Ok, sorry this has nothing to do with the PS4, but since there is no miscellaneous page, I thought I would post it here, as it's sort of new tech.
I have been following the growth of EV's for quite some time, and 18 months ago bought a Nissan Leaf, and I thought I would pass on my thoughts.
First of all my wife drives it 95% of the time, and she would never consider going back to a petrol car, despite her initial reticence. she loves the smooth quiet ride, no faffing with clutch/gears, and certainly doesn't miss having to go to a petrol station. instead waking up to a full tank, so to speak, every morning.
After having a slight bump, the car had to go in for a repair, the courtesy car was petrol, and I was glad to have the EV back, as she complained about it every day. especially as she had to once more visit the dreaded petrol station.
running costs are about a third of a petrol car, with far reduced maintenance costs another advantage. Battery will charge up to 80% at a fast charger in about 20 mins, a dedicated charger at home (which is free with a government grant) takes about 4 hours. it is only a 24kw so obviously a bigger battery would take longer, and is good for about 80 miles, although there are cars that are now capable of over 300 miles.
Electric motors are incredibly efficient, and 100% torque is instantly available, meaning acceleration is rapid, and great for nipping around in city traffic.
Another advantage for her is the ability to pre heat the car using an app on her phone, no longer having to scrape the car in the morning, instead stepping straight into a warm car.
Over the next few years a whole host of EV's are set to hit the market, with every major car manufacturer now committed to the inevitable electric future, I personally can't wait.
I have added to the original article, to save people from reading through the posts, Anybody wondering about an EV, if you have any questions, i'll be happy to help
Oh Fully Charged is a great resource if you are interested in EV's, here's a sample https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMfxJEfb4lw
Just a few things that might be confusing for people. Why do I mention 80% charge and not 100%? well the last 20% the battery does not charge as fast, just how batteries work. same for all batteries, including phones etc.
Electric cars are inevitable.
posted on 4/8/20
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-7686157/New-research-says-cut-age-motorists-reluctant-consider-EV-55-years.html
The younger groups will embrace EV's, they are already tech savy, and are not so stuck in their ways, also as you say concerns about climate will affect them more than the older generation.
posted on 4/8/20
Unsurprisingly, having the ability to charge at home was cited as the most important need by over half (53 per cent) of the survey panel when considering whether to purchase an electric vehicle.
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that's the key paragraph for me which backs up the point Kunta was making.
If you don't own your own home, or live in a flat three floors up, then EV cars become a less realistic option, which is increasingly the situation that those in the younger demographic find themselves in.
posted on 4/8/20
Ivan there is no doubt their is an issue around charging for some people. But again people are only looking at the here and now.
Batteries are getting more energy dense, cars are gaining more range. prices are falling, charging times getting shorter.
There is no inherent problem in an EV that cannot be solved, with many solutions being rolled out, IE longer ranges, faster charging, street charging, wireless charging etc.
Remember we are at the start of the EV revolution, there are many misconceptions, and as prices fall and people understand more about the advantages, EV's quickly become the most sensible option.
posted on 5/8/20
comment by IvanGolacIsMagic (U5291)
posted 22 hours, 11 minutes ago
Unsurprisingly, having the ability to charge at home was cited as the most important need by over half (53 per cent) of the survey panel when considering whether to purchase an electric vehicle.
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that's the key paragraph for me which backs up the point Kunta was making.
If you don't own your own home, or live in a flat three floors up, then EV cars become a less realistic option, which is increasingly the situation that those in the younger demographic find themselves in.
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This is symptomatic of a wider issue where its acceptable to build homes without adequate parking, etc, No gardens etc, same for places of work. I used to work in an office building for 200 people with 20 parking spaces. 3 of which were reserved for visitors to site.
I cant wait to get an EV, but installation of charging points both domestic and probably at work places will be quite an undertaking.
posted on 23/8/20
Hey Amiga, I'm looking around for some hybrid cars as a next car potentially. What are your thoughts on the A-Class hybrid? Is it worth investing in? Would like to know your thoughts.
posted on 23/8/20
I'm not really up to speed with hybrids Constantinople. So can't really comment on anything specific.
If you had asked me about a full electric, I'm sure I would have had some thoughts. Unless you you have your heart set on a hybrid, I would certainly say give electric a go. you might be surprised. I certainly was.
But whatever car you choose, enjoy, and let me know how you get on.
posted on 23/8/20
To be fair I have just had a quick look. It is a nice looking car, and it is a PHEV, so that's in it's favour. so I can see it's appeal.
I will say Hybrids are the last gasps of the combustion engine, and people use these sort of vehicle as a stepping stone to a full EV. as they don't feel ready to fully commit to electric.
But for the price you are not far from a Tesla model 3, which is outselling all other car manufacturers in it's price range combined. that is where I would be looking, it holds it's value exceptionally well, and does things other cars can't do.
If you want my thoughts on Tesla, that I can give you my thoughts on. to be honest that is what I am considering, but I don't drive enough, to really warrant it. but it has my attention.
posted on 23/8/20
I can’t afford to go full electric, they are far too expansive. I looked at a Merc dealer’s website and I can get one for £350 a month on a PCP. A lease would be about £295 a month as well.
And I still want to experience a petrol engine as well, as you said a hybrid is a transition for me to eventually move to electric.
posted on 23/8/20
I fully understand what you are saying Constantinople, It is a conversation I have had many times.
If you still feel the need for a combustion engine, then it seems like a reasonable choice. from the little I know. although if are using the combustion side as a safety net. I would say there is no need. (especially with Tesla's) thanks to their charging network.
But the future is electric, and I would encourage you to a least test drive a Tesla if you can. If not then, good luck with the hybrid, and I really would be interested in how you get on, so keep me informed
posted on 23/8/20
Oh there are other great EV's out there, and more on the way. and not all as expensive as a Tesla.
Tesla do have a laser focus though, and have the software and charging network, that does give them advantages when it comes to electric.
There is a lot happening with EV's, and people are catching on to the advantages of owning one.
I have a four year old Nissan Leaf, and is easily the cheapest car as far as running costs I have owned, and has nothing has gone wrong with it, apart from a couple of tyres.
If I tried to get my wife anything but an EV now I'm sure she would divorce me, and she didn't even want one to start with