Do you think that the UK switching to electric vehicles is realistic?

[HSTEd]

Related to earlier discussions, especially on the controversial rail opinion thread, Octopus now offer a flat rate subscription for scheduled electric car charging.

It is called "Intelligent Drive Pack", you pay £30 a month and tell them when you need the car, and they arrange the charging accordingly.

 

[Mawkie]

It is called "Intelligent Drive Pack", you pay £30 a month and tell them when you need the car, and they arrange the charging accordingly.

Maybe I've misunderstood, but they later reference £20 a month. https://octopus.energy/octopus-smart-tariffs/intelligent-drive-pack-rates/

In any case, doesn't £30 a month seem quite expensive for people who can charge at home at 5p per unit?

Now, if this scheme was for those that couldn't charge at home...

 

[HSTEd]

Maybe I've misunderstood, but they later reference £20 a month. https://octopus.energy/octopus-smart-tariffs/intelligent-drive-pack-rates/

In any case, doesn't £30 a month seem quite expensive for people who can charge at home at 5p per unit?

Now, if this scheme was for those that couldn't charge at home...

That appears to be a typo, I'm not sure whats going on there. Perhaps the price changed at the last minute?

They offer 7p/kWh charging on Intelligent Octopus Go otherwise, so you'd have to be charging about 14kWh per day to be worth it.

 

[jon0844]

A lot of people with mobile contracts offering unlimited data don't ever really use much, but it gives peace of mind and might prove popular for this reason.

And it might even encourage people to use their EV more (some might not see that as a good thing) although considering many cars will be leased, some owners won't be able to make full use of the offering unless they opted to pay more per month for the car.

 

[Energy]

That appears to be a typo, I'm not sure whats going on there. Perhaps the price changed at the last minute?

They offer 7p/kWh charging on Intelligent Octopus Go otherwise, so you'd have to be charging about 14kWh per day to be worth it.

14 kWh is 42-70mi per day, depending on how efficient your car is (3-5mi/kWh, most will be on the higher end of that). It might be worth it for some, but most drive nowhere near that much.

It would be nice to see an Electroverse discount card like the Ionity subscriptions. The Ionity one is great, but only Ionity chargers is a bit limiting.

 

[Mawkie]

They offer 7p/kWh charging on Intelligent Octopus Go otherwise, so you'd have to be charging about 14kWh per day to be worth it.

With average consumption of 4.5 miles per kWh, doesn't that mean 63 miles per day, or 23k miles a year?

With the average UK annual mileage being 7.5k, this deal seems unsuitable for the vast majority of electric car users, no?

On a wider note, most people understand that something has a price - that has to cover R&D, production, distribution, maintenance, etc. It's not complicated.

These kinds of schemes only serve to obfuscate the real costs of ownership in my opinion. The idea that I need to join some kind of 'loyalty' card scheme like Ionity (where I can not pay and get a small discount, or pay a bit and get a bigger discount, or pay a lot and get an even bigger discount) or Electroverse (and not pay for it) is just silly.

 

[HSTEd]

With the average UK annual mileage being 7.5k, this deal seems unsuitable for the vast majority of electric car users, no?

Most likely yes, but at the same time, there will be a significant number of people for whom it is worthwhile.

 

[jon0844]

Most likely yes, but at the same time, there will be a significant number of people for whom it is worthwhile.

It could be amazing for high mileage drivers. While I know most people don't drive much, the common argument against EVs is the need to do hundreds of miles so surely those people who do can't dispute that £30 a month is going to be way cheaper than petrol or diesel.

 

[Mawkie]

It could be amazing for high mileage drivers. While I know most people don't drive much, the common argument against EVs is the need to do hundreds of miles so surely those people who do can't dispute that £30 a month is going to be way cheaper than petrol or diesel.

Octopus reference a fair use policy, but then don't explain what it is.

 

[Sun Chariot]

It could be amazing for high mileage drivers. While I know most people don't drive much, the common argument against EVs is the need to do hundreds of miles so surely those people who do can't dispute that £30 a month is going to be way cheaper than petrol or diesel.

Offset against their lease costs for annual mileage that high. Unless they shelled out the cash for upfront purchase.

 

[jon0844]

Octopus reference a fair use policy, but then don't explain what it is.

I believe it can't be for commercial use (so that would likely be vans or cars used as taxis). This is from reading discussions from other people who looked into things a bit more.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Apr 2025 ==

Offset against their lease costs for annual mileage that high. Unless they shelled out the cash for upfront purchase.

Yes, I did mention that. However there are some incredible deals on LeaseLoco for some very high end, high spec cars and the adjustment for mileage doesn't actually make that much difference a lot of the time.

Shop the deal, not the car.

You would also need to factor in the wear and tear and maintenance costs for doing high mileage. Maybe the EV costs more but is it far cheaper for servicing every year or two? You'd look at the total cost once everything is combined.

 

[Sun Chariot]

You'd look at the total cost once everything is combined.

The voice of reason - I completely agree. It is overlooked too often, when the headline "deal", or a single cost element, are seen in isolation
I preach a Total Cost of Ownership mantra in my job, too.

 

[Noddy]

It would be nice to see an Electroverse discount card like the Ionity subscriptions. The Ionity one is great, but only Ionity chargers is a bit limiting.

Electroverse seem to be going down the route of CPO (charge point operator) specific in App subscriptions rather than one overarching subscription. Currently there are a few of these CPO subscriptions available abroad, but the only one for the UK is 20% off at Be.EV for £9 per month. Shell Recharge was available but seems to have been withdrawn which doesn’t bode that well... They really need to introduce a few more, with clearer pricing, otherwise it seems a bit pointless. Like you say one overall subscription would be better but I suspect there a contractural reasons why this is unlikely to happen.

 

[E27007]

A new microcar ZEV from Nissan, available with single or double batteries, the battery packs are removable and can be transported on a trolley, battery range 50miles for the single battery or 107 miles two batteries, the price of the single battery Nissan undercuts by the Dacia Spring by a significant margin, the two battery by a small margin, but the Spring may be the more capable vehicle for top speed and acceptability to a purchaser.

Nissan Silence ZEV

 

[Energy]

A new microcar ZEV from Nissan, available with single or double batteries, the battery packs are removable and can be transported on a trolley, battery range 50miles for the single battery or 107 miles two batteries, the price of the single battery Nissan undercuts by the Dacia Spring by a significant margin, the two battery by a small margin, but the Spring may be the more capable vehicle for top speed and acceptability to a purchaser.

Nissan Silence ZEV

The Silence is more of a competitor to the Citroen Ami than the Spring.

 

[jon0844]

The Silence is more of a competitor to the Citroen Ami than the Spring.

Yes, but it looks a bit nicer IMO... although given it's likely a quadricycle like the AMI, the price suddenly begins to look a little high. While fine for London where you have mostly 20 or 30mph, the 28mph limit will limit its appeal in areas with 40 or 50mph limits.

I know you can apparently chip an AMI to go faster, but that would suddenly cause a lot of issues over legality and safety.

Nevertheless, EV technology is perfect for creating more things like this and if people who argue they can't cycle for whatever silly reason, these are a good alternative. But they need to be nearer £5-6000. Perhaps once there are lots of them on the road, second hand models will be nearer to that, or less.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Yes, but it looks a bit nicer IMO... although given it's likely a quadricycle like the AMI, the price suddenly begins to look a little high. While fine for London where you have mostly 20 or 30mph, the 28mph limit will limit its appeal in areas with 40 or 50mph limits.

I know you can apparently chip an AMI to go faster, but that would suddenly cause a lot of issues over legality and safety.

Nevertheless, EV technology is perfect for creating more things like this and if people who argue they can't cycle for whatever silly reason, these are a good alternative. But they need to be nearer £5-6000. Perhaps once there are lots of them on the road, second hand models will be nearer to that, or less.

There are plenty of not "silly" reasons people don't cycle, we even have a thread about it.

 

[Bald Rick]

Just seen a new Renault 5 out in the wild. It looked flippin’ amazing.

 

[GusB]

Just seen a new Renault 5 out in the wild. It looked flippin’ amazing.

I saw one parked up outside the local Renault dealership about a month ago and I agree that they do look good. I quite the look of the 4, too.

 

[jon0844]

Just seen a new Renault 5 out in the wild. It looked flippin’ amazing.

They're amazing. We were all set to lease one but found it just a little too small, and the Renault 4 is a bit too expensive (at least until it has been on sale a while). Renault is doing extremely well right now, and Stellantis is also offering some great products through the different brands.

There are also some hotly contested rumours that Stellantis might be seeking a merger or buy out of Renault. Heavily denied but with the Renault/Nissan partnership breaking apart you can never say never.

If this did happen I think Stellantis would be a force to be reckoned with.

 

[Snow1964]

Just seen a new Renault 5 out in the wild. It looked flippin’ amazing.

We tried one at a dealership, but found it a bit small.
In a few months there will be a Nissan version with headlights that look like the 2002-2010 Micra.

But there has been a number of new small EVs hitting the UK market, Hyundai Inster, BYD dolphin surf etc

I have just changed to a 2.5 year old Cupra Born, amazing car compared to my 7 year old Arona. Although only had it 2 weeks, don't think I would ever go back to petrol now.

I used to get about 430miles from a tank of petrol (about £60-70), doing about 900-1000 miles per month, now charging at home overnight at 6.7p per kw/h is £8-9 for 430miles (tankful equivalent) so saving over £100 a month on fuel.

 

[bangor-toad]

Hi,
One of our cars needs replacing and it seems like a good idea to consider an electric one.

Can I ask for some help to identify if there's actually one for us;
What electric cars exist with three separate back row seats?
The Vauxhall Combi (and the Peugeot & Citroen versions) have been rejected by Mrs Toad with "Absolutely not a van!"

This seating requirement has always been tricky but I'm a bit stuck finding anything electric that's suitable.
Any suggestions welcomed!

Thanks,
Mr Toad

 

[trebor79]

Hi,
One of our cars needs replacing and it seems like a good idea to consider an electric one.

Can I ask for some help to identify if there's actually one for us;
What electric cars exist with three separate back row seats?
The Vauxhall Combi (and the Peugeot & Citroen versions) have been rejected by Mrs Toad with "Absolutely not a van!"

This seating requirement has always been tricky but I'm a bit stuck finding anything electric that's suitable.
Any suggestions welcomed!

Thanks,
Mr Toad

Kia EV9. VW iD Buzz (long wheel base version). Probably some others.

 

[Sun Chariot]

What electric cars exist with three separate back row seats?
The Vauxhall Combi (and the Peugeot & Citroen versions) have been rejected by Mrs Toad with "Absolutely not a van!"

UK vehicles wide enough for three separately-adjustable rear seats will look (to Mrs Toad's eyes) more like a van - such as your mentioned Vauxhall Combo Life.

I checked the new generation of Hyundai's Santa Fe and Kia's Sorento. They seat 6, in 3 rows of 2 seats. They're hybrid, not full EV. Kia's EV9 (full EV) is also configured as 2 + 2 + 2.

The motoring rumour-mill suggests Fiat will bring back their Multipla car but as an EV. I read (with a pinch of salt) that it will launch in latter 2025. Not much more info than that.

 

[Snow1964]

Hi,
One of our cars needs replacing and it seems like a good idea to consider an electric one.

Can I ask for some help to identify if there's actually one for us;
What electric cars exist with three separate back row seats?
The Vauxhall Combi (and the Peugeot & Citroen versions) have been rejected by Mrs Toad with "Absolutely not a van!"

This seating requirement has always been tricky but I'm a bit stuck finding anything electric that's suitable.
Any suggestions welcomed!

Thanks,
Mr Toad

Are you after 3 seats in a row across the width, or ability to fit 3 child seats with isofix.

You will struggle to get 3 across unless you are looking at van sized vehicles, but if you are happy to have third row of seats then lot more choice. Some cars also have (or is optional) isofix for front passenger seat, so if just one adult and three smaller children then don't need the third isofix at back.

The VW iD Buzz or Peugeot E5008 are possibilities (but more van profile than car)

 

[Bald Rick]

We tried one at a dealership, but found it a bit small.
In a few months there will be a Nissan version with headlights that look like the 2002-2010 Micra.

But there has been a number of new small EVs hitting the UK market, Hyundai Inster, BYD dolphin surf etc

I have just changed to a 2.5 year old Cupra Born, amazing car compared to my 7 year old Arona. Although only had it 2 weeks, don't think I would ever go back to petrol now.

Cupra Born is on my shortlist. What is the insurance like?

Back to the renault 5, I have seen several now, all in yellow! Interestingly Ive seen one around several times with a 74plate on it. Also seen one with a numberplate “R5 xxx” (cant remember the xxx)

 

[Sun Chariot]

The "shortest reg plate" thread is now closed but, in a local garage today, I saw a Hyundai Kona EV sporting plate  UR6 and I wondered if the plate costs more than the car....

Edit: DVLA check suggests it's the petrol hybrid variant. D'oh

 

[SWT_USER]

Cupra Born is on my shortlist. What is the insurance like?

Back to the renault 5, I have seen several now, all in yellow! Interestingly Ive seen one around several times with a 74plate on it. Also seen one with a numberplate “R5 xxx” (cant remember the xxx)

I really like the look of the Renault 5 and would seriously consider it as a next car if I were at a different stage in life. It's just a bit too small for us at the moment with two children.

RE the Cupra Born - I drive an ID:3 so not hugely different. Really like the car - only downside for us on the odd occasion we need to fast charge it is actually quite slow to do so compared to others. I think the theoretical maximum speed is 120kwh but realistically you're looking at 80kwh max unless in perfect conditions.

 

[Bald Rick]

I really like the look of the Renault 5 and would seriously consider it as a next car if I were at a different stage in life. It's just a bit too small for us at the moment with two children.

RE the Cupra Born - I drive an ID:3 so not hugely different. Really like the car - only downside for us on the odd occasion we need to fast charge it is actually quite slow to do so compared to others. I think the theoretical maximum speed is 120kwh but realistically you're looking at 80kwh max unless in perfect conditions.

Presumably you mean kW not kWh?

 

[Snow1964]

RE the Cupra Born - I drive an ID:3 so not hugely different. Really like the car - only downside for us on the odd occasion we need to fast charge it is actually quite slow to do so compared to others. I think the theoretical maximum speed is 120kwh but realistically you're looking at 80kwh max unless in perfect conditions.

The newest Born have a max of 165kw, some versions even higher (older spec is lower). They are made at Zwickau alongside ID3 and share some parts

However away from big cities and motorway service stations, finding a charger over about 120kw is probably the limiting factor. But things are changing and they are starting appear in rural counties. The town centre car park (in Dorset) where my daughter lives now has multiple chargers with the fastest upto 150kw