So we are now 21 months into our first EV getting a bit itchy about the next one, although early stages I know, but because there are so many issues, price ap range etc we are actually having a nose about.
For us it’s a no option move that we will have another EV because we are not financially sound as disability came before we could make life’s contingency plan to counteract the cost. That said with the cost of living crisis I am fairly sure without the EV we would have by now had to have lived without a vehicle. Being rural this would have been incredibly difficult, not to mention isolating. Our current EV is based on a wheelchair hoist need but to be honest we have an emergency electric chair and because with age we feel that is a better option as the giant chair requires so much manoeuvring when in fact we rarely get out so we enjoy the travel but now it seems everywhere is so busy we don’t bother much. All our shopping is done online so it’s calling in to NT places the odd pub and historic views. With this in mind we felt that the folding electric chair which although heavy is like a large pushchair when folded could be the chair we want to fit into the next car. This also means we can move away from the discomfort of the van style vehicle.
so with that in mind we have looked at a few most we can’t manage with as w3 have dogs and the travel with us but one that we did like, I am sure you will all think is mad was the Mini, firstly the spec for a paltry ap was incredible we loved the pale leather the opening sunroof etc etc, the boot easily took the chair with space load level was good as was the ability to take the dog as the sales rep kindly popped his retriever in the back. All in all it is a smashing car range is low but then so is ours and we adapted accordingly, with no issues don’t forget longer range is great but if your electric tariff has a particular charging period like ours we can only take 35 kw per day at cheap rate after which your back at or more than diesel prices. Unfortunately after being really taken by the mini we realised it’s a run out vehicle and won’t in fact be available when we are due to change so now we are waiting to take a look at the New Kona that too looks like a possible option. Plus it should be well onto the scheme in 12 months time. Other than that we are erring toward keeping the van we have for an extended period.
just as an added piece of info we are approaching 19000 miles which we estimate has cost around £520 so far we will however need a new electric tariff in the next 3 months but we also don’t take into account the fact we do our washing and some roast cooking plus tumble dry during the off peak EV times so that probably reduces the EV cost considerably.
I would like to add an extra point on the current AP prices we have an Arnold Clark app so the other week it asked me for my mileage whilst entering I noticed it offered me a used price on my car so I accepted and it was an horrific £21619 I say horrific as the invoice price for Motability was £54000 I reckon this could have a lot to do with the reason current AP,s are so high. Might be worth other EV drivers to get a value too it’s certainly an eye opener
I am the carer / driver for my wife who cannot drive due to disability