Why do people get such strong feelings over electric cars and solar panels etc.

[icowden]

My minimum requirement would be to do a round trip of 200 miles without recharging, which means a WLTP range in the high 200s. We go up to Shropshire several times a year and to Gatwick once a year, and both are 100 miles there and 100 miles back. I don't do short trips and the car isn't used daily - it does 5,000 miles a year.

So when you go to Shropshire and Gatwick you don't stop? 200 miles range is pretty standard now for any mid range EV. It's only the very small ones that tend to have less. The median range for an EV is now 270 miles. 2 years ago it was 234 miles.

 

[CXRAndy]

A 62 kW battery leaf would do that. If you had a way to top up charge at your destination. Or alternatively use a chademo rapid charge for 10-20 mins to build in some comfort on the range.

When I last looked there are very few 62kW Leafs. I also found that out when I was buying mine 3 years ago

 

[rogerzilla]

So when you go to Shropshire and Gatwick you don't stop? 200 miles range is pretty standard now for any mid range EV. It's only the very small ones that tend to have less. The median range for an EV is now 270 miles. 2 years ago it was 234 miles.

No, I wouldn't stop on a 100 mile journey, as it's normally under two hours. There is obviously a stop at the far end but we would either be dumping the car to catch a flight, or staying in a B&B.

The Holiday Special parking at Gatwick will now charge your EV for you while you're away (for a fee) which is a good idea.

 

[icowden]

No, I wouldn't stop on a 100 mile journey, as it's normally under two hours. There is obviously a stop at the far end but we would either be dumping the car to catch a flight, or staying in a B&B.

That's what I meant. So you have a solution for Gatwick. There are numerous hotels and B&Bs in Shropshire that offer EV charging as a facility (The School House, Broome park farm are the first two that come up on google). You also likely have the option of some fast chargers you could use while you go out for dinner depending on where you are located (there are some great ones in Oswestry - chargers and eating places for example).

 

[tinywheels]

Could it be that the reduced "take-up", compared to UK, is connected to differences in Company Car provision, between the two Countries?, I suspect a high proportion of EVs "sold" in UK are Company vehicles in one form or another.

Absolutely, the benefit in kind is peanuts compareto ice.
If it was a level playing field, different story

 

[the snail]

Indeed; do we know the breakdown between BEVs and hybrids (plug-in and otherwise)?


Indeed, which was kind of my point..

The US may be behind Europe/Asia, but year on year, ev sales are up 40%, market share up from 6% to 9%, the trend is definitely towards EVs.

 

[icowden]

Absolutely, the benefit in kind is peanuts compareto ice.
If it was a level playing field, different story

The USA has EV benefits also. I suspect the main difference there is the perceived need to be able to drive very long distances whilst dangerously tired and the love in with oil - cheap petrol prices and terrible cars are still the American dream. Tesla is starting to change hearts and minds in the states that can see the ocean and are aware of the rest of the world but I suspect the bible and rust belt states may be harder to persuade unless EVs get a lot cheaper to own.

 

[cougie uk]

My minimum requirement would be to do a round trip of 200 miles without recharging, which means a WLTP range in the high 200s. We go up to Shropshire several times a year and to Gatwick once a year, and both are 100 miles there and 100 miles back. I don't do short trips and the car isn't used daily - it does 5,000 miles a year.

Doesn't seem worth buying and carrying a big battery around if you only need the range a few times a year. I've been to Shropshire in my EV. They had electric there as well.

 

[CXRAndy]

I watch a clip discussing the rumour that VW, Stellantis and Peugeot were thinking of merging together to make single platform EVs to combat Tesla and Chinese EV makers.

Stellantis have already said publicly that if Europe didnt gets its act together there will be a bloodbath for european car makers in the future.

Do you think a merger of two big car makers happen?

 

[wafter]

I watch a clip discussing the rumour that VW, Stellantis and Peugeot were thinking of merging together to make single platform EVs to combat Tesla and Chinese EV makers.

Stellantis have already said publicly that if Europe didnt gets its act together there will be a bloodbath for european car makers in the future.

Do you think a merger of two big car makers happen?

Highly likely judging by past happenings; seems most brands hit dire straits sooner or later and end up in some necessary marriage / selective collaboration with another, or absorbed into a larger group. I can think of few brands that remain independent; interestingly most of the Jap marques spring to mind as well as Ford (even though they're eyeball-deep in their own sh*t as usual).

Seems to be the natural order, with the threat of foreign EVs being just one more factor driving such behaviour.

 

[fossyant]

Stellantis are making vans for most manufacturers (Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall and Toyota) other than Ford and VW. Then Ford's new Transit Connect (small van) is basically a VW Caddy.

Dacia's Spring looks set to be on sale here. Cheap(ish) basic EV without all the extra gizmos - ideal town car.

I'm currently torn - keep my 22 year old car, see how we use it camping/touring UK, get a van sized people carrier, get a sports car, or get a city EV. I only do 3,000 miles a year, and that's likely to drop. MrsF only 5,000. I won't be buying new, thats a mugs game, especially EV.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I've been to Shropshire in my EV. They had electric there as well.

What, when did that happen? You’ll be telling me barges are no longer pulled by horses next…

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Stellantis are making vans for most manufacturers (Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall and Toyota) other than Ford and VW. Then Ford's new Transit Connect (small van) is basically a VW Caddy.

Dacia's Spring looks set to be on sale here. Cheap(ish) basic EV without all the extra gizmos - ideal town car.

I'm currently torn - keep my 22 year old car, see how we use it camping/touring UK, get a van sized people carrier, get a sports car, or get a city EV. I only do 3,000 miles a year, and that's likely to drop. MrsF only 5,000. I won't be buying new, thats a mugs game, especially EV.

Or just dump the car entirely. I’m not sure I’ll replace my old car when the time comes.

 

[fossyant]

Or just dump the car entirely. I’m not sure I’ll replace my old car when the time comes.

Well.....that's on the cards too. MrsF has said 'daughter needs a car' - she's passed her test but has no desire to drive at all - doesn't need too, for at least another 18 months (at University) but job access....

I've drawn the line - if daughter needs a car, mine goes. No more vehicles at the house, one has to go. Unfortunately, EV insurance for new drivers is even worse than a ICE sh1tbox.

 

[Jameshow]

Doesn't seem worth buying and carrying a big battery around if you only need the range a few times a year. I've been to Shropshire in my EV. They had electric there as well.

Do they!🤔🤣