Diesel & petrol alternatives? Your thoughts please

KellyHenderson replied on 14/09/2017 14:26

KellyHenderson

Posted on 14/09/2017 14:26

Good Afternoon,

Hopefully you have now received your September Club Magazine and read the Ask Your Club article (see attached photo) regarding the future of caravanning post 2040.

Have you already changed your vehicle from diesel to petrol?

Is anyone already towing with a hybrid? Maybe a Tesla Model X?

Has the news affected your plans for your next towcar?

It will also be interesting to see how motorhomes evolve into hybrids and/or electric models, which alternative to diesel would you prefer to buy; Hybrid or electric?

Are you concerned about so few alternatives to diesel at the moment? Would you choose petrol instead if they were more widely available? There is now a VW T6 camper with a petrol engine available.

Has this news made you think about switching to a car and caravan? Equally would caravanners consider trading in their car and caravan to purchase a hybrid or electric motorhome?

From the questions above, we would love to have your feedback.

One thing is for sure, there will be some interesting times ahead.

Gallery

2 people like this

593 replies

JohnM20 replied on 10/08/2019 16:54

Member

JohnM20

Caravanner

Posted on 10/08/2019 09:22 by Rocky 2 buckets

Great point R, I had the same thoughts during the multiple power outages overnight(note to self-track down the kit that beeps when powering up😤) we can’t trust the power network to supply the very power that will be driving the economy. As per, the politicians blunder into major decisions that affect everyone without looking at the bigger picture. My advice-‘slow down, use baby steps’ we need a reliable infrastructure prior to banning fossil fuels. Better yet. . .Use all available options😱. I now realise why we are not in Govt, we look at the bigger picture👍🏻

PS-I’m taking a stab in the dark here. . .Maybe go hybrid first🤔

Posted on 10/08/2019 16:54

Even the power generation companies use a range of 'fuels' as they admit they cannot rely on any one fuel source.

Imagine this as a scenario. All vehicles powered by electricity. Terrorists attack the power supply, (easy to blow up a few strategic main pylons in the middle of nowhere all over the country). Power outages occur and everything comes to a standstill for days as repairs will not be quick. Mobile phones will die so communications will be almost non-existent. It might sound a bit far fetched but it could conceivably happen. ( I think I might write a novel !)

JVB66 replied on 10/08/2019 17:03

Member

JVB66

Campervanner

Posted on 10/08/2019 09:22 by Rocky 2 buckets

Great point R, I had the same thoughts during the multiple power outages overnight(note to self-track down the kit that beeps when powering up😤) we can’t trust the power network to supply the very power that will be driving the economy. As per, the politicians blunder into major decisions that affect everyone without looking at the bigger picture. My advice-‘slow down, use baby steps’ we need a reliable infrastructure prior to banning fossil fuels. Better yet. . .Use all available options😱. I now realise why we are not in Govt, we look at the bigger picture👍🏻

PS-I’m taking a stab in the dark here. . .Maybe go hybrid first🤔

Posted on 10/08/2019 17:03

It was two different power sources that "failed" on yesterday outage,but how safe are computers against today's hackers

Tinwheeler replied on 10/08/2019 17:37

Tinwheeler

Campervanner

Posted on 10/08/2019 16:32 by peedee

I very much doubt it will be a problem

peedee

Posted on 10/08/2019 17:37

Really? I thought you were more down to earth than that, PD.😕

peedee replied on 10/08/2019 17:52

Member

peedee

Motorhomer

Posted on 10/08/2019 17:52

The increase in the use of electricity will be gradual, in much the same way as housing increases and energy supplies will increase,if necessary, to keep pace. I don't believe all the doom sayers.

peedee

1 person likes this

Tinwheeler replied on 10/08/2019 18:48

Tinwheeler

Campervanner

Posted on 10/08/2019 18:48

It’s my belief that it’ll be nothing like a gradual increase, PD. It’ll be massive and rapid in my view.

Tigi replied on 10/08/2019 19:06

Member

Tigi

Posted on 10/08/2019 19:06

It can only be gradual a lot of the population can`t spend £30000 upwards on an electric car and second hand ones will take a while to filter through, whether they will be a good buy after 3-4 years from new remains to be seen because of the battery lifespan (90% efficiency) Charging at home let alone on the road is still early days it really requires a drive and charging point, those that have to park cars on the roads often some distance from their properties won`t find it so easy.

redface replied on 10/08/2019 20:09

redface

Caravanner

Posted on 10/08/2019 20:09

Will a vehicle will ever be produced, powered by leccy, that would enable me to tow a caravan for 250 miles or more without the need for refuelling?

Long live diesel, and the heck with the greenies who are usually all words and no suitable actions!

I really do not think that any car mfr. will come up with an all electric vehicle, with sufficient battery storage, to do what I need in terms of miles and tugging ability.

4 people like this

JVB66 replied on 10/08/2019 20:11

Member

JVB66

Campervanner

Posted on 10/08/2019 20:11

How gradual? Just to cater for the increase in power requirements for the East Coast London to Edinburgh rail route they have had to double the amount of substations off the national grid,and 12000 add houses are to be built in our area of Hertfordshire the Government are still provaracating over what is needed

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 10/08/2019 21:19

Rocky 2 buckets

Posted on 10/08/2019 17:03 by JVB66

It was two different power sources that "failed" on yesterday outage,but how safe are computers against today's hackers

Posted on 10/08/2019 21:19

So was it computer hackers that ‘broke’ the 2 power stations?🤔