Jarm69, Author at Crazy & Co.

Indulge in the Sweet Delights of Belgium: Exploring the World of Belgian Desserts

25 October 2023

Belgium, renowned for its rich history, medieval architecture, and vibrant culture, also boasts a spectacular array of desserts that have captivated the world with their exquisite flavors and delicate textures. From decadent chocolates to delicate pastries, Belgian desserts have gained international acclaim for their unparalleled craftsmanship and rich, indulgent taste. Join us on a delectable journey through the tantalizing world of Belgian desserts, where every bite promises an experience to savor.

The Art of Belgian Chocolate:

No exploration of Belgian desserts is complete without diving into the realm of Belgian chocolate. Renowned for its unparalleled quality and smooth, creamy texture, Belgian chocolate has secured its place as a world-class delicacy. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Belgian chocolatiers use a combination of traditional techniques and innovative methods to produce an array of chocolate masterpieces. Whether it’s the famous pralines, truffles, or chocolate bars, Belgian chocolate is an experience that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression on the palate.

Waffles: A Belgian Delight:

Belgium’s waffles, known for their light, fluffy texture and delightful sweetness, have earned an esteemed place in the world of desserts. The two main types, Brussels waffles and Liège waffles, each offer a unique taste experience. The Brussels waffle, with its rectangular shape and deep pockets, is typically enjoyed with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. On the other hand, the Liège waffle, made with pearl sugar that caramelizes upon baking, offers a delightful crunch and irresistible sweetness. Often served as a street food delicacy, these waffles showcase the rich culinary heritage of Belgium and are a must-try for any dessert enthusiast.

Speculoos: The Spiced Sensation:

Originating from Belgium and the Netherlands, speculoos is a traditional spiced shortcrust biscuit that has gained popularity worldwide. Infused with a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, these thin, crispy cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Often served alongside coffee or tea, speculoos provide a comforting and nostalgic experience, evoking the essence of Belgian hospitality and culinary traditions this is another fabulous Belgian dessert.

The Temptation of Belgian Pastries:

Belgian pastry chefs are celebrated for their mastery of delicate and intricate pastries that capture the essence of the country’s culinary finesse. From the buttery and flaky delights of the mille-feuille to the rich, fruit-filled tarts, Belgian pastries showcase a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Be it the iconic éclair or the delectable fruit-filled turnovers, each pastry reflects the passion and dedication of Belgian pastry artisans, ensuring an unforgettable culinary journey for every dessert connoisseur.

Belgian desserts are more than just culinary creations; they are a celebration of Belgium’s rich cultural heritage and unwavering commitment to excellence in the art of pastry making. With their rich history, intricate craftsmanship, and unmatched flavors, Belgian desserts continue to entice food enthusiasts worldwide. From the indulgent chocolates to the delicate pastries, every bite is an invitation to savor the sweetness of Belgian culinary artistry, leaving an unforgettable mark on the taste buds and the heart. So, the next time you find yourself in Belgium or at a Belgian dessert shop, be sure to treat yourself to these divine delicacies for a truly unforgettable and indulgent experience.

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Catering, Equipment, Event Planning, General

The Phenomenon of Festival Food Trucks:

22 October 2023

Where Convenience Meets Culinary Creativity

In recent years, the culinary world has witnessed a delightful revolution, one that has transformed the way we think about dining out. It’s the rise of the humble food truck, an innovative and exciting concept that has taken the food industry by storm. These mobile eateries have become a quintessential part of urban culture, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences that cater to every palate.

The Appeal of Food Trucks

So, what is it about these four-wheeled kitchens that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide? The answer lies in the perfect blend of convenience, affordability, and gourmet delights. Food trucks effortlessly fuse the need for a quick, on-the-go meal with the desire for a unique dining experience. Whether it’s a freshly grilled gourmet burger or a fusion of international flavors in a handheld form, food trucks offer a culinary adventure that is both accessible and exciting.

Culinary Creativity on Wheels

One of the most intriguing aspects of the festival food truck phenomenon is the sheer creativity displayed by these mobile chefs. They are not bound by the constraints of a traditional kitchen, allowing them to experiment freely and introduce innovative culinary concoctions that challenge the status quo. From artisanal ice creams infused with exotic flavors to tantalizing twists on classic street food, these culinary mavericks are constantly pushing the boundaries of taste and presentation.

Community and Culture

Beyond the delectable dishes they serve, festival food trucks have become a symbol of community and culture. They often act as vibrant hubs where people from different walks of life converge, forming a unique social space that fosters connections and conversations. These gatherings provide an opportunity for people to savor mouthwatering delicacies while celebrating diversity and the rich tapestry of flavors that define a community.

Embracing Change and Adaptation

The resilience of food trucks is also evident in their adaptability. During challenging times, such as the recent global pandemic, many food trucks swiftly pivoted their operations to offer delivery services or set up in strategic locations to serve essential workers. Their ability to adjust and cater to evolving consumer needs has solidified their position as an integral part of the culinary landscape, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the food industry.

A Taste of the Future

As the food industry continues to evolve, food trucks remain at the forefront of innovation, promising to surprise and delight with their ever-evolving menus and bold flavors. They serve as a testament to the fact that great food doesn’t always come from a conventional setting; sometimes, it arrives in a humble, but passionately crafted, meal served through a truck window.

Next time you come across a food truck festival or spot one parked in your neighborhood, be sure to indulge your taste buds in the flavors of this modern culinary movement. You might just discover your new favorite dish or even a newfound appreciation for the art of mobile gastronomy.

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Catering, Equipment, Event Planning, General

Brewing the Perfect Cup: A Journey through the World of Coffee

19 October 2023

Coffee, the elixir that kickstarts our mornings and fuels our workdays, has transcended its humble origins to become a global symbol of energy, culture, and community. From the aromatic bean plantations of Ethiopia to the bustling coffee shops of New York City, the rich history and diverse flavors of coffee have captivated the hearts of millions worldwide. Join us on a delightful exploration of the world of coffee, from its origins to its modern-day significance.

The Roots of Coffee:

Legend has it that coffee was first discovered in the 9th century by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. He noticed that his goats became remarkably energetic after consuming the red cherries from a certain tree. This discovery led to the birth of coffee, as we know it today. Since then, the cultivation of coffee has spread to various regions across the globe, with different countries perfecting their own unique methods of growing, processing, and roasting the beans.

Diverse Brewing Techniques:

Whether you prefer the rich, velvety texture of a French press brew or the delicate flavors extracted through pour-over methods, the art of brewing coffee is a deeply personal and cultural experience. Each technique, from the traditional Turkish coffee preparation to the contemporary aeropress method, offers a distinct taste and aroma that reflects the expertise and passion of the brewer. Experimenting with different brewing techniques can open up a whole new world of coffee appreciation, allowing you to discover flavors you never thought possible.

Exploring Coffee Culture:

Coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a social phenomenon that brings people together. The rise of coffee culture has transformed the way we socialize, work, and unwind. Cafés have become communal hubs where artists find inspiration, entrepreneurs strike deals, and friends catch up. From the lively espresso bars of Italy to the cozy, book-filled cafés of Paris, each culture has embraced coffee in its unique way, blending it seamlessly into their social fabric.

Health Benefits and Beyond:

Beyond its invigorating aroma and robust flavor, coffee offers a plethora of health benefits. Research suggests that moderate coffee consumption can reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s. Its high antioxidant content also contributes to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of certain cancers. However, it’s important to remember that moderation is key, as excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects such as insomnia and increased anxiety.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing:

As the demand for coffee continues to rise, the importance of sustainable and ethical sourcing practices cannot be overstated. Fair trade initiatives, organic farming methods, and responsible sourcing are crucial in ensuring that coffee production remains environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Supporting coffee growers who prioritize ethical and sustainable practices not only promotes a healthier planet but also ensures a better quality of life for those involved in the production process.

From its legendary origins in the Ethiopian highlands to its omnipresence in contemporary culture, coffee has woven itself into the fabric of human existence. It is more than just a beverage; it is a source of inspiration, a catalyst for social interaction, and a testament to the beauty of diverse cultural practices. Whether you savor it in the quiet comfort of your home or amidst the bustling ambiance of a local café., let each sip remind you of the rich history and artistry that culminate in that perfect cup of coffee. So go ahead, take another sip, and let the warmth of this cherished beverage envelop you in its timeless allure.

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Fun Story

Why Is Our Postal Service So Crap?

15 October 2023

We are in the middle of restoring a 30 odd year old American fire truck, and converting it into a food truck to add to our fleet.

Now, many of the parts we need for it are only available in the USA. Surprisingly much of the contstruction is no different now than it was 30 years ago, so most bits are readily available. I sourced some bits and bobs we needed and ordered them online. As is standard now they came with a tracking number.

USA to Local Delivery Depot 3625 Miles

There was a number of jumps to different depot’s in the States, before the parcel was finally loaded onto an airliner and flown to the UK, where it ended up at Rotherham our local delivery depot. This encompassed a trip of around 3625 miles, and took a grand total of 5 days. That averaged out to a speed of 30 mph. Obviously it spent some time sat in depots before being transhipped etc, but overall the average was 30 miles an hour.

Local Delivery Depot To Us 15 Miles

Where it goes tits up, is the final 15 miles from the local delivery depot to our depot. This is the grand total of 15 miles, and took the UK postal service 12 days to cover. The interesting fact here is that works out to around 1/20th of a mile per hour average speed. Or roughly 600 times slower than the US postal service.

In fact the really interesting fact is that a tortoise is capable of travelling at just over half a mile per hour. So had they strapped the parcel to the back of a tortoise, it could have been delivered in a little over a day and a quarter.

An isolated incident you might say. Sadly no, because so far we have repeated the whole scenario with similar times on another parcel from the States. Then we ordered some lights from Australia. A distance of over 9000 miles. The Aussies managed to get it to us in seven days. With the final leg from the post office taking 11 days!

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Catering

Global Smoothie Day

3 October 2023

Another of our national days, or indeed this time, a global day. This time it’s that fabulously healthy treat, the smoothie. A fun way to make sure you reach your target of 5 a day.

Available in a multitude of flavours from fabulous fruit berries, to super healthy green stuff. (not it has to be said our favourite).

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Catering, Equipment, Event Planning

Hole-y Matrimony: Why You Should Do Doughnuts Instead of a Cake

22 September 2023

It’s not uncommon nowadays for couples to try and bring a sense of uniqueness to their wedding, whether that be in the dress code, the location or even the colour theme. But cake alternatives are slowly becoming the new wedding “in”, with people switching out the tiers for other sweet treats that can compensate – and this is where doughnuts get the hole in one.

Inviting doughnuts into your wedding can help you cut costs and even make your day that bit extra environmentally friendly. In this guide, we’ll show you how to integrate this delicious dessert into your plan, and why it’ll be so much better than your average cake.

Cake vs Doughnuts: How Do We Measure Them?

Flavours

Cake: Talking traditionally, there are 3 opportunities for different flavours, each tier representing a different taste. But keep in mind that with each layer comes a certain uniformity – a limitation that can sometimes dampen the thrill of flavour exploration. The struggle to find flavours that complement each other can be overwhelming, and then there’s always the fear of a half-eaten cake if one of the tiers is preferred.

Doughnuts: Doughnuts are the undisputed champions of flavour diversity. They come in a dizzying array that caters to every palate – whether you’re a fan of timeless classics or crave adventurous, unexpected combinations. Having a variety of different tangs can mean all your guests will be able to enjoy something that they like, and it can be immense fun choosing all the options you want to have on show.

Presentation:

Cake: While wedding cakes are often celebrated for their grand presentation, this spectacle can be a double-edged sword. The towering presence of a multi-tiered cake might dominate the aesthetic, potentially overshadowing other elements of your wedding decor. As well as this, elaborate cake designs can sometimes clash with certain themes or styles, limiting your options for presenting something that truly reflects your vision.

Doughnuts: They provide a flexible option for presentations that can effortlessly blend with different wedding styles. Their compact size encourages inventive arrangements that won’t overshadow the general aesthetic. Regardless of whether your theme is rustic or modern, doughnuts can be positioned to enhance your selected decor without becoming the focal point. Displayed on multi-level stands, pegboards, or as individual treats, the presentation of doughnuts offers a more balanced and versatile visual appeal.

Uniqueness:

Wedding Cakes: Wedding cakes are steeped in tradition, often making them feel a bit commonplace with similar designs and concepts frequently seen. The trick is to break the mould while still meeting the expectations of what a wedding cake should be. While striving for true originality can lead us down paths less travelled, it might not be a hit with all guests and could detract from the festive atmosphere.

Doughnuts: On the flip side, incorporating doughnuts into your wedding adds a unique and exciting twist to your celebration. Choosing a doughnut display immediately sets your wedding apart from others. With a wide variety of flavours and opportunities for creative displays, you can design an experience that truly pops. Doughnuts offer a fresh, memorable angle that will not only tantalise your guests’ taste buds but also create lasting memories.

Budget-Friendliness:

Wedding Cakes: The charm of a majestic wedding cake often comes with a pretty penny attached. The complexity of the cake design, detailed adornments, and expert craftsmanship needed all play a part in the rising costs. The quest for an eye-catching centrepiece could eat into a significant chunk of your budget, leaving less for other wedding elements. As the expenses pile up, your dream cake might morph into a financial strain that impacts other parts of your celebration.

Doughnuts: Doughnuts excel in their cost-effectiveness, offering a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on flavour or aesthetics. Their smaller size naturally means less cost per serving, freeing up your budget for other important aspects like the venue, attire, or entertainment. Doughnut displays can still be a feast for the eyes, and the money saved can help achieve a more balanced allocation of resources throughout your entire wedding.

Fact: Did you know that in 2021, the average cost of a wedding in the UK escalated from around £15,171 to £16,000?!

Sustainability:

Wedding Cakes: As enchanting as they may be, wedding cakes do raise some concerns about sustainability. The intricate decorations often involve materials that aren’t environmentally friendly. Plus, transporting these large, multi-tiered cakes can add to your event’s carbon footprint. Although you can try to use locally sourced and organic ingredients, the environmental impact of wedding cakes can sometimes overshadow their grand appearance.

Doughnuts: Here’s where doughnuts can really shine – they’re a more sustainable dessert choice. Perfect for eco-friendly couples, their smaller size reduces potential food waste. If sourced from local bakeries that prioritise green practices, doughnuts can help lower your wedding’s environmental impact. An added eco-friendly bonus is the variation of flavours in one display, reducing the need for multiple desserts and promoting more efficient, sustainable resource use.

So there you have it folks, a breakdown of the battle between wedding cake and doughnuts – and I think it’s clear to see who the winner is! Ultimately, your big day should reflect you and your partner’s personalities, and only you two should make the final call on each element.

But if you’re looking for a sweet, penny saving substitute that you and your guests will adore, contact us to see how we can help to make it happen.

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Catering, Equipment, Event Planning

Burger Joints Of The World, Big Kahuna Burger

2 September 2023

“The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you.”

So begins our introduction to one of our favorite burger joints. The Big Kahuna Burger. We really like this one, thing is, it doesn’t exist. Well, it does, but only in movieland. Quentin Tarantino’s movies to be precise.

This is the burger that Samuel L. Jackson quotes just before he executes a victim in Pulp Fiction.

The chain appears in something like nine of Tarantino’s movies. His old friend Jerry Martinez was responsible for designing the packaging.

The Stallion Grill in Austin converted into a Big Kahuna Burger for From Dusk till Dawn: The Series — The Stallion Grill in Austin converted into a Big Kahuna Burger for *From Dusk till Dawn: The Series*

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Catering, Equipment, Event Planning

Burger Joints Of The World, Jake’s Wayback Burgers

15 August 2023

Formally known as Jake’s Wayback Burgers, the chain was launched in 1991 in Delaware. Additional locations were opened, until the beginning of franchising started in 2000. By 2013 the chain began an international expansion into 28 other countries.

By 2016 the chain counted 95 locations in the US, with international outlets bringing the total upto 133 stores.

The chain stands out amongst other similar offerings with some of its weird and even controversial offerings.

Bug Powder Milk Shakes

In 2015 the chain offered ‘protein milkshakes’ made using powder derived from crickets. Not as strange an idea as it sounds at first glance, many nutritional experts claim that insects are not only high in protein, but could provide the answer to feeding the world’s population in the future. Their Oreo Mud Pie milkshake contained 24 grams of protein from the blended cricket.

The Royal Silencer

Everyone has an opinion about Prince Harry, you know the one, James Hewitts boy. I haven’t read his biography, but the excerpts I have seen, he seems rather bitter and sad.

Wayback burgers brought a special out to commemorate the release of his book, you know, Heir and the Spare. They sold their usual two patty burger, with an additional ‘spare’ burger added, and remarked that the Royal Family could do worse than sit down with a burger and bury the hatchett.

Wayback's Harry Burger — Wayback’s Harry Burger

Thee Mustang Burger

This one is a doozy. I have wrote before about the time a company had to stop selling its 1/3 pound burger, because people thought it was smaller than a 1/4 pounder because obviously 3 is a smaller number than 4.

This time they held a competition for their customers to get the naming rights to a burger special. This time the gentleman who won drove a Mustang car, so he called the burger a Mustang burger.

All good right? Well not exactly. Seems that any burger called Mustang, had to be made from wild mustang horses. Right, it is so obvious. It led to calls for boycotts of the Wayback stores till they mended their evil horse selling ways.

This is A Mustang Horse. Not A Burger By Kersti Nebelsiek

Ultimately it led to the chain withdrawing the name and issuing an apology on Facebook.

The Triple Triple Challange

Their next entry in the Wayback hall of fame, was a special one day challenge. Whoever could eat their triple triple burger the fastest would win the prize pot of $3,300. Just look at it, one commentator wondered if it was possibly a secret plan to curb world population growth.

Kim Kardashian Free Burgers

They offered the celeb free burgers and milk shakes for the duration of her pregnancy. I don’t know if she actually took them up on this, but hey, the offer was there.

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Catering, Event Planning

Burger Joints Of The World, Hardees Burger Chain

5 August 2023

Today’s hero of the burger world is one Wilber Hardee, who launched his namesake restaurant in Greenville, North Carolina on 3rd September 1960. He had viewed the first McDonald’s in the area and been impressed by the money it was taking when he clocked up $168 in an hour. As he exclaimed, at 15c a burger that was some sales. He already operated a successful restaurant called ‘Silo’, but wanted a slice of the burger market.

His first years trading was so successful that he looked into expanding. A meeting with James Gardner and Leonard Rawls led to the opening of the first ‘Company’ store in Rocky Mount.

Change Of Ownership

Wilber didn’t stay in charge of the company for long. Selling his share in Hardees Burger Chain to his other two partners in 1961. There are conflicting accounts of how this arose. Wilber claimed that he lost a controlling share of the business in a poker game to his two partners. Realising he no longer had control he sold the remaining stock.

However in a short book he self published in 2000, Wilber told a different story. The other partners evidently plied him with alcohol, getting him drunk enough to begin signing legal papers without understanding what they were, leading to him signing the rights for franchising away to the other men.

However in a later interview he claimed that he had just been basically stupid, and agreed to set up a company where each partner had equal voting rights, leading to the situation where the other two could always out vote him on decisions.

Rapid Expansion

The chain expanded rapidly, not just with the franchising operation, but they also bought two other chains, Sandy’s and Burger Chef. By 1984 it was the fourth largest chain in America, for a brief period surpassing Wendy’s to become the third largest.

New Ownership

1997 saw the chain being acquired by CKE restaurants. Standing for Carl Karcher Enterprises, owners of the famous Carl’s Jr. chain, this created a group of 3828 stores in 40 states and 10 countries.

The chain however was struggling, problems with the menu, service and quality control meant sales were declining. 2003 saw a new management team planning a turnaround, and a massive sales campaign, coupled with the reinstatement of charbroiling (Wilber Hardees secret weapon) which had been abandoned years earlier. New menu items such as the thick burger saw an upturn in the groups fortunes.

Since then the group has grown to over 5000 locations worldwide.

The current chain pretty much replicates the Carl’s Jr. menu, just with different names. Their flagship offering being the Monster Burger. With two 1/3 lb patties (though knowing Americans they might be better calling them 3/9 lb patties).

Wilber Rides Again

Not one to rest on his laurels, Wilber launched another burger chain, called Little Mint. The name referring to the fact that he considered burger joints should be little, and the chain was going to make him a mint. Though not reaching the heights of Hardees Burger Chain over the next seven years he grew the chain to 50 locations.

When the company went public his shareholding made him worth $2 million dollars’.

Sadly by 1971 competition and other adverse factors meant the chain started to struggle and after falling out with the other board members he eventually sold out for $90,000.

Ever a tryer Wilber opened three ‘Hot Dog Cities’ and a seafood restaurant over the next couple of years. None lasted more than a couple of years, and eventually he was forced to sell his house, eventually filing for bankruptcy.

His low point came when he planned to kill himself by driving his car into a tree. happily his nerve failed and he never carried the plan through.

Beef & Shakes Burger Chain

1978 saw him raising the capital to start ‘Beef & Shakes’ expanding to three outlets, before selling two and rebranding the remaining one Biscuit & Chicken, before eventually settling on the name Biscuit Town.

This was to be his final success, he franchised a couple of stores, before his wife died suddenly. Despondent he sold the chain to his old outfit of Little Mint.

you would have thought that was the end of his story, but he used the money to open three Burger Castle stores. Sadly these failed, and though he opened another five ventures over the next few years, his final one at the age of 75, none of them were successful.

It was reported that Wilber was always bitter about the lack of recognition in the group. Though it carried his name, the company recognised Rawls as its founder. And the second store was considered the start of the brand, not Wilber’s original.

This changed when Carl Karcher took over. He honoured Wilber as the founder of the hardees Burger Chain, naming it’s most prestigious franchising award after him.

Sadly he died in 2008 from a heart attack, just short of his 90th birthday.

Resources;

The Story Of Hardees

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Catering, Equipment, Event Planning, Food Trucks, Fun Story

Electric Vans, Our Future Transport

27 July 2023

Having just ordered a couple of new vans (not electric vans, the old fashioned kind), I got to thinking about the approaching date of 2030, when the government ban on ICE vehicles comes into effect. What would this mean for our business and fleet of vehicles.

My own personal car is pretty much a plaything. I occasionally take it for a blast around the local countryside. Go to an occasional meeting, and perhaps to social functions. Some years it does a couple thousand mile, so this could easily be replaced with an electric alternative.

Vans, The Mainstay Of Our Business

But what about the part of our fleet that actually works for a living. We use a fleet of mid range vans, mainly from the PSA group (Citroen, Fiat, Vauxhall etc). So I took a look at how suitable these would be. The truth is, not very. They have a maximum towing capacity of 1000kg. Whilst our lightest catering unit is 1600kg. So they are off the list.

The only van we could find that would tow our units, is the Ford E Transit which is rated for 2000kg.

Range Calculator

Ford very conveniently provide a range calculator. So I duly types in a typical scenario. Winter temperature, all season tyres, 75% load.

What I got back was the screen below;

Turns out that the maximum range at this set up is 82 miles. Not a lot of use on our regular trips to Edinburgh which is around 240 miles. So basically 2-3 charges needed en route.

BUT WAIT. A bit if investigation and it turns out that the advertised range, doesn’t actually work in the real world. Seems that around 80% of the claimed figure is more realistic. So that cuts us to 65.6 miles. (I will be generous and round it up to 66 miles). So that’s 3-4 charges needed en route.

BUT WAIT AGAIN. This calculator doesn’t allow you to factor in the fact that you are towing. A bit more digging and most sources claim that towing cuts the range in half. So we are now down to 33 miles. That puts us on 7-8 charges needed. Or would be if you could run the van down to empty before recharging, which isn’t really practical. So most chargers quote their charging time as being from 15%. So that lets me use 85% of the capacity. Or gives me 28 miles of travel before needing a recharge, which would push us towards the 8 charges needed.

Charging Time

Hmm, how long is a charge going to take. Well, best I can find is that it takes as little as 34 minutes to charge it to 80% capacity. So that means 34 minutes gives us 80% of 28 mile range which is 22.4 miles.

Now we are up to needing 10 recharges en route to Edinburgh.

But then we are only running the charge down to 15% before recharging, so basically 65% of the 28 miles or 18.2 miles. Or 13 charges.

At 34 minutes per charge that’s 442 minutes, or a little over seven hours of charging time needed, presuming the chargers are available without a wait at each location we need them.

We have just added 14 hours to our days work. Three members of staff on overtime at £20 per hour adds £840 to the days wage bill. Which means the job isn’t financially viable, which means those members of staff are out of a job.

But there is more. The Edinburgh job which we used to allow 5 hours driving each way and 4 hours to do the job, 14 in total. Is now 28 hours. So the van, equipment and staff wouldn’t be back in time fo the next days work. So now we need double the number of vans, catering units and equipment to do the same level of work.

Wind Speed

Oh and in all of the above calculations, I have assumed that the air is perfectly still. Add in a 22 mile per hour headwind and those figure will look generous. It is estimated that a headwind of this speed cuts 20% from the range of a Tesla. So cut 20% from our range and we end up with 14.5 miles, or 16 charges or a bit over 9 hours charging time each way! That is basing the calculation on a Tesla, which aerodynamically speaking is super slippy compared to a house brick shaped Transit van, oh, and if you are unlucky enough to travel on a day with freezing temperatures, then your range drops another 10%.

At this rate, we will be lucky if the van manages to reach the end of our drive before needing a recharge.

In short, the Westminster based geniuses have no idea of how things work in the real world. The fact that a housewife doing 50 miles a week for her shopping can happily live with electric cars, does not translate to keeping the country running on a business basis.

A Cunning Plan

So, what can we do. Well the initial plan is to order double our normal fleet for delivery in 2029. This will get us a few years before we are forced into electric. The other option we are looking at is following the lead of an enterprising American guy, who added a generator to his Tesla, that bypassed the interlock to allow him to charge the car whilst he was driving it. A decent sized diesel generator in the back of each van might just give us a usable range, a bit like the electric diesel hybrid system Dr Porsche proposed for the German Tiger tank in WW2.

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