Thinking of buying an EV - here's my experience

[AussiePete]

Folks, I've written up a bit of a blog based upon my experience of buying and running my MG ZS MK1 EV.

Would be good to get some constructive () feedback

So you're thinking of buying an EV

PG Tips Solar and battery Octopus

pghintsandtips.blogspot.com

 

[MG Clive]

Very good @AussiePete, I love the petrol pump charger

 

[JohnV6]

Excellent. That is my experience also

 

[Bam Bam]

Folks, I've written up a bit of a blog based upon my experience of buying and running my MG ZS MK1 EV.

Would be good to get some constructive () feedback

Cheers for this.

It is great to get more friendly and encouraging advice out there from more regular people/drivers/users. It all seemed like good advice to me.

I hope it doesn't sound condescending to say I like your writing style. (You're probably a professional writer or something)

Also loved your retro "petrol" pump . I initially assumed that the photo was the commercial one and wondered what yours looked like.

I hope you don't mind but I noticed a few very very minor things...

• You put 'their ugly' but didn't say what about them was ugly
• You mentioned "internal chargers" but that could be misleading, since the internal inverter is for AC charging not DC. Maybe better to say something like 'rapid charge rate limit.'
• You've got "Gowhich" without a space
• "Be cautios of" should have an extra u

Unless you want to keep those in there for a bit of authenticity!

 

[AussiePete]

Cheers for this.

It is great to get more friendly and encouraging advice out there from more regular people/drivers/users. It all seemed like good advice to me.

I hope it doesn't sound condescending to say I like your writing style. (You're probably a professional writer or something)

Also loved your retro "petrol" pump . I initially assumed that the photo was the commercial one and wondered what yours looked like.

I hope you don't mind but I noticed a few very very minor things...

• You put 'their ugly' but didn't say what about them was ugly
• You mentioned "internal chargers" but that could be misleading, since the internal inverter is for AC charging not DC. Maybe better to say something like 'rapid charge rate limit.'
• You've got "Gowhich" without a space
• "Be cautios of" should have an extra u

Unless you want to keep those in there for a bit of authenticity!

Thank you for the feedback & it's not condescending at all .

I've fixed the errors except the internal charger one as I do mean the AC inverter/charger inside the car. The ZS has a 7kW inverter-charger, which means if you plug into a 22kW type 2 it will still only ever charge at 7kW.

 

[Bam Bam]

I've fixed the errors except the internal charger one as I do mean the AC inverter/charger inside the car. The ZS has a 7kw inverter charger, which means if you plug into a 20kw type 2 it will still only ever charge at 7kw

Ahh got you, yes, not many MGs seem to offer three phase charging in the UK. Mine included.

Fine for me though as we have single phase at home and DC for when out and about.

 

[Susanna]

May I just add my two penneth?

I would advise anyone to firstly check whether they can have a home EVSE installed before deciding to go ahead and buy an EV. If you are on a looped mains supply, there MAY be an issue. As I understand it from my electrician, the DNO or National Grid may refuse permission for additional EVSE’s if others on your loop already have one. I am on a looped mains supply, and had no issues - National Grid eventually replaced mine and my neighbour’s cut outs with 80amp fuses - but the neighbour would be refused permission to install an EVSE unless they agreed to have a new supply laid, which would involve digging up their driveway.

 

[Bam Bam]

May I just add my two penneth?

I would advise anyone to firstly check whether they can have a home EVSE installed before deciding to go ahead and buy an EV. If you are on a looped mains supply, there MAY be an issue. As I understand it from my electrician, the DNO or National Grid may refuse permission for additional EVSE’s if others on your loop already have one. I am on a looped mains supply, and had no issues - National Grid eventually replaced mine and my neighbour’s cut outs with 80amp fuses - but the neighbour would be refused permission to install an EVSE unless they agreed to have a new supply laid, which would involve digging up their driveway.

My MIL had a charger fitted despite being on a loop with her neighbour who had an EV charger. Had to wait a few months for the de-looping after at least one cancellation.

The electrician considered it ok to install hers immediately because the neighbour had replaced his EV van with an ICE one so wasn't using the charger any more.