There's some absolutely ridiculous deals on the Frontera leases at the moment.
Quite a decent little car with a reasonable boot.
I actually like how it looks, and seems incredible value. I'm a fan of the latest Vauxhall design.
Thanks for the i4 tips. Probably have to wait until after Christmas, but that's sounds like a decent option.
Unrelated but I like the look of the new Skoda prototype . Shame about the big ipad on the interior, but I guess it saves them a few pence. Doubt the suicide doors will make it to production but they look ace!
There's some absolutely ridiculous deals on the Frontera leases at the moment.
Quite a decent little car with a reasonable boot.
I didn't know they'd brought back the Frontera name. Just look at the white steelies 😎
IIRC @trail_rat was a fan of the original Frontera.
Not sure the reincarination will satisfy his current needs though.
i like it id noticed it was cheap and i like it .
but it doesn't work for me 🙁
the reason my original one worked was because it cost me 1000 pounds and ran like a swiss clock for many a year going places it shouldn't have - including through the back end of a bus.......
but if theres a brand whos electrics worrys me more than a peugeot ....its vauxhall... at least french electrics just refuse to work - vauxhall have a reputation for making extremely fast heating vehicles.....
Seems to be a lot of Mercedes electric SUVs around for big cars. They don't have the best range but they're plus and not overly expensive.
^^ they also appear to have extremely soft suspension. We have loads of speed bumps in our estate and commonly see/hear Merc EVs scuffing on them, way more than any other cars that are common here.
I remember Clarkson slagging off the original Frontera with its :" rickshaw suspension" but they did what they were designed to very well. A friend is stiil using hers to drag horse boxes out of muddy fields.
The new leccy one above I quite like. 🤫
Does anyone know of a way to check the historical utilisation of a charging site?
I'm starting to scope out the options for our annual migration down South and it would be handy to see which charging locations tend to be least busy and when. I was hoping to be able to click on a charge location and get a graph of occupancy rate over, say, the last 24 hours. But I can't seem to find any way of getting that information.
ABRP, for example, claim to use this sort of data to plan your charging stops, so I guess it must exist. But maybe it's one of those datasets you can only get if you pay for it.
But maybe it's one of those datasets you can only get if you pay for it.
Would make sense seeing as it's data that would be very handy in route planning.
Google maps has that on some charge locations here, a curve for usage by the hour.
Edit:- just checked, they don't anymore.
Thanks for confirming that I'm not going mad @mert. I was sure I had seen it somewhere too. Must have been on Google maps at some point.
To be honest, I'm fairly relaxed about travelling across the country by EV these days. For the most part I'll just have a rough idea of where I want to break the journey and then use the in-car navigation to check the occupancy of chargers along my route as I get near to stopping. But with it being the Christmas week I thought it might be handy to have an idea of which hubs near to my route tend to be quietest.
Looking at an EV for us in the new year, any advice on what to avoid in the Corsa, Mini, Honda E, Pug 208, Fiat 500 size & secondhand budget of £15k up to 5yrs old. Current car is a Mazda 3 which Mrs dB likes & would have to have heated seats & cruise control - she also likes a "nice place to be" in a car. Don't want to be paying £££ for insurance either.
Looking at an EV for us in the new year, any advice on what to avoid in the Corsa, Mini, Honda E, Pug 208, Fiat 500 size & secondhand budget of £15k up to 5yrs old. Current car is a Mazda 3 which Mrs dB likes & would have to have heated seats & cruise control - she also likes a "nice place to be" in a car. Don't want to be paying £££ for insurance either.
we looked at the Fiat 500 but it was tiny in the back, 2 door and lacked ‘extras’, we felt you don’t get much for your money and were paying for the ‘looks’ but it drove fine. We went with a Hyundai inster, loads of toys and feels like a tardis, very happy with it so far, but it is about £18-20k as they are so new but worth the extra IMO.
Double post
Corsa, Mini, Honda E, Pug 208, Fiat 500 size & secondhand budget of £15k up to 5yrs old.
2020 Corsa e driver here. Would I buy one for sub £10k 🤔 possibly 🤔 But it does not have adaptive cruise control and an auto hold handbrake. These are 2 things that my ioniq EV has and they are great. Screen isn't that big and it seems reasonably low tech basic compared to the ioniq.
Performance wise it is pretty good compared to what I've driven before. I rarely use sport mode, never use eco so it just stays in normal mode which is ok. Regen braking only has one setting and there isn't any paddles to alter it as there is only one mode.
Probably better Korean or Chinese options out there? Maybe a byd dolphin? Or a mg offering?
it would be handy to see which charging locations tend to be least busy and when.
is this, with respect, not a bit of a case of overthinking it ?
Most EV, will offer you, on the nav system, a range of chargers as you drive along, with suggestions and info on how many are available/in use etc.
I was hoping to be able to click on a charge location and get a graph of occupancy rate over, say, the last 24 hours. But I can't seem to find any way of getting that information.
Why? Surely the occupancy as you approach the site is all that matters? If it is super busy then you look at ones before, and possibly after, to see whether you prefer them?
with it being the Christmas week I thought it might be handy to have an idea of which hubs near to my route tend to be quietest
ah, I see. IDK, I’d not bother and just accept that some might be busy and check on the fly. General driving conditions might be a bigger factor in journey time.
I can see the appeal in the data, it would help planning. Generally expensive and not in a motorway services is fairly low occupancy!
What I have struggled to find but would be useful is a charger map with price as a filter (or just colour code the dots on the map by price). Having to click every charger to see price is a real drag to competition!
is this, with respect, not a bit of a case of overthinking it ?
Wouldn’t be the first time 😀
Most EV, will offer you, on the nav system, a range of chargers as you drive along, with suggestions and info on how many are available/in use etc.
Yes, that is pretty much what I do these days. For a long journey I’m generally happy to just jump in the car, drive until I fancy a stop and then see what the occupancy of chargers along my route looks like.
But with it being Christmas and likely to be busy I thought it might be fun to see if there are any hidden gems just off the route that wouldn’t show on my “chargers along route” page. Places just off the beaten track that are reliably quiet. I doubt I’ll need them and will probably just default to my usual system of making it up as I go along (as it’s never failed me yet). But I was surprised that this information wasn’t available.
One of the fun things with the EV is that I’ve found new (and much nicer) places to stop by looking for empty chargers rather than just defaulting to the (usually hideous) service stations along the route.
The Tesla app will show a graph of busy/quiet times although I’m not sure how dynamic it is.
I've got a problem with my Hyundai Kona, great car and so far (one year) very pleased but the head unit has an annoying glitch that seems to have developed recently.
I connect via a usb cable to a mid range Samsung phone for Android auto and use that for maps and music. It also connects via Bluetooth, I've tried with this off and doesn't seem to make any difference.
If I use the music streaming then sometimes after a while it refuses to go back to radio when I press the button on the head unit, or go to it via the screen menu. I have to push the little reset button with a specially designed toothpick (ok, sharp end broken off) and then restart A auto and get another unspecified period where it works properly.
Anyone seen similar, may not be Kona specific? It's due a service in about 6 weeks, so will be asking them if no answer here.
Are there any reccomendations for granny charger brands / models?
When my i4 goes back in May the replacement car does not appear to come with a granny charger. I only use it a handful of times a year, so am keen to get something relatively cheap, but also want it to be safe and robust and last for many years. It would be especially ideal if if can be connected to a 3 pin Commando socket as I have a 2.5mm^2 3 pin to commando extension cable made up, commando being ideal as it's actually designed for outdoor use.
Screwfix have a masterplug one for £110 - that looks like a safe bet and sensible default choice maybe ?
Anyone got a new Capri? There's some cracking deals out there and it's apparently in stock. It's taking an age to get even a delivery date from the leasing company for the Temu Range Rover so I'm seriously thinking about sacking it off and getting something else. The Frontera for £120pcm is interesting but 88mph and sub 200 mile range is off-putting.
88mph really isn't a bad thing, but the sub-200 mile range is an absolute ball ache. My Enyaq is only getting 180 miles in this weather and I'm pretty sure I'm getting closer to 160 actual miles.
Anything over 60mph and it will eat the battery faster (which is what I've found).
Enyaq has been ok, but range reduction during colder weather is really annoying. Spring gives me 225, summer gives me 260 and autumn drops to 200 and winter is 180. Everything else works well (apart from headlights as they don't height adjust so not great in the dark and near useless in wet weather (far too white and it kind of bounces off the wet road and doesn't seem to do much illumination!
Are there any reccomendations for granny charger brands / models?i got a dé brand charger, had adaptors for schuko or three pin in the bag (depending on market) and a commando/caravan adaptor you could buy extra for €20.
Hmmmmmm, forum glitch?
Dé charger with a commando adaptor is what i bought. Also came with a schuko (as i'm in sweden) or a 3 pin for UK market.
Are there any reccomendations for granny charger brands / models?
When my i4 goes back in May the replacement car does not appear to come with a granny charger. I only use it a handful of times a year, so am keen to get something relatively cheap, but also want it to be safe and robust and last for many years. It would be especially ideal if if can be connected to a 3 pin Commando socket as I have a 2.5mm^2 3 pin to commando extension cable made up, commando being ideal as it's actually designed for outdoor use.
Screwfix have a masterplug one for £110 - that looks like a safe bet and sensible default choice maybe ?
We are using that Screwfix one on a regular basis, went for the 10m cable. So far no issues, it does what it does and it does it well, backed up with a warranty. It's easy and simple to use, seems well made, would recommend.
Looking at an EV for us in the new year, any advice on what to avoid in the Corsa, Mini, Honda E, Pug 208, Fiat 500 size & secondhand budget of £15k up to 5yrs old. Current car is a Mazda 3 which Mrs dB likes & would have to have heated seats & cruise control - she also likes a "nice place to be" in a car. Don't want to be paying £££ for insurance either.
I'm 2 yrs into ownership of a used e208. They are the same Stellantis car underneath as the Corsa. I really love it. Some known issues (A/C compressor, on board charging unit) - I've had both go pop now, but one was covered under warranty, and the other under out-of-warranty goodwill. The spec'ed kit doesn't quite match what they were originally announced with, apparently due to post-covid chip shortages. For instance I don't think any came with wireless phone chargers in the end, and you need to go right to the top level spec to guarantee heated seats. Looking at used cars, it's easiest just to seek out a GT Premium model, and you'll then have everything (heated seats, adaptive cruise, bigger screen, much nicer seats etc).
Range is what it is - nothing spectacular at about 150 miles winter, 180 miles summer, but I'm pretty sure the others you mention are even worse. I know I dismissed the Mini based on that.
Thanks @timmys that's good stuff to know, not too fussed about range as have 2nd car & plan to just charge at home for her 2 days of commuting & my work trips.
@Dickyboy That was pretty much my thoughts - we bought it as a second car for commuting so we didn't worry too much about the range or the whole family not really fitting in that well. The trouble was I am such a tight arse that the attraction of 2p a mile in 'fuel' versus ~20p a mile in the family car makes me wish I had perhaps bought something a bit bigger that we could use more!
The trouble was I am such a tight arse that the attraction of 2p a mile in 'fuel' versus ~20p a mile in the family car makes me wish I had perhaps bought something a bit bigger that we could use more!
Luckily my V40 is more like 12p fuel per mile & with the new 3ppm EV tax will be even less of a gap, but it is 10yrs old, Aircon doesn't work & approaching new clutch territory, I have also been considering upping the budget to 2022 Cupra Born levels. Will go & try a few Corsa, 208 & Borns to see what we think.
Are there any reccomendations for granny charger brands / models?
I bought one of these. Well reviewed. Ran it for circa 8 hours on Saturday for the first time. Zero issues. No heat in the wall socket or plug. Able to lower the amps on the charger itself.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DLNQNBV3?th=1
Another hiccough on the way to electrification of vehicles. USA focused, so perhaps it makes little difference in the rest of the world where Chinese BEV manufacturers are probably eating Ford’s lunch?
Ford’s EV retreat highlights industry dilemma: Build for the US or the world? -
Highly considering our first EV next year, most likely on a 3 year personal lease. We have a driveway so home charging won’t be an issue, I just need to get a charger fitted. 95% of our journeys are less than 100 miles with the occasional drive across the country for work or a holiday.
Skoda Enyaq is looking like a decent option although factory orders seem to currently be around 6 months for delivery.
any experiences on how a towbar bike rack affects range?
The Niro has a towbar plug that you plug the electrics for the towbar wiring. The car then auto detects a trailer is attached and sucks the GOM range out of car, it also switches off various saftey features collision avoidance rear sensors etc. Ive disabled as much as I can within the infotainment which has improved the GOM but yes its a range guesser killer.
I have a towbar rack for my EV3. When taking a gravel bike on a couple of hours drive, A roads and some motorway, and generally at speed limits, I find it takes the miles/kwh down from about 3.8 to around 3.3, so about 15%.
Thanks, doesn’t sound awful then.
The car then auto detects a trailer is attached and sucks the GOM range out of car,
not sure if same on the Niro but on the EV 3 there is an option in the settings that switches the trailer mode range reducing algorithm off.
There is, and the GOM is better but the car still detects that the electrics are plugged in and disables the safety features mentioned mentioned and reduces the mileage somewhat.
Octopus Energy EV leasing…..
Anyone leased an EV through Octopus? They seem to have very reasonably priced vehicles with servicing included and in some cases free charger installation included…
Talk to me about "budget" EV that's big enough for upto 4 adults, reasonable boot, can take a roof rack (with open canoe) and has something near or over 300miles range.... I've got a home charging box that's faster than three pin plug.
Thinking under £15k and 100k miles.
I see a few Polestar 2, a few Tesla (I'm really not sure about), a few Hyundai's. I and mrs_oab are Volvo fans, so the Polestar attracts....
I suspect fully loaded with canoe you won't be getting full quoted range...
If your plug is needed tried out, let me know...I don't mind a 10 minute walk for cheap recharging! 😉
I don’t think a £15k polestar 2 is going to get 300+ miles without the Canoe, let alone with it. You’d be looking at a leggy smaller battery single motor with possibly 10-15% battery degradation for that money.
Think about the range requirement. 300 miles is neither realistic or necessary.
A Hyundai ionic might make the budget, but some compromise is likely to be needed.
I'm not expecting full range with canoe on!
Range reason: we've both got aging parents (Huddersfield and Doncatser) plus my job is likely to have a few jaunts down to northern England (Manchester and Leeds) over the next few years, plus I already roam central Scotland at times. I'm looking for a car that we can do those kind of single journeys with only a single stop for a 'top up'. It's going to be often enough to justify. Plus it's year round, plus older battery, so looking at @300 miles stated new might get me 200 miles in winter second hand....?
A bit leggy but might work
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511228069285
There are more options for the 58kw version under budget
Something like this - with three years/25k more warranty:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/20251202828745
What's the concern with mileage? I thought electric cars were a lot less to go wrong, better battery if used well etc?
Battery cycles / degradation and wear in the usual components.
My P2 Dual Motor performs OK, will do about 220 in close to 0 temps at a mix of say 40% 70MPH, 40% 60MPH and 20% urban driving.
Would think you'd easily get a single motor long range for less than £15k - there are quite a few available near that and obviously list price doesn't equal sale price. Bear in mind the dual motor is more common and IIRC was always with plus and pilot packs in the early days. Single motor much slower but you get 20-30 miles more range.
Don't know if a Megane would suit as might be a bit small for you - but that should be newer and less miles for the same budget.
Bought a sirrka green 52kwh GT line e rifter for our family car in the end. Knowing we have a 10year old /100k miles diesel partner to run into the ground for any long trips.
Looking forward to it as 80% of our trips are kid based -schools/nursary/swimming lessons/rainbows etc where the low range won't be an issue - but we are burning 170 quid month on average in diesel -my little 108s using 35 quid in petrol each month due to low use so I'll sell that and assume the partner till it's end of life then we might look at a longer range electric IF the Peugeot's working for us
I'm sure it'll be shit but I'm also sure it'll meet our needs of an electric car.
Wasn't on my 2025 calender of things to do but the availability of low interest loan made it palatable over the astronomic cost of car finance. -Essentially the cost of the diesel covers 80% of the cost of the car each month not something that added up on any version of car finance I saw.
My Skoda Enyaq claims 224 miles in spring and autumn, 260 miles in summer and I'm getting less than 180 miles just now - and the last 2 days with temps below zero, the range have been about 160 miles.
Sidetracking a bit, but i can confirm an EV completely loses it's $hit if the 12v battery goes below voltage!
The 12v in my OH's leaf (which was my leaf) is about 7 years old now, and she's ran it flat a few times....sigh. Well in teh cold, it dropped to 11.3v (checked with multimeter) whilst she was in a carpark about 20 min from home.. It flashes up all sorts of worrying messages - EV powertrain failure... systems not working..
Simple 40 quid battery swap and all happy again!
DrP
my P2 battery died and I can confirm all manor of wideness goes on.
always worth sticking on a battery monitor to keep an eye on it.
Sidetracking a bit, but i can confirm an EV completely loses it's $hit if the 12v battery goes below voltage!
The 12v in my OH's leaf (which was my leaf) is about 7 years old now, and she's ran it flat a few times....sigh. Well in teh cold, it dropped to 11.3v (checked with multimeter) whilst she was in a carpark about 20 min from home.. It flashes up all sorts of worrying messages - EV powertrain failure... systems not working..Simple 40 quid battery swap and all happy again!
Exactly the same on the Zoe. Not the sort of message you want to read until you understand what's causing it.