The Age of Electric Vehicles is here - or is it?

Firstly, I'll describe myself as a mature Mr Average and a layman when it comes to anything about EVs. Here's my own thoughts and opinion on a much debated subject. 

At the time of writing this I'm still driving my trusty 17 year old Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 petrol. However, over the last two years I've been contemplating changing it.

Unfortunately for me, during that time my gearbox failed and I was left with the decision of whether to repair or scrap. As much as I wanted a newer car, I decided to breath life back into the Audi and have a used gearbox fitted. That in itself was rather long-winded and expensive ordeal but that's another story. The Audi lives on - Vorsprung Durch Technik.

I recently test drove a few nearly new Audi A3 'mild hybrid' petrol cars. I wasn't blown away and left feeling that spending tens of thousands on a petrol car just now might not be a sensible move. Yes, maybe there could be more 'end of line' bargains coming as makers start to offload their stock to make way for EVs. 

There's no doubt that opinion is split on EVs. It seems the more depth you look into the environmental credentials the harder it becomes to draw a conclusion. Some say the future should be Hydrogen. However, one thing is clear is that it will reduce the CO2 emissions and other pollutants into the atmosphere which has to be a good thing in anyones book. 

Still, it's early days and I'd rather company car drivers take the 'hit' on these new EVs as test drivers. After all, a company car driver has no worries if something breaks or need fixing the company pays. For the driver it's just the inconvenience of the car being offroad. 

EVs are going to be our future whether we like it or not. The ball is rolling and it's not stopping.  

When I was a child, electric vehicles were Co-op or Unigate milk delivery vans. Anything else was in a science fiction film. These were seen wooshing along effortlessly in films as diverse as Woody Allen's hilarious 'Sleeper', Blade Runner and many many more. 

The reality is that Mr and Mrs Average are unlikely to afford an electric vehicle, or even have somewhere they could charge it. What about all the people who live in high rise apartments? It will be years before the infrastructre can even make it an option for many. 

I don't think we'll see a big shift for the masses until we start to see cars like the new VW Golf EV which I believe will arrive around 2028. I've read that it might even look like a Golf which would be a huge bonus. Most people will want an affordable electric family car that doesn't look like something from Buck Rogers in the 21st Century. 

But we're moving into some unknown territory in more ways than one. For example, what about future resale values. Technology seems to be evolving fast and this means battery performance on older EVs will become outdated and inferior as new ones get better. This is inevitable but it seems to be happening over a short period. 

Tesla Time

We can't talk about EVs without mentioning Tesla. Tesla has certainly been a 'game changer' and appear to dominate the market just now. However, I think we'll see things change when the big German makers catch up. I'm sure they're working hard behind the scenes to bring us something rather special. 

I live in Europe and during my short 20 minute commute to work I usually see several Tesla cars. Tesla has done extreemly well. Perhaps mostly because they took a huge risk and got there first. It's unusual for an American styled car to become so popular in Europe. The external styling and interiors look quite impressive. Even reminicesnt of concept cars from the 1990's. 

Just now I would say a majority are company cars, which is a good testing ground. 

But for Mr and Mrs Average, I think the Tesla is currently beyond their grasp. 

I think lots of the appeal of Teslas among male drivers is the performance more than the cost saving. These cars are super quick. Tesla owners seem to have adopted a certain driving style. I often see Teslas fly past in the 'fast lane' and then cut in further up to miss any queue. Lets face it, it's a huge toy for the younger generation who love gadgets. 

Well, there's no conclusion here other than time to reflect on the inevitable change and see what that brings. I’ll edit and update this post as and when something springs to mind. 

I would recommend watching this Youtube video:

Update April 2024

My old Audi failed it's annual vehicle inspection and required work to the front suspension. I'd previously said to myself that if I was faced with another hefty bill that would be the time I would change my car. Well, that happened and I finally took the plunge into a new car. 

I decided now was the time if the terms were reasonable. Following some quick internet searches to see what was currently available, I found an Audi A3 saloon unused ex-demonstrator with no mileage and not yet registered from an Audi dealer. 

I decided if I could get the terms I wanted then I would go for it. This included the same trade in value I was offered for my car during December last year and that it would be taken unrepaired. They agreed to this along with free delivery to my nearest Audi dealer, full tank of fuel on collection, rubber winter mats and 'touch-up' paint pen. 

Whilst any electric car or plug-in was not an option for me, I was happy it was a 'mild hybrid' 1 litre engine making it very fuel efficient. 

I've only been using the car for several days with about 260 km on the clock. I'm more than happy with my purchase. My plan is to keep the car for as long as possible.  

My new Icebug Haze BUGrip GTX boots (2024) Mens

The name of these icebugs is bit of a mouthful but it distinguishes them from the many other models. 

My new Icebug Haze BUGrip boots Black/Poison

The main reason I purchased these boots was that they had studs, were waterproof and came with a very good discount. I saved €100 buying these onlíne from the offcial Icebug website in 2024. 

These are my third pair of Icebug boots. I've been using a pair of Icebug Nirax boots for about 3 years and before that I owned a pair of Speed BUGrip boots for a good 8 years.  My current Nirax boots aren't waterproof, which I didn't think would be a problem using them in sub-zero conditions. I was wrong. I experienced some conditions when it was both icy and wet. The boots soon let it water leaving me with wet socks.

I use my Icebugs in a cold urban environment which becomes dangerously icy in winter.

Size/Fit

Buying footwear online is something I try to avoid since different makes and styles can fit differently. I feel much more confident trying them on beforehand. 

I already own a pair of Icebug Nirak BUGrip boots I automatically ordered the same size 43, UK 9, USA 10. However, after I placed my order I became slightly concerned after reading some of the online reviews. Many of the comments said these were quite small and you should order one size up. 

When I received the boots I anxiously tried them on. The box came with a return label which was good but I didn't really want the hasle of returning them. Once I put them on they seemed to fit like a glove. I compared the insoles from my Nirak boots and they were identical as they should be. I do have wide feet which means I sometimes need at least one size bigger than my shoe size. I only wear normal/medium weight socks with Icebugs BUT, if I did want to wear thicker hiking socks or two pairs, then the larger size would be needed. 

The Haze boots on the left have a more 'sporty' profile

The Haze boots appear smaller against my Nirax boots of the same size but this is because of the different shape and style. I think the Haze boots have a more snug fit which makes sense when you read the description as being "speed hiking to everyday use in the city". As with trainers, ideally you want a snug fit. 

The Haze boots appear more chunky from the side

Here's a product information summary provided by Icebug on their website. Both the Haze boots and my old Nirax boots were made in Vietnam. 

 Icebug Haze BUGrip GTX 

The Haze boot is a different shape and tapers in more at the end. I've found this can be a problem for people like myself with wide feet. The moment of truth came and fortunately I still had enough space and about a thumb width at the front. If I pushed my feet forward I could get a finger in the space at the back heal. It would have been nice to try the next size up just for peace of mind, but I decided they were comfortable enough to keep. 

Haze boots on the left and Nirax on the right

I'm still haunted by a few bad purchases in the past where the boots seemed fine when I tried them on but after a while using them I realised they were too tight and I should have got the next size up. Having said that, I do own a pair of hiking boots which I use for general use and they're one and a half sizes bigger than my shoe size. I suppose being too loose can be as bad as being too tight. That's what can happen when you chase bargains only to find your ideal size has sold out! 

I like the bold relfectors on the back - they provide excellent visibilty for car drivers in the dark

Another reason the Haze boot has a more snug fit is that it's quite well padded as seen here next to my Nirax boots. 

I think the Haze  boot on the left has more padding that the Nirax boot

I prefer the boot lace 'retainer' on the Haze boot rather than the one on my Nirax boots. It feels like it holds on better.  

Haze boot retainer on the left

Haze boot on the left and Nirax on the right

Haze boot on the top has 17 metal studs and Nirax on the bottom has 13

 

Nirax boot metal studs. The white 'flakes' are part of the rubber mix

Haze boot metal studs

Haze boots on the right and Nirax on the left

Conclusion

These are expensive to buy but if you can be patient and find them on an offer then they are well worth having. I think they're a well made boot and the good environmental credentials are a bonus. 

I've not tried any cheaper alternatives but have been very satisfied with the Icebug boots I've been using. 

I've just recently been using my new Haze boots on different kinds of ice and they've proved to be exellent. The style is down to personal preference and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of their boots. 

I've been using them at about -5c with just thin socks and my feet have remained warm enough - even with lots of static use. I think the insulation is better than with my Icebug Nirax boots. 

Update: I went for a 20-30 minute brisk walk on compact snow and ice in -10c and my feet were warm enough just wearing medium weight sports socks. 

Whilst mine are a 'snug' fit, I would recommend that most people do in fact buy one size up from their normal shoe size. This is something I usually do for any kind of walking boot. Unless, you prefer a very snug fit to a 'looser' fit with this style of footwear. However, if I find myself buying another pair in future, I will probably order the next size up. Especially for anyone like me with wider feet.