TDLR: My 2015 Model S got a reconditioned battery, under the 8 year battery warranty. While the cells in the original battery were fine, with ~6% degradation, the battery case had suffered water ingress. Tesla looked after us with courtesy car(s) as it took a five weeks. New battery? No, not the keyfobs. Though I've … Continue reading It really happened – broken Tesla battery!
Why Tesla?
This is why. Hopwood Park services off the M42. Non-Teslas can't use this particular site as it's deemed "high-usage". It happened to be empty when I arrived! On a 260-mile drive I needed a 10 minute charge to get home (or face driving ~150 miles at 50mph on the remaining charge). The Gridserve public chargers … Continue reading Why Tesla?
Tesla Model S charging in cold weather
Update December 22- the software now notifies you when your battery is heating up before charging! This is very useful since the charge will take longer. Say you've not used the car much over the weekend, it's not fully charged and you need to make a surprise trip on Monday morning. It's mild weather and … Continue reading Tesla Model S charging in cold weather
EVs in 2021 and Scotland in the Model S
In 2021 EVs are coming from most manufacturers, and at some rate too. Back in 2015 when our Tesla was new, around a thousand a month were registered in the EU. In September 2021, over a thousand a day were registered! Recently on my commute along the M4, I usually see at least one car … Continue reading EVs in 2021 and Scotland in the Model S
Goodyear All-Season tyres on the most efficient electric car
The Ioniq 28kWh is/was the most efficient car you could buy. A small part of this is down to the Michelin Energy tyres. I have been using these and other eco-tyres for many years in previous ICE (fuel) cars, with good results. I could get up to 95mpg out of a Skoda Fabia for example. … Continue reading Goodyear All-Season tyres on the most efficient electric car
I’m on a budget, what electric car should I buy?
In short- a used one that suits most of your needs. It will always be more economical to hire a car for the long trips; or make an adventure of it and take a short range EV across the country, its up to you. You pay a lot for extra range that you may not … Continue reading I’m on a budget, what electric car should I buy?
Holidaying with a short-range pure EV
Instead of a week jetting off to the Canary Islands, this October we took our Hyundai Ioniq electric to South Wales. Partly because of concerns over booking travel close to an impending Brexit deadline, and partly concerns over my carbon footprint - I've already had 2 long flights this year, partly down to holidays. Wales … Continue reading Holidaying with a short-range pure EV
The Ioniq electric battery cooling fan!
Under the false floor in the trunk/boot lives this black duct, taking hot air from the battery... ...to this centrifugal fan. Air then passes out of the car... ...via this flap into the right rear wheel well. I have no idea what this box of tricks does though. Hope it's not too bothered by the … Continue reading The Ioniq electric battery cooling fan!
Smart EV charging using Agile Octopus and Ohme- and occasionally earning money
Note: this post was written in 2019 and a lot has changed since then in terms of energy prices! One way to minimise the cost of running an EV is to use an off-peak electricity tariff. Mind you, there's not much to save. Even at the average domestic price of 15p per unit (kWh); 10,000 … Continue reading Smart EV charging using Agile Octopus and Ohme- and occasionally earning money
Tesla Model 3 test drive compared to an Ioniq electric
Model 3 Standard Range + So, finally the Model 3 has arrived on UK shores. Driving an Ioniq electric, I sometimes get asked "when will you get a Tesla?", as if its the goal of every EV driver. Funny how nobody ever asked "when are you getting a BMW M3" when I drove a Skoda! … Continue reading Tesla Model 3 test drive compared to an Ioniq electric
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