My First EV experience.....
Discussion
CheesecakeRunner said:
Sounds like the OP was not provided complete information in terms of EVs, how weather and even fast driving can deplete the battery more than you would expect. 
The Lexus UX300e "officially" has a range of 196 miles (which as we know is going to be impacted significantly by rain and 4C temps), and that's based upon models with 17 inch wheels. Given the OP cited a car worth 50k, it's likely he had the top spec Takumi pack which is £50k and has 18 inch wheels, so the official range is likely to be even lower than 196 miles.
Does anyone know how the UX300e compares in terms of actual efficiency? Does it guzzle electricity like it's going out of fashion?
phil4 said:
I can see exactly where you're coming from....
With an ICE car you don't really need to plan. Why should you with an EV? And that's a choice you make. EV's have plenty of benefits, both to you, financially and to others. At the moment they require some pre-planning.
If that isn't acceptable, then you're spot on an EV probably won't work. And you're right, in the future that should improve to the point where no more planning is required than an ICE.
So while I wouldn't say you are wrong, equally I wouldn't say EV's are wrong either... if you're prepared to do the planning, you can take advantage of the benefits.
The car works for those that want to, and won't for those that don't.
Tbh I haven't need to make a detour for "filling up" in two years, whereas I used to do it every week.With an ICE car you don't really need to plan. Why should you with an EV? And that's a choice you make. EV's have plenty of benefits, both to you, financially and to others. At the moment they require some pre-planning.
If that isn't acceptable, then you're spot on an EV probably won't work. And you're right, in the future that should improve to the point where no more planning is required than an ICE.
So while I wouldn't say you are wrong, equally I wouldn't say EV's are wrong either... if you're prepared to do the planning, you can take advantage of the benefits.
The car works for those that want to, and won't for those that don't.
Let me see. Filling up takes about 10 minutes in total. That's 16h for me in two years.
So yes, I'll stick to my EV
. ICE cars are a waste of time.It's all just perspective. I used to drive my car until empty. I once arrived at a petrol station only to find out their diesel pump was defective. I had no way of reaching the next petrol station a couple of miles out (and no way of knowing their payment/pump will be working either). As per the OP's logic, that's why ICE cars don't work. You're always dependent on some petrol station working, and you can't even fill up at home, work or at a friend.
It's possible for both PoVs to be partly true.
Some EV use-cases will be simple enough that charging is never an issue. For others, the patchy and immature charging infrastructure will need to be fixed before EV use is practical and confidence-inspiring.
In my ICE-car, I do full-to-reserve fuelling all the time. Normal daily driving, no worries. I know I'll always be close to the places I normally refuel. If the first is closed/etc, I can drive a couple of miles to the next.
But If I've got less than half a tank and I'm going on a trip where there's a chance that the reserve light would come on, I will fill up right away - before setting off. So rangeanxiety concern is still a thing in ICE-cars for some people.
Some EV use-cases will be simple enough that charging is never an issue. For others, the patchy and immature charging infrastructure will need to be fixed before EV use is practical and confidence-inspiring.
In my ICE-car, I do full-to-reserve fuelling all the time. Normal daily driving, no worries. I know I'll always be close to the places I normally refuel. If the first is closed/etc, I can drive a couple of miles to the next.
But If I've got less than half a tank and I'm going on a trip where there's a chance that the reserve light would come on, I will fill up right away - before setting off. So range
Question for those ev drivers are there many chargers that will allow access with a trailer on the back or will it need to be uncoupled and secured? I know there are currently very few ev cars suitable for towing but these will hopefully be coming along shortly.
I am fortunate to live up north where the roads are much quieter and the thought of having to recharge every 2 hours or less after just 100 miles is not exciting me.
I am fortunate to live up north where the roads are much quieter and the thought of having to recharge every 2 hours or less after just 100 miles is not exciting me.
V8 Bob said:
Question for those ev drivers are there many chargers that will allow access with a trailer on the back or will it need to be uncoupled and secured? I know there are currently very few ev cars suitable for towing but these will hopefully be coming along shortly.
There are currently not that many EV's to pick from full stop. But a growing number can tow a decent capacity.Model X, EQC and e-tron spring to mind, all can tow well over 1500kg.
More info here:
https://www.drivingelectric.com/your-questions-ans...
V8 Bob said:
I am fortunate to live up north where the roads are much quieter and the thought of having to recharge every 2 hours or less after just 100 miles is not exciting me.
I know of no modern EV that would put you in that situation tbh. Probably some of the smaller "city cars"?Anyway, sounds like a non-existent scare story.
If you live rural you can probably charge at home.
If that's the case, your car is always full. This means that at any day you can do the range of your car without ever needing to fill up anywhere. As said, if you do 200+ miles on a regular basis, or you aren't able to charge at home, it's something to worry about. Other than that it's just daily mail nonsense.
I often stop at Cobham services on the way home on a Friday for a KFC. I've noticed there's almost always a recovery truck loading something up at the electric car charging area at the far end! There was a 21-plate there yesterday and the poor sod watching on as his car was winched onto the back of the truck looked like a drowned rat! I tried my best not to look too smug as I drove by in my warm, dry, 23-year-old car.
This reminds me of the first and only time I used a Boris Bike.
Got off train at Waterloo and input my details into machine at bicycle rack.
Then went through the only 3 bikes that were there. All 3 had faults so would not release. Had to find another rack nearby. Now I'm running late, should have walked.
Finally had bike and cycled straight to the rack at Soho Sq, nearest to my place of work that day.
Full up, so try the next, then the next etc. Finally found a space to leave it but now 20 minutes walk from work.
It didn't deter me though.
That evening after the post work pub drinks, my mates got on the tube. Not me, I'd paid £1 to access the Boris Bike system so got one to cycle down to Vauxhall station.
It's 11pm, and the bike rack at Vauxhall is full. Once again have to cycle about looking for a free space then a long walk back to station.
All too much of a faff.
That Ghost Charging is worrying. I have wondered about knowing if the car is actually getting the electricity you've paid for but then as the petrol/water story posted earlier goes to show. Sometimes you ain't getting petrol.
Got off train at Waterloo and input my details into machine at bicycle rack.
Then went through the only 3 bikes that were there. All 3 had faults so would not release. Had to find another rack nearby. Now I'm running late, should have walked.
Finally had bike and cycled straight to the rack at Soho Sq, nearest to my place of work that day.
Full up, so try the next, then the next etc. Finally found a space to leave it but now 20 minutes walk from work.
It didn't deter me though.
That evening after the post work pub drinks, my mates got on the tube. Not me, I'd paid £1 to access the Boris Bike system so got one to cycle down to Vauxhall station.
It's 11pm, and the bike rack at Vauxhall is full. Once again have to cycle about looking for a free space then a long walk back to station.
All too much of a faff.
That Ghost Charging is worrying. I have wondered about knowing if the car is actually getting the electricity you've paid for but then as the petrol/water story posted earlier goes to show. Sometimes you ain't getting petrol.
The 100 mile range I am discussing is a probable reduced range whilst towing. I am concerned about what is being done to facilitate charging for vehicles towing as new charging points are being developed. The idea of unhitching and securing a £30,000 caravan in a motorway service station whilst charging does not sound very appealing. Having it securely locked to the car in such places is worryingly enough never mind the additional time to put on wheel clamps etc.
Agreed, for towing they are far from ideal at this point.
There are charging stations that are more "in line" like regular petrol stations, but most are indeed parking bays to
My biggest concern would be reduced range. Most somewhat larger EV's can charge at 150kW+, which means 10 min charging gives you about 1h driving. Stopping for 20 minutes every 2h isn't the end of the world when on a trip imho (I have to do that now with the wife and kids).
Decreasing economy while towing a caravan would be very annoying to say the least. Having to charge 30 min for every hour of driving is not something I'd put up with either, even if it's just once or twice per year.
There are charging stations that are more "in line" like regular petrol stations, but most are indeed parking bays to
My biggest concern would be reduced range. Most somewhat larger EV's can charge at 150kW+, which means 10 min charging gives you about 1h driving. Stopping for 20 minutes every 2h isn't the end of the world when on a trip imho (I have to do that now with the wife and kids).
Decreasing economy while towing a caravan would be very annoying to say the least. Having to charge 30 min for every hour of driving is not something I'd put up with either, even if it's just once or twice per year.
Edited by ZesPak on Saturday 13th March 13:38
V8 Bob said:
The 100 mile range I am discussing is a probable reduced range whilst towing. I am concerned about what is being done to facilitate charging for vehicles towing as new charging points are being developed. The idea of unhitching and securing a £30,000 caravan in a motorway service station whilst charging does not sound very appealing. Having it securely locked to the car in such places is worryingly enough never mind the additional time to put on wheel clamps etc.
Like I said, it's all about use-cases. Yours is not yet well-served by EVs.Wait it out while eeking out the enjoyment from your V8.
BBYeah said:
Can’t have been a Lexus. They are self charging aren’t they!
Lexus have and EV model which is starting to arrive over here - the UX300e. It's their 'baby SUV' model and potentially primarily aimed at China (and Japan) as it comes with Chademo but no CSS. Think it's a 54 kW battery so probably around a 180 mile range considering the car's weight and cross-over aerodynamics.Gassing Station | EV and Alternative Fuels | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff