5th February 25

A very early 5.3am start today as delivering the Ford Transit E Electric van collected yesterday from Exeter which didn't get me home until 22.30 But an enjoyable and different experience all the same.

So we, yes my lovely wife was going to accompany me today, set off to deliver this vehicle to Mablethorpe on the East Lincolnshire coast. A drive of around 3 hours 15 minutes non stop in a normal car as it's only 129 miles but some busy A roads , which being on that eastern side of the south of our island is inhabited by Farm vehicles and trucks, so slow going.

We also were going to have to stop numerous times to charge this huge, although empty van. The van itself drove brilliantly. Very quiet, smooth and comfortable. I do like driving modern vans. They are more comfortable than most cars, give an amazing view of the road up front and well equipped.and being electric was almost silent. Probably quite quick too. But range anxiety killed that particular test.

Stopping at a garden centre, which we found by searching for rapid charging points we found one along the way set the charge in motion. However the van looked way out of place, parked in a space designed along the lines of most council car park spaces which used the standard set of official council 1963 set dimension rules for standard cars of the day. Thus being only good for a Ford Anglia or smaller. Why do they do this in car parks in 2025. When a 2024 Ford Fiesta is probably bigger than a 1969 Ford Zephyr. I know for a fact a BMW 3 or 4 series is now a similar size to an original 7 Series.

Anyway the van stuck out like a great big white US fridge in a downstairs toilet. And we had a look around this Garden centre. More on these horrible places later.

We arrived at Mablethorpe just after lunchtime and found the customer based right on the coast. Who was buying the van because he fancied a change and his work never took him out of the town. Good choice. Although I don't know how long this place has had electricity, never mind the internet to find charging points

Van delivered and a very short walk to a dealer to collect the next car for tomorrow's delivery. I know smart planning eh??