MOT for EVs. Emissions an easy pass? Think again.

[t-tony]

Borrowed from MSN.

MOT test changes: New 'major development' could affect thousands of car owners

Tony.

 

[Pingu]

I can't remember where I read it, but a large proportion of EVs that were handed back after three years (or it may have been "bought at auction") still had the charging lead sealed in the plastic bag in the boot.

All the charging was done via the ICE.

Vehicle just being used as a tax dodge.

 

[andyglym]

Interesting post Tony. Smoke and mirrors afoot I think. It would be interesting to see how many hybrid cars use the ICE to charge up v's "carbon neutral" energy. The whole issue needs a global standard to be effective and fair, Germany, the dirty man of Western Europe, uses coal powered stations for 33% of the energy generated, the UK only uses 3% or less whereas as France uses Nuclear Power in significant measures to provide for its National Grid, 70%. As for Hybrids not requiring an emmisions test on the ICE, that's nothing more than a dodge, in my view. A comparison of my lightly used Z3 (mobile global warming platform admittedly) and a Hybrid doing 30k+ miles a year, much of which may be on ICE, would be interesting considering the amount I pay in Road Fund License.

 

[Zag2]

I can't remember where I read it, but a large proportion of EVs that were handed back after three years (or it may have been "bought at auction") still had the charging lead sealed in the plastic bag in the boot.

All the charging was done via the ICE.

Vehicle just being used as a tax dodge.

Hybrids just totally pointless, anyone buying one now is going to see them depreciate like a brick over the next few years. Electric only is the way forward.

 

[Pingu]

For the planet's sake, we have to keep power generation as centralised as possible. This will allow the generator to be closely monitored for emissions.

This means electric cars is really the only future (unless they can find an efficicient way to produce hydrogen).

 

[Nodzed]

Don't see the point. The driver has no control over the how the EV gets its electrical supply other than via the ICE or the mains. I would suggest both options are less eco friendly than either a non EV petrol or diesel ICE. I wouldn't charge mine via the ICE as the fuel consumption is smashed. Also I would love to see them emission test the ICE in mine as there is no way of starting the engine at standstill in any mode.

 

[Toby]

Not really a good article IMO - the first part talks about electrictiy generating emissions for EV vehicles, where the leccy comes from !! Its from the national grid end of - its up to them how its generated and so they have control of generating emissions. Your car wont fail an MoT on it, so pointless including it.

Regards Hybrids - second part of article, the ICE engine obviously should be tested for any emissions generated like any other petrol / diesel car. Whether this is pheasible or not - perhaps if its not possible they should all fail But really there should be a way of it being done. Perhaps put it on a rolling road, get it up to speed and then check its emissions.

 

[Nodzed]

Perhaps put it on a rolling road, get it up to speed and then check its emissions.

Don't disagree but then your are moving the goal posts, so should not all vehicles should then be emission tested on a rolling road?

 

[Toby]

Don't disagree but then your are moving the goal posts, so should not all vehicles should then be emission tested on a rolling road?

Possibly, but since cars idling at rest produce more emissions maybe not. All the rolling road is doing is getting the ICE to cut in. They already conduct a fast idle test for standard ICE cars, so this should replicate driving.
Perhaps Hybrids should be fitted with a bypass to the ICE engine can be run from start ? IMO its wrong that the ICE enigne isnt tested for emissions especially having seen over the past few years, manufacturers manipulating their figures.

 

[Nodzed]

Possibly, but since cars idling at rest produce more emissions maybe not.

That was my point really, non EV vehicle would benefit from the rolling road emissions test so higher pass rate

 

[Stevo7682]

The main reason for all current hybrid vehicles not getting an emissions test on its fossil fuel power plant is there is no way to keep the engine running ( or have it running when you need it )
I suppose if manufacturers changed the software so the engine could be put into a test mode and made to stay running then these vehicles could be tested.

My personal issue with hybrids is because the engine cuts in and out never gets up to proper temperature so therefore not running at its most efficient because its cold.

 

[Toby]

I suppose if manufacturers changed the software so the engine could be put into a test mode and made to stay running then these vehicles could be tested.

VW have aleady tried that, we know how that worked out

Agree about optimal working temps on hybrids - but on many journeys the engines dont get up to temperature.