Charging electric cars on Club sites.
Comments
-
Not quite so unique to the UK, most of Germany has a 16 amp supply on campsites albeit some of those connections run via a meter. I often feel that if the Club were keen to curb the use of electricity they would have already put in place more rules like not using a heater in an awning but they allow members to use the connection as they wish including the charging of EV's.
Who knows what the future holds for our hobby. Will the advent of electric vehicles with some of their current restrictions mean the end of our hobby as it currently exists? Until that future becomes clearer the Club is probably taking the right stance.
David
2 -
The club isn't supplying fuel it's supplying electricity to do with as you wish, isn't it?.
I think there are two issues here though. One is charging your EV car, which is perhaps the second car on your pitch, or charging your hybrid, either of which is allowed as you have paid for that electricity.
The charging points are already there through a three pin plug in your outfit.
However I do agree with you that charging points, like the ones provided in car parks if installed should be charged for. Perhaps a few in the site car parks?
0 -
I have little doubt that the CC and all providers will charge for EVs when that time comes. Also at a rate to cover standing costs/provision. No doubt some providers will provide by way of a timed ticket.
CC could well charge a flat rate.
1 -
There was a bit on our local tv news yesterday,that Cambridge City Council is hoping to ban all fossil fuel including delivery vehicles from a large area of the city and only allow EVs to enter,but have come up against the problem of the large cost of them, compered to other forms of transport,as was stated even a used EV will be very much higher price, because they could also be on the verge of needing new batteries,and its the battery manufacture that is one of the worst polutants of our planet
0 -
Any charging points could be "an earner" for the Club, just as Wi-Fi; provision of a service that those that want that extra service pay for it including all its infrastructure costs. Again because of its specialist nature like Wi-Fi its contracted out to an established vendor of these things.
That way everybody is fairly treated plus seen to be and all should be happy?
2 -
yes +1
0 -
It's evolution as far as personal transport is involved, when trains were invented people thought going at 'speed' would suffocate them.
EV's will be a massive step forward once new battery technology occurs, for now its a drop in the ocean and the Club probably has a statement issued somewhere regarding site use, but I haven't seen it.
Motorhomes with towed EV, yes. Caravans towed by hybrid, yes. As to whether every site, or even the caravans MCB devices can handle a 2/3kW charging system comfortably whilst attempting some comfort/cooking safely by a lead thrown in the window, I don't know.
For now its no big deal, but if its the way forward then the infrastructure to handle it had better keep pace.
1 -
When talking about the power needed for EVs the boss of Stagecoach Buses (East) has stated that to have a fleet of Electric buses to work in Cambridge will need much bigger supply,to the city to cope with charging them,and as the UK is already on a knife edge when at peak demand in winter,there has been in the last year or so a new cable run across the channel to buy extra power from Belgium,to ease some of the pressure,so an interesting time lays ahead,if we are to go all EVs
0 -
I predict the electric camper van is not that far off. There are already electric delivery vans. Not too much of a giant step to convert to a camper.
There is already a prototype coach built motorhome. With a 200 mile range becoming the norm it is starting to look very practical.
peedee
0 -
Motorhomes with towed EV, yes. Caravans towed by hybrid, yes. As to whether every site, or even the caravans MCB devices can handle a 2/3kW charging system comfortably whilst attempting some comfort/cooking safely by a lead thrown in the window, I don't know.
For the present forget Winter comfort if you wish to charge EV.
1 -
that'll put the cat amongst the pigeons, Brue
0 -
Read here about Edinburgh buses, fast charging too.
I think the pace of change will be faster than some think.
1 -
My biggest concern regarding buying an EV now would be the resale value. Technology as always moves on and what is "state of the art" today will be old hat in a few years and no one will want it.
e.g The latest iphone 8 is around £700 now, probably worthless in 10 years
0 -
I doubt I will be one that could enjoy an EV that is capable of being a towcar that fits in with my type of touring, but believe me I do know the delights of driving one.
My daughter and her partner are the owners of the largest full EV taxi firm in the south west, 12 Nissan Leafs and one Nissan EV people carrier. Instant full torque available from standstill, so would make the movement of a caravan easy, just need the range sorted.They now have 4 three phase fast chargers and 5 dedicated single phase chargers at their Unit.
This news item gives an indication of their longevity, their first 'Leaf' 170,000 miles in 4 years with same battery pack.
They are soon to add a 'Tesla' to their fleet, just hope it pays off though I'm sure some will pay the elevated price.
2 -
You would probably have to wait a long time ET, I keep my vehicles for at least 10 years and my last two have been handed on to family. My current run around is 8 years old and it would be nice to trade it in for a 2018 Nissan Leaf.
peedee
0 -
Yes, that's true, not trying to be a doom mongerer.
Our last small car was petrol, we decided that was it, we'd give the EV a go, but we did a lot of research first. It kept OH busy for a long time...
but we've done it now and we're happy with the results.1 -
Some interesting comments. At the moment there is no problem as the numbers involved is low. Is the EV connected via the 3 pin plug as in homes or the round plug as the caravan?
When EV cars become the norm will our streets be awash with cables as people who are lucky enough to park outside their houses charge their vehicles. Don't know what people in flats will do.
We will have to wait and see
0
