Misinformation:
I went to look at an electric car, yesterday. A Renault Zoe. Compared to other electric car offerings, it seemed to be good value. The range of the latest model has been extended to 250 miles but even the sales person agreed that such is unachievable in the real world. More like 124-186 miles under favourable conditions (even less with a ‘Quick Charger’ fitted). And it wouldn’t surprise me if these figures are only for a single occupant of 75Kg without baggage. So, in practical terms, the actual distances achievable may be less than half that bandied around in their makers. I don’t suppose that Renault is alone in this, though.
The sinister bit:
Having read through the brochure it would appear that data is transferred between the car and a data centre every time it is charged up. Even the ‘Homecharger’ appears to use a network to communicate with the centre. I asked what data is transferred and for what purpose but, unsurprisingly, the salesperson did not know…
I also asked if any data can be passed back into the car and, if so, for what purpose. It seems to me that there may be the ability to limit functions within the vehicle if needed (e.g. if the owner had not fully paid for their battery rental). So now I’ve written to them and am waiting for a reply...
I went to look at an electric car, yesterday. A Renault Zoe. Compared to other electric car offerings, it seemed to be good value. The range of the latest model has been extended to 250 miles but even the sales person agreed that such is unachievable in the real world. More like 124-186 miles under favourable conditions (even less with a ‘Quick Charger’ fitted). And it wouldn’t surprise me if these figures are only for a single occupant of 75Kg without baggage. So, in practical terms, the actual distances achievable may be less than half that bandied around in their makers. I don’t suppose that Renault is alone in this, though.
The sinister bit:
Having read through the brochure it would appear that data is transferred between the car and a data centre every time it is charged up. Even the ‘Homecharger’ appears to use a network to communicate with the centre. I asked what data is transferred and for what purpose but, unsurprisingly, the salesperson did not know…
I also asked if any data can be passed back into the car and, if so, for what purpose. It seems to me that there may be the ability to limit functions within the vehicle if needed (e.g. if the owner had not fully paid for their battery rental). So now I’ve written to them and am waiting for a reply...