Club EV charging costs

ChocolateTrees replied on 12/04/2021 16:35

Posted on 12/04/2021 16:35

Hi all, 

as a PHEV and EV driver, I am really please to see the introduction of a cost structure and policy for PHEV and EV charging on site, but I am somewhat confused by the cost structure. 

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/uk-holidays/uk-sites/club-sites/facilities-on-club-sites/electric-vehicle-charging/

While I understand the desire to ensure that full battery EVs do not "overuse" the service, the 4x cost seems somewhat odd given the constraint that any EV only be charged using the caravan supply at 2.3Kw (10amp). 

In my experience charging my PHEV, realistically a charger has to be turned down to 8A or 6A in order to share the power available with other caravan systems (heating, kettle, microwave, cooker). This means that for a relatively small PHEV battery (11Kwh) a full charge takes 8 hours. Given there are only 24 hours in the day this would give a maximum realistic charge of 33Kwh, about the same as the largest battery quoted in the policy in a PHEV vehicle. 

If charging from a dedicated 16A socket on a power bollard were allowed, this would potentially increase the rate and hence value of the electricity consumed, making the difference in price for BEV and PHEV understandable. It would also make the use of a BEV as a tow vehicle far more viable, not requiring the member to have to find a charging location for the vehicle in what may be a remote location. 

I would love to know other members thoughts on the topic :-)

 

Tobes 

 

labradors r the best replied on 10/05/2021 13:25

Posted on 10/05/2021 12:07 by Oscarmax

Now hears the rub, VW are two faced, I read somewhere the other day, they don't thing the current proposed emission targets are strict enough.

Posted on 10/05/2021 13:25

VW say the emissions aren't strict enough.

A while back they were found out to be fiddling the emissions to pass the current levels.

ENOUGH SAID

brue replied on 10/05/2021 13:48

Posted on 10/05/2021 12:01 by NutsyH

Are the club also going to install petrol and diesel pumps to save the majority of us from having to find a filling station? I think not, nor do I expect them to.  I'll stick with my 4.2 litre V8 turbo diesel. No problem going up hills (even very steep ones). It can even tow a 747.......

The whole concept of electric vehicles as a solution for emissions is nuts, when taking into account all the factors in constructing them.

VW carried out an in depth study, and concluded that you would need to run an EV for 80k miles before its OVERALL emissions fell below a standard ICE car. Fact. And how many people do that? 

Also, there is no doubt that the currently unspoken issue of tax on EV''s will arrive soon.

Greta and her acolytes (including HMG) are just not being honest. Bandwagon - jump on it.

I'll sit back now and wait for the howls of protest.

Posted on 10/05/2021 13:48

Maybe read this informative piece from EDF. EVs can't emit carbon dioxide can they, there's no exhaust. EDF LINK

Our EV isn't built from conventional materials either, the body is made from carbon fibre, produced from a weaving process not from a polluting metal foundry.

And here's a USA based web site that gives some information about carbon fibre production. LINK

As for tax, the latest information on that is the prospect that tax will be on the miles driven in future, the more you drive, the more you pay.

Yes, sit back and read up a bit more on the real facts and the technology...wink

ChocolateTrees replied on 10/05/2021 13:55

Posted on 10/05/2021 13:03 by Tinwheeler

…..but you have to buy the new car so there is a cost.🤷🏻‍♂️

Posted on 10/05/2021 13:55

I am in the fortunate position that I have the option of a company car. I have chosen not to take the option up for the last 15 years, opting instead to take a cash allowance, and that has paid for my cars. However, with the current state of the system, it is incredibly good value to take an EV, and it's something I have wanted to do for some time, but it has not been the right moment. Now is, and it will be cost neutral to me, and a more environmentally friendly choice to boot. 

Yes - I am lucky, not everyone has the same opportunity. 

Tinwheeler replied on 10/05/2021 13:56

Posted on 10/05/2021 13:20 by Oscarmax

 But is 12 year old needed replacing anyway.

I have too admit Chocolate Trees, has made a very brave decision, but is willing to make some compromises to how they will caravan, if in the same position would I do the same, probably not quite just yet, but I think we are getting there.

I have gone down the halfway route and now tow with a PHEV, am I happy yes, would I go back to a conventual ICE, no change, I am saving an absolute fortune my fuel costs have dropped dramatically, in the past 11 months enough for 4 weeks away in the caravan.

Posted on 10/05/2021 13:56

I've no argument with that. I was attempting to point out that it isn't completely a "no brainer" as was implied.

ChocolateTrees replied on 10/05/2021 14:00

Posted on 10/05/2021 13:56 by Tinwheeler

I've no argument with that. I was attempting to point out that it isn't completely a "no brainer" as was implied.

Posted on 10/05/2021 14:00

For me - it really was a no brainer. Different people circumstances differ. I did the sums (in detail) and found that I could continue to run my 2008 plate XC90 D5 and hope that it held together and that the cost of fuel would stay the same, or have a brand new EV - for the same cost to me, give all the potential issues to the lease company, and have no financial change. All I had to do was make the mindset change from ICE to EV, which I was already partly doing as I run a Volvo PHEV too. 

ChocolateTrees replied on 10/05/2021 14:44

Posted on 10/05/2021 14:44

BTW - I am not trying to "convert" anyone. EVs are not for everyone right now, for a variety of different reasons. I started the thread, not to bash ICE, but to gain information on how folks see the club in the future world of EV. I will however defend EVs against misinformation. Its amazing how many myths there are around EV use and their green credentials. 

Tinwheeler - I took your advice and I have now (last week) emailed the club directly to ask what they are doing - no reply yet, but I live in hope. 

I for one, am really looking forward to my EV Caravanning experience, and cant wait to see how it goes. One minor disappointment for me, I have a short break planned in the 'van for the end of May bank holiday. I should have my EV about 2 days before hand, and I am absolutely ready to try it, but polestar recommend driving 1000km before towing very heavy loads just to bed the car in... :-(

 

Tinwheeler replied on 10/05/2021 14:48

Posted on 10/05/2021 14:48

"Tinwheeler - I took your advice and I have now (last week) emailed the club directly to ask what they are doing - no reply yet, but I live in hope"

It is the way to put forward ideas and establish the facts rather than speculating on a discussion forum bu don't hold your breath as communication is not a strong point of CAMC.

NutsyH replied on 11/05/2021 12:07

Posted on 11/05/2021 12:07

Chocolate trees

Jolly good. My 408Hp, 600Nm EV can too. See you when you get to the top.

Is that all? My Porsche Cayenne has 397BHP, and 900NM torque - and it does 650 miles without a recharge on a tankful of diesel. Torque is the most important for towing, as we all know. laughing

 

ocsid replied on 13/05/2021 12:51

Posted on 13/05/2021 12:51

"I should have my EV about 2 days before hand, and I am absolutely ready to try it, but polestar recommend driving 1000km before towing very heavy loads just to bed the car in... :-("

 

How really odd on the face of it considering the nature of the mechanics of EVs, rolling element bearing not journals, no sliding or reciprocating  bits, tyres probably benefit from a few gentle miles.

Is there some characteristics of the battery technology that needs "running in"? Our e-bike needed a claimed three deep cycles to "learn" its battery's capacity.

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