Practical/affordable electric cars?

silvercar

CoastingHatbox said:

Jenni_D said:

CoastingHatbox said:

BikingBud said:

If running costs only consisted of servicing charges

You really need to consider whole life costs, purchase, potential resale, cost per mile covering all aspects and especially as VED will now come into effect.

We'll be sticking with a small zero rated petrol ICE for now, and the market seems to appreciate that as the used prices remain very strong.

Also, if we actually have any concern about environmental emissions,

Hasn't this already been discussed Ad nauseum, probably in the other EV thread, where it was shown that people making such comparisons are being economical with what they're factoring into the whole lifecycle?

People or studies?

The reality is all sorts of things factor into the environmental impact of vehicles, including the extraction, refinement, manufacturing and transportation of materials, components and in the case of ICE vehicles, fuel. Driving style, type of use and even the weather affects the results of such studies, the authors of which of course have made assumptions. Some studies take into account particulate emissions generated from tyre wear and friction materials. Others don't.

There are posters in this thread contemplating or using EVs covering a relatively small number of miles each year. I am highlighting in that particular scenario, an ICE vehicle may be a better choice environmentally ... at least until we get more sustainable battery technology.

My personal preference? Using other modes of transport whenever practicable (either feet or bicycle) and keeping motorised vehicle use to an absolute minimum.

That would be me. I am looking to replace my current car, 8 yrs old but about to need a load of work, with something nearly new.
OHs car is a LR Tesla model 3, so the long distance issue is covered. I already walk wherever I can.

Tax advantages point to a new EV, my current thinking is a Leaf. If there is a supply issue, then I may go for a nearly new Leaf.

Jenni_D

What about an MG4?

Grumpy_chap

For local use only, I saw someone along our road in what appeared to be an all-electric SMART car.  No idea of any specifics, but it does seem to offer an option that will fill a particular niche.

I also like Jenni's idea of the MG4.  It is something I am considering as an option.  How big is it as a car?  Is it a Focus competitor?  Or a Fiesta?  Or a Mondeo?

Jenni_D

The MG4 is more Astra/Focus size ... a hatchback ... but with a lot more room inside vs those cars, and is really sweet to drive.

Boot size is 363 litres.

Grumpy_chap

Thanks Jenni - I need to get a new car sometime next year and the MG4 is certainly on the list to look at.  If it is more spacious inside, that is a bonus as I was considering something like a Mondeo.  It is great that you answered my simple question with a simple answer - I did phone the local MG dealership and asked only for them to say they could not compare to anything else and I should go to look, but they didn't have one on show anyway

I'm all in a bit of confusion as to what I want.  My heart says to go for an EV but my mind is struggling to make the financial maths work.  I'd also like something with rather more "luxury" to it and it is a hard fight against something like this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211272045084

silvercar

Jenni_D said:

What about an MG4?

The company car scheme uses one particular leasing company and they have a load of MG4s for immediate delivery in a hideous blue. I can't see them buying in another colour until they have got rid of the blues, unfortunately. Holborn Blue.

Grumpy_chap

silvercar said:

 Holborn Blue.

I think that is a pretty cool colour choice.  
That and the white are standard price.
Then black or grey is an extra cost option.
Then the brilliant red or the orange is top price.

Given that MG are a budget brand, paying extra for a different colour seems foolish.

Jenni_D

It's the SE SR in Camden Grey that I have.



It was the Holborn Blue that I was initially drawn to, but when I saw it in person I wasn't convinced. (It's a very personal choice though)

silvercar

Grumpy_chap said:

silvercar said:

 Holborn Blue.

I think that is a pretty cool colour choice.  
That and the white are standard price.
Then black or grey is an extra cost option.
Then the brilliant red or the orange is top price.

Given that MG are a budget brand, paying extra for a different colour seems foolish.

All perfectly reasonable, except that I don't want to be driving around in that colour car. Also don't want white, as OH has a white car and (a) it gets very dirty (b) I don't want 2 white cars on the drive. It may be foolish from a purely financial perspective.

Herzlos

Grumpy_chap said:

I'm all in a bit of confusion as to what I want.  My heart says to go for an EV but my mind is struggling to make the financial maths work.  I'd also like something with rather more "luxury" to it and it is a hard fight against something like this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211272045084

Go for it, it's a great car and if you're barely using it petrol will be the most sensible option.

Maybe when it gets retired there'll be something suitably fun that's electric in that kind of price range.

It's likely to also be the sort of thing to hold it's value well as people who refuse to buy electric will have less and less choice.