02-03-2023, 11:03 AM
In theory, pressing the brake on an electric or hybrid should regenerate first and only then actually apply the brakes. Software should make the whole thing seamless. If the ammeter is to be believed, on both Peter's Audi and my Skoda, then this is exactly what's happening. It just feels wrong when you are used to easing off the accelerator to slow down, rather than actually braking. That's why I select the regne mode that best suits my driving style.
I'm not convinced about hybrids. The Toyota Prius has made its name by being as economical in town as in steady driving. Along with utter reliability, this has made it the minicab of choice. Plenty of hybrids don't live up to this. The low CO2 figures claimed for plug-in hybrids are largely an artefact of the test methods. Unless you are doing such short journeys that you can do them largely on battery then they are complete fiction. Because of the small batteries in plug-in hybrids the battery range is small. Often very small in practice because running ancillaries uses a greater fraction of battery if the battery is small.
Pure electric is still not ready for all uses. But the cars are getting better and better. Poor reliability hasn't helped, with expensive brands such as Audi, Jaguar and even Tesla having problems. On the flip side, Kia are making very practical and reliable electric cars. The charging network still leaves much to be desired from what I've read. If you can't charge in your own driveway then charging is expensive too.
I'm not convinced about hybrids. The Toyota Prius has made its name by being as economical in town as in steady driving. Along with utter reliability, this has made it the minicab of choice. Plenty of hybrids don't live up to this. The low CO2 figures claimed for plug-in hybrids are largely an artefact of the test methods. Unless you are doing such short journeys that you can do them largely on battery then they are complete fiction. Because of the small batteries in plug-in hybrids the battery range is small. Often very small in practice because running ancillaries uses a greater fraction of battery if the battery is small.
Pure electric is still not ready for all uses. But the cars are getting better and better. Poor reliability hasn't helped, with expensive brands such as Audi, Jaguar and even Tesla having problems. On the flip side, Kia are making very practical and reliable electric cars. The charging network still leaves much to be desired from what I've read. If you can't charge in your own driveway then charging is expensive too.
www.borinsky.co.uk Jeffrey Borinsky www.becg.tv
