Thank you and Good bye!

[MarkVw2017]

Dear Cali Gurus,

Well it came with great sadness I have now sold little Robin, aka, our VW California beach to a lovely couple down Devon way!

As a growing family with two children, who quickly became teenagers, the Vw campervan lifestyle didnt work as well as my wife and I wanted to and know body wanted to buy our teenage kids on ebay so we are stuck with them and decided to sell our absolutely beloved Vw Califorina. Yes, im a grown man and cried when she drive off :-( I wish her many new adventures with her new owners!!! People say its just a van, but we all know, its so so much more!!

I want to say a massive thank you to every who helped me choose and carry on loving my California The hardcore cali crew (you know who you are), who have been on here for years deserve a reward and everyone else for your continuous support!!. The advice, friendliness, support and fun conversation over the years has been wonderful. I really send a massive thank you to everyone.

I have bought tickets to Camper jam tickets and although now, we don't have a campervan, we have a MG5 EV, we're still going. so if you see a MG5 and a tent, don't judge us, we are still one of you in heart, maybe not form so come and say hello!

So on that note. I will be going back to a VW California one day, but will wait to the kids can look after themselves on their own and Vw offer an eltextric version, so heres my advice to you all.

I now own a MG5 full electric vehicle. Lets start off with this, WOW. Electric vehicles are definitely the way forward. The power and ride is amazing. That's where it ends!!

My review from coming form a diesel campervan to a 100% EV with 250 mile range -

The charging infrastructure is shocking, i mean really bad. I went to Devon from North Wales on day one of owing the MG5 (jumped straight in) and was pulling my hair out. Chargers broke, or ICEd (means an internal combustion engine car) has parked in a charging bay, apps don't work, no phone internet so cant use the bloody app to charge the car,, some chargers dont work, some need RFID for payment instead of contractless and thats linked to different companies so you could need 10 different RFID cards) some chargers are damaged but look like they work, helplines are hit and miss (20 mins waiting and no answer) some rapid charger same price as diesel, people already charging so you can wait for hours but have no idea how long when they will be back (10 mins, 2 hours, anyone's guess), chargers in weird places apart form next to motorways or in petrol stations, (you know, where common sense would say put them), some in town centre 2 miles away rom main motorway) and yes, most are in pay as you display car parks so you also have to pay for parking!!!

The range is make believe. We just went camping ( i know feel dirty saying that) with full 250 mile range 100% battery with a packed car. Drove on economical, with full regen braking on, driving 60 mph and only got 210 miles and that's in the summer, going to be much worse in the winter!!. Take the claimed mileage with a pinch of salt!

Conclusion. Diesel is ridiculously overpriced, buts its available every where and takes 5 mins to fill to give you a 450 range + range. I was going to sell my works diesel van and go for a ID buzz Cargo when it comes out. Now I have had a MG5 for over a month, I'm not even going to test drive an ID buzz!

Unless you have owned or driven an electric vehicle, my opinion is do not go and and buy an ID buzz with all the hype and hysteria of EVs and its super coolness. Hire a EV car first for a week and do a pretend road trip when its packed of luggage to see how life would really be with a EV.

If you live in a city and only going to do city or town centre mileage, then yes, an EV is great is you aim to charge at home (7 hours with a fast charger, yep 7 hours or 24 hours with 3 pin plug!!)

I will be definitely be coming back to this forum with a EV California one day, but it has to be a minimum of 350 range and much MUCH better charging infrastructure which is going to take many many years, so enjoy your diesel California's, there not going anywhere for a LONG time yet!!!

Thank you everyone again, happy adventures and maybe see you at Camper jam!

 

[Perfectos]

What an honest review of EVs and the severe limitations they bring

hope to see you soon in a Cali

in the meantime, travel well

 

[GrannyJen]

Dear Mark

Thank you for your contributions over the years, and at times when I was in my "official job" with the forum I just so much valued your support and insights.

Bon voyage, don't electrocute yourself and as vera Lynn used to sing (yes, I am old enough to be allowed) ....


Well meet again.


Jen

 

[Perfectos]

Ps the photo is worthy of a calendar photo

 

[MarkVw2017]

Ps the photo is worthy of a calendar photo

One of my favourites photos. After a horrible day in work, I pulled on on the North Wales coast (which is free parking which is a rarity these days - High St, Penmaenmawr LL34 6PL) overlooking penguin island, had a sneaky nap, then a coffee with these views and sunset were there to meet me. Then went home all relaxed!!

 

[MarkVw2017]

Dear Mark

Thank you for your contributions over the years, and at times when I was in my "official job" with the forum I just so much valued your support and insights.

Bon voyage, don't electrocute yourself and as vera Lynn used to sing (yes, I am old enough to be allowed) ....


Well meet again.


Jen

Thanks Jen, it’s been an absolute privilege :-D

 

[sapto]

Dear Mark

Not the one of the hardcoreteam however always liked to read some of your inputs, views or looked at your pictures. Wish you all the best for you and your family - enjoy camping/your holidays however you do it!

 

[kurienp]

Dear Cali Gurus,

Well it came with great sadness I have now sold little Robin, aka, our VW California beach to a lovely couple down Devon way!

As a growing family with two children, who quickly became teenagers, the Vw campervan lifestyle didnt work as well as my wife and I wanted to and know body wanted to buy our teenage kids on ebay so we are stuck with them and decided to sell our absolutely beloved Vw Califorina. Yes, im a grown man and cried when she drive off :-( I wish her many new adventures with her new owners!!! People say its just a van, but we all know, its so so much more!!

I want to say a massive thank you to every who helped me choose and carry on loving my California The hardcore cali crew (you know who you are), who have been on here for years deserve a reward and everyone else for your continuous support!!. The advice, friendliness, support and fun conversation over the years has been wonderful. I really send a massive thank you to everyone.

I have bought tickets to Camper jam tickets and although now, we don't have a campervan, we have a MG5 EV, we're still going. so if you see a MG5 and a tent, don't judge us, we are still one of you in heart, maybe not form so come and say hello!

So on that note. I will be going back to a VW California one day, but will wait to the kids can look after themselves on their own and Vw offer an eltextric version, so heres my advice to you all.

I now own a MG5 full electric vehicle. Lets start off with this, WOW. Electric vehicles are definitely the way forward. The power and ride is amazing. That's where it ends!!

My review from coming form a diesel campervan to a 100% EV with 250 mile range -

The charging infrastructure is shocking, i mean really bad. I went to Devon from North Wales on day one of owing the MG5 (jumped straight in) and was pulling my hair out. Chargers broke, or ICEd (means an internal combustion engine car) has parked in a charging bay, apps don't work, no phone internet so cant use the bloody app to charge the car,, some chargers dont work, some need RFID for payment instead of contractless and thats linked to different companies so you could need 10 different RFID cards) some chargers are damaged but look like they work, helplines are hit and miss (20 mins waiting and no answer) some rapid charger same price as diesel, people already charging so you can wait for hours but have no idea how long when they will be back (10 mins, 2 hours, anyone's guess), chargers in weird places apart form next to motorways or in petrol stations, (you know, where common sense would say put them), some in town centre 2 miles away rom main motorway) and yes, most are in pay as you display car parks so you also have to pay for parking!!!

The range is make believe. We just went camping ( i know feel dirty saying that) with full 250 mile range 100% battery with a packed car. Drove on economical, with full regen braking on, driving 60 mph and only got 210 miles and that's in the summer, going to be much worse in the winter!!. Take the claimed mileage with a pinch of salt!

Conclusion. Diesel is ridiculously overpriced, buts its available every where and takes 5 mins to fill to give you a 450 range + range. I was going to sell my works diesel van and go for a ID buzz Cargo when it comes out. Now I have had a MG5 for over a month, I'm not even going to test drive an ID buzz!

Unless you have owned or driven an electric vehicle, my opinion is do not go and and buy an ID buzz with all the hype and hysteria of EVs and its super coolness. Hire a EV car first for a week and do a pretend road trip when its packed of luggage to see how life would really be with a EV.

If you live in a city and only going to do city or town centre mileage, then yes, an EV is great is you aim to charge at home (7 hours with a fast charger, yep 7 hours or 24 hours with 3 pin plug!!)

I will be definitely be coming back to this forum with a EV California one day, but it has to be a minimum of 350 range and much MUCH better charging infrastructure which is going to take many many years, so enjoy your diesel California's, there not going anywhere for a LONG time yet!!!

Thank you everyone again, happy adventures and maybe see you at Camper jam!

View attachment 94428

@MarkVw2017 , once a Cali lover, always a Cali lover. I am sure you will come back to the Cali fold soon. However, I am sure this is not a goodbye as you may still be on the forum and can share your experiences.

On the EV front, so true on the battery range. It is ridiculous! I have a Tesla model 3, and the only saving grace is the higher mileage. Trust me - the adaptive cruise on the VW is a better implementation.

The self-driving, is a joke! A seriously dangerous implementation and no wonder the UK and across the EU they are putting more restrictions on features that Tesla is touting.

For me, it is offsetting the carbon footprint from the Cali, but still - nothing IMHO beats a Cali on flexibility.

Happy adventures!

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[SamSara]

Dear Cali Gurus,

Well it came with great sadness I have now sold little Robin, aka, our VW California beach to a lovely couple down Devon way!

As a growing family with two children, who quickly became teenagers, the Vw campervan lifestyle didnt work as well as my wife and I wanted to and know body wanted to buy our teenage kids on ebay so we are stuck with them and decided to sell our absolutely beloved Vw Califorina. Yes, im a grown man and cried when she drive off :-( I wish her many new adventures with her new owners!!! People say its just a van, but we all know, its so so much more!!

I want to say a massive thank you to every who helped me choose and carry on loving my California The hardcore cali crew (you know who you are), who have been on here for years deserve a reward and everyone else for your continuous support!!. The advice, friendliness, support and fun conversation over the years has been wonderful. I really send a massive thank you to everyone.

I have bought tickets to Camper jam tickets and although now, we don't have a campervan, we have a MG5 EV, we're still going. so if you see a MG5 and a tent, don't judge us, we are still one of you in heart, maybe not form so come and say hello!

So on that note. I will be going back to a VW California one day, but will wait to the kids can look after themselves on their own and Vw offer an eltextric version, so heres my advice to you all.

I now own a MG5 full electric vehicle. Lets start off with this, WOW. Electric vehicles are definitely the way forward. The power and ride is amazing. That's where it ends!!

My review from coming form a diesel campervan to a 100% EV with 250 mile range -

The charging infrastructure is shocking, i mean really bad. I went to Devon from North Wales on day one of owing the MG5 (jumped straight in) and was pulling my hair out. Chargers broke, or ICEd (means an internal combustion engine car) has parked in a charging bay, apps don't work, no phone internet so cant use the bloody app to charge the car,, some chargers dont work, some need RFID for payment instead of contractless and thats linked to different companies so you could need 10 different RFID cards) some chargers are damaged but look like they work, helplines are hit and miss (20 mins waiting and no answer) some rapid charger same price as diesel, people already charging so you can wait for hours but have no idea how long when they will be back (10 mins, 2 hours, anyone's guess), chargers in weird places apart form next to motorways or in petrol stations, (you know, where common sense would say put them), some in town centre 2 miles away rom main motorway) and yes, most are in pay as you display car parks so you also have to pay for parking!!!

The range is make believe. We just went camping ( i know feel dirty saying that) with full 250 mile range 100% battery with a packed car. Drove on economical, with full regen braking on, driving 60 mph and only got 210 miles and that's in the summer, going to be much worse in the winter!!. Take the claimed mileage with a pinch of salt!

Conclusion. Diesel is ridiculously overpriced, buts its available every where and takes 5 mins to fill to give you a 450 range + range. I was going to sell my works diesel van and go for a ID buzz Cargo when it comes out. Now I have had a MG5 for over a month, I'm not even going to test drive an ID buzz!

Unless you have owned or driven an electric vehicle, my opinion is do not go and and buy an ID buzz with all the hype and hysteria of EVs and its super coolness. Hire a EV car first for a week and do a pretend road trip when its packed of luggage to see how life would really be with a EV.

If you live in a city and only going to do city or town centre mileage, then yes, an EV is great is you aim to charge at home (7 hours with a fast charger, yep 7 hours or 24 hours with 3 pin plug!!)

I will be definitely be coming back to this forum with a EV California one day, but it has to be a minimum of 350 range and much MUCH better charging infrastructure which is going to take many many years, so enjoy your diesel California's, there not going anywhere for a LONG time yet!!!

Thank you everyone again, happy adventures and maybe see you at Camper jam!

View attachment 94428

Thank you for that insightful review. I am all gung ho about getting the buzz when it goes camper…….or at least i was

 

[Anthony1]

Dear Cali Gurus,

Well it came with great sadness I have now sold little Robin, aka, our VW California beach to a lovely couple down Devon way!

As a growing family with two children, who quickly became teenagers, the Vw campervan lifestyle didnt work as well as my wife and I wanted to and know body wanted to buy our teenage kids on ebay so we are stuck with them and decided to sell our absolutely beloved Vw Califorina. Yes, im a grown man and cried when she drive off :-( I wish her many new adventures with her new owners!!! People say its just a van, but we all know, its so so much more!!

I want to say a massive thank you to every who helped me choose and carry on loving my California The hardcore cali crew (you know who you are), who have been on here for years deserve a reward and everyone else for your continuous support!!. The advice, friendliness, support and fun conversation over the years has been wonderful. I really send a massive thank you to everyone.

I have bought tickets to Camper jam tickets and although now, we don't have a campervan, we have a MG5 EV, we're still going. so if you see a MG5 and a tent, don't judge us, we are still one of you in heart, maybe not form so come and say hello!

So on that note. I will be going back to a VW California one day, but will wait to the kids can look after themselves on their own and Vw offer an eltextric version, so heres my advice to you all.

I now own a MG5 full electric vehicle. Lets start off with this, WOW. Electric vehicles are definitely the way forward. The power and ride is amazing. That's where it ends!!

My review from coming form a diesel campervan to a 100% EV with 250 mile range -

The charging infrastructure is shocking, i mean really bad. I went to Devon from North Wales on day one of owing the MG5 (jumped straight in) and was pulling my hair out. Chargers broke, or ICEd (means an internal combustion engine car) has parked in a charging bay, apps don't work, no phone internet so cant use the bloody app to charge the car,, some chargers dont work, some need RFID for payment instead of contractless and thats linked to different companies so you could need 10 different RFID cards) some chargers are damaged but look like they work, helplines are hit and miss (20 mins waiting and no answer) some rapid charger same price as diesel, people already charging so you can wait for hours but have no idea how long when they will be back (10 mins, 2 hours, anyone's guess), chargers in weird places apart form next to motorways or in petrol stations, (you know, where common sense would say put them), some in town centre 2 miles away rom main motorway) and yes, most are in pay as you display car parks so you also have to pay for parking!!!

The range is make believe. We just went camping ( i know feel dirty saying that) with full 250 mile range 100% battery with a packed car. Drove on economical, with full regen braking on, driving 60 mph and only got 210 miles and that's in the summer, going to be much worse in the winter!!. Take the claimed mileage with a pinch of salt!

Conclusion. Diesel is ridiculously overpriced, buts its available every where and takes 5 mins to fill to give you a 450 range + range. I was going to sell my works diesel van and go for a ID buzz Cargo when it comes out. Now I have had a MG5 for over a month, I'm not even going to test drive an ID buzz!

Unless you have owned or driven an electric vehicle, my opinion is do not go and and buy an ID buzz with all the hype and hysteria of EVs and its super coolness. Hire a EV car first for a week and do a pretend road trip when its packed of luggage to see how life would really be with a EV.

If you live in a city and only going to do city or town centre mileage, then yes, an EV is great is you aim to charge at home (7 hours with a fast charger, yep 7 hours or 24 hours with 3 pin plug!!)

I will be definitely be coming back to this forum with a EV California one day, but it has to be a minimum of 350 range and much MUCH better charging infrastructure which is going to take many many years, so enjoy your diesel California's, there not going anywhere for a LONG time yet!!!

Thank you everyone again, happy adventures and maybe see you at Camper jam!

View attachment 94428

...an EV is great is you aim to charge at home (7 hours with a fast charger, yep 7 hours or 24 hours with 3 pin plug!!)

At what cost? Bearing in mind the rising cost of electricity.

 

[Hedley Wright]

I’m moving from a BEV (Polestar 2) to a Cali. Dreading the move back to a noisy, vibrating, expensive diesel as my daily driver but there is no practical long-range EV campervan yet, nor is there likely to be for a few years. The biggest issue currently is payload restriction due to the weIshtar of the battery.

To add some balance to EV ownership:

in the three years I have owned an EV I have use public rapid chargers to charge en-route about thirty times. I have had to queue three times. Out of order once necessitating a detour, once with the neighbouring unit working ok. Yes, public rapid network is relatively expensive at around 10-20p/mile but other than for my occasional long distance trips and at holiday cottages (where I’ve used the 3 pin charger and paid the owner the going rate) all my charging has been at cheap rate off peak at home, currently 5.5p/kWh which equates to under 2p/mile.

North and mid Wales are currently very poorly served by chargers. The rest of GB is ok, but although there is a rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure it is barely keeping pace with the rapid uptake of EV ownership and there will be more queuing at some popular sites over the foreseeable future.

if you’re looking to buy an EV consider the following carefully:

How often would I need to use the rapid charging network? Can I charge at home and/or my place of work? Do I mind long trips taking longer? On claimed range - expect around 80-90% of the claimed WLTP range in the summer and 65-75% in low winter temperatures. A lot depends on road conditions and the speed you drive at. EVs take a bigger hit than ICE vehicles in the winter but neither reach published consump figures - that’s not the manufacturers’ fault, more down to the design of the official test.

 

[Hedley Wright]

...an EV is great is you aim to charge at home (7 hours with a fast charger, yep 7 hours or 24 hours with 3 pin plug!!)

At what cost? Bearing in mind the rising cost of electricity.

Most people will replace their daily mileage in way less than that. A 7kW wall charger will add 20-30 miles per hour. I’m paying 5.5p/kWh for 5 hours from 8.30 pm - 1.30 am. Under 2p/mile. If it doubles still *way* cheaper than diesel or petrol.

 

[HectorPascal]

Dear Cali Gurus,

Well it came with great sadness I have now sold little Robin, aka, our VW California beach to a lovely couple down Devon way!

As a growing family with two children, who quickly became teenagers, the Vw campervan lifestyle didnt work as well as my wife and I wanted to and know body wanted to buy our teenage kids on ebay so we are stuck with them and decided to sell our absolutely beloved Vw Califorina. Yes, im a grown man and cried when she drive off :-( I wish her many new adventures with her new owners!!! People say its just a van, but we all know, its so so much more!!

I want to say a massive thank you to every who helped me choose and carry on loving my California The hardcore cali crew (you know who you are), who have been on here for years deserve a reward and everyone else for your continuous support!!. The advice, friendliness, support and fun conversation over the years has been wonderful. I really send a massive thank you to everyone.

I have bought tickets to Camper jam tickets and although now, we don't have a campervan, we have a MG5 EV, we're still going. so if you see a MG5 and a tent, don't judge us, we are still one of you in heart, maybe not form so come and say hello!

So on that note. I will be going back to a VW California one day, but will wait to the kids can look after themselves on their own and Vw offer an eltextric version, so heres my advice to you all.

I now own a MG5 full electric vehicle. Lets start off with this, WOW. Electric vehicles are definitely the way forward. The power and ride is amazing. That's where it ends!!

My review from coming form a diesel campervan to a 100% EV with 250 mile range -

The charging infrastructure is shocking, i mean really bad. I went to Devon from North Wales on day one of owing the MG5 (jumped straight in) and was pulling my hair out. Chargers broke, or ICEd (means an internal combustion engine car) has parked in a charging bay, apps don't work, no phone internet so cant use the bloody app to charge the car,, some chargers dont work, some need RFID for payment instead of contractless and thats linked to different companies so you could need 10 different RFID cards) some chargers are damaged but look like they work, helplines are hit and miss (20 mins waiting and no answer) some rapid charger same price as diesel, people already charging so you can wait for hours but have no idea how long when they will be back (10 mins, 2 hours, anyone's guess), chargers in weird places apart form next to motorways or in petrol stations, (you know, where common sense would say put them), some in town centre 2 miles away rom main motorway) and yes, most are in pay as you display car parks so you also have to pay for parking!!!

The range is make believe. We just went camping ( i know feel dirty saying that) with full 250 mile range 100% battery with a packed car. Drove on economical, with full regen braking on, driving 60 mph and only got 210 miles and that's in the summer, going to be much worse in the winter!!. Take the claimed mileage with a pinch of salt!

Conclusion. Diesel is ridiculously overpriced, buts its available every where and takes 5 mins to fill to give you a 450 range + range. I was going to sell my works diesel van and go for a ID buzz Cargo when it comes out. Now I have had a MG5 for over a month, I'm not even going to test drive an ID buzz!

Unless you have owned or driven an electric vehicle, my opinion is do not go and and buy an ID buzz with all the hype and hysteria of EVs and its super coolness. Hire a EV car first for a week and do a pretend road trip when its packed of luggage to see how life would really be with a EV.

If you live in a city and only going to do city or town centre mileage, then yes, an EV is great is you aim to charge at home (7 hours with a fast charger, yep 7 hours or 24 hours with 3 pin plug!!)

I will be definitely be coming back to this forum with a EV California one day, but it has to be a minimum of 350 range and much MUCH better charging infrastructure which is going to take many many years, so enjoy your diesel California's, there not going anywhere for a LONG time yet!!!

Thank you everyone again, happy adventures and maybe see you at Camper jam!

View attachment 94428

Sorry to see you leave. Always enjoyed your posts. We have a 5 yr old i3 which has been from new. BEVs are great for local running and with a wall charger otherwise just not practical for us. Battery life - just take 2/3 of the claimed range figures when new… and it falls off a bit with age.

Stay well and happy.

 

[soulstyledevon]

I’ve had an EV Nissan van for work, for the last 5 years. At first the range limitation annoyed me. But over time I’ve adjusted. There’s enough range for a days work as all my stuff is local.
It’s charged at work overnight.

To be honest, its converted me to EV ownership.
I think the majority of people could live fine with one, depending on their home set-up.

I’ve put a deposit down for a Buzz. It’s time for my little Porsche to go, we just never use it as we always travel in the Cali.
So, in its place will be a Buzz for the local stuff, the Cali as a dedicated camper and anything long range.

All the best going forward

 

[Kjetil]

It’s gives a smaller footprint to continue driving what we already have than building a new one, EV or not. Almost 80% av Chinas use of energy comes from fossil. Biodiesel is a better help to get a faster CO2 reduction than buying new EVs.

Maybe off-topic and to politic, but anyway helps feeling a bit better driving the Cali.

 

[Tonio44]

Thanks Mark!
I myself wanted an EV for a long time and preordered a Model 3 on the first day. But looking at my usage, I finally replaced the ICE motorcycle with an electric scooter (shame ;-) ) and use the Cali for trips. Last year we bought an excellent long-tail electric assist cargo bike and now I'm putting more miles on it than the scooter (also thanks to remote working). It enable us to bring our 2 young kids anywhere in and around the city. So I agree with you electric is incredible to drive and super easy when charging at home/work but you can't beat the Cali for flexibility. Enjoy your next adventures!

 

[Anthony1]

I’ve had an EV Nissan van for work, for the last 5 years. At first the range limitation annoyed me. But over time I’ve adjusted. There’s enough range for a days work as all my stuff is local.
It’s charged at work overnight.

To be honest, its converted me to EV ownership.
I think the majority of people could live fine with one, depending on their home set-up.

I’ve put a deposit down for a Buzz. It’s time for my little Porsche to go, we just never use it as we always travel in the Cali.
So, in its place will be a Buzz for the local stuff, the Cali as a dedicated camper and anything long range.

All the best going forward

Charged at work? Does that mean it is free for you or do you own the company?

 

[Borris]

Hello Mark,
I wish you well in your new adventure but I'm certain that you'll be back. It's in your blood now.

As for EVs, well your review was very honest and pulled no punches. Personally I don't beleive EVs are the future but instead just one small part of it. There are still too many problems and unanswered questions. Banning the sales of hybrid vehicles after 2035 was an act of sheer folly as is the ban on the sales of petrol and diesel cars after 2030. Most new ICE cars are very efficient and produce minimal emissions. I'm sure this could have been improved still further given further RnD work however by issuing a ban the goverment has killed that opportunity stone dead.

As you've mentioned, one of the biggest issues that I see with EVs is the charging system. You described the problems that you encountered and I frankly can't see that infrastructure improving at the same rate as EV take up. It took a hundred years to get the infrastructure in place to support ICE vehicles and that only involved individual self contained filling stations. There is going to have to be a herculean effort made in a very short space in time to supply enough charging points to support a country wide take up of EVs and that is just one problem. The other issue you touched on was the very many different charging providers. Not having an EV I have no experience of charging one but from what you and others have said it sounds like charging can often be a nightmare. With a fuel pump you only get one choice and they always work.

Anyway enough prattling on from me.

Best wishes.

 

[Nand0]

Hi Borris

well... I'm not sure I share your negativity. Over one hundred years ago, when the first cars came about, I'm sure people didn't see the point in this monstruous machine that was no faster than a horse, required a marshal to drive in front to warn pedestrians, and required this esoteric stinky fuel that was no doubt hard to come by. After all, you just need to let your horse loose on a field and it fuels itself.

No one knows what the future will hold, but all the issues I see with EVs in their current form, for passenger transportation, can be overcome. May be not in six months, but it will come. And judging by how quickly things change, probably faster than we think. Certainly here in Switzerland an EV is already viable for everyone except those doing long distance traveling or those needing to haul cargo or trailers. Plenty of charging points, and if your yearly mileage justifies the premium, they are a good value proposition. I have no doubt the charging infrastructure will catch up in other developed countries too - if there's money to be made.

Will we see an EV only California soon? unlikely, very unlikely... but towards the tail end of this decade it's a possibility. Assuming they don't go H2

 

[danvan]

I've had an EV for a year now, but up until recently had never taken it further than Oxford (from London). But I did a work trip to Liverpool (195 miles each way) a few weeks ago and it was relatively painless. I charged for 10 mins at Rugby (each way), which wasn't even enough time for a pee and a tea, and was back on my way. About half the chargers were available, half were being used. I'm not sure if it's the future, but I like the extra thought that has to go into a journey, petrol/diesel is a bit boring by comparison.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Charged at work? Does that mean it is free for you or do you own the company?

Works van, works juice.

 

[soulstyledevon]

I should add.
The van hasn’t had a single fault in 5 years. Nothing, zero totally reliable.
#NissanEV

 

[Borris]

Hi Borris

well... I'm not sure I share your negativity. Over one hundred years ago, when the first cars came about, I'm sure people didn't see the point in this monstruous machine that was no faster than a horse, required a marshal to drive in front to warn pedestrians, and required this esoteric stinky fuel that was no doubt hard to come by. After all, you just need to let your horse loose on a field and it fuels itself.

No one knows what the future will hold, but all the issues I see with EVs in their current form, for passenger transportation, can be overcome. May be not in six months, but it will come. And judging by how quickly things change, probably faster than we think. Certainly here in Switzerland an EV is already viable for everyone except those doing long distance traveling or those needing to haul cargo or trailers. Plenty of charging points, and if your yearly mileage justifies the premium, they are a good value proposition. I have no doubt the charging infrastructure will catch up in other developed countries too - if there's money to be made.

Will we see an EV only California soon? unlikely, very unlikely... but towards the tail end of this decade it's a possibility. Assuming they don't go H2

You may think I'm being negative and maybe you're right. The main issues with widespread EV uptake have all be discussed many times before and as far as I can see, most still exist today. Just my perspective and only time will tell for sure.

BTW according to the inter web, there were 383,525 registered cars on the roads of Great Britain in 1923. By 1930 that number topped a million. Today that number has risen to around 32.5 million. Today Great Britains fleet of registered EV battery only cars is estimated at around 456,000. Subtract those 456,000 and GB and NI will only have to convince 32,000,000 owners to change to EVs!

In June 1923 Malcolm Campbell set a new landspeed record at 137.72mph in a Sunbeam.


As for the red flag regulation, that was abolished in 1896.

 

[Perfectos]

Negativity or realistic ?

festivals will be off the menu ?

you can imagine the queue at the junction of the M4 /M5 for charging points ?

 

[Nand0]

The main issues with widespread EV uptake have all be discussed many times before and as far as I can see, most still exist today.

Agree, issues exist... *today*. There's no reason those issues cannot be overcome, and the momentum seems to be there. EVs, in their present form, and with the present infrastructure, are not suitable for my use case, so I don't have one. But there's no denying they are coming, we just need the infrastructure to develop accordingly. It won't happen in a week, but it will happen.

As far as I can see, w.r.t. battery EVs, once next generation batteries arrive (solid state? aluminium ion?) and the range increases, I see only advantages