EV Discussion thread

JKenH

Does China’s rapid rise in the Australian car market pose a security risk?

In fact, every one of the top five electric cars sold in Australia in February was made in China. Overall, 6.8% of vehicles sold in the month were electric, while the total number of EVs and plug-in hybrids on Australian roads almost doubled over the course of 2022.

So, why does any of this matter? As cars have become more technologically advanced, they have turned into what are essentially rolling computers. Modern cars are swathed in cameras and sensors and increasingly connected to the internet for ‘over the air’ tasks like updating software. They collect data ranging from location and routes driven to phone contacts and calls made by drivers. Such data could be used to put together a comprehensive picture of a person’s activities, and, if a car’s owner drives to work at a secure facility, for example, potentially pose a risk to national security.

Researchers and hackers have already shown that they can remotely stop the engines and lock and unlock vehicles made by numerous manufacturers, while others have tracked vehicle locations and gathered drivers’ financial details.

The data-heavy trend is only accelerating with the rapid uptake of EVs and development of self- and assisted-driving technology. As with any internet-connected devices, cars should come under scrutiny for the security of their systems—and arguably more strict examination since there are literally lives at stake when it comes to the fallibility of self-driving technology.

As Wired reported last year, China has banned Teslas from the streets of certain cities for major communist party events, as well as military bases and other locations, out of what’s thought to be concern that the vehicles’ data could be exploited. Beijing has now banned automotive companies from sending that data outside of China.

It’s unclear what the implications of Tesla data being held in China might be for Australian drivers, but concerns have already been raised that it would fall under China’s 2017 national intelligence law, which compels Chinese citizens and companies to aid the country’s spy agencies if asked.

Reports that ‘tracking devices’ containing SIM cards were found in sealed components in UK government vehicles have highlighted concerns about the prevalence of Chinese-made parts in the wider automotive industry. Such devices could allow a vehicle’s location to be tracked and would have gone unnoticed had searches not been conducted.

Almost all major car companies source parts from China and some, including BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover, have reportedly worked with China Unicom, which is banned in the US, to develop 5G vehicle connectivity.

https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/does-chinas-rapid-rise-in-the-australian-car-market-pose-a-security-risk/

Maybe we should be a bit more concerned. 

JKenH

Why my Tesla is deregistered: Victoria’s clumsy, discriminatory and stupid EV road tax

https://thedriven.io/2023/03/06/why-my-tesla-is-deregistered-victorias-clumsy-discriminatory-and-stupid-ev-road-tax/

Is this the future?

JKenH

Tesla has today reduced the prices of its cheapest used cars (complete with EAP and 1 year warranty) by a further £2,000. 

https://tesla-info.com/inventory/UK/

This 2019 Model 3 LR was originally listed in early December at £42k - now £22,600!

https://tesla-info.com/car/GB-5YJ3F7EB0KF427939

JKenH

Low-carbon potential of synthetic fuels and biofuels must be explored too, say MPs

For private cars and taxis, the report says that although battery electric has already been chosen as the preferred decarbonisation technology, the Committee also believes there is a case for many people, particularly in rural and isolated communities, to continue to drive wholly diesel or petrol-powered cars, or hybrids – it points out that over time they will very likely account for a negligible proportion of transport emissions.

https://fleetworld.co.uk/low-carbon-potential-of-synthetic-fuels-and-biofuels-must-be-explored-too-say-mps/

1961Nick

Last night's charge nudged the cumulative cost of charging over £400 for 23,219 miles. I reckon the 435d it replaced would have used over £4000 of diesel over the same mileage. 

michaels

Our leaf has done 75k miles, best guess is charging costs have been about £2.1k.

Previous 1.9 diesel turbo Fiat did 8 miles per litre (same usage pattern, I know it is pretty much worse use case for ice and best for EV).  Not sure what average cost per litre has been over 8 years - suppose it is £1.20 then that would have been £11,250.

And that is before you get into all the savings in road tax, servicing and repairs etc plus the unquantifiable benefit to the families and other road users health from less particulate emissions.

And before anyone cries 'depreciation' Fiat lost about 3k in the 3 years we had it (3 years old to 6 years old), Leaf has lost perhaps 6k in 8 years from new.

JKenH

That’s a clear win for EVs in both cases, as it was for me financially. 

silverwhistle

michaels said:

  Next challenge will be 220 miles to my parents in Devon, I think 1 stop would be possible but looking at the charge curve 2 short stops may make for the quickest overall journey.

How does that fit in with your 'tea and wee' curve? I've found it varies with age. :-)

@Grumpy_chap, the MG4 is NCAP 5, although some users get grumpy about some of the safety features NCAP requires and turn them off! If you have detailed questions forums are often more informed than dealers:

 https://www.mgevs.com/categories/mg-community-forum.1/

Grumpy_chap

silverwhistle said:

@Grumpy_chap, the MG4 is NCAP 5, although some users get grumpy about some of the safety features NCAP requires and turn them off! If you have detailed questions forums are often more informed than dealers:

 https://www.mgevs.com/categories/mg-community-forum.1/

Thank you

We did actually go with the intent of seeing the MG4, and the Dealer verbally advised while we were there that had EURO NCAP rating of 5 star.

The MG4 looked like a fantastic car, but we felt the MG5 was a better fit for us (old fuddy-duddies that we are).  In fact, even though I do not like SUV-esque vehicles, we actually preferred the MG ZS, but the Dealer advised there were none available and the wait time would be 12 months or more so he could not provide an EV version for test drive or even take any orders if we did like it.

We drove the MG5 and really liked it - so much so that Mrs G-C would have just placed the order there and then.

The question on safety rating seems a reasonable one to ask. 
The Dealer should be able to respond easily and quickly.
Research online seems to indicate that the car is not tested or zero rated.
I find it hard to believe that a new car would be launched and get to second generation (there has recently been a facelift) and the manufacturer care so little about safety that they would not obtain a rating.  So, in the absence of any definitive answer, i have to conclude that the MG5 has a zero rating (if the manufacturer knew the car would score poorly, there'd be no point in getting that officially verified).
I'd actually go further and say that a vehicle should not be granted type approval if it has not been NCAP assessed and demonstrated to pass a certain threshold level.

Really quite a shame as, if this one factor had been resolved, I strongly suspect we would have started our road to EV ownership by now.

Still, TESLA prices are reducing again (apparently) so maybe there will be a silver-lining...

JKenH

Another option for you.

BYD launches electric passenger car in UK

https://www.just-auto.com/news/byd-launches-electric-passenger-car-in-uk/