Self charging hybrids seem the best compromise but sad that only petrol versions available now given cleanliness of current diesels.
It seems that BEV's can be economical after jumping through expensive hoops to get power walls or at least off peak charging. What happens when such creates it's own peak though as I doubt the present concessionary rates will continue or at best the price gap will narrow.
Whilst on the subject when are BEV's going to pay VED? Toting around their heavy batteries is just chewing up our already poorly maintained road surfaces, not to mention tyre dust pollution. On a positive note though the concerns folk had about not hearing them coming seems to have been answered with the tyre noise they produce
Richard it's a fallacy that VED is used for repairing roads, it never has been. It's a tax that goes straight to the exchequer.
Fair point Keith but someone has to pay for roads repairs so why shouldn't BEV owners contribute a sum commensurate with the greater wear they place on our roads, no matter how indirectly.
Richard how do you figure self-charging hybrids as being a good compromise?
I don't see the benefit of them and must be missing something ?
Meant only to educate myself as I don't get it?
Simply that to mind they seemlessly embody the best of both worlds Alistair giving excellent mpg and minimal pollution with just the right amount of electrical assistance when it's deemed practical. Regenerative braking alone plays a major part in re-charging the modest size battery reducing costs and keeping weight down. Obviously no concerns regarding re-charging at home or en-route. I accept that technological breakthroughs in the future may change the running order but those are my thoughts at the moment.
As I hinted it's a shame that modern diesel's, so clean in many cases they attract zero VED, are being outlawed given they could have offered even higher mpg figures. I note our near eight year old Mini Cooper D is still ULEZ compliant.
