Fully Electric Cars

[IanMcL]

I would never dream of filling up my diesel at a motorway service station. Genuinely interested, are chargers at service stations not more expensive to utilise than home / elsewhere? Does this not negate some of the cost benefit?

For sure.
Mine is all free, so not a worry, as long as it lasts.

Can be very expensive. The best thing to do is download ZapMap app. This has them all with speed and cost per kW.

[1fatclaret]

Rather presumptuous to say I’ve never owned an EV, though I admit I haven’t. I have driven several, and I do like them but that doesn’t negate the issues I have with them currently

I also work with 2 people who have them, and they both concur with my observations regarding charging points and they often suffer from range anxiety for longer journeys. One drives a Renault Zoe, the other drives an MG - both (like me) work in IT at a university where we develop technology for the automotive industry - so we know our stuff and often talk to academics in the industry who likely know an awful lot more than the average joe on a message board.

Ok, so I presumed from your previous posts that you had never owned an electric car, I was right, so my point is valid. Driving one occasionally doesn’t give you any kind of insight as to what it’s like to live with one every day, for 2 years, covering almost 60,000 miles.

As for your ‘academics’ who know more than the ‘average Joe on a message board’ - don’t try and belittle my points because you’ve got no substance to your argument. Developing technology for automotive doesn’t elevate your knowledge of real world driving of electric cars. I work in an organisation that has a fleet of around 50 EV’s doing approximately 20k - 30k miles a year each - anywhere between 1m and 1.5m miles per year of true EV experience, and our collective feedback is that it’s absolutely possible to run one with little to no issues around charging, even on long journeys.

Last thing, a renault Zoe is a city car. That kind of car has never been designed to do long distances, whether diesel, petrol or electric, but with a bit of pre planning its range of 200+ miles should be fine for most occasional long trips, no doubt to Bournemouth as that seems to be the yardstick.

[1fatclaret]

I would never dream of filling up my diesel at a motorway service station. Genuinely interested, are chargers at service stations not more expensive to utilise than home / elsewhere? Does this not negate some of the cost benefit?

The Tesla chargers are cheaper than others. The Tesla chargers at service stations are only slightly more expensive than charging at home during peak hours. (About 45p per kWh) - which works out at 11 per mile. The other network chargers vary between 60p and a £1 p kWh.

Obviously it’s tesla’s strategy to offer very convenient, fast and competitive charging to attract more buyers of their cars.

[Rick_Muller]

Ok, so I presumed from your previous posts that you had never owned an electric car, I was right, so my point is valid. Driving one occasionally doesn’t give you any kind of insight as to what it’s like to live with one every day, for 2 years, covering almost 60,000 miles.

As for your ‘academics’ who know more than the ‘average Joe on a message board’ - don’t try and belittle my points because you’ve got no substance to your argument. Developing technology for automotive doesn’t elevate your knowledge of real world driving of electric cars. I work in an organisation that has a fleet of around 50 EV’s doing approximately 20k - 30k miles a year each - anywhere between 1m and 1.5m miles per year of true EV experience, and our collective feedback is that it’s absolutely possible to run one with little to no issues around charging, even on long journeys.

Last thing, a renault Zoe is a city car. That kind of car has never been designed to do long distances, whether diesel, petrol or electric, but with a bit of pre planning its range of 200+ miles should be fine for most occasional long trips, no doubt to Bournemouth as that seems to be the yardstick.

Why so aggressive? I didn’t belittle you at all. I like EVs and my observations about the charging network are as valid as yours.

I’ll leave it there, apologies for having an opinion, I won’t do it again.

[No Ney Never]

Very early on in my EV ownership, an experienced long journey EV driver told me not to rely on charging availability at service stations, he always stopped at holiday inns. They are UK wide, always available and were always working, never let me down either. These days zapmap shows availability at pubs, supermarkets and all sorts of places very close to motorway slip roads.

My Nissan Leaf is due for renewal at the end of March, that's 6 years since I took delivery of my first.
I was considering looking at other manufacturers since most now have a EV offering, while some are better looking, it's talking to owners of some of these models that has me apprehensive.
At work the Koni, Tesla and MG EV owners all remark on the huge drop in miles achievable on a 100% charge in only 2 - 3 years since new. My Leaf hasn't changed at all, I can rely on what it says.
Nissan launched the first Leaf EV in 2009, they have spent years ironing out many of the issues and amassed so much experience, a journey that all the recently new to the market manufacturers are just beginning. Indeed the technicians at the Koni dealership were unable to fix an issue that my colleague returned for, they lacked experience dealing with them, took 4 months before they fixed it.
I'm going to have a look around and test drive a few, anyone have any recommendations?

[1fatclaret]

Why so aggressive? I didn’t belittle you at all. I like EVs and my observations about the charging network are as valid as yours.

I’ll leave it there, apologies for having an opinion, I won’t do it again.

You tried to imply your line of work and discussions with ‘academics’ gave you a superior insight into the real world of EV’s over the ‘average Joe’. It was both patronising and condescending.

I’ll leave it there too

[IanMcL]

Very early on in my EV ownership, an experienced long journey EV driver told me not to rely on charging availability at service stations, he always stopped at holiday inns. They are UK wide, always available and were always working, never let me down either. These days zapmap shows availability at pubs, supermarkets and all sorts of places very close to motorway slip roads.

My Nissan Leaf is due for renewal at the end of March, that's 6 years since I took delivery of my first.
I was considering looking at other manufacturers since most now have a EV offering, while some are better looking, it's talking to owners of some of these models that has me apprehensive.
At work the Koni, Tesla and MG EV owners all remark on the huge drop in miles achievable on a 100% charge in only 2 - 3 years since new. My Leaf hasn't changed at all, I can rely on what it says.
Nissan launched the first Leaf EV in 2009, they have spent years ironing out many of the issues and amassed so much experience, a journey that all the recently new to the market manufacturers are just beginning. Indeed the technicians at the Koni dealership were unable to fix an issue that my colleague returned for, they lacked experience dealing with them, took 4 months before they fixed it.
I'm going to have a look around and test drive a few, anyone have any recommendations?

My 2016 Tesla was 257 when I got it in Dec 18. Now 245 in Jan 2024. Not bad going!

[Rick_Muller]

You tried to imply your line of work and discussions with ‘academics’ gave you a superior insight into the real world of EV’s over the ‘average Joe’. It was both patronising and condescending.

I’ll leave it there too

I'd like to apologise to you, it appears from reading back that I appeared to be patronising and condescending to you, with a reference to "average joe" on a message board. I don't think our viewpoints are that far apart, and I welcome intelligent dialog with others regarding the issues we face. For info though the "average joe" comment was intended to be for the specific user who I was first responding to and I should have made that clearer. Apologies.

[Boss Hogg]

Be careful taking motoring advice off people who drive a Nissan Leaf.

[1fatclaret]

I'd like to apologise to you, it appears from reading back that I appeared to be patronising and condescending to you, with a reference to "average joe" on a message board. I don't think our viewpoints are that far apart, and I welcome intelligent dialog with others regarding the issues we face. For info though the "average joe" comment was intended to be for the specific user who I was first responding to and I should have made that clearer. Apologies.

Thanks Rick. Appreciate that. Hate to spoil a discussion by turning it into a point scoring argument. I apologise if I came across as aggressive, I was just a bit wrangled by the term average Joe!!

[No Ney Never]

Be careful taking motoring advice off people who drive a Nissan Leaf.

I would question if an individual who'd buy a Citroen is in a position to be directing anyone where to take motoring advice.

[brexit]

I would question if an individual who'd buy a Citroen is in a position to be directing anyone where to take motoring advice.

Ami Pop best car in the world - you know nothing.

[Wokingclaret]

I would question if an individual who'd buy a Citroen is in a position to be directing anyone where to take motoring advice.

The best thing is, and I've had many, is they never get nicked

[Rick_Muller]

all positive to hear, but do you own the car? or lease it? or HP? or PCP? that's where the cost is for most drivers considering getting one. I've looked at the possibility of it, and I think my comments are on this thread (or another similar one), but I don't honestly think that pure EV's (i.e. just battery) are the future. I think a stepping stone in the right direction, but most EVs on the road are a large proving ground, almost a concept trial, for the future which will likely be a hybrid car - with electrically driven wheels from a relatively small capacity battery (to reduce weight) which is charged by a fuel cell range extender. I also believe that Toyota (may be wrong on the brand) are close to a solid state battery which will also massively increase range.

EVs are a good concept, but I dont think we're there yet, so in the meantime I'll keep getting 600 miles range on a tank with all the benefits you list in a car I actually own and dont lease for £1000/month.

20 months ago I posted this and thought I'd update my current position and understanding on the whole EV discussion.

My diesel Honda Civic has now done 165k+ miles and is still getting 60+ mpg however I have begun to have some worrying mechanical issues present recently that have made me reconsider how long I keep the car for... and after some research into lease deals out there at the moment I've gone and ordered a Renault Scenic E-Tech over 3 years (22k miles per year lease) for just over £430/month - which when you consider I was burning somewhere around £250 per month on diesel and then increasing maintenance costs (£3k+ this year alone on tyres, brakes, callipers; shocks etc) to keep the Civic going I am hoping that the charging costs aren't too much for me on the public network - also why I wanted to revive this thread so that I can glean the expert advice from all the other EV drivers again.

I need to know what the rules/guidelines are for using the charging points in cark parks etc so that when I drive to Burnley for the footy I can get the most cost effective charging whilst in the area as I dont think I want to use the rapid chargers at the services with from what I can see are extortionate prices per kWh.

At home, I have solar panels and I'm on Octopus, so I think I can get some really cheap charging when its sunny and overnight on the EV tariff with Octopus (7p per kWh I believe at the moment)

Can anyone offer any advice for me, thanks

[lakedistrictclaret]

My present car, a Nissan X-Trail, is powered by electricity but has a petrol engine which charges the two batteries. It is not a plug-in. I like it because it has the advantage of quick acceleration without the range anxiety.

Whilst I’d love to have a fully electric car, it would be totally impractical for me. A round trip to Turf Moor is about 230 miles, so there’d be the worry of not making it back. I’ve no idea where charging points are in Burnley.

I mentioned this to the dealership when I took the car for its first service recently. He reckons that by the time I next change my car, in September 2027, technology may have developed to the extent that you could get 500 miles off a single charge. If that happens, I’d have no hesitation in buying a fully electric car.

[Burnley1989]

20 months ago I posted this and thought I'd update my current position and understanding on the whole EV discussion.

My diesel Honda Civic has now done 165k+ miles and is still getting 60+ mpg however I have begun to have some worrying mechanical issues present recently that have made me reconsider how long I keep the car for... and after some research into lease deals out there at the moment I've gone and ordered a Renault Scenic E-Tech over 3 years (22k miles per year lease) for just over £430/month - which when you consider I was burning somewhere around £250 per month on diesel and then increasing maintenance costs (£3k+ this year alone on tyres, brakes, callipers; shocks etc) to keep the Civic going I am hoping that the charging costs aren't too much for me on the public network - also why I wanted to revive this thread so that I can glean the expert advice from all the other EV drivers again.

I need to know what the rules/guidelines are for using the charging points in cark parks etc so that when I drive to Burnley for the footy I can get the most cost effective charging whilst in the area as I dont think I want to use the rapid chargers at the services with from what I can see are extortionate prices per kWh.

At home, I have solar panels and I'm on Octopus, so I think I can get some really cheap charging when its sunny and overnight on the EV tariff with Octopus (7p per kWh I believe at the moment)

Can anyone offer any advice for me, thanks

How the tables turn eh

[Rick_Muller]

How the tables turn eh

Honestly no idea why you would think that. Seriously not a point scoring exercise, things change situations change and times change. I’m asking for advice, feel free to offer some or not as it seems

[Taffy on the wing]

Honestly no idea why you would think that. Seriously not a point scoring exercise, things change situations change and times change. I’m asking for advice, feel free to offer some or not as it seems

That ship might have sailed!

[GetIntoEm]

I've just ordered a Renault 5 as a replacement second car for our household. I only do about 150miles a week, so should be able to manage with charging for free at work once a week.

Failing that I'll be charging off a 3pin plug, currently not able to get a 7kw charger at home

[Quickenthetempo]

That ship might have sailed!

Was it electric and what was it's range?

[GodIsADeeJay81]

I've just ordered a Renault 5 as a replacement second car for our household. I only do about 150miles a week, so should be able to manage with charging for free at work once a week.

Failing that I'll be charging off a 3pin plug, currently not able to get a 7kw charger at home

They look quite nice, see one driving around my area regularly

[Casper2]

My present car, a Nissan X-Trail, is powered by electricity but has a petrol engine which charges the two batteries. It is not a plug-in. I like it because it has the advantage of quick acceleration without the range anxiety.

Whilst I’d love to have a fully electric car, it would be totally impractical for me. A round trip to Turf Moor is about 230 miles, so there’d be the worry of not making it back. I’ve no idea where charging points are in Burnley.

I mentioned this to the dealership when I took the car for its first service recently. He reckons that by the time I next change my car, in September 2027, technology may have developed to the extent that you could get 500 miles off a single charge. If that happens, I’d have no hesitation in buying a fully electric car.

I’ve got a XTrail love it .

[lakedistrictclaret]

I’ve got a XTrail love it .

Best car I’ve ever had.

[Rick_Muller]

They look quite nice, see one driving around my area regularly

Took one for a test drive - lovely car just not practical for my needs (more room in the back for the 6 foot tall 15 year old!) which is why I then tried the Scenic E-Tech and I was really impressed, hence ordering one.

As far as the other posters who think they’re being funny with snide comments, grow up

[GodIsADeeJay81]

20 months ago I posted this and thought I'd update my current position and understanding on the whole EV discussion.

My diesel Honda Civic has now done 165k+ miles and is still getting 60+ mpg however I have begun to have some worrying mechanical issues present recently that have made me reconsider how long I keep the car for... and after some research into lease deals out there at the moment I've gone and ordered a Renault Scenic E-Tech over 3 years (22k miles per year lease) for just over £430/month - which when you consider I was burning somewhere around £250 per month on diesel and then increasing maintenance costs (£3k+ this year alone on tyres, brakes, callipers; shocks etc) to keep the Civic going I am hoping that the charging costs aren't too much for me on the public network - also why I wanted to revive this thread so that I can glean the expert advice from all the other EV drivers again.

I need to know what the rules/guidelines are for using the charging points in cark parks etc so that when I drive to Burnley for the footy I can get the most cost effective charging whilst in the area as I dont think I want to use the rapid chargers at the services with from what I can see are extortionate prices per kWh.

At home, I have solar panels and I'm on Octopus, so I think I can get some really cheap charging when its sunny and overnight on the EV tariff with Octopus (7p per kWh I believe at the moment)

Can anyone offer any advice for me, thanks

Ref using car park charging points, you've still got to pay and display in most places where pand display tickets are required for ICE cars
I'm aware of people getting tickets because they didn't realise they'd need to purchase a pay and display one

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Took one for a test drive - lovely car just not practical for my needs (more room in the back for the 6 foot tall 15 year old!) which is why I then tried the Scenic E-Tech and I was really impressed, hence ordering one.

As far as the other posters who think they’re being funny with snide comments, grow up

I really like the look of the little Honda EV, but at 6ft 3, I'll never fit in one comfortably

Considering an EV next year when I change my lease car

[Casper2]

Best car I’ve ever had.

500 miles on a full tank is decent

[Rileybobs]

20 months ago I posted this and thought I'd update my current position and understanding on the whole EV discussion.

My diesel Honda Civic has now done 165k+ miles and is still getting 60+ mpg however I have begun to have some worrying mechanical issues present recently that have made me reconsider how long I keep the car for... and after some research into lease deals out there at the moment I've gone and ordered a Renault Scenic E-Tech over 3 years (22k miles per year lease) for just over £430/month - which when you consider I was burning somewhere around £250 per month on diesel and then increasing maintenance costs (£3k+ this year alone on tyres, brakes, callipers; shocks etc) to keep the Civic going I am hoping that the charging costs aren't too much for me on the public network - also why I wanted to revive this thread so that I can glean the expert advice from all the other EV drivers again.

I need to know what the rules/guidelines are for using the charging points in cark parks etc so that when I drive to Burnley for the footy I can get the most cost effective charging whilst in the area as I dont think I want to use the rapid chargers at the services with from what I can see are extortionate prices per kWh.

At home, I have solar panels and I'm on Octopus, so I think I can get some really cheap charging when its sunny and overnight on the EV tariff with Octopus (7p per kWh I believe at the moment)

Can anyone offer any advice for me, thanks

How many miles is your round trip to Burnley, and what is the expected range of the car you’ve ordered?

[exilecanada]

It would be interesting if the engineers would add some sound effects to these electric cars, such as the unique sound of an F1 V10 engine when accelerating and the ‘burbling’ sound when decelerating Sound effects could probably be tailored to the drivers liking. It would sure beat the ‘sound of silence’ from these IPhones on wheels

[dougcollins]

A big problem for me is that they don't get near the advertised ranges.

I remain unconvinced.

I need to change my car and I absolutely don't know which way to go.