Category: G Wiz

The 6 month service

Had my six month service this week. They turn up in a mobile van crammed with gadgets, plug a pda into the battery unit and run some diagnostic checks, and that’s just about it! No oil change, nothing. Sometimes brake fluid levels will need topping up, but right now I dont think it could have much less environmental impact when it’s compared to a service on a regular car. Click on the image to view video. (2.4 meg QT).

 

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The boot

I took the electric car to the recycling centre. Man, this green thing must be getting to me. I didnt intend this to be a film about how wonderfully worthy I am, it was more about how much you can fit in the boot… Click on the image to view video. (3meg QT).

 

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A Portable Genny

How do you get over this charging conundrum? You make sure a huge generator follows you wherever you go. OK, it’s got environmental implications, but at least it does away with those charging and range worries… Click on the image to view video. (3.3meg QT)

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0-62 mph

I’ve done a 0-62 mph time trial to give you an idea of the Reva’s acceleration. Trouble is, it’ll only do a maximum of 40. Click on the image to view video…

 

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The School Run

We can fit two kids in for the school run. It’s tight, depending on the amount of homework they’ve been given, but we manage. The school is at the top of a steep hill. So with four up, the cars being put through it’s paces. Click on the image to view video. (2.4 meg QT).

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An EV passenger

Thing about these Reva’s is that they feel as though they are going alot faster than they actually are. No humans were hurt during the making of this film – but there is some mild profanity…. Click on the image to view video (4.4 meg QT)

Them pesky wardens Pt1

You drive. You find a parking meter. You park. You walk away. No scurrying about for 10 £1 coins. No rushing back at breakneck speed because you only had change for 3 mins….I must be dreaming. Click on the image to view video. (1.3 meg)

Driving

I’m in the congestion zone now, and the traffic is moving quite freely (no surprise at £8 per day). The car is fairly nippy so long as it’s in F (fast) mode. Need to keep an eye on that charge level though. Mind you, it’s been handy this week, what with an impending fuel crisis here in the UK. Click on the image to view video (2.3 meg)
 

It Moves Pt2 (really)

And we’re off! I can tell you – this thing is great. This morning I got a huge thumbs up from a man at the bus stop, so apart from the occasional ‘point and laugh’ it seems to be pretty popular. Mind the speed limit and those terrible road humps though….Click on the image to view video (2.8 meg)

It Moves Pt 1

I know, I know. It’s high time I drove this thing. I’m on my own now and I’m ready for the first journey. Well almost… Click on the image to view video.

Did you say water it?

So my heads beginning to swim with all this info. Where there would normally be an engine there’s a can of water. I have to remember to water the car once a week to keep the batteries in order! Click on the image to view video.

Traffic wardens

I’m struggling to come to terms with the idea that you can park for free in central London with this car. You’ll understand what I mean if you’ve ever had an altercation with a traffic warden here. Due to the terrorist attacks, there were 50,000 extra cyclists on the roads last Thursday, some of whom looked decidedly wobbly. I ‘ve also heard that the second hand value on these cars is appreciating…perhaps there is an ev future after all. Click on the image to view video.

Unlock it,unplug it…

Before I can drive the car I need to give it some juice. I’ve forgotten to put the parking permit into the car and I’ll have a parking ticket before you know it. There is a strict order of events for charging the car. I just need to unlock it, unplug it, put the parking permit in, lock it, plug it in… and don’t set the blowers off. Click on the image to view video

It’s arrived!

5 months waiting and the car is finally here. They come off the ship, are taken to a base where the car is registered and the road tax is applied for (no charge for road tax on electric vehicles).  Then it’s delivered. Apologies for the wobbly cam – think I was a bit overexcited!  Click on the image to view video.

Congested charges pt 2

So, I got there in the end. Seems as though it can happen over the phone…Alternative fuel technologies and call centres don’t always mix. By the way they put the charge up to £8 per day yesterday. Click on the image to view video.