http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Plan for electric car charging points across Scotland en Tue, 19 May 2026 15:18:08 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-307790 Thu, 30 May 2019 17:11:53 +0000 acsimpson 307790@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>"...the growth rate of licensed plug-in vehicles is outstripping the number of charging points available."</em></p> <p>I'm not sure that's a bad thing and is certainly inevitable. Once there are sufficient charge points to service a steady growth no new charge points are required for a while.</p> <p>I suspect the same statement has been true for ICEs for many years. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-307778 Thu, 30 May 2019 13:47:10 +0000 chdot 307778@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/big-oil-wants-kill-electric-vehicles" rel="nofollow">https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/big-oil-wants-kill-electric-vehicles</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-307758 Thu, 30 May 2019 12:11:47 +0000 ejstubbs 307758@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@IWRATS: Is it just me, or is it actually rather pathetic that someone who's spent thousands of pounds on a new leccy motah can't spend a few tens more to buy a safe extension cable to charge the blamed thing with?</p> <p>I can't remember off the top of my head what the connectors that are used in caravan sites to provide "shore power" are called, but AFAIK they are left hooked up in pretty much all weathers. If caravan/motorhome users can shell out for the right gear, why can't "ordinary motorists"?</p> <p>Someone living near me on Oxgangs Road has an EV and the "infrastructure" they have for charging it seems to be little more than a separate RCD-protected circuit and a weatherproof box for the outdoor socket. I'd have thought that any decent sparky should be able to put something like that in for ~1% of the purchase cost of the actual vehicle. (Then again, so many are bought on the never-never these days - including new-fangled financial tricks like PCP and PCH - that people probably look on them as a revenue item in their household budget, rather than a capital asset.) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-307740 Thu, 30 May 2019 09:11:38 +0000 chdot 307740@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://burgh.buzz/2019/05/25/burntisland-links-car-charging-points-in-place/" rel="nofollow">https://burgh.buzz/2019/05/25/burntisland-links-car-charging-points-in-place/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-307732 Thu, 30 May 2019 07:47:32 +0000 I were right about that saddle 307732@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/may/30/electric-vehicle-drivers-at-risk-by-charging-from-home-mains-supply">An inadequate public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in the UK is forcing drivers to take risks by opting for highly dangerous alternatives</a></p> <p>'Charity', 'forcing', 'UK'.</p> <p>Lots of thick cables coming to pavements and streets near you then. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-181720 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 13:15:09 +0000 chdot 181720@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Something wrong with that article"</p> <p>8% </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-181718 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 13:11:33 +0000 kaputnik 181718@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>and efforts to shift 15 per cent of all city commutes from motor vehicles to bikes by 2020 – up from eight per cent currently – will continue to move ahead, with plans to increase the share of budgetary spend on safe cycling routes, storage areas and other schemes to seven per cent.</em></p> <p>Something wrong with that article - no quote from Neil Greig?! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-181717 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 13:05:58 +0000 chdot 181717@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/city-plans-electric-car-points-and-solar-panels-1-3699665" rel="nofollow">http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/city-plans-electric-car-points-and-solar-panels-1-3699665</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-101739 Sun, 24 Feb 2013 07:59:36 +0000 Tulyar 101739@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Worth bearing in mind that not only can heat be pulled out from underground reservoirs but it can also be dumped there, so that all that wonderful surplus from summer month can be stashed away and only warm up the ground temperature by a degree or two.</p> <p>For electric cars the answer has to be car sharing for cars mostly used on local trips and returning after use to the same car club bay, where the chargers would be located. Car clubs also offer the financial resources and facility for intensive use that can justify the greater purchase cost, and the structured regime for maintenance and renewal of batteries etc which are not guaranteed for a car in private ownership (lithium batteries, with their low internal resistance, can facilitate some spectacular fires both within the battery and in the attached circuits).</p> <p>As eddie_h notes these 'initiatives' coming from the Scottish Government are only half thought through. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-101734 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 23:04:04 +0000 neddie 101734@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I love all that talk about hypersonic aircraft and accessing anywhere in the world within an hour*...</p> <p>What they don't tell you is that forcing your way through the atmosphere at Mach 7, or whatever, generates vast amounts of heat. 1000s of degrees C., and no way to dissipate it.</p> <p>That is why they only fly for a few 10s of seconds, any more and they would melt.</p> <p>* Krispy Kreme doughnut emporium excluded </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-101557 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:43:52 +0000 kaputnik 101557@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There was a proposal this week for a scheme for Glasgow to try and harvest the heat out of the various flooded mine workings under the suburbs to provide community heat.</p> <p>The depth and extent of workings to the east of Edinburgh (particularly Newcraighall and Monktonhall) must be good for that sort of thing too. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-101550 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:24:07 +0000 cb 101550@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Talking of home-generated power, has anyone else seen the house on Biggar Road at Fairmilehead?<br /> It has had lots of lovely new PV panels installed - on a north facing roof! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-101546 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:18:10 +0000 crowriver 101546@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Another area is in transportation, with the light, portable reactors powering supersonic aircraft and flying cars without the danger or radiation. It could even be used to power a space plane capable of reaching orbit without stages or external fuel tanks.</em></p> <p>Just as well physicists don't run transport policy. Instead, we leave it to ex-Marines... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-101520 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:21:58 +0000 cc 101520@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Zawodny says that the most logical first application of LENR is the home reactor, which would produce heat and electricity for the home while charging the family electric car."</p> <p><a href="http://www.gizmag.com/nasa-lenr-nuclear-reactor/26309/">NASA's basement nuclear reactor</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424&page=2#post-99724 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 19:04:13 +0000 cb 99724@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There's a review of the Renault Twizy Quadricycle in the latest AtoB.<br /> Two seats (one in front of the other), 9.4bhp and 52mph top speed. They reckoned on an all in cost of 21p-27p per mile for people doing 9000 miles per year. Similar to many electric bikes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99721 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 18:16:34 +0000 kaputnik 99721@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Our very own Lord Provost is convinced enough to be <a href="http://cameronrose.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/lord-provost-trialling-new-car.html">trialling a Prius plug-in Hybrid</a>. Apparently he's very passionate about something or another. Chauffeured cars, I think. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99379 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:47:27 +0000 crowriver 99379@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>But Green MSP Alison Johnstone said the small number of power points in Edinburgh was a sign of the “chicken-and-egg nature” of promoting electric cars.</p> <p>She said more effort should instead be spent on improving public transport and cycling routes.</em> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99373 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:33:17 +0000 cb 99373@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/fears-electric-car-charging-posts-will-go-unused-1-2778353">Fears electric car charging posts will go unused | The Scotsman</a></p> <p>"A SCOTTISH Government consultant has conceded he does not expect people to use electric car charging points being installed at as many as 24 new locations across the Capital." </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99356 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:15:14 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 99356@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<em>I'm still waiting for someone to explain to me exactly why cars that aren't race cars need to be lugging around 160 horsepower engines.</em>"</p> <p>I can't really comment. My car is closing in on 190, and there are plenty of less powerful options available in the same model.</p> <p>Of course you're mixing up <em>need</em> with <em>want</em>. I can't explain why I <em>need</em> so much power under the right foot; but could wax lyrical about why I <em>want</em> (or <em>like</em>) to have that on tap (more about acceleration that top speed with horsepower to be honest - apparently I could do about 140mph if I wanted to).</p> <p>One day I'll get to the Nurburgring...</p> <p>What it boils down to is 'enjoyment'. Which is the same reason I get on the bike every day; and why I don't drive in city traffic if I can avoid it; and why I enjoy driving on the Isles (the other upsside of my particular model being that it handles much much better - better brakes, better grip, better suspension etc etc etc). That sounds like I'm trying to argue that it's 'safer', which I'm not. If you've got more power you need more 'stability'.</p> <p>Had a really interesting car chat with Roibeard and Smudge at the last PY - definitely possible to enjoy having a powerful car without being a muppet behind the wheel.</p> <p>Ramble ramble vroom. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99353 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:01:29 +0000 Min 99353@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Funnily enough though, just like oil is usually only found in commercial abundance in politically unstable parts of the world...</em></p> <p>Or if they weren't politically unstable before they soon will be. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99346 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:40:14 +0000 steveo 99346@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Lithium is one or the more abundant elements in the Universe, due to it being a 'waste' product of fusion in stars.</em></p> <p>The problem is economic supplies of the Lithium salts used to make litium batteries are quite rare, much less common than oil. Funnily enough though, just like oil is usually only found in commercial abundance in politically unstable parts of the world...</p> <p><a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10077965-54.html" rel="nofollow">http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10077965-54.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/17/bolivia-lithium-reserves-electric-cars" rel="nofollow">http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/17/bolivia-lithium-reserves-electric-cars</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99344 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:31:49 +0000 kaputnik 99344@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>It delivers 160 horsepower </em></p> <p>I'm still waiting for someone to explain to me exactly why cars that aren't race cars need to be lugging around 160 horsepower engines.</p> <p>Yes I know a lot of drivers want to think that their cars do perform like racing cars, but considering a vehicle never needs to (legally) get beyond 70mph, surely some significant savings could be achieved with even smaller, lower-powered engines. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99342 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:25:23 +0000 mgj 99342@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Spent yesterday swithering about applying to be the policy lead on this (LCVs) but it does sound just a bit meh </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99297 Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:25:23 +0000 neddie 99297@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I suspect the future of powering cars will remain the petrol engine. Like Ford's three-cylinder 1.0 litre turbo GDI (gasoline direct injection) EcoBoost engine with fixed-geometry turbocharger.</p> <p>It delivers 160 horsepower and 280Nm torques (equivalent to a 2litre Mondeo engine) but Co2 emissions are (a claimed) 90g/km (as good as a Prius Hybrid).</p> <p>Increasing electrification of the engine accessories e.g. valves will continue. Combined with energy recovery during braking, and stopping the engine while stationery could make a very lightweight, efficient and relatively inexpensive vehicle.</p> <p>See: <a href="http://eandt.theiet.org/magazine/2013/01/how-to-100mpg.cfm" rel="nofollow">http://eandt.theiet.org/magazine/2013/01/how-to-100mpg.cfm</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99295 Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:16:35 +0000 neddie 99295@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Lithium is one or the more abundant elements in the Universe, due to it being a 'waste' product of fusion in stars.</p> <p>The problem is the rare earth metals like Neodymium and Yttrium used in the magnets on the electric motors. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99286 Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:05:02 +0000 crowriver 99286@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>"Keith Brown said: "I look forward to the day when the only vehicles on Scotland's roads are electric vehicles, ...".</em></p> <p>Lithium shortage anyone? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99283 Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:07:58 +0000 slowcoach 99283@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Keith Brown said: "I look forward to the day when the only vehicles on Scotland's roads are electric vehicles, ...".<br /> Let's hope he's just forgotten the definition of vehicle and that our favourite vehicles (pedal cycles) will be allowed too. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99282 Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:36:57 +0000 minus six 99282@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just heard kool keith on the radio</p> <p>"Its vital we put the infrastructure in!" he exclaimed, while being hurled round Knockhill racetrack in an electric car... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99281 Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:26:52 +0000 chdot 99281@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<br /> But they have also argued that there will have to be major improvements to public transport and increased investment in measures to encourage drivers to leave the car at home and walk or cycle instead. </p> <p>"</p> <p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-21346299" rel="nofollow">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-21346299</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9424#post-99246 Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:53:10 +0000 crowriver 99246@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@steveo, aye but "a future where people can contemplate their dead end, redundant lump of scrap" doesn't have that visionary ring to it. </p>