I worked as a consultant to Shell in the 1980s and that was my 'road to Damascus' moment followed by a visit to the alternative energy centre in mid Wales. Since then I have worked on truly affordable zero carbon buildings with no embodied energy. The battles I have had with ignorant planners and greedy developers is staggering. I now live in Scotland because of the corruption in England.
Revisited CAT, Machynlleth last year. Sorry to say it's not a shadow of what it was in the 1990s. And they still have a display that tells people to use gas instead of electricity. Would not recommend.
You should go on the Fully Charged Plus show and do an interview! Would be cool to hear your experience and stories, maybe highlight your firm's work too!
Robert; loved it! Taking delivery of our first EV this Wednesday and installing a Zappi to go with our PVs and Tesla battery. And we're in our mid-70s. And we'll be using our MG5 Long Range to shuttle between our grandkids, because the price of petrol has become prohibitive when you're on a pension.
This show is so important. I learnt so much about EVs, renewable technology, electrification of heating and hot water, transportation, among a lot of other things that I pass on what I learnt to my 8 and 15 year old children. Keep up the good work!
I enjoyed every second of your diatribe with its gems of wisdom, Robert. Never give up, never despair. Your attitude is the correct and wise attitude. Attitude change is generational. When habits and attitudes get set as a person gets older they often die before they can change those attitudes. Accepting the change from petrol/diesel to electric may take a generation. I bought a second hand 2013 LEAF earlier this year. Best smartest move I've made in many years. Took possession weeks before the petrol price hike. LOL And the captains of industry, who one would hope are more insightful and intelligent, are the worst. They are motivated by greed to maintain the status quo. That is disappointing. Because one would also think they are smart enough to see the opportunities inherent in a new field such as electric power, electric cars, but no, they deny neon lite facts to protect the money stream that they have gorged on for a lifetime. I hope they choke on it.
Very enjoyable rant. I love these style of podcasts much more than the rather slick, commercial content FC produces now. I miss the days of Robert and Johnny wondering if they'd remembered to hit record on the audio.
Oh I needed this rant. I need you with me when workmates say that me getting a 20KW solar/Tesla battery system for my house was a waste of money. Then I dance in the window when the power goes off and the whole neighborhood is dark but me. Go Robert Go!!
Great rant Robert😀 I can only hope that some of these anti everything individuals have watched this pod cast and learned something from it. But it would take a miracle; let's hope. Thank you, keep the rants coming, it makes me realise I'm not alone.
As always I find your words comforting. I agree with each and every one of them. Although it is frustrating to see such a large part of the population in the fossilised world of "traditional" fuels, it is encouraging to hear a very intelligent nephew of mine declaring that he wants to study energy and environmental engineering. He watches the fully charged show. Things are changing, cars and cities are no longer compatible. There is no room left and it makes no sense energetically to move such weight so slowly and then leave it in a cramped place for a long time. Smart people will lead the way and others will follow as soon as they read the bottom line. Saving money and time is something nobody ignores. You have inspired change for so many over these 12 years. Be aware of it. May these be words of encouragement in times of despair, what you have done with your amazing team is simply fantastic. You have spread data and information, reviewed and questioned incessantly in the face of adversaries much wealthier and politically connected than yourself. Your followers have increased and your content is better than ever. I still haven't been to one of your shows, but it's on my to do list. Keep up the amazing work. Last but not least. Recently state incentives have allowed people like me to install solar + battery + heat pump. What you preach is based on facts. We now have more energy than what we can use, with air con on and two fridges. In hot Italy. Having an e-bike has now made me a photon cyclist. And everything is so much lighter. I am no longer a sponsor of war. Thanks Robert. From the heart. You were the one who literally showed me it was possible.
Hi Robert, I am Support Engineer in the Automotive Industry, I can tell you that our industry is now changing at a meteoric rate and I for one am very happy to see this and be part of the process. For years I have been waiting for this to happen and now it is, so your rants are well justified and those of us in my industry that look to change as a catalyst to a better future fully support the rants :)
Robert I love your impassioned broadcasts. I love them for the same reason I love live music in small venues--the *passion* comes over loud and clear :-)
Hi I think your show is great I am one of the older people that are into the new technology and have an electric scooters and car plus solar panels and battery I have a zappi and am looking into heat pumps as my next project I enjoy your show I find it very informative keep it up all the best Gary
Love the show Robert! Do you have a heat pump at home? I think many people (including myself) don't understand the practicalities and price of installing and running such systems. Some real world examples with costings would be great to see!
It is nice to be part of the crowd that can think for themselves, rather than the nay sayers. I wish we could educate them quicker but at the moment , I am happy to let them throw money away. Keep up the fight Robert!
Thanks. Feel lot better after listening to you. It reminded me of about 10 years ago we installed water solar and new kitchen units. The kitchen cost more than the solar. We had friends round. The question was how long to get money back on solar. No mention of money back on kitchen. My reply now on similar question is how long to get money back on a new gas boiler
Don’t worry you and your team are not screaming into the void. 3 years ago when I went looking for answers to the question what should our next car should be I came across this channel with it’s well informed arguments and guests. It made me realise I was wrong that the automatic choice of another petrol was not my only choice. I did my own research convinced my wife and now we sit on the waiting list for an electric car. How ever it was only the gateway and now we are putting a plan in place for how we can change our hole relationship with energy and how we use it and this channel is definitely the biggest influence of that.
Congratulations on 12 years Robert! I've been incredibly impressed with the changes in your channel and your willingness to walk your talk on energy. You have a lot of credibility and are willing to tackle very complicated issues. It is sometimes said that "change happens one funeral at a time" but I hope that the older generation will swing around on things like electric vehicles and heat pumps. I have seen some signs of our highly experienced generation accepting the change. The younger generations seem to be mostly on board with a lower carbon lifestyle (but not all of them - around here lifted trucks are common). I'm definitely seeing more EVs in my very right wing area of the USA. A new fueling station being built here has charging stations already installed. A Subway fast food place was built two years ago and has a level 2 charger. Any sign of progress here is welcome.
One thing to consider is people's personal attitudes towards sharing. Personally, I have never liked it. Always trying to plan your work day around the whole gang starting and finishing at the same time etc. I like the felxibility of being able to knock off early, if I so choose, without letting the share team down. Also, I like solitude whilst commuting, prior to spending all day in an office with people I "have" to get along with. Call me grumpy, call me anti-social. My car, my music, my thoughts without interruption etc.
I charged up at Tesla Uxbridge yesterday with my e-golf. 12 working chargers. None of them broken would you believe. I checked BP Polar network and mostly all of them in that area were down. And now I’m thinking of buying a Tesla or at least a VTGrid model at some stage. I did some rough maths the other day on how much it costs to do a run into London with say a MPV. I spent about £9 for the downward leg and £0 when I got back to recharge. I don’t have any servicing costs and regularly pick up free juice around town. So, even though lecky costs have gone up recently, I’m still quids in. When the pump prices top £2.50 per litre, the penny will drop and everyone will want an EV. I’m so glad I switched four years ago, thanks to you Bobby.
Your reasoning you gave us for all your energy management choices so EXACTLY matches mine. I stopped using Gas and Petrol for the same reason and while the payback time of the Solar PV, Powerwall battery, and A/S heat pump, and full BEV vehicle were all good to know but not the reason for adopting them. I really wanted to say with confidence if I can go 100% renewably powered in my average 3 bed semi, then so can millions of others. Also my monthly expenditure on energy has been effectively future-proofed in my retirement (currently £10 per month averaged out over the year, including FIT and RHI payments.)
So Robert didn't loose his temper with the old woman talking about where the electricity comes from, I just think it's a good job that she didn't mention "self charging hybrids", because that generally triggers Roberts thermonuclear reaction.
Ah Robert I *did* enjoy that! Well done for getting everything said that you wanted to without going off the deep end too much. 😁How you resisted the alliterative expletive at the end was remarkable 😆😂 I'm about the same vintage as you and only really properly discovered UA-cam in the first lockdown when I was researching e-bikes to help me get about for some exercise and fresh air. I believe you happened to have an episode on them around the same time. Either that or it popped up thanks to the algorithm. As a consequence of course I started watching more and more of your programmes and just so wished I'd discovered you sooner. Well I'd already discovered you, in fact I was delighted to see one of my favourite actor/programme hosts speeding along on e-bikes with some chaps in London. If I had discovered you doing Fully Charged, I mean, we would already be driving an ev but sadly now have to wait a further couple of years. I use the e-bike for all but one of my journeys now so it really is my Stealth Mobility Vehicle and my car usage is minimal, my wife does the bulk of the driving to visit her mum and get to work two days a week. In our local town, Faversham, they've set up a car sharing scheme, unfortunately they were a bit apprehensive about how people would take to all-electric so they've started with hybrids with a view to getting an ev later, I believe. As I mentioned we have an elderly relative who lives a drive away so losing the car altogether is not possible and as you say, it's quite difficult to contemplate. Losing the ability to be spontaneous is what is difficult especially in an unforseen emergency. Any way, rambling! Cheers Robert for another thoroughly enjoyable contemplative contribution. 👍 😊
You have a truly excellent grasp of how things really are, little wonder after 12+ years doing what u do ;-) another brilliant episode, thank you Robert :-)
Robert don't forget privately owned electric vehicles are key to funding and advancing the technology for the transition away from fossil fuels. Individual ownership is a small price to pay to kill the fossil fuel industry. Car share is a important but a lower priority.
Replacing all the existing cars with EVs isn't a solution to any environmental problems. EVs are still massively resource intensive. No credible plans for dealing with the climate and ecological emergency includes making a billion electric cars. Car sharing is an excellent plan as far as it can be made practicable.
A top tip. If you want to ditch gas join brilliant Octopus Energy first. To fit our heat pump we had to physically remove our gas connection. Glad to see it go but technically required anyway. Octopus were delighted to help. Agreed a day and time (at short notice) and stuck to it. Gas meter etc gone. Standing charge gone from the next bill. Octopus are clearly motivated in favour of the energy transition and love to help. Our heat pump keeps us toasty, runs on 100% renewable energy (via Octopus) and saves us cash.
I find it fascinating how some kinds of radical change seem self propelled (eg the rapid adoption of smart phones) whereas some feel like trench warfare in spite of the actual benefits. It’s not cost. Smartphones were always more expensive than the technology they displaced but the benefit case was overwhelming. We don’t even use smartphones as phones all that much. The difference with EVs, solar, wind, etc… is almost entirely down to two things: First, public unfamiliarity with the idea of total cost of ownership vs up-front price (businesses ‘get’ that). Second, disinformation by the incumbents. It’s that latter factor that’s the biggest obstacle and it feels similar to the rearguard action fought by tobacco companies for decades. In fact I think the fossil industry push back is worse because the investment in fossil production is so wide and the prospect of change means leaving someone holding eventually worthless assets.
Robert it's been a long hard slog, but your determination to ask the questions and make sure you find an answer was and still is a shining light in this world for me when I wondered why it seemed no one else was asking or pissed about what was going on. I hope you will be around doing this for at least another 12 years and that that episode will be waxing lyrical about all of the POSITIVE CHANGES you've seen in your lifetime around energy, economy, peace and property when we end our addiction to oil and gas.
As ever, great knowledge to counter the myths that are perpetuated in the media, I often debate, with my engineering students about the future & the knowledge I gain from fully charged, really helps me get these young minds to question the "facts" and explore the energy transition with their eye wide open. I hope these engineers of the future will join companies that truly embrace sustainability. Thank you Robert for providing me with more facts.
Robert I abolutely loved this episode! The message is a sad one (general public are still in the dark), but it is important to reflect upon where we were and how far we have advanced. Please keep up the great work, appreciate hearing you each week. Also took away the word permafurious!!! :)
Thanks Robert, I appreciate your frustration, many great comments. I too am very frustrated here in Canada. We are fortunate to have a 2018 Chevy Volt (Yes I know doesn’t make the grade being a phev not a full EV) but we are able to travel 90% of the time on home charged electricity. You need to highlight the awful ev delivery problem in the US and in particular Canada. I was told this week all order books closed for 2022, probably a 3 year wait for an Ioniq 5 here in Ontario, Canada. Most EV manufacturers are the same (except high priced luxury ev’s) with most product going to Europe or areas that have high government incentives or mandates for car manufacturers. I’m told this is just a ‘temporary situation’ but I fear its just another ploy to prolong the sales of ice cars as there is more profit in selling them.
Wonderfully well written and beautifully said, Robert! Congrats on 12 years and here's to the next twelve! Could you post the link to your TV show about the oil refinery, or could someone tell me what to search for to find it?
I Love it. Thanks for your very informative videos Robert. I have been following you for a long time. I love the rant but please turn it down a bit, I don't want you to have a heart attack!! 😀
I am hard pressed to define the nature of a rant, but since you refer to it as such, so be it. These are important and useful. The non-stop trolling, fractiousness, bought and paid for lying by politicians and the media wears us down over time. Your work becomes a kind of energizing sermon from the currently small bully pulpit of the human race recognizing it now needs to grow up. You have made it humbly clear that no grand plan was at work, yet you have become one of the few thought leaders in this, our current reformation. Going well beyond your own personal choices - in my opinion, well done.
Very good indeed. I miss these. I would personally love to see you and your studio showing full screen workout the text on the right one you're properly in to the video, as it helps draw me in.
It is certainly true that we had been repeating the same message over and over and little happens in people's head. A lot happens around us but it doesn't bother the people who easily destroy what millions can not rebuild.
And totally with you....I'm your age, just gone full solar, battery, zappi, heat pump........kicking myself for not doing it 10 years ago. Biggest impact I've realised is a psychological one, and it's the sense of freedom, that I've never previously had, for not being dependent on others for my fuel, travel and heat, not being dependent on lorry drivers bringing fuel to nearby petrol stations, or other countries shipping gas and oil to us......and so on....
Great ending. It’s not the planet that needs saving, it’s us. The planet will be here a long time after we aren’t. (Or words to that effect). Also loved the “how long is the payback?” bit. I have taken to making the same point (how long to get your kitchen money back) when talking to people too.
Great presentation. I live in London (UK) and really could do with a small, affordable car (when a car is needed) to use on short journeys. Can we have more focus on smaller cars on your Podcasts please.
Got to love a good old rant! Go on lad! What is interesting is the way that you have lead and showed us how to turn our houses into mini power stations! Some green crap please! Let’s have support from our illustrious leaders! 😳
Thanks Robert. This type of video is one main reason why I subscribe to your channels. Do keep up the good work! And yes; I'm old enough to remember when only 3 or 4 people on our street owned their own car, children played on the roads with almost no chance of a car passing by, and when car parks were about as common as hen's teeth. Can you please investigate the stories of Germany and other EU states, along with Japan, trying to back down from the 2035 ICE vehicle ban and the Climate change agreements which most of them subscribed to, within the past few months and years? It smell of politicians and business people trying to manipulate policy and to sway the perceptions of the mostly uninformed public.
Smiled when you mentioned the middle aged men who play golf & are surprised when I say exactly the same as you. I have friends who when I got PV & then a Home Battery are now flabbergasted at what I get from FIT and also how low my bills are. I then tell them getting away from gas for heating & hot water is next. Guess what? Yup “Daily Fail” tropes of heat pumps don’t work & cost £20k. That was until one stayed in a holiday cottage with a heat pump!
Nice rant Bobby, I'm getting a Zappi installed in readiness for my BMW i4 delivery in November. :) Most of the people I work with have the same attitudes as the DM comment section. "landfill batteries", "grid blackouts", "EVs aren't green, it's all a big con" and "you'll need a new £20k battery in 5 years" etc. When you mention the fact that the batteries are warranteed for 8 years, as opposed to the 3 years on their ICE engine and gearbox etc.... they go a bit quiet. One point not talked about much, is insurance. I drove through a "puddle" in my diesel bmw, and hydrolocked the engine, as the air intake is really low down. The cost for repair, including a new engine from germany and all the trimmings, came to more than the car was worth. My insurance (LV) paid out almost what I had paid for the car, so I could get another one. I wonder what will happen if the battery fails due to accidental damage? Or if it does decide to combust out of warranty? Will they simply write the car off and send out a lump of dosh, as was the case with my diesel?
Engineers thrive on solving complex problems. An engineer called Jeff (forget his surname) came up with “Jeff’s equation” and it is spot on: Problem = Challenge = Fun 👍👍👍
Excellent "rant" from the master! The change is coming, and soon, you can tell by the increase in misinformation propaganda being spouted on various media lately. They know their time is coming to an end. Us old buggers have to make sure we keep educating those willing to be guided. Incidentally, re the golf bit, I'm in NZ and don't give a toss about rugby.... Go FC!
Hey, someone even more cynical and angry than me has a huge platform. You go, Robert!
I love these Robert Rants. So needed. Hope they get a wider audience.
This is why I keep coming back for more Fully Charged, the proper grumpy Robert is the best!
I worked as a consultant to Shell in the 1980s and that was my 'road to Damascus' moment followed by a visit to the alternative energy centre in mid Wales. Since then I have worked on truly affordable zero carbon buildings with no embodied energy. The battles I have had with ignorant planners and greedy developers is staggering. I now live in Scotland because of the corruption in England.
Revisited CAT, Machynlleth last year. Sorry to say it's not a shadow of what it was in the 1990s. And they still have a display that tells people to use gas instead of electricity. Would not recommend.
You should go on the Fully Charged Plus show and do an interview! Would be cool to hear your experience and stories, maybe highlight your firm's work too!
@@markiliff I could not agree more. The shop was pretty NAF with stuff made in China too.
@@crispynoges Ah, didn't notice that aspect. Worser and worser.
Solo Robert podcasts are my favourite podcasts, honestly prefer them over the ones with guests. Great stuff
Being an ex- marine engineer myself I can only agree with you Robert about shipping oil use. Love your 'honest' rants. Please never stop.👍👍⚡️⚡️⚡️
Damn I love me a Llewellyn rant. 😁 I'm the same, my eyes hurt from rolling back in my head listening to the uninformed.
A new word for my vocabulary today - Permafurious - thank you Robert. I think we need to push hard now to get that one into the OED next year.
One of the best episodes ever. Never considered all the costs and pollution related to transporting and refining oil.
Robert; loved it! Taking delivery of our first EV this Wednesday and installing a Zappi to go with our PVs and Tesla battery. And we're in our mid-70s. And we'll be using our MG5 Long Range to shuttle between our grandkids, because the price of petrol has become prohibitive when you're on a pension.
This show is so important. I learnt so much about EVs, renewable technology, electrification of heating and hot water, transportation, among a lot of other things that I pass on what I learnt to my 8 and 15 year old children. Keep up the good work!
I enjoyed every second of your diatribe with its gems of wisdom, Robert. Never give up, never despair.
Your attitude is the correct and wise attitude.
Attitude change is generational. When habits and attitudes get set as a person gets older they often die before they can change those attitudes.
Accepting the change from petrol/diesel to electric may take a generation. I bought a second hand 2013 LEAF earlier this year. Best smartest move I've made in many years. Took possession weeks before the petrol price hike. LOL
And the captains of industry, who one would hope are more insightful and intelligent, are the worst.
They are motivated by greed to maintain the status quo. That is disappointing. Because one would also think they are smart enough to see the opportunities inherent in a new field such as electric power, electric cars, but no, they deny neon lite facts to protect the money stream that they have gorged on for a lifetime. I hope they choke on it.
Very enjoyable rant. I love these style of podcasts much more than the rather slick, commercial content FC produces now. I miss the days of Robert and Johnny wondering if they'd remembered to hit record on the audio.
Oh I needed this rant. I need you with me when workmates say that me getting a 20KW solar/Tesla battery system for my house was a waste of money. Then I dance in the window when the power goes off and the whole neighborhood is dark but me. Go Robert Go!!
“Perma-Furious” is my new favourite term 🤣🤣🤣
Well done on another fantastic solo podcast! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
My favorite weekly podcast as I wisk to work on the train past all the congested traffic pumping fumes....
Great rant Robert😀 I can only hope that some of these anti everything individuals have watched this pod cast and learned something from it. But it would take a miracle; let's hope. Thank you, keep the rants coming, it makes me realise I'm not alone.
As always I find your words comforting. I agree with each and every one of them. Although it is frustrating to see such a large part of the population in the fossilised world of "traditional" fuels, it is encouraging to hear a very intelligent nephew of mine declaring that he wants to study energy and environmental engineering. He watches the fully charged show. Things are changing, cars and cities are no longer compatible. There is no room left and it makes no sense energetically to move such weight so slowly and then leave it in a cramped place for a long time. Smart people will lead the way and others will follow as soon as they read the bottom line. Saving money and time is something nobody ignores. You have inspired change for so many over these 12 years. Be aware of it. May these be words of encouragement in times of despair, what you have done with your amazing team is simply fantastic. You have spread data and information, reviewed and questioned incessantly in the face of adversaries much wealthier and politically connected than yourself. Your followers have increased and your content is better than ever. I still haven't been to one of your shows, but it's on my to do list. Keep up the amazing work. Last but not least. Recently state incentives have allowed people like me to install solar + battery + heat pump. What you preach is based on facts. We now have more energy than what we can use, with air con on and two fridges. In hot Italy. Having an e-bike has now made me a photon cyclist. And everything is so much lighter. I am no longer a sponsor of war. Thanks Robert. From the heart. You were the one who literally showed me it was possible.
"Photon Cyclist"
Love it!
Hi Robert, I am Support Engineer in the Automotive Industry, I can tell you that our industry is now changing at a meteoric rate and I for one am very happy to see this and be part of the process. For years I have been waiting for this to happen and now it is, so your rants are well justified and those of us in my industry that look to change as a catalyst to a better future fully support the rants :)
This should be a mandatory TED talk. So smart.
Robert I love your impassioned broadcasts. I love them for the same reason I love live music in small venues--the *passion* comes over loud and clear :-)
Thank You Robert, for this very entertaining yet thoroughly informative 40 min monolog.
Hi I think your show is great I am one of the older people that are into the new technology and have an electric scooters and car plus solar panels and battery I have a zappi and am looking into heat pumps as my next project I enjoy your show I find it very informative keep it up all the best Gary
Love the show Robert! Do you have a heat pump at home? I think many people (including myself) don't understand the practicalities and price of installing and running such systems. Some real world examples with costings would be great to see!
Spot on Rob!
We must question all the conventional paradigms, private car use, the amount of road and city space dedicated to cars (of any type), etc.
It is nice to be part of the crowd that can think for themselves, rather than the nay sayers. I wish we could educate them quicker but at the moment , I am happy to let them throw money away. Keep up the fight Robert!
Yes, good stuff. Thank you Robert, a motivated and motivating summing up indeed.
Fantastic and very much needed, truthful comment Robert. Thank you.
Thanks. Feel lot better after listening to you. It reminded me of about 10 years ago we installed water solar and new kitchen units. The kitchen cost more than the solar. We had friends round. The question was how long to get money back on solar. No mention of money back on kitchen. My reply now on similar question is how long to get money back on a new gas boiler
Don’t worry you and your team are not screaming into the void. 3 years ago when I went looking for answers to the question what should our next car should be I came across this channel with it’s well informed arguments and guests. It made me realise I was wrong that the automatic choice of another petrol was not my only choice. I did my own research convinced my wife and now we sit on the waiting list for an electric car. How ever it was only the gateway and now we are putting a plan in place for how we can change our hole relationship with energy and how we use it and this channel is definitely the biggest influence of that.
Congratulations on 12 years Robert! I've been incredibly impressed with the changes in your channel and your willingness to walk your talk on energy. You have a lot of credibility and are willing to tackle very complicated issues.
It is sometimes said that "change happens one funeral at a time" but I hope that the older generation will swing around on things like electric vehicles and heat pumps. I have seen some signs of our highly experienced generation accepting the change. The younger generations seem to be mostly on board with a lower carbon lifestyle (but not all of them - around here lifted trucks are common).
I'm definitely seeing more EVs in my very right wing area of the USA. A new fueling station being built here has charging stations already installed. A Subway fast food place was built two years ago and has a level 2 charger. Any sign of progress here is welcome.
Excellent! Robert, spot on.
Thank you so much!!!!! for everything you do!!!! Ill mentioning you and the channel at every opportunity. 🙂
One thing to consider is people's personal attitudes towards sharing. Personally, I have never liked it. Always trying to plan your work day around the whole gang starting and finishing at the same time etc. I like the felxibility of being able to knock off early, if I so choose, without letting the share team down. Also, I like solitude whilst commuting, prior to spending all day in an office with people I "have" to get along with. Call me grumpy, call me anti-social. My car, my music, my thoughts without interruption etc.
I charged up at Tesla Uxbridge yesterday with my e-golf. 12 working chargers. None of them broken would you believe. I checked BP Polar network and mostly all of them in that area were down. And now I’m thinking of buying a Tesla or at least a VTGrid model at some stage. I did some rough maths the other day on how much it costs to do a run into London with say a MPV. I spent about £9 for the downward leg and £0 when I got back to recharge. I don’t have any servicing costs and regularly pick up free juice around town. So, even though lecky costs have gone up recently, I’m still quids in. When the pump prices top £2.50 per litre, the penny will drop and everyone will want an EV. I’m so glad I switched four years ago, thanks to you Bobby.
Your reasoning you gave us for all your energy management choices so EXACTLY matches mine. I stopped using Gas and Petrol for the same reason and while the payback time of the Solar PV, Powerwall battery, and A/S heat pump, and full BEV vehicle were all good to know but not the reason for adopting them. I really wanted to say with confidence if I can go 100% renewably powered in my average 3 bed semi, then so can millions of others. Also my monthly expenditure on energy has been effectively future-proofed in my retirement (currently £10 per month averaged out over the year, including FIT and RHI payments.)
I miss your rants. They remind how reasonable my own views (99% aligned with yours btw) can seem when expressed eloquently and forcibly. Thank you.
So Robert didn't loose his temper with the old woman talking about where the electricity comes from, I just think it's a good job that she didn't mention "self charging hybrids", because that generally triggers Roberts thermonuclear reaction.
Thankyou, Robert for your rant, I love it. Keep up the good work, we yanks need to hear it.
Ah Robert I *did* enjoy that! Well done for getting everything said that you wanted to without going off the deep end too much. 😁How you resisted the alliterative expletive at the end was remarkable 😆😂
I'm about the same vintage as you and only really properly discovered UA-cam in the first lockdown when I was researching e-bikes to help me get about for some exercise and fresh air. I believe you happened to have an episode on them around the same time. Either that or it popped up thanks to the algorithm. As a consequence of course I started watching more and more of your programmes and just so wished I'd discovered you sooner. Well I'd already discovered you, in fact I was delighted to see one of my favourite actor/programme hosts speeding along on e-bikes with some chaps in London. If I had discovered you doing Fully Charged, I mean, we would already be driving an ev but sadly now have to wait a further couple of years. I use the e-bike for all but one of my journeys now so it really is my Stealth Mobility Vehicle and my car usage is minimal, my wife does the bulk of the driving to visit her mum and get to work two days a week.
In our local town, Faversham, they've set up a car sharing scheme, unfortunately they were a bit apprehensive about how people would take to all-electric so they've started with hybrids with a view to getting an ev later, I believe. As I mentioned we have an elderly relative who lives a drive away so losing the car altogether is not possible and as you say, it's quite difficult to contemplate. Losing the ability to be spontaneous is what is difficult especially in an unforseen emergency.
Any way, rambling! Cheers Robert for another thoroughly enjoyable contemplative contribution. 👍 😊
You have a truly excellent grasp of how things really are, little wonder after 12+ years doing what u do ;-) another brilliant episode, thank you Robert :-)
So refreshing hearing someone say it like it is. Keep it up. Day of sugar coating is gone.
Brilliant. As always. Thank you. Keep bashing on.
Robert don't forget privately owned electric vehicles are key to funding and advancing the technology for the transition away from fossil fuels. Individual ownership is a small price to pay to kill the fossil fuel industry. Car share is a important but a lower priority.
Replacing all the existing cars with EVs isn't a solution to any environmental problems. EVs are still massively resource intensive. No credible plans for dealing with the climate and ecological emergency includes making a billion electric cars.
Car sharing is an excellent plan as far as it can be made practicable.
You stated your opinion as if it was 'just a given fact'...
JFC people, before you reply to someone else's comment read the OG comment twice and carefully. Don't just make shit up that you thought the OG wrote.
Well done Robert! Nice one. I feel and share the pain, but things are changing :)
You are the best when you RANT - I love it. Things have to be said with power. I have send it on to my friends.
Great video Robert! Just what we need to hear.
Great, as usual. We need more Roberts
Love it when Rob goes solo❤️🥸
A top tip. If you want to ditch gas join brilliant Octopus Energy first. To fit our heat pump we had to physically remove our gas connection. Glad to see it go but technically required anyway. Octopus were delighted to help. Agreed a day and time (at short notice) and stuck to it. Gas meter etc gone. Standing charge gone from the next bill. Octopus are clearly motivated in favour of the energy transition and love to help. Our heat pump keeps us toasty, runs on 100% renewable energy (via Octopus) and saves us cash.
I find it fascinating how some kinds of radical change seem self propelled (eg the rapid adoption of smart phones) whereas some feel like trench warfare in spite of the actual benefits. It’s not cost. Smartphones were always more expensive than the technology they displaced but the benefit case was overwhelming. We don’t even use smartphones as phones all that much. The difference with EVs, solar, wind, etc… is almost entirely down to two things: First, public unfamiliarity with the idea of total cost of ownership vs up-front price (businesses ‘get’ that). Second, disinformation by the incumbents. It’s that latter factor that’s the biggest obstacle and it feels similar to the rearguard action fought by tobacco companies for decades. In fact I think the fossil industry push back is worse because the investment in fossil production is so wide and the prospect of change means leaving someone holding eventually worthless assets.
Robert it's been a long hard slog, but your determination to ask the questions and make sure you find an answer was and still is a shining light in this world for me when I wondered why it seemed no one else was asking or pissed about what was going on. I hope you will be around doing this for at least another 12 years and that that episode will be waxing lyrical about all of the POSITIVE CHANGES you've seen in your lifetime around energy, economy, peace and property when we end our addiction to oil and gas.
Only Robert can do such a video - great!
Bravo Robert! I will watch your rants everyday. Keep it up!
As ever, great knowledge to counter the myths that are perpetuated in the media, I often debate, with my engineering students about the future & the knowledge I gain from fully charged, really helps me get these young minds to question the "facts" and explore the energy transition with their eye wide open. I hope these engineers of the future will join companies that truly embrace sustainability. Thank you Robert for providing me with more facts.
Robert I abolutely loved this episode! The message is a sad one (general public are still in the dark), but it is important to reflect upon where we were and how far we have advanced. Please keep up the great work, appreciate hearing you each week. Also took away the word permafurious!!! :)
Thanks Robert, I appreciate your frustration, many great comments.
I too am very frustrated here in Canada. We are fortunate to have a 2018 Chevy Volt
(Yes I know doesn’t make the grade being a phev not a full EV) but we are able to travel 90% of the time on home charged electricity. You need to highlight the awful ev delivery problem in the US and in particular Canada. I was told this week all order books closed for 2022, probably a 3 year wait for an Ioniq 5 here in Ontario, Canada. Most EV manufacturers are the same (except high priced luxury ev’s) with most product going to Europe or areas that have high government incentives or mandates for car manufacturers.
I’m told this is just a ‘temporary situation’ but I fear its just another ploy to prolong the sales of ice cars as there is more profit in selling them.
I’m hoping they can show this, at a Just Stop Oil meeting next week near me. What a superb way to put stuff across, courtesy of Bobby Lew!
Well done Robert, well said. Speak truth to the over powerful. Best wishes
Good sum up Robert.
Keep it coming 👍
Wonderfully well written and beautifully said, Robert! Congrats on 12 years and here's to the next twelve!
Could you post the link to your TV show about the oil refinery, or could someone tell me what to search for to find it?
I have been enjoyed, so thank you for delivering.
Brilliant, Robert, one of your best! Thank you!🇨🇦
These are always great!
I Love it. Thanks for your very informative videos Robert. I have been following you for a long time. I love the rant but please turn it down a bit, I don't want you to have a heart attack!! 😀
Great show Robert i would love you to do one using clips from your old videos .
Thank you. Have also been feeling despondent lately re the dismal state of our world & society - this helped.
Please don't ever change Robert. It's the rest of us that need to.catch up
Well said. I love the way you phrase things.
Proper rant ole boy, LOVED It.
Thanks Rob. 👍👍
Superb. Make no apologies.
I am hard pressed to define the nature of a rant, but since you refer to it as such, so be it. These are important and useful. The non-stop trolling, fractiousness, bought and paid for lying by politicians and the media wears us down over time. Your work becomes a kind of energizing sermon from the currently small bully pulpit of the human race recognizing it now needs to grow up. You have made it humbly clear that no grand plan was at work, yet you have become one of the few thought leaders in this, our current reformation. Going well beyond your own personal choices - in my opinion, well done.
👏 👏 👏 best rant ever. And all facts! Great video Robert.
Love the golf rant 😆. Comedy gold.
"perma-furious" - I love it.
Awesome rant. Loved it. Bloody intelligent reasoning in there.
Very good indeed. I miss these.
I would personally love to see you and your studio showing full screen workout the text on the right one you're properly in to the video, as it helps draw me in.
Very interesting, Robert 🙂💚🙂
It is certainly true that we had been repeating the same message over and over and little happens in people's head. A lot happens around us but it doesn't bother the people who easily destroy what millions can not rebuild.
Go rant go! Love it. 😂 You are the best when you rant 👍
Brilliant show 😁
Very good a classic episode!
Beautiful rant!
And totally with you....I'm your age, just gone full solar, battery, zappi, heat pump........kicking myself for not doing it 10 years ago. Biggest impact I've realised is a psychological one, and it's the sense of freedom, that I've never previously had, for not being dependent on others for my fuel, travel and heat, not being dependent on lorry drivers bringing fuel to nearby petrol stations, or other countries shipping gas and oil to us......and so on....
Where do I start?
Gotta love a Robert rant. It's been well overdue! 😂
Great ending. It’s not the planet that needs saving, it’s us. The planet will be here a long time after we aren’t. (Or words to that effect).
Also loved the “how long is the payback?” bit. I have taken to making the same point (how long to get your kitchen money back) when talking to people too.
Great presentation. I live in London (UK) and really could do with a small, affordable car (when a car is needed) to use on short journeys. Can we have more focus on smaller cars on your Podcasts please.
Congrats on 12 years.
I was here before it was the Wet Liberal.
Definitely feeling old 😆😆😆👏👏👏👏🎉
Got to love a good old rant! Go on lad! What is interesting is the way that you have lead and showed us how to turn our houses into mini power stations! Some green crap please! Let’s have support from our illustrious leaders! 😳
Thanks Robert. This type of video is one main reason why I subscribe to your channels. Do keep up the good work!
And yes; I'm old enough to remember when only 3 or 4 people on our street owned their own car, children played on the roads with almost no chance of a car passing by, and when car parks were about as common as hen's teeth.
Can you please investigate the stories of Germany and other EU states, along with Japan, trying to back down from the 2035 ICE vehicle ban and the Climate change agreements which most of them subscribed to, within the past few months and years? It smell of politicians and business people trying to manipulate policy and to sway the perceptions of the mostly uninformed public.
P.S. A true engineer sees a challenge to rise to, rather than a problem which stumbles them. 😉👍
Smiled when you mentioned the middle aged men who play golf & are surprised when I say exactly the same as you. I have friends who when I got PV & then a Home Battery are now flabbergasted at what I get from FIT and also how low my bills are. I then tell them getting away from gas for heating & hot water is next. Guess what? Yup “Daily Fail” tropes of heat pumps don’t work & cost £20k. That was until one stayed in a holiday cottage with a heat pump!
You go Robert loved it 😎
Octopus energy have come to NZ! Yay.
Nice rant Bobby, I'm getting a Zappi installed in readiness for my BMW i4 delivery in November. :) Most of the people I work with have the same attitudes as the DM comment section. "landfill batteries", "grid blackouts", "EVs aren't green, it's all a big con" and "you'll need a new £20k battery in 5 years" etc. When you mention the fact that the batteries are warranteed for 8 years, as opposed to the 3 years on their ICE engine and gearbox etc.... they go a bit quiet.
One point not talked about much, is insurance. I drove through a "puddle" in my diesel bmw, and hydrolocked the engine, as the air intake is really low down. The cost for repair, including a new engine from germany and all the trimmings, came to more than the car was worth. My insurance (LV) paid out almost what I had paid for the car, so I could get another one.
I wonder what will happen if the battery fails due to accidental damage? Or if it does decide to combust out of warranty? Will they simply write the car off and send out a lump of dosh, as was the case with my diesel?
Engineers thrive on solving complex problems. An engineer called Jeff (forget his surname) came up with “Jeff’s equation” and it is spot on:
Problem = Challenge = Fun 👍👍👍
love the rants, please more of it. keep up the good work Robert :)
I think this will be the episode I send to people from now on.
Excellent "rant" from the master! The change is coming, and soon, you can tell by the increase in misinformation propaganda being spouted on various media lately. They know their time is coming to an end. Us old buggers have to make sure we keep educating those willing to be guided. Incidentally, re the golf bit, I'm in NZ and don't give a toss about rugby.... Go FC!
I miss these talks. Please can we have more. :)
This is truly great!!!