Diesel & petrol alternatives? Your thoughts please

KellyHenderson replied on 14/09/2017 14:26

KellyHenderson

Posted on 14/09/2017 14:26

Good Afternoon,

Hopefully you have now received your September Club Magazine and read the Ask Your Club article (see attached photo) regarding the future of caravanning post 2040.

Have you already changed your vehicle from diesel to petrol?

Is anyone already towing with a hybrid? Maybe a Tesla Model X?

Has the news affected your plans for your next towcar?

It will also be interesting to see how motorhomes evolve into hybrids and/or electric models, which alternative to diesel would you prefer to buy; Hybrid or electric?

Are you concerned about so few alternatives to diesel at the moment? Would you choose petrol instead if they were more widely available? There is now a VW T6 camper with a petrol engine available.

Has this news made you think about switching to a car and caravan? Equally would caravanners consider trading in their car and caravan to purchase a hybrid or electric motorhome?

From the questions above, we would love to have your feedback.

One thing is for sure, there will be some interesting times ahead.

Gallery

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593 replies

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 24/02/2022 17:13

Rocky 2 buckets

Posted on 24/02/2022 17:13

Batteries are the stumbling block & how to hold charge longer without damage or compromising their safety. There are lots of options under development with a big promise but bringing them to the market safely is the issue & takes time upscaling ideas. VW have 3 partnerships going forward. Scale again is the issue, the world can’t just keep cramming 18650 cells into cars with crossed fingers🤷🏻‍♂️

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Tinwheeler replied on 24/02/2022 17:20

Tinwheeler

Campervanner from Cornwall

Posted on 24/02/2022 16:29 by ChocolateTrees

Like you - I feel pretty positive around this. The roll-out of chargers is all about money and process rather than technology, and the good news is that Shell and BP have both identified that charging is now a profitable business for them. It's that magic commercial angle that will make things grow.

On the batteries front, there are two parts, 1) the commercials around todays technologies and chemistries which are improving with scale and 2) the development of new tech and chemistries that will bring faster charging, improved energy density and longer ranges.

StoreDot, are a development company (the same people behind the SanDisk thumb drives) who are working on a silicon based battery capable of being charged by about 100 miles (35 to 50 kWh) in 5 minutes, and have demonstrated their battery at small scale.

And Nio (a Chinese car company under the same banner, Geely, who own Volvo, Polestar and the LEVC) are planning to bring battery swap locations to Europe with their brand.

I am a bit sceptical about battery swap models, but you have to say - it sounds very attractive for towing.

Lots to be excited about.

Posted on 24/02/2022 17:20

Certainly big companies getting on board with the provision of charging facilities will move things forward. It’s in their own interests of course as Shell and BP will eventually see petrol & diesel sales fall off.

The battery developments sound very encouraging and don't forget Lithium is being mined in Cornwall just up the road from me. As a bonus, that has to help the employment situation locally.

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Rocky 2 buckets replied on 25/02/2022 09:44

Rocky 2 buckets

Posted on 24/02/2022 17:20 by Tinwheeler

Certainly big companies getting on board with the provision of charging facilities will move things forward. It’s in their own interests of course as Shell and BP will eventually see petrol & diesel sales fall off.

The battery developments sound very encouraging and don't forget Lithium is being mined in Cornwall just up the road from me. As a bonus, that has to help the employment situation locally.

Posted on 25/02/2022 09:44

As an aside-Shell have already moved into the energy supply market👍🏻, they supply me.

Tinwheeler replied on 25/02/2022 10:22

Tinwheeler

Campervanner from Cornwall

Posted on 25/02/2022 09:44 by Rocky 2 buckets

As an aside-Shell have already moved into the energy supply market👍🏻, they supply me.

Posted on 25/02/2022 10:22

I'm pleased to hear it 🙂

GTrimmer replied on 01/04/2022 14:16

Member

GTrimmer

Caravanner

Posted on 01/04/2022 14:16

How high do petrol prices have to go until it's worth developing a car that runs on printer ink?

1 person likes this

ChocolateTrees replied on 01/04/2022 14:49

Member

ChocolateTrees

Caravanner from Northamptonshire

Posted on 01/04/2022 14:16 by GTrimmer

How high do petrol prices have to go until it's worth developing a car that runs on printer ink?

Posted on 01/04/2022 14:49

Or single malt...

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replied on 01/04/2022 15:05

Posted on 01/04/2022 14:16 by GTrimmer

How high do petrol prices have to go until it's worth developing a car that runs on printer ink?

Posted on 01/04/2022 15:05

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

RedKite replied on 18/10/2022 15:27

Member

RedKite

Caravanner

Posted on 18/10/2022 15:27

OH is reading an American forum and has shown me the ultimate towing vehicle possibly, due to be launched next year is a electric only Rolls Royce at today's dollar/pound rate is about 410.0000 pounds for the top of the range Phantom model and by 2030 will be only selling only electric cars not sure about the shape 5.5m long 2m wide and weighs 3 tonnes phew.