Think VHS video format back in the last century. I recall Sony Betamax was considered to be the better format but was too expensive so not adopted and Sony lost out there on R&D costs. Back to EV battery swaps. At the risk of being overly simplistic, the way I see it is rather than filling your fuel tank, you simply replace the battery. So, let's just say it costs £30 to fill a Jazz tank and you get 400 miles using fibometer figures. Imagine the future scenario. You get a battery low warning so you head for the nearest fuel station, although you would prefer Shell because they currently have the best prices and best nationwide battery backup service in case of failure. You drive in and some tech attendant opens the battery compartment (boot?) removes the old one and slots in the replacement. Since batteries are heavy, he uses a special bit of equipment designed for the job. However, battery technology is improving all the time so they will get smaller and lighter over time. At some point in the future, the battery tech guy is made redundant because he is no longer required simply because even 'Victoria Beckham' can replace a battery without damaging those precious finger nails. Can we replace the calorific value of a typical tank of fuel today. No. The range is limited but the starters will be in town where emissions in high population belts is a priority, the average mileage covered is next to nothing and there is no shortage of fuel stations. Technology will gradually extend to us 'Hicks in the countryside'. On cost, let's say we live in a free economy, a big if for all those doubters and closet commies
. As with all free economies, the balance of supply and demand is the solution in itself and initiative, enterprise and commercial gain will provide the answers. Think Friedman economics rather than Keynes.
I think that just about covers it.
PS - I guess it is 'tuff' for those £5 fillers although I would not be surprised if they were catered for at some point.
PPS - Doubtless, the guvverment lackies will intervene for all the usual reasons, not least that juicy duty they extract along with fags and booze.
PPPS - I strongly suspect that the DIY chargers could well be outlawed on grounds of safety etc. even though the real reason is that the VAT we pay is peanuts compared with the duty extracted over the life of a typical driver.