Electric Cars Still Struggling.

Andyk

Andyk

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I was having a browse through the company car list yesterday and to my surprise they have removed all the electric cars. A year ago we had around 6 different options. When you consider it is DHL that does seem odd.
 
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Zep

Zep

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Scaf said:
I spent yesterday as a passenger in an Audi Q8 EV very comfy spacious car but I found the EV motor whine annoying at very low speeds. I also notice the drive could motor would not leave the aircon on/off switch alone.

It’s been years since I have drove with someone who turns the air con on and off to save fuel, but yesterday that exactly what was happening. On then off, car fogs up back on, drove me mad. Surely aircon can’t make that much difference.

As for solar panels, before they cover more of the countryside, they should cover the roofs of all the huge data centres and distribution centres we see springing up everywhere.
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I assume it was a taxi. I’ve had the same, I think it is to extend their shift because they are driving constantly, unlike most people.
 
Zep

Zep

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Scaf said:
As for solar panels, before they cover more of the countryside, they should cover the roofs of all the huge data centres and distribution centres we see springing up everywhere.
Click to expand...

Yes, they are, but as usual, it’s a bit trickier than it looks. The size of the available DNO connection can limit the export plus grid capacity for moving the power around is also variable (it’s actually in regions rather than just one huge grid) so it needs to be generated where it is used.

I know of a 1MW array which can’t get a good price for export because of its location.

The real answer is to make what we use, panels on the roof, storage and then charge your car.

As for “electric car sales have tanked”, they haven’t, but the early adopters have adopted so next are those who are not ideologically driven to buy, so rate of increase is dropping. It remains in fleets, which is not a surprise. The number of used EVs on the market has increased 229% yoy but the average time to sell a used EV dropped from 45 to 40 days this year.

Here are some facts for the interested.

https://www.autotraderinsight-blog.co.uk/auto-trader-insight-blog/is-demand-for-electric-vehicles-really-falling#:~:text=Sales%2Dwise%2C%20things%20look%20healthy,18.8%25%20on%20last%20year's%20levels.
 
Guy

Guy

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Especially when EVs are available salary sacrifice and can offset Corp tax and v low BIK!
Andyk said:
I was having a browse through the company car list yesterday and to my surprise they have removed all the electric cars. A year ago we had around 6 different options. When you consider it is DHL that does seem odd.
Click to expand...
 
highlander

highlander

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mjheathcote

mjheathcote

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Zep said:
Yes, they are, but as usual, it’s a bit trickier than it looks. The size of the available DNO connection can limit the export plus grid capacity for moving the power around is also variable (it’s actually in regions rather than just one huge grid) so it needs to be generated where it is used.

I know of a 1MW array which can’t get a good price for export because of its location.

The real answer is to make what we use, panels on the roof, storage and then charge your car.

As for “electric car sales have tanked”, they haven’t, but the early adopters have adopted so next are those who are not ideologically driven to buy, so rate of increase is dropping. It remains in fleets, which is not a surprise. The number of used EVs on the market has increased 229% yoy but the average time to sell a used EV dropped from 45 to 40 days this year.

Here are some facts for the interested.

https://www.autotraderinsight-blog.co.uk/auto-trader-insight-blog/is-demand-for-electric-vehicles-really-falling#:~:text=Sales%2Dwise%2C%20things%20look%20healthy,18.8%25%20on%20last%20year's%20levels.
Click to expand...

So true regarding the network and the DNO.
Our own array is modest at 6.4Kw but our local independent installer said don't even try asking for more than the standard limit of 3.6kw export (16 amp).
Since we had ours installed a couple of years ago both neighbours have had similar systems installed, and if we are all exporting at peak times with little demand and at full array capacity, can see the problems it could have on the local end of line network sending all the power back!
 
Zep

Zep

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mjheathcote said:
So true regarding the network and the DNO.
Our own array is modest at 6.4Kw but our local independent installer said don't even try asking for more than the standard limit of 3.6kw export (16 amp).
Since we had ours installed a couple of years ago both neighbours have had similar systems installed, and if we are all exporting at peak times with little demand and at full array capacity, can see the problems it could have on the local end of line network sending all the power back!
Click to expand...

Exactly. Export rates are tragic anyway, so better to store what you make and use it yourself. If only there were a way of using this free fuel for something. :think:
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

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Zep said:
Exactly. Export rates are tragic anyway, so better to store what you make and use it yourself. If only there were a way of using this free fuel for something. :think:
Click to expand...
That's the conclusion we have come to here, unless we can store the excess and use ourselves the benefit is small, that and we have regular power cuts, being in the country, being able to power essentials like the pump for the well is the only way to go.
 
mjheathcote

mjheathcote

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Zep said:
Exactly. Export rates are tragic anyway, so better to store what you make and use it yourself. If only there were a way of using this free fuel for something. :think:
Click to expand...
Well actually no...
With the Mrs having a plug in hybrid we qualify for Octopus Intelligent Go. Overnight 7p and export 15p.
So now it makes sense to use at the 7p when possible, washing machine, dishwasher, car charging of course, and then export what we can at the higher 15p during the day.
 
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Andyk

Andyk

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63,236
Was watching Auto Mundial on Sunday and they again mentioned that Fiat are stopping production on the 500 electric for Europe as they are not selling which has pushed them into adding a petrol Hybrid. But they are have now cutting production for the rest of the world as well. The one bit that did puzzle me is where do they build the 500 as from the overalls it looked like Maserati do it for them.

IMG_5766.jpeg
 
Flint

Flint

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a9yKNRD_460s.jpg


Not strictly a joke, but it made me smile.
 
davy83

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