The motoring world is changing with a move away from petrol and diesel burning internal combustion engines, towards cleaner and greener electric vehicles. If you are thinking of changing your car, then now is the time to consider your electric options.
In this simple guide we explain the difference in the types of electric vehicle available and highlight the pros and cons of each. We also provide a simple guide that can help you to decide which type of electric vehicle is right for you.
Which Electric Option is Right for Me?
Global warming poses a huge threat to the world, meaning reducing CO2 emissions is essential. Transport currently accounts for around one third of CO2 emissions in Ireland and the Government wants to reduce these emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2018.
As part of this strategy the government wants to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in Ireland by 2030 and have some 900,000 electric vehicles on the road as we enter the next decade. At the same time, advances in electric vehicle technology mean that these cars now provide a practical, economical and enjoyable driving experience.
When we think of electric vehicles we tend to think of cars running solely on battery power.
However, there are also several hybrid options that can provide a stepping stone towards all-electric.
Here we look at the options on offer and the advantages that each may be able to offer.
Even before considering electric vehicles it is important to realise that the latest cars running on petrol or diesel fuel, today offer ultra low emissions compared to older vehicles. Some also feature mild hybrid technology, reducing emissions and fuel consumption even more.
Mild Hybrid means a car incorporates certain emission reduction technology, which works to reduce CO2. Generally they will have a small electric generator plus a small lithium-ion battery that replace the traditional starter motor and alternator. Running on a voltage of 48V, the technology powers auxiliary systems that would normally be powered by the engine, as well as assisting engine operation. However, mild hybrid systems cannot drive a vehicle on their own. They will also feature a start-stop system and some have the capacity to harvest energy from braking.
Mild hybrid systems vary, but in general they are around 15% more efficient than normal petrol or diesel engines. They can thus provide a first step towards electric with reduced emissions and higher fuel economy.
Mild hybrid technology now features across many petrol and diesel engine models in our Mercedes- Benz range, meaning you can purchase these models knowing operating efficiency has been maximised and emissions significantly reduced.
A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) combines an internal combustion engine and an electric drive system in one. This offers increased flexibility and means that a hybrid car can switch seamlessly from the conventional engine to being driven by the electric motor. Especially at lower speeds and in urban driving environments a hybrid will run purely on electrical power, thus dramatically reducing CO2 emissions.
Hybrids are self charging and do not need to be plugged in to the electrical grid. Instead they use the engine to power a small generator while cruising, which in turn charges the battery. They also capture energy from the regenerative braking system using the electric motor to decelerate and recuperate energy.
A hybrid can offer a significant reduction in fuel consumption over traditional engines with the associated reduction in CO2 emissions. They also offer a very flexible solution in that they can deliver some of the benefits of electric without the need for charging. This is especially useful for drivers who undertake longer journeys regularly, or do not have a suitable area for home off road charging.
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) also combines an internal combustion engine and an electric drive system, but offers greater all-electric range. As the name implies these vehicles do need to be plugged into an electrical power source to charge the battery, although they can operate using only the engine when required. This allows a driver to have the benefits of electrical power together with the flexibility of a petrol engine or diesel.
The electrical range of a PHEV is up to some 80km and often means the cars operate solely on electrical power on short commutes. Thus, if you have convenient charger access, want to drive emission free on short trips, but still have the flexibility to make longer journeys without charging, a plug-in hybrid may be the right choice for you.
A battery electric vehicle has no internal combustion engine and is powered purely by an electric motor and battery. This allows for emission-free motoring with greatly reduced vehicle running costs.
Battery electric vehicles do require charging from the electrical power grid, but recent advances in both battery and charging technology mean that a full charge will provide the average driver with sufficient range for normal weekly requirements. Depending on the type of use a full charge can also provide up to 500km range, making longer journeys possible without recharging.
Electric motors are highly efficient in power delivery, meaning instant torque to provide smooth and rapid acceleration. This offers a dynamic driving experience combined with the convenience of fully automatic transmission, making driving more pleasurable and more fun.
Although the initial cost of a battery electric vehicle may be higher than a petrol or hybrid alternative, in the long term the savings made by charging rather than refuelling will make it more economical.
Some of the cost of buying certain battery electric vehicles can also be offset by an SEAI grant. A maximum grant of €5,000 is available for qualifying battery electric vehicles costing less than €60,000.
Other advantages of fully electric vehicles include lower maintenance costs due to reduced complexity in the drive system and the lowest annual road tax. Electric vehicle charging points can be installed at most home locations quickly and economically.
This means that if you do mainly short trips and want zero emission, economical motoring, then a battery electric vehicle could be your perfect choice.
To provide a fast visual guide to the best electric vehicle option to suit your needs, please see the road to electric flow chart below.
Your road to electric chart (pdf)
Our sales team would also be delighted to discuss options with you.
We offer a wide selection of quality assured used electric vehicles. These are available immediately and finance options can be arranged.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), offer grants which can be put towards the cost of qualifying new electric vehicle purchases, providing an additive incentive to switch to electric.
Currently the maximum grant is €5,000, although this will be reduced to €3,500 in July 2023. The grant is provided on a sliding scale and applies to passenger car, battery electric, vehicles that are priced between €14,000 and €60,000.
These figures are based on the full price of the vehicle, to the customer, including all optional extras, paint, delivery and other charges, but exclude any incentives such as grants or rebates. The grant amount will depend on the list price of the vehicle. This is the full non-discounted price in the absence of VRT relief or grant support.
The sliding scale applies to values below €20,000, however, most EVs that are eligible for a grant fall into the €20,000 to €60,000 category, so the grant will be €5,000, or €3,500 after June 30 th 2023.
Note, grants do not apply to vehicles with a list price above €60,000 and there are no SEAI grants available for the purchase of second hand EVs. There are also grants for new electric light commercial vehicles and larger electric panel vans.
If you wish to purchase a qualifying electric vehicle the Brady’s sales team will take care of the grant application process and apply for the appropriate grant on your behalf. The grant amount is then deducted from the total agreed price. The process is quick and simple and can provide you with an added incentive to drive a new electric vehicle from the Brady’s line-up.
If you have, or are buying, an electric vehicle you can claim up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an electric vehicle home charger unit. The grant is available to homeowners and can also be applied for by landlords who wish to offer the facility at rented accommodation, or households that want a charging point for visitors.
The EV Home Charger Grant Scheme will only support smart chargers registered on Triple E (the energy efficient product register of the SEAI). Funding for the EV Home Charger scheme is provided by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) based in the Department of Transport. SEAI operates this grant scheme on behalf of ZEVI.
To qualify for the grant, the application must meet an eligibility criteria, including an off-street parking location associated with the home. No previous EV charger grants should be associated with the property.
Applications can be completed online at the SEAI website. Once approved a letter of offer will be issued by email and the home owner can get the installation carried out.
Once completed, proof of installation is required, including details completed by the installer and payment is made to the applicant.
The step-by-step process and eligibility criteria can be found by clicking here.
Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant
We recommend that you install a home charger that is best suited to your vehicle.
The Mercedes wallbox will optimise performance and range of your Mercedes electric vehicle. The box can also receive over air updates.
For more information please below, or contact you Brady’s sales representative.
Call: 01 869 2400
We recommend that you install a home charger that is best suited to your vehicle.
A home CUPRA charger offers a straightforward installation process and easy-to-use app. It features charge scheduling and tariff integration to make sure your car is always ready when you need it and that you take advantage of the best energy tariffs.
For more information please below, or contact you Brady’s sales representative.
Call: 01 869 2400
Old Navan Road,
Castleknock, Dublin 15
Co. Dublin
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