What's the problem with electric cars?

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

I agree that cheaper models need to come out with better range, but they can't sacrifice on safety too much. The Dacia Spring has a 1 star euro NCAP rating. For a new car to the market at this day and age, that's truly shocking.

Cheaper models, better range and good safety systems in an ideal world, but safety drives up the cost. People often say in the construction industry for example "safety has no cost"... I assure you it does.

I agree with your point but the Dacia Spring meets all current crash protection and safety legislation, it’s legal to sell and drive, Euro ncap is a voluntary standard and it could have scored 0. It’s not that shocking, several other models from mainstream manufacturers scored the same.

[The Thong]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

I agree with your point but the Dacia Spring meets all current crash protection and safety legislation, it’s legal to sell and drive, Euro ncap is a voluntary standard and it could have scored 0. It’s not that shocking, several other models from mainstream manufacturers scored the same.

For me; it’s after sales support that seems (in my view) to be lacking. If the media is to be believed, Renault Zoe owners are having component issues and they’re being forced quoted stupid prices and parts shortages. Not exactly ushering us into the new EV future convincingly. If I were to go for an EV I’d look at Toyota, Volvo or Tesla. I’d guess that they would be more dedicated towards EV and have the specialists on site rather than having to wait for the one “Specialist” that’s shared between multiple garages. It’s time for manufacturers to step up to the plate imho.

TT

[Krh134]

EV car share is currently 15%, the ZEV mandate requires manufacturers to achieve 22% or face a £15,000 fine for every car that does not comply. I suspect this will lead to a lot of manufacturers removing non EV vehicles from sale forcing EV cars onto the new car buying market.

Be interesting to see what happens to new car sales?

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

I agree with your point but the Dacia Spring meets all current crash protection and safety legislation, it’s legal to sell and drive, Euro ncap is a voluntary standard and it could have scored 0. It’s not that shocking, several other models from mainstream manufacturers scored the same.

I’ll stick with the euro cap rating, voluntary or not. Not a chance as a Volvo owner would I drive a car as unsafe as that. You never know what can happen and it’s nice to have the reassurance the car you’re driving will at least have some protection for the driver and occupants in a crash. Volvo offers that comfortably, the Dacia Spring doesn’t. For euro ncap to give it 1 star, that says enough. Would you be comfortable driving one of those as a Volvo owner? I know there’s other cars out there that perform the same as the Dacia, but we need to see safer cars on the road. Is 2024, not the 1970’s.

Dacia Spring vs a smaller Volvo like a V40 in a crash? I know what my money would be on.

If they want roads to be safer, car safety has to be taken into consideration (amongst other things). Driving around in cars like the Dacia Spring isn’t the answer. How can it have passed safety legislation and be given a 1 star rating? Euro ncap is strict, but surely that’s a good thing?

Originally Posted by Krh134

EV car share is currently 15%, the ZEV mandate requires manufacturers to achieve 22% or face a £15,000 fine for every car that does not comply. I suspect this will lead to a lot of manufacturers removing non EV vehicles from sale forcing EV cars onto the new car buying market.

Be interesting to see what happens to new car sales?

People will just buy used cars with petrol or diesel engines. The confidence isn’t in the EV market, hence why they can’t achieve those targets.

[Krh134]

Possibly, but the manufacturers will still need to push new metal. Maybe the catalyst for more affordable Evs

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Krh134

Possibly, but the manufacturers will still need to push new metal. Maybe the catalyst for more affordable Evs

It might be. Although until new diesel and petrol cars stop being produced (2035), the “go to” for most people isn’t an EV.

[Kev0607]

Interesting...

+ YouTube Video

[foggyjames]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

How can it have passed safety legislation and be given a 1 star rating? Euro ncap is strict, but surely that’s a good thing?

It's worth bearing in mind that the Euro NCAP thresholds have repeatedly moved. I wouldn't put good money on a first generation S/V40 beating the Spring, for example, and possibly not even a mk2 V40. An older car may have scored well in-period, but it probably wouldn't against today's criteria.

As a specific example, the Fiat Grande Punto dropped from 5-stars to zero(!) when re-tested under newer criteria (which have probably been revised again at least once in the meantime!).

There are still people who claim that the Fifth Gear 940 vs Modus test was rigged, when it fairly plainly wasn't.

cheers

James

[Whippy]

As Einstein said, "It's all relative".

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by foggyjames

It's worth bearing in mind that the Euro NCAP thresholds have repeatedly moved. I wouldn't put good money on a first generation S/V40 beating the Spring, for example, and possibly not even a mk2 V40. An older car may have scored well in-period, but it probably wouldn't against today's criteria.

As a specific example, the Fiat Grande Punto dropped from 5-stars to zero(!) when re-tested under newer criteria (which have probably been revised again at least once in the meantime!).

There are still people who claim that the Fifth Gear 940 vs Modus test was rigged, when it fairly plainly wasn't.

cheers

James

If you read the blurb, one of the main reasons the Dacia Spring scored so badly was the lack of safety software/tech like lane departure warning etc.