lol-lol

Having been let down by Gridserve twice last Sunday, chargers said payment verified, took my ten pound deposit then said not playing, very poor service. They are suppose, like all CSPs, to be 99% reliable but they clearly are not. Whwether it is Grid overload or Russian hacking or too much local load to take on another EV on that bank of chargers it is a mystery as to what happens when the DC charger shout not playing. 5 days later these £10 deposits are showing pending or processing. Crap. Should have gone to the Tesla chargers at Frankley, even at peak time they are only 66p per KWh, 34P at the 10 pm to 7:59 am period. Made several charging mistakes that day but at least I know the real limti of my Urban 40 Kwh R5 which proved to be just over 20 miles past 0% SoC being shown. Got going again thanks to my VTOMAN 2200W which supplied 8A on my granny charger ie just under 2 KW supply for about 20 minutes which, presumably with a bit of chemical recovery in the depleted battery got me the last half mile home no problem. Did not even bother to put in the VTOMAN 2200 slave battery which would give me a total of 3 KWh and as each weights less than 18 Kgs are easyish to carry. Their day job is saving money on downstairs larger electricity consuming devices ie TV, my computer setup but not the Sky, BT or router as they are low powered but good to be able to pop them in the boot, even the Mini's boot, and take that power out to where it is needed. Need power units which are atleast half as big again ie with more than 3 KW stable output and a 2 KWh battery capacity so over 4KWh in total. Hopefully not over 22 Kgs in weight plus more solar than the VTOMAN 2200W one which can only take 400W of solar. Expect there will be megadeals for the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Wpould also like to add a portable ie on wheel but probably 50 Kgs or so home battery to add to my smaller one already have. The Aferiy PH062 looks a bit of kit... Should pay for itself in a few years and give me peace of mind if we actually get the blackouts we got close to this summer. Not too difficult to move to a new house. I could genuinely charge the EVs with gathered solar electricity with this and even at 3.7 KW or maybe more. 5.12kWh LiFePO4 battery with up to 6,000 charge cycles for long-lasting performance 6200W AC output power to support high-power home appliances and backup needs Up to 6500W PV input with built-in 120A MPPT solar charge controller for efficient solar charging Dual AC outputs with pure sine wave inverter for stable and reliable power supply Portable design with built-in handles and universal wheels for easy movement Smart BMS provides comprehensive protection for the battery and entire system Supports WiFi & GPRS connectivity with smart app control Wide PV input voltage range (60–500V DC) for flexible solar system integration Dust protection kit included, suitable for harsh outdoor environments RGB lights clearly indicate different operating modes Dimensions (H × W × D): 780 × 440 × 230mm; Net weight: 58.5kg

Getting economic and logical to carry a power station and ones own solar panels perhaps. With the right battery ie one that can supply 3.7 kws, and granny cable doing 16A and maybe some foldout portable solar panels one can have an onboard backup in the boot. Also versions of onboard software coming out every few months and updated battery packs every 2 years the problem goes away.

Not found if the Alpine 290 is getting the same upgrades the R5 in the aero and battery department but it should see a few more miles range. I would be keen to try both the upgrade R5s and the upgrade Scenics, would avoid even more of the public charges. Just hope they come to the UK as we do get a restricted list of Renault and I would presume other marques too. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/renault/5/370305/updated-renault-5-offers-more-range-more-google-tech-and-even-more-style https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/renault/scenic/370350/new-renault-scenic-embarrasses-tesla-model-y-range-again New 67 Kwh Scenic should be well under £30k for a very roomy car and have the LFP charging to 100% being no worries.

Yes i reckon many countries are niw seeing the conflict that Iran and USA is convince many countries to move away from reliance from fossil fuels and towards rebewables. Pakistan gas just refused its scheduled LNG shipment witb its exhorbatant price tag. Like many countries it has imported as much solar equipment, and batteries, that in can and now solar, batteries and associated electrical equipment keep the lights on, keep medicines cool, keep irrigation pumps running. Truml and Iran have accelerated the demise of the use of fossil fiels. Electric tuk tuks, electric motorbikes are squeezing out petrol vehicles as the liquid gold is beyond many people's ability to buy it. Even in the US solar and wind, with batteries, is becoming the dominant electrical generation despite Trump's best efforts to slow the rebewables taje over. Trump has been a catalyst for accelerator change ratgef than a conservative of the oil and gas industry. Nice one.

The result of the Gridserve charge starting was a mystery. Dont know if there was already thd tax power being drawn or what, no explanations. If I was in the Scenic, which has a 22 KW AC capability could have gone for that but at 11 KW would not have bothered. Should gave topped up on the way up as had time abd there was a new bank of Gridserve High Powerec chargers on the Northbound just commissioned. Also should have gone over to the TESLA chargers which have the highest reliability rating. Not sure if they have a TESLA Mega pack on site to avoid power supply issues. Renault have announced new R5 abd Scenic versions today and versions have more range. Also LFP versions which will have lower costs but fast charging. The 5 and Scenic both will need there cheap servicing in the next month or two so will ask the sales team about upgrading which should reduce or negate thd need to public charge in future so I will only home or destination charge. Lad talked about his Electric Forecourt experience which sounded great. Place has 4 8 stars on Google. I found charging cheap on the continent. With the larger European countries adding about 2k chargers per month competition wil intensify though a European wide shortage of electricity, but also gas and oil, all linked, a bit of planning a good thing. Octaverse card works at a high percentage of the 1M chargers across Europe. My problems were largely solvable by my better actions. What charge i did get at Sabdbach was less than £8 and then I charged up on free lecky at home yesterday ie the bank holiday where it hovered at minus 1p per KWh in the middle of the day. Cannot imagine going back to ICE as EVs getting better abd better as us the public charging network where ICE running costs look like they will be staying high with the Iran US rumbling on indefinitely.

An adventure and learning experience for me in my electric car journey. I took my "Urban" nominal 40 KWh battery to Liverpool on the weekend, 240 mile round trip, fair bit more than the cars WLTP range. Decide to public charge on the way home, despite having had the time to do a bit of a charge on the way up, mistake number 1. Got to Liverpool and still had 80 miles left or reported left, planned to charge at Gridserve Sandbach Services South, somewhere I have successful charged before. Tried several charge bays, half were taken, got one to give me a bit of charge but only got a few KWhs, charge unit reported problem after credit card had been verified. Should have tried again probably. Pushed on to Frankley service South so only 22 miles from home. The Gridserve chargers accepted payment method then just stop before actually commencing charge. Mistake 3 was I should have crossed the car park and gone to the Tesla public charges. I wanted to test the Urban R5 to the limits so cracked on even though car only showing 2% battery which the Urban R5 does 2 miles per 1% of charge. I know my Scenic will do 20 miles past 0% and Bjorn Nyland had done 29 miles in a 52 KWh R5. So carried on down the M5 cruising about 55 mph, some lovely long down hills from the Birmingham plateau down to the Severn Valley floor. Passing Droitwich, turn before Worcester North, the "Restricted Performance" came up. Could start to fell it as I got off at the Worcester turning. Should have turned off at Droitwich really as the 30/ 40 /50 mph back roads would have been better than the 55 mph motorway. Good charging spot in Droitwich at a small Sainsburys /Costa which is "only" 72p which I could have dived in to a few miles from home. So I conked out of power about 500m from home, dead, Xmas tree of warnings though was able to park up safely. walked home, got a home battery and a Granny cable put it in the Mini Cooper E and parked next to the 5 and stuffed some charge in it. Got it home and charged up, no ill effects it seems. Several lessons learned, charge when you can, even if half full, if one is going in to the service station for a comfort break and McDs. Try other charges even if Tesla and you really don't want to give a Musk company money. Check you type pressure and make sure plenty pumped up but not too high. Get off the motorway and drive at 40 rather than 60 as much more efficient for EVs and less likely of a dangerous breakdown. When car says Restricted Performance it is going to stop quite soon. On a positive note my lad took my Scenic to Brighton, near 400 mile round trip. Range at start showing just over 250 miles, did not charge on way down and stopped in the magnificent Gatwick Electric Forecourt on the way back. Dedicated EV charging place 30 odd chargers, Costa etc. Highest possible charge speeds. Half hour stop, time for a hot chocolate and look around, cost 59p per KWh. Car went from 20% to 90% so only a two thirds charge, got home still with 15% ie 40 miles left. I would rather I had problems than my lad so actually an overall useful experience. I now know the limits of the R5 Urban which I would have taken but my lad's need was greater, it would have been fair bit more hassle to take his Mini EV or the R5 Urban than my Scenic which did admirably. Always the thought occurs that should I have got the 52 KWh R5 and /or the 90 Kwh Scenic but for the relatively few long journeys I am quite happy with my choices still. Sadly late Autumn, Winter and Early Spring is ahead and cooler temperatures are ahead which do affect range. I like to change cars quite often and there are a host to look at, the Nissan LEAF 3 which has just been made Auto-Express COTY 2026, a revised R5 with more range. It will be European as I am against Chinese cars and even Korean ones on principal. (Yes Mini is Great Wall Motors but that was not my choice). Been a few negative and cheap charging days in the last month and looking forward to VAT going to 0% in 4 weeks time though I fear for energy prices in general for the state the world is in at the moment.

There are a few newer review but this guy seems to get the inside track and I think does a proper details exam. Price start at just under 24k. Much more room in the back seats and much bigger boot. The bigger battery one ie 52 KWh not the 37 Kwh version starts at £28.3k so not exactly cheap. either 200 hp or 220 hp for the bigger battery / motor version and 0 to 60 in 7 seconds or 5.7 seconds respectively. if it had been around when I picked the R5 I would have considered. Also Auto Express's COTY awards........ AutoExpress 2026 awards...... New Car Awards 2026: introduction Coupe of the Year 2026: BMW 2 Series Car of the Year 2026: Nissan Leaf Convertible of the Year 2026: Mazda MX-5 City Car of the Year 2026: Kia Picanto Performance Car of the Year 2026: Porsche 911 Supermini of the Year 2026: Cupra Raval Affordable Electric Car of the Year 2026: Nissan Leaf Family Car of the Year 2026: Kia PV5 Passenger Premium Electric Car of the Year 2026: BMW iX3 Estate Car of the Year 2026: Skoda Superb Estate Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year 2026: MG HS Small Company Car of the Year 2026: Nissan Leaf Premium Hybrid Car of the Year 2026: Audi A5 Mid-size Company Car of the Year 2026: Mercedes CLA Pick-up of the Year 2026: Ford Ranger Large Company Car of the Year 2026: Audi A6 e-tron Electric Van of the Year 2026: Kia PV5 Cargo Small SUV of the Year 2026: Renault 4 Small Van of the Year 2026: Kia PV5 Cargo Mid-size SUV of the Year 2026: Skoda Elroq Mid-size Van of the Year 2026: Ford Transit Custom Large SUV of the Year 2026: Skoda Kodiaq Large Van of the Year 2026: Renault Master Small Premium SUV of the Year 2026: Audi Q3 Driver Power Award 2026: Tesla Model 3 Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year 2026: BMW iX3 Driver Power Manufacturer Award 2026: Mercedes Large Premium SUV of the Year 2026: Range Rover Sport Previous winners Hot Hatch of the Year 2026: Volkswagen Golf GTI

Thanks Maggie and Co....

Hopefully in October ie Just In Time

British gas warning uk gas stocks are at record low which ciukd affect LNG supply and presumably electricity production from gas powered electricity plants. If actual supply becomes a problem rather than just the big price hike this could be all sorts of problems electricity, heating and those types of transport that use LNG which increasingly includes ships.

If 85% of solar panels are made in China and they are much cheaper it is hard to do anything else. Again the UK could add extra import duties but would we be shooting ourselves in the foot when solar panels are a key to cheaper electricity which benefits so many businesses and domestic economies.

We always have the power and now out of the EU. EU levies extra 35% on Chinese EVs, but not hybrids so the Chinese do even more on hybrids. UK chooses not to. Protectionism tends to harm all but the EU countervailibg duties on EVs, extra 35% on SAIC ie MG vehicles !!! Less on BYDs. When UK was in EU there were hundreds of Anti Dumping now there are only a few tens. UK continues to prioritise finance and specialised industries ie military, pharma, luxury cars, sports etc. Difficult to change when China has such a lead in mass production and cheap energy.

The UK takes so long to get work operational I despair. We are seeing, and theun governnents seems to realise, mych more gets done by individuals ie they buy their solar and batteries rather than uk infrastructure which just drags on an on. What is incredible is the hundreds of thousands, becoming millions, of solar abd battery are rivalling the infrastructure projects ie GWs of energy production and tens of GWh of energy storage. Australia had shown tge way on thus by transforming from almost total Grid dependency to home energy production and storage being very significant in a normal daily cycle.

There is elements of that. My son just wants to drive and have the car systems tell him where he can go to charge up a bit if he gets low. The Google, or Tesla software makes that much easier telling the driver how busy the location is ie number of available bays and what the price is which can be half as much again even for the same public charging company. Reading Services has a lot of chargers as does Crawley so should not be too difficult.

Apart from the dark winters, the traffic, I remember waking up in Aberdeen one morning and thought I had gone color blind. The city is so grey due to the stone used. Haverhill area is nice. Will be over that way in a few days to do my tax return with my brother. Going to attempt the journey in my son's EV mini which i wish to show to a lady who has a petrol one to turn her away from the dark side. Mega EV journeys planned in next few days. Son taking my Scenic down to Brighton so he will need to charge somewhere abd I have ateip to Liverpool on Sunday which I will use my 40 KWh R5 for so a cgarge needed there as a near 250 mile journey. Use of Gridserve and MFG anticipated which I think are all 59p per KWh for the next 5 weeks or so !

Correct me if I am wrong but the only 2 SMRs running are in China and Russia ? It is important the SMRs use the right coolant for the current and future environment for its location. Hinkley and Sizewell seem to have it right. Need to look more closely at Anglesey site. Love to visit power stations, Dinorwig, Hinkley etc. Sad to hear the glacier collapse in Nepal killing over a thousand people. We need to factor in climate change when planning future power stations.

JCB major Tory donors and were go to place for Boris etc photo shoots. JCB tax history in many areas make interesting reading.

I would not go to Aberdeen either. Westminster government i think choose Aberdeen to fit in with transition from oil and gas to renewable hoping it would go down well. Mind you Crown transfer terms can be quite nice i recall. Not sure they are today compared to when I got mine in the nineties. Not sure where the staff would be moving from, London, Liverpool, Manchester or Newcastle area which tend to be tge big Civil Service centres, all for moving staff out of London to save London weighting costs.

Not sure how you mean wealth for chums, please explain ? Amazon, curry's, Wckes etc will be doing more business and their delivery arms. The electicity companies will get some free electricity pumped back in to the Grid but as it would not be the particular house supplier so will yge government claim this excess power going back in to the Grid from these 100ks or millions of balcony plug in solar uk buyers ? Unclear. Just weighing up which system to go with but might go for a solar battery now and wait for the balcony solar kits until spring. Battery is am looking at is portable and 5 kwh with 6 kw outout so could usefully charge an EV at a significant rate overnight. Can also put 6 kw of solar panels into it. Should pay for itself in 2 or 3 years abd is easily movable to my next property as are my panels.

So many angles to this summers heat waves and the effect on electricity prices and supply. All power sources that need cooling water ie gas power stations, and any other fossil fuel ones, including nuclear where they are drawing river water for cooling, were severely handicapped during the heat waves even fully shutting down in some case of power plants requiring cooling water/ Not enough water and what there was too hot. Only solar kept up full supply and was relied on more heavily because of the failure of gas, nuclear and other fossil fuels. This affected the whole European electrical grid and resulted in the much higher prices which the UK has to pay for the interconnector electricity to keep the lights on some hours of the day. Still some levies could be removed, 6% I have seen menttioned. Massive new wind farms come on stream on the English and Scottish coast, onshore wind and solar, both home and company installs occuring at pace thankfully. Us domestic consumers have to hope that the new AI centres dont take so much power that we don't see as much benefit as we hope that is home / balcony solar could be so important to keep home bills down as low as possible. Today is the day balcony / home solar becomes legal !! Dogger Bank A&B 2.4GW Wind Farm Berwick Bank 4.1GW Offshore Wind Farm Hornsea Project Three Offshore Wind Farm 2.4GW Ossian Offshore Wind Farm 3.6GW Sofia 1.4GW Offshore Wind Farm

There are new measures here in the UK and the EU to stop low value imports, by requiring full customs entries rather tgan Low Value simplifications, so there are less import entries of higher value and more of them can be paper anfmd physical examined plus more taxes collected. Should help reduce these poor quality shipments.

Spot on. Trading Standards, HMRC work with UK Border force. I said OPSS upside your your head, OPSS upside your head...... GOV.UKBorder controls for non-food productsGuidance for businesses on OPSS border controls.GOV.UKOffice for Product Safety and StandardsOur primary purpose is to protect people and places from product-related harm, ensuring consumers and businesses can buy and sell products with confidence. The Office for Product Safety and Standards

Best selling car (not just EVs) in China, about half million, which is by far largest car market in the world. Not as good looking as the R5 IMO but good price especially in 47 KWh battery...... Geely own Polestar and Volvo, part own Aston and also numerous other brands. Good boot and Frunk size too. Spacious but slowish charging. 115 hp and bit slow to 60 ie 11 seconds. Could sell quite well.

Tesla's articulated truck come to Europe soon. 1000 hp and quickish charging..........

Not an old debate but industry data coming out all the time. Data from a few weeks combining several large studies of car fires, first webpage below .... Simple summary is that EV fires are far less common, by a factor of as much as 80 but when they do go, if not checked by the standard fire fighting tech for EVs ie fire blanket, then consequences can be bad. EV fire blankets are now big business ie multi million pound business in many countries and supported by numerous industry big firms. One of our multi million pound UK firms is Fire Cloak of Sheffield. Link and demo of use below the EV fire risk data webpage... Energy Saving TrustAre electric vehicles a fire risk?Current research indicates that the chance of an electric vehicle catching fire is considerably lower than petrol or diesel vehicles.Fire Cloak™Fire Cloak™ – EV Fire Blanket – Contain Lithium Battery F...Protect against EV fires with Fire Cloak™, the electrical vehicle fire blanket that deploys in seconds, contains lithium battery fires, and safeguards people, vehicles and property.