Net zero is not ICE v EV There is Hybrid in between, plug-in and non plug-in.
Net Zero, zero emissions, not at all possible where a vehicle has an engine or generator burning fuels. An BEV has the capability to use 100% renewable energy sourced cleanly to generate that mobility. This is the black and white version and is, technically, correct. However, we all know that manufacturing of any vehicle plus creation of the hardware to create this renewable energy isn’t 100% clean right now either.
Which leaves us nicely with a real option. Diesel – the worst case option, chugs a mass of very harmful contaminants into the atmosphere. Petrol, surprisingly (or not if you were cynical when being told otherwise) cleaner than diesel. Hybrid – mild or ‘self-charging’ in some that’s lugging around batteries to drain some engine power in order to drive 5 metres without emissions, in others a genuine absorption of regenerative braking power to deliver a power boost or short distance of emission free driving. Hybrid – Plug In a proper half way house, if you can charge at home, gives you anything between 10 and 50 miles (depending upon driving style, time of year) of emission free (at the exhaust pipes) driving plus the freedom to go further without needing to charge for an hour every 200-250 miles.
I, personally, haven’t come across a mild hybrid that suits me, I like driving on battery power and it’ll take a real obstacle for me to return to having to visit petrol stations. However, if I can’t find a suitable BEV on scheme at a price I’m willing/capable of paying, then the next best option would be a PHEV that can see me around town electric only and then use petrol for longer trips.
Someone will correct me if I’m wrong but, dont Mb provide you with say 3yrs of BP pulse charging if you can’t charge at home.? I expect the AP for HEV’s and PHEV’s, even MHEV’s will start to come down the latter part of this year begging of next. Hybids will be availablse to have on the scheme for another 12yrs, longer if they push the date back. We just won’t see as many soley ICE vehicles, closer we get to 2030 on the scheme. I for one will be sticking with hybid for as long as I can on the scheme, longer if I choose to leave, Unless my circumstances change or an EV is capable of acheiving the miles I see now or I can guarantee to charge one as quick as refueling at a coventinal pump. It all boils down to each of us individual circumstances, to what they choose. Like it or not an EV on the scheme is not right for me at this time. I do like Nissans E-power system using the engine as a generator. Its popular and well tested in Japan and in my view a better way for the future. I think EV’s have been rushed and’s. pushed on us by the govenment regime’and for all they or we know something better will come out down the line.
Many car manufacturers are now investing heavily in battery power for the future. I’d be very surprised if I live to see anything else come up that changes that. Hydrogen cell is somewhat inefficient in comparison and still needs huge amounts of energy to produce. If you want to see an infrastructure incapable of supporting a vehicle type, try planning a trip in a FCEV from Cornwall to Norfolk then up to Scotland. The nearish future will consist in improvements in battery technologies, moving to shorter charging times, greater capacity for less weight (or same weight and huge distances per charge). I’ve heard of technologies claiming a proven 500+ mile range with sub 5 minute recharge, however, when that battery becomes commercially available and at what cost is anyone’s guess.
BEV is the future, unless you go completely off the environmentalists cliff face at which point the following happens (not my predictions, please don’t shoot the messenger). Private transport becomes licenced, not in the current driving licence kind of way but to provide a very limited number for people with specific needs for their own transport and many of us wouldn’t count. Both train and bus transportation becomes significantly greener, compulsory and is subsidised to become the mainstay of the transportation for the global needs. Electrically powered ships and aeroplanes (or hydrogen) are the only option for long distance travel but are deliberately highly expensive. For the majority of people work will be near home again, travel will be limited and sole use transportation will be discouraged. The current trend of creating cities with entertainment hubs, shopping and work in very different places whilst living can be effectively tens, if not hundreds, of miles away will have to end. Oh, and meat will be a luxury item, highdays, holidays or even never for the poorest. processed, plant based foods will be commonly available and the planet will slow its rate of warming considerably.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.
Mark