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Sometimes, progress comes in baby steps, tiny improvements that move a whole series of events forward. The European Union has just approved regulations requiring that an electric car charger be included in every new and renovated home and all apartment buildings starting in 2019. Why is that important? Because charging infrastructure is vital to convincing mainstream buyers to switch to an electric car.
The regulations don't specify what type of charger has to be installed. Presumably, it won't be just a Level 1 piece of equipment, which is little more than an extension cord plugged into the nearest wall socket. On the other hand, it won't be a 150 kW charger like the one Porsche says its upcoming Mission E can use.
There are all kinds of stipulations in building codes like setbacks. Should a mandatory electric car charger be among them?
(Score: 2) by Phoenix666 on Thursday October 20 2016, @01:19PM
I don't think so. People won't switch to EVs because they care that much about the environment; if they drive already they've long since rationalized the impact on the environment because they have no choice if they want to get around. People will switch to EVs because they drive that much better. They are quicker, quieter, more precise, and more convenient. You don't have to change the oil or filters. You don't have to take it to the mechanic every six months. You don't have to take it in for the state inspection. You can drive in HOV lanes (in many places) even if you're the only one in the car. Some parking lots even have EV spots right next to those choice handicapped spots.
Washington DC delenda est.
(Score: 2) by LoRdTAW on Thursday October 20 2016, @01:40PM
Just wait. Well see things like faulty connectors developing corrosion and melting, wiring harness problems, failing motor drives with blown IGBT's, blown motor windings, bad motor bearings, etc. Just because they are mechanically simpler doesn't mean they are any less of a maintenance headache. They will still have many of the same electrical systems for things like windows, lights, seats, dashboard, etc. And heat management for the motor, motor drive, and battery will be another new system to develop leaks and so forth. No machine is perfect. They all break down eventually.
They will be simpler in some ways but more complex in others. Certainly, they will be less greasy/oily and that is an environmental plus. The lack of engine oil alone is a great thing. God knows how many millions of gallons are leaked onto roads every day in the world.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 20 2016, @03:04PM
> Well see things like faulty connectors
No doubt.
One side effect I heard from early electric car users (I knew a couple of people who built prototypes in the 1970s) -- the lack of engine vibration means that bolts are much less likely to loosen. Parts rattling off cars used to be a common problem. Now with a combination of better engine mounts (continuous improvement in ride/sound quality) and engineered hardware, it may not be such a big deal anymore.
(Score: 1) by Z-A,z-a,01234 on Thursday October 20 2016, @01:55PM
If you'll kill your state's power grid when you plug-in your EV to charge, most people will not like it :)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_Blackout_of_2003 [wikipedia.org]
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday October 20 2016, @03:00PM
But most EVs will charge overnight when the grid is lightly loaded. I'm not saying we could replace all the internal combustion cars in the US with EVs and not have problems, we can add quite a few before it becomes a problem.
(Score: 2) by t-3 on Thursday October 20 2016, @08:24PM
No, most people will plug in when they come home from work, at peak hours when everyone is cooking dinner and watching TV.
(Score: 1) by charon on Friday October 21 2016, @11:34PM