Purely out of curiosity

[Mad Doug Biker]

I happened to be looking at BYD electric cars yesterday (the website I mean), and it got me thinking. Exactly how cheaper would one be to run?? I know you don't have to worry about fuel and all, but what about the rest, such as the infamous VED, etc.

I'm not going to be buying one or anything, heck, I'd need to get it over from China for a start, but I'm merely curious.



Thanks.

 

[Archie_tect]

One thing they don't tell you is how long the batteries last before you have to replace them.

 

[benb]

VED will be £0, so the only day to day running cost is the extra electricity. If you can charge it at work, that's a bonus!

Obviously they are more expensive than a similar sized petrol car, and they're not particularly green in their manufacture.

 

[Edwards80]

they're not particularly green in their manufacture.

Hehe, this is like saying "Kicking an old lady into the path of the number 6 bus is not a particularly helpful way of assisting her across the road"

A company that used to be in our building bought a few hybrids as company cars - the bills when batteries/motors(electric) needed replacing/repairing were eye watering. I still think they are a bit of a risk/fashion accessory.

 

[tyred]

It's seems Renault allow you rent the battery from them on the Zoe.

And why did they call a car after my first gf?

 

[jonny jeez]

One thing they don't tell you is how long the batteries last before you have to replace them.

yep. thats the killer (a,lso this is rarely mentioned when buying an elec assist bike. Most elec car batteries will die in around 3 years and can cost thousands to replace.

Add that up over 10 years, along with the enhanced purchase cost and its not as much of a cake walk as you might think.

Also, you do pay for fuel...its elec and your elec aint just free? granted its less that petrol but it still has a cost.

Personally I don't understand why we don't abandon the idea of charging the batteries and being bogged down by range and replacement cost...why not develop a system that allows you to drive to a petrol station and swap the batteries in a few minutes for replacements that are charged at the station (a bit like the rental of gas cylinders for your barbeque). it would take less time than refuelling a petrol car and would allow all the forecourts to continue to trade.

 

[jonny jeez]

It's seems Renault allow you rent the battery from them on the Zoe.

And why did they call a car after my first gf?

its worse, they call the other ZE one the fluence...the "Z. Efluence"

something got lost in translation there

 

[benb]

Of course, the reduction of urban pollution is also a worthy end.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

http://www.byd.com/e6.html

The battery:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_iron_phosphate_battery

Seems to last more than a year or two anyway

That said, have you seen the price of these cars!!??