Why do people get such strong feelings over electric cars and solar panels etc.

[gbb]

It really isn't debatable. They WILL replace ICE cars for the masses, unless many governments across the world remove the laws banning sale of new ICE cars before they actually apply.

I disagree. (edited to add, rather I'm not convinced. And there lies your problem, not just from me but millions of others it seems)

 

[gbb]

It really isn't debatable. They WILL replace ICE cars for the masses, unless many governments across the world remove the laws banning sale of new ICE cars before they actually apply.

And of course, that will be the case until something else comes along that replicates ICE car functionality, ie range, although as battery technology evolves, (if it evolves enough) may well bring that closer, and answers become clear about what's going to happen to billions of unuseable batteries, are the resources (cobalt, lithium etc) there to sustain a longer term future for EVs as we know it, etc etc etc
EVs are the short term future, no doubt about that, governments will make sure of it, but it won't assuage peoples doubts about all the above,,,and more.

 

[CXRAndy]

This perception that you need to have 500 mile range and immediate refuelling is an absolute necessity is false for the vast vast majority.

Very rarely do folk drive non stop that far and refuel instantly to carry on their merry way. Most folk forget (conveniently, when coming to discuss EV) that everyone needs to have a break for safety and comfort reason, maybe every 2-3 hours. That's around 180 miles covered in the UK and most other places where speed limits are imposed. A car capable of mid 200 miles will be more than sufficient for most.

Then bear in mind the rarity of long journeys compared to the 95% of all journeys are less than 35 miles per day.

 

[wafter]

This perception that you need to have 500 mile range and immediate refuelling is an absolute necessity is false for the vast vast majority.

Very rarely do folk drive non stop that far and refuel instantly to carry on their merry way. Most folk forget (conveniently, when coming to discuss EV) that everyone needs to have a break for safety and comfort reason, maybe every 2-3 hours. That's around 180 miles covered in the UK and most other places where speed limits are imposed. A car capable of mid 200 miles will be more than sufficient for most.

Then bear in mind the rarity of long journeys compared to the 95% of all journeys are less than 35 miles per day.

It's worth remembering that typically Li Ion batteries don't like being fully charged or deep-discharged; so if you want to get the maximum service life from the battery you'll not be using the vehicle's full quoted range.

 

[Tenkaykev]

This perception that you need to have 500 mile range and immediate refuelling is an absolute necessity is false for the vast vast majority.

Very rarely do folk drive non stop that far and refuel instantly to carry on their merry way. Most folk forget (conveniently, when coming to discuss EV) that everyone needs to have a break for safety and comfort reason, maybe every 2-3 hours. That's around 180 miles covered in the UK and most other places where speed limits are imposed. A car capable of mid 200 miles will be more than sufficient for most.

Then bear in mind the rarity of long journeys compared to the 95% of all journeys are less than 35 miles per day.

Our daughter visited at Christmas, driving down from Leeds in her electric VW. She stopped for a break a couple of times en route as she always does when making the journey, only this time she plugged in her car during the breaks. She's a Health visitor and drives hither and thither as part of her daily duties. We were talking about her car and she said she has a home charger fitted and just tops it up a couple of times a week.

 

[CXRAndy]

It's worth remembering that typically Li Ion batteries don't like being fully charged or deep-discharged; so if you want to get the maximum service life from the battery you'll not be using the vehicle's full quoted range.

That backs up the requirement. (35 miles day -95%of us)

For the vast majority of drivers you don't need to fully charge or run so low to prematurely age the battery pack.

For the odd journey maximum charge is not a problem at all. If you were being obsessive, you could set your charge to finish exactly at the point of commencing your journey, so negating any battery worries

 

[BrumJim]

Our daughter visited at Christmas, driving down from Leeds in her electric VW. She stopped for a break a couple of times en route as she always does when making the journey, only this time she plugged in her car during the breaks. She's a Health visitor and drives hither and thither as part of her daily duties. We were talking about her car and she said she has a home charger fitted and just tops it up a couple of times a week.

Which is exactly what life is like for an electric car owner. The 500 mile range reduces the need to fill up, and when you arrive after a long journey, or are commuting daily, you really want to avoid looking for a fuel station which takes up time and effort. For electric, get to your destination, plug in, go inside, put the kettle on and relax.

And yes, there is enough available power to charge the car and turn the kettle on. Much like having a shower when someone else wants a cuppa.

 

[CXRAndy]

And yes, there is enough available power to charge the car and turn the kettle on. Much like having a shower when someone else wants a cuppa.

I presume all UK EV chargers are the same in that, they require a CT clamp to monitor the overall demand from the property. Then when near maximum demand is reached the EV charger reducing the power fed to the car, preventing the main house fuse from blowing.

That's what Zappi's do. My daughters newbuild we re-jigged the supply to feed 100A into the garage, for the charger, but with the capability to feed back 65A from a solar/battery setup.

 

[BrumJim]

I presume all UK EV chargers are the same in that, they require a CT clamp to monitor the overall demand from the property. Then when near maximum demand is reached the EV charger reducing the power fed to the car, preventing the main house fuse from blowing.

That's what Zappi's do. My daughters newbuild we re-jigged the supply to feed 100A into the garage, for the charger, but with the capability to feed back 65A from a solar/battery setup.

I believe it is mandatory.

 

[markemark]

Yeah, it’s marginally less convenient on less than 1% of my journeys. But the world needs to adapt as the current scenario isn’t sustainable.

 

[cougie uk]

I disagree. (edited to add, rather I'm not convinced. And there lies your problem, not just from me but millions of others it seems)

Why are you not convinced ? There's already about a million electric cars on the roads in the UK now.
It's only going to go up.

 

[gbb]

Why are you not convinced ? There's already about a million electric cars on the roads in the UK now.
It's only going to go up.

For all the reasons I've mentioned. This one (the post in general) was always going to end up going in circles. I suspect it will continue that way, different experiences and opinions.
I suspect my input will stop soon....

 

[wafter]

For all the reasons I've mentioned. This one (the post in general) was always going to end up going in circles. I suspect it will continue that way, different experiences and opinions.
I suspect my input will stop soon....

I suggest we all bookmark this thread and revisit it in a decade or two for a suitable round of "I told you sos"; whoever the victors might be

 

[cougie uk]

For all the reasons I've mentioned. This one (the post in general) was always going to end up going in circles. I suspect it will continue that way, different experiences and opinions.
I suspect my input will stop soon....

I'm sure great granddad gbb would have had similar reservations about moving to the combustion engine from horses.

 

[classic33]

I'm sure great granddad gbb would have had similar reservations about moving to the combustion engine from horses.

Battery powered cars predate petrol powered cars.