EV Owning Experience: Steve Forster.
Osprey staff member Steve reviews his experience owning a Kia EV6 GT.
Which EV do you own and why did you choose this specific EV model?
I have a Kia EV6 GT and I chose it as it's combination of performance, range quality and handling were the best on the market today. I can also get around 270 miles out of it on a single charge – which is great considering I drive a little faster than the average driver.
What is your favourite feature about your car?
My favourite feature is the yellow GT button and what it releases. This button switches the driving mode of the car, and allows you to reach 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds by gaining 576 horsepower!
How has your experience been with owning and driving an electric car? And how does it compare to owning a petrol car?
I’d never go back to Fossil fuel after owning an EV. I have found that EVs are nicer to drive and vastly less expensive to run.
What do you find most enjoyable or convenient about driving your EV?
The drive quality and the ease of ‘filling up’.
It offers amazing braking and handling – it drives really comfortably down twisty roads, and its suspension ensures there is no bumpiness to the drive. The seats are also a very comfortable sports style which make driving even more enjoyable.
‘Filling up’ is very simple as lot of my charging I'm able to do at home - it charges while I'm sleeping which is very convenient! I also find public charging to be such an easy experience, especially alongside the Osprey App which can tell me where sites are.
Can you share any interesting or surprising moments you've had while driving your EV
I find it surprising the strong existence of the usual people who don’t ’get it’ and critisise EVs - but most haven’t ever tried an EV, and believe the misinformation anyway.
How do you go about charging your EV both at home and on a public network?
Mostly I do my charging at home at 2p/mile, with top ups at an Osprey hub site out of preference if I’m doing a journey of typically over 200 miles. It’s also nice to grab a coffee, or a cold drink in the summer whilst I charge as Osprey sites often have pretty good facilities so I don’t feel like I’m wasting time whilst I charge – it’s actually enjoyable.
Have you noticed any differences in maintenance or operating costs compared to a petrol/diesel car?
The costs are hugely cheaper! Fuel is about 1/10th cost of a diesel/petrol car. The servicing and maintenance costs work out at about 1/5th of a non-EV too.
What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an electric vehicle?
You should drive a few to try them first. I also highly recommend reading Faircharges book of myths.
I would advise that it’s not true that charging is hard work and there are plenty of chargers around, I've never had range anxiety. Also the good companies are so reliable! It's easy to charge and it’s no more difficult than finding a petrol station.
How do you see the future of electric vehicle ownership evolving?
Why would you pollute using filthy fossil fuel when EVs are nicer? With range now averaging 250 miles and the latest cars with 350+ miles, that’s enough when coupled with ultra rapid charging in 15 minutes which will apply in more and more cars. The spec of EVs will also evolve, and adaptive cruise for long journeys is brilliant and will get even better.
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