Crikey, volume 19, so that's 18 I've never read.

Although I've never driven an EV I expect they're a joy to drive, so much so I'm looking forward to the prospect of owning one.

Keep it going. This is a big step in motoring history, one with ever changing technology and products. The market is in a constant state of change and it’s good to have an ongoing place to discuss this, plus it allows those of us with experience in running EV’s to hopefully dispel the fears of those who’re considering them, and to politely counter those who simply dislike them despite having never owned or even driven one.

I understand that like yourself, many people will find EVs convenient and suits their needs very well.

My contention is that, for a large majority of the population, that isn't the case, plus there still are a great many issues with both the technology from both a usage, safety, cost and infrastructure perspective that, as yet, no-one, here or amongst the so-called 'expert class' worldwide has yet to refute. Especially for those considering a long term buy, who either aren't tech savvy and/or on a tight budget and cannot afford a potential big bill or w rite off if a certain vitally important component fails.

I'd say that many are proverbially closing their eyes to such problems on a macro scale and only reporting their own 'good experience' as if it were the norm, when there's both a good deal of evidence to say that isn't the case, IMHO sometimes deliberately covered up (within the industry) and, in many areas (especially those related to safety) little research done to even look into such issues, assuming 'everything'll be alright Jack'.

Not denigrating you, SLO - it's just that I've asked many questions on such fronts and never receive a satisfactory answer (or can find one elsewhere). Being told I'm a tinfoil hat-wearing conspiracy theorist luddite stuck in the past, as some (not you) like to often post, isn't the way.

I'm an engineer, so I like new developments in technology, just ones where R&D and safety have been properly done that actually benefits all, rather than quickly skated over to please politicians and their shadowy controllers from the Billionaire club / corporate business.

‘ despite having never owned or even driven one.’ You’ve just touched upon my unrealistic, idealistic suggestion - a pan-retail motor industry test drive initiative whereby a new to EV guest can walk into a dealership and take a zero obligation, zero involvement with a sales person, test drive in an EV. I’m a huge proponent of the test drive in overcoming objections to EV, maybe also taking in a visit to a nearby public charger to show how easy and fast the process is. But we know that sales execs will follow the path of least resistance and help people into the easiest cars to sell, rather than one that may benefit the customer.

Tesla offer test drives where you set it all up remotely, go and find the car in a car park and unlock it with your phone and off you go on your own for an hour. You never get to see a sales exec. The most you might get is a gentle follow-up call a couple of days later.

Drove my first EV about ten years ago, a Leaf and then a Prius PHEV which ran mostly on battery power. I had however also driven autos on and off since mid 2000s so I wasn't surprised about how it drove.

I have no issue with EVs, but at the moment an EV does not meet our needs, however a hybrid does which is why we now have one.

‘ despite having never owned or even driven one.’ You’ve just touched upon my unrealistic, idealistic suggestion - a pan-retail motor industry test drive initiative whereby a new to EV guest can walk into a dealership and take a zero obligation, zero involvement with a sales person, test drive in an EV. I’m a huge proponent of the test drive in overcoming objections to EV, maybe also taking in a visit to a nearby public charger to show how easy and fast the process is. But we know that sales execs will follow the path of least resistance and help people into the easiest cars to sell, rather than one that may benefit the customer.

. But what is it in your car needs that you think precludes the use of a fully electric car?

In my case I tow a caravan. I think an electric that will tow over a reasonable distance is coming but we're not there yet.

Not long ago I'd have said range generally was an issue; we often travel hundreds of miles as day. I think leapfrogging improvements and faster charging are seeing that addressed.

If we still needed a second car for a work commute and general tootlling around I'd have an electric.

‘ I have no issue with EVs, but at the moment an EV does not meet our needs, however a hybrid does which is why we now have one.’ I promise I’m not being antagonistic or aggressive, but it’s always useful to hear from people that say an EV doesn’t suit their needs. And I won’t argue. But what is it in your car needs that you think precludes the use of a fully electric car?

The fact we can't have a charger where we live is the main issue for us at the moment as having to use public chargers all the time would be expensive and inconvenient.

Also there is not a huge number of suitable cars that my wife (who is disabled) can get into easily as well as being able to put ramps up into the boot for an electric wheelchair.

‘ I have no issue with EVs, but at the moment an EV does not meet our needs, however a hybrid does which is why we now have one.’ I promise I’m not being antagonistic or aggressive, but it’s always useful to hear from people that say an EV doesn’t suit their needs. And I won’t argue. But what is it in your car needs that you think precludes the use of a fully electric car?

This is a second car which is used mainly for short runs and urban trips. The issue is at moment there simply isn't a good choice of small city car EVs for our budget.

The opportunity cost of 10 tanks of fuel a year outweighs choosing an EV.

Range anxiety, cost of away from home charging if you can find a charger that is. apparently home chargers cause problems too. The price of new evs is steep and depreciation and longevity are not convincing.

I can see as a second run about town car the appeal of a used ev but I as a main vehicle not convinced.

And the secret sauce to getting 2p a mile costs is a specialist EV tarriff. Good choice of EV 320m is a seriously long range.

Welcome to the dark side of the Farce!

There is some confusion (or so it seems to me) whether EVs should be justified on environmental or economic grounds. Whether they are nicer to drive, better designs, more gizmos, scratch an itch etc is a separate issue.

For a low mileage user the financial savings even if wholly charged at cheap night rates will be limited, and environmental fuel usage benefits may make little difference.

The primary issue is the materials used to build the car - whether ICE or EV the environmental and financial case is best served by extending the useful working life of existing vehicles, not making new ones.

High mileage users stand to make significant financial savings through going EV - particularly if most charging can be done at home which may require higher capacity batteries/range.

The environmental benefit from fossil fuel savings will be correspondingly higher and more frequent replacement with new more easily justified on high mileage users.

VW are selling their ID.3 range of cars with a rental option to increase the power from say 150kw to 170kw.

The motors and batteries in the cars are already capable of outputting 170kw - so the buyer has already paid for the hardware!

Sounds like a rip off to me.

Volkswagen is making UK owners pay extra to unlock ID.3 EV's full potential

I'm in the market for a new car. That's VW off the list for me.

Just picked up an MG IM6 for a few days. Done about 100 miles in it so far, motorway and A-roads. It seems to be well built, with good quality materials used for the interior. Some will take some convincing because of an almost complete lack of buttons and switches - there is a conventional indicator stalk, which incorporates the wiper controls, but just about everything else is operable via the centre screen, or by voice. So far, it’s proving easy enough to get it to do what I want it to do, but I am at the stage of wanting to play with every setting. Once you’ve got it how you want it, I’d say you’d rarely need to touch the screen. It’s a biggish SUV (just under 5m), but 4 wheel steer keeps it manoeuvrable in tight spaces. Lots of toys and gadgets, so far it’s managed 2.4 miles per kW/h, which doesn’t sound that good until you realise it has 751PS - 740bhp in old money. Charging is super quick - 10-80% in 17 minutes, if you can find a charger fast enough.

Interesting. I read a review (Top Gear, I think) that was a bit of a hatchet job. They were saying it didn't deserve an MG badge, which seemed like a bit of a stretch for a brand that has been ruthlessly downgraded for the last 40 years.

I think they look quite nice but would obviously need to drive them. Not sure the 700+ bhp model is really the optimum model or is really needed.

Incidentally I picked up a 170k mile Kia E-Niro this afternoon. Would anyone like to guess the battery state of health?

I think they look quite nice but would obviously need to drive them. Not sure the 700+ bhp model is really the optimum model or is really needed.

Incidentally I picked up a 170k mile Kia E-Niro this afternoon. Would anyone like to guess the battery state of health?

I’ll wager it’s still around 90%? Good cars these.

97.9% according to the BMS diagnostics. Hardly any cell deviation voltage either.

I think the reason Top Gear are typically so critical of Chinese EVs (and indeed ICEs) is that few if any of them have driving dynamics good enough to match European or even Korean equivalents. What I mean here are characteristics of handling, ride, steering etc good enough to satisfy keen drivers who enjoy exploiting a capable car down a twisty road, not just belting down a motorway holding a coffee, which they all can probably do. I've watched many video reviews lately and it's fairly disappointing to see what we're likely to all be saddled with in 10 years time, assuming current trends continue. I'd be interested to hear what MCB has to say on the subject, as he recently favoured a Renault 5, an obviously well sorted car and one I can see myself owning.