAndy]

The technology/charging infrastructure has a looooooooong way to go before I will be happy to make the switch.

The technology is here, Tesla have proved it. Their network is extremely reliable. There are others getting there, I like Instavolt too. But there are many networks too complicated require apps , poorly maintained.

It reminds me of when we used to visit Hunstanton down in Norfolk. Our little leaf was just able to get there and back if we were careful. We found on ZapMap a charger central in the town. Dammed thing never worked, no one answered the phone for customer services. Parking charges could apply too

We then found Instavolt in Kings Lynn, seamless, easy contactless. Never bothered using the Hunstanton charger again. Shame really, if they put in decent chargers, accessible and contactless, then more EV drivers would visit

 

[dicko]

Like a Cortina GXL back in the early ‘70’s

Or a Ford 1600E in the late 60’s

 

[geocycle]

I agree, contactless payment should be mandatory. Even Tesla are going to have contactless payments when they replace their superchargers for the next version

I’m told the latest regs for charge point operators make it mandatory. The vulnerability is the mobile phone network as I’m sure we have all experienced in car parks. They will also have to display the cost per KW.

 

[icowden]

It's good to hear these kind of experiences from an EV owner though.
Anyone with doubts over making the switch will certainly be put off by these stories.
I was almost certainly going electric for my next car but the 5 year extension has made me want to wait and see how much things improve over the next year or two.

I think that has to be tempered a little with a consideration of *how* you use a car. The journey to Snowdon is the longest drive I have done without overnighting somewhere, and definitely the longest journey I have done in an EV. In the last year I have only done three journeys that required charging away from home, and two of those had chargers or charging at the destination.

So although this was an adventure and annoying in parts, it really was a one off journey. My next "long" journey will be to Warwick. 92 miles. I have enough range to get there, park up and then drive home.

 

[mustang1]

Still at the VHS / betamax stage I feel!

Kind of. But I think Tesla has got it sorted whereas no one else has. So I think VHS has already taken the lead and the betamax guys are still fumbling around. This app, that app, this charger, that charger, this electric company or that one, this one works and that one doesn't.

Tesla: the car tells you where to go, you charge up then you continue your journey. And it all works flawlessly.

 

[mikeIow]

Except when we do we all go at the same time down the M5 for instance! No hope of the charger at portishead services!!

But with a little planning…..during the Covid “okay, you can nip out now” October break, we pulled off the motorway there & pulled into a pub with a Polar (now BP?) chargepoint.
Had a very nice two-for-one lunch whilst getting the Kona filled up 💪

All new chargepoints must offer contactless - wasn’t aware of Instavolt having some that weren’t already, they have always been my reliable go-to on that score: I am sure that will be changed.
It is evolving, and getting better all the time….but yes, for long journeys, I view the planning as part of the trip (see my post above!).

Many Tesla points now offer their use to non-Tesla’s, so that benefit isn’t quite as strong as mentioned above, although for sure, if I was a road warrior rep, I would probably get one of theirs.

Still love our Kona….I much prefer to have some buttons for controls. I hate the move to all screens.
We saw the new 2024 one the other day (well, a hybrid version) - very smart inside, slightly bigger (esp boot and rear legroom). Weird light positioning, but I’m sure they will work. A defo possibility when/if we get round to changing ours 🤷‍♂️

 

[icowden]

Many Tesla points now offer their use to non-Tesla’s, so that benefit isn’t quite as strong as mentioned above, although for sure, if I was a road warrior rep, I would probably get one of theirs.

The benefit is that the Tesla checks to see if a slot is free before you get there and when you do get there you just plug in. No fiddling with apps or credit cards.

 

[mikeIow]

The benefit is that the Tesla checks to see if a slot is free before you get there and when you do get there you just plug in. No fiddling with apps or credit cards.

Oh, I know, & don’t disagree.
I imagine in time other manufacturers might pay them a licence for that capability.

As I said, if I was doing the sort of miles that needed daily high speed charging, I’d give in and buy one….but I much prefer a mix of buttons for the ‘basics’ in a car - heating, fan deployment (face, screen, legs) etc - the “clean scandi” look of a Tesla isn’t for me 🤷‍♂️

 

[CXRAndy]

I’m told the latest regs for charge point operators make it mandatory. The vulnerability is the mobile phone network as I’m sure we have all experienced in car parks. They will also have to display the cost per KW.

It really should not be an issue, fibre internet or even Starlink from Elon Musk would work.

I've been asked to help setup a camper van for a potential Canada to Magellan straight trip. I will be suggesting Starlink for internet access

 

[BrumJim]

There is a Tesco in Stourbridge where even Elon Musk's Starling won't help. The charging point is in the car park below the store, and hence no phone signal or WiFi at all. So you have to connect your car up, then hop upstairs to log on and ensure that the charging doesn't stop after 10 minutes. Works, but is a bit of a pain.

 

[MrGrumpy]

Funny ! debating our next cars. My disco needs to go, big bills incoming on that . Was thinking leccy for me or swmbo but I think we will avoid again and stick with hybrid or petrol only for now . New prices even on PCP for size we need are stupid , used is where we are at and I’m really not sold on a used electric car and keeping it long term .

 

[CXRAndy]

Free WiFi Access point would be suitable for situations like that

 

[icowden]

Free WiFi Access point would be suitable for situations like that

You'd think wouldn't you. St Peters Hospital in Woking is another place where you need some sort of signal to start the charge but there is no mobile coverage and the hospital wifi doesn't quite make it to the car park - if it is working.

My other favourite is a Shell Recharge at the newly redone petrol station near Everton in the New Forest. Couldn't get it to work - it has a phone number for the help line and you need the serial number of the machine. The machine is placed right next to the diesel / petrol refuelling taps with signs *EVERYWHERE* saying you must not use your mobile phone on the forecourt. Either they need to agree that the mobile phone thing is a myth or provide another way of contacting support.

 

[cougie uk]

It's good to hear these kind of experiences from an EV owner though.
Anyone with doubts over making the switch will certainly be put off by these stories.
I was almost certainly going electric for my next car but the 5 year extension has made me want to wait and see how much things improve over the next year or two.

We've had electric for three years now. Only ever need to charge away from home on holiday and saved hundreds on fuel each month.

If you can't charge at home or do regular 600 mile journeys then it might not be for you but for most people electric is fine now.

We do about 12,000 miles a year anyway which is above the average I believe by a fair bit.