Hybrid or PHEV towcar

Currently pitched on a CC site where there's a Mitsubishi PHEV also pitched. Earlier this afternoon it was plugged in via the site to caravan hook up supply. So readers, is this contentious or perfectly ok? I'll be honest, I can't make my mind up on this one.

Hi Nigel, it's definitely contentious, no doubt about that. Some strong opinions on whether it should be allowed, mostly surrounding the additional cost to the Club.

When we bought ours we checked with the Club, who said no we couldn't charge on-site. We've since been advised by the warden at Troutbeck Head that that has changed and it is now allowed.

On both Club and commercial sites, we only charge overnight, when only the fridge will be drawing power, so as not to risk overloading anything.

Cheers, Alex.

Many Tks.  Gives me something to think about

 which uses more energy? A hybrid car owner charging his/her battery over night while plugged into the site or someone wanting to warm the world with an awning heater?

It's all paid for in the site fees, senseless to try and heat an awning in winter but it happens. My site fees pay for the diesel that drives the wardens tractor but I'm pretty sure I'm not allowed to help myself to that diesel to top up my own car.

As site electricity consumption increases, the fees will rise for everybody, we're 'all' paying for these cars to be recharged

Totally agree, I have no problem with anyone driving an EV or hybrid, just don't expect me to subsidise their fuel supply. If they are so great for the environment why do they need free electricity and 100% tax breaks?! 

Hi everyone. We are thinking about an Outlander PHEV. It seems to tick some green boxes, moves away from diesel, ability to use e power locally etc. But what about its towing abilities. Poor initial write up, 1 in 6 slope etc. But what is it actually like to tow with ? We do about 10 - 12 k miles pa. made up of - 2 - 3k towing, 3k made up of 100 mile round trips threequaters of which is motorway and 6k local miles. it would be very usefull to know actual fuel consumption figures. Currently on second 2.0tdi passat estate 140bhp. very competant towcar for our Bailey Verona with mtplm of 1453kgs.I've done some figures that seem to show very little differance in overall gallons used -

Towing - Passat 25mpg PHEV 15mpg

Distance - Passat 45mpg PHEV 40 mpg

Local - Passat 35mpg PHEV 60mpg. Do these seem logical ?

Have read some good some mixed reports. We are retired so no BIK etc from the tax man. I just fancy the thought of epower.

Any views / facts / opinions please particularly from Alex in Scotland.

Been in the CC for 35 years towed with many cars, mostly over the recommended 85 percent figure !9 But always legal !

Thanks in advance

Martin

It's not free it's paid for in the site fee, a previous poster said the warden allowed it, what's the difference to hooking up to van or motorhome. ? I don't own one by the way but as electric cars become more available/suitable for towing it's something the CC will have to provide for. 

We have just ordered our Outlander PHEV because we believe that, given the disastrous impact of NOx emissions, anything we can do to reduce them is good. We were surprised that it could tow our outfit (Lunar Clubman SB 2017) but delighted - we look forward to many years of (relatively) easy life.

Will report back on any issues we come across but, at the moment, very optimistic!

djwake - I will be interested to hear your opinion of its towing ability.  I tried one out 18 months ago and ended up with the diesel which I love - but with the current opinions on diesel I nearly attended the big sale my local dealer had - but something got in the way that weekend! 

With so many people heating awnings and leaving lights on 24/7 I see no objection to PHEVs!  Although maybe new sites could be considering metered electricity?