EV Thread

[Holley]

I hadn't appreciated just how much lighter the Teslas are when compared to the offerings from traditional manufacturers. Is that down to the drivetrain or just general packaging?

Either way, it's a big deal being a quarter of a ton lighter than a rival, both dynamically and in terms of that all important range factor, and it has you wondering wtf the other manufacturers are playing at really.

I think both the dual motor i4 and Polestar are about 2.2 tonnes which is pretty hefty for a family saloon. i4 isn't a ground up EV so probably explains it, dunno what Polestar and the EV6's excuses are.

[Mito Man]

I think the BMW is particularly poor as they keep going on about using carbon fibre all over the place and clever construction to save weight but then they're one of the heaviest EVs.
Even the IX which is purpose built with a carbon fibre roll cage type thing which the body panels are mounted to is heavier than the Model X.

[Explosive Newt]

I really, really didn't want a model 3. Not particularly sold on the looks, dislike the fanboy image and find the interior a bit bland. Plus they're everywhere.

But everything else (i4, polestar, EV6, ipace etc) are over 2 tonnes and just don't drive as well. Model 3 still a bit heavy at 1850kg but doesn't affect handling at all. Was surprised just how similar it felt to the M240i in steering but with significantly better traction and way faster (LR version has 434hp).

4 months in and love the way it drives, family don't moan when I boot it because no noise, comfortable and looks have grown on me. Although I do hate other tesla drivers waving at me when they drive by. Just wear shades and pretend you haven't seen them

Pleased to hear this as I felt exactly the same. Also, Elon Musk gets on my nerves and I didn't want to give him my money. Like a lot of other cars which are ubiquitous (3-series, etc), they are popular for a reason.

Delivery coming November.

[Jobbo]

I hadn't appreciated just how much lighter the Teslas are when compared to the offerings from traditional manufacturers. Is that down to the drivetrain or just general packaging?

Either way, it's a big deal being a quarter of a ton lighter than a rival, both dynamically and in terms of that all important range factor, and it has you wondering wtf the other manufacturers are playing at really.

I think both the dual motor i4 and Polestar are about 2.2 tonnes which is pretty hefty for a family saloon. i4 isn't a ground up EV so probably explains it, dunno what Polestar and the EV6's excuses are.

Isn't the Polestar 2 built on the XC40 platform, so based on as a relatively heavy small SUV?

[PaulJ]

I've never been in an electric vehicle yet, but I'm a little embarrassed to say I'm slightly excited that a mate is calling round with his lecky Kia Soul later on to take us for a little whirr and trundle. It's only a day old, so when should my range anxiety kick in? I'll be wearing a bucket hat and Covid mask in case anyone else sees me.

[Explosive Newt]

I've never been in an electric vehicle yet, but I'm a little embarrassed to say I'm slightly excited that a mate is calling round with his lecky Kia Soul later on to take us for a little whirr and trundle. It's only a day old, so when should my range anxiety kick in? I'll be wearing a bucket hat and Covid mask in case anyone else sees me.

Surely if it is a groove, you should wear an afro wig, flared trousers and platform shoes?

[Explosive Newt]

I hadn't appreciated just how much lighter the Teslas are when compared to the offerings from traditional manufacturers. Is that down to the drivetrain or just general packaging?

Either way, it's a big deal being a quarter of a ton lighter than a rival, both dynamically and in terms of that all important range factor, and it has you wondering wtf the other manufacturers are playing at really.

I think both the dual motor i4 and Polestar are about 2.2 tonnes which is pretty hefty for a family saloon. i4 isn't a ground up EV so probably explains it, dunno what Polestar and the EV6's excuses are.

I would say that if the Polestar had better brakes (or been less reliant upon regenerative braking), I think it would have disguised its mass quite well.

[Carlos]

400 miles in the first week and loving it. The lower and wider stance definitely improves high speed stability which was the only downside of the old one. It feels much more planted and front end grip in the dry is fantastic.It covers ground so well and a hoot to drive.

I've also managed to get a Pod Point installed just before the grant ended in March so need to get a smart meter fitted to crunch some numbers to see if a off peak tariff will work for us.

[Jobbo]

I never expected to see an i3 on a 22 plate. Still looks more modern than stuff like the VW ID3. Are BMW stopping production?

[Swervin_Mervin]

It really was years ahead of the competition wasnt it? I wonder how many overlook yhem simply because they've been around so long. And BMW barely ever seem to advertise them.

[Carlos]

Production is ending later this year and apparently there are some build slots left.

Its a hoot to drive and surprisingly lively with 185hp and 1200kg.

I obviously like the design but most people don't. Much like the original A2 Joe Bloggs views anything with that silhouette as a Vauxhall Meriva competitor

[mik]

BMW continue to wield the ugly stick.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new- ... paign=News

And my most hated vehicle metric over the last few years has been the most stoopid “litres per 100km”, but it has now changed to “kWH per 100km”. What the fuck???

It’s like quoting your council tax this year is 38.7 ten pounds per 73 days. Bargain.

[Mito Man]

I think it’s acceptable bar the front. I do like the split headlights though

[240PP]

Looks like a 2022 Renault Safrane.

[jamcg]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-61310513


Be interesting to see if this catches on

[Rich B]

It seems a pretty sensible solution, but you'd never get all the manufacturers to agree on one standard. You'd need someone to do like Tesla have and build their own whole network first.

[dinny_g]

Would solve a lot of the use problems but not exactly a Green solution to these problems

[V8Granite]

My issues would be the connections.

With those kind of power levels and the connections involved if not want anything being loose. Also isn’t the battery a structural part of the car ?

I could see it being used for a small city car with a relatively lightweight battery. You will never get it on large 80kwh batteries in 400hp vehicles though, it would be a technical and safety nightmare.

Dave!

[Barry]

Won't catch on, simply because by the time all the logistical issues are decided upon, battery charging will be good enough to make it irrelevant. I'd argue it already is, we're just behind on the charge point installs, and companies not maintaining them properly. And as EV sales are increasing massively, there's a market force building that will create enough competition to hopefully improve the services.

[Carlos]

Tesla have already done this and abandoned the idea due to no demand.

I don't see it as necessary if you can home charge but most people can't grasp that.