The EV debate is being focussed towards low per mile cost compared to ICE as one selling point to bolster the CO2 reduction targets. Hmmmm....remember the drive to promote diesel? As a soundbite that gave politicians an opportunity to spout about benefits despite knowing the drawbacks that subsequently resulted in diesel being vilified.
At the moment there are huge barriers to widespread moves to EV. Up front cost of an EV that means from a pure cost viewpoint there is a LONG breakeven period. Which did an analysis of comparing car breakeven for equivalent cars. Mini1 breakeven for the EV was 6 years more than the ICE version ownership cost. The survey compared all costs and the savings on tax, fuel servicing were very small and the big difference was up front purchase cost. So, if you have the money you can get in early before taxes, fuel targeting, increase as they undoubtedly will increasing the cost of ownership. This happened with solar power where incentives were great to entice take-up but fell away. Why not increase incentives to get it back as a source of electricity? Money diverted from vanity type projects would increase capacity where needed ( home use and EV charging) Instead we will be hit by big sticks of penalising ICE use to generate money that will be squandered or diverted to convoluted schemes. Cheap or incentivised home gen is a direct benefit that will also reduce major infrastructure changes to expand generation and supply. Smart meter systems can be designed to target EV charging for a specific tax to replace fuel duty that is a HUGE cash cow.
I could live with an EV based on current everyday journey analysis with some exceptions for longer journeys but the up front purchase cost is far too negative. If the comparable costs of an EV versus ICE/ hybrid version were closer then that might tip the balance. Cost of energy is another thought provoking aspect.
At my last service (Sportage petrol) I looked at upcoming Sportage options and chatted to the sales person about options. The new Sportage offers variants so I’ll go back to see them. I would consider a hybrid over pure EV as here in West Wales access to charging falls away rapidly away from major towns. Local mileage using EV is fine but longer journeys to places we go could be difficult. Learning how to utilise E power seems to be easier though. The Spirtage has a setting to optimise the piwer with an “Eco” setting to manage power output, regen systems etc. A bit like variable ECU maps for economy versus power in an ICE car..
I wonder, too, about Hydrogen conversion. The economics of production need developing but is there reluctance based on pushing manufacturers to develop EV vehicles? Huge costs incurred that require payback.
Conspiracy theory coming......?
Last edited by sospan; 24/02/22 12:11 PM.
