284 The EV Problems Episode
About this episode
Exploring common misconceptions about electric vehicles, this episode tackles the criticisms often levied against EVs, such as charging times, environmental impact, and costs. Gary discusses how charging can be more convenient than traditional refueling and addresses concerns about the carbon footprint of battery production. He also highlights the capabilities of EVs for long-distance travel and the evolving charging infrastructure. With insights from personal experiences and data, the episode aims to debunk myths and provide a clearer understanding of the realities of electric vehicle ownership.
In this episode of the podcast, Gary addresses common misconceptions and criticisms surrounding electric vehicles.
He discusses various issues such as charging time, environmental impact, running costs, long-distance travel capabilities, charging infrastructure, grid capacity, vehicle pricing, and perceptions of EVs as 'real cars'.
Throughout the conversation, he provides insights and counterarguments to these concerns, aiming to clarify the realities of owning and operating an electric vehicle.
Takeaways
Charging an EV can be done while doing other activities.
The environmental impact of EVs is less significant over time.
Running costs of EVs can be lower than petrol cars in many cases.
Long-distance travel is feasible with proper planning and infrastructure.
Charging infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years.
Grid capacity is being planned for the transition to electric vehicles.
The price of electric vehicles has decreased over time.
Perceptions of EVs as not being 'real cars' are outdated.
Public charging costs vary widely and can be managed effectively.
EVs offer a quieter and more efficient driving experience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to EV Problems
01:02 Charging Time Concerns
01:31 They take too long to charge
03:48 Environmental Impact of EVs
04:53 Cost of Running EVs vs Petrol Cars
08:02 They can't do the distance
10:17 Charging Infrastructure Issues
15:15 Grid Capacity and Power Supply
16:11 Cars are too expensive
16:27 Cost of EVs
17:46 Perceptions of EVs as 'Real Cars'
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence.
Links in the show notes:
- Living Without a Home EV Charger: Real-World Costs and Strategies - The EV Musings Podcast
- Rapid Charging prices
- Leccy.net Charging Prices
Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk
(C) 2019-2026 Gary Comerford
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diesel van
"I can refill my diesel van in three minutes and be on the way for another 500 miles of driving or I can't afford to waste time charging during the day..."
A diesel van is a vehicle that runs on diesel fuel instead of gasoline. Diesel engines are often more efficient and can go longer distances on a tank of fuel.
A diesel van is a type of vehicle powered by a diesel engine, which is known for its fuel efficiency and torque. Diesel engines are commonly used in commercial vehicles due to their ability to provide better fuel economy over long distances compared to gasoline engines.
EV charging
"Now EV charging isn't like that..."
EV charging is how you refill the battery of an electric car. It usually takes longer than filling up a gas tank, and there are different types of charging stations that can affect how fast it charges.
EV charging refers to the process of replenishing the battery of an electric vehicle (EV) using a charging station. This can take significantly longer than refueling a traditional gasoline or diesel vehicle, depending on the charging speed and the vehicle's battery capacity.
Dodge Charger
"...ng around range when I get there as they have no charger. For the last time I head in north I stop for a g..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. People like it because it has a strong engine and a cool design, making it fun to drive.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful engine options and muscular design. It has a significant place in American automotive culture, often associated with performance and style, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
EVs
"...which is you're glossing over the environmental impact of building EVs they damage the environment more than fossil fuel cars well yes they do. Battery manufacturing is a resource intensive"
EVs stand for electric vehicles. These cars run on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel, which can be better for the environment since they produce fewer emissions when driving.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity. They use electric motors instead of internal combustion engines, which can lead to reduced emissions and lower environmental impact during operation.
battery manufacturing
"...well yes they do. Battery manufacturing is a resource intensive"
Battery manufacturing is how batteries are made, especially for electric cars. Making these batteries can use a lot of resources and energy, which can harm the environment.
Battery manufacturing refers to the process of producing batteries, particularly for electric vehicles. This process can be resource-intensive, often requiring significant amounts of raw materials and energy, which can have environmental impacts.
internal combustion engine
"A new ice vehicle internal pushing engine vehicle comes off the production line with a lower carbon footprint than a similar electric vehicle but as I've said before on the show..."
An internal combustion engine is what most cars use to run. It burns fuel like gasoline to create power, but this also releases harmful gases into the air.
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel within a combustion chamber. This process creates energy that moves the vehicle but also produces emissions, contributing to pollution.
electric vehicle
"...but we don't do that we drive them and every mile you drive an internal pushing engine car is more polluting and worse for the environment than an EV..."
An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It uses batteries to power the motor and doesn't produce exhaust fumes like regular cars do.
An electric vehicle (EV) is powered entirely by electricity, typically using batteries to store energy. EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner alternative to traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines.
recycling battery materials
"Furthermore as we heard from Robin Brundle in last week's episode we can now recycle 99% of battery materials with a 40% reduction in carbon footprint..."
Recycling battery materials means taking old batteries and getting the useful parts out of them so they can be used again. This helps reduce waste and is better for the environment.
Recycling battery materials involves recovering valuable components from used batteries, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, to be reused in new batteries. This process reduces waste and the need for new raw materials, lowering environmental impact.
price per mile
"...the key thing to do is to look at the price per mile you're paying and at the time of writing diesel works out at around 14 pence a mile..."
Price per mile tells you how much money you spend for every mile you drive your car. It's a way to see which cars are cheaper to run based on fuel costs and other expenses.
Price per mile is a calculation used to determine the cost of operating a vehicle based on the distance traveled. It helps consumers compare the running costs of different vehicles, including fuel and maintenance expenses.
fuel duty
"...the unfreezing of the fuel duty in september of the year 2026 any public charger that costs more than around 48 pence a kilowatt hour works out at around 15 pence a mile..."
Fuel duty is a tax that makes fuel more expensive. When the government changes this tax, it can change how much you pay for petrol or diesel.
Fuel duty is a tax imposed on the sale of fuel, which affects the overall price consumers pay at the pump. Changes in fuel duty can significantly impact the cost of running petrol and diesel vehicles.
petrol pricing
"...you can guarantee there's something else happening here of which you aren't aware. I would also remind you that petrol pricing is prone to the vagaries of international conditions it wasn't too long ago the petrol was hovering around two pounds a litre..."
Petrol pricing is how much you pay for gasoline. It can change based on different factors like where you are and what's happening in the world. Sometimes, prices are higher at certain places like service stations on highways.
Petrol pricing refers to the cost of gasoline per liter or gallon, which can fluctuate based on various factors such as international oil prices, supply and demand, and local market conditions. In the UK, petrol prices are often higher at motorway service areas due to captive audience pricing.
public charging
"...public charging is much different for a start there's a huge range of prices depending on where when and how you charge..."
Public charging is when you recharge your electric car at places like charging stations instead of at home. The price can change a lot depending on where you are and what time it is.
Public charging refers to the infrastructure that allows electric vehicle owners to recharge their cars at various locations outside of their home. The cost can vary significantly based on the charging station's location, time of day, and payment method used.
high powered charger
"...hot charging with a payment card at a high powered charger during the day can cost you 89 pence a kilowatt hour..."
A high powered charger is a fast way to recharge your electric car. It can fill up the battery much quicker than regular chargers, which is helpful when you're on a long drive.
A high powered charger is a type of electric vehicle charging station that provides a significantly faster charging rate compared to standard chargers. These are often used for quick recharges during long trips.
kilowatt hour
"...pay as little as 39 pence a kilowatt hour tesla offer app based charging to non tesla drivers for around 53 pence a kilowatt hour..."
A kilowatt hour is how we measure electricity. If you use one kilowatt of power for one hour, that's one kilowatt hour.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy equivalent to one kilowatt of power used for one hour. It's commonly used to measure energy consumption in electric vehicles and households.
Ionity
"...rather than getting an ionity power passport subscription to allow them to use the ionity units for 43 pence a kilowatt hour..."
Ionity is a company that builds fast charging stations for electric cars, making it easier for people to travel long distances without running out of battery.
Ionity is a high-power charging network for electric vehicles in Europe, providing fast charging solutions to facilitate long-distance travel for EV owners.
Jaguar XJ6
"...my father's Jaguar XJ6 which had two 10 gallon fuel tanks and averaged 12 miles per gallon and that's a maximum range of 240 miles..."
The Jaguar XJ6 is a fancy car made by Jaguar that was popular for many years. It's known for being comfortable and stylish, with a powerful engine.
The Jaguar XJ6 is a luxury sedan produced by Jaguar from 1968 to 1992. It is known for its elegant design and smooth performance, often equipped with a straight-six engine.
Polestar 2
"...less than I can get on my current Polestar 2 and less than I did get on my ID.3..."
The Polestar 2 is an electric car made by Polestar, which is a brand that focuses on performance and sustainability. It's known for its modern look and tech features.
The Polestar 2 is an all-electric fastback sedan from Polestar, a performance electric brand under Volvo. It features a minimalist design and advanced technology, including a large touchscreen interface.
Volkswagen Id3
"...less than I did get on my ID.3 but even in the case of petrol and diesel vehicle you'll always hit a limit of distance..."
The Volkswagen ID.3 is an electric car made by Volkswagen. It's designed to be practical and efficient for daily driving, with a good range on a single charge.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is an all-electric hatchback that is part of Volkswagen's ID family of electric vehicles. It is designed for everyday use, offering a balance of performance, range, and practicality.
Bmw I3
"...one in a low range slow charging BMW i3 the other in a larger range faster charging vw id3 now in neither of these cases..."
The BMW i3 is a small electric car that was designed for city driving. It's known for being eco-friendly and has a distinctive look.
The BMW i3 is a compact electric vehicle known for its unique design and sustainable materials. It was one of BMW's first fully electric cars, aimed at urban mobility.
charging infrastructure
"...which brings us nicely to the next big problem that people talk about which is chargers don't work and there's no infrastructure there..."
Charging infrastructure is the system of places where electric cars can be charged. It's important for people who drive electric cars to have enough charging stations available.
Charging infrastructure refers to the network of charging stations that are available for electric vehicles. This infrastructure is crucial for the widespread adoption of EVs, as it allows drivers to recharge their vehicles on long journeys.
Nissan Leaf
"Hammond took three early electric vehicles I think there's a Nissan Leaf and an AMEV possibly can't remember exactly and they took them on a journey across the UK..."
The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car made by Nissan. It's known for being affordable and is often used for city driving.
The Nissan Leaf is a compact electric vehicle (EV) produced by Nissan, known for its affordability and practicality for urban driving. It was one of the first mass-market electric cars and has become a popular choice among EV buyers.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
"...the late Quentin Wilson told the story of the first time he picked up a Mitsubishi AMEV and on the way home he ended up stopping at a random old lady's house..."
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a small electric car made by Mitsubishi. It's designed for city driving and is one of the earlier electric vehicles available.
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a small electric vehicle that was one of the first all-electric cars available for sale in many markets. It is designed for urban use and is known for its compact size and efficiency.
public charge points
"...the network grew by 37% in the last year alone now for comparison there are only around 8400 petrol stations in the UK..."
Public charge points are places where you can plug in and charge an electric car. They are important for people who drive electric cars and need to recharge when they're away from home.
Public charge points are stations where electric vehicles can be charged using electricity from the grid. They are essential for EV owners, especially on long trips or in areas without home charging options.
rapid charge
"...nine rapid charges between them not great but not as bad as it was only three years back now..."
Rapid charging is a way to quickly charge an electric car's battery so that you can get back on the road faster. It's much quicker than regular charging, which can take a long time.
A rapid charge refers to a high-speed charging process for electric vehicles, allowing them to recharge their batteries much faster than standard charging methods. This is essential for reducing downtime during long trips.
BMS systems
"...to ensure that you can get a charge i know that only recently my pulse start had a software glitch and decided it didn't want to take a rapid charge from any of the devices i was nearby it would slow charge at..."
A Battery Management System is like a computer that keeps track of how well the battery in an electric car is doing. It helps make sure the battery doesn't get damaged and lasts a long time.
BMS stands for Battery Management System, which is crucial in electric vehicles for monitoring and managing the battery's performance, health, and safety. It ensures that the battery operates within safe limits and optimizes its lifespan.
Tesla
"...if you're a company like Tesla who provide all the hardware in the payment processing and the car it becomes so much easier to deal with charging..."
Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They are known for having a lot of charging stations that are easy to use.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative technology and extensive charging network. They produce a range of electric cars, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.
supercharger network
"...that's why their supercharger network is second to none for reliable fast charging but as soon as you introduce other manufacturers to the flow..."
The supercharger network is a series of fast charging stations made by Tesla. They help Tesla car owners charge their cars quickly, especially on long trips.
Tesla's supercharger network is a system of fast-charging stations designed specifically for Tesla vehicles, allowing for quick recharging during long-distance travel. This network is known for its reliability and speed compared to other charging options.
Porsche Taycan
"...you try getting a Porsche Taycan or a top of the range Audi electric for reasonable money..."
The Porsche Taycan is a luxury electric car that is very fast and has many high-end features. However, it's also very expensive compared to other electric cars.
The Porsche Taycan is a high-performance electric vehicle that represents Porsche's entry into the electric car market. It is known for its luxury features and sporty performance, but it comes with a high price tag.
Ford Ranger
"...f luck i will also remind you that the base model ranger over retails at 106 000 pounds and that's a dies..."
The Ford Ranger is a smaller truck that can carry things in its bed and is good for driving on rough roads. It's popular because it's tough and can be used for many different tasks.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that is known for its durability and versatility. It has gained popularity for its off-road capabilities and practicality, making it a great choice for both work and leisure activities.
Range Rover
"...the base model Range Rover retails at 106,000 pounds and that's a diesel..."
The Range Rover is a very fancy SUV that people buy for its luxury and off-road ability. It's one of the more expensive vehicles on the market.
The Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and high-end features. It is often seen as a status symbol and comes with a high price tag, especially for its base models.
Renault 5
"... at under 15 000 pounds on the road the fantastic Renault 5 at 21500 the Renault 4 at 23400 and the NG4 at 2..."
The Renault 5 is a small car that was made in France and is known for being easy to drive and affordable. It was popular because it was practical for everyday use.
The Renault 5 is a supermini car produced from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s, known for its practical design and efficient use of space. It became an iconic model in Europe, appreciated for its affordability and versatility.
Dacia Spring
"we now had the Dacia spring at under 15 000 pounds on the road the fantastic Renault 5 at 21500"
The Dacia Spring is a small electric car that is budget-friendly and perfect for driving in cities.
The Dacia Spring is an electric vehicle designed for urban mobility, known for its affordability and compact size, making it suitable for city driving.
Renault 4
"...on the road the fantastic Renault 5 at 21500 the Renault 4 at 23400 and the NG4 at 27245 now just for refere..."
The Renault 4 CV is a small, old car from France that was popular a long time ago. It was designed to be affordable and easy to drive for everyday people.
The Renault 4 CV is a classic French car produced from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, known for its compact size and innovative design. It played a significant role in making cars accessible to the masses in post-war Europe.
Ford Puma
"the best selling car in the uk is the Ford Puma the all-new Ford Puma gen E cost 29995"
The Ford Puma is a small SUV that looks sporty and is designed for everyday use, with the Gen E being the newest version.
The Ford Puma is a compact SUV that combines sporty design with practicality, and the Gen E refers to its latest generation with updated features and technology.
Porsche 911
"... a real car now remember remember i drove Porsche 911s for 10 years i understand the appeal of a nice t..."
The Porsche 911 is a fancy sports car that many people dream of owning because it looks great and drives really fast. It's famous for being well-made and fun to drive.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has been in production since the 1960s, known for its distinctive design and exceptional performance. It is often discussed for its engineering excellence and status as a symbol of luxury and speed.
Hyundai Ioniq
"...if you absolutely positively have to have noise and gears on your ev there are options try the Hyundai Ioniq 5n or the 6n fabulous car both of which have integrated"
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a sportier version of the Ioniq 5, which is an electric car. It's made to be more fun to drive while still being eco-friendly.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a high-performance variant of the Ioniq 5 electric vehicle, designed to offer enhanced driving dynamics and features. It combines the practicality of an electric vehicle with sporty performance characteristics.
horsepower
"...the red button on the steering wheel will give you 600 horsepower for about 10 seconds something my 911 couldn't even hope to achieve..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing a vehicle's acceleration and overall performance.
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