Over the past few years, electric vehicles have become much more popular in Ireland and their rise is expected to continue over the next decade.
But despite the growing popularity of EVs in Ireland, people thinking about making the switch to an electric car might feel like it is a whole new world. Here, we’ll compare some of the best EV models on the Irish market, look at how much they will cost, and what you can expect from them including their range.
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Electric Vehicles, Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids
We will compare a number of fully battery powered electric vehicles below, but before choosing the best option, you should first know the difference between electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles (self-charging), and plug-in hybrids.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles are battery powered vehicles that are charged by electricity rather than running on an internal combustion engine. The batteries can be charged at home or at one of hundreds of public charge points across the country.
Hybrids
A self-charging hybrid vehicle has a small battery as well as an electric motor. While it has a battery, its petrol or diesel engine still takes priority. A kilometre or two of electric range could be possible in the city.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
A plug-in hybrid goes a step further, keeping a petrol or diesel engine, but with a larger battery. Plug-in hybrids could be considered a half-way point towards a fully electric vehicle, because their batteries offer a larger electric range, with the added back-up of a combustion engine.
Is it worth buying an electric car in Ireland?
2024 is perhaps the perfect time to buy an electric car in Ireland for a number of reasons.
Grants for Electric Cars in Ireland
A grant of up to €3,500 is available for those wishing to buy a battery-powered electric vehicle in Ireland. This grant is available to those purchasing a new car, with a full price of between €14,000 and €60,000.
A grant of €2,500 was previously offered for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, but this has since been removed.
Car dealerships will apply for the grant for their customer, deducting the sum of the grant from the total price of the EV.
Compare Electric Cars Ireland
The number of electric cars on Irish roads has skyrocketed over the past few years, with over 30 car manufacturers offering motorists a range of models, and a number of new models are coming to dealerships this year. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular EVs on the market in Ireland, comparing their prices and maximum ranges.
Energy Efficiency Choice Awards
The Most Popular Electric Vehicle in Ireland
Some 22,789 new electric vehicles were registered in Ireland in 2023, a 45% increase on 2022 (15,678) and a whopping 562% increase on 2022 (3,444). The Volkswagen ID.4 was the top-selling electric car in Ireland in 2023, with new models selling for €55,280.
The Electric Car with the Best Range in Ireland
The Mercedes EQE 350+ has the longest WLTP range at 671 km. The German manufacturers’ EQE 350+ luxury saloon is a rear-wheel drive with a single electric motor. It has the ability to produce 288 horsepower and up to 391 pound-feet of torque.
The Cheapest EV in Ireland
At just €27,495, the Fiat 500e 24kW hatchback with 93 horsepower is the cheapest electric car in Ireland. The standard features of the Fiat 500e Icon has a central console with open storage space, folding rear seats and a heated rear window.
The Electric Vehicle with the Biggest Battery in Ireland
The largest battery in an electric vehicle in Ireland is found in the Audi SQ8, at 114kW. The car boasts a fully electric quattro drive with three electric motors, one on the front and two at the rear axle.
