ID Buzz Cargo (electric van)
Discussion
EV vs ICE rages on in parts of PH, so thought I would put my EV van up here. I got this on a cheap lease so I haven't invested lots of money and I can hand it back after 2 years if I dislike it, on the other hand if it works well for me and I want to keep it I may end up extending or buying it.
I needed a van for work to commute and drive around small towns in the SE. I carry very little and can charge at the office so an EV seemed perfect.
Enter the ID Buzz
First impressions are it is full of tech and very easy to drive, the load space it better than I thought it would be. The driver aids are not as annoying as some systems. Its coasts in D and does more regen braking in B. I prefer D mode it does auto brake approaching junctions and roundabouts but its not intrusive or harsh.
Charging - This is the biggest annoyance so far in the 500 miles I have covered. Simply put it would not be an issue if I could charge at home OR if the range was 350miles. However I knew I could only charge at the office meaning 10%battery per hour. I have done a quick charge out and about, its OK dependant on location however it is expensive compare to fuel or home elec. Realistic range from 80%ish is 160miles.
Verdict to date - As a box to ferry back and forth to work in its great. I like driving and cars, and would pick an ICE car if I was heading on a trip or for a fun drive. I wouldn't want the faff of planning/locating chargers and having to stop for 20mins-1hour. My other car is a diesel V6 SUV so hardly an F1 car but it is more engaging and fun to drive, and takes 5 minutes to get 500miles range.
I needed a van for work to commute and drive around small towns in the SE. I carry very little and can charge at the office so an EV seemed perfect.
Enter the ID Buzz
First impressions are it is full of tech and very easy to drive, the load space it better than I thought it would be. The driver aids are not as annoying as some systems. Its coasts in D and does more regen braking in B. I prefer D mode it does auto brake approaching junctions and roundabouts but its not intrusive or harsh.
Charging - This is the biggest annoyance so far in the 500 miles I have covered. Simply put it would not be an issue if I could charge at home OR if the range was 350miles. However I knew I could only charge at the office meaning 10%battery per hour. I have done a quick charge out and about, its OK dependant on location however it is expensive compare to fuel or home elec. Realistic range from 80%ish is 160miles.
Verdict to date - As a box to ferry back and forth to work in its great. I like driving and cars, and would pick an ICE car if I was heading on a trip or for a fun drive. I wouldn't want the faff of planning/locating chargers and having to stop for 20mins-1hour. My other car is a diesel V6 SUV so hardly an F1 car but it is more engaging and fun to drive, and takes 5 minutes to get 500miles range.
Evanivitch said:
On a lease I would be happily charging to 100% on the AC charger, especially this time of year and if being used daily. There's no real harm to doing that. If you can leave the van there overnight and actually get it upto 100% once a week then rest of week should become easier.
I will look into this! I still want to look after it as may have it 3 years and don't want to wreck the battery just because it won't be my problem (not suggesting you are saying that). I got it up to 90% yesterday and will chuck it on charge later for 2 hours to get it back to 80%. I aim to not use fast chargers as they are expensive and I don't do long trips.
I think it's quite an adjustment going from 5mins of re fuelling for the week to many hours.
joshcowin said:
I will look into this! I still want to look after it as may have it 3 years and don't want to wreck the battery just because it won't be my problem (not suggesting you are saying that).
I got it up to 90% yesterday and will chuck it on charge later for 2 hours to get it back to 80%. I aim to not use fast chargers as they are expensive and I don't do long trips.
I think it's quite an adjustment going from 5mins of re fuelling for the week to many hours.
You won't wreck the battery in 3 years. Only possible way of that is if you charged it to 100% and left it there for 3 years maintaining that SOC. It's the pressure of being held at high and low SoC that stresses the cells.I got it up to 90% yesterday and will chuck it on charge later for 2 hours to get it back to 80%. I aim to not use fast chargers as they are expensive and I don't do long trips.
I think it's quite an adjustment going from 5mins of re fuelling for the week to many hours.
Charge and use it, battery will be fine. Countless Uber and others already doing this daily.
Plugging in should only take 30 seconds, but appreciate your use case is somewhat different!
Liamjrhodes said:
What is stopping you charging at home?
If i couldn't change at home an electric car would be a complete none starter public charging is more expensive than diesel
I live in a terrace house with no offstreet parking! My work unit has a charger so I just charge there during the day! If i couldn't change at home an electric car would be a complete none starter public charging is more expensive than diesel
Love the look of these and was sad when I realised in the passenger version the rear windows didn't open (non starter for travel sick kids).
Glad you are getting on well with it.
Just a thought on one of your comments
"I wouldn't want the faff of planning/locating chargers and having to stop for 20mins-1hour."
This is where a change in habit is required, in an ice car you stop when you need a break for the loo or a coffee and filling with fuel is a separate activity. Often at a different stop in your journey.
But if you charge whilst you take your loo/coffee break you will be surprised how much it will charge in that time. Regular top ups at your natural breaks rather than waiting until the battery is empty like you would with an ice car. That way you don't end up waiting for a full charge.
Sorry I sound like an EV nerd but it took me a while to get my head round this but when I did it's a game changer. (Obviously this doesn't work if you drive 200 miles + without stopping but I think most people don't)
Glad you are getting on well with it.
Just a thought on one of your comments
"I wouldn't want the faff of planning/locating chargers and having to stop for 20mins-1hour."
This is where a change in habit is required, in an ice car you stop when you need a break for the loo or a coffee and filling with fuel is a separate activity. Often at a different stop in your journey.
But if you charge whilst you take your loo/coffee break you will be surprised how much it will charge in that time. Regular top ups at your natural breaks rather than waiting until the battery is empty like you would with an ice car. That way you don't end up waiting for a full charge.
Sorry I sound like an EV nerd but it took me a while to get my head round this but when I did it's a game changer. (Obviously this doesn't work if you drive 200 miles + without stopping but I think most people don't)
Evanivitch said:
jeremyc said:
It's a great test to see how long that touch screen lasts in the hands of building contractors. 
I've had touchscreens in well worked Hilux trucks for a decade. All these contractors have phones and tablet computers, they're not chimps.I am more office based and client visits (no hard work) anyway. The van wouldn't work for my lads it's not big enough, they also carry about 300kg of tools and equipment.
Evanivitch said:
jeremyc said:
It's a great test to see how long that touch screen lasts in the hands of building contractors.
I've had touchscreens in well worked Hilux trucks for a decade. All these contractors have phones and tablet computers, they're not chimps.RazerSauber said:
Interesting to see if there will be a developing market for heavy duty screen protectors on commercial vehicles for when dusty or greasy fingers start stabbing at them. While tradesmen might not be chimps, they're often working in environments that leave stuff on their hands which can scuff or damage screens in short order. I don't recall many tradesmen with smartphones that are immaculate.
If you're driving with stinking hands then you're not doing anyone any favours. Especially grease on a steering wheel.Gloves, great things.
Evanivitch said:
You won't wreck the battery in 3 years. Only possible way of that is if you charged it to 100% and left it there for 3 years maintaining that SOC. It's the pressure of being held at high and low SoC that stresses the cells.
Charge and use it, battery will be fine. Countless Uber and others already doing this daily.
Plugging in should only take 30 seconds, but appreciate your use case is somewhat different!
Didn't realise that with the battery, that will make it far easier! Charge and use it, battery will be fine. Countless Uber and others already doing this daily.
Plugging in should only take 30 seconds, but appreciate your use case is somewhat different!
I have taken your advice and kept it on charge this afternoon I will turn it off at 95%.
The app means I can stop the charge whenever, I just need to unplug before moving off.
p4cks said:
Fk me they start at £60K for the 79kWh, which is effectively the same car as my ID3.
I think the ID3 is OK, but it's rather dull. Thankfully EV values sink like a stone as it was only £13K after three years
Yes they do. My EV van is a 2021 model and has covered 152,000 miles. It costs £33,000 +vat when new, it books at £16,500 now and it owes me £8000. It drives the same as new has only lost 8 miles range and is quite simply, the best practical small van I have ever owned.I think the ID3 is OK, but it's rather dull. Thankfully EV values sink like a stone as it was only £13K after three years
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