Electric-car drivers blow fuse; first hybrid hearse; new Renegade; Merc van warranty

THANK you for such a huge response to the ‘diesel/petrol v electric’ article last week. Lots of people criticised me for assuming an electric car couldn’t cope with a 1,000km-week schedule.

Several said they were doing so – charging each day (overnight and/or office) means they have plenty in reserve.

Quite a few resented motor industry figures I’d quoted which suggested diesel was the only option.

There was a consistent line through all their responses that showed a real commitment to the genre.

And they all criticised me heavily for not researching the facts better to show that electric cars are not limited by range anxiety any more.

In fairness all I did was report what was being said. I couldn’t go putting figures on other people’s claims.

I expected more of a backlash from hybrid owners because such cars are regarded as being ‘unrestricted’ by range.

A few simply pointed to the fact their hybrids were rarely using petrol when driving in urban areas and said they intended continuing with the power train for as long as possible.

There was a big response, however, from diesel drivers who resented the fact that a senior EU Commissioner was ‘speaking on their behalf’ in declaring the fuel to be nearly dead.

No it’s not, they chimed, citing fuel consumption, lower CO2 emissions and road tax as key reasons it will be with us for a long time.

What the whole exercise did show was how people are championing the particular power sources they have at the moment.

I didn’t get one fearful diesel owner on the topic – though we get lots of queries to our Advice Desk each week from people wondering if they should switch. But that’s for another day.

In the meantime, many thanks for going to the effort of making a contribution to the debate.

The country’s first hybrid electric hearse (pictured) has been unveiled. The Deacon V hybrid is based on the estate versions of the new Ford Mondeo HEV and has been built by Byrne coach builders of Dundalk.

The hearse is powered by a 2-litre 187PS petrol engine and two electric motors; one supports the engine; the other allows for renewable regenerative charging for the 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery.

The revised Jeep Renegade is being unveiled at the Torino Motor Show today. To go with its refreshed looks is a range of new 3cyl and 4cyl petrol engines: a 1-litre 120hp and a 1.3-litre (150hp or 180hp).

Mercedes is increasing its standard warranty across its van range from two to three years.