Electric runabouts

[Milzy]

Nissan leafs seem ok but to buy new 26 to 30k depending on spec.

 

[ufkacbln]

I've idly mused in the past whether anyone's ever done any kind of cost/benefit analysis of the kind of safety protection mandated into modern motors - ie, the societal impact of all the surplus metal being hauled around v supposed increased safety for car drivers/occupants. We all drive around hauling sufficient armour-plating to protect us from impacts only one in a million will ever encounter, thus belching out vastly-increased pollution which inflicts unquestionable 'anti-protection' on millions. Does it, overall, make sense, purely from a public health perspective? Would there be a case for a fundamental rethink, with a new focus on the safety of the many rather than the 'protection' of the few, leading to a new generation of minimal-'protection' cars with tiny engines, ideal for the main transport-requirement of modern motors: transporting individuals a few miles at an average 8MPH?

It is worthwhile googling Clotaire Rapaille, the "Father of the SUV"

In the simplest terms he knew that many people were aware they were bad drivers and would be having accidents, but when these occurred they wanted the other guy to come off worse.... exactly what the SUV achieved

There is also the major discrepancy between driver / passenger safety and pedestrian safety in tests like this above.

It is possible to build cars with high values for both, yet it is not unusual for high safety ratings for occupants and low (even zero) safety for pedestrians

Therein lies the moral issue - is it morally acceptable to select a car that will do significantly more damage and injury to pedestrians

 

[fossyant]

You thought about a Renault Zoe. From £5k. Seriously thinking about one for my commute.

 

[ufkacbln]

You thought about a Renault Zoe. From £5k. Seriously thinking about one for my commute.

It has many of the same issues including mandatory battery hire

 

[screenman]

If you can arrange a contract that suits where is the problem?

 

[Drago]

45 quid a month, it becomes expensive as my monthly petrol bill, with all the drawbacks of range, charge time, etc.

And its not an especially common vehicle - what would I do if they withdrew the battery model from the market?

I'm still researching, bit there may be ways around this, with different levels of cost and legality.

 

[Piemaster]

Discretely browsing another forum and a member there made mention he had a Renault Twizy. This caught my imagination, as I do very little mileage and don't need 4 seats when I do. A personal sized electric scoot for occasional local journeys would be ideal.

An exploratory surf of the small ads shows they depreciate quicker and Eric Pickles at a bakery closing down sale, so very cheap used ones with tiny mileages abound.

Very cheap servicing (no engine or gearbox), free road tax, cheap insurance...what's not to like?

Well, having to rent the battery is not to like. I don't like the idea of having to fork out each month, and then being stuck for electrons if the lease company decide to stop renting them out at some point.

The idea really appeals, and the battery is the only major fly in the ointment.

What do you fellows and fellowesess think?

You thought about a Renault Zoe. From £5k. Seriously thinking about one for my commute.

May I refer you to this thread.
Bugsy (as its now known, due to the VRN) the Zoe has proven to fit in with our usual use magnificently. My wife loves it. I like the little things, like not having to queue at petrol stations and how quiet it is, turn off the radio, turn of the pedestrian warning noise, wind the window down and enjoy the silence - a pair of high heels is nosier.

 

[Drago]

Bit pricy for a low miles scoot. Seen a Twizy for £2200, though driving it back from Cumbria may take a few weeks.

To be fair a Zoe would do the job, but half the car, half the insurance, half the demand on the planets resources to manufacture, all make the Twizy more appropriate for the occasional hops I do.

 

[screenman]

45 quid a month, it becomes expensive as my monthly petrol bill, with all the drawbacks of range, charge time, etc.

And its not an especially common vehicle - what would I do if they withdrew the battery model from the market?

I'm still researching, bit there may be ways around this, with different levels of cost and legality.

I thought it was about being cleaner, in which case price should not matter. I think you may find they have to supply spares for a amount of years, if they did discontinue I am sure someone in Asia would have a copy out very quickly.

 

[screenman]

Bit pricy for a low miles scoot. Seen a Twizy for £2200, though driving it back from Cumbria may take a few weeks.

To be fair a Zoe would do the job, but half the car, half the insurance, half the demand on the planets resources to manufacture, all make the Twizy more appropriate for the occasional hops I do.

There are a lot of companies out there that would pick up and drop off the car, for a price of course.

 

[Piemaster]

There are a lot of companies out there that would pick up and drop off the car, for a price of course.

Or just bung it on the back of a large 4x4

 

[Drago]

My list of interesting info is growing. Used Twizy's from Norway are popular, and there are a few ex-Renault lease cars that were passed on the the public with no battery lease.

My research continues...

 

[keithmac]

45 quid a month, it becomes expensive as my monthly petrol bill, with all the drawbacks of range, charge time, etc.

And its not an especially common vehicle - what would I do if they withdrew the battery model from the market?

I'm still researching, bit there may be ways around this, with different levels of cost and legality.

We don't get through more than £45 of diesel a month, but I suppose that's not the point!.

 

[Piemaster]

We don't get through more than £45 of diesel a month, but I suppose that's not the point!.

Think I'd add..'at the moment' fuel isn't going to get cheaper. And there is a reasonable chance of diesel cars being hit somehow in next budget. Theres been hints of it happening, though I don't think it will be as severe as some of the Daily Mail headlines.

Tax at the pump is 70+% Tax on electric is 5%.

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

Tax at the pump is 70+% Tax on electric is 5%.

For now. One way or another governments see private transport users as a cash cow. As electric users rise I'd expect to see that 5% figure increase substantially.

But for now, fill your boots.