Pro's and con's for buying an electric vehicle

cariadon replied on 12/01/2018 12:06

Posted on 12/01/2018 12:06

After reading the posts, I don't think the EV is suitable for me. They are advertised as an Urban vehicle, which rules me out.

I am sure that city / large town dwellers, where the air is most polluted will welcome them.

 

brue replied on 13/01/2018 13:27

Posted on 13/01/2018 13:27

You need to think out of the box on this one, different system and concept. They can also be added on to, for increased power. Early versions can be updated etc.

Navigateur replied on 13/01/2018 13:51

Posted on 13/01/2018 13:51

I like the idea of adding to for increased power, but I still ask "Once the manufacturer has no more stock of individual cells at a plausible price, from where do we get replacements?"

Should I obtain an electric vehicle I do not want to recyle 100% of it or even 80% - I want to keep using it!!

replied on 13/01/2018 13:57

Posted on 13/01/2018 13:27 by brue

You need to think out of the box on this one, different system and concept. They can also be added on to, for increased power. Early versions can be updated etc.

Posted on 13/01/2018 13:57

They can also be added on to, for increased power.

How would that work Brue? Is there space to add extra cells? Don't old and new cells charge at differing rates? 

Early versions can be updated etc.

Sounds an expensive option

replied on 13/01/2018 13:57

Posted on 13/01/2018 11:43 by SteveL

It's worth pointing out that the very first cars that reach the UK later this year will take six hours to get an 80% charge from a household socket, or 3.5 hours from a wallbox for the same. However in 2018, electric Smarts will get inbuilt 22kW fast chargers, which take 45 minutes for an 80% charge - it's a rather irritating oversight to not offer the fast charger straight away, so you're certainly better off waiting to buy that version.

 

Malcolm, I found this bit of interesting information, written in 2017.  It would be worth checking with the dealer that the one they are supplying you will have that 22kW charger fitted. At least then you will be to charge up at the dealer, or any other fast charger, in 45 minutes or less.

Posted on 13/01/2018 13:57

The dealer told me that it would come with both a fast charge as well as slow charge plug ins.

brue replied on 13/01/2018 13:57

Posted on 13/01/2018 13:57

Nav. Companies like BMW have made arrangements to re-use batteries for power storage at charge points.

replied on 13/01/2018 14:06

Posted on 13/01/2018 11:58 by

It does make me wonder Steve and the more so with regard to the up to 99 mile smart car range. Presumably the 80% charge will get up to 80 miles. So I find a charging point, spend an hour hooking up, paying, charging, going for coffee with OH, unhooking. So maybe £4 or more to park and charge, £4 for two coffees, £2 for cookies and so perhaps £10 and an hour of my time.

If I want to drive to do the same in a regular Smart car then maybe 10 mins in petrol station, £10 for petrol. Obliviously no coffee or cookies smile 

Posted on 13/01/2018 14:06

EasyT, the dealer told me that I can use the fast charge at the dealership for free and will get free tea, coffee or fruit juice in the service reception area. As the dealer is very close to where I work, it would make sense to pop in there for 45 minutes or so for a top up charge before starting my shift.

Yertiz replied on 13/01/2018 14:11

Posted on 13/01/2018 14:11

Are their charging points available 24 / 7 or just when the Dealer is open?

Only asking as it could be difficult to charge up if the Dealer is shut, say on a Sunday, for instance.

Navigateur replied on 13/01/2018 14:20

Posted on 13/01/2018 14:20

Companies like BMW have made arrangements to re-use batteries

Thanks for that point, but it does not tell who might supply replacement cells once the ones in the vehicle are out of warranty (through time or distance).  Are you suggesting the only available cells wil be the better ones from another vehicle that is being scrapped?

replied on 13/01/2018 14:25

Posted on 13/01/2018 14:06 by

EasyT, the dealer told me that I can use the fast charge at the dealership for free and will get free tea, coffee or fruit juice in the service reception area. As the dealer is very close to where I work, it would make sense to pop in there for 45 minutes or so for a top up charge before starting my shift.

Posted on 13/01/2018 14:25

Indeed that is your situation Malcolm. Was discussing publicly available charging points in general.

I think your dealer said that the winter fully charged range could be up to 70 miles rather than up to 99miles. 

If so an 80% fast charge would give up to 80 miles in Summer and 56 miles in Winter presumably; with a 33 mile trip home that gives 23 miles for deliveries. Personally I would want a bit more reserve as well.

brue replied on 13/01/2018 14:29

Posted on 13/01/2018 14:20 by Navigateur

Companies like BMW have made arrangements to re-use batteries

Thanks for that point, but it does not tell who might supply replacement cells once the ones in the vehicle are out of warranty (through time or distance).  Are you suggesting the only available cells wil be the better ones from another vehicle that is being scrapped?

Posted on 13/01/2018 14:29

Probably better to read the details up yourself on the relevant web sites. Happy searching!  wink

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