Electric cars

Herzlos

buglawton wrote: »

Once EVs become more mainstream, I'm wondering how the AA/RAC will deal with those 'im stranded, I've unexpectedly run out of fuel' calls. Bring along a can of 'leccy?

I think Nissan at least, offered free charging for owners who ran out of battery. They essentially brought a van with a big battery / generator which charged you up enough to get you to the next charging station.


It's probably easier to achieve than cars than run out of fuel - there's no worries about dredging up crap and ruining the filter, and there's no worries about carrying volatile fuel (unless running a generator).

AdrianC

Herzlos wrote: »

It's probably easier to achieve than cars than run out of fuel - there's no worries about dredging up crap and ruining the filter

...which doesn't happen anyway, since the pickup in the tank is always in the same place.

Car_54

Herzlos wrote: »

and there's no worries about carrying volatile fuel (unless running a generator).

I worked in the breakdown recovery industry for many years. I don't recall anyone ever worrying about carrying fuel. Unless you consider that following simple regulations is "worrying".

buglawton

Everyone thinks there're too smart to be caught out of fuel. I always have about 100 miles in reserve. Times I've gone down to 50 are when the petrol station I was planning on was unexpectedly closed for repairs.

AdrianC

Car_54 wrote: »

I worked in the breakdown recovery industry for many years. I don't recall anyone ever worrying about carrying fuel. Unless you consider that following simple regulations is "worrying".

'course, we simply come back (again and again and again) to range, refuel/recharge dwell time, and the availability of refuel/recharge facilities (public and home).


For public facilities (both refuel and recharge) the dwell time has a direct effect on the throughput, of course.

silverwhistle

I seem to recall that the service has been withdrawn as there was no real demand. That might increase as EVs become more mainstream and not just the more clued-up early adopters.



Wouldn't it just be easier to tow someone to a charge point, which will get easier as more open? Might get a bit of useful regen on the way? In certain areas like mid-Wales that might be more difficult, but it's not a exactly a barrier to more widespread adoption of EVs!

AdrianC

silverwhistle wrote: »

Wouldn't it just be easier to tow someone to a charge point, which will get easier as more open? Might get a bit of useful regen on the way?

It's very unlikely they'd do a wheels-on-ground A-frame or dolly tow. Far more likely is to wait for a flatbed.

In certain areas like mid-Wales that might be more difficult

The likely solution would be to take you to the local recovery contractor's base, which they would have equipped with charging points. You'd then pay them directly for the charge, just as you would for fuel or parts they supply.

Herzlos

Presumably there's nothing stopping them towing an EV with an A-Frame or a fixed bar? I'm assuming there's no risk of damaging the transmission.

silverwhistle wrote: »

Wouldn't it just be easier to tow someone to a charge point, which will get easier as more open? Might get a bit of useful regen on the way? In certain areas like mid-Wales that might be more difficult, but it's not a exactly a barrier to more widespread adoption of EVs!

You could, but like combustion cars it's probably easier and quicker to just give them a few miles range and let them do the journey themselves. Assuming you can charge at a decent rate (i.e. you're not using a domestic generator and a granny charger).

AdrianC wrote: »

...which doesn't happen anyway, since the pickup in the tank is always in the same place.

I was sure there was something to do with dilution of contaminants but to be honest it's never something I've worried about.


Don't diesels still need some additional flushing procedure if they run out? I've never done it.

AdrianC

Herzlos wrote: »

I was sure there was something to do with dilution of contaminants but to be honest it's never something I've worried about.

There's a lot of scaremongering from the "Oooh, but all the crud at the bottom of the tank" brigade, who've clearly never seen a fuel pickup.

Don't diesels still need some additional flushing procedure if they run out? I've never done it.

They may need priming or bleeding, but that's much more likely with old-school diesels. Common rails (ubiquitous for the last decade and a half or more) would tend to sort themselves out.

Martyn1981

Been watching some reviews of the new Rivian pickup truck, which have been quite favourable, here's an article on it. Certainly a lot of truck, but for a lot of money. If they deliver on this, then the competition may be scared. Lots of storage space. Possible release in 2020.

The Ford F-150 range goes from $30k to $70k, whilst this PU starts at $70k.

Closer look at Rivian’s R1T all-electric pickup truck and why I ordered it