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He's given EVs a good crack having already owned at least a couple and certainly doesn't dislike them.
Harry won't be happy with EVs until there's one that can haul, non-stop, a trailer containing one of his vintage Lambos or Ferraris from Burford up to Tyrrells Classic Cars in Hawarden to get fettled.
you live in an apartment block in a city block of apartments with 3000 other people and we really can't put enough chargers in for everyone
Where there's a parking space, there could be a charger. It would require a lot of work, but it's possible.
I wouldn't want to buy a massive premium EV either, they are hugely overpriced, over tech'ed and not at all efficient.
They are much more efficient than the equivalent massive premium ICE.
I'm not sure I'd agree the charging infrastructure is poor - possibly yes away from main arterial routes and centres of population - but for me the main issue around fast DC charging is the cost. Just extortionate.
The key fob doesn't always unlock the car
Polestar 3 and 4 were on my list for a Tesla alternative. Is it a proximity key fob? And can you use your phone as an alternative?
as for Harry and his video, I think most of the comments have said it: European manufacturers kept their heads in the sand, made modest greenwashing progress, and are now existentially concerned by Chinese manufacturers.
Where there's a parking space, there could be a charger. It would require a lot of work, but it's possible.
Work, money, legislation, disruption. And it'll *probably* be almost as expensive to charge as filling your existing hatchback, because you'll be paying the owner of the charger for the privilege of charging.
Many cities in Europe simply don't have the electrical architecture to support hundreds of fast chargers (or even moderately fast). So we're talking wholesale disruption. Not just digging up a carpark for a month.
Picked up my ID3 GTX at the weekend and all is lovely so far. Easy to drive (like a dodgem according to Mrs M), comfortable, software's fine (all is smooth and doesn't flip out) and the temperature sliders even light up. Got a fair bit more go to it than my outgoing Golf 1.6tdi too!
The only major difference so far is that it's a different way of using the accelerator, pound it like you do when pulling away in an ICE car and you get quite the launch! Regen is like engine braking 2.0 so you don't totally lift off when you want to slow down but you soon get used to it. Only mild annoyance is that I need to change the speed limit warning every time, but that's legislation rather than an EV thing. Also, didn't realise I rested my left hand on the gearstick quite so much - at least there's an arm rest.
There's lots of other nice features but they're all 'new car' things rather than being different because it's an EV, I could go on about the heads-up-display (love it) or lights that turn as you go around corners but I expect all those things would also come on a Golf or Passat anyway.
Overall it's been a few days of very happy motoring that'll no doubt turn into a few years of the same. Added bonus is I've just charged at work so I'm yet to pay for any 'fuel' so far. Do need to look into a seat cover or two for when the kids have been to footie/rugby, the interior's been 'done' to protect it but they're messy/dirty buggers so an extra precaution won't hurt.
Many cities in Europe simply don't have the electrical architecture to support hundreds of fast chargers
Yeah, the ones in every parking space would have to be slow.
Hi all,
I was surprised there was no responses to my message about buying a Maeving:
if like me the current EVs are too expensive you need something to just get around and want an ev to do your bit, they make a lot of sense.
I can keep my campervan for a fair few more years I now only need it for long journeys and I'm not barred from all car parks in North Somerset...
Best regards
Jerry
"if like me the current EVs are too expensive you need something to just get around and want an ev to do your bit, they make a lot of sense."
I'd suggest that to 90% of people a second hand Nissan Leaf makes a lot more sense than a 7k unfaired electric motorbike which takes almost 3hrs to charge half way with what looks like not even a top box on it.....I mean they look nice but surely a Silence is way more practical and much cheaper.
I also find the retro styling a bit too fey. It's begging to be asked about and that's too much of a performance.
On a less positive note both Kia EV6's in the company fleet have been grounded due to a reported 'electrical system fault' that prevents charging. Both parked at (different) dealers awaiting the same part.
Not ideal.
Yeah, the ones in every parking space would have to be slow.
The ones at work are nominally 11kW, some people have seen over this (by a collosal 0.5kW). But most seem to average out at about 4-5kW through the day. If you can get there at 6-7 am, or are working late, you can get your fill!
I've never even hit the limit on the OBC of my car (6.6kW) at work, most i've got is about 5, due to the fact that there are ~400 chargers within 150m of me.
I get more at home.
The ones at work are nominally 11kW
You have a choice between having everyone charge at 3kW all the time or charging at 6kW every other day etc. Smart charging is part of this solution (the solution we don't yet have).
Great, my edit didn't go through...
The chargers at work average out at about 4-5kW, unless you are there early am (before 7:30) or after hours (17:00 or later).
You can actually see the chargers speeding up on the app at the shift finishing times as well.
Smart charging is part of this solution (the solution we don't yet have).
PodPoint chargers do exactly that - they’re designed to have more connections points than supply capacity and then use smart load balancing to manage it.
https://pod-point.com/products/business/array
I saw these E motorbike guys at the Excel at the weekend https://international.naxeontech.com/
They are being sold from a distributor from the Wirral. Looks great and would be a decent choice of commuting vehicle.
Ive finally settled on a Indra smart lux charger for home which should work with either car or bike in the future.
Hi all,
I was surprised there was no responses to my message about buying a Maeving:
if like me the current EVs are too expensive you need something to just get around and want an ev to do your bit, they make a lot of sense.
I can keep my campervan for a fair few more years I now only need it for long journeys and I'm not barred from all car parks in North Somerset...
I had to stick it into Google, I'd never heard of it - assumed it was a Chinese car that I'd not come across! I quite like the look of it and I bet the ride's interesting. What did you ride before and how does it compare?
...and can you get a sidecar for full "A Close Shave" vibes?
A question for those charging EVs at work: At my place of work we have to pay for charging. It's much less than public charging (18p/kW) but we have been told it cannot be free as that would make it a taxable perk. So how are other companies getting around this tax issue?
EV charging at work (or near work) can be free and is exempt from BIk as long as its offered to all employees
"The "health inspection" noted front pads and discs were 65% worn.".
I got that for my Superb a year ago. Quoted around £300 for front discs and pads. I declined on the basis that as the car was 6 years old I must have at least a year use left on them. One year on all still good.
I have just found a good mechanic for another job needing done on the car. I asked him and he said £200 for best quality pads and discs. I will get it done after they stop salting the roads this spring. With 7 years on the first set they don't owe me anything and probably won't need done again while I own the car. If I assume they are now 3/4 worn I am only "wasting" £50 getting them changed now.
Next thing will be a set of all seasons. They are down to 3mm or 4mm around the car. So fine for the summer but a set of 4 after another 6k or so in October.
I had to stick it into Google, I'd never heard of it - assumed it was a Chinese car that I'd not come across! I quite like the look of it and I bet the ride's interesting. What did you ride before and how does it compare?
I have ridden bikes for 27 years from Kawasaki's to Triumph's to Laverda's. I've had 6 bikes. The Maeving is fast light nimble and quiet. It's also dead cheap to run, with no major wearing parts like an ICE bike. I only rode briefly but it's perfect for my use cases of riding around Bristol and where I live a little way away.
Obviously I have a full license and all my gear.
JeZ
Yeah, they look really light on the specs which would make it feel fun to chuck around especially with a leccy motor and no gears/clutch. Just the job for nipping in and out of town. The only snag (up in the North East anyway) is the epidemic of bike and scooter thefts. Think I'd want to leave it somewhere really secure - no different to an ICE bike in that respect obviously.
I was surprised there was no responses to my message about buying a Maeving:
I saw the bike mentioned and I'm aware of their bikes. At some point in the future I'll get an electric motorbike but I'm holding off whilst my petrol scooter does the job. I'd prefer a scooter for the under seat storage rather than a bike with no storage space.
The naxeon bike has the same issue, maybe great for everything but poor for storage and weather protection when it is chucking it down. Some of the tech on it looks nice but it's don't have 20+ liters of space under the seat for stuff I carry on my commute and maybe a top box for extra space. If Naxeon/maeving stuff their tech and knowledge into a scooter I'd be interested.
Segway es300 of seat mo/silence s01 are in my options but when the silence is getting too big and the Segway has small wheels (but maybe their abs and geometry cancelled out the wheel size issue I might have)?
the BMW CE04 piqued my interest, especially as you can now pick them up with minimal miles on for the same price as the bikes names above. They don't have any more range but can charge 3 times faster and have a much more sophisticated ride (according to reviews) and performance. Plus you can at least get a helmet in the storage pod, plus they can take a box. I also reckon the resale value will be much better - I3's are holding value quite well and they have a similar vibe. Rather than looking like a pastiche of a cafe racer they look like something from Tron which suits better I think - and as someone who has commuted by bike in all weathers, having some protection up front is a must.
Hiya,
I don't think there is a perfect EV bike. I had a Gilera Runner for 3 years. The storage under the seat was brilliant, for sure. The Maeving has 10l tank storage btw.
Yeah I agree having ridden bikes for 20 odd years that a fairing helps 🙏 I've had bikes with both. Personally I'm not reliant on this every day to get to work I own my van as I said. It will be ground anchored marked and tracked.
Best regards
JeZ
I'm looking at the salary sacrifice option with work for a new motor. Not sure it's going to be financially worthwhile, but I'm exploring (as I need a big car for dog carrying duties, camping etc. Kia's EV9, and the Volvo EX90 seem to be the 2 options - at £££££ spendy and ££££££££££££££ spendy, respectively. But
But one thing I've not been able to understand yet is back to the home charger installation discussion.
Are there any requirements for being wired directly into the main distribution panel (consumer unit) of the house ? Or even immediately after the main supply fuse ? Or just suitably RCD protected with a suitable feed with the currect rating and circuit protection etc.
To explain - being in an old cottage built half a century before cars or electricity were known about, my drive / car standing is 10-15 yards from the house (other side of the garden), and also the entry of the electricity to the house + where the main supply fuse, main consumer unit, etc is on the opposite side of the house. 3ft thick stone walls without defined cavities, solid floor, exposed beams ceiling, etc. So having a charger on the house and fed from the main consumer unit or entry point of the electricity into the property would be a complete PITA to be fitted - (I'm not digging up the living room floor to get a cable from one side to the other !). A 2nd armoured feed could be done as the one to the garage currently is, around the periphery of the property, but would be a pain as it would have to run probably 80 feet or more.
But I have a detached garage adjacent to the car standing area. It has a supply from the house (32A breaker on the main consumer unit) and a small 'satellite' consumer unit in the garage- with a 16A circuit breaker protected circuit for sockets and 6A for lighting.
Can a charger be installed on the garage and connected to the garage supply (with an RCD in the path) ? Obviously it'll have to be limited to below 32A (something more like 22amp / 5kw, to give some margin on the 32Amain consumer unit breaker - as I don't want the garage freezer going off when the car is charging causing my reserves of butter pies all to defrost in 1 go!).
I need a big car for dog carrying duties, camping etc. Kia's EV9, and the Volvo EX90 seem to be the 2 option
There are a couple of estate car options - BMW i5 and VW iD7 that are a bit less behemothic. And the iD Buzz.
I have a similar set up in the garage, had a couple of companies out to take a look at they both said 'yep, that'll work', so charger runs of Garage mini consumer unit.
Oh, yeah, and - ID.Buzz!
I’ve got an ID7 tourer gtx on order, having considered the same ev9/ex90 thing.
Got a Model Y loaner at the moment. Have to say I’m not a fan. Awful ride and steering, some super weird software choices (Audio doesn’t pause when reading a text etc), not a fan of the seats, the cruise control can be borderline dangerous in certain situations. I wouldn’t be even thinking about letting it steer!
Cheers folks. A couple more motors for me to go take a peek at then 👍
Obviously it'll have to be limited to below 32A (something more like 22amp / 5kw, to give some margin on the 32Amain consumer unit breaker
I'd check the rating of the cable to the garage, it may only be rated for the 16A CU (not sure why it would have 32A breaker in the main CU). Cable rating is significant with the high continuous load from a charger.
I've joined the club: bought an e-niro yesterday, nice car with all the toys. The lane keeping thing was less intrusive than I feared, and adaptive cruise worked well in heavy traffic. I've switched our tariff to octopus intelligent go.
We picked up a 2021 one a couple of weeks ago too. Very happy with it. Our charger gets installed on Tuesday so won't need to use the granny charger
On charging - I'm surprised there isn't more of an app or website where you can rent your charger out similarly to Park at my House or similar.
I'm going on holiday in the summer and the charging infrastructure is all in the nearby town, 4 miles away. I suspect that I'll need to use it a couple of times over the week, as the cottage we're renting has no charger (I know others have said they wouldn't rent one without, not always possible) - but there are houses with chargers in the village based on google drive-by's. I'd happily pay cost plus a premium to use one of them.
Ive seen the Octopus electroverse show what looks like domestic chargers but not onboard yet as I dont have an installed ev charge point. My charge point installation is scheduled for 6 weeks time so going to granny charge until then.
My charge point installation is scheduled for 6 weeks time so going to granny charge until then.
I've mentioned it before, but IOG will support a granny charger as long as they can control your car. I did this while waiting for my charger. That means you benefit from the low 7p rate for the whole time the car is charging so it's worth looking at now rather than waiting for your installation.
On charging - I'm surprised there isn't more of an app or website where you can rent your charger out similarly to Park at my House or similar.
There is, somewhere. My other half out here charger on an app which allows 3rd parties to plug in and charge up. The house owner sets the price per KW and the app company gets a cut of the cash. She has only had one taker, an ioniq 5 which sat on her drive for 5hrs until full.
I moved to IOG today and they need to installed teh app and add device. I just wondered how they can control the car using the 3pin. I have entered my reg and will plug in tonight. Fingers crossed they can see the draw.
You need to complete a test charge before the smart charging is enabled - that means adding your car in the app then selecting the appropriate 3 pin charger, then they do a quick check of everything and you're good to go. Until that's done you only get the cheap rate overnight.
Obviously it'll have to be limited to below 32A (something more like 22amp / 5kw, to give some margin on the 32Amain consumer unit breaker
I'd check the rating of the cable to the garage, it may only be rated for the 16A CU (not sure why it would have 32A breaker in the main CU). Cable rating is significant with the high continuous load from a charger.
Cheers.
I'll double check before I get anything done. The cable from the main consumer unit to the junction box (where the outdoors armoured cable is connected) I'm fairly sure is 6mm^2, and runs attached to an interior of a stone/ plastered wall then the solid floor (behind some kitchen cupboards). So not grouped/bundled, and not in any insulation to cause it to be debated.
I'll need to double check the armoured cable that runs to the garage- though i think that's 6mm2 too. But wouldn't bet a (burned down) house on it.
all really helpful as I didnt know you need to do that first. Head up for Renault owners that you need my renault app and mobilize installed and connect up to Octopus account details and somehow they all talk to the car via the connected services. I couldnt get the test charge working even though it was charging but will leave it overnight. The octopus app says its ready to go bar the test charge. Thanks for the heads up thepurist
My ID3 is in VW next week to have the rear lining and seats taken out to see if they can finally find what the weird intermittent knocking noise is that it has done since new and has been in twice before for this issue. It’s also having a new electronic engine noise sensor fitted as that’s failed and last week it keeps telling me to clean the front parking sensors even though they are clean so I’ve got to tell them they have failed when I drop it off.
The VW dealer also won’t replace the passenger side head light that constantly mist up on the inside as it clears even though that head light was replaced under warranty when the original did the same but had water running down on the inside. Apparently they submit the information into an online bot and that tells them if they can replace it or not?
And on a separate note on Friday I submitted a complaint at work about our leasing company on fitting cheap tyres. I had my 4th puncture in 18 months the last two caused by stones imbedded in the tyre and two of them have been on 60mph roads. Even the tyre garage has complained to the lease company they are not speccing the correct tyres for the vehicle.
Oh and I’ve got to get VW to fit a new wheel trim as that was lost when the tyre went and I’d be buggered I was going to walk down a 60mph road looking for it with traffic whizzing by.
My old Kia Soul puts this ID3 to shame in spec, handling and performance and that was as aerodynamic as a brick.
I just read an article (Eye 1643) about cross pavement charging and did a google. This cropped up first, I'm sure there are others.....
According to the article 40% of households have no off street parking and so struggle to charge EVs, half of those are in terraced houses and many have on street parking outside the house.
To install one takes under 2 hours with minimal disruption to the pavement, it's a channel about 3" deep. However, currently you have to get permission under the same (S50) regs / process as digging a hole in the road for eg: a gas main repair and councils charge up to £2900 for permission. That's if they allow it at all, roughly 5 in 6 don't allow at all.
Seems like a change to rules to consider some kind of permitted development should be allowed - as the article says, it's less rigorous to put an extension on your house than a <2 hour job for an EV charger.
This is pretty much exactly what i was talking about on the last page.
well, sort of.... the bit I was really highlighting is the cost and hurdles that a home owner has to go through when there's a simple, relatively cheap, <2hr solution. And that 5/6 of councils don't even entertain it.