Issues when moving to all electric towcars

Mr H replied on 12/03/2021 10:43

Mr H

Posted on 12/03/2021 10:43

Already there are going to be many issues relating to using EV's. Range anxiety, charging point availability etc. This will all be increased when towing a caravan. For example how many charging stations will provide space for the caravan during the charging process? So is it time for Caravan designers to think out of the box?

My suggestion would be to add, the same type battery being used for the car, to the chassis of the caravan connected as at present to the car. This could be charged overnight when on a hook up on site. Also using similar technology, used by motor racing, it should be possible to get a charge, from the rotation of the wheels, much like the dynamo that powered the lights on an old bike. Finally, the roof of the caravan could have a custom made solar panel covering all available solid surfaces ie. around windows etc to add to the charge, There should be minimal changes to the caravan wiring as it virtually already exists.

What do you think?

1 person likes this

144 replies

hitchglitch replied on 29/04/2021 13:31

Member

hitchglitch

Motorhomer

Posted on 29/04/2021 13:31

To answer the question about charging, I don’t use my car that much so twice a week overnight. When I visit my brother 100 miles away I plug in to his garage overnight.

As has been said, people have different circumstances and options may include: home charging, charging at work, retail/supermarkets, charging stations, car parks, airports, stations etc. I once charged overnight from my hotel room using an extension lead out of the window (not recommended!).

Last time we used a rapid charger (on the way to NEC Birmingham) we stopped for coffee and charged from 50% - 100% in about 30 minutes. People in a hurry would charge to 80% as this is the most efficient point to stop charging.

Range is increasing and charging times decreasing but it will probably take a bit longer than refuelling with petrol or diesel. On the other hand you don’t stand there with the cable in your hand!

2 people like this

JVB66 replied on 29/04/2021 16:36

Member

JVB66

Caravanner

Posted on 29/04/2021 12:56 by Rocky 2 buckets

Psssst. . .It’s 14years yet before we lose new ICE vehicles, by then there’ll be a 5minute charge. This is the 21st century. By the time you buy new tech it’s already old tech. Fast charging is here for phones it just needs scaling up. We all need to wrap our heads around the new World-no more the sluggish 20th century. Get with the programme or get out of the way👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Posted on 29/04/2021 16:36

You wish ,

Our local Tesco extra has free fast charge? points (put in by VW)we parked next to them when last there, at the same time a Jag EV arrived, the lady driver said she always used them when doing her shop and a coffee, in about 1hr 30mins it was about 80 percent charged.

Depends on size of Batt maybe?

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 29/04/2021 16:48

Rocky 2 buckets

Posted on 29/04/2021 16:36 by JVB66

You wish ,

Our local Tesco extra has free fast charge? points (put in by VW)we parked next to them when last there, at the same time a Jag EV arrived, the lady driver said she always used them when doing her shop and a coffee, in about 1hr 30mins it was about 80 percent charged.

Posted on 29/04/2021 16:48

JV-read previous post(the one you answered) within 14 years- not now but within 14yrs(fourteen years) if you intend to interact please read & digest first, it makes communication that much easier👍🏻

1 person likes this

JVB66 replied on 29/04/2021 16:59

Member

JVB66

Caravanner

Posted on 29/04/2021 16:48 by Rocky 2 buckets

JV-read previous post(the one you answered) within 14 years- not now but within 14yrs(fourteen years) if you intend to interact please read & digest first, it makes communication that much easier👍🏻

Posted on 29/04/2021 16:59

And how many are going to have to be subjected to slow? charging before that?,and as now unless there is a completely new type of battery that does not require vast amounts of energy to make? also at this time when car manufacturers say that their latest EV has a high millage range , it is normally at a steady 30kph,

Ps I did read your previous pie in the sky Post.

PPs it is only hibrids that have 14yrs its only 9 yrs for other ICE cars and light vans?

cyberyacht replied on 29/04/2021 17:03

Member

cyberyacht

Motorhomer

Posted on 29/04/2021 17:03

Enjoy those freebie slots. They won't last.

1 person likes this

replied on 29/04/2021 17:10

Posted on 29/04/2021 12:56 by Rocky 2 buckets

Psssst. . .It’s 14years yet before we lose new ICE vehicles, by then there’ll be a 5minute charge. This is the 21st century. By the time you buy new tech it’s already old tech. Fast charging is here for phones it just needs scaling up. We all need to wrap our heads around the new World-no more the sluggish 20th century. Get with the programme or get out of the way👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Posted on 29/04/2021 17:10

Which comes first the chicken or the egg? In this case hopefully it with be charging stations and charge points.

1 person likes this

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 29/04/2021 17:21

Rocky 2 buckets

Posted on 29/04/2021 16:59 by JVB66

And how many are going to have to be subjected to slow? charging before that?,and as now unless there is a completely new type of battery that does not require vast amounts of energy to make? also at this time when car manufacturers say that their latest EV has a high millage range , it is normally at a steady 30kph,

Ps I did read your previous pie in the sky Post.

PPs it is only hibrids that have 14yrs its only 9 yrs for other ICE cars and light vans?

Posted on 29/04/2021 17:21

Ok I’m done. Note to self-“stop engaging with JV, it just isn’t worth it”😞☹️

brue replied on 29/04/2021 17:23

Member

brue

Motorhomer

Posted on 29/04/2021 16:36 by JVB66

You wish ,

Our local Tesco extra has free fast charge? points (put in by VW)we parked next to them when last there, at the same time a Jag EV arrived, the lady driver said she always used them when doing her shop and a coffee, in about 1hr 30mins it was about 80 percent charged.

Depends on size of Batt maybe?

Posted on 29/04/2021 17:23

Oh come off it JVB, no-one is going to drive to a supermarket on a 20% charge...or wait for a full charge, these places provide top ups. Do you drive to a supermarket on an empty tank? Some forgetful souls might but EVs like ICE engines are usually driven on an adequate tank of "fuel" mainly because it's sensible to do so.

A hybrid car will top up even faster on a smaller batteries.

Tinwheeler replied on 29/04/2021 17:33

Tinwheeler

Campervanner

Posted on 29/04/2021 17:21 by Rocky 2 buckets

Ok I’m done. Note to self-“stop engaging with JV, it just isn’t worth it”😞☹️

Posted on 29/04/2021 17:33

I’m surprised you chose the quick and easy route to frustration, Rocky🤣🤣🤣

JVB66 replied on 29/04/2021 17:50

Member

JVB66

Caravanner

Posted on 29/04/2021 17:23 by brue

Oh come off it JVB, no-one is going to drive to a supermarket on a 20% charge...or wait for a full charge, these places provide top ups. Do you drive to a supermarket on an empty tank? Some forgetful souls might but EVs like ICE engines are usually driven on an adequate tank of "fuel" mainly because it's sensible to do so.

A hybrid car will top up even faster on a smaller batteries.

Posted on 29/04/2021 17:50

As posted before , many milions of what Hmg hope will be convinsed to obtain an EV have not , and even Mr Shapps admits the same ,the facility to charge an EV ,so a Jag driver from where we live, as many other top of the range vehicles are in the same position, so it would not be unusual to want a full charge ,as those who go shopping will fill up with fossil fuel from near empty, except they will not need to so often

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now

Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace

Visit Facebook