Sleeping with the devil?

markp4200

Member
Messages
331
I don't remember the last time I posted on here but it's a nice place to be.
I did have a look to see who said 'what' about the subject but . . .
. . . . like most of the members on this forum, I do like to read the motoring press, though not for the opinions of the writers.
However it struck me hard that as the non-specialist magazine journos have begun to write about new cars a horribly large amount were electric (not just hybrids, but full scale electrics).
I worried and began to read and research more about ELECTRIC cars.
Now I have my classic Mini Cooper and my gorgeous 4200 and for everyday had to think about swapping in the Volvo.
Was this time to look deeper.
I did.
I think we have reached the tipping point, prices are looking realistic, I don't drive long trips, so why not.
Read a lot, downloaded a heap of sales brochures, and thought!
It's true that currently most are just electrified petrol/diesel models - and look it. Just fill in the radiator grille and hey presto, design completed.
Now that doesn't apply to Tesla, BMW or even one or two others.
I had driven electrics before but had they improved?
Yes. very much.
So trials over and the BMW i3 won out hands down.
Placed the order but it's not ready for a while and I didn't want a used one.

In all honesty, were it not for the fact I have most fun cars already with the cheek of the Mini and the glamour of the 4200, I doubt I would have gone this route yet.
But it is an interesting route to follow.
I'm covering my ears awaiting the castigation.
 

mjheathcote

Centenary Club
Messages
9,033
I think if your travels are relatively short, the maths are starting to make sense.
I follow a guy on YouTube and he has chipped in his Diesel Macan for a salary sacrifice lease Tesla 3.
The running costs on fuel has dropped from approximately 18p a mile to just over a penny a mile, with the right electricity tarrif at home.
The minimum 6K mileage a year commuting to work works out at just over £70, that's a year!
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,757
Good choice.
99% of UK journeys are of less than 100 miles, so electric cars make a lot of sense. We’ve had ours (Audi E-Tron) 6 months, use it daily, and only ever charge it at home. Jolly nice it is to.
 

Wattie

Member
Messages
8,640
You wait. in a few years time running a lecy car will be the same as paying over 10 quid a gallon running a petrol car nowadays!

Dave
Yup, everyone will be fighting for a charging spot (lack of infrastructure) so it’ll be pay to play....
 

markp4200

Member
Messages
331
Ewan has hit the nail on the head. With our mileage we will always charge at home and thought of never queueing at a filling station sounds pretty good to me.
I don't envisage ever having to charge mid-journey.
It really is 'horses for courses' at present and with cars in the pipeline with 300-400 miles per charge; that issue will be invalid.
Up until now I would have been the ultimate sceptic but honestly that i3 is something worth trying. I didn't want to take it back to the dealer!
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,700
You wait. in a few years time running a lecy car will be the same as paying over 10 quid a gallon running a petrol car nowadays!

Dave
A few years ago didn't they used to worry when evening came and lights, ovens and kettles all switched on at the same time. What will happen when everyone gets home at 6, plugs in their car and then carried out the above regime. We haven't built any nuclear stations, are winding down fossil fuel power generation and have nowhere near enough wind or sun generation. So buying it in will continue to increase in quantity and cost.
 

Alan Surrey

Member
Messages
990
Gaz, by my calculations, the power distribution cable that runs down our street will probably melt. Or smart meters will throttle back the chargers. Consequently cars may not recharge fully overnight.
 

Alan Surrey

Member
Messages
990
Perhaps there will be a market for domestic electricity generators. They could even be diesel powered for maximum thermal efficiency.
What do you say?
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,120
In my news feed this morning about the rising theft of charging cables I know I shouldn't but the schoolboy in me it made me chuckle.
 

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,075
A few years ago didn't they used to worry when evening came and lights, ovens and kettles all switched on at the same time. What will happen when everyone gets home at 6, plugs in their car and then carried out the above regime. We haven't built any nuclear stations, are winding down fossil fuel power generation and have nowhere near enough wind or sun generation. So buying it in will continue to increase in quantity and cost.

Yes they did, the tariffs charged to factories increased between school leaving and dinner. They’d even plan around the ad breaks in Coronation Street on a winters evening
 

P R

Member
Messages
1,382
They are cheap to run.. at the moment. However, Gov officials are already saying that the majority of particulate emissions from cars now come from tyres and brakes.. you can see where this is going.

Road pricing will also come into force. They are not going to allow a deficit from current fuel duties.
 

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
20,763
If you think charging opportunities are limited in the UK you want to live here, however a small electric for the local runs would work out cost effective but not sure I want to fork out for new and used then raise battery condition and selling on in a few years time when batteries would have deteriorated further. A standard i3 is €44,657 here and on that I am out
 

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,075
If you think charging opportunities are limited in the UK you want to live here, however a small electric for the local runs would work out cost effective but not sure I want to fork out for new and used then raise battery condition and selling on in a few years time when batteries would have deteriorated further.
Just go native

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