Volvo EV Progress

[Buckman]

You raise some valid points, I hadn't considered the change of ownership point. but with regards the MOT only kicking in after the third year, perhaps it becomes a requirement to have the VIN number and millage checked annually or when a car changes hands.

As for black boxes, I thought the insurance ones logged location as well as times.

Makes you wonder if they can clock the mileage as that could be easier than taking control of a vehicle remotely? It could be prevented if it was compulsory for a new MOT when the car exchanges hands and also the VED issued?

In SA when a car was sold it had to have a roadworthy certificate and insurance before you could buy a tax disc. However this created another problem in that when cars were sold privately in many cases the car was left in the old owner's name.

 

[RogerL]

There is alo the vauge possibility of people using EV's for future off road purposes, so yet again it would not be fair to charge on Electric down loads.

Why not? If we use our diesel vehicles off-road we still have to pay fuel duty with no rebate for the miles off-road.

 

[RogerL]

Makes you wonder if they can clock the mileage as that could be easier than taking control of a vehicle remotely? It could be prevented if it was compulsory for a new MOT when the car exchanges hands and also the VED issued?

In SA when a car was sold it had to have a roadworthy certificate and insurance before you could buy a tax disc. However this created another problem in that when cars were sold privately in many cases the car was left in the old owner's name.

Car manufacturers store the distance driven in several places, the visible display can be clocked but not all the others.

 

[Gafferbill]

......maybe track every EV as is being done with commercial aircraft.

https://www.flightradar24.com/51.31,-0.19/7

PS.....think of the fossil fuel being burnt above our heads.
About time we had electric aircraft

 

[otherclive]

Using MOT would be very unfair as the car could be have 2 - 3 owners in a year. Also MOT only kicks into action in third year. I think the black box is the way forward, but govt has realised that introducing the black box again they will probably suffer a huge loss. Will the black box "switch off" while travelling around the EU?

If my satnav knows when I travel between countries I’m sure a black box will. Later model cars are likely to be able to produce nearly enough data to be monitored. My last Kia and current Toyota were connected to their respective makers app when driving.

 

[otherclive]

You raise some valid points, I hadn't considered the change of ownership point. but with regards the MOT only kicking in after the third year, perhaps it becomes a requirement to have the VIN number and millage checked annually or when a car changes hands.

As for black boxes, I thought the insurance ones logged location as well as times.

The black box fitted to our granddaughters car after passing her test also logged speed against speed limit and driving style. IE acceleration, speed, braking and steering forces of some sort. So she could then go online to see her report with a status indication, and any generated warnings. Quite a sophisticated system. But after a set period from passing the test the insurer removed the box, and reverted to normal cover.

 

[otherclive]

There is alo the vauge possibility of people using EV's for future off road purposes, so yet again it would not be fair to charge on Electric down loads.

I didn’t get any relief from fuel duties when I took my Pajero off roading, so why should EVs unless used for agricultural purposes. But how many farmers qualify for red diesel for the LR?

 

[Dustydog]

If the XC40 EV knows where it is by the second and how far a range of charging stations are then it can’t be that difficult for the brains to record the mileage overall.

At say a yearly interval or when bought / sold the car transmits its mileage to HMG who issue a tax bill.

Pay as you drive,was looked at by Tony Blair but abandoned on the basis it was unfair and fraught with danger. Sunak brought it back to the table.

Most who have an EV are probably better off or company car users. I think any changes should be restricted to EVs and the current Road Tax system retained at sensible pricing for those who continue to drive ICEs, a lot who simply can’t afford an EV at this time.

 

[Mel]

Most who have an EV are probably better off or company car users. I think any changes should be restricted to EVs and the current Road Tax system retained at sensible pricing for those who continue to drive ICEs, a lot who simply can’t afford an EV at this time.

We didn’t even look at the price of a new EV but our used Corsa electric was a similar price or less than an ICE Corsa of similar age, mileage and spec.
Mel

 

[Buckman]

If my satnav knows when I travel between countries I’m sure a black box will. Later model cars are likely to be able to produce nearly enough data to be monitored. My last Kia and current Toyota were connected to their respective makers app when driving.

However as the VED is perhaps be built into the miles done, effectively perhaps then the car doesn't have VED paid?

 

[otherclive]

However as the VED is perhaps be built into the miles done, effectively perhaps then the car doesn't have VED paid?

Sorry I don’t understand your post. Recovering fuel duty and fuel vat is the discussion. VED can easily be changed into any number of vehicle categories.

 

[Buckman]

Sorry I don’t understand your post. Recovering fuel duty and fuel vat is the discussion. VED can easily be changed into any number of vehicle categories.

Easy to work out and understand.

 

[ProfJohnL]

There is alo the vauge possibility of people using EV's for future off road purposes, so yet again it would not be fair to charge on Electric down loads.

Presently the same can be said for off road enthusiasts who also drive on the road, they pay fuel duty and VED, and Ill bet they also pay full insurance costs if their policy has mileage ranges too.

 

[otherclive]

Presently the same can be said for off road enthusiasts who also drive on the road, they pay fuel duty and VED, and Ill bet they also pay full insurance costs if their policy has mileage ranges too.

As far as my Pajero off roader was concerned I just paid VED and fuel duty/vat as there's no distinction driving off road or normal road. The insurance policy had an estimated annual mileage which if I was going to exceed the limit I would contact the insurer and extend it. There was no distinction between off road and on road. The only aspect where there was a distinction between off roading and normal road driving was breakdown recovery. Off road you are out of cover and you have to sort yourself out. Hence the reason why in most instances you travelled as a minimum of two vehicles.

 

[Dustydog]

Here’s a brief update .

The OEM literature boasts a range of 293 miles per full charge.

Unsurprisingly this figure has never been achieved. It appears to follow the ICE mpg boasts which as we all know are vastly over optimistic in real world usage.

During the summer the best indicated range on the cars computer after a full recharge was 230 miles but more often 220 was displayed.

Now in the height of winter it constantly states the range after a charge as 170 miles. Bear in mind all the heaters , windscreen , seat heaters etc lights are in use. Somewhat disappointing but son says the battery doesn’t like the cold!

Charging at home is very cheap. Conversely long runs to the South West from North Yorkshire is inordinately expensive and time consuming . Fast chargers are still a bit of hit and miss, already occupied or non functioning . It doesn’t bother him because these lengthy journeys are only a few times a year.

Basically it’s a great car if used within a 50 mile radius of home and not thrashed at 70 mph on the motorway.. But as a Company car the Employee tax contribution is very reasonable compared to the ICE.

 

[GaryB]

Battery capacity in the cold is something I have noticed a lot with my PHEV. Charging at home to full from a 3-pin plug gives an indicated range of 35 miles in the cold, BUT switch on the heater and that drops to 23 miles! Charging at work (I don't know how many Kwh the chargers are) sees it charge to full in 2 1/2 hours and shows between 48 and 50 mile range (again, this drops by around 11 miles if you touch the heater). In EV mode (home charged), the mile range drops faster than actual miles driven at the start. As I have only owned it since October I haven't had chance to see how it fairs during the warmer months.

As DD has pointed out, if you're taking a company car, anything other than an EV really hurts with the BIK payments.

 

[Mel]

We find the range on the Guess-o-meter ( GOM) drops at a greater rate than miles travelled from fully charged; especially in that really cold weather we had recently. However as the battery levels drop toward the last 60 miles the GOM shows a much smaller drop compared to miles travelled. We are used to it now. Still getting around 160 miles of range. Also did the maths the other day and it is costing us about 3.5p a mile in fuel costs.
Mel

 

[Dustydog]

The XC40 Recharge has just completed a break at Alnwick , Lindisfarne etc. Alnwick to home Harrogate non stop, dark, at max speed limits.125 miles.
Started on 70% finished on 7%.
This trip he used Tesla chargers. Has the kit and App for payment. Only ever charged to 80%. 80 to 100% takes the same time as 0-80!

The Volvo wont allow fast charge above 80% . Something to do with too much heat?
Tobes will know 😉
So all in all not too bad. Time wise sticking to 80% didn't erode their pleasure time too much.
Going forward when away from home charging 80% will be his max to save time. Home overnight 100%. Charge.

Lessons this trip
Use Tesla chargers
Make 80% the max to save time
Travel at quieter times to maintain a steady speed
Still not for me and towing but the attraction is there for solo
Plus the 3 year old EVs are becoming very very cheap🙀

 

[Dustydog]

Had a big family get together this weekend with Son and Daughter.

Here’s some latest data on Son’s Volvo XC60. Recharge

June 2025 all charged at home overnight using his own system , part grid, solar panels and storage batteries.

520 miles cost circa £13 charged at 7.9p per kWh.

Discovered Hopwood services on M42 , 2 junctions from M5 now have Tesla fast chargers. Cost 53p per kWh. He charged 30% to 80% in a short time.

Other M Way services are charging as much as 89p per kWh.

Seems Tesla are maintaining 53p per kwh. On that basis if he was absolutely empty and wanted to charge to 100% he would pay £36.57 at a Tesla charger.
I have to say a lot lot less than a full tank of diesel would cost me.

He can easily drive from Hopwood Services to Harrogate without a charge and still power left ready to charge at home to 100% at 7.9 p per kwh.

So I can appreciate long distances with somewhat longer time span and keeping well within the speed limits the EV can work. The kit in the Volvo is very comprehensive but a lot more costly if things go wrong.

An EV is not suitable for me purely because I’m a tugger and do a lot of long journeys.

For those who do local or say journeys one way of 150 miles there is some merit to go all EV providing you can afford the car in the first place.

As said on another thread used 3 year old EVs can be found for 35% of their original purchase price. Finally neither I nor my son can see the point of going hybrid particularly if ICE s new sales will be binned in a few years?? Ducks now from the hybrid brigade

 

[otherclive]

Had a big family get together this weekend with Son and Daughter.

Here’s some latest data on Son’s Volvo XC60. Recharge

June 2025 all charged at home overnight using his own system , part grid, solar panels and storage batteries.

520 miles cost circa £13 charged at 7.9p per kWh.

Discovered Hopwood services on M42 , 2 junctions from M5 now have Tesla fast chargers. Cost 53p per kWh. He charged 30% to 80% in a short time.

Other M Way services are charging as much as 89p per kWh.

Seems Tesla are maintaining 53p per kwh. On that basis if he was absolutely empty and wanted to charge to 100% he would pay £36.57 at a Tesla charger.
I have to say a lot lot less than a full tank of diesel would cost me.

He can easily drive from Hopwood Services to Harrogate without a charge and still power left ready to charge at home to 100% at 7.9 p per kwh.

So I can appreciate long distances with somewhat longer time span and keeping well within the speed limits the EV can work. The kit in the Volvo is very comprehensive but a lot more costly if things go wrong.

An EV is not suitable for me purely because I’m a tugger and do a lot of long journeys.

For those who do local or say journeys one way of 150 miles there is some merit to go all EV providing you can afford the car in the first place.

As said on another thread used 3 year old EVs can be found for 35% of their original purchase price. Finally neither I nor my son can see the point of going hybrid particularly if ICE s new sales will be binned in a few years?? Ducks now from the hybrid brigade

Thanks for a useful feedback review. We stopped at Hopwood services recently en route back from the Lakes. Over the last couple of years they have really installed a large number of chargers and not just a Tesla ones. My only gripe is that they are at the far end of the car parking area and sit astride the multi avenue circulatory system and it was absolute chaos as once we were in it I couldn’t get out as EVs were waiting for a charging bay to become free. Plus manoeuvre space for quite large cars is limited.

 

[Tobes]

We were out for an 80th birthday party yesterday. 85 miles each way from home to Woking and back using the A43, M40 and M25. Terrible weather on the way down with lots of rain. Mixed bag on the way home. Roughly 170 miles all in, with 100% battery when we left, and got back on the drive at 27%. That gives a theoretical range of 232 miles. The car is now over 4 years old with 56,000 miles on the clock.

I have just had a quote from my lease provider to buy it, £18,300 including a 1 year warranty, and that is extendable to 3 years for £500, a cost worth paying I think, though the battery is still under manufacturers warranty until 2029.

At that price, I think its a bargain, and two of my children are considering buying it.

 

[otherclive]

We were out for an 80th birthday party yesterday. 85 miles each way from home to Woking and back using the A43, M40 and M25. Terrible weather on the way down with lots of rain. Mixed bag on the way home. Roughly 170 miles all in, with 100% battery when we left, and got back on the drive at 27%. That gives a theoretical range of 232 miles. The car is now over 4 years old with 56,000 miles on the clock.

I have just had a quote from my lease provider to buy it, £18,300 including a 1 year warranty, and that is extendable to 3 years for £500, a cost worth paying I think, though the battery is still under manufacturers warranty until 2029.

At that price, I think its a bargain, and two of my children are considering buying it.

What total mileage would a three year extended warranty go to. £500 is very good value. You could pay nearly that for a years warranty on some pre owned ICE cars.

 

[Dustydog]

We were out for an 80th birthday party yesterday. 85 miles each way from home to Woking and back using the A43, M40 and M25. Terrible weather on the way down with lots of rain. Mixed bag on the way home. Roughly 170 miles all in, with 100% battery when we left, and got back on the drive at 27%. That gives a theoretical range of 232 miles. The car is now over 4 years old with 56,000 miles on the clock.

I have just had a quote from my lease provider to buy it, £18,300 including a 1 year warranty, and that is extendable to 3 years for £500, a cost worth paying I think, though the battery is still under manufacturers warranty until 2029.

At that price, I think its a bargain, and two of my children are considering buying it.

Sounds a reasonable deal. Is that “mates rates” as the leaseholder?
Do you know what the original purchase price was, not what the lease company paid ?

As I said before my usage needs are more than the current EVs can achieve. Mr VW will tow the TA non stop Lindisfarne to Cirencester , 360, without a drink. Range solo on a good day is nigh 600 mls.
Glad to see you and my son are doing so well. Sounds like someone in the Tobes family will be getting a bargain👍

 

[ProfJohnL]

Had a big family get together this weekend with Son and Daughter.

Here’s some latest data on Son’s Volvo XC60. Recharge

June 2025 all charged at home overnight using his own system , part grid, solar panels and storage batteries.

520 miles cost circa £13 charged at 7.9p per kWh.

Discovered Hopwood services on M42 , 2 junctions from M5 now have Tesla fast chargers. Cost 53p per kWh. He charged 30% to 80% in a short time.

Other M Way services are charging as much as 89p per kWh.

Seems Tesla are maintaining 53p per kwh. On that basis if he was absolutely empty and wanted to charge to 100% he would pay £36.57 at a Tesla charger.
I have to say a lot lot less than a full tank of diesel would cost me.

He can easily drive from Hopwood Services to Harrogate without a charge and still power left ready to charge at home to 100% at 7.9 p per kwh.

So I can appreciate long distances with somewhat longer time span and keeping well within the speed limits the EV can work. The kit in the Volvo is very comprehensive but a lot more costly if things go wrong.

An EV is not suitable for me purely because I’m a tugger and do a lot of long journeys.

For those who do local or say journeys one way of 150 miles there is some merit to go all EV providing you can afford the car in the first place.

As said on another thread used 3 year old EVs can be found for 35% of their original purchase price. Finally neither I nor my son can see the point of going hybrid particularly if ICE s new sales will be binned in a few years?? Ducks now from the hybrid brigade

Each person has to make up their own mind about the sensibility of going for ICE, Hybrid or full EV. Their choice will almost certainly include the running costs. For my self I viewed the type of milage mix between local and longer distance, and at the time my annual 3K consisted of about 2K miles of local journeys of under 30miles round trip for hospital and other medical appointments mainly for my wife, and about 500 miles of 40 to 80 miles, and only 300 or so for longer holiday type miles.

I had been running a 2.0L diesel Passat, but a number of things were conspiring against it. Firstly the preponderance of short local journeys caused the DPF filter to become full and I was having to deliberately take longer routes or make special journeys to regenerate the filter. Any mpg savings by using diesel were wiped out by the extra mileage and time I was doing to unblock the DPF.

I had consciously decided to move to an EV of hybrid, with a view to home charge on cheap rate electricity. This would also save me the Ulez charges when I had to pass through Birmingham on the way to various Hospitals.

If I had specified my car on the basis of a 300 mile EV range, then it would mean having to buy a car with a significantly larger (and heavier) battery than I needed for most of my journeys. As it is I opted for a Passat PHEV with a 30 mile pure EV range, which is enough for about 80% of the journeys we did. The vehicle was also happens to be more economical when in ICE only mode than my previous diesel.

For me the PHEV route has been fine, but I do think there is now a much wider choice of full EV's are more reasonable purchase cost, and I will probably go full EV when my Passat is no longer appropriate.

New EV's have evolved remarkably quickly, and there are solutions that will meet many more drivers needs now than just 5 years ago. Both the cars and the charging networks will continue to improve the offer and even more drivers will find that an EV is a viable solution for their personal transport needs. But there will still be some drivers for a variety of reasons who will find EV's are not the direct replacement for an ICE vehicle. So it remains a matter of personal choice.