The time has come and we want to aid you in your transition to electric motoring. Here we take a basic look at choosing an electric car and what options are currently out there for you.

What should I consider first when buying an electric car?The main factors to consider are range and charging. You need to work out your daily/weekly commute and make sure an electric vehicle is the right option for your needs. You must also factor in where and when the vehicle will be charged?

Will you be in a position to charge the vehicle at home over night or will work provide you with the facility to charge whilst parked up. Once you understand these basic needs then really it gets much easier to decide.

Electric cars are moving at such a pace that people now get the entire week out of a single charge. Again it depends on what journey you undertake but most electric vehicles can now cover 250 kilometers on a single charge rising upwards of 500 kilometers depending on the type of vehicle.

What are the 4 main types of electric vehicles?Right now you can pick from a (HEV) which, in essence is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle and the most common type of hybrid on Irish roads. They have been around for many years and the most common example of a vehicle using this powertrain would be the Toyota Prius. Next we have (MHEV) or Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles, which are becoming increasingly popular.

By using a small 48V battery and electric motor to increase the efficiency of their internal combustion engine the electric motor can power nonessential features such as air conditioning or the radio. Be aware, the savings can be minimal with this option! Next we have (PHEV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which has been with us for a good few years now.

PHEV’s split the difference between battery electric vehicles and normal combustion power by having a battery powered electric motor that is recharged via an external plug. This is probably the best of both worlds’. Finally lets look at the (BEV), or full Battery Electric Vehicle which is powered entirely by electricity, meaning no engine as a backup. Instead, it has one or more electric motors powered by a larger onboard battery usually located deep in the floor pan.

Is there any particular reason I wouldn’t buy an electric vehicle?Generally it’s hard to advise against buying an electric vehicle because the technology is moving so fast we tend to believe it is the future of mobility. With that said if you do massive mileage, live in an apartment block with no charging facilities at home or in work, then maybe you should reconsider.

Other than that, there might be a few leisure activities that might not suit EV owners such as boating, large caravans etc that go beyond the towing capacity of EV’s. Right now the towing capacity of an electric vehicle is usually less than combustion powered vehicles a naturally it hampers range.

How does an electric vehicle perform compared to a combustion engine?In general the performance of an electric vehicle far exceeds that of combustion powered cars. With fewer moving parts, the surge of linear power is somewhat addictive as they accelerate to the speed limit with ease. We have yet to drive an EV and be left wanting more power! As a tool for the daily commute, driving an EV becomes intuitive with that simple on/off delivery of power and if anything they can make combustion powered cars feel a little wheezy!

What would be the life expectancy of an EV battery?The lifespan of an EV battery depends on various factors, such as the battery chemistry, usage patterns, charging habits, and environmental conditions. Generally, most EV batteries can last for 160,000 km to 320,000 km or more before they need to be replaced or refurbished. However, this is highly dependent on the specific battery and how it is used and maintained. The manufacturers’ warranty on the battery components is generally between 5 to 8 years. Naturally those fortunate enough to change cars every few years will probably not need to worry.

Should I buy new or second hand?If you are in a position to buy new then this would be the advice we give to benefit from a full warranty etc. As mentioned previously, the technology is moving at an alarming rate so what seems like a good deal on a used 5-year-old electric vehicle might be fast redundant in the range stakes as newer versions tend to go further, faster, more efficient etc! This is the world we currently live in.

What savings am I likely to make?Aside from the major petrol and diesel savings you can currently benefit from cheaper road tax, discounted toll crossings and also maintenance bills. Electric cars have very few consumables so you are not replacing oil, plugs, clutch components, belts etc. It’s more just maintaining tyres, brakes, wiper fluids etc. Get clever with your charging options and you could see serious savings!

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