Hi Mark,
First of all, before you pick up your car, ask the dealer to make sure that the software version is the latest (probably R62). Otherwise, a couple of the features (such as this one
Are star buttons fixed yet?) will not work.
Next, I would think about signing up for a service plan, to fix your costs.
One thing that
almost caught me out (when I first got the car) is that I did not realise that the front parking sensors do not activate automatically (except under very specific circumstances). So my best advice is to 'swipe down' on the entertainment console, and press 'Parking sensor' button (to enable them) before parking
front-facing in any car park space. Don't assume that you can keep driving forward slowly forever!
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On the topic of EV charging, I was a complete newbie myself until 6 weeks ago. For what it's worth, here's my two cents:
- You will get a cable for public chargers, but not a 'granny charger' (3 pin plug)
- Unless you have a 'full' electric car, I don't think you need a 'proper' electric charger. For PHEVs, I think a granny charger is sufficient
- Assuming you agree with the granny charger way forward, you'll need to get one of course. There are loads of no-brand options on Amazon. Almost all are 13-amp
- However, I read somewhere that unless your house's electrics are 100% perfect, there's a risk of fire if you keep a 13-amp current for many hours on the run, so people recommend 10amp
- So I went for a "Masterplug EV Charging Cable, 5 Metres, Mode 2, 3 Pin UK Plug to Type 2 Car Charger, 2.4kW, EVCM221005". Very pleased with it
- Assuming you agree, then you're limited to 10amp, which equates to adding about 45% charge (approx 30 real-world miles) in 5 hours
- So long as you only drive a maximum of 30 miles per day, you should never need to charge it for more than 5 hours per day, or visit a petrol station!
- If you need an extension cable, then I purchased one from 'ToughLeads'
- They are not cheap, but they seem to be built bullet-proof, and I have no regrets on purchasing a 10 metre "EV granny charger 13A weatherproof extension lead with In-line RCD"
- You will want to get your electricity tariff moved to an EV tariff.
- I certainly am not an expert about which is best, so take my advice with 3 spoons of salt
- However, I did some finger-in-the-air calculation, and I decided to go with the EDF GoElectric tariff, which gives me 5 hours of cheap (9p per kWh) electricity per day (12am-5am). This is good enough for my needs!
- Therefore I can add approx 30 miles of EV range for £1 per night
- Then just configure your car to schedule charge only between 12am and 5am, and you're good to go!
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Hope this is helpful!
