Why are people buying electric cars?

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Will an electric car tow a caravan ? Apparently they will but the nut kicker comes when it needs to recharge mid journey as most recharging points are built for just the car , so you would have to unhitch the caravan and leave in a safe place while charging the car .. and hope it’s still there when you return ..me I’m sticking to my 2.2 litre turbo diesel . :banana: :banana::banana:
 
My son sent me this photo yesterday, near our farm, taken from inside of his diesel 4x4, windy day.
tree down.jpg
He also sent me a video, showing him driving round it, which I can't upload. Could an electric car do that?
 
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I refuse to believe anybody can stop at a petrol station, fill up, pay and drive off safely in less than 5 minutes. I bet the average is close to 10

I'll try to time it when I fill up next in a couple of weeks.

What seems to take a big chunk of time with EVs based on the guys I work with who have free company-provided charging is getting out the cable, uncoiling it, plugging in at both ends, getting out the phone, opening the app, identifying the charger and then starting the charging process going. It's also not very unusual for the charging to stop unexpectedly and require disconnecting and restarting. Then coil and store the cable afterwards.

It's not an impossible difficult process, but it's more basic work than filling up even before charge is delivered.
 
My son sent me this photo yesterday, near our farm, taken from inside of his diesel 4x4, windy day.
View attachment 457343
He also sent me a video, showing him driving round it, which I can't upload. Could an electric car do that?
Depends on the car, could most petrol cars have driven around it?

Last winter, during the big rains I drove my electric car through a flood that came up over the bonnet with no ill effects. Few petrol cars could do that.
 
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I'll try to time it when I fill up next in a couple of weeks.

What seems to take a big chunk of time with EVs based on the guys I work with who have free company-provided charging is getting out the cable, uncoiling it, plugging in at both ends, getting out the phone, opening the app, identifying the charger and then starting the charging process going. It's also not very unusual for the charging to stop unexpectedly and require disconnecting and restarting. Then coil and store the cable afterwards.

It's not an impossible difficult process, but it's more basic work than filling up even before charge is delivered.

If they are getting cables out to charge then it's on a slow AC post and they intend to stay on it for some hours anyway so spending a minute or two isn't a hardship.
 
I'll try to time it when I fill up next in a couple of weeks.

What seems to take a big chunk of time with EVs based on the guys I work with who have free company-provided charging is getting out the cable, uncoiling it, plugging in at both ends, getting out the phone, opening the app, identifying the charger and then starting the charging process going. It's also not very unusual for the charging to stop unexpectedly and require disconnecting and restarting. Then coil and store the cable afterwards.

It's not an impossible difficult process, but it's more basic work than filling up even before charge is delivered.
All of that's true. But Tesla make it easy. Drive to suc. Battery automatically conditions on the way for faster charging. Pop the flap and plug in (very like a petrol pump). Charge. Disconnect, drive off.

No app. No payment card. No hassle. For about half the price of other chargers.

Shows what other manufacturers could do if they wanted. There's absolutely no reason why for example gridserve couldn't do this for all brands.
 
Will an electric car tow a caravan ? Apparently they will but the nut kicker comes when it needs to recharge mid journey as most recharging points are built for just the car , so you would have to unhitch the caravan and leave in a safe place while charging the car .. and hope it’s still there when you return ..me I’m sticking to my 2.2 litre turbo diesel . :banana: :banana::banana:

Happy for you, seriously.
 
All of that's true. But Tesla make it easy. Drive to suc. Battery automatically conditions on the way for faster charging. Pop the flap and plug in (very like a petrol pump). Charge. Disconnect, drive off.

No app. No payment card. No hassle. For about half the price of other chargers.

Shows what other manufacturers could do if they wanted. There's absolutely no reason why for example gridserve couldn't do this for all brands.
Actually there is kinda. Tesla can do it because they control the process from beginning to end, i.e. it's a Tesla car that is designed to speak to Tesla chargers via a Tesla app. It's not quite so simple for other makes using Tesla chargers (though still good).
Gridserve for example could set up their network so that cars approaching a charger could have it reserved but the more complete experience isn't possible because every manufacturer has their own way of working and would have to cooperate with them. Cooperation is not something car manufacturers do well.
 
Actually there is kinda. Tesla can do it because they control the process from beginning to end, i.e. it's a Tesla car that is designed to speak to Tesla chargers via a Tesla app. It's not quite so simple for other makes using Tesla chargers (though still good).
Gridserve for example could set up their network so that cars approaching a charger could have it reserved but the more complete experience isn't possible because every manufacturer has their own way of working and would have to cooperate with them. Cooperation is not something car manufacturers do well.
Interesting.

I assumed the charging port exposed some sort of guid to the charger. I know Tesla's interaction is a lot more complicated than that but at a minimum that's what you need for app free payment unless you use anpr.
 
My son sent me this photo yesterday, near our farm, taken from inside of his diesel 4x4, windy day.
View attachment 457343
He also sent me a video, showing him driving round it, which I can't upload. Could an electric car do that?


Some could, almost certainly.
 
Will an electric car tow a caravan ? Apparently they will but the nut kicker comes when it needs to recharge mid journey as most recharging points are built for just the car , so you would have to unhitch the caravan and leave in a safe place while charging the car .. and hope it’s still there when you return ..me I’m sticking to my 2.2 litre turbo diesel . :banana: :banana::banana:
Motorway charging. Park caravan in a space. Unhitch and hitch lock. Fuel. Reverse process.

Remote area charging a little more complicated but very often they are right next to car parks. Just like you would avoid tiny petrol stations when towing.

It's like you're looking for reasons not to buy one :)
 
Some could, almost certainly.
With variable height suspension and all wheel drive even my giant Tesla could probably do that.

Some diesel 4x4s could have cleared the road for others :)
 
Motorway charging. Park caravan in a space. Unhitch and hitch lock. Fuel. Reverse process.

Remote area charging a little more complicated but very often they are right next to car parks. Just like you would avoid tiny petrol stations when towing.

It's like you're looking for reasons not to buy one :)


Re your last sentence: Unfortunately the world is full of people who are resistant to change, no matter what advantages the development may bring.

It's very interesting, and only to be expected, really, that new technology is being developed all the time. I hope this genuinely is a breakthrough. But the internet is full of self-publicists with an idea to sell.
 
Interesting.

I assumed the charging port exposed some sort of guid to the charger. I know Tesla's interaction is a lot more complicated than that but at a minimum that's what you need for app free payment unless you use anpr.

Communication between the car and charger when you plug into it is via a simple 2 wire serial connection, basic info like state of charge, how fast the car can charge, safety stuff etc. doesn't take a lot of effort to pass between them. Getting that same info plus location and availability from your car to a network via a phone signal is much more complicated.
 
Re your last sentence: Unfortunately the world is full of people who are resistant to change, no matter what advantages the development may bring.

It's very interesting, and only to be expected, really, that new technology is being developed all the time. I hope this genuinely is a breakthrough. But the internet is full of self-publicists with an idea to sell.

I've said it before, back in 1900 or whenever there were people saying "my horse can go blah blah I'll never buy a car blah" They were then and are now entitled to think how they like, it will not stop the world turning.
 
Motorway charging. Park caravan in a space. Unhitch and hitch lock. Fuel. Reverse process.

Remote area charging a little more complicated but very often they are right next to car parks. Just like you would avoid tiny petrol stations when towing.

It's like you're looking for reasons not to buy one :)
At fast approaching 80 I can’t really justify spending upwards of £30K on a car that will exactly what the one I have does .. that’s not an excuse it’s a plain and simple fact .. and that’s of course if I had the money in the first place , doubt whether I could get pcp or finance at my age anyway ..
My oldest lad has just handed his company Tesla back after its 3 years and he said it was the worst car they ever supplied he much preferred his 7 series bmw , think he now has another bmw . My other son has a Toyota Corolla hybrid and that’s nice but I prefer my Honda CRV
 
I've said it before, back in 1900 or whenever there were people saying "my horse can go blah blah I'll never buy a car blah" They were then and are now entitled to think how they like, it will not stop the world turning.
Of course, the 1.2 billion people driving cars with internal combustion engines (according to Google's AI) are wrong and the 60 million driving cars with electric engines are right. :thinking:
 
Of course, the 1.2 billion people driving cars with internal combustion engines (according to Google's AI) are wrong and the 60 million driving cars with electric engines are right. :thinking:
Give us the figures for 1900 then.
 
With variable height suspension and all wheel drive even my giant Tesla could probably do that.

Some diesel 4x4s could have cleared the road for others :)
Having watched the video, I very much doubt it. But even if your Tesla could, it really takes a proper, working off-roader where scratches don't matter.
And yes, when he reached the farm he did go back with a forklift to clear it away, that's what country people do.
 
Having watched the video, I very much doubt it. But even if your Tesla could, it really takes a proper, working off-roader where scratches don't matter.
And yes, when he reached the farm he did go back with a forklift to clear it away, that's what country people do.
I'm really not sure what point you were trying to make. Probably 90% of cars could not have driven round that tree, ice or ev, it has no meaning in this thread.
 
looking at the data tells us
1. diesel is dead
2.petrol is the new fave
3 Hybrid . PHEV.BEV are surging ahead

1751803855375.png
 
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Millions riding horses can't be wrong... Can they?
The billion or so driving cars with internal combustion engines and the billions more driving lorries, tractors and everything else with internal combustion engines must be wrong, eh? What a strange upside down world we live in, :thinking:
 
Telling us what proportion of new cars are electric only tells us that the government's foolish decision to say they'll ban new internal combustion cars is having an effect on those buying new. The numbers tell us that many people are just not bothering to change from their current cars yet, on the basis that the madness will end sooner or later.
 
As long as somebody other than marketeers have checked their numbers :)

But you're right, 800 mille range from 100kwh is the real fact here. I could charge at home for 7 quid then drive from London to Edinburgh and back. Or go on a motoring tour of Wales.

My guess though is that if these batteries are so efficient they would actually fit much smaller packs. Create a very cheap car with 200 mile range which could be charged about as fast as filling with petrol (I refuse to believe anybody can stop at a petrol station, fill up, pay and drive off safely in less than 5 minutes. I bet the average is close to 10)

Funnily enough, I thought of this thread & checked this today :) Literally, on my way home so around 1pm on a Sunday afternoon. Traffic on the surrounding roads was pretty busy & queuing!

I pulled into Tesco, someone had just got in their car on the closest pump, so I waited about 10 seconds for them to pull away so I could get in front of them at the front pump. I switched the engine off, started the stopwatch on my phone, got out, wallet out, card in & read, filled up just over 3/4 of a tank (I think it was about 330/340 miles worth) finished, back in the car, key in ignition & stopped the stopwatch :)

1:53.09 - Just under 2 minutes :)
 
Telling us what proportion of new cars are electric only tells us that the government's foolish decision to say they'll ban new internal combustion cars is having an effect on those buying new. The numbers tell us that many people are just not bothering to change from their current cars yet, on the basis that the madness will end sooner or later.

no it doesn't.
you seem to think everyone is a government sheep
the reality is EV and BEV etc are just better and more people are choosing them
a lot will be company or business vehicles to get beyond the BIK tax
but huge amounts of ordinary people are switching

it just seems to bother YOU that people don't want stinky polluting fuel.
 
I guess this is a mixture of part personal choice & part manufacturer availability.

25% of all cars sold are pure EV that is availabiliity?
its customers moving in there 1000s every month
 
it just seems to bother YOU that people don't want stinky polluting fuel.
It doesn't bother me, so long as the government recovers the tax lost by people using the roads and not paying their share of the taxes to maintain those roads. Once the government sends a (back dated) bill to those drivers who charge their cars from the domestic electricity supply, I'll be just as happy with them as with any other driver.
 
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Anyone wanna buy a caravan diesel tow car included
 
25% of all cars sold are pure EV that is availabiliity?
its customers moving in there 1000s every month

Yes, because if EV's are all that's being made then people have no choice but to buy an EV.

If Ford decided to make all their small cars EV only, then people who want a small Ford would HAVE to buy an EV because of manufacturer AVAILABILITY :)

I guess this is a mixture of part personal choice & part manufacturer availability.

Same as new Jaguar. You want a Jaguar? It HAS to be EV - Manufacturer availability.

Want a Vauxhall Astra? Ahhh, then there's a choice between petrol of EV - Personal choice.
 
It doesn't bother me, so long as the government recovers the tax lost by people using the roads and not paying their share of the taxes to maintain those roads. Once the government sends a (back dated) bill to those drivers who charge their cars from the domestic electricity supply, I'll be just as happy with them as with any other driver.
so you are angry and bitter because people are choosing a cheaper greener way then?
just like diesel drivers were told back in the 80s because that was cheaper then?
you just don't make sense man, what you need to do is simply accept that what drives people is choice and money and people just prefer EV
 
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Yes, because if EV's are all that's being made then people have no choice but to buy an EV.

If Ford decided to make all their small cars EV only, then people who want a small Ford would HAVE to buy an EV because of manufacturer AVAILABILITY :)



Same as new Jaguar. You want a Jaguar? It HAS to be EV - Manufacturer availability.

Want a Vauxhall Astra? Ahhh, then there's a choice between petrol of EV - Personal choice.

But they are, most people are choosing the middle ground still, hybrid and PHEV

Here's a more detailed look at some of the popular options:
  • Lexus LBX: A compact SUV with a smooth driving experience and a high-quality interior, offering a good balance of size, efficiency, and luxury.

  • Nissan Qashqai ePower: Known for its efficient hybrid system and recent updates, making it a strong contender in the SUV market.

  • Renault Clio E-Tech: A popular choice in the supermini segment, offering a strong performance with its automatic gearbox.

  • MG3 Hybrid+: A more affordable option, starting from £18,995, offering a good value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.

  • Honda Civic: A popular choice known for its performance and reliability, with the hybrid version offering a good balance of power and fuel efficiency according to Auto Express.

  • Toyota Yaris: Another established name in the hybrid market, offering a reliable and efficient option.

  • Dacia Duster Hybrid: A more rugged and spacious option with a strong value proposition.

  • Hyundai Kona Hybrid: A compact SUV with a stylish design and a good range of features.

  • Skoda Kodiaq iV: A spacious and practical SUV with a plug-in hybrid option.

  • BMW 330e: A popular plug-in hybrid model known for its driving dynamics and company car tax benefits.

  • Mercedes-Benz C 300 e: Another strong contender in the premium plug-in hybrid segment.

  • Toyota Prius: A long-standing hybrid model known for its fuel efficiency and reliability.

  • Hyundai Tucson PHEV: A popular plug-in hybrid SUV with a spacious interior and a good range of features.
 
so you are angry and bitter because people are choosing a cheaper greener way then?
just like diesel drivers were told back in the 80s because that was cheaper then?
you just don't make sense man, what you need to do is simply accept that what drives people is choice and money and people just prefer EV
You need to remember that Andrew doesn't think man-made climate change is a thing.
 
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Yes, because if EV's are all that's being made then people have no choice but to buy an EV.

If Ford decided to make all their small cars EV only, then people who want a small Ford would HAVE to buy an EV because of manufacturer AVAILABILITY :)



Same as new Jaguar. You want a Jaguar? It HAS to be EV - Manufacturer availability.

Want a Vauxhall Astra? Ahhh, then there's a choice between petrol of EV - Personal choice.

But they are, most people are choosing the middle ground still, hybrid and PHEV

Here's a more detailed look at some of the popular options:
  • Lexus LBX: A compact SUV with a smooth driving experience and a high-quality interior, offering a good balance of size, efficiency, and luxury.

  • Nissan Qashqai ePower: Known for its efficient hybrid system and recent updates, making it a strong contender in the SUV market.

  • Renault Clio E-Tech: A popular choice in the supermini segment, offering a strong performance with its automatic gearbox.

  • MG3 Hybrid+: A more affordable option, starting from £18,995, offering a good value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.

  • Honda Civic: A popular choice known for its performance and reliability, with the hybrid version offering a good balance of power and fuel efficiency according to Auto Express.

  • Toyota Yaris: Another established name in the hybrid market, offering a reliable and efficient option.

  • Dacia Duster Hybrid: A more rugged and spacious option with a strong value proposition.

  • Hyundai Kona Hybrid: A compact SUV with a stylish design and a good range of features.

  • Skoda Kodiaq iV: A spacious and practical SUV with a plug-in hybrid option.

  • BMW 330e: A popular plug-in hybrid model known for its driving dynamics and company car tax benefits.

  • Mercedes-Benz C 300 e: Another strong contender in the premium plug-in hybrid segment.

  • Toyota Prius: A long-standing hybrid model known for its fuel efficiency and reliability.

  • Hyundai Tucson PHEV: A popular plug-in hybrid SUV with a spacious interior and a good range of features.

"But they are" what??
 
I'll try to time it when I fill up next in a couple of weeks.

What seems to take a big chunk of time with EVs based on the guys I work with who have free company-provided charging is getting out the cable, uncoiling it, plugging in at both ends, getting out the phone, opening the app, identifying the charger and then starting the charging process going. It's also not very unusual for the charging to stop unexpectedly and require disconnecting and restarting. Then coil and store the cable afterwards.

It's not an impossible difficult process, but it's more basic work than filling up even before charge is delivered.

Nothing like that for Tesla.

For a start I very, very rarely charge away from home. For most people a 250 mile range is fine for 50 weeks of the year. When I charge, I simply lift the plug off the unit, put in the hole just like a fuel pipe. It automatically starts and charges me. Then when I am done, I push a button to disconnect and the put the unit back. 10-15 secs in total doing anything.

Sure, when I drive to Soton for my cruise in Aug I will need to stop at charge, so I have a full car to come back to and get home. In my old car I could have done it without filling up. It will probably be a 20 min stop or so.
 
It doesn't bother me, so long as the government recovers the tax lost by people using the roads and not paying their share of the taxes to maintain those roads. Once the government sends a (back dated) bill to those drivers who charge their cars from the domestic electricity supply, I'll be just as happy with them as with any other driver.


Laughable.
 
no it doesn't.
you seem to think everyone is a government sheep
the reality is EV and BEV etc are just better and more people are choosing them
a lot will be company or business vehicles to get beyond the BIK tax
but huge amounts of ordinary people are switching

it just seems to bother YOU that people don't want stinky polluting fuel.

Agree, putting aside the political arguments, green or anything else and I love EV (I also ride a petrol motorbike so not against ICE). My Tesla is far better than any car I have had and great fun to drive. I prefer the whole EV aspect of cleaner (i.e. no dirty engine or fuel), virtually no service costs or servicing, performance, not having to queue at petrol stations, just charge while I sleep. Plus all the other things like lying in bed in Jan, setting the car to be at 22c and walking out 10 mins later to a hot, defrosted car. Or in summer walking to a car park, putting air con on, and 5 mins later, an ice cold car to get in!

If an ICE could do all that at similar price I would love that, but they dont!
 
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