Wagon style is popular in Finland (and probably other parts of Europe) as a practical design. But that's not really what's on the market in EVs, unfortunately. Skoda says they are planning some Fabia-Octavia style EV, but I don't think they have it, yet.
The Skoda Enyaq is pretty nice - though no idea about its towing capabilities. Likewise the MG5.
@graemecobb.com is brilliant at suggesting EVs to meet people’s needs.
Just suggested an MG 5 61 kWh.
Actually, what would you suggest to someone who needs minimum range 250 miles (preferably in winter) and is on a budget?
2nd hand eNiro. Mines still got full battery health, nearly 80k miles and you can pick one up with remainder of 7yr/100k miles warranty for around £9k Winter motorway range about 190-200 but much much further if A-roads etc (ie slower). reckon I could easily get 300 on A roads in Summer
Thanks! Will an eNiro achieve the same efficiency (miles/kWh) as a Hyundai Kona? (My Kona has averaged 4.8 miles/kWh.) And would a 64kWh Kona have the same range as an eNiro?
They are very similar cars! They both use similar components as they are sister companies. the eNiro gets slightly longer range but that is due to slightly larger battery. Oh and the extra 2 years warranty.
Thanks! And the eNiro has a bigger boot!
They are both great cars though and on my potential 2nd hand car options 😀 When I can get a charger on a terraced street or if public chargers become affordable!
Aye if you can get a gully put in, and I’d recommend 10m+ tethered cable so you can have a bit of flexibility on parking. You’ll save I reckon about £100 per 1000miles per month vs a 50mpg ICE if that makes sense? I don’t see most public charging being cheaper than ICE for the foreseeable
Seconded. Don't have one but a great choice on a budget.
Where I am, we need to know battery performance for temps of at least -20 c., colder for much of the country and depending on what kind of winter we have. Extreme climate & EV is a challenge on distance but not impossible (for a price).
Well you may be the market for Na or Na/Li
So the cold weather range stats on the website below are based on -10° so should give you an idea but any 🇳🇴 friends could give you better info It also has towing capacity, play with the filters by brand/price/towing capacity etc etc ev-database.org/uk/compare/e...
This guy does entertaining (but rather long!) videos about driving his electric Niro around Finland in the cold youtu.be/dd3kcLlocF8
Also, add up how much you will save on electricity cost compared to your current fuel costs. With this money in hand, you might afford a newer car (more capable) than you would normally expect to?
So many interesting responses! I’ve talked with people here in Finland who have hybrids and are v. Satisfied with them. They are rural & use charging for daily short runs and petrol for their longer trips. A v good compromise, IMO. So, even if e side is often underused, it is also a good option.
Thanks for the suggestion. I will take a look!
Agree- it's about the closest I've seen for us, but.. we have 2 everyday cars: ethanol converted Skoda- cost under 3000€ several years ago, Berlingo diesel cost 500€ last year. Enyaq starting 45 000 € 😂. So, it's just a different world.
the EV companies made a choice when they skipped making affordable, practical wagons. Maybe they will, now that the technology starts to be in place.
But you’re not comparing like with like. You’re comparing the price of new EVs with old second hand diesels. Have a look at the second hand EVs available in Finland - I’m sure there’s plenty available.
Though there's now a range of NEW EVs that you can get under £20,000, including Hyundai, Renault, BYD, Fiat, Vauxhall and many others.
Thanks. Probably time to start looking again and see what's what. My monthly long trip, round-trip on one charge, has been my line in the sand.
Does it need to be a round trip on one charge? Looks like there’s lots of chargers across Finland…
the charging at the other end could be challenging, but not insurmountable.
Yes, you are absolutely right! My point is just that I've never spent substantial money on a car, partly bc my partner can fix those ICE cars. So, to push up willingness to spend, it would have to tick all more boxes. I'd want a cold-tolerant EV stationwagon with range at an affordable price.
MG5.
you've got me googling 😆