Simon currently runs a Renault Zoe GT Line 2021.
He is now 3 months into his lease with Onto and prior to this owned a BMW i3 for 4 years. Simon’s approx. annual mileage is 20,000-25,000 and he’s currently done 3,000 miles in his Renault Zoe.
Simon also rides electric unicycles and electric skateboards. This and lots of car reviews and further EV information can be found at his YouTube channel TheEVside.
What was the last ICE car you owned?
Nissan Qashqai
What got you into an EV in the first place?
My boss owned a Tesla but I could not afford one. I test drove loads of EVs before finding the BMW i3 which I fell in love with. It was a cost thing initially, the amount of money you save on EVs is great and then it became an environmental thing knowing what benefits it brings.
Initially, what did you find most confusing about EV ownership and how did you solve that?
It was how far I could go and push the car before you had to fill back up at first (range anxiety). However, that went after 1 month then at the time it was the silly amount of cards you needed to charge, thankfully a lot better now with contactless payment.
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What sources of information helped you e.g. people, groups, websites etc?
YouTube channels mostly.
What events would you recommend attending to learn more about EVs?
Check your local EV club such as the one I help run in Hertfordshire (HERTS EVs) and any one local to you, if you search on Facebook there is one for most parts of the UK. Also, Fully Charged LIVE when you can as it helps explain in plain English and you can test drive the cars which I think is part of the barrier of getting an EV.
What needs to happen to get more people driving an EV?
A test drive should be first and foremost, live with it for at least a few days. Don’t be put off if you don’t have off street parking. I have lived with an EV for 4 years without home charging. The other thing which is getting better is the charging infrastructure. Check Zap-Map and PlugShare to find your local chargers, work out what your average weekly mileage is and consider the less frequent longer-than-usual trips too. You will then find out how much real world range you actually need as most think they need more than they do.
Who is your EV hero/guru and why?
Other EV drivers, ones that have lived and breathed it and gone through the early days pain. Speak to us at chargers we won’t bite!
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for those people considering their first EV?
- Understand your real range – what you actually need not what you think you need
- Look at lease deals, whilst EVs can be expensive, leasing can provide some great deals
- Check what local charging infrastructure you have
- …and finally test drive, test drive, test drive!
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