Car (or bike) Chat!

[dave2010]

Grant

Re Kona - seems a good option.

Comparing with other petrol cars with gears - doesn't really make sense - see https://www.hyundai.co.uk/new-cars/k...E&gclsrc=aw.ds n
The EV should win hands down as effectively equivalent to an automatic. Also it will be relatively low pollution.

I'd still view the mileage claims with some scepticism, but it should be OK. Definitely go for the wall charger, but might be worth considering getting one with a tethered cable, otherwise the cable will probably get left lying around in the kitchen or elsewhere from time to time, collecting dirt and making the place untidy.

Also check out the charging software. Ideally you'd want to get a decent charge in about four hours overnight or in off peak times to keep the costs low. Some cars have start and end times for charging, some have mobile phone or computer apps to control the charge, but some will just keep going, which isn't really a good idea unless they charge very quickly. Ideally keep the battery operating between 30-40% and 70-75% to maximise battery life and convenience. That way the EV will nearly always be available for short (but reasonable) trips. If you ever have to do a longer trip, then planning the charging can be more problematic, unless you don't care about costs. Definitely go for a faster charge model - though I think the Konas all have that. Not all EVs do, though manufacturers are now mostly putting fast charging into all their EVs.

One other thing - if doing low mileage, make sure the tyres are kept pumped up. Low tyre pressure really does noticeably affect the range and electricity consumption.

[struth]

cheers dave.. you forgot its got a krell stereo too have to wait and see how it pans out re cancelling other

[CageyH]

This week, I have broken the 200mpg barrier. I am averaging 201.something. incredible stuff. I am using a bit of petrol every now and then.

We have loads of it here too!

As expected, the cold and dark are starting to have an affect on the electric range. I am up to 50% consumption of my battery without pre heating the car. I may start using a bit of petrol soon on the way home.

I will try pre-heating the car tomorrow to see if it improves.

[struth]

As expected, the cold and dark are starting to have an affect on the electric range. I am up to 50% consumption of my battery without pre heating the car. I may start using a bit of petrol soon on the way home.

I will try pre-heating the car tomorrow to see if it improves.

yes i believe battery performance drops with cold temps, say below 12c the battery preheating while on charger will help tho. also warming up the interior etc.

[struth]

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/...d-auction.html

Prisoner fans want a moke?

[Alex_UK]

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/...d-auction.html

Prisoner fans want a moke?

Crazy prices for a lot of classics these days - but then they are always going to reduce in numbers.

[Pigmy Pony]

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/...d-auction.html

Prisoner fans want a moke?

I think I'd prefer his Lotus 7.

[Marco]

Anyway, enough chat about electric pish I put this in the Brabster today, and it's like rocket fuel:

https://forecourttrader.co.uk/latest...659624.article

VROOOMM...!!



Marco.

[Pigmy Pony]

Anyway, enough chat about electric pish I put this in the Brabster today, and it's like rocket fuel:

https://forecourttrader.co.uk/latest...659624.article

VROOOMM...!!



Marco.

Texaco were probably keeping an eye on Shell's already-established 99 fuel to see how it sells, and decided it's worth it. Are there any figures published on performance gains? I could be tempted to stick some in the Volvo...

But my question is whether the performance gains are actually worth the higher price I assume it commands? I recently went over to Shell V-Power (which I assume is the same kind of thing) in order to get E5 fuel into the 'Blade rather than bog-basic (E10) unleaded. And I can't discern a difference to be honest. Mind you the bike is stupidly quick anyway (for an old 'un)

I could try the Texaco version next time, but I suspect all the 99 octane fuels will be much of a muchness.

[Marco]

Yeah, I agree with all of that. Of course 99 octane fuels have been around for some time, so Texaco, for whatever reasons, have been late to adopt it.

For me, it's not so much about the small increase in octane (or cetane level with diesel) improving performance, but rather which additives, from whatever fuel company concerned, does the best job at keeping influential key components of your engine clean, and therefore allow it to perform to the highest standards possible - and in my experience some fuels do that job notably better than others.

The additives used in 'premium' or 'supreme' fuels is what makes them more expensive and, in most cases, better for your engine over an extended period of time, than 'basic' varieties without such (or inferior versions of such) in them, sold in either supermarkets or independent filling stations, which is why I don't use them.

Therefore, it's important to consider that aspect of things and not focus too much on the small increase in octane or cetane levels, which in most cars the subsequent difference in performance will be negligible, but if one particular fuel, over time, does a much better job at removing any built-up sludge/deposits in your engine, and crucially through repeated use, maintains that level of cleanliness, then *that* is where you'll notice the difference!

In my case yesterday, I was directly comparing Texaco's previous Supreme Diesel (at 97 cetane), versus their new Supreme 99 Performance+ variety, crucially with its improved additives, and took the Brabster for a blast down the bypass (dual carriageway) towards Chester and back (approx 10 miles), and on the return journey definitely felt that the engine had a little more 'poke'. Therefore, whether the additives in the new fuel had removed gunk trapped somewhere in the engine, or whatever (such will always be the case, especially in diesels), there was definitely a noticeable small improvement in engine responsiveness after its use.

However, whether that will be the case in your bike, or anyone else's car, or not, will be subject to many variables, but I'll certainly be using it in the Brabster from now on!

Marco.