Long term readers of this column may recall that in 2015 I wrote enthusiastically about the acquisition of our first electric car and what an electronic marvel it was, writes Rutland columnist Ron Simpson.
The transformation from driving a diesel powered Jeep Grand Cherokee towing a twin axle Bessacar caravan for our main holidays, to a BMW i3 with range extender camping and hoteling was profound.
It brought about a fundamental change of lifestyle and a realization of the economic and environmental potential of electric power. Motoring around Rutland became silent and very cheap. Long distant journeys around the UK and Europe were assisted by the range extender, arguably now not necessary because of the increased capacity and range of the latest batteries.
Ron Simpson of the Uppingham Neighborhood Forum
It was all a big experiment. If all went well, we would stick with electric and explore its developing potential. If not, we would trade in after a couple of years and write the failed initiative off to experience and continue to enjoy the life of a petrolhead and tour abroad in our then second car, an old 328i convertible.
While the absence of a towbar (not possible then) is an occasional nuisance when wanting to do a tip run, there is no doubt in our minds that what seemed an expensive acquisition at the time, which was one of the best purchasing and lifestyle decisions we made have ever made.
This month the car is eight-years-old and has completed over 100,000 miles. As its body is carbon fibre, there is no body corrosion. Despite two incidents over the eight years, it still looks like new, both inside and out. Its now aging technology still impresses and the car’s unique design still attracts frequent inquiries from other motorists when parked at charging points at home and abroad. Bi annual servicing has been cost effective and technical support from BMW Peterborough has been outstanding. This was tested to the full when a major failure of the range extender (a rare occurrence apparently) when well out of warranty required a £7,000 repair. The Peterborough team secured a good will offer from BMW HQ such that our payment was reduced to only £1,000.
Folk often asks about our experience with the battery. It would cost around £6,000 to replace. The answer is that the battery is still at above 95 per cent of its original performance capability and has proved 100 per cent reliable. We have never broken down and never failed to reach a destination. Each winter we move the car onto winter tires to enhance its rear wheel drive capability and grip in inclement weather. When in Corsica the car tackled the mountainous terrain with aplomb. When on the German autobahn at speed it has never given us a moments doubt. In France its variable charging rate technology enabled gentle overnight charging from a 3amp campsite supply. In Portugal, as elsewhere, the car will relate favorably to the very latest powerful service station chargers ensuring a top up charge takes no longer than leisurely consuming a cup of coffee.
This summer we decided to take a trip down memory lane with the car. We repeated a favorite journey revisiting hotels in various categories we had tried over the years and exploring the improvements to charging infrastructure on the way. The experience was reassuring for new electric vehicle owners wanting to explore further afield. TESLA and non TESLA charging infrastructure has moved on massively. Smart phone apps will plot your journey safely and recommend suitable charging points that are available on the way.
We drove from Calais (no charging on the ferries yet) via our twin town Caudebec en Caux and on through France into Spain. Next into Portugal and onto a few days stay in our favorite city, Lisbon. Finally, we drove up through northern Portugal with a stay near the beach and then onto Bourgos. Finally, we boarded the overnight boat from Santander to Plymouth, where the Marriott Hotel there has a charging point outside its front door.
Our travel experience was predominately positive on main routes with our only concern being in Spain where a number of motorway service stations had shiny new charge points, but they were not yet connected to the grid. We stayed in IBIS hotels (they often have underground car parks in towns) Best Western independents, Hilton and Marriott group hotels and the fabulous parador at Segovia where time seems to have stood still if our room was anything go by.
A great trip with some excellent restaurants along the way. The most memorable of these probably being in Charteroux in France where the Patron and Chef appeared to have an obsession with whisks and other cooking memorabilia. Great food though!
Still hesitating about going electric? The latest cars will astonish you. Why not take a test drive and help save the planet? Better still put solar panels on your roof as well and enjoy economical charging.
