Electric cars and low loaders

[Tim+]

There was an odd comment in the Times a couple of days ago (on the dangers
of “smart” motorways) about how electric cars can’t coast as far as normal
cars in the event of a breakdown (to potentially reach a refuge bay) and
how they couldn’t go on a low loader.

The first point I can sort of get my head around if there’s no clutch and
the wheels are always connected to the motors but the second point leaves
me baffled.

From the article in question...

“Edmund King, the AA’s president, told the Police Federation yesterday that
his plea for more lay-bys was ignored four years ago. He also suggested
that electric cars would make smart motorways effectively obsolete because
they could not “coast” to a lay-by when they had a fault. “They do not
coast as far as a combustible engine car. You can’t tow them on a low
loader,” he said.”

Any thoughts? Is he talking through his arse?

Tim

[MrCheerful]

Post by Tim+
There was an odd comment in the Times a couple of days ago (on the dangers
of “smart” motorways) about how electric cars can’t coast as far as normal
cars in the event of a breakdown (to potentially reach a refuge bay) and
how they couldn’t go on a low loader.
The first point I can sort of get my head around if there’s no clutch and
the wheels are always connected to the motors but the second point leaves
me baffled.
From the article in question...
“Edmund King, the AA’s president, told the Police Federation yesterday that
his plea for more lay-bys was ignored four years ago. He also suggested
that electric cars would make smart motorways effectively obsolete because
they could not “coast” to a lay-by when they had a fault. “They do not
coast as far as a combustible engine car. You can’t tow them on a low
loader,” he said.”
Any thoughts? Is he talking through his arse?
Tim

he probably meant that they may not (depends which ev) be suitable for a
suspended tow. flatbed would be ideal for all types.

[Tim+]

Post by MrCheerful

Post by Tim+
There was an odd comment in the Times a couple of days ago (on the dangers
of “smart” motorways) about how electric cars can’t coast as far as normal
cars in the event of a breakdown (to potentially reach a refuge bay) and
how they couldn’t go on a low loader.
The first point I can sort of get my head around if there’s no clutch and
the wheels are always connected to the motors but the second point leaves
me baffled.
From the article in question...
“Edmund King, the AA’s president, told the Police Federation yesterday that
his plea for more lay-bys was ignored four years ago. He also suggested
that electric cars would make smart motorways effectively obsolete because
they could not “coast” to a lay-by when they had a fault. “They do not
coast as far as a combustible engine car. You can’t tow them on a low
loader,” he said.”
Any thoughts? Is he talking through his arse?
Tim

he probably meant that they may not (depends which ev) be suitable for a
suspended tow.

You mean with just the front wheels lifted? Yep, I can see how that might
cause issues (beyond getting some “free” recharging). ;-)

Post by MrCheerful
flatbed would be ideal for all types.

Well that’s what I thought.


Tim

[MrCheerful]

Post by Tim+

Post by MrCheerful

Post by Tim+
There was an odd comment in the Times a couple of days ago (on the dangers
of “smart” motorways) about how electric cars can’t coast as far as normal
cars in the event of a breakdown (to potentially reach a refuge bay) and
how they couldn’t go on a low loader.
The first point I can sort of get my head around if there’s no clutch and
the wheels are always connected to the motors but the second point leaves
me baffled.
From the article in question...
“Edmund King, the AA’s president, told the Police Federation yesterday that
his plea for more lay-bys was ignored four years ago. He also suggested
that electric cars would make smart motorways effectively obsolete because
they could not “coast” to a lay-by when they had a fault. “They do not
coast as far as a combustible engine car. You can’t tow them on a low
loader,” he said.”
Any thoughts? Is he talking through his arse?
Tim

he probably meant that they may not (depends which ev) be suitable for a
suspended tow.

You mean with just the front wheels lifted? Yep, I can see how that might
cause issues (beyond getting some “free” recharging). ;-)

Post by MrCheerful
flatbed would be ideal for all types.

Well that’s what I thought.
Tim

the recovery services need to be up to speed on what can be towed and
how, the owners manuals are usually very specific.

I spent hours next to the A12 after midnight, I had hit a badger, which
removed the corner of the radiator, when I called the RAC I told them
that the leak was not fixable and that as the car had permanent four
wheel drive I needed a flatbed sent out, so they sent a van with a
bottle of radweld!