UK switching to electric vehicles discussion

[The Ham]

Volkswagen announces the new Polo and id Polo - apparently the ICE version and EV version will be the same price.

So a nice small car, with decent range and from a well known manufacturer.

One thing that intrigued me was:

Could this be 'gamechanger' that people with no off street parking are waiting for?

It's got a similar range (maybe slightly more if the Polo is lighter) to the Vauxhall Frontera at a very similar price point (in Germany).

The away from home charging could be very useful for those without parking near their home.

 

[BananaRepublic]

Volkswagen announces the new Polo and id Polo - apparently the ICE version and EV version will be the same price…..

There is no “new Polo”, only the new electric ID. Polo.
The current, unrelated ICE powered Polo continues on sale, possibly given another mild facelift to keep it in the line up until the market drifts away and regulation puts it out of production.

The ID. Polo’s sister car, the Cupra Raval was formally publicly revealed a couple of weeks ago.
Slightly larger crossover versions of this model come in the form of the VW ID. Cross and Škoda Epiq.
All going on sale imminently and due to arrive this year.

.

 

[brad465]

A Morrisons' car park down the road from me is having a huge dedicated charging station with several bays and a roof installed that makes it look like a petrol station (I'm willing to bet this roof will have solar on it that will help charge the vehicles using it). As charging speeds and battery ranges improve, driveway infrastructure won't be so necessary, as cars can be charged at a rate and manner comparable to using a petrol station.

 

[jon0844]

A Morrisons' car park down the road from me is having a huge dedicated charging station with several bays and a roof installed that makes it look like a petrol station (I'm willing to bet this roof will have solar on it that will help charge the vehicles using it). As charging speeds and battery ranges improve, driveway infrastructure won't be so necessary, as cars can be charged at a rate and manner comparable to using a petrol station.

I expect it will be an MFG EV station with EV chargers, air, vacuum and car washing facilities. I think Morrisons sold off their petrol stations and some car parking space to allow these to be built alongside or near to the traditional pumps.

 

[Mawkie]

I expect it will be an MFG EV station with EV chargers, air, vacuum and car washing facilities. I think Morrisons sold off their petrol stations and some car parking space to allow these to be built alongside or near to the traditional pumps.

They do create impressive sites, which obviously has a cost to provide that infrastructure. Unfortunately, that means MFG offer some of the most expensive public charging out there! My local one is £0.79 per unit.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Apr 2026 ==

There is no “new Polo”, only the new electric ID. Polo.

Apologies for misleading the forum. (Misheard a YouTube review.)

 

[jon0844]

Plunge pricing with 25% off at seven different charge operators right now due to high levels of green generation (I assume Agile users are getting paid too?).

This is for Octopus Electroverse users.

 

[cactustwirly]

The government is dumb for keeping petrol at such a low level, given that the media portrays it as expensive anyway. This means there's no point keeping petrol so cheap. It should be at least £2 per litre by now, given that the £1 per litre mark was passed more than 20 years ago, so in real terms it is much cheaper than it was 20 years ago. They might as well make it really expensive as it will make no difference politically as the media will put the boot in either way. It would help government finances and encourage EV use without the need for incentives.

Worth noting that it would be politically suicidal and not beneficial
If people pay more for fuel they have less disposable income for other stuff which drives the economy, ie restaurants, pubs etc.
If people cut down on journeys the government gets less tax through fuel duty

If you increase the cost of fuel, it drives inflation as we will see very soon. Costs of basically everything globally has gone up due to increased transportation costs and this will eventually be passed onto the consumer.
Most consumer goods will be delivered by road on diesel lorries etc

 

[telstarbox]

Ah I used an Ionity spot earlier and wondered why it was cheaper!

 

[johncrossley]

Worth noting that it would be politically suicidal and not beneficial
If people pay more for fuel they have less disposable income for other stuff which drives the economy, ie restaurants, pubs etc.
If people cut down on journeys the government gets less tax through fuel duty

If you increase the cost of fuel, it drives inflation as we will see very soon. Costs of basically everything globally has gone up due to increased transportation costs and this will eventually be passed onto the consumer.
Most consumer goods will be delivered by road on diesel lorries etc

Everybody already thinks petrol is expensive even though it is dirt cheap, so there's no difference politically between £1 per litre and £2 per litre. Just note how much whinging there is about gas prices in the US when it is vastly cheaper than the UK. The marginal cost of driving is vastly lower than public transport. We are supposed to be grateful there is a £3 bus fare cap but the marginal cost of a typical 2 mile drive is way lower than £3. The low cost of petrol also discourages the shift to EVs.

 

[jon0844]

Everybody already thinks petrol is expensive even though it is dirt cheap, so there's no difference politically between £1 per litre and £2 per litre. Just note how much whinging there is about gas prices in the US when it is vastly cheaper than the UK. The marginal cost of driving is vastly lower than public transport. We are supposed to be grateful there is a £3 bus fare cap but the marginal cost of a typical 2 mile drive is way lower than £3. The low cost of petrol also discourages the shift to EVs.

My reasons for switching to an EV weren't solely down to the cost of fuel (my last ICE car was pretty economical). While the clean air benefits weren't top of my list, the cheaper cost to run the car was a major factor. Cheaper charging, with the ability to use solar, another factor - as well as the ability to start every day with a car offering over 200 miles.

Not needing to go anywhere near a petrol station was another big benefit, given I often had to queue for 15-20 minutes (in order to get cheaper fuel at my local Costco). Given I can get a nice public charge (on the rare occasions I need to) in 15-20 minutes, and I can at least be somewhere other than inside my car or standing next to a pump, there are plenty of reasons to make someone switch.

And, subjectively, an EV is nicer to drive. The instant power reminds me of my days with performance cars, and not the usual ICE cars most people are comparing to an EV - like some clanky diesel or a car with a 1.2ltr 3-cylinder engine.

 

[E27007]

Worth noting that it would be politically suicidal and not beneficial

On the topic of fuel prices and politics of the electorate, did we have "fuel protests" in 2000? As fuel prices rose to high levels, the lorry drivers went on strike and among other effects, nationally the fuel stations ran dry and the economy stalled, I think the Govt political response was a budget measure of price restraint, the fuel duty escalator introduced in 1993 was either suspended or eased to pacify the voter, the easement of the fuel duty escalator seems to be a permanent measure to this day

 

[The Ham]

On the topic of fuel prices and politics of the electorate, did we have "fuel protests" in 2000? As fuel prices rose to high levels, the lorry drivers went on strike and among other effects, nationally the fuel stations ran dry and the economy stalled, I think the Govt political response was a budget measure of price restraint, the fuel duty escalator introduced in 1993 was either suspended or eased to pacify the voter, the easement of the fuel duty escalator seems to be a permanent measure to this day

Yes there were fuel protests pretty much as you describe. Although, mostly it was the impact of people keeping their cars topped up which was a significant issue (in the same way which many new users of EV's have range anxiety when their car is showing less than 100 miles as that's when they would fill up their petrol car).

This meant that people were queuing to access a petrol station, such then lead to more fuel being used due to those queues.

The big difference now is that ICE car travel is no longer so closely aligned to economic benefit.

For example, the impact of such a fuel protest now would be far more muted.

First off, a lot of people who are able to would WFH at least a bit more (companies would be less rule heavy on being in the office).

That's before you factor in the already significant reduction in business travel due to virtual meetings being fairly normal.

5% of car users would be able to carry on as usual (although these are most likely to be above national average in terms of miles travelled, and so it may be that is 5-10% of car miles travelled.

Due to things like the above, it means that there would be far fewer people needing to keep their car above 50%, and so the economic impact would be more limited.

 

[Mawkie]

The big difference now is that ICE car travel is no longer so closely aligned to economic benefit.

For example, the impact of such a fuel protest now would be far more muted.

But I remember a fuel 'scare' in recent years (perhaps 2023?) where there was no actual shortage, but there was a perception of a shortage. That led to enormous queues getting into petrol stations, and those queues delayed my daily drive to work by 5-15 minutes for a week or so.

So it seems ICE drivers are still sensitive to price and shortages.

I think I heard there has been a big uptake in interest in EVs since the Strait of Hormuz situation - the question will be: has that spike in interest resulted in increased EV sales?

 

[birchesgreen]

Well Reform tried to hold a big fuel protest event a few days ago and it was a huge flop as no one turned up, so who knows?

 

[jon0844]

I think I heard there has been a big uptake in interest in EVs since the Strait of Hormuz situation - the question will be: has that spike in interest resulted in increased EV sales?

It appears to be the case in most countries going by what's being reported all over the Internet. Much of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and more.

Interest in solar panels, battery storage and heat pumps has also increased. Some companies are now having to turn down business or are putting people on waiting lists to have panels installed.

People (and Governments) are rightly looking to become less dependent on fossil fuels going forward. Even if this conflict is resolved, or paused, nobody can be thinking it can't or won't happen again.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 1 May 2026 ==

Well Reform tried to hold a big fuel protest event a few days ago and it was a huge flop as no one turned up, so who knows?

It's funny how Reform tried this, when their idol - Donald Trump - has been trying to tell his supporters to be patriots and suck up the price increase and be happy that it's a price worth paying to not be nuked by Iran....

 

[The Ham]

But I remember a fuel 'scare' in recent years (perhaps 2023?) where there was no actual shortage, but there was a perception of a shortage. That led to enormous queues getting into petrol stations, and those queues delayed my daily drive to work by 5-15 minutes for a week or so.

So it seems ICE drivers are still sensitive to price and shortages.

I think I heard there has been a big uptake in interest in EVs since the Strait of Hormuz situation - the question will be: has that spike in interest resulted in increased EV sales?

In 2023 the percentage of cars which were EV's was 2.5%, now it's 5.5%.

Sometimes percentages are hard to visualise.

In 2023 for every EV there were 39 ICE vehicles.

Now that's 17 ICE for each EV.

Whilst still a way to go, it's likely that the impact is it were to be repeated again the impact would be lower.

 

[E27007]

My reasons for switching to an EV weren't solely down to the cost of fuel (my last ICE car was pretty economical). While the clean air benefits weren't top of my list, the cheaper cost to run the car was a major factor. Cheaper charging, with the ability to use solar, another factor as well as the ability to start every day with a car offering over 200 miles.

Do your calculated savings in running costs of your ZEV over ICE include the demon of vehicle depreciation?

 

[jon0844]

Do your calculated savings in running costs of your ZEV over ICE include the demon of vehicle depreciation?

I got over 50% off the new price for having 5,000 miles on the clock. Plus, all cars depreciate.

So, no, it's not a consideration for me.

 

[trebor79]

I have seen 3-phase talked about a lot, but seen very few new build homes that actually have it in the UK. Retrofitting it is difficult to get from the DNO.

Weirdly, out 1989 built house (and I assume the two neighbours built at the same time) has three phase installed to the meter box, but only 1 phase has a fuse installed. Every other house in the village has a single pause supply.

 

[Ediswan]

Weirdly, out 1989 built house (and I assume the two neighbours built at the same time) has three phase installed to the meter box, but only 1 phase has a fuse installed. Every other house in the village has a single pause supply.

Odd things happen. During the 1970s power cuts we lived in a semi-detached house where the two halves were on different distribution circuits for power cuts.

 

[Stephen42]

In 2023 the percentage of cars which were EV's was 2.5%, now it's 5.5%.

Sometimes percentages are hard to visualise.

In 2023 for every EV there were 39 ICE vehicles.

Now that's 17 ICE for each EV.

Whilst still a way to go, it's likely that the impact is it were to be repeated again the impact would be lower.

While it's a big increase in relative terms for EVs, it's a drop in the ocean in terms of number of ICE vehicles no longer needing fuel. According to RAC from fuel duty data, the volume of petrol purchased increased by 8% from 2023 to 2025. Diesel consumption has slightly dropped over that period.

It will take a while longer to get into the position where a petrol shortage (or perceived one) would have much lower impact. Even after hitting that point for cars, fuel price shocks will still impact prices/inflation through the HGV fleet where EV uptake is far slower.

 

[SWT_USER]

I got over 50% off the new price for having 5,000 miles on the clock. Plus, all cars depreciate.

So, no, it's not a consideration for me.

I have followed and participated this thread loosely but haven't seen anywhere - what car did you go for in the end?

I'm coming to the end of my salary sacrifice - probably going to buy the ID3 I've had.

 

[The Ham]

Do your calculated savings in running costs of your ZEV over ICE include the demon of vehicle depreciation?

Not directed at me, however mine (on a band new car - Vauxhall Frontera) was based on 75% of the lease costs being the reduced fuel costs from being charged at home over paying for petrol.

If we brought the car at the end of the 4 year lease and continued to the end of the 8 year battery warranty the extra cost beyond that covered by fuel savings would be £11,000.

Some of that is offset by the 4 years of breakdown cover included. Some of that would be offset by reduced servicing requirements as well as the cost of key items (such as the cam belt) which could well need replacing during our ownership.

However, basically that would be the cost of the car that we'd likely have brought as the next car, and whilst after 4-6 years the car would still have some value when we come to replace it again, effectively after 8 years we'd have lost that much in depreciation on older vehicles anyway.

As such, even if we gave the EV away the day after the battery warranty expired at the end of 8 years; we'd be no worse off (and even with some reasonable luck with the need to replace items, still possibly better off).

That was calculated October last year, so before oil prices increased early this year and also before the reduction in electricity prices on 1st April.

 

[Harpers Tate]

..... all the while remembering that the battery itself will in all probability way, way outlast the warranty, so the car will continue to be a prefectly usable thing for some considerable time beyond.

 

[The Ham]

..... all the while remembering that the battery itself will in all probability way, way outlast the warranty, so the car will continue to be a prefectly usable thing for some considerable time beyond.

Indeed, I was being fairly conservative in what I was allowing for (for example not even allowing due scrap value).

Even at 50% it would be good enough for an up to 20 mile round trip each day and still only need charging every other day.

 

[trebor79]

..... all the while remembering that the battery itself will in all probability way, way outlast the warranty, so the car will continue to be a prefectly usable thing for some considerable time beyond.

Indeed. My Tesla has passed 100,000 miles and I expect the battery to still be usable at 200,000 based on current rate of degradation.

 

[E27007]

The ZEV I would consider is the Leapmotor TO3, the reasons: purchase price , battery range and general utility of the vehicle match my needs, any members on the forum who have a TO3 please post your opinions and experiences , especially real world range when air conditioning or cabin heating are required for comfort.

 

[jon0844]

The ZEV I would consider is the Leapmotor TO3, the reasons: purchase price , battery range and general utility of the vehicle match my needs, any members on the forum who have a TO3 please post your opinions and experiences , especially real world range when air conditioning or cabin heating are required for comfort.

Google must be scanning what I read because this video popped up on my feed;

 

[E27007]

Indeed, I was being fairly conservative in what I was allowing for (for example not even allowing due scrap value).

Even at 50% it would be good enough for an up to 20 mile round trip each day and still only need charging every other day.

Adding up your clues, purchase price indicates greater than 50% depreciation with 5000 miles from new, and the driving range when battery is severely degraded, is your ZEV a Dacia Spring?

 

[The Ham]

Adding up your clues, purchase price indicates greater than 50% depreciation with 5000 miles from new, and the driving range when battery is severely degraded, is your ZEV a Dacia Spring?

No, Vauxhall Frontera, brand new on a lease (someone else was talking about 5,000 miles so someone else took the first hit on depreciation).