Sales of electric and hybrid cars are on the up
SALES of new electric and hybrid cars are on the up in Ireland.
And increasing numbers of pre-used models are coming on to the market, albeit not on the same on the same scale of used petrol and diesel-powered cars, but the market is growing,
Estimated figures of 8,000 EVs on our roads by 2020 are only half the numbers the government would like to see, but if you want to save money and the planet, there are plenty of used EVs to choose from, some at surprisingly modest prices, and if you don’t want to go all all-electric, a hybrid, perhaps a self-charging variant, could be a great choice.
A glance at a popular online car sales site shows more than 1,600 second hand hybrids and electrics on offer, ranging from basic to luxury models.
Examples include: A 2015 (151) Renault Zoe Dynamique Intens Auto 5 door for sale, for €6,900; a 2013 Lexus ct200, 1.8 Petrol/ hybrid, automatic, with full leather seats, sat nav, reverse camera for €10,950 and a Volkswagen Golf E-golf 115BHP model for €21,950.
Or if you really want to push the boat out, a 2015 Tesla Model S for almost €63,000.
When it comes to hybrids, a 2015 Toyota Auris business edition is on offer at a shade under €18,000 and a fully-kitted out 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 PHEV for just under €21,000.
Charging Point – an online magazine for owners or would-be owners of hybrids and electric cars – poses the question: Is an electric car right for you? What is the driving range and will that comfortably cover most of your journeys, most of the time?
Most car manufacturers are upfront about the so-called real-world driving range of their electric cars, and owners share their experiences on social media. So it should be straightforward to build a picture of any used electric car’s suitability, bearing in mind that the range will fall in winter weather.
If you need a car that can cover hundreds of kilometres a day, then it’s likely that a diesel-powered car is going to better meet your needs, but if it’s something for the daily commute into town, an electric could be just up your street.
Regardless of what sort of car it is you’re buying, set a budget according to your finances and stick to it. There’s no point stretching yourself to a stylish, top of the range model if a ‘regular’ model will meet your needs.
Just like with buying a conventional car, there are some basic checks you need to make as well as some specific to EVs.
It’s common for owners to lease the battery that’s in their electric car. So check the arrangement with any EV you’re interested in, and factor this into your budgeting. The advantage is that it gives greater peace of mind, especially once outside of the manufacturer’s warranty.
The alternative is that the battery was bought outright with the car, and will be yours should you buy the vehicle. However, once the warranty expires, you will have to bear any cost to repair or replace the battery, should it develop problems.
The good news is that buying an electric car means you need never again visit a petrol station. Bad news: where will you charge it?
Do you have off-street parking at home, or access to a charge station at work? (And are you happy to have a wall box unit installed to give a faster output?) If not, can you be sure that a local public charging point will be available – and, significantly, in working order - when the car’s battery is likely to need a top-up?
Charging Point advises would-be purchasers to check details of warranties.
Consider how long the warranty lasts for, especially cover for the battery and electric motor(s), and whether that gives you peace of mind during your time of ownership.
If it doesn’t, are you happy to buy a used electric car without a warranty? There’s less to go wrong with an EV (electric vehicle) but should part or all of the battery pack fail, or the performance degrade to the point where the range is as hopeless as a 1970s milk float, the bills can be eye-watering.
A quick search of the Euro NCAP website should show how safe any electric car is in the event of an accident, and also which systems are fitted to help it avoid a crash in the first place.
Electric cars aren’t going to take you far if they don’t come with functioning charging cables. So during the test drive, check which types of cable are supplied with an electric car.
The most basic are known as a Type 1, 3kW AC cable, and have a three-pin plug that fits any domestic household socket. The other sort often supplied with electric cars is a Type 2, which can offer between 7 and 22kW AC charging capability. Put them to the test or, if uncertain, ask the salesperson or owner of the car to demonstrate them.
The ESB has developed an island of Ireland-wide charging infrastructure of 1,200 public charge points. (about 900 of these are in the Republic). ESB state that fast charge points are located every 50km on all major inter-urban routes . But the problem can be that some of them are out of order. Charging is currently FREE, however, electric car owners have to register and get a card to use the chargers.
The ESB says that that from the middle of 2019, charges will begin to apply on a phased basis, beginning with ‘fast charge’ points and later spreading to all other outlets. The specific rates have yet to be finalised.
Like any car, electric models need servicing according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Check the car’s service book and ask to see any accompanying paperwork for the service history.
Do all your homework, draw up a shortlist and test drive your selected models to see which suits you best. There are plenty out there and plenty of good deals to be had with local dealers.