A driver is warning people to ‘think twice’ before buying an electric vehicle. Hotel manager Rob Alcock bought his motor just four months ago and was disappointed when he failed to get over 120 miles from a single charge – despite the range being advertised as 209. When the Carnoustie, Scotland resident tried to return it with 3,000 miles on the clock, his dealer told him it had depreciated a whopping $19,000.
The Trouble Begins
Alcock purchased his EV in the hopes of embracing a greener lifestyle but found himself in a difficult situation. After driving only 3000 miles, his vehicle unexpectedly took an £11,600 ($19,000) hit in its value1. No accidents had taken place and the car had taken no damage; this price drop was strictly the “value of the vehicle”. But getting to 3,000 miles hasn’t exactly been easy for Rob.
This particular electric vehicle has an advertised range of 209 miles per charge, but whenever Rob uses it, he’s lucky to get 120. Additionally, he has noticed that using the heat in the car has a dramatic impact on how far he can go on a single charge. Driving through the winter in a vehicle that can go half its marketed distance and even less when the heat is on is a far cry from what’s expected in a £30,000 ($37,149) electric vehicle. Whether by misleading advertising or faulty machinery, Rob is not impressed.
The Cost of Going Green
While many drivers are attracted to the potential environmental benefits and lower fuel costs associated with electric cars, Alcock warns of the hidden costs that can come with EV ownership. Three months after ownership is a far cry from the depreciation value timeline he experienced, so he is doing all he can now to spread the word and deter others from leaving their diesel vehicles for the time being.
Alcocks’s experience highlights the importance of consumer awareness when considering the switch to an EV. While electric cars can offer environmental benefits and potential fuel savings when a company fails to deliver on its promises and buyback power is reduced by over a third, it’s hard to see the benefits of owning such a vehicle.
Alcock’s story serves as a reminder that although the EV industry has come a long way, there is still much work to be done. With Tesla leading the way and still having a myriad of issues in and outside of the news, it’s no wonder this comes as a disappointing but not shocking addition to the EV laundry list fo problems. Improvements in charging infrastructure, battery technology, and standardization are necessary to make EVs a more viable option for a larger number of drivers.
This cautionary tale serves as a reminder for drivers to carefully consider the potential challenges of EV ownership before making the switch. While electric cars have their benefits, it is essential for consumers to be aware of the issues they may encounter and make an informed decision that best suits their individual needs and circumstances. Alcock, unfortunately, was not in a position to do so, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t.