Making the switch to electric: A soft top lover's story

19/08/2019 | SOPHIE SERVICE

For some years I’ve been on the lookout, (somewhat intermittently), for a cabriolet electric car that I can afford.

Why?

Well, my mother was an early, early adopter of non-fossil fuel cars, buying a Prius when they first came out and moving through Gee Whizz and a number of others to a Leaf. So I had been set an example of just how great they are for town. Plus, driving around in a petrol car was a serious blot on my pretensions to be green.

So what stopped me?

I’ve always had soft tops from my first 2CV on, so that was a must. However car makers had not, apparently, thought of combining the two things. Plus I live in a third floor flat and you can't charge from a household mains socket even if I could sling a series of daisy-chained extension leads out of my window - not to mention park close enough outside the house.

So what’s changed?

Well, on-street charging points are appearing through a slow but gradual process and the vehicle range is improving to such a degree that I would not have to re-charge more than once a week.

I’ve also admitted to myself that I’m probably not going to be going for any 2,000 mile road trips across Europe on a whim.

On my latest, periodic internet search of 'electric cabriolet' up popped a picture of an electric smart car with a soft top. Bingo! At this point I have to also to admit that I do like a car with a style of its own, not just another tin box on wheels.

Realistically, going for the test drive was a complete sham. I knew I was going to get one, I just needed to know the cost. I can’t imagine what would have had to be wrong with the thing for me not to go for it.

As an ex-Vespa rider, the size thing holds no terrors for me and I find the idea of this little transport box on wheels, made exactly for my dog and me to zip around London in, makes me smile from my very core.

For those who say electric cars have taken the romance out of driving, sure there is the utility of being able to park nose to the pavement, of not paying congestion charge or road tax, or of paying for only 10 minutes of four hours parking, but most importantly for me this car honestly makes me feel young and whimsical.

Romance is not just about an open road, its about an open mind.

Sophie Service is group facilities and development director at the Hemming Group, publishers of Highways.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Highways Maintenance Manager

£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Selby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

£51,356- £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Brompton on Swale, Richmond
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Permit Officer - Internal works promoter - WMF2244e

£34,434 - £35,412
The streetworks Permit Officer role within the highways service Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Development Management Engineer

£41,816 - £45,175
You will be based in the Highways Development Team and work closely with colleagues across the wider transport service. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Transport Project Officer

£34,203 - £37,067
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated project officer to work in our Highways and Transport Service. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Engineer - Structures

£40,777 - £44,075
Join the successful Structures team, and become a vital team member Broad Lane Office, Yate
Recruiter: South Gloucestershire Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2251e

£26,403 - £26,824
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Traffic Management Technician WMF2256e

£34,434 to £35,412 (pay award pending)
Westmorland and Furness Council is looking for three experienced and motivated individuals Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Bridge Technician - WMF2257e

£34,434 - £35,412
We are currently seeking to recruit a Senior Bridge Technician to join our Bridges and Structures team. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Network Officer WMF2263e

£38,220 - £39,152
In this role, you will assist in leading the South Lakes Area Highways team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF2240e

£28,598 - £29,540
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a committed and technically capable individual to join our Traffic Management Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Commercial Manager

£Competitive
The SBIM contract involves delivering inspection and maintenance programmes for National Highways Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Commercial Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Senior Commercial Manager Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Managing QS

£Competitive
In this role, you will support the Senior Commercial team in the end to end commercial process for the Area 12 contract. Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Inspection Officer

£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Windsor, Berkshire
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW