Electric cars.

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by pete, Apr 7, 2021.

  1. gks

    gks Total Gardener

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    Will the battery energy storage at residential properties also have to be taken into account before allowing residents to move back in.

    In 2020 they predicted as many as 50,000 homes in California would have an energy storage system fitted by the end of the year. If a higher percentage of these homes now have energy storage systems in place, then I would of thought they need checking first.

    California fire code updated to allow more residential energy storage capacity | Enphase

    Probably explains why some houses burnt to the ground while trees were still standing.
     
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    • shiney

      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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      It's because of the energy storage that some insurance companies won't insure them.
       
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      • Sheal

        Sheal Total Gardener

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        So instead of creating something that is environmentally friendly, it's done the opposite.

        On another note I was thinking about the emergency services. Is it the government's intention to change emergency vehicles to electric too? Ambulances that run out of 'charge' on route to hospital with patients. Fire vehicles attending fires, is that safe? And police vehicles, perhaps on a chase, that run out of 'charge'. Taking these vehicles as a whole, what about the turn around time for charging? It doesn't bode well, does it?
         
      • shiney

        shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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        I'm guessing (as I know so little about EV's it is all guesses) that there will be considerable improvements over time. :fingers crossed:
         
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        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          Which is a very good reason that people are reluctant to throw money at something that is likely to be worthless in a few years due to improvements.
          Cars have always been a bottomless pit when it comes to money but I think this is going the same way as all tech stuff.
           
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            Last edited: Jan 20, 2025 at 6:13 PM
          • Fat Controller

            Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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            I think the real problem is that the bottomless pit is so big and so deep with this one. We are not talking taking a hit of two or maybe three grand... we are talking sixty or seventy quite easily in some cases. Whilst I accept that will be on the more expensive models, even the likes of a Kia EV9 has burnt through £40-50k in the first 12-18 months.

            I had a conversation with someone the other day who was waxing lyrical about Vehicle 2 Grid to help with power cuts and helping the national grid, during which he revealed he had his EV, solar panels with battery storage and a heat pump system for his heating and hot water, as well as a newly refurbished building, insulated to the hilt. He couldn't give a figure when I asked how much all of that cost to install/purchase... and therein is the problem, if you have a way to finance the near on £100k for the whole lot, then maybe this all seems like a great idea. For Bob in his council maisonette who struggles to afford to run a fan heater...
             
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            • shiney

              shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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              Are solar panel storage batteries Lithium? I wonder whether that would put up home insurance.
               
            • Loofah

              Loofah Admin Staff Member

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              They're lithium iron phosphate. Much more stable than lithium ion, and used in camper vans etc as well
               
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              • KT53

                KT53 Gardener

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                A couple of years ago I read about an NHS Trust which had either bought, or was buying, EV ambulances. Real world tests showed they could only do 2 or 3 'average' calls before needing to be recharged.
                 
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                • gks

                  gks Total Gardener

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                  In the UK the new standard, PAS 63100:2024 electrical installations of energy storage systems and protection against fire of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for use in dwellings came into practice on 31 March 2024.

                  The standard advises those installing battery storage systems is to locate them outside of the home and separate from living spaces. This could be a garage, shed or in an exterior meter box as long as there’s a protective covering.

                  Where dwellings do not have suitable outdoor space.
                  The batteries should be situated away from habitable rooms and escape routes. You should provide fire detection where the batteries are located and ensure this is linked to a fire alarm system. Ensure that any escape routes are unobstructed.

                  So, even though it is okay to have an energy storing system fitted with in your residential dwelling, they do recommend to locate them away from the house if possible.
                   
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                  • KT53

                    KT53 Gardener

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                    When the standards are only advisory they aren't worth the paper they are written on. If they are standards set due to potential fire risk they should be mandatory. If that means many people can't have battery energy storage systems for their homes, so be it.
                     
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                    • Fat Controller

                      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                      They are indeed much more stable, and less likely to be the source of any fire - I do wonder how they'd react if involved in one, however - and what risks do they pose for firefighters, both electrically and chemically.
                       
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                      • redstar

                        redstar Total Gardener

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                        JOYOUS ---the mandatory Electric Car has ended in USA.
                         
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                        • Fat Controller

                          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                          I saw that indeed. We live in hope that other countries will follow.
                           
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                          • KT53

                            KT53 Gardener

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                            Trump has also apparently scrapped controls on drilling for oil and gas. All the changes that are being forced on us in the UK aren't going to make the slightest difference to climate change, but will destroy our economy.
                             
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