Why it’s now easier to switch to an EV
A LEADING Scottish electromobility expert has been explaining how electric cars really are becoming accessible to all motorists.
Dave Pickles’ timely words of wisdom come after last week’s World EV Day and ahead of the global COP26 climate change conference being held in Glasgow in November.
He highlighted the increasing affordability of new and second- hand electric cars, massive strides in battery technology, rapid rise in charging opportunities and government grants available.
But, Dave, the boss of Glasgowbased Jorro sustainable energy company, is under no illusions and knows the public need to be better informed.
Equally, he takes a pragmatic approach to the situation and accepts that the EV solution won’t yet work for drivers who travel for more than 25,000 miles a year.
Nonetheless, Dave makes a strong case for the fact that electric cars are ideal for the majority of motorists.
He said: “There’s a big disconnect between people’s perceptions about battery power and the reality. Battery technology has moved on massively in 10 years – it’s like the equivalent of going from a floppy disk to hard drive.
“The battery packs now have a warranty for at least 100,000 miles and some early EVs have managed more than 300,000 miles on the original battery.
“There’s also a bigger range between charging that’s gone from about 60 miles in the early days to about 240 on average.
“And owners of older cars can refresh them with more powerful, modern batteries because they are the same size. You can also just replace individual cells in the packs.”
Dave was also keen to dispel myths about problems with electricity supplies in older properties when it comes to fitting domestic wallbox charging points.
He explained: “Home chargers have been developed to protect against overload. All new chargers need to be able to handle varying levels of voltage supply.
“It’s massively rare for us not to be able to install a charge point – and they can be put in most homes that have a private parking space.”
And that applies to modern blocks of flats with car parks. Jorro has just installed the capability for 144 points at a complex in Edinburgh. The home owners can simply sign up to activate the points when they switch to using an EV.
And for the many thousands of people in cities who don’t have off-street parking, Dave highlighted the rise in public facilities.
He said: “Public charging is now coming through at quite a pace. Workplaces, supermarkets, fast-food outlets and hotel groups are all putting in charge points.
“They realise that you can easily put in charging facilities for staff or customers – but you can’t put in petrol stations the same way!”
As for users, he pointed out that for most commuters who travel less than 250 miles a week, it might mean they have to visit a public fast-charging facility once a week or so for less than an hour.
Finally, Dave stressed that owning and driving electric cars is more affordable than many people think – especially now many mainstream marques are making them.
He said: “Not everyone knows about the latest grants or zero per cent loans from the Scottish Government.
“But these open up options for new and used electric cars. If you look at what’s available at the budget end of the market, you’ll find they have good specs and all the gadgets.
“They are enjoyable to drive and can be engaging – with differing regeneration modes, for example.
“And they are more practical, with more space inside for families because there’s no gearbox system or large engine taking up room.”