Electric Vehicles - All You Need To Know! image

Electric Vehicles - All You Need To Know!

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are vehicles that are powered by electricity, rather than gasoline or diesel fuel. They use rechargeable batteries to store electrical energy, which is used to power an electric motor that drives the vehicle. The benefits of EVs include lower fuel and maintenance costs, as well as reduced emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. However, one of the main challenges facing widespread adoption of EVs is the limited range of the batteries and the time it takes to charge them. Additionally, the lack of charging infrastructure in some areas is also a hindrance.

Different types of EV's

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Vs Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

There are two different types of Electric Vehicles - Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). 

An entirely battery-powered vehicle (BEV) lacks a combustion engine. It requires electricity to be charged and can only be powered by the energy stored in its battery. Alternatively, a combustion engine and an electric motor are both included in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). In order to store energy to power the vehicle in both directions, it also has a battery and a gasoline tank. Between different car models, the battery size varies considerably.

On the other hand, there are "mild" or "soft" hybrids, which combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. They also have a fuel tank and a battery. However, this time around, you cannot plug in the automobile to recharge it. Your entire driving is ultimately powered by energy created by burning fossil fuels. It takes very little of the energy produced by the combustion engine to refuel the battery.

 

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range in an electric vehicle

The range in an electric vehicle may vary. Factors that would alter the range in an EV may include weather, speed, time of year and lifestyle.

Are there grants available for electric cars

Yes, grants are available for new electric cars, and can be up to €5000. You can get a grant of up to €5,000 for battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV). It was announced in Irelands Budget 2023 that there will be a gradual reduction in the grant from July 2023. Once an electric car is registered, another grant cannot be given, therefore a grant doesn't apply on used cars. 

You may be able to get a grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) if you buy a battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) that meets specific standards.

The grant for BEVs only applies to new cars with a full price of between €14,000 and €60,000.

Since 1 January 2022, the grant of €2,500 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) ha

Where can I get a charging unit from

Electric vehicles come with the charging cable, but it is important you do you research on which companies install charging units. ePower is a company that install charging units. ePower aim to have your charger installed within 10-14 days of first enquiry. They also can assist with your SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) grant application. 

Are grants available for charging units

Yes, grants are available for charging units. Charging units cost €1200 initially, and a €600 grant is available to private EV owners installing a car charger at home (domestic).

Significant Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA) are available toward the purchase price of company Electric Vehicles, Charging Stations and the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stat

What is the annual motor tax on electric cars

The annual motor tax rate for an electric vehicle is €120 per year for a Battery Electric Vehicle. Electric vehicles are the lowest tax band for motor tax.

How long does it take to charge an EV

There are a few variable factors that makes it difficult to say exactly how long it takes to charge an EV. One is that the size of batteries might vary greatly. Additionally, different batteries accept different charge rates, and what kind of charging device you are linked to, is another factor to take into consideration. 

How to charge an EV

Electric Vehicles can be charged in many different ways. Just like a diesel or petrol car, in order for it to move, it needs to have fuel in it. 

There are different ways to charge an EV:

1. AC (Alternating Current)

The quickest solution is to plug it in to a special device that you have at home. With a charger like this, almost all EV's will require a minimum of 7KW. Each hour, this will add between 40 to 50 kilometers of range. 

2. Domestic Socket  

This is the slowest way to charge your vehicle, however, this method is not recommended. It only adds about 10 to 15km of range every hour. 

3. DC(Direct Current)

You may see these labeled as 'high-power chargers', 'fast chargers' or 'rapid chargers', and by using a DC, it is the fast way to charge your car. These devices are considerably better at charging your automobile quickly. 

How the battery operates in an EV

Similar to the fuel tank in a combustion engine vehicle, the energy we utilize to power our electric vehicles is stored in the battery. Typically, we charge the battery using electricity from the grid. On the roofs, meanwhile, some people have solar panels.

There is a wide range of battery sizes. When talking about the size of the battery, the amount of energy that can be stored in the battery is how the size is described, and not its actual size. For instance, the usable battery capacity of a base-model Volkswagen iD.4 is 52 kWh. This indicates that the battery has a 52kWh capacity. 

Where can I charge my EV

1. At home 

2. Car Parks, Shopping Centres and Towns

3. DC Fast Chargers - located at motorway service stations, garages, and along popular routes. For example if you are driving from Dublin to Galway, this is the charger you will want. 

4. Check out PlugShare or ZapMap on the app store and download the app where you can find every unit available in Ireland.

What is it like to drive an EV

There is nothing daunting about driving an EV. It is smooth, sleek, silent, and calm for all occupants. However, because the vehicle is super silent, it was difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to listen out for when the cars were driving at a slow pace. Regulations came in to place that meant that all new electric cars sold after the 1st of July, 2021, must make a noise when travelling at low speeds.   

Electric cars drive exactly like automatic cars, there are no gears, no clutch, just a park, drive, reverse and neutral button.

When driving petrol or diesel cars, you have to build up power when you press your foot onto the accelerator. However, there is no waiting time, instead you get a surge of power, as the energy goes straight to the wheels. 

View our Electric, Hybrid and Plug in Hybrid models today:

Explore our Electric range

Contact a member of our leasing team on (01) 864 7711 to find out how you can make the switch today and lease an Electric Vehicle.