I think you've got a really good point avout youtube ev reviews. They started off with people reviewing their cars so you got an insiders view of real life with a car. Now its press cars and press spiel like all the other reviews with no real insights
Thanks for this, interesting stuff. I'll likely never be able to afford an EV, but I do like the practical aspects. Perhaps you could try 2 wheel, biz friend has a Seat Mo and loves it 👍
Submarine feeling of the Model Y! Ha, perfectly described. Me and Mrs C experienced the same thing, and also thought the Performance might have been better but ended up going with a Cupra Born in the end no regrets.
My 12 month export tariff was due to expire in September and I too heard of the business rate decrease so I emailed Octopus if I could renew my yearly renewal ahead of time and they did.
Couldn't agree more about "ground up EV platform" hype. Just look at Ioniq, Kona, Niro and Soul EVs. All built on platforms that also support ICE and mild hybrid versions, and yet the pure EV versions have outstanding economy and range, range that many new "ground up" EVs cannot match today many years after the first iterations of these cars. Same as you I have a Soul 64Kwh and I'm considering a change "just because i fancy a change" (had it for 4 years). Not found an EV yet that compares well for price and range with the possible exception of the brand new EV3.
Nigel, you pointed out the combo of IO + 15p export earlier this year. Thank you. The 'Octopus Go Agile' app that you used to screenshot in you videos (maybe you still do) for me has an export button which shows what you would have made on the Agile Export tariff. For me, I fill the battery overnight on IO and then let the days excess leak out throughout the day, emptying any remaining battery capacity from 6pm to 11:30pm. On export it says I'd have averaged 8-9p per kWh exported. I could maybe focus the evening export more on 4pm to 7pm to up the average by a couple of pence. Looks like it could be a good option when the fixed rate drops. Or find another provider for the exported energy?
Tariffs probably need to be either fully flexible like Agile which tracks actual wholesale rates, or be fixed to coincide with the more likely requirements at each time of day. A cheap overnight rate when usage is likely to be low, and a peak export rate (4-7pm) when usage is likely to be high. It is difficult to plan what to invest in for solar and battery if the goalposts change frequently. If you have battery and solar, then being able to store up during the solar day and cheap rate night, and offload when the grid needs is a win-win in my opinion. I am disappointed there is no meaningful innovation for businesses. Octopus have Shape Shifters which offers very small reduction for 21 hours, then 3 hour peak rate. Not enough incentive to get a battery, and not always easy to shift usage in a lot of business types. Let's have a proper overnight tariff for EV's and battery charging for business.
I have become exhausted with Robert Llewellyn. Everything he reviews is "the best ever". He never reviews anything with negatives or proper comparisons to other vehicles. So much so, I have unsubscribed from the entire channel.
not to mention of pushing of crazy c02 and global warming fear mongering... he and other people would take a little time to listen to people like "Paul Burgess from uk who have great info that should be at least listened to by open minded people.
Nigel, I think you need to be a little less touchy with your love (and self-admitted bias) for your Mini😅 I take your point about TH-cam reviews, and how many of them are almost performances by the presenters, and that you can predict the language that they are going to use in every review. But to be fair to Robert ( and I'll admit my bias in that I have huge respect for what he has done over the last 10+ years), he does start out by saying that he wasn't overly impressed with the Mini e in the first place. So he was coming at the new one from a different place to yourself. He also finished off by having a go at the limited range and high price of the new one, so not entirely happy clappy. But I know we all get a bit defensive about the cars we choose and enjoy. I love my Ioniq electric, but many people would say it is weird looking and now old tech. All I know is that I got 6/kwh today without even trying. Fantastic. Anyway, all the best, I really enjoy your videos and looking forward to more on the ground based solar panels. Mark
Thanks Mark , I'm glad I pointed out my bias but it seems from the comments I'm not alone in thinking he got this one wrong especially implying ground up ev platforms make better cars He's hardly going to be upset by my video or opinions and it's healthy to look at all angles and opinions Having now tested the new Mini I won't be buying one . That alone says enough , it's no longer a fantastic car , just very good in many respects . I now prefer the Aceman and Countryman which really really surprises and disappoints me Personally I think mini missed a trick. Using recycled stuff is fine but I think they should've applied it to a stripped out lower spec lighter more efficient model. This would've been lapped up and cleaned up , it's the one thing missing in the market other than the new Dacia
From what you say, it sounds like they are trying to push many people towards the Aceman and Countryman models, where presumably they make more money, while at the same time making the classic Mini too expensive to compete in the small, fun hatchback sector. I agree, it sounds like a mistake, and a bit of a shame.
only need to charge ev every two weeks , seat mii old platform brilliant efficiency, 160+ miles summer , can not force export my battery just exports when it’s full , on agile so ev charge only cost me £4 since october,,, a tariff to suit every body that will be the new unobtainiam Tariff lol 👍
I agree. Buttons are good but as we take ages to work out buttons , screen menus can take some time to adjust to also. Hot keys and favourites to bypass menus are what I use but some.vars no have better voice controls , like the new minis to turn on seat heaters or climate controls etc avoiding the need for menus or switches . Alexa/Mini turn on the air conditioning
Agree that many take it too far. The new Kias seem to be doing a happy medium with bottons for A/C. . I test drove a polestar and you could operate lots of functions by voice "hey google heating on" or something like that. Thats also available in teslas and some other cars but reviewers rarely cover it. Otoh i once saw someone say something like "navigate to colchester city centre" and the response was "navigating to glasgow train station " or something else equally hilarious .
Interesting... that your Suzan doesn't keep her car as new and tidy.... My Mrs, is exactly the same and its a major difficulty for me, for cutting down to one car! I can compromise on the car but i can't compromise on getting into a car that is a tip!
The ground up EV platform creates a better car because it releases space for the cabin and storage for the same external size because you aren’t having to reserve a space for a big engine and gearbox
In a way I am glad someone else was annoyed by the FC review of the j01. Watching the review it would seem the new j01 is better in all respects. In the real world, it really only goes further and has more up to date tech. It is heavier, more expensive, slower, handles worse, less efficient and to my eye, looks far cheaper and nastier (inside and out). OK, looks are subjective so that one I can forgive. You also sit a lot higher due to the batteries, so it doesn't feel the same - I suppose If you have the seat up high in the f56 you could get them the same, but I have the seat fully down.
We're aligned in our thinking , it's a step down in many respects including it's lightness on the throttle and steering . Still a good car just no longer something I'd buy , it's gone in the wrong direction for me. Aceman looks a better option now
ive had solar batteries and EVs and i have been with Octopus for a year or more but ive only been on the standard rate but now ive has the Air to Air and the gas removed i cant decide what tariff to go on before October, can you make a video for idiots like me about the tariffs, i get FIT . i think all i want is to just have the battery topped up for the 7.5p as i live alone .
The simple option is Intelligent GO or GO then just have whatever export pays the most . It gets complicated if you consider flux of agile as it changes how we import energy . I've done a video of considering flux so that's worth a look. Winters coming so agile might be tempting but that needs automation or daily inputs to optimise and could be cheaper but might not be ..it depends on the weather basically . More storms more wind
@@EVPuzzle right, more storms, more wind - so true. I've had agile since February, and what I've noticed is that the amount of sun hardly affects energy prices, but the prices almost always get cheaper when it's windy. Like you say, the only way to make this pay properly is through automations.
@@EVPuzzle Thanks Nigel from what I've seen so far i think Go would be best for me as i think I'll be able to get by with out using up both powerwalls . i dont need to heat the whole house , if i was younger i would start again with a cabin in a field.
@@rodden1953 it's all about the number of hours you need cheap rate import for . The smaller your import needs the more options you'll have. Bigger more inefficient EV, bigger house loads and bigger battery need more hours charging . That's why I try to keep loads small and keep efficient otherwise I'm always chasing the need for more cheap energy faster
@@EVPuzzle i do import very little as im on my own and with the two Powerwalls , im retired so im home a lot but i think with the Air 2 Air i can keep my rooms warm with them running from the sun in the day for almost free some days . im hoping to save quite a bit this winter without the gas .
@@ndudman8 that's fine , which review did I say it was great and it's not or suggest a design is better but it's not or just happy clap it? Itd help to know which you think were in that category so I avoid in future .
@@EVPuzzle Its a fine line and I don't envy getting things for free, being happy to get more things for free in the future and trying to carefully step in a video, of Roberts type of channel (I don't like his, for other reasons as its very low on info/and high on propaganda and happy clappy everything is great), but its differcult to review a sector of tools/machines when a person dosn't have experience in that sector, and I don't mean you have to be a gardener or landscaper or a certificate holder, but just a more informed consumer, that people become if they actually spend their own money, made decisions that cost them and they regret with products they actually bought compared to things we get to if we make a video. We are all generally positive about something when we get a new shinny thing for free, and most low volumn small channels I think are like that... like or don't like my feed back to you, but perhaps take it in the spirit its mean and don't be so defensive?
I think you've got a really good point avout youtube ev reviews. They started off with people reviewing their cars so you got an insiders view of real life with a car. Now its press cars and press spiel like all the other reviews with no real insights
Thanks for this, interesting stuff. I'll likely never be able to afford an EV, but I do like the practical aspects. Perhaps you could try 2 wheel, biz friend has a Seat Mo and loves it 👍
Submarine feeling of the Model Y! Ha, perfectly described. Me and Mrs C experienced the same thing, and also thought the Performance might have been better but ended up going with a Cupra Born in the end no regrets.
Lol that's what we thought , Born drove nicer. Mrs preferred the Soul so that's the way we ended up going
My 12 month export tariff was due to expire in September and I too heard of the business rate decrease so I emailed Octopus if I could renew my yearly renewal ahead of time and they did.
Couldn't agree more about "ground up EV platform" hype. Just look at Ioniq, Kona, Niro and Soul EVs.
All built on platforms that also support ICE and mild hybrid versions, and yet the pure EV versions have outstanding economy and range, range that many new "ground up" EVs cannot match today many years after the first iterations of these cars.
Same as you I have a Soul 64Kwh and I'm considering a change "just because i fancy a change" (had it for 4 years). Not found an EV yet that compares well for price and range with the possible exception of the brand new EV3.
Yep I suspect it's all about reducing costs and raising profit . Cheaper motors aren't as efficient as those with good old permanent magnets
Nigel, you pointed out the combo of IO + 15p export earlier this year. Thank you. The 'Octopus Go Agile' app that you used to screenshot in you videos (maybe you still do) for me has an export button which shows what you would have made on the Agile Export tariff. For me, I fill the battery overnight on IO and then let the days excess leak out throughout the day, emptying any remaining battery capacity from 6pm to 11:30pm. On export it says I'd have averaged 8-9p per kWh exported. I could maybe focus the evening export more on 4pm to 7pm to up the average by a couple of pence. Looks like it could be a good option when the fixed rate drops. Or find another provider for the exported energy?
As prices drop there will be less value in exporting so battery cycles become less sensible . It's good to get something for export though
Lol I hadn't turned export on in that app. Just done it , thanks 👍
Tariffs probably need to be either fully flexible like Agile which tracks actual wholesale rates, or be fixed to coincide with the more likely requirements at each time of day. A cheap overnight rate when usage is likely to be low, and a peak export rate (4-7pm) when usage is likely to be high. It is difficult to plan what to invest in for solar and battery if the goalposts change frequently. If you have battery and solar, then being able to store up during the solar day and cheap rate night, and offload when the grid needs is a win-win in my opinion.
I am disappointed there is no meaningful innovation for businesses. Octopus have Shape Shifters which offers very small reduction for 21 hours, then 3 hour peak rate. Not enough incentive to get a battery, and not always easy to shift usage in a lot of business types. Let's have a proper overnight tariff for EV's and battery charging for business.
I haven’t watch RL for over three years he was the main point of reference for nearly a decade but how the mighty have fallen. 😢
Everyone has their day I guess and I think he's past his a few years back
I have become exhausted with Robert Llewellyn. Everything he reviews is "the best ever". He never reviews anything with negatives or proper comparisons to other vehicles. So much so, I have unsubscribed from the entire channel.
Exactly the same here Unsubscribed a year or more ago. He's so relentlessly upbeat about everything however crappy it is.
He's just a EV shill now, him and the dodgy car dealer spiv Wilson.
not to mention of pushing of crazy c02 and global warming fear mongering... he and other people would take a little time to listen to people like "Paul Burgess from uk who have great info that should be at least listened to by open minded people.
Nigel, I think you need to be a little less touchy with your love (and self-admitted bias) for your Mini😅 I take your point about TH-cam reviews, and how many of them are almost performances by the presenters, and that you can predict the language that they are going to use in every review. But to be fair to Robert ( and I'll admit my bias in that I have huge respect for what he has done over the last 10+ years), he does start out by saying that he wasn't overly impressed with the Mini e in the first place. So he was coming at the new one from a different place to yourself. He also finished off by having a go at the limited range and high price of the new one, so not entirely happy clappy. But I know we all get a bit defensive about the cars we choose and enjoy. I love my Ioniq electric, but many people would say it is weird looking and now old tech. All I know is that I got 6/kwh today without even trying. Fantastic. Anyway, all the best, I really enjoy your videos and looking forward to more on the ground based solar panels. Mark
Thanks Mark , I'm glad I pointed out my bias but it seems from the comments I'm not alone in thinking he got this one wrong especially implying ground up ev platforms make better cars
He's hardly going to be upset by my video or opinions and it's healthy to look at all angles and opinions
Having now tested the new Mini I won't be buying one . That alone says enough , it's no longer a fantastic car , just very good in many respects . I now prefer the Aceman and Countryman which really really surprises and disappoints me
Personally I think mini missed a trick. Using recycled stuff is fine but I think they should've applied it to a stripped out lower spec lighter more efficient model. This would've been lapped up and cleaned up , it's the one thing missing in the market other than the new Dacia
From what you say, it sounds like they are trying to push many people towards the Aceman and Countryman models, where presumably they make more money, while at the same time making the classic Mini too expensive to compete in the small, fun hatchback sector. I agree, it sounds like a mistake, and a bit of a shame.
only need to charge ev every two weeks , seat mii old platform brilliant efficiency, 160+ miles summer , can not force export my battery just exports when it’s full , on agile so ev charge only cost me £4 since october,,, a tariff to suit every body that will be the new unobtainiam Tariff lol 👍
A big issue with going electric car for me is having to navigate a menu just to turn something on, buttons are so much easier and less distracting
I agree. Buttons are good but as we take ages to work out buttons , screen menus can take some time to adjust to also. Hot keys and favourites to bypass menus are what I use but some.vars no have better voice controls , like the new minis to turn on seat heaters or climate controls etc avoiding the need for menus or switches . Alexa/Mini turn on the air conditioning
Agree that many take it too far. The new Kias seem to be doing a happy medium with bottons for A/C. . I test drove a polestar and you could operate lots of functions by voice "hey google heating on" or something like that. Thats also available in teslas and some other cars but reviewers rarely cover it. Otoh i once saw someone say something like "navigate to colchester city centre" and the response was "navigating to glasgow train station " or something else equally hilarious .
Interesting... that your Suzan doesn't keep her car as new and tidy.... My Mrs, is exactly the same and its a major difficulty for me, for cutting down to one car! I can compromise on the car but i can't compromise on getting into a car that is a tip!
Yes it’s working
The ground up EV platform creates a better car because it releases space for the cabin and storage for the same external size because you aren’t having to reserve a space for a big engine and gearbox
In theory .... As I said it's not a guarantee especially in the Minis case
Extended test drives available from Tesla Norwich.
In a way I am glad someone else was annoyed by the FC review of the j01. Watching the review it would seem the new j01 is better in all respects. In the real world, it really only goes further and has more up to date tech. It is heavier, more expensive, slower, handles worse, less efficient and to my eye, looks far cheaper and nastier (inside and out). OK, looks are subjective so that one I can forgive. You also sit a lot higher due to the batteries, so it doesn't feel the same - I suppose If you have the seat up high in the f56 you could get them the same, but I have the seat fully down.
We're aligned in our thinking , it's a step down in many respects including it's lightness on the throttle and steering . Still a good car just no longer something I'd buy , it's gone in the wrong direction for me. Aceman looks a better option now
Audio is working fine
It’s down to you not them go tariff is the best you have to be intelligent not the tariff and have an adaptable system.
Audio 👍
ive had solar batteries and EVs and i have been with Octopus for a year or more but ive only been on the standard rate but now ive has the Air to Air and the gas removed i cant decide what tariff to go on before October, can you make a video for idiots like me about the tariffs, i get FIT . i think all i want is to just have the battery topped up for the 7.5p as i live alone .
The simple option is Intelligent GO or GO then just have whatever export pays the most . It gets complicated if you consider flux of agile as it changes how we import energy . I've done a video of considering flux so that's worth a look.
Winters coming so agile might be tempting but that needs automation or daily inputs to optimise and could be cheaper but might not be ..it depends on the weather basically . More storms more wind
@@EVPuzzle right, more storms, more wind - so true. I've had agile since February, and what I've noticed is that the amount of sun hardly affects energy prices, but the prices almost always get cheaper when it's windy. Like you say, the only way to make this pay properly is through automations.
@@EVPuzzle Thanks Nigel from what I've seen so far i think Go would be best for me as i think I'll be able to get by with out using up both powerwalls . i dont need to heat the whole house , if i was younger i would start again with a cabin in a field.
@@rodden1953 it's all about the number of hours you need cheap rate import for . The smaller your import needs the more options you'll have. Bigger more inefficient EV, bigger house loads and bigger battery need more hours charging .
That's why I try to keep loads small and keep efficient otherwise I'm always chasing the need for more cheap energy faster
@@EVPuzzle i do import very little as im on my own and with the two Powerwalls , im retired so im home a lot but i think with the Air 2 Air i can keep my rooms warm with them running from the sun in the day for almost free some days . im hoping to save quite a bit this winter without the gas .
Audio working
Cheers , talking on a headphone mic feels weird but I suspect better quality as it filters out noise around me quite well.
Sorry but that is the kind of reviews you were with respect doing with those power stations and panels :(
I disagree
@@EVPuzzle your opinion :) Sorry and mine :)
@@ndudman8 that's fine , which review did I say it was great and it's not or suggest a design is better but it's not or just happy clap it? Itd help to know which you think were in that category so I avoid in future .
@@EVPuzzle Its a fine line and I don't envy getting things for free, being happy to get more things for free in the future and trying to carefully step in a video, of Roberts type of channel (I don't like his, for other reasons as its very low on info/and high on propaganda and happy clappy everything is great), but its differcult to review a sector of tools/machines when a person dosn't have experience in that sector, and I don't mean you have to be a gardener or landscaper or a certificate holder, but just a more informed consumer, that people become if they actually spend their own money, made decisions that cost them and they regret with products they actually bought compared to things we get to if we make a video. We are all generally positive about something when we get a new shinny thing for free, and most low volumn small channels I think are like that... like or don't like my feed back to you, but perhaps take it in the spirit its mean and don't be so defensive?
Defensive ? Moi? 🤣