Our Cars (dream or actual)
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I've got a thing about the mad Renault 5 Turbo, and I was tempted by a Clio V6 back in the day, only it didn't have enough leg room for me. Anyway, they've come up with an EV sequel.
It's even got a suitably practical boot. It's got in-wheel motors, so no axle to accommodate.
The only problem is that it's going to cost a lot. I've heard anything from £120K and up.
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@SourPower let’s wheel this summer! By which I mean, me tagging along with you
we should link up with some other wheelin pals of mine and get after it. -
@mclaincausey so down! I’ve got a great spot to bring You & Hattie with some fun 4x4 and epic cutthroat fishing.
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My old one first, and now its replacement. The dog needed a bigger space!
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@Rick448 said in Our Cars (dream or actual):
My old one first, and now its replacement. The dog needed a bigger space!
I like the numberplate!
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My Bulli for my Bully
A leather seat had to clear the place so that Kurt could travel according to his status…
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@ConBu That’s awesome! Beautiful blue too. I wish they sold those in the USA. I love the old Westfalia vans. Kurt looks like he’s ready for an adventure
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@Danimal506
The real Bullis, Made in Germany, are unfortunately no longer produced. Mine was the last one our dealer delivered. The new ones now come from Ford, Turkey, based on the Ford Tourneo Custom. -
@ConBu ahh interesting
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Two of the great loves of my life. Both lost to time.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -Thomas Edison
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@Go-For-Chill that LC is incredible!!!
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I got to drive my first EV yesterday, a Hyundai Inster.
If you imagine plotting a progression of the mechanical connection with a vehicle that starts with motorcycles, then manual cars, and then automatics, an EV would be the next step along. There isn't the same aural feedback of having engine noise or needing to shift gears.
I don't have a lot of experience with automatics, and most of that was in a Kia Picanto hire car in Shetland a couple of years ago. There was a period of adjustment to that, and there would be a period of adjustment to losing a manual gearbox and engine noises in an EV.
The Inster itself is a clever little car. It's got a surprising amount of space, seats that can be slid around and folded, and quite a bit of tech. It does feel built down to a price, but it's not that expensive.
My main concern would be range. I'm in a rural area of Australia, and I sometimes cover large distances. The Inster has a WLTP range of 360 km or 223 miles, and probably somewhat less at highway or motorway speeds. I think that getting to Melbourne (about 200 km or 125 miles) on a charge should be possible, but the return trip wouldn't be. On longer runs the number of stops might slow things down, whilst off the major roads the charging network gets very sparse.
I'm tempted by the Inster. A similar sized hatchback, such as a VW Polo, would be one alternative, as would a long-range EV like an Ioniq 6. I'm still thinking...
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@Graeme I think EV are great for city and in town driving. My father in law is a big electric car nerd, he even built his own electric VW Jetta years before Teslas were readily available.
EVs are the future of daily travel and commuting, in my opinion.
But for road trips, you have to change the way you travel entirely. You can’t have any spontaneity with an EV because even a change in the wind direction can effect your total range. No side trips to a random road stop because you have to stick to your schedule to get to the next supercharger location.
So until they come up with a fast charger or super long range battery, I would prefer gas or diesel for long trips.The biggest adjustment for driving an EV is the lack of coasting ability. As soon as you let off the accelerator the cars begins to decelerate, which take some getting used to.
The low maintenance and low energy cost of an EV is truly unmatched. No engine oil, no transmission with transmission fluid changes, no fuel filters or spark plugs or exhaust issues.
Kyle, TX
