Fully charged with EV optimism
Test driving the Hyundai Kona, Derek Macdonald of Newton Property was impressed by improvements to the new generation of electric cars
something about Electric Vehicles (EVS) that still sparks range anxiety. “Will we make it there and back?’ bleats my slightly nervous passenger as he recounts a tale of woe experienced in a two-seater Renault Twizy a few years back.
“I don’t know,” I reply. “But let’s keep an open mind – and just to be safe don’t waste electricity on the heater” (as I hastily deflect his hand from the on-button).
We are testing a new 64kw (the big battery version) Hyundai Kona Electric on a drive to Edinburgh and back to Glasgow. The car is replete with technology that was previously the preserve of luxury motors. The “Lane keep assist” alone is a superb safety feature.
However, just 30 minutes into the drive I realise I’m not checking the remaining range every 10 seconds. Which is a breakthrough moment for me – and my passenger. No range anxiety? The enormity of the moment isn’t lost on me: the world has changed and it’s not science fiction, it’s science fact.
When we hit the traffic in Edinburgh the remaining range has hardly changed. Looking at others queuing in their “planet killers” my feeling of smugness attains epic proportions.
Cruising up to the gatehouse at Edinburgh Castle we are turned away by polite but firm authority. ‘Can’t you let us in, for a photo?’ I ask. “It’s OK, it’s an electric car!”
I am met with a withering look that suggests that I’m just a silly child – but that’s fine because the Kona Electric does make you feel like a kid and life is suddenly full of possibilities again.
Did we get from Glasgow to Edinburgh and back? Yes, we did – easily. So if you are still fence-sitting about buying an EV my question is: what exactly are you waiting for?
Thanks to Ralph, Paul and the team at Arnold Clark Hyundai, Alexandra Parade in Glasgow, for loan of the car to which I award five stars.