EV general discussion

Although the 2 side cameras don’t provide a top down view, you can see all the curbs down the length of the car from the wing mirror, combined with the rear camera, it’s pretty hard to hit anything when reversing.

A proper 360 camera would be better…
 
The all-electric Audi S1 Hoonitron has seen a range of performance improvements, with the Audi Sport engineering team working with Block to modify the drivetrain to better serve his aggressive-yet-precise style of driving in the Gymkhana films. One of the biggest improvements comes from the 'simulated gears' feature: giving the car a sort of digital gearbox by programming multiple levels of wheel speed on the electric motors, controlled with a paddle shifter. Allowing for much more controlled slides and precise donuts, this was a major development over the car's form in the previous Electrikhana film; where a small jab of the throttle meant a jump from 15mph to over 120mph of wheel speed. Instantly.

Additionally, Block wanted to explore all-new driving features made possible with an EV drivetrain: such as opposite-driven wheels for a standing AWD burnout, instant switching from all-wheel to rear-wheel drive, "differential" tuning to influence chassis balance, as well as the ability to shift into reverse at ANY speed. Each of these features are put to the test in the new film.

Shot in and around Mexico City, Block launches the Hoonitron out of the world's largest bullring: Plaza de Toros. From there, it's an all-access trip through iconic areas of the city, with tricks around the Museo Soumaya, a big clincher moment with a slide past JUCA (one of Mexico's biggest automotive content creators), and ending with a session in and around the Benito Juárez International Airport. Capped off with a nostalgic Gymkhana tribute throughout the credits.
RIP

e: so hyundai ioniq 5n already has digital gearbox https://youtu.be/1N81QvAJRkI?t=448
 
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Any advice for me please if I explain my situation on potentially changing my car.

Firstly I must get this out of the way & say being now in my early 40's cars are not my thing nor priority like they used to be when I was late teen. I know little of modern cars and whats the best these days especially in the electric market. I wish to spend as little on them as possible up front (I understand new and used cars are just expensive these days) and also in repairs (I know this isn't something you can predict etc but for example I ain't buying a Land rover any time soon). I have little desire for performance really I am happily in the camp of all frills and no knickers as I do like a stylish car, i know this point is going to be rendered pathetic when I tell you next what i drive :)

My current car is old; its a 2012 diesel BMW 3 series about 130k on the clock. To be fair to this car I have not had anything major go wrong in my 5 year ownership over the usual maintenance of the brakes, tires etc. I think I have only had a burnt out tail light connection and broken coil springs. Yes dealing with BMW hasn't been great and they charge a lot for servicing. I get the feeling the bills might start coming soon and its slightly showing its age and it probably isn't worth much over 3-4k. So I thought lets do some research in the electric age.

My last 3 years in mileage was 19,542, 21,632 & 19,010 so i clock up way above the average. More importantly I do at least twice a month (sometimes more) a 230 round trip in one day so I don't want to waste time charging during that journey as given the route its long enough to be out on the road (5 hours) without the hassle of waiting round for charging or getting a space.

Looking at my mileage; leasing it out of the question as I am not paying mortgage prices to rent a car. Also given the cost of some of these cars new I think second hand is going to be my target but I know little about the market.

Would something like a tesla model 3 long range suit me? Brand new your looking at 50k but i have seen a few about 2 years old with decent mileage for under 30k which is a decent drop in price compared to new and more stomach-able for a tight ass like me even though its still expensive. I don't love the look of the car but what appeals to me is the charging network for when needed and the fact I could do my longer trip without the need to charge.

I really like the look of the CUPRA borne but worry about that long trip I mentioned above and especially in the cold that will just not work for me I think. Also from the quick reviews I checked the console to control everything is laggy and crap.

Should I be looking out at any other vehicles given my requirements? Or should I sack off the electric route and get another diesel and worry about electric in another 5 years?

thanks for any advice
 
With around 6k of that 19k annual mileage taken up with the long trips its possible that the usage profile of your day to day driving may lend itself to a plug in hybrid? Could be a good bridge to electric without having to worry about those longer trips?
 
I doubt anything will change in electric within 5 years that would be important to you when buying second hand. Only older cars will be cheaper.

Tesla long range would work. Costs very little in maintenance as servicing is minimal compared to ICE and not even required for warranty. Every two years is cabin air filter and check brake fluid. Every 4 years is air con.

Brake pads will last forever. Suspension can get worn like any car. Tyre usage is roughly online with ICE cars, unless you use all the power all the time.

Cheap VED.

You should check insurance cost though as some ppl are seeing high premiums.


The older ones ride a little hard.
Ideally get one with a heat pump.

I let mine do most of the motorway driving. If you are comfortable letting it have control then the auto steering, braking, acceleration make long motorway drives a breeze. Even at night in rain and spray.
 

Toyota are expecting their solid state batteries to be in use in 5 years time with a range of 600+ miles.
maybe .,... I certainly hope so however Toyota are, and have been for some time now, doing everything they can to create FUD about EVs whilst they scramble to catch up.

they backed the H2 horse and are years behind on EVs and as such I won't believe what they say until I see it any more than I believed their mirai was the future of cars.

that said....,.. EVs will improve a lot over the next 5 years and if you want to wait then fine..... but anyone buying a new ICE car today because EVs will improve doesn't make much sense to me but to each their own.
 
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Thanks for the advice. I am torn about something like a Tesla Model 3 LR, heat pump version and just sticking to a more modern diesel. Someone made good points about the potential for little service requirements and brakes being used less with regen etc for an EV but i'd have to offset that on getting a charger installed at home and more expensive insurance.

My mileage breakdown is like 10k per annum for work which is 3 days per week (motorway) and 5-6k for the longer journey over the year. the rest is just standard going shops or other varied usage. We have another little car we use for smaller journeys when we can.
 
A model 3 long range will cost you like 2p per mile if you can get intelligent octopus rate and can charge at night. Drive required etc.

Superchargers are reasonable too.

I have no issue driving mine the length of the UK or in France etc.

Oh also model 3 is not great for dogs or carrying washing machines.

I wouldn't go EV if I wanted to tow or didn't have a drive. If non-tesla then I'd have to consider the charging infrastructure a little more and public charging cost.
 
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A model 3 long range will cost you like 2p per mile if you can get intelligent octopus rate and can charge at night. Drive required etc.

Superchargers are reasonable too.

I have no issue driving mine the length of the UK or in France etc.

Oh also model 3 is not great for dogs or carrying washing machines.

I wouldn't go EV if I wanted to tow or didn't have a drive. If non-tesla then I'd have to consider the charging infrastructure a little more and public charging cost.
Luckily have a decent size drive with a place for a charger & octopus is available to me.

Yeah, no dogs, no kids, no need to transport or tow anything so none of those things are an issue.

Will definitely give this more thought see if the costs add up. The initial outlay (even used) is the one thing that is killing me from just doing it as I have never spent that kind of money on a car.
 
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Although the 2 side cameras don’t provide a top down view, you can see all the curbs down the length of the car from the wing mirror, combined with the rear camera, it’s pretty hard to hit anything when reversing.

A proper 360 camera would be better…

Looks like there is some sort of 3D view called "High Fidelity Park Assist" in the latest update:

 

Toyota are expecting their solid state batteries to be in use in 5 years time with a range of 600+ miles.

I doubt we will see mainstream cars with 600+ miles range and time soon. The cost would be £lol, the all manufacturers are cell limited on EV production and will be for a long time and frankly it’s just unnecessary.

The trend is to use less dense cells like LFP to get the cost down.

Plus what Mike said, Toyota have been ‘on the brink’ of launching magical solid stake batteries for years and yet nothing other than a couple of terrible EVs have materialised.


Luckily have a decent size drive with a place for a charger & octopus is available to me.

Yeah, no dogs, no kids, no need to transport or tow anything so none of those things are an issue.

Will definitely give this more thought see if the costs add up. The initial outlay (even used) is the one thing that is killing me from just doing it as I have never spent that kind of money on a car.
Model 3 is a good shout, as others have said, grab the heat pump version. It will have a bit of warranty left but it will not last long with your milage.

Tesla super chargers for tesla owners are half the price of public rapids.

The ride is firm and the interior is not for everyone but certainly test drive it. Check insurance costs, Tesla can be high

Other options include the polar star 2, and the i4 but they’ll be more expensive. EV6 and ionic 5 can be had for decent prices these days also and charge fast.
 
If you need to rely on public charging, Tesla is the best option from a convenience and cost point of view. If you want a nice car then Ipace, I4 even the Korean offerings are nicer cars.
 
Anyone looked at the ID7 yet? It’s just become available on my company car portal. Looks a nice car, but is very pricey.
 
If you need to rely on public charging, Tesla is the best option from a convenience and cost point of view. If you want a nice car then Ipace, I4 even the Korean offerings are nicer cars.
a fair amount of v4 Tesla charge banks are opening up and afaik all of them are open to all cars... and unlike the earlier chargers there is not such an issue with cable length
 
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