Mummy and Daddy Bought an Electric Car. I Have Concerns.
Mummy and Daddy say going electric makes sense. I have reviewed the evidence.
By Izzie, Executive Advisor · Assisted with typing by Mummy.
Executive Concern #1
Nobody consulted me.
Mummy and Daddy have bought an electric car.
This was a joint decision. Mummy does a lot of miles for work, and Anna and I travel up and down the country with her, so the Audi is Mummy's work car and our family car.
There were sensible reasons: petrol and running costs, work mileage, family practicality and wanting to make a more environmentally conscious choice.
They discussed it. Researched it. And made the decision together.
There was, however, one fairly significant omission from this process.
Nobody consulted me.
I have been brought up around sports cars. Big engines. Exhaust noise. Roof down. Drama. I understand cars.
Then the electric Audi arrived. Mummy pressed a button. I waited. Nothing happened.
Apparently, it was already on.
Preliminary Assessment
Engine noise★☆☆☆☆
Dramatic departure★☆☆☆☆
Stealth★★★★★
Izzie's initial positionSuspicious
Where has the engine gone?
Mercedes-AMG SL55
ROARRRRR.
This is what a car sounds like.
VS
Audi A6 e-tron
...
Apparently this is also a car.
There is one advantage
Anna and I do a lot of travelling. We go up and down the country with Mummy and we have an established journey-management strategy.
We sleep.
“A car should make a noise. Unfortunately, silence is excellent for naps.” Izzie
The accommodation has improved
Mummy and Daddy have upgraded our travelling arrangements. We now have two enormous plush beds in the Audi. One for me and one for Anna. We also have blankets. Obviously.
Each bed could comfortably accommodate a dog twice our size. Naturally, we each have our own.
Apparently some dogs travel on a normal car seat. I don't really know what to say about that.
Executive Class: Private bed · Blanket · Tinted windows · Chauffeur
Real-world evidence
How we used to travel vs how we travel now.
How we used to travel
How we travel now
Long journeys work differently now
On longer journeys we stop at services to charge the car. A typical top-up takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
At first I thought this was inefficient. Then I discovered what happens during those 15 to 20 minutes.
🚗DriveMake progress
→
⚡Charge15 to 20 minutes
→
🐾WalkStretch paws
→
👃SniffInvestigate
→
🍪Treat(hopefully)
→
😴BedBack to journey
We get out. We stretch our legs. We investigate the smells. Mummy and Daddy get coffee. There is a good chance of a treat.
On a long drive the journey gets broken up, which is actually better for everyone.
Apparently the car needs a break. Conveniently, so do the dachshunds.
The little things
New-car smell★★★★★New seats. New carpets. New car. And nobody else. Yet. Anna is working on that.
Tinted windows★★★★★Less sun directly on me during long journeys. Privacy also improved. Executive requirement satisfied.
The screen★★★★☆Very large. Lots of information. Useful for determining one thing: how long until we arrive?
Silence★★★☆☆Initially alarming. Unexpectedly good for sleeping. Position under review.
Why did Mummy and Daddy actually buy it?
Mummy travels a lot for work. The Audi is the work, family and long-distance travel car.
Running the SL55 for all of those miles means buying rather a lot of petrol.
Going electric changes that equation and was also part of Mummy and Daddy wanting to make a more environmentally conscious choice.
My analysis: less petrol equals more treat budget? Further financial investigation required.
The cars have different jobs
Audi A6 e-tron Avant
Primary roleWork & family
PowertrainElectric
Noise...
Long journeys★★★★★
Dachshund naps★★★★★
Drama★★☆☆☆
Roof-down adventuresNone
Plush-bed compatibility★★★★★
Izzie's interpretationChauffeur-driven lounge
Mercedes-AMG SL55
Primary roleWeekend / fun
PowertrainV8
NoiseROARRRRR
Long journeys★★★☆☆
Dachshund naps★★★☆☆
Drama★★★★★
Roof-down adventures★★★★★
Plush-bed compatibility★★★☆☆
Izzie's interpretationProper car
One carries us comfortably around the country. The other makes us smile.
I believe humans call this a balanced portfolio.
The Executive Assessment
Engine noise★☆☆☆☆
Dramatic departure★☆☆☆☆
Long-distance sleeping★★★★★
Personal plush accommodation★★★★★
Blanket provision★★★★★
Tinted-window comfort★★★★★
Family practicality★★★★★
Work-mile suitability★★★★★
Charging-stop walk opportunities★★★★★
New-car smell★★★★★
Environmental considerationPromising
Treat-budget potentialUnder Investigation
Overall dachshund luxuryExecutive Class
The Izzie Verdict
I began this review expecting to reject Mummy and Daddy's proposal.
The Audi does not roar. This remains disappointing.
However, it is quiet, comfortable, spacious and extremely good for sleeping.
The beds are excellent. The blankets are excellent. The tinted windows are excellent.
The charging stops provide acceptable opportunities for walking, sniffing and treats.
Mummy and Daddy's reasoning appears sensible.
Executive Decision
Approved for Long-Distance Operations
The V8 remains approved for ceremonial purposes.
Izzie Executive Advisor, Passenger & Head of In-Car Accommodation
About Izzie
Izzie, Executive Advisor
Small dog. Quiet authority.
Izzie reviews technology, cars, places and products from the perspective that really matters: hers. Her younger sister Anna investigates things differently, usually by getting considerably closer to them.
