And wet roads
Are EVs the way forward?
- Thread starter The Flying Scotsman
- Start date
I don't find the difference in range to be significant.
My ID.3 (58 kWh, 150 kW) consistently makes the round trip from Stratford-upon-Avon to London in all weather conditions and at various speeds.
The remaining range only changes slightly whether I’m stuck in traffic at 60 mph or cruising at 80 mph at night. While using features like air conditioning, heating, heated seats, or the steering wheel can reduce the range by a few miles, it remains relatively stable. For instance, last week, with an outside temperature of 10 degrees, I achieved a fully charged range of 244 miles with everything off, which dropped to just 238 miles when all systems were activated.
After driving 28,000 miles in under two years, I've only experienced range anxiety when pushing the limits.
I managed to drive it until limp mode twice (When the battery hit 0%, I could still drive at a max speed of 4 mph, allowing me to across the carpark at work to the charger).
Initially, I was never interested in an electric vehicle. I had placed an order for a Tiguan Hybrid as my company car, but VW couldn't deliver it to the UK at the time. Instead, I opted for the ID, which was available, thinking it wouldn’t be a big loss since it was a company vehicle. To my surprise, after just a few weeks, I fell in love with it, especially enjoying the seamless driving experience around town without the hassle of shifting gears or waiting for the DSG to find the right one when navigating corners. My daily 40-mile commute, mostly on the A road, has become so much more enjoyable.
Big BUT - of course I have the luxury of having a few other vehicles that I can use if I want to travel and don´t want to stop frequently.
With nearly 20 years in automotive development, I’ve seen that there’s a place for all solutions—synthetic fuels, hydrogen, hydrocarbons, various battery technologies, and hybrids. I believe our focus should be on addressing the more significant environmental issues we face, as a few percentage points in emission reductions don't solve the larger crisis. For instance, every time I prepare a salad using supermarket products for my family, I generate about 3 kg of plastic waste. This is a pressing concern that deserves attention, rather than instilling fear over the end of diesel vehicles.
How closely behind do you need to sit to get the benefit?
Might as well use a tow-rope in that case!
If you think about what distance you need to be behind to keep out of his spray on damp roads, the spray is in the turbulent air, therefore dragging you along. I reckon it would be more than 2 seconds at 56mph, although you wouldn't want to be in the spray when it's wet.
With a 30m gap, I'd be more worried about 'late exiters' trying to squeeze in-between.
Sounds great
Having to hide behind lorry’s
Set in eco mode afraid to use the heaters and daren’t put the stereo on.
And all your fancy functions like heated seats etc well they just would never get used.
Having to hide behind lorry’s
Set in eco mode afraid to use the heaters and daren’t put the stereo on.
And all your fancy functions like heated seats etc well they just would never get used.
In over a decade of E car ownership we've never once resorted to any such tactics.
I think the issue is, I can`t believe if I had a 1000kg on the back, it would be close to the same range.
Yes, I did mess around with the different modes, a little.
I started in sport, but didn`t really like the strong regen in that mode. Almost like a brake as soon as you come off the accelerator. I would get used to it, but didnt really like it
I didnt try the one pedal option, as I don`t think I would like that either.
There was a screen which showed how power usage was divided up. i.e heating, accesories, and journey.
I think, for my own use, a real life range of 200 miles (loaded) may be acceptable. I think anything less, would be a constant worry.
