Electric Car Etiquette

[Hotrodder]

I have seen a calculation that indicates only a 3p difference between electric, diesel, and petrol costs per mile in comparable vehicles. The case for new expensive electric cars with the problems of range and charge point accessibility issues is just another opportunity to suck up motorist cash.

[Nomoss]

I think the three days needed to take the whole car apart to change the batteries might make charging the faster option.

The reason for that is the way cars are made these days.

It seems that designers decide the outside shape and appearance of the car, then the engineers and production people try to fit the actual machinery etc. into it.

Oh dear. You really don’t have a clue. Perhaps the six year old’s toy is the extent of your experience as well.

And you don't have a clue about manners, you ill-bred know-all.

[Antonia]

Oh Boys and their toys
Seriously I hope this thread doesn't get locked as I'm finding the drift to "electric v petrol/diesel" discussion very interesting. My own car is over ten years old and, frankly, I'm dreading having to replace it. On the one hand I agree with lower emissions but on the other, I worry about finding charging points when going out and about. To live round here you really need access to a 4x4 as the weather can make the roads treacherous. I don't even know if there is an electric four wheel drive yet. As to the sound of the motor, since I lost my OH, I've become quite good at basic maintenance but still listen to the motor intently and take her to the garage if something sounds off. I'd rather that than break down in the middle of nowhere. Talking about breaking down, how good is the roadside assistance at the moment? I doubt there are many garages au fait yet. Is there a specialist electric breakdown service?

[Blaze]

We sold our 16 and 18 year old diesels 5 or 6 years ago for 2 smaller petrol cars. We've just been sent our Crit'Air vignettes (both cars are No. 1, the cleanest level) as some towns and cities are going to demand these.
@Antonia At the moment, there is no obligation whatsoever to have an electric car until 2035 so if you're at all nervous about an electric one, go for petrol if clean air is likely to be an issue.

[DominicBest]

Having been involved in motorsport since I was 18 (and still competing), I sincerely hope I shall never be obliged to have an electric car.

That’s your choice but have you actually ever driven one?

No, I haven't. It holds no interest for me whatsoever.

I won’t take much notice of your opinion then.

[curtis]

I was in fact replying to Dave W but you may, of course, treat my comments as you wish.

[Hotrodder]

@Antonia At the moment, there is no obligation whatsoever to have an electric car until 2035

More accurately, the only significance of 2035 is that you won't be able to buy a new car unless it is electric. No plans yet to ban buying a secondhand petrol or diesel car.

[DominicBest]

I was in fact replying to Dave W but you may, of course, treat my comments as you wish.

Well the notification came to me. One of my cousins who lives in the north of France has an Audi e-tron as her company car and uses it to commute to her job in Luxembourg and as their main family car for holidays etc. When I was up that way last summer she asked me if I would like to go for a drive in it and I thought, why not? I expected to be the passenger but in fact I drove. It was great, nothing like I was expecting it to be. It certainly made me realise that I could enjoy using one. I would also get an electric dual sport motorcycle if they were more affordable, sometimes silence is an advantage.

[DominicBest]

The reason for that is the way cars are made these days.

It seems that designers decide the outside shape and appearance of the car, then the engineers and production people try to fit the actual machinery etc. into it.

Oh dear. You really don’t have a clue. Perhaps the six year old’s toy is the extent of your experience as well.

And you don't have a clue about manners, you ill-bred know-all.

But I do. I also seem to know a lot more about the topic than you..

[Char]

OK that's enough - I asked nicely earlier in the thread, don't spoil it for everyone else please behave.