We made our second trip to attend the Gathering at Gairloch on the 6th of July, representing EVA Scotland to showcase the electrification of transport, with bikes, a van and a car on display.
As with last year we appreciate Western Nissan at Newbridge for supplying a 40kWh eNV200 to display. This year we had far more to carry, with flags, gazebo and equipment for four days camping at Sands. The cargo space made a huge difference.
Oh, congratulations to Western for what is the first EV Approved sticker that we have seen in a dealership. (There are only three in Scotland, with only one in the East.)
The journey up represented some different challenges this year, as we were also bringing along the 30kWh LEAF 
with dog on board. In part this was an unscientific test of the infrastructure on the way, to see the impact of EVs starting to appear in groups at chargers. Using the Watts Up app to see what was happening on the road ahead gave us confidence that all the places we were heading to were seeing use. The eNV200 has issues with charge throttling on a hot battery, so we planned ahead to allow for that to. Onwards…
Northbound
The ambient temperatures were low, with road speeds maintained at around 56/7 mph actual, from the GPS. First stop was Pitlochry. One #JourneyCharger was in use, the other the LEAF rolled straight into beside a failed Outlander. As there was space on the Fast for the eNV beside a 100% electric converted Type2 VW (sorry, no pictures!), 7kW charging was started, allowing the battery to gain charge and cool a little. A short blast on the #JourneyCharger before leaving saw us on our way to Aviemore where the LEAF went first and the eNV again had a ‘range confidence charge’ for the next leg to Dingwall. Ideally a second charger here at Aviemore would have saved us about 20 minutes. A third at Pitlochry would have saved at least 15.
Dingwall. Again the LEAF went first, although both would require a decent charge for the road to Gairloch. While it was drawing power a wee shopping trip, with MyLeaf being monitored to prepare for the changeover. The EVA Scotland charging disk proudly on display. Heading back when the car hit 90%, the five minute walk saw the State of Charge hit 98% before I got there. Swapped over, drove round to collect the shopping before returning to the charge point. The eNV drew an average of 26.7kW over just under an hour. An extra charger here would have saved us a good 30 minutes. Dingwall is due and extra 3 #JourneyChargers this year as part of the eA9. At this point the battery temperature on the van was a smidge above the halfway mark. In keeping with others, I’m unclear at to why Nissan won’t roll the BMS update for the 40kWh LEAF over into the eNV fleet. With a lower powered motor, the overall heating of the battery will surely be lower? Just my thoughts as we waited and had a picnic at 18:00 in Dingwall. In a car park.
Comfortable with the range, we set off on the final leg at 19:00. In the rain.
Arrival
The campsite is huge.
At least the rain stopped while we put up the tent. Two nights sleep later it was time for the Gathering proper.
The Gathering
We had arranged for the same stand position as last year, allowing space for the bikes from Dryburgh’s in Dingwall to run about in. Also joining us was Harry from Edinburgh Tesla who had come along in a new spec Model S. He had hoped that he’d get a 3 to bring and was only a little disappointed that it wasn’t to be. The S was giving him a range of about 380 miles, almost enough for the round trip!
Next door were HomeEnergyScotland and some of the team from the local Coastguard. Yes, the van is charging there. It turned out to be a very busy day, with the rain managing to not bother! The day was even busier than last year, with local public interest in electromobility raised by the installation of the #JourneyCharger at the Community Hall. (@vonredbeard, @evolt should be proud) The Community Hall at Poolewe are keen to follow suit and have charge points available to encourage EV tourists to stay longer.
13 pedelecs were being demo’d almost continuously through the day, giving Mark very little time to see what else was happening. Last year’s demos were mirrored by this years success. Seeing a slightly uncertain rider trying something new, get about ten metres and let out a whoop of joy as they feel the assistance, then return five minutes (or more!) later with bugs in their teeth and a smile as wide a their face is hard to beat.
The number of people who were looking for advice on which EV to buy rather than just asking general questions was encouraging, with at least 5 people awaiting delivery. One from near Poolewe will really benefit as she has a microhydro scheme on the croft, so will end up with no fuel bill at all, other than on occasional long journeys. Once the neighbours see the benefits, we’re sure that more will follow very quickly.
Inverewe Gardens
No visit to Wester Ross would be complete without some time at the gardens. On Sunday the sun made a mild day feel almost tropical as we explored the incredible displays. The succulents were spectacular, the range and textures of the foliage astonishing. If you do one thing in Wester Ross this year, visit. NTS membership recommended.
Southbound
Broadly a reverse, but in bright sunshine for much of the way. A brief stop to visit some Association members who are having issues with the battery on their Kangoo. If you are in the area, watch out for Knockfarrel Produce at local markets and online. There is a great veggie burger recipe on there too.
Back to the travels, charges again at Dingwall, Aviemore, then Pitlochry. Again the single unit sites were a bottleneck with two vehicles together. Had anyone else been charging or turn up while we were there, then delays would have been huge. This time time the third CHAdeMO was allowed to deliver 38kW by the eNV200. The only major difference: a 30 minute food stop 10 miles before at House of Bruar. Ideally a bank of 7kW chargers at House of Bruar would be ideal for passing drivers. If you take a walk to the falls, buy a coffee or just peruse the shop, a good couple of hours can disappear fast.
Efficiency
For those who are interested: The LEAF averaged about 4 mi/kWh, while the eNV200 sat at 3.2mi/kWh. So the range of the two was broadly similar at 100 and 108 respectively. Driving more slowly would improve on this slightly, but would cause tailbacks. Not a good plan. It will be interesting to see the 62kWh LEAF on this journey to compare. It’s 215 miles from home, with a 225 mile range.
Final stage
Last thing to do was to return the van to Western Nissan. It was a little damp(!), but it seemed appropriate to take the folding ebike and cycle home. From just outside the dealership there is a cycle path along an old railway route that goes directly to Dalmeny.
Then on to South Queensferry and over the Forth Road Bridge. It took about an hour, with the rewards including views of the Queensferry Crossing.
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