Canno. Pick-up

[Highland Mule]

While an electric car would have been fine for me over the last twelve months, ordinarily 300 miles in a day is not that unusual. A visit to Stonleigh and back would be well over 300 in a day for instance. Where would I charge while at my destination? There is unlikely to be anywhere to do so, so I would have to add some 80 to 100 miles of charge at some point in the journey. Yet my diesel car would get there and back just about twice on a single tank of fuel. Perhaps I would need to add 10 litres in a five minute stop at one of dozens of fuel stations to complete the second journey, but perhaps not. Either way I would not have any range anxiety or waste any significant time. If I went up to Scotland I would have to do several charges on the journey whereas one part-refill would see me easily cover a thousand miles or more in my diesel car.

Having said that, I otherwise do look forward to having an all electric car like a Tesla model Y or Mustang E. Once they get up to a 400 mile range and there is a comprehensive charging infrastructure nationwide with fast chargers, then the advantages will far outweigh the disadvantages. Already if I was to change a second or third car for a new one, an all-electric would be a very attractive proposition for medium range use.

I've previously mentioned the problem with having more than one electric car on a single phase supply, so will leave that issue.

I don’t think you fit the criteria for “average driver” in the U.K. if that’s a typical jaunt. I did roughly 40k per year pre-Covid and reckon it’s rare I would go over the range of an EV.

 

[Cowabunga]

I don’t think you fit the criteria for “average driver” in the U.K. if that’s a typical jaunt. I did roughly 40k per year pre-Covid and reckon it’s rare I would go over the range of an EV.

On 'average' I don't either but maybe between 5 and 10 times a year I normally would and so would many others. An electric car would be a pain in the arse currently [pun intended] as that car. As I said, as a second or third car it would be great but not as the only car in my stable.

 

[Roger Perry]

How often does the average driver do more than say 300 miles in a single day @Roger Perry? That would be very unusual here.

Most do not on the other hand many do and its' the simplicity of gas/diesel that makes it attractive.
If I drive to Denver in my truck, say 550 mile round trip, I still have 200 mile left in the fuel tank. If it was an electric truck I would waste time looking for/sitting around a charge point...........need to get home.
I admit I was tempted and had a build slot on a Rivian but my enthusiasm waned.

 

[holwellcourtfarm]

Most do not on the other hand many do and its' the simplicity of gas/diesel that makes it attractive.
If I drive to Denver in my truck, say 550 mile round trip, I still have 200 mile left in the fuel tank. If it was an electric truck I would waste time looking for/sitting around a charge point...........need to get home.
I admit I was tempted and had a build slot on a Rivian but my enthusiasm waned.

Very rare I'd do a 350+ mile trip without time somewhere to recharge. It'll be critical that the charging network develops to match demand though.

 

[sjt01]

Very rare I'd do a 350+ mile trip without time somewhere to recharge. It'll be critical that the charging network develops to match demand though.

My 6 year old electric car has well over 200 miles range, more range than my bladder. In the time it takes for a pee and a coffee, I get plenty of charge to take me to the next pee stop. In fact less time than filling up with diesel and stopping for a coffee.

 

[Highland Mule]

No idea - have never actually seen one. Was a similar process to getting a fridge. But yes, looks like a 5 seat hatchback.

Any update on your Polestar @Chris F ? My accountant was pushing hard for me to consider going EV this year.

 

[Mounty]

Seems to be more and more appreciation for the EV. Personally not keen as I love an engine sound and an enthusiastic drive. Only experience of electric is a 2x2 motorbike which is great for work.
My concern vs current diesel vehicle is towing. Some jobs are 150 miles from base towing a big trailer. The trailer reduces my mpg by around 30%. Guessing more thirsty with electric but maybe not? When I get to work, I'm usually parked up in a field or somewhere rural all day so no charging facility. A range of 300 miles isn't going to get me home, especially taking the towing into consideration.
When I do get home, I then have to plug vehicle into my domestic supply. So I'm now paying for all my work fuel, then have to claim it back from business? Currently a fuel card looks after the fuel costs. My employees have to do the same but if they're on a crap tariff at home, it will be like them filling up at the most expensive fuel station the whole time. Just some of the things that bother me about it all.
On top of that, there is a lump of tax just waiting in the wings. When theres enough of them, we'll be paying as much in vehicle/road tax as we are now.

 

[Highland Mule]

Seems to be more and more appreciation for the EV. Personally not keen as I love an engine sound and an enthusiastic drive. Only experience of electric is a 2x2 motorbike which is great for work.
My concern vs current diesel vehicle is towing. Some jobs are 150 miles from base towing a big trailer. The trailer reduces my mpg by around 30%. Guessing more thirsty with electric but maybe not? When I get to work, I'm usually parked up in a field or somewhere rural all day so no charging facility. A range of 300 miles isn't going to get me home, especially taking the towing into consideration.
When I do get home, I then have to plug vehicle into my domestic supply. So I'm now paying for all my work fuel, then have to claim it back from business? Currently a fuel card looks after the fuel costs. My employees have to do the same but if they're on a crap tariff at home, it will be like them filling up at the most expensive fuel station the whole time. Just some of the things that bother me about it all.
On top of that, there is a lump of tax just waiting in the wings. When theres enough of them, we'll be paying as much in vehicle/road tax as we are now.

Range issues I can’t comment on, but I share them. Fuel costs are no concern though - charge at home and you can claim 4p/mile on your tax bill - which will make it profitable v/v diesel or petrol cars.

 

[Mounty]

Ah right, wasn't aware of that and not spoken to anyone who could answer that for me yet. So based on 25k miles per year, I could claim back £1000. So as long as my domestic electric bill doesn't increase by more than £83/month, I can break even. No idea on the cost of the electric consumed to charge these but is £4 to £5 per night gonna cover it?

 

[Cowabunga]

Ah right, wasn't aware of that and not spoken to anyone who could answer that for me yet. So based on 25k miles per year, I could claim back £1000. So as long as my domestic electric bill doesn't increase by more than £83/month, I can break even. No idea on the cost of the electric consumed to charge these but is £4 to £5 per night gonna cover it?

You just wait until they start taxing electric car miles driven, which is almost inevitable to offset the hundreds of millions they will lose annually on fuel duty and see how the economics then stack up. I suspect that it will not be good news in the medium to long term.

 

[Highland Mule]

Ah right, wasn't aware of that and not spoken to anyone who could answer that for me yet. So based on 25k miles per year, I could claim back £1000. So as long as my domestic electric bill doesn't increase by more than £83/month, I can break even. No idea on the cost of the electric consumed to charge these but is £4 to £5 per night gonna cover it?

Not sure - I’ve read 30kW-h per hundred miles, so that’s about a fiver of power at a guess? Feels like you won’t really profit but won’t lose out either.

 

[Highland Mule]

You just wait until they start taxing electric car miles driven, which is almost inevitable to offset the hundreds of millions they will lose annually on fuel duty and see how the economics then stack up. I suspect that it will not be good news in the medium to long term.

Possibly, but if I can get three or four years of cheap motoring, it’s tempting.

£3k government grant to buy
£35k interest free loan from Scotgov
100% capital allowance (including charge stations etc).
1% bik (2% for years two onwards)

 

[Cowabunga]

Possibly, but if I can get three or four years of cheap motoring, it’s tempting.

£3k government grant to buy
£35k interest free loan from Scotgov
100% capital allowance (including charge stations etc).
1% bik (2% for years two onwards)

Yes. I suspect that the next car in my family will be electric and that I shall be driving one in three year's time. I'm actually feeling rather excited about getting a Tesla Model Y from the new German factory around then if I'm alive and kicking. It will almost certainly be the last car I'll ever have if I like it.

 

[Mounty]

Massive lack of press about any practical electric utility type/pick ups/4x4's so far. With most of the manufacturers withdrawing from the pick up market, I'm not sure where it will leave the vehicle sector that most of us on here buy from.

 

[Highland Mule]

Yes. I suspect that the next car in my family will be electric and that I shall be driving one in three year's time. I'm actually feeling rather excited about getting a Tesla Model Y from the new German factory around then if I'm alive and kicking. It will almost certainly be the last car I'll ever have if I like it.

I’ve been disappointed by the model 3 styling and reported build quality, after initially quite tempted. Am turning my thoughts to Polestar 2, assuming I can get the range to work - but really need a real life 200 miles, in the depths of a Scottish winter.

 

[holwellcourtfarm]

Massive lack of press about any practical electric utility type/pick ups/4x4's so far. With most of the manufacturers withdrawing from the pick up market, I'm not sure where it will leave the vehicle sector that most of us on here buy from.

The next few months should see the Rivian R1t start shipping in the USA. We'll then see if it lives up to the hype (5T towing and 400 mile range).

They've done a big deal with Amazon for the their rolling chassis ("Skateboard" in their terms) to form the base of the new delivery van fleet.

 

[Mounty]

The next few months should see the Rivian R1t start shipping in the USA. We'll then see if it lives up to the hype (5T towing and 400 mile range).

They've done a big deal with Amazon for the their rolling chassis ("Skateboard" in their terms) to form the base of the new delivery van fleet.

Sounds good. Just had a quick look and says could be in UK by 2022. Big bucks I reckon......

 

[puntabrava]

pick up is such a lame, limp wristed, soft cock,
After all, WE invented the idea, Pick up. It’s a stupid f**king name & makes me cringe every time someone uses it

Hold hard on your gonads Roy, with a half a ton of mice in the bed with yourself, we hard arsed Brits won’t hold the soft cocks against you lads we always had our suspicions anyway, all talk no stalk

 

[holwellcourtfarm]

Sounds good. Just had a quick look and says could be in UK by 2022. Big bucks I reckon......

Their original target was for $65k OTR for the basic model pickup and $105k OTR for the top spec long range SUV and a month ago they expected to stick by it. How that translates to the UK is anyone's guess but I'd rather pay £105k for the top SUV version (R1s) than for a high spec RR Autobiography in the next couple of years.....

 

[Scholsey]

Chance to own the best pick up ever made......

Lot 3: Timed Online Auction of Classic Cars & Motorcycles. Bidding Ends: 13 May 2021 £8,000-12,000 - Brightwells

1992 Subaru 284 BRATOne of the best examples of this collectable 4x4 you will ever find; showing only 48,000 miles; comprehensively recorded history since new; always serviced by the same garage; only two previously recorded keepers First dispatched in 1992 to Subaru dealers, Kings of...

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