That's great, I'm always pleased to hear of another satisfied ZOE owner. I, too, remain extremely happy with mine. Enjoy! If you use the built-in sat nav and find it slows down over time, there's a video on the channel that explains how to fix that. That's the only issue I really suffer - pretty minor really
good advice. I regret getting an AC only non DC chargeable Zoe, but 99% we charge it at home overnight...so 250km range between charges is perfect for most missions.
Thanks. Yeah, I generally recommend getting a ZOE with the DC option if possible. It's easier for long trips but potentially also for residual resale. However, that option makes the car more expensive to buy, and as you say, the car's range from a home charger can get a lot of trips done with no other charging at all. Home charging is cheapest, so it's the most attractive when available. When not, AC public charging is the next most affordable. It's horses for courses; there is no single right answer
Warranty on used EVs is a big issue for me and thankfully there are dealers and websites providing additional warranty. I wouldn't want to buy an EV out of warranty. The exception is the KIA/HYUNDAI/MG EVs which have around 7 years warranty from new. This makes them very desirable. A few people have mentioned the Zoe, which is OK and cheap, but does still use the Chademo connector when most have gone Menekes type 2. Also check insurance quotes as some manufacturers are very expensive, e.g. Tesla.
Ah, it's interesting to hear about companies offering additional warranties. Is your concern about the battery and drivetrain, and do they cover that? The original ZOE ZE and the ZE40 only charge on AC. The ZE50 has optional DC rapid charging, but I'm happy to report that it's CCS where it is fitted, as it is on mine. Chademo is an interesting topic. I was going to mention it, but it's rare outside of the LEAF. Even then, I can't decide whether it's a liability or a benefit. I talked to a Soul EV owner - the original one - who liked that their car used Chademo. They found the chargers more likely to be available, because so few other cars used them. However, I prefer CCS because that's the network undergoing the majority of the expansion, I'd say
@@theelectrictransition Yes, anything to do with the motor/electronics TBH. I know the batteries are generally covered for around 8 years. That's right about Chademo, they probably aren't commonly used! I have type 2 connector at home so would need an adapter.
@sargfowler9603 Oh, that's an excellent point. If you have a TETHERED type 2 chargepoint, then an adapter would be required for a Chademo car, as Chademo cars use Type 1 AC connections. However, an untethered chargepoint would leave you with the option of a Type 1 to Type 2 cable, whixh are pretty widely available. I went with a tethered chargepoint, as it's a bit more convenient. However, should it ever need replacing, there are a few advantages to untethered. Hmm, you know, there might be a video in that!
Totally agree regarding charging speeds, and as a family we own 3 of the 4 cars you list as having "slightly pedestrian" charging speeds! On the longer journeys we do from northern Scotland, often 600+ miles and a minimum of 12 hours of actual driving, the car only needs to charge for 70-80 minutes in total to arrive with a reasonable buffer and that's not a lot of rest to be taking in such a journey; it's less than that required by a professional driver and recommended in rule 91 of the Highway Code. Charger output is a major factor in charging speeds, there are still a lot of 50kW chargers out there, or chargers that simply never get near their rated maximum, in those situations efficient cars are effectively faster charging, the same is true for destination chargers.
Thanks Gary, that's useful feedback to back up the video. Your point about 50kW chargers surprises me a little bit. I can't remember encountering those slow ones anywhere near as much recently. There are plenty of original, single charger locations with older chargers of that type, but I tend to avoid sites with a single chargepoint in case of it being in use. In other words, they definitely exist, but I didn't expect all that many people to use them for road trips. Do you see a lot of them on multi charger sites on your travels? The place I have seen them is at motorway services, but they are the original pair near the entrance to the building. Usually, those sites now have an additional set of chargers elsewhere, and the new ones are much faster. That's mostly Gridserve sites. Are 50kW chargepoints more common on the Chargeplace Scotland network, I wonder? I haven't been to Scotland in a long time, so I'm less able to call on experience when it comes to what's installed up there. 50kW is fine for my ZOE, though, of course, so I'm happy with any DC rapid charger!
@@theelectrictransition There are very few >50kW chargers north of Perth and west of Aberdeenshire, 3 Tesla sites, a couple of PoGo (1 or 2 chargers at each), and a couple of BP and a ForEV. Basically in all of Highland, Argyll, Western Isles, Northern Isles and Moray, an area the size of the Netherlands or Denmark, there are 8 sites with >50kW chargers, but there are about 130 with 50kW chargers although most of those have only 1 or 2 chargers. The problem is of course the availability of high power supplies in remote areas. I know what you mean about the legacy Gridserve chargers, however the last couple of times I used new Gridserve installations at Hilton Park and Burton-in-Lonsdale I was only getting about 40kW and other drivers were complaining of the same.
@garysmith5025 Oh, fascinating. Thanks for the reply. It's a bit more variable within the UK than I expected, that is good to know - or at least to understand the detail.of. One or two other people have highlighted similar differences at a high level
I am looking at the mg5 as it's a good mixed on range, size and value on the second hand market, i was tempted by the zoe but I need a bit more room and all other cars atm are much more expensive than the mg5.
I'd say that's a good idea. They do, indeed, seem to be good value, and Cleevely automotive have shown us they seem to stamd up to use very well. There are a couple of different generations of MG5 to consider, so EV database would be a good source of information on some of the differences. Click the 'Archive' link at the bottom of the page to see details of older cars that aren't available new any more
I was going to buy and MG5 in 2022, I had a test drive and it was great. The problem was in 2022 there were supply issues, probably still are and the dealer told me it could take 12+ months to get one, they didn't seem to want to sell it to me.
Winter range loss... a bit more than stated. We know that as a survey of charging for 180,000 EVs in UK was conducted by Element Energy in 2018. This looked at total Wh the fleet consumed, going from c. 0.8 GWh a day through summer to c. 1.07 GWh a day over winter. Assuming the same use patterns, then that is +33%. NB likely most vehicles on the road in 2018 would be using resistive cabin heating. Calc your needed winter range, and add a bit of margin! :) Reference: "EV Charging Behaviour Study" by Element Energy for National Grid ESO, dated 29th March 2019
Thanks for the information source, that's really interesting. If you are referring to the section on heat pumps, then I think the data more or less fits with what I said. I tend to think of winter range loss being just over 25% on a car with a heat pump, and almost 33% on one without. That means the heat pump is making a difference of about 5-7%, and that's what the £1000+ for a heat pump would buy you, if that's what the manufacturer tries to charge for it. VW, I'm looking at you
Or buy new and keep it for 15+ years, depreciation isn't then a factor and the warranty will last more of those years so less risk of expensive repair bills. I buy new because then I know how its been treated, not driven like it was stolen and for EVs that's important if you want to ensure the 20/80 rule has been followed.
I wouldn't use that as a go to method, especially with private sellers! I have bought new since the 90's, lost a lot of money but just don't care enough about the money, I care more about the experience and also giving others the chance to enjoy that experience. Some spend what I lose on one holiday, that is their experience, new purchases are mine. 🙂
It certainly saves money to buy privately, but I think it also opens you up to a greater risk of fraud. I'm not at all against people doing so, though, if they are happy to do so
@ True and that’s for the buyer and seller. Whenever I’ve needed to sell a car of any significant value I’ve always taken it to WBAC, not a popular place to sell a car and I’m sure I could get more but it’s a gamble especially if there is a few grand at stake.
I'm looking at getting a Citroen eC4. I've looked at one that's for sale privately. I was going to view it, but did an HPI check first and found that there is still PCP finance on it. Very dodgy.
bought a second hand zoe ze50 still under warranty, only my second week with the car but so far, could not be happier about the choice
That's great, I'm always pleased to hear of another satisfied ZOE owner. I, too, remain extremely happy with mine. Enjoy!
If you use the built-in sat nav and find it slows down over time, there's a video on the channel that explains how to fix that. That's the only issue I really suffer - pretty minor really
Bought a 71 reg Zoe R135 GT-Line this week, very good 2nd hand price. I am very happy with it.
@cptkremmen I'm glad to hear of another satisfied ZOE owner. They do represent good value for money at the moment, in my opinion. Enjoy!
good advice. I regret getting an AC only non DC chargeable Zoe, but 99% we charge it at home overnight...so 250km range between charges is perfect for most missions.
Thanks. Yeah, I generally recommend getting a ZOE with the DC option if possible. It's easier for long trips but potentially also for residual resale. However, that option makes the car more expensive to buy, and as you say, the car's range from a home charger can get a lot of trips done with no other charging at all. Home charging is cheapest, so it's the most attractive when available. When not, AC public charging is the next most affordable. It's horses for courses; there is no single right answer
Congratulations over 1000 subscribers who are interested in the truth & not anti EV news
Keep it up
Thanks Nigel, much appreciated!
Warranty on used EVs is a big issue for me and thankfully there are dealers and websites providing additional warranty. I wouldn't want to buy an EV out of warranty.
The exception is the KIA/HYUNDAI/MG EVs which have around 7 years warranty from new. This makes them very desirable.
A few people have mentioned the Zoe, which is OK and cheap, but does still use the Chademo connector when most have gone Menekes type 2.
Also check insurance quotes as some manufacturers are very expensive, e.g. Tesla.
Ah, it's interesting to hear about companies offering additional warranties. Is your concern about the battery and drivetrain, and do they cover that?
The original ZOE ZE and the ZE40 only charge on AC. The ZE50 has optional DC rapid charging, but I'm happy to report that it's CCS where it is fitted, as it is on mine.
Chademo is an interesting topic. I was going to mention it, but it's rare outside of the LEAF. Even then, I can't decide whether it's a liability or a benefit. I talked to a Soul EV owner - the original one - who liked that their car used Chademo. They found the chargers more likely to be available, because so few other cars used them. However, I prefer CCS because that's the network undergoing the majority of the expansion, I'd say
@@theelectrictransition Yes, anything to do with the motor/electronics TBH. I know the batteries are generally covered for around 8 years.
That's right about Chademo, they probably aren't commonly used! I have type 2 connector at home so would need an adapter.
@sargfowler9603 Oh, that's an excellent point. If you have a TETHERED type 2 chargepoint, then an adapter would be required for a Chademo car, as Chademo cars use Type 1 AC connections. However, an untethered chargepoint would leave you with the option of a Type 1 to Type 2 cable, whixh are pretty widely available.
I went with a tethered chargepoint, as it's a bit more convenient. However, should it ever need replacing, there are a few advantages to untethered.
Hmm, you know, there might be a video in that!
Totally agree regarding charging speeds, and as a family we own 3 of the 4 cars you list as having "slightly pedestrian" charging speeds! On the longer journeys we do from northern Scotland, often 600+ miles and a minimum of 12 hours of actual driving, the car only needs to charge for 70-80 minutes in total to arrive with a reasonable buffer and that's not a lot of rest to be taking in such a journey; it's less than that required by a professional driver and recommended in rule 91 of the Highway Code.
Charger output is a major factor in charging speeds, there are still a lot of 50kW chargers out there, or chargers that simply never get near their rated maximum, in those situations efficient cars are effectively faster charging, the same is true for destination chargers.
Thanks Gary, that's useful feedback to back up the video.
Your point about 50kW chargers surprises me a little bit. I can't remember encountering those slow ones anywhere near as much recently. There are plenty of original, single charger locations with older chargers of that type, but I tend to avoid sites with a single chargepoint in case of it being in use. In other words, they definitely exist, but I didn't expect all that many people to use them for road trips. Do you see a lot of them on multi charger sites on your travels?
The place I have seen them is at motorway services, but they are the original pair near the entrance to the building. Usually, those sites now have an additional set of chargers elsewhere, and the new ones are much faster. That's mostly Gridserve sites.
Are 50kW chargepoints more common on the Chargeplace Scotland network, I wonder? I haven't been to Scotland in a long time, so I'm less able to call on experience when it comes to what's installed up there.
50kW is fine for my ZOE, though, of course, so I'm happy with any DC rapid charger!
@@theelectrictransition There are very few >50kW chargers north of Perth and west of Aberdeenshire, 3 Tesla sites, a couple of PoGo (1 or 2 chargers at each), and a couple of BP and a ForEV. Basically in all of Highland, Argyll, Western Isles, Northern Isles and Moray, an area the size of the Netherlands or Denmark, there are 8 sites with >50kW chargers, but there are about 130 with 50kW chargers although most of those have only 1 or 2 chargers. The problem is of course the availability of high power supplies in remote areas.
I know what you mean about the legacy Gridserve chargers, however the last couple of times I used new Gridserve installations at Hilton Park and Burton-in-Lonsdale I was only getting about 40kW and other drivers were complaining of the same.
@garysmith5025 Oh, fascinating. Thanks for the reply. It's a bit more variable within the UK than I expected, that is good to know - or at least to understand the detail.of. One or two other people have highlighted similar differences at a high level
I am looking at the mg5 as it's a good mixed on range, size and value on the second hand market, i was tempted by the zoe but I need a bit more room and all other cars atm are much more expensive than the mg5.
I'd say that's a good idea. They do, indeed, seem to be good value, and Cleevely automotive have shown us they seem to stamd up to use very well.
There are a couple of different generations of MG5 to consider, so EV database would be a good source of information on some of the differences. Click the 'Archive' link at the bottom of the page to see details of older cars that aren't available new any more
My daughter has an MG5. She absolutely loves it😊
I was going to buy and MG5 in 2022, I had a test drive and it was great. The problem was in 2022 there were supply issues, probably still are and the dealer told me it could take 12+ months to get one, they didn't seem to want to sell it to me.
Winter range loss... a bit more than stated. We know that as a survey of charging for 180,000 EVs in UK was conducted by Element Energy in 2018. This looked at total Wh the fleet consumed, going from c. 0.8 GWh a day through summer to c. 1.07 GWh a day over winter. Assuming the same use patterns, then that is +33%. NB likely most vehicles on the road in 2018 would be using resistive cabin heating.
Calc your needed winter range, and add a bit of margin! :)
Reference: "EV Charging Behaviour Study" by Element Energy for National Grid ESO, dated 29th March 2019
Thanks for the information source, that's really interesting.
If you are referring to the section on heat pumps, then I think the data more or less fits with what I said. I tend to think of winter range loss being just over 25% on a car with a heat pump, and almost 33% on one without. That means the heat pump is making a difference of about 5-7%, and that's what the £1000+ for a heat pump would buy you, if that's what the manufacturer tries to charge for it. VW, I'm looking at you
ALWAYS buy second hand and privately, then you can never lose much in depreciation 😊.
Or buy new and keep it for 15+ years, depreciation isn't then a factor and the warranty will last more of those years so less risk of expensive repair bills. I buy new because then I know how its been treated, not driven like it was stolen and for EVs that's important if you want to ensure the 20/80 rule has been followed.
I wouldn't use that as a go to method, especially with private sellers! I have bought new since the 90's, lost a lot of money but just don't care enough about the money, I care more about the experience and also giving others the chance to enjoy that experience. Some spend what I lose on one holiday, that is their experience, new purchases are mine. 🙂
It certainly saves money to buy privately, but I think it also opens you up to a greater risk of fraud. I'm not at all against people doing so, though, if they are happy to do so
@ True and that’s for the buyer and seller. Whenever I’ve needed to sell a car of any significant value I’ve always taken it to WBAC, not a popular place to sell a car and I’m sure I could get more but it’s a gamble especially if there is a few grand at stake.
I'm looking at getting a Citroen eC4. I've looked at one that's for sale privately. I was going to view it, but did an HPI check first and found that there is still PCP finance on it. Very dodgy.