The EV fact thread

[BTB 500]

I did read a while back that MB were going to provide OTA updates for the infotainment system firmware.

But I believe that most firmware updates still require STAR, and need to be done physically at the dealer.

You're probably right. The last update mine shows was for the 'communication module' ... I guess that could be part of the infotainment system although presumably used by the 'SOS' functionality. Still avoided a trip to the dealer though

 

[Dryce]

Perhaps someone with a new car can confirm?

Coincidentally enough I had a notice on my MBUX screen this morning that there had been an update to the info system.

There also the 'digital extras' that are enabled / disabled over the air depending on whether they are activated by one off payment or subscription.

Not sure that firmware updates for things like ECUs are safe to do remotely. These systems should really be kept as separate as possible from the infotainment setup.

 

[poormansporsche]

Jaguar iPace drivers have had to deal with a number of issues.

They’re a popular choice in my team, and they’ve all had a replacement heater on at least one occasion, and some have had the replacement fail too - they seem more like to fail in winter ironically.

I don’t know whether the heater is unique to EVs - I suspect it is - but I’m told that it’s not unique to Jaguar and affects other car brands too. It’s a real pain for the owners though, especially in winter.

The other very common fault - which most seem to have had - is a leaking windscreen. I’m told it’s down to insufficient adhesive/seal applied at the factory. Not an EV thing, could be a cost saving thing.

Shame though as they all really rate the car apart from these very common issues. All information secondhand from people who drive cars rather than love cars, so details on cause are light!

Interesting.

The heater on the Leaf seems "all or nothing" and have heard this is true for other EVs with straight electric heaters and not heat pump systems.

As soon as you press the heater button the in yer face range instantly drops by 15%.

These 2 factors combined I should imagine results in a lot of turn off n on action which as we all know is not good for electric components.

Or it could just be that JLR electric heaters are £hite........

 

[markjay]

Interesting.

The heater on the Leaf seems "all or nothing" and have heard this is true for other EVs with straight electric heaters and not heat pump systems.

As soon as you press the heater button the in yer face range instantly drops by 15%.

These 2 factors combined I should imagine results in a lot of turn off n on action which as we all know is not good for electric components.

Or it could just be that JLR electric heaters are £hite........

My IONIQ 5 comes with a standard PTC heater, and I also have the optional Heat Pump. The PTC heater's output temperature can certainly be adjusted?

 

[Mactech]

Too EV, or not to EV?

Porsche mulls new ICE Macan amid drop in brand's sales | Autocar

“Conceptual decisions are being made” after brand's sales fall year-on-year

www.autocar.co.uk

 

[moonloops]

BT scraps EV charging point scheme having only installed one

It hoped to turn 60,000 roadside green cabinets into chargers - but now says it will focus on wifi instead.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[markjay]

I am currently in the Swiss Apls. I have a 4x4 Suzuki here, with a 1.4L petrol engine. I drove it today to the retail park down in the valley to do some shopping.

Prior to that, I only used the car locally around the village, and so it was no surprise when the remaining range this morning showed as 150 km - short journeys, cold engine, low gears, and snow tyres are not a recipe for great fuel economy.

As I was driving down the mountain, I was mostly using manual mode and changing gears with the pedals to ensure engine braking rather than using the brakes. The engine sips little fuel in this scenario, and so 10 km later, when I reached the valley, the remaining range was already 360 km.

After another 10km of driving on a level main road at a decent speed of 80km, the remaining range was showing a staggering 470 km remaining.

When I headed back up the mountain later in the afternoon, the range started going down again as the little engine was shifting down gears and revving-up to climb the steep uphill road. By the time I got back to the village, it was down to 260 km remaining.

Why am I posting this? Because I am sure that the trip computers on most ICE cars behave in a similar way, possibly more so when equipped with smalller enginr, but I don't recall people thinking that it was an issue?

When it comes to EV, however, some people seem livid if the remaining range unexpectedly goes down after they started their journey.

 

[Dryce]

Why am I posting this? Because I am sure that the trip computers on most ICE cars behave in a similar way, possibly more so when equipped with smalller enginr, but I don't recall people thinking that it was an issue?

They've alwas worked this way AFAICR.

When it comes to EV, however, some people seem livid if the remaining range unexpectedly goes down after they started their journey.

Is this not one of the fundamental tenets of this thread.

The more religiously didactic advocates in EV fraternity feel obliged to post trip reports about how they travelled to Jupiter and on the way only stopped twice for a gravity slingshot and really enjoyed the coffee and cake at the Phobos services just off the Mars interchange. While others will equally obliging point out that they prefer not to stop and didn't just get to Jupiter but had enough to go on to Saturn and Neptune even though they didn't need to go there.

But the fundamental is - because the EV tends to start with a lower range - so less headroom - and the perception is that they are a bit less convenient to refill (in terms of time and available infrastructure) - ios an issue for buyers. And the there is the issue of whether vehicle buyers actually go to Jupiter that often - or whether they potter about on urban trips from the Earth to the moon.

So I think we are all used to the range from the onboard computer being recalculated. You would not be making the comment in this forum if an EV could manage the same distance on a charge as an equivalent car with a full tank of hydrocarbons.

Instead would the comment posted not be made on other characteristics - good or bad?

 

[Karalen]

Too EV, or not to EV?

Porsche mulls new ICE Macan amid drop in brand's sales | Autocar

“Conceptual decisions are being made” after brand's sales fall year-on-year

www.autocar.co.uk

Wondering if Macan EV has a great 2025 this thinking will change.

The addiction to instant torque will spread.

 

[Bellow]

What happens is the rust bubbles into quite a large bubble and then it pops and then fluid leaks out at a dramatic rate.

I am currently in the Swiss Apls. I have a 4x4 Suzuki here, with a 1.4L petrol engine. I drove it today to the retail park down in the valley to do some shopping.

Prior to that, I only used the car locally around the village, and so it was no surprise when the remaining range this morning showed as 150 km - short journeys, cold engine, low gears, and snow tyres are not a recipe for great fuel economy.

As I was driving down the mountain, I was mostly using manual mode and changing gears with the pedals to ensure engine braking rather than using the brakes. The engine sips little fuel in this scenario, and so 10 km later, when I reached the valley, the remaining range was already 360 km.

After another 10km of driving on a level main road at a decent speed of 80km, the remaining range was showing a staggering 470 km remaining.

When I headed back up the mountain later in the afternoon, the range started going down again as the little engine was shifting down gears and revving-up to climb the steep uphill road. By the time I got back to the village, it was down to 260 km remaining.

Why am I posting this? Because I am sure that the trip computers on most ICE cars behave in a similar way, possibly more so when equipped with smalller enginr, but I don't recall people thinking that it was an issue?

When it comes to EV, however, some people seem livid if the remaining range unexpectedly goes down after they started their journey.

More pertinent for many is that they can re-instate full operating range in an ICE vehicle in less time than it took you to type that post.

 

[BTB 500]

After running their iX5 'pilot' for some time it looks like BMW is committing to hydrogen fuel cell powertrains (alongside ICE/BEV/PHEV ... interesting that they expect to still be making ICE vehicles in 2028):

BMW will introduce hydrogen powertrains to its model line-up in 2028, as part of a plan to offer multiple zero-emission options.

The hydrogen fuel cell powertrain technology will be integrated into existing BMW models, complementing the existing electric, plug-in hybrid and internal combustion options.

BMW will jointly develop the new powertrain with Toyota, following more than a decade of collaboration on hydrogen systems.

Oliver Zipse, chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said: “This is a milestone in automotive history: the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle to be offered by a global premium manufacturer.

"Powered by hydrogen and driven by the spirit of our cooperation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility and it will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles.”

After successfully testing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide, BMW is now preparing for series production of vehicles with hydrogen drive systems in 2028 on the basis of the jointly developed next-generation powertrain technology.

BMW to launch hydrogen powertrains in 2028

BMW will introduce hydrogen powertrains to its model line-up in 2028, as part of a plan to offer multiple zero-emission options.

www.fleetnews.co.uk

 

[markjay]

They've alwas worked this way AFAICR.

Is this not one of the fundamental tenets of this thread.

The more religiously didactic advocates in EV fraternity feel obliged to post trip reports about how they travelled to Jupiter and on the way only stopped twice for a gravity slingshot and really enjoyed the coffee and cake at the Phobos services just off the Mars interchange. While others will equally obliging point out that they prefer not to stop and didn't just get to Jupiter but had enough to go on to Saturn and Neptune even though they didn't need to go there.

But the fundamental is - because the EV tends to start with a lower range - so less headroom - and the perception is that they are a bit less convenient to refill (in terms of time and available infrastructure) - ios an issue for buyers. And the there is the issue of whether vehicle buyers actually go to Jupiter that often - or whether they potter about on urban trips from the Earth to the moon.

So I think we are all used to the range from the onboard computer being recalculated. You would not be making the comment in this forum if an EV could manage the same distance on a charge as an equivalent car with a full tank of hydrocarbons.

Instead would the comment posted not be made on other characteristics - good or bad?

Do you prefer the plethora of never-ending Diesel mpg threads..........? Usually complete with photos of the dash computer...

 

[markjay]

They've alwas worked this way AFAICR.

Is this not one of the fundamental tenets of this thread.

The more religiously didactic advocates in EV fraternity feel obliged to post trip reports about how they travelled to Jupiter and on the way only stopped twice for a gravity slingshot and really enjoyed the coffee and cake at the Phobos services just off the Mars interchange. While others will equally obliging point out that they prefer not to stop and didn't just get to Jupiter but had enough to go on to Saturn and Neptune even though they didn't need to go there.

But the fundamental is - because the EV tends to start with a lower range - so less headroom - and the perception is that they are a bit less convenient to refill (in terms of time and available infrastructure) - ios an issue for buyers. And the there is the issue of whether vehicle buyers actually go to Jupiter that often - or whether they potter about on urban trips from the Earth to the moon.

So I think we are all used to the range from the onboard computer being recalculated. You would not be making the comment in this forum if an EV could manage the same distance on a charge as an equivalent car with a full tank of hydrocarbons.

Instead would the comment posted not be made on other characteristics - good or bad?

I fully understand that the consequences of getting stranded with zero battery are more dire than getting stranded with an empty fuel tank. The point I was making is that people seem disappointed - often complaining - that the 'remaining range' changes as they drive. It's odd how people expect perfection from a gauge that was never perfect in any ICE vehicle before. I believe that this is, in part, why people find it difficult to adjust to EV - for some reason, they have a whole different range of expectations from their cars once they are electric.

 

[ChipChop]

A Tesla Cybertruck, which is illegal to drive in the UK due to safety concerns, was seized last night by police in Manchester. Greater Manchester Police said: "Whilst this may seem trivial to some, legitimate concerns exist around the safety of other road users or pedestrians if they were involved in a collision with the Cybertruck." It said the vehicle, which was registered and insured abroad, was confiscated and they had reported the driver, who is a UK resident. What a prawn.

Tesla Cybertruck: Bury driver stopped in vehicle banned in UK - BBC News

The eye-catching vehicle, which carries a price tag of about £48,000, is not yet legal on UK roads.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[markjay]

More pertinent for many is that they can re-instate full operating range in an ICE vehicle in less time than it took you to type that post.

I am a slow typer... you could probably refuel your car with a rotary manual pump!

 

[markjay]

A Tesla Cybertruck, which is illegal to drive in the UK due to safety concerns, was seized last night by police in Manchester. Greater Manchester Police said: "Whilst this may seem trivial to some, legitimate concerns exist around the safety of other road users or pedestrians if they were involved in a collision with the Cybertruck." It said the vehicle, which was registered and insured abroad, was confiscated and they had reported the driver, who is a UK resident. What a prawn.

View attachment 166577

Tesla Cybertruck: Bury driver stopped in vehicle banned in UK - BBC News

The eye-catching vehicle, which carries a price tag of about £48,000, is not yet legal on UK roads.

www.bbc.co.uk

And rightly so. You can't come to the UK from the US with two 6-round colt revolvers in your gun belt just because it's legal back home in Texas..... And you should not be allowed to drive a Cybertruck in the UK just because it is legal in America.

 

[SmartAmg]

H

A Tesla Cybertruck, which is illegal to drive in the UK due to safety concerns, was seized last night by police in Manchester. Greater Manchester Police said: "Whilst this may seem trivial to some, legitimate concerns exist around the safety of other road users or pedestrians if they were involved in a collision with the Cybertruck." It said the vehicle, which was registered and insured abroad, was confiscated and they had reported the driver, who is a UK resident. What a prawn.

View attachment 166577

Tesla Cybertruck: Bury driver stopped in vehicle banned in UK - BBC News

The eye-catching vehicle, which carries a price tag of about £48,000, is not yet legal on UK roads.

www.bbc.co.uk

Suprised the Cops, knew what it was.

 

[tode]

^^^^ maybe someone whispered in their ear . . .

 

[clk320x]

A Tesla Cybertruck, which is illegal to drive in the UK due to safety concerns, was seized last night by police in Manchester. Greater Manchester Police said: "Whilst this may seem trivial to some, legitimate concerns exist around the safety of other road users or pedestrians if they were involved in a collision with the Cybertruck." It said the vehicle, which was registered and insured abroad, was confiscated and they had reported the driver, who is a UK resident. What a prawn.

View attachment 166577

Tesla Cybertruck: Bury driver stopped in vehicle banned in UK - BBC News

The eye-catching vehicle, which carries a price tag of about £48,000, is not yet legal on UK roads.

www.bbc.co.uk

It wasn’t seized because it was a ‘cyber truck’ more likely because it didn’t have valid insurance as he was a UK resident driving on a foreign policy.

Yianni drives one daily through London on Albanian plates which is insured correctly for him to drive, he was stopped by the police and had no bother.

The individually imported ones will also soon likely pass an IVA with a few adaptations such as rubber strips over the edges and be on UK plates.

It only made the news because it’s a Tesla. How many vehicles get seized for no insurance daily in the UK… Good click bait.

‘Old rusty merc falling to bits and a massive safety concern - seized for no MOT and scrapped’ probably wouldn’t get much attention, but far more common.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

After running their iX5 'pilot' for some time it looks like BMW is committing to hydrogen fuel cell powertrains (alongside ICE/BEV/PHEV ... interesting that they expect to still be making ICE vehicles in 2028):

BMW to launch hydrogen powertrains in 2028

BMW will introduce hydrogen powertrains to its model line-up in 2028, as part of a plan to offer multiple zero-emission options.

www.fleetnews.co.uk

It will be great to see more HFCs on the road, and interesting to see how they fit alongside other fuel/powertrain combinations. It will be fascinating to see how drivers at large perceive HCF suitability in terms of purchase cost, running cost, longevity, convenience, infrastructure, etc. It would be tragic if progress is thwarted by the general population not letting go of the past.