Diesel Scrappage

[Alfa2Evora 698]

With the prospect of an 'incentive' scheme being introduced to persuade those of us who run a vehicle fuelled by Satan's Brew to trade in our nasty, polluting, weapons of mass destruction for an EV or AFV to appease the tree-huggers, I've come up with a cunning plan (which doesn't involve a turnip as my name isn't Baldrick).

A recently published report by some respected men of science highlights the not so eco-friendly hidden aspects of these new technology vehicles. It reveals that whilst they emit little or nothing in terms of noxious gases into the atmosphere, the extra wear imposed on their brakes and tyres (and on the road surface) by their extra weight compared to a conventional vehicle results in them releasing a level of toxic particulates equivalent to a diesel. http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/668530/Eco-cars-toxins-diesel-petrol

Therefore, as and when this scheme comes into being, I propose to offer to scrap my old oil-burning MG estate in exchange for a sizeable deposit contribution on a new Lotus - after all, judging by this report, the 'added lightness' can only be good for the planet with the added bonus that it would be bolstering British industry.

So what do you think? Am I destined to be a legend in my own lunch-break, or is my idea so madcap that I'll be offered the post of Minister for Transport next time it becomes vacant?

[Barrykearley 6,424]

It's all utter bollox. 

The chemicals and processes used in the manufacture of the batteries is massive - and let's face it - where does that lectric stuff come from ?!

[silverfrost 1,387]

Satans fuel is the biggest cause of cancer globally and the world  goverments and health organisations know this full stop.  But how do you get people to change now that satans fuelled engines are so much a part of our way of life now. 

Electric cars do not work properly yet for everyday folk and the cost of repairs when the batteries are fried at nearly 3K just puts so many people off, that and also the fact that the cars do not do the mileage that the car makers say, take Nissan for example, they say 70 to 90 miles on a full charge,  most are now only doing 30 to 40 miles and are breaking down on the motorways all over the place due to the lack of miles that can be done on a full charge. 

 

[Barrykearley 6,424]

My leaf which should do 112 miles on a charge - never ever had anything like it.

its got 68k on the clock now - we have had it since 4k - we get 75 ish miles on a charge - its dropped by about 10 miles since new

Then on the other hand - I've never achieve mpg figures the publish either on any other fuelled car 

[LotusLeftLotusRight 1,084]

I remember back in the 1990s when diesel cars in the UK were the preserve of farmers and the lowest-of-the-low sales reps (i.e. me) with their poverty spec. Astra Merit 1.7D (no turbo, no power steering, no air-con, no electric windows, etc.).

I used to frequently drive it across Europe and was always bemused by the huge proportion of diesel cars in Belgium. The motorways there were covered in slippy diesel filth and if you got stuck in the Antwerp Kennedy Tunnel traffic jam (you always did), the pollution was so bad, you almost passed out.

Diesels will never catch on in the UK I used to tell myself. Seems like it's going full circle.

[USAndretti42 288]

The next thing will be particulate emissions from petrol-powered cars with direct injection.  It's causing concern with manufacturers already.

 

I've often thought that, if everyone had to drive a Lotus or take the bus, the world would be a better place as the only people driving would be enthusiasts with an interest in making their driving better while saving the planet.  After all, 2 or 3,000 cars a year can't do much damage to the ecosystem, can they?

[GTK 620]

EV's using charging systems are just a bridging measure. We'll be driving electric motored hydrogen powered vehicles in no time. It is (and has been for quite some time) the real target for most every motor company and many fuel companies. California is leading the way with the fuel stations but there is already a scattering of them in the rest of the world.

[comem47 200]

If Trump has his way I'd bet he'll abolish the EPA and let the soot vehicles and coal back into the picture.

 

 

 

[Escape 743]

Coal is already very much back in the picture in Germany. They needed something to fill the void left after the closure of the nuclear power plants, so they restarted old coal plants and have intensified open pit coal mining to supply them. But I'm sure a few LEZs in cities will offset all the CO2 and soot...

[ramjet 1,069]

I remember the Top Gear mpg test on their track when they compared a Prius, a Ford Focus diesel and 2 other non-descript cars. The Focus diesel won hands down. They mentioned the environmental cost of producing all the batteries and the life of them and that was a killer for the Prius.

[dave excell 60]

My work colleague runs a brand-new Nissan leaf on a daily basis to work a round tip of 60 miles. He has to pick up his car share passenger on route, which adds say another 10 miles, there is not enough charge to get him home. No problem as the office has a charging point and he can top up during the working day.

I drive from Somerset to the South of France at least three times a year. Usually we take in one overnight stop, but on occasions we have left St Malo at 6 AM and been in Aix-en-Provence at 6 PM sharing the driving. How long, and what cost would it be in overnight stops taking a Nissan Leaf on the same trip.

The 4^th world conference on climate change on October 19^th – 21^st in Rome will attract may people from around the world all flying in on little Boing 747s how green is that?

Must stop now as I am just going for a pleasure run in the V8 Esprit, before topping up the diesel ready for work next week.