Colin is retired and lives in Hamilton. He is a long-time driver and over the past year has made the switch to using an electric vehicle. His decision was influenced by the vehicle technology and the environmental benefits offered by the vehicle.
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What is your current vehicle?
Skoda Enyaq 60
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What are your thoughts on the vehicle?
Great car, easy to drive, can be quick for its size (especially Sports Mode). Lots of space inside, ambience enhanced by a panoramic roof. The infotainment system on the large screen works fine, a little slow to load, but clear & easy to use. Good to have some physical shortcut buttons for quick access to the screen eg climate controls.
Personally speaking the Ecosuite interior looks good & cabin feels quite plush & well finished. It’s a big car so a 360° camera including reversing camera is a necessity I think. Wouldn’t live without ACC, (adaptive cruise control), traffic sign recognition etc, which amazingly keeps me to the speed limit. Maybe because it’s so quiet I tend to enjoy a leisurely drive.
I added 21in wheels, which I don’t find adversely affects the ride. The economy is very dependent on how you drive, the weather etc. I’ve the regen paddles that seem to help. Getting 240/250 miles at the moment. It’s a 60, which was a conscious decision balancing price & range based on our needs. I ended up adding too many packs so not a cheap car. However, still better value overall compared to others eg Audi, VW, Mercedes etc & just as well built.
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What do you consider to be the challenges associated with EV ownership? If any..
Public charging network availability & etiquette for its use. -
Have you calculated any cost savings since switching to an Electric Vehicle?
Yes, average running cost £0.02 per mile vs £0.12 per mile on previous ICE car. -
What advice would you give to someone considering their first EV?
Only do it if you can install a home charger, better still if you have solar panels that can be used to top up power. -
What does your average journey look like?
Day to day journeys vary from 30 to 40 miles, with occasional 100 miles. -
What are your thoughts about the existing infrastructure to support EV drivers? Is it sufficient?
It’s insufficient the further you get away from main population areas.
