Random EV Thoughts 2 - The Jimnying

Surely you’re not using solar to charge your car ?

But the majority do on occasion at a minimum. I anticipate it won’t be long before ESB eCars increase their rates, the rest will follow.

does charging the car help prevent clipping? I'm looking into solar at the moment and I thought clipping was when your DC output from the panels was greater than your inverters AC output, but wouldn't the car charger use AC?

In line with petrol increases- sure- but it remains that the vast majority of EV drivers won’t be using public charging daily or even weekly, have locked in their ESB rates and of course have much cheaper nite time rates than public charging.

ICE car owners are already paying around 150 euro extra per year on a weekly tank since last week and if predictions are true, may well end up spending 500-600 euro extra per year.
For most EV drivers, that 600 euro will be more like 162 euro over the course of a year - an equivalent full tank of my old ICE car costs me 63% less with my EV- that fact won’t change for me for the next year as my rates are locked in . For many it’s even cheaper than that if they have solar or a better night time rate.

Grab the value of second hand EVs while you can as demand is just about to increase greatly now 😉

“Most drivers that want an EV already have one.”

I’ve “wanted” an EV since early 2024- I eventually purchased in 2026 as I found the right car at the right price as well as my ancient ICE being on its last legs.

A lot of people are similar - they’re slow to buy but they’re getting there -the route into first time EV ownership for many 2 car households and families is likely going to be through the secondhand market and buying their second car as an EV - a “runabout” doesn’t need high range which is what most second cars are used for - local trips- - and many secondhand EVs still have battery warranty left no less tons of range

The equation right now is much higher running costs of ICE vs savings on service and running costs of EVs. In the economy we’re looking at job losses short term higher costs of everything and potentially higher taxes on ICE cars to encourage switching to EVs- sensible people will do the math.

Why are new EV sales rising then if everyone already had one? That makes no sense.....

You must have a big excess solar capacity relative to your inverter and battery sizes to really lose much DC generated due to clipping?? I Have a 6.4kwp system with 10kWh battery storage- I don't think I ever saw instances if any where I couldn't use the energy generated. Also - at least in my system the water is heated - although I've seen numerous instances on my diverter when the water reached peak heat and no further power could be taken until some of the water is used in the house.

“ Given that current EV owners are unlikely to give up theirs a hell of a lot of ICE drivers have absolutely no choice but to suffer far higher fuel costs over the next while.”

“Something to be sympathetic for especially for those already under financial pressure”

Not sure I understand - EV owners who buy new change their car very similarly to ICE car owners ie every 3 years- there’s plenty of EV cars in the second hand car market right now- New EV ownership is rising year on year so availability of second hand cars will only increase, lowering overall costs in the second hand car market.
If families are under financial pressure right now, they won’t be considering a car purchase- either new or secondhand - unless they absolutely need it- but if they do need it, then the lower costs of ownership of a good secondhand EV should be a serious consideration

And my point still stands - in fact you’ve just reinforced it - if demand swings to second hand EVs due to a fuel or cost of living crisis, then now is the time to switch

Not wanting to get into a back and forth on this but there are only 200k EVs on the road in Ireland at present. It doesn’t matter how these cars are distributed or even time shared plenty of people will be suffering financially as a result of these price rises.

My point was that anyone who really wanted one already has one. Increased EV sales currently is mainly down to simple economics rather than desire in my opinion;

Company car drivers are being forced into EV’s and a minimum PHEV’s due to the combined price increases for diesels and BIK hikes.
New EV’s are now sensibly priced and no longer command the unjustified premium over their ICE equivalents.
Many drivers don’t specifically “want” an EV per say but if it’s the cheapest way to go, take up will continue to rise.

Reality is what it is.
Current make up of company car fleets is factual. Look at what Drivalia/Ayvens etc. are registering in terms of vehicles. (Very few diesels other than commercial vans)

New EV prices have dropped since 2023, some by almost €10K. Fact

Want/Desire for a particular vehicle is obviously an individual opinion but if you think everyone “wants” an EV at this point you’re mistaken.

Want/Desire for a particular vehicle is obviously an individual opinion but if you think everyone “wants” an EV at this point you’re mistaken.

I didn't say everyone wants an EV, I don't think anyone has. You however did say this:

My point was that anyone who really wanted one already has one

Which is just as mistaken as believing that everyone wants an EV