NPR

Meanwhile, direct impact on UK cost of living:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment ... ay-farmers

epwc wrote: Wed Jul 03, 2024 12:26 pm Meanwhile, direct impact on UK cost of living:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment ... ay-farmers

Interesting reading that to see the language moved right away from 'possibly climate change related' to 'climate breakdown caused by the burning of fossil fuels is likely to bring more extreme weather ' and this..."Farmers said the next government needed a proper plan for food security as the UK’s climate becomes less predictable, with more extreme weather hitting farms."

so stop fucking around and do something NOW.

Guy Smiley wrote: Thu Jul 04, 2024 5:35 am so stop fucking around and do something NOW.

Please

https://www.theguardian.com/environment ... l-pantanal

1.8m acres burnt so far, that's on top of all the land already drained for cattle and soya

The first video is mostly about the greed / lack of quality of fast fashion, but there's a huge environmental impact here too.

Yep a huge problem

Niegs wrote: Fri Jul 12, 2024 2:45 am The first video is mostly about the greed / lack of quality of fast fashion, but there's a huge environmental impact here too.

It is amusing to point out to the ladies that they are contributing massively to AGM. From a safe distance, of course!

It’s a symptom of where we are as a society, nobody gives a shit about anyone else and people just want instant gratification however long it lasts. We’re addicted to stuff

And there are some of the older generation who remain convinced it's too late and despite having grandchidren have effectively decided to keep on doing their own thing while the going's still good.

On a slightly better note, find this shit fascinating.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/art ... ntists-say

We are up in the NW Highlands for a week and having a fantastic break.

I decided to hire a car as ours is a bit knackered and didn’t fancy driving it around single track roads in the middle of nowhere with two young kids.

Anyway, I picked it up and took it home and didn’t realise until I’d parked it in the garage that it was a plug in hybrid. No one thought to mention it when they gave me the keys. Not that much of an issue, was quite pleased. We got halfway to where we were going and had a stop and had run out of charge so thought we would charge it. Searched everywhere but no cable anywhere and the hire company were closed as it was the weekend… lots of googling and found out what kind of charger we needed. Spent about 30 mins driving around until we found a charger that wasn’t out of order.

Been away 5 days now and have yet to find a charge point that isn’t out of order and haven’t been able to recharge. We’d be absolutely fucked if it wasn’t a hybrid, but also really disappointing we can’t actually use the battery.

Have to say, despite that I’m quite taken by the whole thing but there is no way I could justify getting one on this experience

There should be a minimum service requirement for charge points. Places like that are going to take a while to crack for sure

I’d back charging people to pave over gardens:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment ... nce-report

I have a BEV, no hybrid... so I've loaded my phone with a few apps for recharging. Our set up here is a bit messy, you need an app to pay unless you have a RFID key fob for that particular charging company. There are several of these companies in our market and I believe we're starting to see the rollout of some chargers that allow card payment access.

That said, the apps are excellent. I can search for a charger in the area I'm headed, key in for directions and it hooks up with google maps and gives me the status of the charger itself, whether busy, available or borked. I even have an app that allows me to plan a journey with as many stops as I want and gives me the available chargers enroute along with the charging time I need to spend in order to get to the next stop.

I've done some long runs in it now... up around the 1300km mark across the North Island... and it's been a breeze. Takes a little longer with charging time, sure... I have a walk, take a leak, buy a coffee and / or snack and fuck about with the phone. I arrive fresher, more relaxed and almost overbloated with smug. Almost.

Guy Smiley wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 7:53 am I have a BEV, no hybrid... so I've loaded my phone with a few apps for recharging. Our set up here is a bit messy, you need an app to pay unless you have a RFID key fob for that particular charging company. There are several of these companies in our market and I believe we're starting to see the rollout of some chargers that allow card payment access.

That said, the apps are excellent. I can search for a charger in the area I'm headed, key in for directions and it hooks up with google maps and gives me the status of the charger itself, whether busy, available or borked. I even have an app that allows me to plan a journey with as many stops as I want and gives me the available chargers enroute along with the charging time I need to spend in order to get to the next stop.

I've done some long runs in it now... up around the 1300km mark across the North Island... and it's been a breeze. Takes a little longer with charging time, sure... I have a walk, take a leak, buy a coffee and / or snack and fuck about with the phone. I arrive fresher, more relaxed and almost overbloated with smug. Almost.

The apps can be a bit mixed In the UK I use the podpoint app (tescos have these) and it's very straightforward. Chargeplace Scotland's app was woeful - the session always failed as the app was so out of sync with the charger and it once locked my charge lead intro the changepoint and I had to phone the helpdesk to unlock it - but I ordered their RFID card and that's worked perfectly. That was 2 years ago, I'm sure the app has improved, but since I've got the rfid I don't really need the app

Having the chargepoint as EPOS - able to process payments - is another step on.

IN the UK BP are investing loads in fast chargers at their petrol stations, so there's a usually a coffee counter to wait at.

inactionman wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:01 am IN the UK BP are investing loads in fast chargers at their petrol stations, so there's a usually a coffee counter to wait at.

BP are doing the same here, along with at least one other fuel supplier. Makes sense, existing infrastructure, just add as many chargers as you want there. Had similar issues with a few chargers and apps not syncing and a key fob usually sorts it. I have a favourite company I use as I never have dramas with their units or network. Had a few entertaining chats with other users while charging, too.

inactionman wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:01 am

Guy Smiley wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 7:53 am I have a BEV, no hybrid... so I've loaded my phone with a few apps for recharging. Our set up here is a bit messy, you need an app to pay unless you have a RFID key fob for that particular charging company. There are several of these companies in our market and I believe we're starting to see the rollout of some chargers that allow card payment access.

That said, the apps are excellent. I can search for a charger in the area I'm headed, key in for directions and it hooks up with google maps and gives me the status of the charger itself, whether busy, available or borked. I even have an app that allows me to plan a journey with as many stops as I want and gives me the available chargers enroute along with the charging time I need to spend in order to get to the next stop.

I've done some long runs in it now... up around the 1300km mark across the North Island... and it's been a breeze. Takes a little longer with charging time, sure... I have a walk, take a leak, buy a coffee and / or snack and fuck about with the phone. I arrive fresher, more relaxed and almost overbloated with smug. Almost.

The apps can be a bit mixed In the UK I use the podpoint app (tescos have these) and it's very straightforward. Chargeplace Scotland's app was woeful - the session always failed as the app was so out of sync with the charger and it once locked my charge lead intro the changepoint and I had to phone the helpdesk to unlock it - but I ordered their RFID card and that's worked perfectly. That was 2 years ago, I'm sure the app has improved, but since I've got the rfid I don't really need the app

Having the chargepoint as EPOS - able to process payments - is another step on.

IN the UK BP are investing loads in fast chargers at their petrol stations, so there's a usually a coffee counter to wait at.

Oh yeah, forgot to add that the one Chargepoint Scotland one we did find that worked in Ullapool we couldn’t get the fucking charger out and had to fuck around for 30 minutes getting someone to sort it out remotely

Slick wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:33 am

inactionman wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:01 am

Guy Smiley wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 7:53 am I have a BEV, no hybrid... so I've loaded my phone with a few apps for recharging. Our set up here is a bit messy, you need an app to pay unless you have a RFID key fob for that particular charging company. There are several of these companies in our market and I believe we're starting to see the rollout of some chargers that allow card payment access.

That said, the apps are excellent. I can search for a charger in the area I'm headed, key in for directions and it hooks up with google maps and gives me the status of the charger itself, whether busy, available or borked. I even have an app that allows me to plan a journey with as many stops as I want and gives me the available chargers enroute along with the charging time I need to spend in order to get to the next stop.

I've done some long runs in it now... up around the 1300km mark across the North Island... and it's been a breeze. Takes a little longer with charging time, sure... I have a walk, take a leak, buy a coffee and / or snack and fuck about with the phone. I arrive fresher, more relaxed and almost overbloated with smug. Almost.

The apps can be a bit mixed In the UK I use the podpoint app (tescos have these) and it's very straightforward. Chargeplace Scotland's app was woeful - the session always failed as the app was so out of sync with the charger and it once locked my charge lead intro the changepoint and I had to phone the helpdesk to unlock it - but I ordered their RFID card and that's worked perfectly. That was 2 years ago, I'm sure the app has improved, but since I've got the rfid I don't really need the app

Having the chargepoint as EPOS - able to process payments - is another step on.

IN the UK BP are investing loads in fast chargers at their petrol stations, so there's a usually a coffee counter to wait at.

Oh yeah, forgot to add that the one Chargepoint Scotland one we did find that worked in Ullapool we couldn’t get the fucking charger out and had to fuck around for 30 minutes getting someone to sort it out remotely

Oh God. So they've not sorted the app yet. If it's any consolation the RFID card works better

Glad you're enjoying the trip though, and hoping you're not ripping up the NC500 too much.

inactionman wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:48 am

Slick wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:33 am

inactionman wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:01 am

The apps can be a bit mixed In the UK I use the podpoint app (tescos have these) and it's very straightforward. Chargeplace Scotland's app was woeful - the session always failed as the app was so out of sync with the charger and it once locked my charge lead intro the changepoint and I had to phone the helpdesk to unlock it - but I ordered their RFID card and that's worked perfectly. That was 2 years ago, I'm sure the app has improved, but since I've got the rfid I don't really need the app

Having the chargepoint as EPOS - able to process payments - is another step on.

IN the UK BP are investing loads in fast chargers at their petrol stations, so there's a usually a coffee counter to wait at.

Oh yeah, forgot to add that the one Chargepoint Scotland one we did find that worked in Ullapool we couldn’t get the fucking charger out and had to fuck around for 30 minutes getting someone to sort it out remotely

Oh God. So they've not sorted the app yet. If it's any consolation the RFID card works better

Glad you're enjoying the trip though, and hoping you're not ripping up the NC500 too much.

Yeah, RFID card for the win (a few of the CPS chargers are out of mobile phone range (e.g. Kennacraig ferry terminal), so RFID card is required.

Disappointed to hear about your experiences Slick. My daughter has borrowed my EV for a couple of trips up to Sutherland (based close to Lochinver, and ranging from Ullapool up to Kinlochbervie & beyond), and has actually had very few problems. Lochinver chargers seem to be much more reliable than Ullapool though.

I think a factor is that it takes a bit of getting used to. I know of a couple of people who have rented EVs and had a total nightmare, just because they're not familiar with the systems, or the planning ahead required.

Chargepoint are notoriously terrible, but BP are the absolute worst, usually finishing dead last in customer satisfaction surveys.

S/Lt_Phillips wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 12:41 pm

inactionman wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:48 am

Slick wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:33 am

Oh yeah, forgot to add that the one Chargepoint Scotland one we did find that worked in Ullapool we couldn’t get the fucking charger out and had to fuck around for 30 minutes getting someone to sort it out remotely

Oh God. So they've not sorted the app yet. If it's any consolation the RFID card works better

Glad you're enjoying the trip though, and hoping you're not ripping up the NC500 too much.

Yeah, RFID card for the win (a few of the CPS chargers are out of mobile phone range (e.g. Kennacraig ferry terminal), so RFID card is required.

Disappointed to hear about your experiences Slick. My daughter has borrowed my EV for a couple of trips up to Sutherland (based close to Lochinver, and ranging from Ullapool up to Kinlochbervie & beyond), and has actually had very few problems. Lochinver chargers seem to be much more reliable than Ullapool though.

I think a factor is that it takes a bit of getting used to. I know of a couple of people who have rented EVs and had a total nightmare, just because they're not familiar with the systems, or the planning ahead required.

We are up around Lochinver for the week - they were all offline there yesterday but seem to be fixed today. I think you are spot on by the way, we would be more prepared if we hadn’t had one thrust upon us without realising it! We are downloading apps, slowly, as we go along and obviously no cards (no idea what everyone is talking about)

But as I said above, despite all this I’m really quite taken by it all and will be looking more seriously to get one.

I found the m4 ones to be decent (gridserve). BP ones are shit

Funeral today, had to chat with loads more fuckwits. I know Essex is a bit special but I’m frankly flabbergasted at the rancid ignorance I encounter sometimes.

Was talking to someone who has a private jet, probably goes skiing 7 or 8 weekends a year, has a place in Mallorca, loves to get his flying hours in.

He has basically swallowed the whole anti climate thing and was regurgitating it back to me. No argument because he was right, he had absolutely no factual sources that he could present.

We ended up talking about migrants, I explained to him that climate change will increase people in boats “who are just coming here for a better life”, you mean like your dad who came here as a single man in 1964 for the sole purpose of improving his earnings. Er no, that’s different.

Go fuck yourself, fucking tosser

epwc wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 10:04 pm Funeral today, had to chat with loads more fuckwits. I know Essex is a bit special but I’m frankly flabbergasted at the rancid ignorance I encounter sometimes.

Was talking to someone who has a private jet, probably goes skiing 7 or 8 weekends a year, has a place in Mallorca, loves to get his flying hours in.

He has basically swallowed the whole anti climate thing and was regurgitating it back to me. No argument because he was right, he had absolutely no factual sources that he could present.

We ended up talking about migrants, I explained to him that climate change will increase people in boats “who are just coming here for a better life”, you mean like your dad who came here as a single man in 1964 for the sole purpose of improving his earnings. Er no, that’s different.

Go fuck yourself, fucking tosser

Why are you always talking to people about things that trigger you?

He started talking to me about construction (he used to be in the business) asked about our latest project but was mystified as to why we would build to passivhaus if there was no financial incentive. To us it’s about doing the right thing, and that’s what got him started on EVs and climate change which led to migrants….

Dunno, I guess I could shut up but it’s not really me. When I was younger I’d never walk away from a racist even when I knew I’d end up taking a beating. I’ll be 60 next year think it’s too late to change now.

To be fair my wife and kids did sit me down in the morning to tell me not to talk politics or climate change, oops!

At least I didn’t mention Israel

epwc wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 10:18 pm To be fair my wife and kids did sit me down in the morning to tell me not to talk politics or climate change, oops!

At least I didn’t mention Israel

epwc wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2024 10:18 pm To be fair my wife and kids did sit me down in the morning to tell me not to talk politics or climate change, oops!

At least I didn’t mention Israel

Stupid fucking chargers fuckety fucks!!!!

Slick wrote: Thu Jul 18, 2024 10:59 am Stupid fucking chargers fuckety fucks!!!!

Chargeplace Scotland again, I presume?

It really should be a national infrastructure, with operators forced to provide services locations that are under/not served. There should also be service level agreements that ensure that non functional charge points are fixed quickly, and a unified payments app.

Lets see what they do on all these fronts

inactionman wrote: Thu Jul 18, 2024 11:02 am

Slick wrote: Thu Jul 18, 2024 10:59 am Stupid fucking chargers fuckety fucks!!!!

Chargeplace Scotland again, I presume?

Yes! Said it was fine, spent ages trying to get it to work, called the helpline who didn’t answer, then it went offline!

I know you’ve all been waiting, so a quick update.

Left Lochinver this morning with no charge as the fucker was still not working despite saying it was. Stopped at Aviemore and House of Bruer, but none of the cables fitted.

Got back to Edinburgh with a skip in my step as i was sure it would be easy to get charged. Went to 2 x places in Musselburgh and one in Porty, no connectors. Finally put out a plea and someone lent me a cable and said the one of Seafield Road is the quickest. Went down and you can’t use your own cable and none of the connectors fit - phoned the guy to check I wasn’t going mad, “oh I’ve never used them just heard they were fast”

Back to spitting distance to where I live where on the 3rd station I managed to get it to work, however have been warned that if I go out of phone range they will stop and it takes 4 hours. Sitting in the car staring at the sea and wondering if I should just let it roll down the hill and be done with the fucker.

None of the connectors fit? What the hell are you driving?

Hal Jordan wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2024 4:48 pm None of the connectors fit? What the hell are you driving?

an MG HV something

Slick wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2024 4:50 pm

Hal Jordan wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2024 4:48 pm None of the connectors fit? What the hell are you driving?

an MG HV something

Which has Type 2 and CCS, the standard for connectors, so I'm struggling to see how things aren't fitting, unless the charger is an old Chademo one from the dawn of time, or you've been given a Chademo cable, which won't work either.

Hal Jordan wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2024 4:53 pm

Slick wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2024 4:50 pm

Hal Jordan wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2024 4:48 pm None of the connectors fit? What the hell are you driving?

an MG HV something

Which has Type 2 and CCS, the standard for connectors, so I'm struggling to see how things aren't fitting, unless the charger is an old Chademo one from the dawn of time.

We’ve found 2 that had that connector but neither worked. All the rest have different connectors that haven’t fitted.

I am absolutely prepared to admit I have completely ballsed all this up, but even my wife couldn’t get them connected and she’s the technical one

All the CCS ones we have come across seem to have two big extra holes on the bottom which makes it impossible to fit

Slick wrote: Sat Jul 20, 2024 4:56 pm All the CCS ones we have come across seem to have two big extra holes on the bottom which makes it impossible to fit

Those are for your thumbs