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xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_crime-law"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law/courts" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Courts</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Property</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_property" aria-label="Show Property sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_property"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/residential" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Residential</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/commercial-property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Commercial Property</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/interiors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Interiors</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/food" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Food</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_food" aria-label="Show Food sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_food"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/drink" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Drink</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/recipes" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Recipes</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/restaurants" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Restaurants</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/health" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Health</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_health" aria-label="Show Health sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_health"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-family" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Family</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Fitness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-wellness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Wellness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness/get-running" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Get Running</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Life & Style</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_life-style" aria-label="Show Life & Style sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_life-style"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fashion" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fashion</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tags/beauty/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Beauty</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fine-art-antiques" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fine Art & Antiques</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/gardening" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gardening</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/people" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">People</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/travel" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Travel</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/culture" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Culture</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_culture" aria-label="Show Culture sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_culture"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/art" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Art</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/books" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Books</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/film" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Film</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/music" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Music</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/stage" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Stage</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/tv-radio" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">TV & Radio</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/environment" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Environment</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_environment" aria-label="Show Environment sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_environment"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/environment/climate-crisis" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Climate Crisis</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/technology" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Technology</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_technology" aria-label="Show Technology sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_technology"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/big-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Big Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/consumer-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Consumer Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/data-security" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Data & Security</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/gaming" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gaming</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/science" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Science</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_science" aria-label="Show Science sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_science"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/science/space" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Space</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/media" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Media</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/abroad" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Abroad</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/obituaries" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Obituaries</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/transport" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Transport</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/motors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Motors</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_motors" aria-label="Show Motors sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_motors"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/motors/car-reviews/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Car Reviews</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/listen/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Listen</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Podcasts</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_podcasts" aria-label="Show Podcasts sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div 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tabindex="-1">Ross O'Carroll-Kelly</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/the-counter-ruck" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">The Counter Ruck Podcast</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/podcasts/conversations-with-parents" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Conversations with Parents Podcast</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/video" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Video</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/photography" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Photography</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" 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href="/motors/car-reviews/">Car Reviews</a></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div id="lazy_28389" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__84 has-divider gap-divider"><div class="c-stack grid-item grid-column-span-8" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/2025/04/01/will-bidirectional-charging-power-my-house-by-using-my-evs-battery/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img 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font-bold" href="/motors/review/2025/03/26/ineos-grenadier-quartermaster-pickup-review-flawed-but-still-a-guilty-pleasure/">Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pickup review: Flawed but still a guilty pleasure</a></h3><p class="c-paragraph"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/review/2025/03/26/ineos-grenadier-quartermaster-pickup-review-flawed-but-still-a-guilty-pleasure/">The big, rugged pickup truck is compromised in many ways – and expensive</a></p><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Neil Briscoe</span></span></div></div></div></article></div><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top-left b-flex-promo-card__image-square-desktop-left"><figure class="c-media-item"><a 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b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/review/2025/03/18/cupra-formentor-review-finally-it-makes-sense/">Updated Formentor isn’t as handsome as before, but it’s good fun</a></p><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Neil Briscoe</span></span></div></div></div></article></div></div><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__top c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" 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car you’ll definitely want to take on the open road, but mind the range</a></h3><p class="c-paragraph"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/review/2025/03/05/mini-aceman-ev-review-this-is-one-car-youll-definitely-want-to-take-on-the-open-road-but-mind-the-range/">    </a></p><div class="b-flex-promo-card__metadata"><span class="c-it-byline c-it-byline--list"><span>By</span><span> Neil Briscoe</span></span></div></div></div></article></div></div></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div id="arcad-feature-f0fYl0FhEqn62Qj-1dece4269a988f" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature" style="--mobile-display:block;--tablet-display:block;--desktop-display:block"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:970px"><div id="arcad_f0fYl0FhEqn62Qj-1dece4269a988f" class="arcad ad-970x90"></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div class="c-grid b-it-header-block"><div 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0.273466 20.6414 1.1311 19.8243L8.71733 12.5593C8.91647 12.3686 8.92364 12.0527 8.73336 11.8531L0.748709 3.47961C-0.108924 2.6625 0.0713963 1.88627 1.13096 0.799122Z"></path></svg></span></h2></div></div></a></div></div><div id="lazy_3288" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__444 has-divider gap-divider"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__right-top c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" 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alt="Ferrari sold five cars in Ireland last year, Alfa Romeo sold 43. 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c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/business/2025/03/22/irish-car-buyers-spend-16550-on-average-with-ev-costs-major-barrier/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Irish car buyers spend €16,550 on average, but electric vehicle costs a barrier " class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UZ4P4GAKXR4BO6ILSTDABWECZA.jpg?focal=2329%2C1913&auth=53a6793aad22f2501722aff9788507954673bb3cdef035f9a7dc06d145400ca2&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UZ4P4GAKXR4BO6ILSTDABWECZA.jpg?focal=2329%2C1913&auth=53a6793aad22f2501722aff9788507954673bb3cdef035f9a7dc06d145400ca2&width=200&height=112 200w, 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href="/motors/2025/02/26/ccpc-calls-for-used-car-database-of-damaged-or-dangerous-vehicles/">Dangerous car database needed to protect second-hand buyers, State’s consumer body says</a></h2><p class="c-paragraph"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/2025/02/26/ccpc-calls-for-used-car-database-of-damaged-or-dangerous-vehicles/">Consumer watchdog says Ireland is lagging behind countries such as Australia and the UK in providing centralised databases of used car histories accessible to car buyers</a></p></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__right-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/2025/02/25/whats-the-best-ev-for-a-limerick-to-dublin-commute/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="What’s the best EV for a 400km round trip without stopping and charging?" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QREDHOMHDZA25GIHCYNILT3TFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=340bb852c7488cb452a8843449270d7196a8b3cf31bcb298d2927fd33766e1df&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QREDHOMHDZA25GIHCYNILT3TFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=340bb852c7488cb452a8843449270d7196a8b3cf31bcb298d2927fd33766e1df&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QREDHOMHDZA25GIHCYNILT3TFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=340bb852c7488cb452a8843449270d7196a8b3cf31bcb298d2927fd33766e1df&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QREDHOMHDZA25GIHCYNILT3TFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=340bb852c7488cb452a8843449270d7196a8b3cf31bcb298d2927fd33766e1df&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QREDHOMHDZA25GIHCYNILT3TFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=340bb852c7488cb452a8843449270d7196a8b3cf31bcb298d2927fd33766e1df&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QREDHOMHDZA25GIHCYNILT3TFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=340bb852c7488cb452a8843449270d7196a8b3cf31bcb298d2927fd33766e1df&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="start" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><span class="c-pill c-it-subscriber-pill ">Subscriber Only</span></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/motors/2025/02/25/whats-the-best-ev-for-a-limerick-to-dublin-commute/">What’s the best EV for a 400km round trip without stopping and charging?</a></h2><p class="c-paragraph"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/2025/02/25/whats-the-best-ev-for-a-limerick-to-dublin-commute/">Helping to separate electric vehicle myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your EV questions</a></p></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__right-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/2025/02/24/happy-torque-bmws-electric-m3-is-a-fan-car-in-more-senses-than-one/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Happy torque: BMW’s electric M3 is a fan car in more senses than one" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2IG7V2DMOFAL7H4M2TG2BKEUMM.jpg?smart=true&auth=abd91985d617405062d5a19823dc7e84ecbc0299d371fa613937014ce080489b&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2IG7V2DMOFAL7H4M2TG2BKEUMM.jpg?smart=true&auth=abd91985d617405062d5a19823dc7e84ecbc0299d371fa613937014ce080489b&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2IG7V2DMOFAL7H4M2TG2BKEUMM.jpg?smart=true&auth=abd91985d617405062d5a19823dc7e84ecbc0299d371fa613937014ce080489b&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2IG7V2DMOFAL7H4M2TG2BKEUMM.jpg?smart=true&auth=abd91985d617405062d5a19823dc7e84ecbc0299d371fa613937014ce080489b&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2IG7V2DMOFAL7H4M2TG2BKEUMM.jpg?smart=true&auth=abd91985d617405062d5a19823dc7e84ecbc0299d371fa613937014ce080489b&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2IG7V2DMOFAL7H4M2TG2BKEUMM.jpg?smart=true&auth=abd91985d617405062d5a19823dc7e84ecbc0299d371fa613937014ce080489b&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="start" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><span class="c-pill c-it-subscriber-pill ">Subscriber Only</span></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/motors/2025/02/24/happy-torque-bmws-electric-m3-is-a-fan-car-in-more-senses-than-one/">Happy torque: BMW’s electric M3 is a fan car in more senses than one</a></h2><p class="c-paragraph"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/2025/02/24/happy-torque-bmws-electric-m3-is-a-fan-car-in-more-senses-than-one/">Latest disguised ‘Neue Klasse’ saloon is a pretty blatant hint at the next-gen electric M3</a></p></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__right-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/business/2025/02/20/ev-home-charging-pilot-fails-to-address-critical-issue/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="EV home charging pilot fails to address critical issue " class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LHZXCPJJ55CU3DKKY4AOOJCSDQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=6e5d74caed83010a569155a861eb489def24acd1120fff14540925aa9fff51fb&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LHZXCPJJ55CU3DKKY4AOOJCSDQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=6e5d74caed83010a569155a861eb489def24acd1120fff14540925aa9fff51fb&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LHZXCPJJ55CU3DKKY4AOOJCSDQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=6e5d74caed83010a569155a861eb489def24acd1120fff14540925aa9fff51fb&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LHZXCPJJ55CU3DKKY4AOOJCSDQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=6e5d74caed83010a569155a861eb489def24acd1120fff14540925aa9fff51fb&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LHZXCPJJ55CU3DKKY4AOOJCSDQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=6e5d74caed83010a569155a861eb489def24acd1120fff14540925aa9fff51fb&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LHZXCPJJ55CU3DKKY4AOOJCSDQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=6e5d74caed83010a569155a861eb489def24acd1120fff14540925aa9fff51fb&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/business/">Business</a></span></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/business/2025/02/20/ev-home-charging-pilot-fails-to-address-critical-issue/">EV home charging pilot fails to address critical issue </a></h2><p class="c-paragraph"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/business/2025/02/20/ev-home-charging-pilot-fails-to-address-critical-issue/">Concern to persist among motorists about switch to EVs in absence of comprehensive fast–charger network </a></p></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__right-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/technology/consumer-tech/2025/02/19/ev-qa-pilot-scheme-aims-to-connect-drivers-with-people-willing-to-rent-use-of-private-chargers/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="EV Q&A: Pilot scheme aims to connect drivers with people willing to rent use of private chargers" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OVTDRYIMEFAFJBFC2IT2VHM3TM.jpg?focal=860%2C662&auth=cb17433117d649c40186af1247b73b17304b1d85bfc40744fa322ec56f3b7ed3&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OVTDRYIMEFAFJBFC2IT2VHM3TM.jpg?focal=860%2C662&auth=cb17433117d649c40186af1247b73b17304b1d85bfc40744fa322ec56f3b7ed3&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OVTDRYIMEFAFJBFC2IT2VHM3TM.jpg?focal=860%2C662&auth=cb17433117d649c40186af1247b73b17304b1d85bfc40744fa322ec56f3b7ed3&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OVTDRYIMEFAFJBFC2IT2VHM3TM.jpg?focal=860%2C662&auth=cb17433117d649c40186af1247b73b17304b1d85bfc40744fa322ec56f3b7ed3&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OVTDRYIMEFAFJBFC2IT2VHM3TM.jpg?focal=860%2C662&auth=cb17433117d649c40186af1247b73b17304b1d85bfc40744fa322ec56f3b7ed3&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OVTDRYIMEFAFJBFC2IT2VHM3TM.jpg?focal=860%2C662&auth=cb17433117d649c40186af1247b73b17304b1d85bfc40744fa322ec56f3b7ed3&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/technology/consumer-tech/">Consumer Tech</a></span></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/technology/consumer-tech/2025/02/19/ev-qa-pilot-scheme-aims-to-connect-drivers-with-people-willing-to-rent-use-of-private-chargers/">EV Q&A: Pilot scheme aims to connect drivers with people willing to rent use of private chargers</a></h2><p class="c-paragraph"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/technology/consumer-tech/2025/02/19/ev-qa-pilot-scheme-aims-to-connect-drivers-with-people-willing-to-rent-use-of-private-chargers/">If homeowners rent out charging points when they are not in use, it will take pressure off the network and make things easier for all</a></p></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__right-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/2025/02/19/with-car-prices-surging-where-can-budget-conscious-drivers-turn-the-answer-may-surprise-you/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="With car prices surging, where can budget-conscious drivers turn? The answer may surprise you" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TUPZ7IH3CNHAZMWIJK5345OKBA.jpg?smart=true&auth=24f4da03e26a1cfa96b75f48e1e768f8435ea7f52589b583c6250c1a728f1a99&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TUPZ7IH3CNHAZMWIJK5345OKBA.jpg?smart=true&auth=24f4da03e26a1cfa96b75f48e1e768f8435ea7f52589b583c6250c1a728f1a99&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TUPZ7IH3CNHAZMWIJK5345OKBA.jpg?smart=true&auth=24f4da03e26a1cfa96b75f48e1e768f8435ea7f52589b583c6250c1a728f1a99&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TUPZ7IH3CNHAZMWIJK5345OKBA.jpg?smart=true&auth=24f4da03e26a1cfa96b75f48e1e768f8435ea7f52589b583c6250c1a728f1a99&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TUPZ7IH3CNHAZMWIJK5345OKBA.jpg?smart=true&auth=24f4da03e26a1cfa96b75f48e1e768f8435ea7f52589b583c6250c1a728f1a99&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TUPZ7IH3CNHAZMWIJK5345OKBA.jpg?smart=true&auth=24f4da03e26a1cfa96b75f48e1e768f8435ea7f52589b583c6250c1a728f1a99&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/motors/">Motors</a></span></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/motors/2025/02/19/with-car-prices-surging-where-can-budget-conscious-drivers-turn-the-answer-may-surprise-you/">With car prices surging, where can budget-conscious drivers turn? The answer may surprise you</a></h2><p class="c-paragraph"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/2025/02/19/with-car-prices-surging-where-can-budget-conscious-drivers-turn-the-answer-may-surprise-you/">Prices have been on the rise for years, but recent spikes have pushed many mainstream models beyond the reach of average pockets</a></p></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__right-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/review/2025/02/19/renaults-symbioz-is-a-symbol-of-the-total-euv-takeover/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img fetchpriority="low" data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Renault’s Symbioz is a symbol of the total SUV takeover" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4YOR3XBCN5AL3L2AVXQT4SA3CQ.jpg?focal=2743%2C1886&auth=4378dc5a9e6a72b73aadace1b323e2bfc4edfd0d22937334ddd13a4e83db7186&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4YOR3XBCN5AL3L2AVXQT4SA3CQ.jpg?focal=2743%2C1886&auth=4378dc5a9e6a72b73aadace1b323e2bfc4edfd0d22937334ddd13a4e83db7186&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4YOR3XBCN5AL3L2AVXQT4SA3CQ.jpg?focal=2743%2C1886&auth=4378dc5a9e6a72b73aadace1b323e2bfc4edfd0d22937334ddd13a4e83db7186&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4YOR3XBCN5AL3L2AVXQT4SA3CQ.jpg?focal=2743%2C1886&auth=4378dc5a9e6a72b73aadace1b323e2bfc4edfd0d22937334ddd13a4e83db7186&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4YOR3XBCN5AL3L2AVXQT4SA3CQ.jpg?focal=2743%2C1886&auth=4378dc5a9e6a72b73aadace1b323e2bfc4edfd0d22937334ddd13a4e83db7186&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4YOR3XBCN5AL3L2AVXQT4SA3CQ.jpg?focal=2743%2C1886&auth=4378dc5a9e6a72b73aadace1b323e2bfc4edfd0d22937334ddd13a4e83db7186&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/motors/">Motors</a></span></div></div><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h2 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/motors/review/2025/02/19/renaults-symbioz-is-a-symbol-of-the-total-euv-takeover/">Renault’s Symbioz is a symbol of the total SUV takeover</a></h2><p class="c-paragraph"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/motors/review/2025/02/19/renaults-symbioz-is-a-symbol-of-the-total-euv-takeover/">New hybrid SUV is neatly styled but lacks pizzazz. 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How difficult is this to set up for a home in a residential estate, and does the ESB allow it? Also limited cars allow it, but will doing it void any warranties? </b>– <i>Reader, Co Dublin</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVGKCDQBEZBNRDRUZ7NE7TFOTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604598},"content":"<b>Q: What about EVs in places where the power has been out for several days? </b>– <i>B Ní Shuilleabhain, Co Kerry</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDYF5LYHQRF2BAKNSKFFEUM2NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977866},"content":"<b>A:</b> We have partly covered these questions in a feature separate to our regular Your <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/evs-qanda/\" target=\"_blank\">EV Questions Answered</a> strand, but it bears a revisit, not least because bidirectional charging is so often touted as being a major benefit of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric cars</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6OVKVSGQFFERLFVJZGZQHLOBJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604600},"content":"In fact, as far back as 2010, bidirectional charging was being highlighted as a major boon to electric car owners, and this was when the only EVs on sale were the original Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi i-MIEV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIGUG5XSIZGDJERBOUJ7MGPQEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604601},"content":"At that point, it wasn’t so much the prospect of powering your house from your EV, but more about making some handy cash on the side. The idea being that you could plug your bidirectional electric car into your home charger at 5pm or 6pm presumably with some amount of charge still left in the battery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPF4OJJZ6ZBYBLCDYNJSGNZFP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604602},"content":"That being peak electricity use time, your electricity provider could then, in theory, draw on the excess juice in your battery to help balance the grid demand as everyone came home and started putting on kettles, ovens, PlayStations etc.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYQKKSJ2MVFVTKQ3HCRS757SJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604603},"content":"You would, in theory, be paid the peak electricity rate price for that power usage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RIKMP2L2FH4RLJUYIPX5EZLE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604604},"content":"Later on, when the demand had dropped, the power company could sell you back the electricity again, charging up your car at the cheap rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUZSTCJYRBEJTGA64HZV2EPD2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604605},"content":"The idea being that you could at least alleviate some of your charging cost, and potentially break-even given the disparity between peak and offpeak pricing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWGPW45CJRE4PFATCUGZQX6AWE","additional_properties":{"_id":"VEOLE7CIDRCXZOAIT3WL76MQTY"},"content":"Can software updates make my EV better?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JIZKPG4M75GVJCV36SPK6B6BDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604606},"content":"To do that, you need two things – an electric car that has vehicle-to-grid charging (V2G) or at least vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, and a smart home electricity meter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIP5SCX2PJDPBIHAXSTGAIDXSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604607},"content":"The mechanisms for selling power to the grid as a private user are already in place, as some people already do this with their home solar panels or their home windmills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIVEVQSSENAMJG75MWO65ZDEME","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604608},"content":"The downside, of course, is that although you’ve plugged your car in when you come home, it won’t be actually charging until later in the night, and indeed may actually lose some charge in the meantime – not great if you have to dash back out at short notice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVMNV3NMOBEGLJ7LWNOYKKKZ3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604609},"content":"However, what’s become a more pertinent benefit of late is the idea of actually powering your house directly from your car in the event of a power cut.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILKUD44ZJJDBDB2SSUO7APPHJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604610},"content":"As we all saw with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/storm-eowyn/\" target=\"_blank\">Storm Éowyn</a>, if the power goes out, especially in a remote area, it can take a few days to come back on again. So can your EV really keep you going in the meantime?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZROC6ZFGQJGL7GXIME7SMVXW3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604611},"content":"In theory, yes, although it does help if you’ve come home with a full or nearly-full battery, which perhaps isn’t that likely. With the right car and the right meter, you could potentially keep your home running for two to three days from your car’s battery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R22RJJJG6JGTNAQXLPOH6K4EKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604612},"content":"According to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/commission-for-regulation-of-utilities-cru/\" target=\"_blank\">Commission for Regulation of Utilities</a>, the average household in Ireland uses approximately 4,200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, so divide that by 365 and you get daily energy usage of 11.5kWh. The average electric car battery, in the European market, holds between 75kWh-80kWh, so that could be enough to keep you going for almost a full week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4YKM7JXCXRCZXHPITGV3CZTEWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604613},"content":"Indeed, one reader – P Fitzgerald from Co Limerick – recently told us: “I had my heating system running off the car this weekend when we had not power for three days. The only problem was that I didn’t think to plug in my freezer and fridge as well…”","type":"text"},{"_id":"E52ZOKJUGVF3REA7PKFNXO6QPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604614},"content":"It is also worth remembering that the power output of some EV batteries and on-board chargers may not be enough to run all the high-power systems in your house at once.","type":"text"},{"_id":"USIEBF2URBEFRL2ICB46UQP3LA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604615},"content":"For instance, if you’re running your oven and an electric shower at the same time, that’s getting close to the peak power demand for your house, and not all EVs will have the capacity to do that, so a certain amount of power rationing might be needed. However, you will be able to at least keep the basics going – fridge, heating, lights, and crucially sockets for keeping mobile phones and wifi alive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCB4TRRW6NAR5CAG3TSVWETWBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604616},"content":"Then of course, there’s a problem – as our reader from Co Kerry points out above: what to do if the power stays out for several days, something that most definitely happened for many people in the wake of Storm Éowyn.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SYLAWW3XMNFEHJLNNZSQBKQFOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604617},"content":"Assuming that you haven’t plugged your car into your home charger with a full battery, it’s likely that you’ll only be able to get a couple of days, at most, out of the car before it too will need to be charged. At which point, you do… what, exactly?","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHVWBZMHNJHKVI5N3YQE2GN55U","additional_properties":{"_id":"FG76TAF7P5B5RCI5ZMJZJJ77NA"},"content":"Your EV questions answered: Do all electric cars only have rear-wheel drive? What about driving in snow?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VNOBRRVZ4FB5BH4SA6UWXQO4F4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604618},"content":"Here, you’ll need to do some planning. As an EV driver you’ll probably know where all the local public chargers are nearby, so start monitoring the battery level in your car, and when it reaches a point at which you can safely, with some in reserve, reach one of those chargers, it’s time to disconnect and get going.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TRKWIFYDFEMHGJMFFESVIR4C4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604619},"content":"Power restoration after a storm is difficult business, but in theory power will come back on first in the major population areas, so it’s probably best to plan to head to the nearest town which has a fast charging point, and top up there. You’re effectively at this point using your car as a kind of electric bucket, carrying electricity back home. It’s not especially straightforward, and not foolproof, but hopefully it will keep you going.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEDAG6QUTBBV7IC37XJN72OHXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604620},"content":"There is a better way, however – which is to use an EV battery that’s no longer in an EV. Another of the potential benefits of electric cars is that when the batteries do eventually wear out, they’re not entirely dead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7A6WLP6C5FAEPIMQ3ZZNFT77BE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604621},"content":"In an EV the battery is put under the kinds of stresses and strains that are entirely alien to other use cases, so most electric car batteries are considered to need replacement once they reach about 70 per cent of their original power storage capacity – something that is taking way, way longer in almost all cases, than we ever initially thought.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W2BIOU7P7VCI5A4EUKNY64U5MM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604622},"content":"However, at 70 per cent capacity, those batteries are still usable in other scenarios, and one of those is as a home power wall. Irish company Range Therapy is already taking batteries out of older, tired EVs, and indeed those that have become damaged in a write-off incident, and turning those valuable power cells into home energy storage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGTKJVTHTVDPRLMGEOPL6WY7KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604623},"content":"With one of these, your home has a useful buffer in the event of a power cut and at peak electricity use times as a power wall battery that can work on the same basis as your EV – using the energy in it at times of high electricity cost, and then charging it back up again at night on the cheap rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTHV24XZQFAIJPONGR6XHNGUI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604624},"content":"Eventually, as EVs become more and more prevalent, and older cars age into the arms of the recyclers, hopefully this will become a more common fitment for Irish houses, and we can worry less about losing power in the event of a big storm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BI64ORPVRBAE3BWYVXGK4ZEBJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604625},"content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Electric vehicles: Helping to separate EV myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your questions"},"display_date":"2025-04-01T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Will bidirectional charging power my house by using my EV’s battery?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DSK2APFSUFEWNI5OWOEBOE3F6I","auth":{"1":"5bae789b52fbf7ee7fe142eb505629e79265d2bdaaa0fdd2827755b8393f66c0"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DSK2APFSUFEWNI5OWOEBOE3F6I.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/04/01/will-bidirectional-charging-power-my-house-by-using-my-evs-battery/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"RVOCNY72SZDSBHJMPGDOIYC6FY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":465,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d653cdb5-79f8-462b-acd2-d8cfd6aaf39f/versions/1742897306/media/06ad024e3477ff239bc44c167fd23b81_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/27/dacia-bigster-may-have-a-cheesy-name-but-it-could-be-the-brands-grand-fromage/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UDGOONWNVZC4HCRYK7K5HHAKUY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a world of nominative determinism, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dacia/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dacia/\">Dacia</a> Bigster might be king. Four years ago Dacia set out to remake its model line-up, turning it from cheap and cheerful to affordable and desirable. Doing so meant making bigger <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\">cars</a> was paramount. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMT7Q7FY5JEB7GS4MNVMHYR46Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"So far in its life, Dacia has played in the so-called B-Segment. The segmentation of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/\">European</a> car market is arcane at best and sometimes can be as confusing as wading through a catalogue of taxonomy at the Natural History Museum, but the simple way to think of it is this – B-Segment is small cars and crossovers, such as the Ford Fiesta (RIP), the VW Polo, the Renault Captur, and the Toyota Yaris Cross. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIA2Y4XVLJCFRABEIUO3DCMZ6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"This is where Dacia has been since the beginning. The Duster SUV, for all its practicality, is essentially size-wise a competitor (an in-house one at that) to the Renault Captur. The Jogger might have seven seats, but it’s riding on the same chassis as (and using the whole front structure of) the small Sandero hatchback. So for all its successes – the bestselling car in Europe last year, and not for the first time – Dacia has been only making small cars. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSUJXRRVE5BQLG3QM2XOIFKQQA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2FIMJ27SWZE2DOPQHB6TMMKCVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"That changes here. The Bigster name might be cheesy, but it’s appropriate as it moves Dacia up into the C-Segment. This is Europe’s biggest car segment, and it runs the gamut from a VW Golf hatchback to a Nissan Qashqai or a Hyundai Tucson. This is where you’ll find so many of the big sellers on Irish and continental roads, and it’s where chunkier profit margins can also be mined. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"252IXQFKFJHDXNOYA64SEP7ADI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Especially if, like Dacia, you’re boxing clever. To create the Bigster, Dacia has stuck with the same CMF-B platform that underpins the smaller Duster and the even smaller Sandero, stretching it pretty much as far as it will go to create a boxy family-sized SUV that’s 4.6-metres long. Still compact, in broad terms, but big enough to be usefully bigger than the Duster. It won’t be drastically more expensive, either. Dacia Ireland is targeting – yet may not quite reach – a base price of just under €30,000. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OG74YMOYRZBDHNJ4STMQ3HTCJ4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KINB3RMNYZA3BEK5755RQBCGOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"You don’t immediately spot that extra size from the outside, as the Bigster takes the Duster’s styling and embiggens it. The same Y-shaped headlights, the same chunky, castellated bonnet. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVOWUVCBLFHBLBIDCQTU242G4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The same square-edged wheel arches, trimmed with “starkle”, a recycled plastic that’s not painted and so which can protect the extremities of the Bigster from scrapes against off-road obstacles such as boulders and branches. Or, more realistically, stop you rubbing paint off against the wall of the Dunnes Stores car park.","type":"text"},{"_id":"24BUAC6NIVAYHGUUMA5DUHVTBA","additional_properties":{},"content":"When you sit inside, though, you immediately sense that the Bigster is a big step up for Dacia. Not just in size and space terms – that too – but also in a sense of greater quality and comfort. There’s a palpable sense that at least some of the materials used inside are of a higher grade than we’ve seen from Dacia of late, albeit not so high that you feel Dacia is getting notions. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJFU5OADRFGVLDTINMHNTJQ7OM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"IMGRUPF5PZFUXNJMJYYAXCMYTQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Crucially, the driver’s seat and driving position feel far roomier and more comfortable than that of the Duster, which makes an excellent first impression. While there are plenty of cheap plastics, the steering wheel and the chunky toggle switch for the automatic gearbox feel good, and those are the bits you’ll end up touching most. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GFS7LGIGSBGX7CZISW4SENJJFM","additional_properties":{},"content":"New Dacia Duster: Great value returns in a much prettier package","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XPQYIXYBRNF6JKIJE6FNLOON3A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 10.1-inch touchscreen – standard on all models – is fairly blameless to use, and certainly simple, and certainly simplified by the fact that Dacia has borrowed some smart looking and feeling air conditioning buttons from Renault. You’ll get either a seven- or 10-inch driver’s digital display, depending on the model. There’s lots of useful storage in the centre console, and large door bins too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CEXWELDGT5G7XACFTBQKUSFMVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the back, there’s a terrific sense of space and airiness, again much more so than in the slightly tight rear confines of the Duster. The optional panoramic glass roof helps (maybe this is notions, for Dacia?) but better still are the comfy rear seats with an acreage of legroom and headroom. No one’s likely to complain about being relegated to the back of a Bigster. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MY5K3U7PEFCIHLE3V57HPOEBV4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"L27BB3J5NVD27C2KUXD3BQKQOA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Fewer still will complain about the boot. Behind the optional electric tailgate (definitely notions … ) there’s up to 702 litres of luggage space (up to the luggage cover) depending on the model. Even the hybrid model, with the need to stash its battery, has up to 612 litres, surely more than enough for anyone? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDRXI5IB3FHEBAPGJHD35VJOIU","additional_properties":{},"content":"There’s no seven-seat option, though, but then there isn’t in any of the Bigster’s direct rivals either. The rear seats split-fold in three, and there’s up to 2,002 litres of cargo carrying capacity if you do that. There are vans with less. There’s also an optional armrest that turns into a backpack and a new phone app that can help you more efficiently pack your boot. Sort of Bigster Tetris …","type":"text"},{"_id":"L63WT7KASBDOLDU4QV6WGV4IMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"What about driving, though? Well, you can choose from three-cylinder turbo 1.2-litre petrol and LPG engines with mild-hybrid assistance and up to 140hp, or a 130hp four-wheel drive version (which comes only with a manual gearbox). The bestseller is likely to be the 1.8-litre hybrid, which gets an upgrade compared to the similar engine used in the Jogger and Duster, bringing its power output to 155hp. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MEDKRKTDCZDYDINCWOZXLUSZRM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BT7EOGUVE5C4NKPYF2J5VWYOAE","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s the version we’ve driven, and it’s broadly impressive. It has the strange automatic hybrid gearbox common to all Renault and Dacia hybrids which has four physical gears, but which also has two electric motors (a 50hp motor and a chunky starter-generator) which kind of means that it has infinite gears. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IW4VK3JL7JGTHLYIE2WGNLT2KU","additional_properties":{},"content":"MG HS review: Impressive plug-in hybrid SUV is proof of how far the brand has come","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"C7IA4EF4C5GXZK3HDUDAO2GRSQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"However it works (and I’ve tried, I’ve tried to understand … ) it can be a bit odd to use, allowing the engine to occasionally drone on rather too much, but for the most part the Bigster is really pleasant to drive. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"INVU3ULMEND6HOSGG7UBBY7GEA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"R7AN4UVSRRETNI6YY65YIJ2PTE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In hybrid form, you can tell that it has relatively soft suspension which has been beefed up slightly to cope with the hybrid’s extra weight, so while it is generally quite squishy and well-mannered, big transverse ridges or sharp speed bumps can send a “thwack” up through the wheels and springs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"STNWP7HB3NEW5KA4K644EP2IAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"That inherent softness means that the Bigster is no handling champ, and you definitely have to wait a beat for the nose to settle down on corner entry before really committing, but the feel-free steering is pleasingly weighted and fairly quick, and the Bigster has inherently good manners. Tight and twisty roads are not its forte, but on bigger, wider roads it’s a delight, if one that suffers from occasional bouts of wind (noise).","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKXMVPVUBZB7LEB3AJHI2RMQ2U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Fuel economy seems excellent on this experience – we averaged 5.3 litres per 100km – but the lower speed limits – and they’re rigorously enforced – of French country roads may have played a part in that, so let’s pass final judgment on that when we’ve driven at home on familiar territory. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRUXRY3BEJDFPDUUMRJNHWOPHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"So while the Bigster is well-named – it’s Dacia’s biggest model yet and a crucial climb upwards into more profitable territory – its bigness is not its defining characteristic. Its likeability is.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NF77N3LLBCMXNZBBYGHTH6HZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cheap in all the areas you’d expect, but pleasing in all the areas that count, is the Bigster Dacia’s best car yet? Possibly …","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Dacia has enlarged its range with the new Bigster that sets a new standard for brand"},"display_date":"2025-03-27T11:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Dacia Bigster may have a cheesy name but it could be the brand’s grand fromage","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BXZLHYDPGBAQDCOTBOMIHSO5MY","auth":{"1":"9b96905bd211ad61076f13a79d1432ad6feea66bbaf522d9d93c077dac981dad"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BXZLHYDPGBAQDCOTBOMIHSO5MY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/27/dacia-bigster-may-have-a-cheesy-name-but-it-could-be-the-brands-grand-fromage/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"K66HOY2NJZD7HKFEOC6OV376DE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":272,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/0af1c707-83db-44de-886e-8efebc1883bd/versions/1743001977/media/f745cb5624547904a78c26a522388220_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/nissan-reveals-three-new-electric-car-models-crossover-leaf-all-electric-micra-and-juke/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BELVH7EL6VDU3OAGO7AVMPFDZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363235},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nissan/\" target=\"_blank\">Nissan</a> has been going through a rough patch of late, with money draining out of the corporate coffers, dire warnings of a major turnaround needed just to keep the company alive, and a failed merger with rival <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/honda/\" target=\"_blank\">Honda</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HETSNXXSBRAHJERR46BJTAQXVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363236},"content":"However bad things might be behind the scenes, Nissan is at least trying to fight back with some new product, and it has revealed three crucial new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric models</a> which are due to go on sale in the next 18 months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RE7VAGBF6RA3PHEDPHLBD67CW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363237},"content":"The first and most important one is the new Leaf. Since it was launched in 2012, the Leaf has been one of the world’s bestselling electric cars, and it was the first EV to win the coveted European Car of the Year award.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6BBKORGNZDP7L6PGTSBY6MF6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363238},"content":"The Leaf past and current has long since been overtaken in technology and range terms by younger rivals (although sales held up, especially in Ireland, thanks to some very competitive pricing).","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLML6ANX5VE4XD7VWDLS2VBT5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363239},"content":"Now, Nissan aims to meet those rivals head on with a new third-generation Leaf, which not only gets a bigger battery but changes its shape from hatchback to low-slung crossover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FIKVXPDLHVH5JJPDOGRN6HC2KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363241},"content":"For the first time, the Leaf will get an up to date EV platform, sharing the CMF-EV chassis with the Nissan Ariya SUV and the Renault Scenic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GX3LGMCNXBFKTIB4U3EN2EYYDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363242},"content":"So far, no official technical details have been revealed, but there is talk of a 600km range, which would suggest that the more expensive versions will have a circa-80kWh battery. Presumably, that means that a smaller battery version, with a range of about 400km, will also be available, which is exactly the pattern followed by the Ariya and Scenic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWGU2V6KNZEMTPTWTAPHW5EKNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363243},"content":"We have not seen inside the new Leaf yet, but if it borrows much from the Ariya – as seems logical – then the cabin will represent a considerable improvement in quality from the current, rather cheap-feeling Leaf.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2KOHV22RZBGZFDEIK2UM2S6GE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363244},"content":"As with range, there are no details yet about charging speeds (the Scenic can handle up to 150kW on DC power) but Nissan has said that its new three-in-one motor (which combines an electric motor, a reducer and a power inverter into one compact module) has allowed it to make considerable efficiency gains.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJ4LILGDTBCTTL5SDMKSFDIEEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363245},"content":"The company also confirmed that the new Leaf will, once again, be built in Nissan’s factory in Sunderland in the UK, which seems to secure the future of that plant for some time to come.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GS7JHM7ZANEFJK3X3IEANLH2RM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363240},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3XMUWLEEMBGCNKXSGL3FEWAO7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363246},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KYGGGKDMBREFJF2LZJUUQZJ34A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363247},"content":"Nissan has also introduced a new all-electric Micra, which will be on sale before the Leaf, likely by the end of this year. The new Micra – complete with cutesy round headlights which hark back to the classic K11 and K12 versions of the 1990s and early 2000s – is based on the same AmpR-EV platform as the new Renault 5 E-Tech, and so it shares that car’s 40kWh and 52kWh batteries, and 120hp and 150hp electric motors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3JTAEA5J4RGD7JKXPSI3BCE3XA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363248},"content":"That means the Micra should have a maximum range – for the larger battery version – of about 400km. It will be built alongside the Renault 5 at Renault’s factory in Douai, France.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FJXIKBYCBHZ5PEKQRBPH3HOWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363249},"content":"There’s a third leg to this Nissan electric rebirth, and it’s the new all-electric Juke. So far, Nissan has shown only an occluded image of this model, which should be on sale about the same time as the new Leaf, in 2026, but we can see that the new Juke has dramatic arrowhead-shaped LE headlights, and has kept the plunging rear roofline of the current model.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFRKEWMGDNBQBONEXTTRFS5TUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363250},"content":"It should be a bit bigger than the current Juke, though – the new EV Juke looks to also be based on the same CMF-EV platform as the new Leaf and the Ariya, so it’s likely to grow a bit compared to the existing hybrid-engined Juke.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKM4L7TXFJB5FA4PWKS2O5ZLVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363251},"content":"Speaking of hybrids, Nissan has also said that it’s about to launch an upgraded version of its e-Power hybrid system. Already on sale in the Qashqai and the X-Trail SUVs, e-Power means that it uses an electric motor to do all of the driving, while there’s a 1.5 petrol engine on board to act as a generator. At no stage does the petrol engine drive the wheels, and there’s no plug for taking on mains power. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNUYMUN52NHXDAHN4JDXFOLURE","additional_properties":{},"content":"E-Power has been a success for Nissan – 1.6-million cars with the system have been sold – but this new update comes with improved efficiency at higher speeds, especially when cruising on the motorway, as well as lower emissions, and better refinement. The new e-Power system will be on sale by the end of this year, debuting in the Qashqai.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KEKEZ4YFNCOLN7JHY7WMO6KKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363253},"content":"What hope for an all-electric Qashqai? It’s on the drawing boards, apparently, but has been held back for a while as Nissan waits for customer demand for EVs to catch up. Expect to see it before the end of the decade.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Nissan might be on its financial uppers, but the company has reveled three crucial new electric models"},"display_date":"2025-03-26T15:07:48.163Z","headlines":{"basic":"Nissan reveals three new electric car models: Crossover Leaf, all-electric Micra and Juke","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HV4D3UJVORANRC3WT6S5RH6BWQ","auth":{"1":"ad82ddb06adc05e5769733e0351039c509ae7f3721f548564dc68cdeebb5dd56"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HV4D3UJVORANRC3WT6S5RH6BWQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/nissan-reveals-three-new-electric-car-models-crossover-leaf-all-electric-micra-and-juke/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"FACCVXIKCBFRPINWO6BRRIVCUY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":678,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/be3c54f8-783c-4317-aa64-59d3953ab653/versions/1742222834/media/4710376a2d75a408c02f4d4eb337cfc1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/how-bad-might-things-get-for-tesla/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IUUYAX2MK5H7VEQWNGVQAF7YUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"A figure of $800 billion (€734 billion) is a lot of money. To put it in context, with Ireland considering <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/02/28/simon-harris-tells-officials-to-cost-huge-military-expansion-including-fighter-jets/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/02/28/simon-harris-tells-officials-to-cost-huge-military-expansion-including-fighter-jets/\">buying a job-lot of cutting-edge jet fighters</a>, a Saab Gripen – regarded as one of the best and most capable current multirole military aircraft – costs about $85 million. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMNUIPRT7BA5JOZUW4OBRUYWPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"So $800 billion is how much value <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\">Tesla</a> has shed since December. Back then, the carmaking brand run by the increasingly controversial <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\">Elon Musk</a>, hit a peak of $480 per share. At time of writing, that value had plummeted to $240 per share, up a little in the past few days, but still half what it was once worth. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLWHHXZD35FZHLVUUZ2I65QKJM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Your sympathies in this instance may be limited, whatever you might think of Musk and his lurch towards outright fascism. Tesla remains the world’s most valuable carmaker, still worth 10 times as much as the likes of General Motors, Volkswagen, or Ford despite making a fraction of the number of cars each year manufactured by those industrial giants. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMCWLMHU7VBARE5UCDMBNFN53Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tesla’s stock market valuation, often described as being vastly overinflated, has long since been based more on its potential as a tech company – developing autonomous driving taxis, humanoid robots, and artificial intelligence systems – than as a maker of electric cars. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NO52I34IFBDDJ44YZLY3MWMD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Still, the foundations of Tesla have been badly rocked, and much of it appears due to Musk’s increasingly erratic and autocratic tendencies. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EE3NGIT7NZCY3NLDPKMIPTSEUM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Musk’s support of US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a>, and his eventual elevation under Trump to head up the highly controversial department of government efficiency, have meant car buyers of a more liberal bent abandoning the brand. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6D3KS4GTNVGNFOGLFIJS7IXAEY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Germany, where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/01/09/musk-says-things-will-get-much-worse-for-germany-unless-voters-rally-behind-far-right-party/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/01/09/musk-says-things-will-get-much-worse-for-germany-unless-voters-rally-behind-far-right-party/\">Musk attracted ire for his support of the hard-right political party Alternative Für Deutschland</a> (AfD) Tesla sales fell by 71 per cent in February, a drop which was perhaps not coincidental with Musk employing not one but two stiff-armed salutes, which seemed to reference those used by the Nazi party in the 1930s and 1940s, at Trump’s inauguration ceremony.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TAILCERE2JD37FAVR7SFOTECDY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tesla sales plummet across Europe amid Elon Musk backlash","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"SHYY5S7OABBITPJWXCQRNRFU2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"France marked similar drops in Tesla sales, as did the United Kingdom. In Ireland, Tesla sales have also fallen so far this year, but to a far smaller degree. Irish Tesla sales are down 6.1 per cent compared with the first two months of 2024, but there’s devil in that detail. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GZGYYU37FCGREYVIUTY7NVSPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sales of the Model Y SUV, at one point the biggest-selling car in the world, have fallen by 53 per cent in Ireland, but that is less likely due to us developing a sudden national loathing for Musk, and more likely because a new, potentially improved, Model Y has just been launched but is yet to land on Irish shores. The Model 3 saloon, updated last year, has seen a 28 per cent increase in Irish sales. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXUNIC2GQZFJPL7VLPX4AD63FQ","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-96120","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A2OG7CRRIBCD7H3SA5Q6Y2ZYGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In other markets, notably the US market, Tesla is being increasingly seen as a lightning rod for people’s sudden realisation of just how dramatic the shift to the far right American politics has seen this year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZS3CZ62EZFMDIX4I6LAPBKGEM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Musk is the world’s wealthiest man, but much of his wealth is tied up with both Tesla’s stock market valuation and with various loans which are tied to that value. That has turned Tesla from a mere carmaker into a potential lever for those seeking to exert political influence at a time when the Trump administration appears to be doing all it can to stamp out dissent and criticism.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2M5YMKP4BCVBJ5OGOUT2CTTO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ed Niedermeyer is one of Tesla’s and Musk’s staunchest critics. A former senior editor at the Drive and Automotive News, he’s also the author of Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors, published in 2019. Niedermeyer has some skin in this game – he’s a leading light in the recently emerged #TeslaTakedown movement which is, quite genuinely, seeking to bankrupt the world’s richest man by protesting against the sales of his cars. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DS4V2QGWHZHVTK6FREY5JJG4HQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Irish Times asked Niedermeyer if the current sales slump at Tesla is a blip, or something for more serious for the company? “Like everything about the future, it kind of depends on us, right?” Niedermeyer responded. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3FSQ6INGZE2DGF3RJ5TVJ3XNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Are Elon Musk’s antics just a blip for Tesla or permanent brand breakdown?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VEH6PX45JBAUZDSOY7VBQKPEHE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“What I’ve been trying to communicate to people is that if taken seriously, Tesla is an immensely powerful lever that the public has to exert some influence over the political situation, at least with regards to Elon Musk. That there’s sort of fundamental vulnerabilities. That while he seems invulnerable, you look at the wealth. And sort of like the Death Star, there’s that thermal exhaust port that is a very fundamental weakness. There’s no guarantee that that we’ll be able to blow up the Death Star, so to speak, but the opportunity certainly exists. I want to make people aware of that so they understand the options around the table.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWSLPOKMAZFMTNFJBASDXJ7TNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Is it actually possible to topple one of the world’s most powerful and influential people in such a manner, though? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKMFBA4AYZHF5FMLCYFFZTW654","additional_properties":{},"content":"Niedermeyer certainly thinks so. “The first thing to recognise, is that Elon Musk was not elected, that we as a body politic have not had a say in the power that he now wields. And so the question is, what can we do about it? And and my argument is that this is the only real opportunity that we have to exert meaningful influence on the situation between now and the next election. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2CRXA5EDLC45BEL4SAFRTGE5M","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"JX2CFHH3DBCUVHQRUANQTEABEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFNLSZ27AJEJVDXHOKQ4LUCDPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Even in the next election, he wasn’t elected, so the idea that the political system is going to be the way to remove him is not, I think, any more clear than the opportunity that this opportunity presents. And while that’s uncertain, there’s an X factor to the extent to which people buy in and collective action is able to take place at real scale. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SNGCFDUFNFB7RN2S4JXEMMHBSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“But what I know is that if that scale of rejection of selling Teslas, divesting from the stock, of boycotting future sales, boycotting service revenue, boycotting charging revenue, if that all happens at scale, combined with the other trends in Tesla’s business and the fundamental instability of the stock valuation, and the sort of triggers that are built into that, that could fuel a downward spiral.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZHCYSA6DVH3VCSXCTR7FIRAFE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Never mind the shamrocks: White House showroom opens for business amid ‘Tesla Chainsaw Massacre’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZL2WEKB7WZDDJLFFVLX5OV46NA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Clearly the anti-Tesla, anti-Musk movement has touched a chord, or you wouldn’t have seen Trump reading from a literal Tesla sales pitch, live from the Oval Office. However, there remains the question of how much of the downward trend in Tesla sales and value is due to protest, and how much is merely a blip as the company refreshes an ageing model line-up. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PJCPZ3CVZCDBLNEHTGEA35C5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Matthias Schmidt is the chief European auto market analyst at Schmidt Automotive Research, based in Germany. “Tesla’s regional registrations trend has been downward, even prior to the Trump/AfD contagion. We see the withdrawal of purchase subsidies for EVs in many key European markets having a big negative impact, which was priced into Tesla’s business model and is now absent,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LX5AQXDJZNEZNJOOE6RFIOCVK4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Being a pure-player EV company, Tesla was most exposed to this. The ageing and limited model line-up is also impacting them, and alongside that, the market for first-time adopters who were drawn to new brands such as Tesla is likely seeing some market saturation as incumbents increasingly bring new EV models to market to reach sharpening regulatory emission levels. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"34733QL26NCANM2BEGJP7MLVVY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The imminent introduction of the Model Y refresh could also be causing some purchasing decisions to be delayed, impacting January even harder, while the baseline last year was slightly inflated thanks to the Model 3 refresh roll-out. EU anti-subsidy tariffs may be having a small impact but Tesla has the least exposure here due to it facing the lowest rate of all manufacturers exporting BEV models from China to the EU, and it impacts the Model 3 only.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4FBYNPY6NFS3OXK6NLLL22JUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Schmidt also said there is some underlying protest movement effect. “In highly emotional Germany, we are seeing increasing anecdotal evidence – such as bumper stickers – of a consumer shift due to the toxic fallout from the AfD comments as consumers vote with their feet and look for, shall we say, Alternatives Für Tesla.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GO7NIKXJWBB5JJ5GW24U46MFTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Ireland, such sentiments seem thin on the ground at the moment. The Irish Times has made repeated attempts to contact current Tesla owners to see if they’re now feeling the tingling sensations of buyer’s remorse, but perhaps concerns over flatlining their residual value have kept their heads below the parapets for now. There are anecdotal reports of used Teslas becoming increasingly hard to trade in and move on, but that could be as much about market saturation and the reluctance of used car buyers to move to electric as it is any political toxicity. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7YS3V6PAJC25HO3YAFHJM2QAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Adrian Slattery, of electric car leasing specialists DCEV, said that when it comes to anti-Tesla sentiment, “we definitely see it in the UK with posters on bus stops and murmurings of shaming owners, but not so much in our circles in Ireland. Although their numbers across Europe are way down, we still see a lot of new and used models zipping around the Irish cities and towns. The second-hand Model 3 market is still very strong here”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZIGIPFWPNE7ZPMFXVHVWOR72E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Potentially a much bigger worry for Musk and Tesla could be far away from the political sphere, and simply the fact that where Teslas were once pioneering and ground-breaking, now they’re having to compete with a multitude of other very impressive EV models. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ICA3LCYFOBFMNERDRVGSYN7ZYQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The New York Times reports that in China, buyers are abandoning their Teslas not because they’re bothered about fascist salutes or the mass-firing of US government employees, but simply because other brands can offer them more. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXJYIMCWR5ETVLUN5BCLTAPKGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"One report has it that consumers can buy two Chinese-brand EVs for the price of one Tesla, and that seems borne out by sales figures – in the first two months of 2025 in China, Tesla sold 60,480 cars, while it’s biggest rival, in global as well as Chinese terms, BYD, sold 481,318 (although some of those in fairness were hybrids, not all fully electric models).","type":"text"},{"_id":"IK25ZN27VVHCPGH3OIQMW3P5UM","additional_properties":{},"content":"BYD’s vice-president Stella Li has recently said that she would be open to a collaboration with Tesla, telling The Financial Times: “Our common enemy is the internal combustion engine car. We need to work together … to make the industry change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUFFQCXUDBDQ3K66VXM3MHCHVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Quite how Musk might view such a collaboration is at present unknown (has anyone checked his X feed?), but one assumes that collaborating with a gigantic Chinese car maker would not be a good look in the current corridors of Washington power. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7LBTSRDQFGLHO67O3HSEXVQPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also remains to be seen whether Tesla is genuinely teetering on the brink of disaster, or whether the recent plummet in sales and stock is just a blip from which the carmaker, and its chief executive, can recover. Given time and space, most companies can recover from most problems, but the ticking clock of quarterly results will have investors spooked, and if they begin to demand change, Musk’s troubles may merely be beginning. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Irish sales of the controversial electric car brand are holding up and will probably increase overall this year"},"display_date":"2025-03-26T06:18:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How bad might things get for Tesla?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TQMBVOMS3GIVU4GQMXLX6J3X3Y","auth":{"1":"9390a3bfcf8c70cf270d902ac844d456e9fad5180b394f2c6ba8ccd48d0c920b"},"focal_point":{"x":2308,"y":1888},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TQMBVOMS3GIVU4GQMXLX6J3X3Y.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/how-bad-might-things-get-for-tesla/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"YIKLC3NUPZB2DD6CBZDGZMQMYU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":600,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1932ea11-d57b-42a4-8fa9-7098166d4597/versions/1742379586/media/8ad22cffa06aa50bbee6c2e965236ddf_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/25/how-do-you-keep-a-car-brand-going-on-fewer-than-100-sales/","content_elements":[{"_id":"K66V5L4Y5ZGAVHQGMHDXJLPTGY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ireland’s car market is tiny. While it’s true that the motor trade here employs a significant number of people (30,000-plus), in new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\">car sales</a> terms it’s a tiny gnat perched on the buttocks of a hippo. Our average 120,000-or-so new cars sold every year is the equivalent of one minor UK city, or a large US dealership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"46UFJBGN4JGPJPE3FHKL676XNI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The big brands – <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/toyota/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/toyota/\">Toyota</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai/\">Hyundai</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\">VW</a> – will sell something in the region of 15,000 cars each year here. To be more precise, last year Toyota sold 17,251 new cars; Volkswagen 13,520; and Hyundai 11,049 (those last two split by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/skoda/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/skoda/\">Skoda</a>, which sold 12,182). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XFQUEZYPIJESLGCFBMABZDDTE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"These are significant chunks of the market, but at the other end there are marques that manage a tiny fraction of that, car brands whose sales are in double figures, and not necessarily large double figures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAFHGFLB2FFFBGDZ6SCUW3XUE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are a handful that have single figure sales, but those include the specialist likes of Ferrari (five), Lotus (three), and Aston Martin (one). There is one other in single-digit territory – Alpine – but we’ll deal with that separately in a minute. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TTZUG4FLL5EELFOQ5NUJPBLRNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, there are also brands, far better known, whose sales failed to pierce the century barrier last year. One of those was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alfa-romeo/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alfa-romeo/\">Alfa Romeo</a>. When Ireland’s car market was at its numerical peak 25 years ago, Alfa Romeo managed to hold a 1 per cent market share purely based on the sales of its hugely successful 156 saloon. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OT4MFO6CRRD77ME6NIWC3Q7LJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Now, though? Only 43 new Alfa Romeos were sold in Ireland last year. Little-heralded DS sold three times as many cars. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bmw/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bmw/\">BMW</a>, once a company that envied Alfa Romeo’s success in the 1950s and 1960s, sold 4,619.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFGZF7UWEBBVVHKDPZD6K4CYNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"So what does that mean for the future of Alfa Romeo? A brand that is aimed at well-heeled but nonetheless mainstream car buyers cannot survive for long on such tiny sales. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRHTJODFAFFSBCJ2MCOLGDXWFY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Until the departure of chief executive <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carlos-tavares/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carlos-tavares/\">Carlos Tavares</a> from Stellantis Group – the car-making conglomerate that owns Alfa Romeo alongside Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Opel, Jeep and many more – Alfa’s future had been secure for at least a decade, as the brand was given at long last the sort of investment that it has too often lacked. In the past few days, that future may have become somewhat less secure, as Tavares’s departure means Stellantis is more hawkish about its overstuffed cabinet of brands.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EOVNKKYESZBAJA4H5KMHQJ74YM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Nonetheless, Ciaran Cusack, communications and brands manager at Gowan Auto, the Alfa Romeo importer for Ireland, told The Irish Times: “We only have three dealers in the Alfa Romeo network, although we are planning to expand that number in the future and grow the brand sustainably in Ireland. In fact, one of our dealers opened a new state-of-the-art showroom late last year, which is one of the first of its kind in Europe.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4SGEI3BDJAJJO3NXN2KYXGNIM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cusack said Alfa’s Irish dealers understand the brand’s position, that it is a niche premium brand undergoing a transformation and that the recent line-up is not where the volume will come from. Jam tomorrow? Maybe, but there seems to be hope waiting in the wings (albeit Alfa Romeo has gone through multiple generations of rebirth and retraction).","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANCQ6N3Y2RBN7IO2HPZAZ65E5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This year’s launch of the new Junior model has changed things, allowing Irish customers to experience the brand from just under €35,000,” said Cusack. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HS4F5VE6EJF6ZMWEKTOQXRQMFA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This is the first fully electric model for the brand and the first on a Stellantis platform, so you can get a good indication of the future of the brand from this model. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Q4DKMJ2T5DKRGVF6D4KYZHE2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Alfa Romeo Junior EV delivers real driving fun despite seeming sacrilege to the brand’s fans","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CLRNAWTGHNDWLGFQTGJ5G5TJ2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Currently only available in full electric, the arrival of the hybrid version later this year will give us a great chance to increase volume and gain market share. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OH3AO5RQ5ZATVC2VV75TSPI3II","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We brought our dealer network to Turin late last year to give them an exclusive look at the models coming over the next two years and to show them the future of the brand with Stellantis. They were suitably impressed.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENHLIYHAFNAIJAF6VYISI755QA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Those new models include a new Stelvio SUV, which is scheduled for release in late 2025 and which will be built on Stellantis’s STLA Large platform – that allows both fully-electric power with ranges exceeding 700km, and hybrid petrol power too. In 2026 we will see the all-new Giulia which will also use the STLA large platform. It means Alfa will have an entirely regenerated range, including crucial electric and hybrid models that it has until now lacked, within two years. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYCMK7IJDREDFO5HUIJMTRMJAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Alfa is a brand beloved of motoring enthusiasts (this writer included) and, while the marque has had more than its share of flops, to lose it altogether would be to make the motoring world a poorer, less interesting place. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"S767FW7LKFBB3GV7LA2DES2ZNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"What, then, of Subaru and GWM Ora? Both brands are represented here by International Motors (IM), a UK-based car importer and distributor, which has a long history of success. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6AFOJ2KI5GEBI4DLWUJBE4HXQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Yet, last year Subaru sold just 24 new cars in Ireland, while GWM Ora (part of China’s huge Great Wall Motors) sold just 46 cars, all of them the cutesy-styled 03 electric hatchback (née Funky Cat, until the point where the marketing people at GWM realised that no English-speaking buyer wants a car called Funky Cat). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUBQLZ5QI5E77K4AO6HCBWMULA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Subaru’s faltering sales can be partly explained by the car maker being so focused on the US market that it often produces models that, even with hybrid power, are just too thirsty and too high in CO2 emissions for Irish tastes and budgets. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RO2BMPORVBCJLFUSC3NK7RHSZA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ora is a single-car brand, but you’d think that the engineering and financial muscle of Great Wall Motors might have done rather better even so. After all, Polestar shifted 314 cars last year, and almost all of those were the Polestar 2 saloon. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RPSQZRD775GLLIZWWSO3H4NIPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The solution for both brands seems to be to consolidate operations with the much larger IM structure in the UK. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZSRFNPTG5B7ZNNPH3XANPU3LQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"That, and the promise of new models yet to come that will hopefully be better suited to the mores of the Irish market. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBLG4UBBJ5B73NLKARD3LJWOGU","additional_properties":{},"content":"William Brown, managing director of International Motors Limited UK & Ireland, told The Irish Times: “In August 2024, International Motors Ltd concluded a review of its operational division for Ireland and restructured its business accordingly. This included amalgamating Ireland and UK sales and marketing operations to streamline and future-proof the business and improve efficiency for both the Subaru and GWM brands. This results in Ireland being managed by a much larger team, with more resources. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"37MVB5Q4A5HQFBYUWZ6APYTIG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Subaru has announced that it will unveil three new EV products before the close of 2026, with more to follow by the end of 2028, as it grows its product portfolio. GWM has recently released the Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid in the UK, which is currently under consideration for Ireland. We continue to be committed to supporting our dealers and customers in Ireland for both Subaru and GWM.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMEDOLITBZFP3KZAYPNAIG6FPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Arguably, the brand with low 2024 sales that has the most potential is Alpine. Renault’s high-performance and electric brand – yes, the one that has its own Formula One and Le Mans racing teams – was supposed to have had a low-key launch in Ireland last year with the A110 sports car. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQWXD5K7LNCWZK4P5GLISDGJ2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"That mid-engined delight, which is a rival to the likes of the Porsche Cayman, is poorly suited to Ireland as it (a) is a sports car, (b) is expensive and (c) has relatively high emissions. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNEO5CXVTJELNPY3QSD3UZC77Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Unsurprisingly, the launch was called off. Even so, enough Irish buyers had worked out the truth, which is that the A110 is quite frankly one of the best cars you will ever drive, and so a tiny number were sold here last year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUKDXYB7UBFDTAWO3Y4LOREPXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Alpine will finally launch properly this year, and it will do so with electric power – the little A290 electric hot hatch is based on Renault’s gorgeous new all-electric R5 E-Tech, and promises proper driving fun with tiny electric running costs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VN67M34CI5DGHNLYB4RBMVDLFQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Next up is the A390, which will be a sleek four-seat crossover, again with electric power, while the A110 itself will be replaced in 2026 by a new two-seat electric sports car. Renault’s marketing nous plus electric power might well mean that Alpine has the best chance of any on this page of climbing past the 100 sales barrier. We’ll start to find out when the marque launches properly here in May. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6S6JAGP3KNGF3FUQG6CKPTGKQA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The thing is, none of the aforementioned brands are actually small brands. Alpine is part of the now-hugely-successful-once-again Renault Group (following its nadir of 2020); Subaru is a massive brand in the US and in other parts of the world; Alfa Romeo is part of Stellantis and has said that its new model programme is fully costed and invested for an entire decade; GWM Ora is part of an enormous Chinese conglomerate. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUFGEQWCQJF7ZBU5MS2DGZXOIQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"China’s X factor: Xpeng arrives in Ireland with €42k electric G6 SUV","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4PYQ5WN5NJFLPMKQ4P5MDPSTTE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It’s that last one that ought to worry the others most, however. According to S&P Markets analysis, smaller brands, especially those from China, are “gaining traction” with consumers, and that traction can only come at the expense of European, Japanese, and American brands with which local buyers have fallen out of love. Alfa Romeo, Subaru and Alpine had better get their collective acts together, and fast, as harder days are most definitely ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GQ76V6NMNFTJDTI55JSPFBORM","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Several brands in the State sold fewer than 100 new cars last year. What does the future hold for them?"},"display_date":"2025-03-25T05:28:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Ferrari sold five cars in Ireland last year, Alfa Romeo sold 43. How do these brands survive? ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"T75KNUYEHFAKDJVPULJV6R7WTI","auth":{"1":"2b71cfd0daef0538132aa388d262da0a3afec977c5bb48c6427c3d6f6b498288"},"focal_point":{"x":1512,"y":1636},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T75KNUYEHFAKDJVPULJV6R7WTI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/25/how-do-you-keep-a-car-brand-going-on-fewer-than-100-sales/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"6cd34723d71f1df089f8bfa2703457b6684a98665bd2382b660dc9b96cbec2d3"},"expires":1743512922418,"lastModified":1743512622134},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"offset\":\"\",\"query\":\" (taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/motors*) AND -(subtype:\\\"Review\\\") OR -(subtype:\\\"irish-times-video\\\")\",\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"VEMKAMND4ZEXVCOARY43CRYV5Q","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":438,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8880a835-0b37-4714-b600-44cac26e2032/versions/1743411942/media/7e4c708f8e6e2388d43933a67dd2ae38_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/04/01/will-bidirectional-charging-power-my-house-by-using-my-evs-battery/","content_elements":[{"_id":"HTAOSVTDYBGWPKXCNSRRLFKXV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742672829851},"content":"<b>Q: Bidirectional charging into a home is being referenced consistently in the media post Storm Éowyn. How difficult is this to set up for a home in a residential estate, and does the ESB allow it? Also limited cars allow it, but will doing it void any warranties? </b>– <i>Reader, Co Dublin</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVGKCDQBEZBNRDRUZ7NE7TFOTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604598},"content":"<b>Q: What about EVs in places where the power has been out for several days? </b>– <i>B Ní Shuilleabhain, Co Kerry</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDYF5LYHQRF2BAKNSKFFEUM2NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977866},"content":"<b>A:</b> We have partly covered these questions in a feature separate to our regular Your <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/evs-qanda/\" target=\"_blank\">EV Questions Answered</a> strand, but it bears a revisit, not least because bidirectional charging is so often touted as being a major benefit of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric cars</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6OVKVSGQFFERLFVJZGZQHLOBJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604600},"content":"In fact, as far back as 2010, bidirectional charging was being highlighted as a major boon to electric car owners, and this was when the only EVs on sale were the original Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi i-MIEV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIGUG5XSIZGDJERBOUJ7MGPQEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604601},"content":"At that point, it wasn’t so much the prospect of powering your house from your EV, but more about making some handy cash on the side. The idea being that you could plug your bidirectional electric car into your home charger at 5pm or 6pm presumably with some amount of charge still left in the battery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPF4OJJZ6ZBYBLCDYNJSGNZFP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604602},"content":"That being peak electricity use time, your electricity provider could then, in theory, draw on the excess juice in your battery to help balance the grid demand as everyone came home and started putting on kettles, ovens, PlayStations etc.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYQKKSJ2MVFVTKQ3HCRS757SJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604603},"content":"You would, in theory, be paid the peak electricity rate price for that power usage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RIKMP2L2FH4RLJUYIPX5EZLE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604604},"content":"Later on, when the demand had dropped, the power company could sell you back the electricity again, charging up your car at the cheap rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUZSTCJYRBEJTGA64HZV2EPD2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604605},"content":"The idea being that you could at least alleviate some of your charging cost, and potentially break-even given the disparity between peak and offpeak pricing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWGPW45CJRE4PFATCUGZQX6AWE","additional_properties":{"_id":"VEOLE7CIDRCXZOAIT3WL76MQTY"},"content":"Can software updates make my EV better?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JIZKPG4M75GVJCV36SPK6B6BDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604606},"content":"To do that, you need two things – an electric car that has vehicle-to-grid charging (V2G) or at least vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, and a smart home electricity meter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIP5SCX2PJDPBIHAXSTGAIDXSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604607},"content":"The mechanisms for selling power to the grid as a private user are already in place, as some people already do this with their home solar panels or their home windmills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIVEVQSSENAMJG75MWO65ZDEME","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604608},"content":"The downside, of course, is that although you’ve plugged your car in when you come home, it won’t be actually charging until later in the night, and indeed may actually lose some charge in the meantime – not great if you have to dash back out at short notice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVMNV3NMOBEGLJ7LWNOYKKKZ3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604609},"content":"However, what’s become a more pertinent benefit of late is the idea of actually powering your house directly from your car in the event of a power cut.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILKUD44ZJJDBDB2SSUO7APPHJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604610},"content":"As we all saw with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/storm-eowyn/\" target=\"_blank\">Storm Éowyn</a>, if the power goes out, especially in a remote area, it can take a few days to come back on again. So can your EV really keep you going in the meantime?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZROC6ZFGQJGL7GXIME7SMVXW3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604611},"content":"In theory, yes, although it does help if you’ve come home with a full or nearly-full battery, which perhaps isn’t that likely. With the right car and the right meter, you could potentially keep your home running for two to three days from your car’s battery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R22RJJJG6JGTNAQXLPOH6K4EKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604612},"content":"According to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/commission-for-regulation-of-utilities-cru/\" target=\"_blank\">Commission for Regulation of Utilities</a>, the average household in Ireland uses approximately 4,200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, so divide that by 365 and you get daily energy usage of 11.5kWh. The average electric car battery, in the European market, holds between 75kWh-80kWh, so that could be enough to keep you going for almost a full week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4YKM7JXCXRCZXHPITGV3CZTEWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604613},"content":"Indeed, one reader – P Fitzgerald from Co Limerick – recently told us: “I had my heating system running off the car this weekend when we had not power for three days. The only problem was that I didn’t think to plug in my freezer and fridge as well…”","type":"text"},{"_id":"E52ZOKJUGVF3REA7PKFNXO6QPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604614},"content":"It is also worth remembering that the power output of some EV batteries and on-board chargers may not be enough to run all the high-power systems in your house at once.","type":"text"},{"_id":"USIEBF2URBEFRL2ICB46UQP3LA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604615},"content":"For instance, if you’re running your oven and an electric shower at the same time, that’s getting close to the peak power demand for your house, and not all EVs will have the capacity to do that, so a certain amount of power rationing might be needed. However, you will be able to at least keep the basics going – fridge, heating, lights, and crucially sockets for keeping mobile phones and wifi alive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCB4TRRW6NAR5CAG3TSVWETWBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604616},"content":"Then of course, there’s a problem – as our reader from Co Kerry points out above: what to do if the power stays out for several days, something that most definitely happened for many people in the wake of Storm Éowyn.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SYLAWW3XMNFEHJLNNZSQBKQFOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604617},"content":"Assuming that you haven’t plugged your car into your home charger with a full battery, it’s likely that you’ll only be able to get a couple of days, at most, out of the car before it too will need to be charged. At which point, you do… what, exactly?","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHVWBZMHNJHKVI5N3YQE2GN55U","additional_properties":{"_id":"FG76TAF7P5B5RCI5ZMJZJJ77NA"},"content":"Your EV questions answered: Do all electric cars only have rear-wheel drive? What about driving in snow?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VNOBRRVZ4FB5BH4SA6UWXQO4F4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604618},"content":"Here, you’ll need to do some planning. As an EV driver you’ll probably know where all the local public chargers are nearby, so start monitoring the battery level in your car, and when it reaches a point at which you can safely, with some in reserve, reach one of those chargers, it’s time to disconnect and get going.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TRKWIFYDFEMHGJMFFESVIR4C4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604619},"content":"Power restoration after a storm is difficult business, but in theory power will come back on first in the major population areas, so it’s probably best to plan to head to the nearest town which has a fast charging point, and top up there. You’re effectively at this point using your car as a kind of electric bucket, carrying electricity back home. It’s not especially straightforward, and not foolproof, but hopefully it will keep you going.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEDAG6QUTBBV7IC37XJN72OHXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604620},"content":"There is a better way, however – which is to use an EV battery that’s no longer in an EV. Another of the potential benefits of electric cars is that when the batteries do eventually wear out, they’re not entirely dead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7A6WLP6C5FAEPIMQ3ZZNFT77BE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604621},"content":"In an EV the battery is put under the kinds of stresses and strains that are entirely alien to other use cases, so most electric car batteries are considered to need replacement once they reach about 70 per cent of their original power storage capacity – something that is taking way, way longer in almost all cases, than we ever initially thought.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W2BIOU7P7VCI5A4EUKNY64U5MM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604622},"content":"However, at 70 per cent capacity, those batteries are still usable in other scenarios, and one of those is as a home power wall. Irish company Range Therapy is already taking batteries out of older, tired EVs, and indeed those that have become damaged in a write-off incident, and turning those valuable power cells into home energy storage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGTKJVTHTVDPRLMGEOPL6WY7KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604623},"content":"With one of these, your home has a useful buffer in the event of a power cut and at peak electricity use times as a power wall battery that can work on the same basis as your EV – using the energy in it at times of high electricity cost, and then charging it back up again at night on the cheap rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTHV24XZQFAIJPONGR6XHNGUI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604624},"content":"Eventually, as EVs become more and more prevalent, and older cars age into the arms of the recyclers, hopefully this will become a more common fitment for Irish houses, and we can worry less about losing power in the event of a big storm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BI64ORPVRBAE3BWYVXGK4ZEBJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604625},"content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Electric vehicles: Helping to separate EV myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your questions"},"display_date":"2025-04-01T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Will bidirectional charging power my house by using my EV’s battery?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DSK2APFSUFEWNI5OWOEBOE3F6I","auth":{"1":"5bae789b52fbf7ee7fe142eb505629e79265d2bdaaa0fdd2827755b8393f66c0"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DSK2APFSUFEWNI5OWOEBOE3F6I.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/04/01/will-bidirectional-charging-power-my-house-by-using-my-evs-battery/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"RVOCNY72SZDSBHJMPGDOIYC6FY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":465,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d653cdb5-79f8-462b-acd2-d8cfd6aaf39f/versions/1742897306/media/06ad024e3477ff239bc44c167fd23b81_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/27/dacia-bigster-may-have-a-cheesy-name-but-it-could-be-the-brands-grand-fromage/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UDGOONWNVZC4HCRYK7K5HHAKUY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a world of nominative determinism, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dacia/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dacia/\">Dacia</a> Bigster might be king. Four years ago Dacia set out to remake its model line-up, turning it from cheap and cheerful to affordable and desirable. Doing so meant making bigger <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\">cars</a> was paramount. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMT7Q7FY5JEB7GS4MNVMHYR46Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"So far in its life, Dacia has played in the so-called B-Segment. The segmentation of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/\">European</a> car market is arcane at best and sometimes can be as confusing as wading through a catalogue of taxonomy at the Natural History Museum, but the simple way to think of it is this – B-Segment is small cars and crossovers, such as the Ford Fiesta (RIP), the VW Polo, the Renault Captur, and the Toyota Yaris Cross. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIA2Y4XVLJCFRABEIUO3DCMZ6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"This is where Dacia has been since the beginning. The Duster SUV, for all its practicality, is essentially size-wise a competitor (an in-house one at that) to the Renault Captur. The Jogger might have seven seats, but it’s riding on the same chassis as (and using the whole front structure of) the small Sandero hatchback. So for all its successes – the bestselling car in Europe last year, and not for the first time – Dacia has been only making small cars. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSUJXRRVE5BQLG3QM2XOIFKQQA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2FIMJ27SWZE2DOPQHB6TMMKCVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"That changes here. The Bigster name might be cheesy, but it’s appropriate as it moves Dacia up into the C-Segment. This is Europe’s biggest car segment, and it runs the gamut from a VW Golf hatchback to a Nissan Qashqai or a Hyundai Tucson. This is where you’ll find so many of the big sellers on Irish and continental roads, and it’s where chunkier profit margins can also be mined. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"252IXQFKFJHDXNOYA64SEP7ADI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Especially if, like Dacia, you’re boxing clever. To create the Bigster, Dacia has stuck with the same CMF-B platform that underpins the smaller Duster and the even smaller Sandero, stretching it pretty much as far as it will go to create a boxy family-sized SUV that’s 4.6-metres long. Still compact, in broad terms, but big enough to be usefully bigger than the Duster. It won’t be drastically more expensive, either. Dacia Ireland is targeting – yet may not quite reach – a base price of just under €30,000. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OG74YMOYRZBDHNJ4STMQ3HTCJ4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KINB3RMNYZA3BEK5755RQBCGOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"You don’t immediately spot that extra size from the outside, as the Bigster takes the Duster’s styling and embiggens it. The same Y-shaped headlights, the same chunky, castellated bonnet. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVOWUVCBLFHBLBIDCQTU242G4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The same square-edged wheel arches, trimmed with “starkle”, a recycled plastic that’s not painted and so which can protect the extremities of the Bigster from scrapes against off-road obstacles such as boulders and branches. Or, more realistically, stop you rubbing paint off against the wall of the Dunnes Stores car park.","type":"text"},{"_id":"24BUAC6NIVAYHGUUMA5DUHVTBA","additional_properties":{},"content":"When you sit inside, though, you immediately sense that the Bigster is a big step up for Dacia. Not just in size and space terms – that too – but also in a sense of greater quality and comfort. There’s a palpable sense that at least some of the materials used inside are of a higher grade than we’ve seen from Dacia of late, albeit not so high that you feel Dacia is getting notions. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJFU5OADRFGVLDTINMHNTJQ7OM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"IMGRUPF5PZFUXNJMJYYAXCMYTQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Crucially, the driver’s seat and driving position feel far roomier and more comfortable than that of the Duster, which makes an excellent first impression. While there are plenty of cheap plastics, the steering wheel and the chunky toggle switch for the automatic gearbox feel good, and those are the bits you’ll end up touching most. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GFS7LGIGSBGX7CZISW4SENJJFM","additional_properties":{},"content":"New Dacia Duster: Great value returns in a much prettier package","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XPQYIXYBRNF6JKIJE6FNLOON3A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 10.1-inch touchscreen – standard on all models – is fairly blameless to use, and certainly simple, and certainly simplified by the fact that Dacia has borrowed some smart looking and feeling air conditioning buttons from Renault. You’ll get either a seven- or 10-inch driver’s digital display, depending on the model. There’s lots of useful storage in the centre console, and large door bins too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CEXWELDGT5G7XACFTBQKUSFMVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the back, there’s a terrific sense of space and airiness, again much more so than in the slightly tight rear confines of the Duster. The optional panoramic glass roof helps (maybe this is notions, for Dacia?) but better still are the comfy rear seats with an acreage of legroom and headroom. No one’s likely to complain about being relegated to the back of a Bigster. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MY5K3U7PEFCIHLE3V57HPOEBV4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"L27BB3J5NVD27C2KUXD3BQKQOA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Fewer still will complain about the boot. Behind the optional electric tailgate (definitely notions … ) there’s up to 702 litres of luggage space (up to the luggage cover) depending on the model. Even the hybrid model, with the need to stash its battery, has up to 612 litres, surely more than enough for anyone? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDRXI5IB3FHEBAPGJHD35VJOIU","additional_properties":{},"content":"There’s no seven-seat option, though, but then there isn’t in any of the Bigster’s direct rivals either. The rear seats split-fold in three, and there’s up to 2,002 litres of cargo carrying capacity if you do that. There are vans with less. There’s also an optional armrest that turns into a backpack and a new phone app that can help you more efficiently pack your boot. Sort of Bigster Tetris …","type":"text"},{"_id":"L63WT7KASBDOLDU4QV6WGV4IMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"What about driving, though? Well, you can choose from three-cylinder turbo 1.2-litre petrol and LPG engines with mild-hybrid assistance and up to 140hp, or a 130hp four-wheel drive version (which comes only with a manual gearbox). The bestseller is likely to be the 1.8-litre hybrid, which gets an upgrade compared to the similar engine used in the Jogger and Duster, bringing its power output to 155hp. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MEDKRKTDCZDYDINCWOZXLUSZRM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BT7EOGUVE5C4NKPYF2J5VWYOAE","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s the version we’ve driven, and it’s broadly impressive. It has the strange automatic hybrid gearbox common to all Renault and Dacia hybrids which has four physical gears, but which also has two electric motors (a 50hp motor and a chunky starter-generator) which kind of means that it has infinite gears. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IW4VK3JL7JGTHLYIE2WGNLT2KU","additional_properties":{},"content":"MG HS review: Impressive plug-in hybrid SUV is proof of how far the brand has come","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"C7IA4EF4C5GXZK3HDUDAO2GRSQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"However it works (and I’ve tried, I’ve tried to understand … ) it can be a bit odd to use, allowing the engine to occasionally drone on rather too much, but for the most part the Bigster is really pleasant to drive. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"INVU3ULMEND6HOSGG7UBBY7GEA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"R7AN4UVSRRETNI6YY65YIJ2PTE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In hybrid form, you can tell that it has relatively soft suspension which has been beefed up slightly to cope with the hybrid’s extra weight, so while it is generally quite squishy and well-mannered, big transverse ridges or sharp speed bumps can send a “thwack” up through the wheels and springs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"STNWP7HB3NEW5KA4K644EP2IAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"That inherent softness means that the Bigster is no handling champ, and you definitely have to wait a beat for the nose to settle down on corner entry before really committing, but the feel-free steering is pleasingly weighted and fairly quick, and the Bigster has inherently good manners. Tight and twisty roads are not its forte, but on bigger, wider roads it’s a delight, if one that suffers from occasional bouts of wind (noise).","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKXMVPVUBZB7LEB3AJHI2RMQ2U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Fuel economy seems excellent on this experience – we averaged 5.3 litres per 100km – but the lower speed limits – and they’re rigorously enforced – of French country roads may have played a part in that, so let’s pass final judgment on that when we’ve driven at home on familiar territory. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRUXRY3BEJDFPDUUMRJNHWOPHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"So while the Bigster is well-named – it’s Dacia’s biggest model yet and a crucial climb upwards into more profitable territory – its bigness is not its defining characteristic. Its likeability is.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NF77N3LLBCMXNZBBYGHTH6HZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cheap in all the areas you’d expect, but pleasing in all the areas that count, is the Bigster Dacia’s best car yet? Possibly …","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Dacia has enlarged its range with the new Bigster that sets a new standard for brand"},"display_date":"2025-03-27T11:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Dacia Bigster may have a cheesy name but it could be the brand’s grand fromage","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BXZLHYDPGBAQDCOTBOMIHSO5MY","auth":{"1":"9b96905bd211ad61076f13a79d1432ad6feea66bbaf522d9d93c077dac981dad"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BXZLHYDPGBAQDCOTBOMIHSO5MY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/27/dacia-bigster-may-have-a-cheesy-name-but-it-could-be-the-brands-grand-fromage/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"K66HOY2NJZD7HKFEOC6OV376DE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":272,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/0af1c707-83db-44de-886e-8efebc1883bd/versions/1743001977/media/f745cb5624547904a78c26a522388220_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/nissan-reveals-three-new-electric-car-models-crossover-leaf-all-electric-micra-and-juke/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BELVH7EL6VDU3OAGO7AVMPFDZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363235},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nissan/\" target=\"_blank\">Nissan</a> has been going through a rough patch of late, with money draining out of the corporate coffers, dire warnings of a major turnaround needed just to keep the company alive, and a failed merger with rival <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/honda/\" target=\"_blank\">Honda</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HETSNXXSBRAHJERR46BJTAQXVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363236},"content":"However bad things might be behind the scenes, Nissan is at least trying to fight back with some new product, and it has revealed three crucial new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric models</a> which are due to go on sale in the next 18 months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RE7VAGBF6RA3PHEDPHLBD67CW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363237},"content":"The first and most important one is the new Leaf. Since it was launched in 2012, the Leaf has been one of the world’s bestselling electric cars, and it was the first EV to win the coveted European Car of the Year award.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6BBKORGNZDP7L6PGTSBY6MF6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363238},"content":"The Leaf past and current has long since been overtaken in technology and range terms by younger rivals (although sales held up, especially in Ireland, thanks to some very competitive pricing).","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLML6ANX5VE4XD7VWDLS2VBT5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363239},"content":"Now, Nissan aims to meet those rivals head on with a new third-generation Leaf, which not only gets a bigger battery but changes its shape from hatchback to low-slung crossover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FIKVXPDLHVH5JJPDOGRN6HC2KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363241},"content":"For the first time, the Leaf will get an up to date EV platform, sharing the CMF-EV chassis with the Nissan Ariya SUV and the Renault Scenic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GX3LGMCNXBFKTIB4U3EN2EYYDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363242},"content":"So far, no official technical details have been revealed, but there is talk of a 600km range, which would suggest that the more expensive versions will have a circa-80kWh battery. Presumably, that means that a smaller battery version, with a range of about 400km, will also be available, which is exactly the pattern followed by the Ariya and Scenic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWGU2V6KNZEMTPTWTAPHW5EKNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363243},"content":"We have not seen inside the new Leaf yet, but if it borrows much from the Ariya – as seems logical – then the cabin will represent a considerable improvement in quality from the current, rather cheap-feeling Leaf.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2KOHV22RZBGZFDEIK2UM2S6GE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363244},"content":"As with range, there are no details yet about charging speeds (the Scenic can handle up to 150kW on DC power) but Nissan has said that its new three-in-one motor (which combines an electric motor, a reducer and a power inverter into one compact module) has allowed it to make considerable efficiency gains.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJ4LILGDTBCTTL5SDMKSFDIEEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363245},"content":"The company also confirmed that the new Leaf will, once again, be built in Nissan’s factory in Sunderland in the UK, which seems to secure the future of that plant for some time to come.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GS7JHM7ZANEFJK3X3IEANLH2RM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363240},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3XMUWLEEMBGCNKXSGL3FEWAO7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363246},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KYGGGKDMBREFJF2LZJUUQZJ34A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363247},"content":"Nissan has also introduced a new all-electric Micra, which will be on sale before the Leaf, likely by the end of this year. The new Micra – complete with cutesy round headlights which hark back to the classic K11 and K12 versions of the 1990s and early 2000s – is based on the same AmpR-EV platform as the new Renault 5 E-Tech, and so it shares that car’s 40kWh and 52kWh batteries, and 120hp and 150hp electric motors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3JTAEA5J4RGD7JKXPSI3BCE3XA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363248},"content":"That means the Micra should have a maximum range – for the larger battery version – of about 400km. It will be built alongside the Renault 5 at Renault’s factory in Douai, France.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FJXIKBYCBHZ5PEKQRBPH3HOWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363249},"content":"There’s a third leg to this Nissan electric rebirth, and it’s the new all-electric Juke. So far, Nissan has shown only an occluded image of this model, which should be on sale about the same time as the new Leaf, in 2026, but we can see that the new Juke has dramatic arrowhead-shaped LE headlights, and has kept the plunging rear roofline of the current model.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFRKEWMGDNBQBONEXTTRFS5TUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363250},"content":"It should be a bit bigger than the current Juke, though – the new EV Juke looks to also be based on the same CMF-EV platform as the new Leaf and the Ariya, so it’s likely to grow a bit compared to the existing hybrid-engined Juke.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKM4L7TXFJB5FA4PWKS2O5ZLVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363251},"content":"Speaking of hybrids, Nissan has also said that it’s about to launch an upgraded version of its e-Power hybrid system. Already on sale in the Qashqai and the X-Trail SUVs, e-Power means that it uses an electric motor to do all of the driving, while there’s a 1.5 petrol engine on board to act as a generator. At no stage does the petrol engine drive the wheels, and there’s no plug for taking on mains power. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNUYMUN52NHXDAHN4JDXFOLURE","additional_properties":{},"content":"E-Power has been a success for Nissan – 1.6-million cars with the system have been sold – but this new update comes with improved efficiency at higher speeds, especially when cruising on the motorway, as well as lower emissions, and better refinement. The new e-Power system will be on sale by the end of this year, debuting in the Qashqai.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KEKEZ4YFNCOLN7JHY7WMO6KKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363253},"content":"What hope for an all-electric Qashqai? It’s on the drawing boards, apparently, but has been held back for a while as Nissan waits for customer demand for EVs to catch up. Expect to see it before the end of the decade.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Nissan might be on its financial uppers, but the company has reveled three crucial new electric models"},"display_date":"2025-03-26T15:07:48.163Z","headlines":{"basic":"Nissan reveals three new electric car models: Crossover Leaf, all-electric Micra and Juke","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HV4D3UJVORANRC3WT6S5RH6BWQ","auth":{"1":"ad82ddb06adc05e5769733e0351039c509ae7f3721f548564dc68cdeebb5dd56"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HV4D3UJVORANRC3WT6S5RH6BWQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/nissan-reveals-three-new-electric-car-models-crossover-leaf-all-electric-micra-and-juke/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"FACCVXIKCBFRPINWO6BRRIVCUY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":678,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/be3c54f8-783c-4317-aa64-59d3953ab653/versions/1742222834/media/4710376a2d75a408c02f4d4eb337cfc1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/how-bad-might-things-get-for-tesla/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IUUYAX2MK5H7VEQWNGVQAF7YUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"A figure of $800 billion (€734 billion) is a lot of money. To put it in context, with Ireland considering <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/02/28/simon-harris-tells-officials-to-cost-huge-military-expansion-including-fighter-jets/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/02/28/simon-harris-tells-officials-to-cost-huge-military-expansion-including-fighter-jets/\">buying a job-lot of cutting-edge jet fighters</a>, a Saab Gripen – regarded as one of the best and most capable current multirole military aircraft – costs about $85 million. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMNUIPRT7BA5JOZUW4OBRUYWPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"So $800 billion is how much value <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\">Tesla</a> has shed since December. Back then, the carmaking brand run by the increasingly controversial <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\">Elon Musk</a>, hit a peak of $480 per share. At time of writing, that value had plummeted to $240 per share, up a little in the past few days, but still half what it was once worth. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLWHHXZD35FZHLVUUZ2I65QKJM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Your sympathies in this instance may be limited, whatever you might think of Musk and his lurch towards outright fascism. Tesla remains the world’s most valuable carmaker, still worth 10 times as much as the likes of General Motors, Volkswagen, or Ford despite making a fraction of the number of cars each year manufactured by those industrial giants. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMCWLMHU7VBARE5UCDMBNFN53Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tesla’s stock market valuation, often described as being vastly overinflated, has long since been based more on its potential as a tech company – developing autonomous driving taxis, humanoid robots, and artificial intelligence systems – than as a maker of electric cars. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NO52I34IFBDDJ44YZLY3MWMD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Still, the foundations of Tesla have been badly rocked, and much of it appears due to Musk’s increasingly erratic and autocratic tendencies. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EE3NGIT7NZCY3NLDPKMIPTSEUM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Musk’s support of US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a>, and his eventual elevation under Trump to head up the highly controversial department of government efficiency, have meant car buyers of a more liberal bent abandoning the brand. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6D3KS4GTNVGNFOGLFIJS7IXAEY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Germany, where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/01/09/musk-says-things-will-get-much-worse-for-germany-unless-voters-rally-behind-far-right-party/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/01/09/musk-says-things-will-get-much-worse-for-germany-unless-voters-rally-behind-far-right-party/\">Musk attracted ire for his support of the hard-right political party Alternative Für Deutschland</a> (AfD) Tesla sales fell by 71 per cent in February, a drop which was perhaps not coincidental with Musk employing not one but two stiff-armed salutes, which seemed to reference those used by the Nazi party in the 1930s and 1940s, at Trump’s inauguration ceremony.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TAILCERE2JD37FAVR7SFOTECDY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tesla sales plummet across Europe amid Elon Musk backlash","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"SHYY5S7OABBITPJWXCQRNRFU2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"France marked similar drops in Tesla sales, as did the United Kingdom. In Ireland, Tesla sales have also fallen so far this year, but to a far smaller degree. Irish Tesla sales are down 6.1 per cent compared with the first two months of 2024, but there’s devil in that detail. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GZGYYU37FCGREYVIUTY7NVSPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sales of the Model Y SUV, at one point the biggest-selling car in the world, have fallen by 53 per cent in Ireland, but that is less likely due to us developing a sudden national loathing for Musk, and more likely because a new, potentially improved, Model Y has just been launched but is yet to land on Irish shores. The Model 3 saloon, updated last year, has seen a 28 per cent increase in Irish sales. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXUNIC2GQZFJPL7VLPX4AD63FQ","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-96120","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A2OG7CRRIBCD7H3SA5Q6Y2ZYGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In other markets, notably the US market, Tesla is being increasingly seen as a lightning rod for people’s sudden realisation of just how dramatic the shift to the far right American politics has seen this year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZS3CZ62EZFMDIX4I6LAPBKGEM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Musk is the world’s wealthiest man, but much of his wealth is tied up with both Tesla’s stock market valuation and with various loans which are tied to that value. That has turned Tesla from a mere carmaker into a potential lever for those seeking to exert political influence at a time when the Trump administration appears to be doing all it can to stamp out dissent and criticism.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2M5YMKP4BCVBJ5OGOUT2CTTO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ed Niedermeyer is one of Tesla’s and Musk’s staunchest critics. A former senior editor at the Drive and Automotive News, he’s also the author of Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors, published in 2019. Niedermeyer has some skin in this game – he’s a leading light in the recently emerged #TeslaTakedown movement which is, quite genuinely, seeking to bankrupt the world’s richest man by protesting against the sales of his cars. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DS4V2QGWHZHVTK6FREY5JJG4HQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Irish Times asked Niedermeyer if the current sales slump at Tesla is a blip, or something for more serious for the company? “Like everything about the future, it kind of depends on us, right?” Niedermeyer responded. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3FSQ6INGZE2DGF3RJ5TVJ3XNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Are Elon Musk’s antics just a blip for Tesla or permanent brand breakdown?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VEH6PX45JBAUZDSOY7VBQKPEHE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“What I’ve been trying to communicate to people is that if taken seriously, Tesla is an immensely powerful lever that the public has to exert some influence over the political situation, at least with regards to Elon Musk. That there’s sort of fundamental vulnerabilities. That while he seems invulnerable, you look at the wealth. And sort of like the Death Star, there’s that thermal exhaust port that is a very fundamental weakness. There’s no guarantee that that we’ll be able to blow up the Death Star, so to speak, but the opportunity certainly exists. I want to make people aware of that so they understand the options around the table.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWSLPOKMAZFMTNFJBASDXJ7TNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Is it actually possible to topple one of the world’s most powerful and influential people in such a manner, though? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKMFBA4AYZHF5FMLCYFFZTW654","additional_properties":{},"content":"Niedermeyer certainly thinks so. “The first thing to recognise, is that Elon Musk was not elected, that we as a body politic have not had a say in the power that he now wields. And so the question is, what can we do about it? And and my argument is that this is the only real opportunity that we have to exert meaningful influence on the situation between now and the next election. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2CRXA5EDLC45BEL4SAFRTGE5M","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"JX2CFHH3DBCUVHQRUANQTEABEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFNLSZ27AJEJVDXHOKQ4LUCDPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Even in the next election, he wasn’t elected, so the idea that the political system is going to be the way to remove him is not, I think, any more clear than the opportunity that this opportunity presents. And while that’s uncertain, there’s an X factor to the extent to which people buy in and collective action is able to take place at real scale. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SNGCFDUFNFB7RN2S4JXEMMHBSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“But what I know is that if that scale of rejection of selling Teslas, divesting from the stock, of boycotting future sales, boycotting service revenue, boycotting charging revenue, if that all happens at scale, combined with the other trends in Tesla’s business and the fundamental instability of the stock valuation, and the sort of triggers that are built into that, that could fuel a downward spiral.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZHCYSA6DVH3VCSXCTR7FIRAFE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Never mind the shamrocks: White House showroom opens for business amid ‘Tesla Chainsaw Massacre’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZL2WEKB7WZDDJLFFVLX5OV46NA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Clearly the anti-Tesla, anti-Musk movement has touched a chord, or you wouldn’t have seen Trump reading from a literal Tesla sales pitch, live from the Oval Office. However, there remains the question of how much of the downward trend in Tesla sales and value is due to protest, and how much is merely a blip as the company refreshes an ageing model line-up. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PJCPZ3CVZCDBLNEHTGEA35C5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Matthias Schmidt is the chief European auto market analyst at Schmidt Automotive Research, based in Germany. “Tesla’s regional registrations trend has been downward, even prior to the Trump/AfD contagion. We see the withdrawal of purchase subsidies for EVs in many key European markets having a big negative impact, which was priced into Tesla’s business model and is now absent,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LX5AQXDJZNEZNJOOE6RFIOCVK4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Being a pure-player EV company, Tesla was most exposed to this. The ageing and limited model line-up is also impacting them, and alongside that, the market for first-time adopters who were drawn to new brands such as Tesla is likely seeing some market saturation as incumbents increasingly bring new EV models to market to reach sharpening regulatory emission levels. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"34733QL26NCANM2BEGJP7MLVVY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The imminent introduction of the Model Y refresh could also be causing some purchasing decisions to be delayed, impacting January even harder, while the baseline last year was slightly inflated thanks to the Model 3 refresh roll-out. EU anti-subsidy tariffs may be having a small impact but Tesla has the least exposure here due to it facing the lowest rate of all manufacturers exporting BEV models from China to the EU, and it impacts the Model 3 only.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4FBYNPY6NFS3OXK6NLLL22JUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Schmidt also said there is some underlying protest movement effect. “In highly emotional Germany, we are seeing increasing anecdotal evidence – such as bumper stickers – of a consumer shift due to the toxic fallout from the AfD comments as consumers vote with their feet and look for, shall we say, Alternatives Für Tesla.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GO7NIKXJWBB5JJ5GW24U46MFTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Ireland, such sentiments seem thin on the ground at the moment. The Irish Times has made repeated attempts to contact current Tesla owners to see if they’re now feeling the tingling sensations of buyer’s remorse, but perhaps concerns over flatlining their residual value have kept their heads below the parapets for now. There are anecdotal reports of used Teslas becoming increasingly hard to trade in and move on, but that could be as much about market saturation and the reluctance of used car buyers to move to electric as it is any political toxicity. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7YS3V6PAJC25HO3YAFHJM2QAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Adrian Slattery, of electric car leasing specialists DCEV, said that when it comes to anti-Tesla sentiment, “we definitely see it in the UK with posters on bus stops and murmurings of shaming owners, but not so much in our circles in Ireland. Although their numbers across Europe are way down, we still see a lot of new and used models zipping around the Irish cities and towns. The second-hand Model 3 market is still very strong here”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZIGIPFWPNE7ZPMFXVHVWOR72E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Potentially a much bigger worry for Musk and Tesla could be far away from the political sphere, and simply the fact that where Teslas were once pioneering and ground-breaking, now they’re having to compete with a multitude of other very impressive EV models. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ICA3LCYFOBFMNERDRVGSYN7ZYQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The New York Times reports that in China, buyers are abandoning their Teslas not because they’re bothered about fascist salutes or the mass-firing of US government employees, but simply because other brands can offer them more. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXJYIMCWR5ETVLUN5BCLTAPKGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"One report has it that consumers can buy two Chinese-brand EVs for the price of one Tesla, and that seems borne out by sales figures – in the first two months of 2025 in China, Tesla sold 60,480 cars, while it’s biggest rival, in global as well as Chinese terms, BYD, sold 481,318 (although some of those in fairness were hybrids, not all fully electric models).","type":"text"},{"_id":"IK25ZN27VVHCPGH3OIQMW3P5UM","additional_properties":{},"content":"BYD’s vice-president Stella Li has recently said that she would be open to a collaboration with Tesla, telling The Financial Times: “Our common enemy is the internal combustion engine car. We need to work together … to make the industry change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUFFQCXUDBDQ3K66VXM3MHCHVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Quite how Musk might view such a collaboration is at present unknown (has anyone checked his X feed?), but one assumes that collaborating with a gigantic Chinese car maker would not be a good look in the current corridors of Washington power. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7LBTSRDQFGLHO67O3HSEXVQPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also remains to be seen whether Tesla is genuinely teetering on the brink of disaster, or whether the recent plummet in sales and stock is just a blip from which the carmaker, and its chief executive, can recover. Given time and space, most companies can recover from most problems, but the ticking clock of quarterly results will have investors spooked, and if they begin to demand change, Musk’s troubles may merely be beginning. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Irish sales of the controversial electric car brand are holding up and will probably increase overall this year"},"display_date":"2025-03-26T06:18:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How bad might things get for Tesla?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TQMBVOMS3GIVU4GQMXLX6J3X3Y","auth":{"1":"9390a3bfcf8c70cf270d902ac844d456e9fad5180b394f2c6ba8ccd48d0c920b"},"focal_point":{"x":2308,"y":1888},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TQMBVOMS3GIVU4GQMXLX6J3X3Y.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/how-bad-might-things-get-for-tesla/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"YIKLC3NUPZB2DD6CBZDGZMQMYU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":600,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1932ea11-d57b-42a4-8fa9-7098166d4597/versions/1742379586/media/8ad22cffa06aa50bbee6c2e965236ddf_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/25/how-do-you-keep-a-car-brand-going-on-fewer-than-100-sales/","content_elements":[{"_id":"K66V5L4Y5ZGAVHQGMHDXJLPTGY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ireland’s car market is tiny. While it’s true that the motor trade here employs a significant number of people (30,000-plus), in new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\">car sales</a> terms it’s a tiny gnat perched on the buttocks of a hippo. Our average 120,000-or-so new cars sold every year is the equivalent of one minor UK city, or a large US dealership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"46UFJBGN4JGPJPE3FHKL676XNI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The big brands – <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/toyota/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/toyota/\">Toyota</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai/\">Hyundai</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\">VW</a> – will sell something in the region of 15,000 cars each year here. To be more precise, last year Toyota sold 17,251 new cars; Volkswagen 13,520; and Hyundai 11,049 (those last two split by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/skoda/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/skoda/\">Skoda</a>, which sold 12,182). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XFQUEZYPIJESLGCFBMABZDDTE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"These are significant chunks of the market, but at the other end there are marques that manage a tiny fraction of that, car brands whose sales are in double figures, and not necessarily large double figures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAFHGFLB2FFFBGDZ6SCUW3XUE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are a handful that have single figure sales, but those include the specialist likes of Ferrari (five), Lotus (three), and Aston Martin (one). There is one other in single-digit territory – Alpine – but we’ll deal with that separately in a minute. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TTZUG4FLL5EELFOQ5NUJPBLRNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, there are also brands, far better known, whose sales failed to pierce the century barrier last year. One of those was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alfa-romeo/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alfa-romeo/\">Alfa Romeo</a>. When Ireland’s car market was at its numerical peak 25 years ago, Alfa Romeo managed to hold a 1 per cent market share purely based on the sales of its hugely successful 156 saloon. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OT4MFO6CRRD77ME6NIWC3Q7LJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Now, though? Only 43 new Alfa Romeos were sold in Ireland last year. Little-heralded DS sold three times as many cars. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bmw/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bmw/\">BMW</a>, once a company that envied Alfa Romeo’s success in the 1950s and 1960s, sold 4,619.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFGZF7UWEBBVVHKDPZD6K4CYNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"So what does that mean for the future of Alfa Romeo? A brand that is aimed at well-heeled but nonetheless mainstream car buyers cannot survive for long on such tiny sales. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRHTJODFAFFSBCJ2MCOLGDXWFY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Until the departure of chief executive <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carlos-tavares/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carlos-tavares/\">Carlos Tavares</a> from Stellantis Group – the car-making conglomerate that owns Alfa Romeo alongside Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Opel, Jeep and many more – Alfa’s future had been secure for at least a decade, as the brand was given at long last the sort of investment that it has too often lacked. In the past few days, that future may have become somewhat less secure, as Tavares’s departure means Stellantis is more hawkish about its overstuffed cabinet of brands.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EOVNKKYESZBAJA4H5KMHQJ74YM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Nonetheless, Ciaran Cusack, communications and brands manager at Gowan Auto, the Alfa Romeo importer for Ireland, told The Irish Times: “We only have three dealers in the Alfa Romeo network, although we are planning to expand that number in the future and grow the brand sustainably in Ireland. In fact, one of our dealers opened a new state-of-the-art showroom late last year, which is one of the first of its kind in Europe.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4SGEI3BDJAJJO3NXN2KYXGNIM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cusack said Alfa’s Irish dealers understand the brand’s position, that it is a niche premium brand undergoing a transformation and that the recent line-up is not where the volume will come from. Jam tomorrow? Maybe, but there seems to be hope waiting in the wings (albeit Alfa Romeo has gone through multiple generations of rebirth and retraction).","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANCQ6N3Y2RBN7IO2HPZAZ65E5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This year’s launch of the new Junior model has changed things, allowing Irish customers to experience the brand from just under €35,000,” said Cusack. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HS4F5VE6EJF6ZMWEKTOQXRQMFA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This is the first fully electric model for the brand and the first on a Stellantis platform, so you can get a good indication of the future of the brand from this model. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Q4DKMJ2T5DKRGVF6D4KYZHE2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Alfa Romeo Junior EV delivers real driving fun despite seeming sacrilege to the brand’s fans","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CLRNAWTGHNDWLGFQTGJ5G5TJ2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Currently only available in full electric, the arrival of the hybrid version later this year will give us a great chance to increase volume and gain market share. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OH3AO5RQ5ZATVC2VV75TSPI3II","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We brought our dealer network to Turin late last year to give them an exclusive look at the models coming over the next two years and to show them the future of the brand with Stellantis. They were suitably impressed.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENHLIYHAFNAIJAF6VYISI755QA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Those new models include a new Stelvio SUV, which is scheduled for release in late 2025 and which will be built on Stellantis’s STLA Large platform – that allows both fully-electric power with ranges exceeding 700km, and hybrid petrol power too. In 2026 we will see the all-new Giulia which will also use the STLA large platform. It means Alfa will have an entirely regenerated range, including crucial electric and hybrid models that it has until now lacked, within two years. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYCMK7IJDREDFO5HUIJMTRMJAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Alfa is a brand beloved of motoring enthusiasts (this writer included) and, while the marque has had more than its share of flops, to lose it altogether would be to make the motoring world a poorer, less interesting place. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"S767FW7LKFBB3GV7LA2DES2ZNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"What, then, of Subaru and GWM Ora? Both brands are represented here by International Motors (IM), a UK-based car importer and distributor, which has a long history of success. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6AFOJ2KI5GEBI4DLWUJBE4HXQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Yet, last year Subaru sold just 24 new cars in Ireland, while GWM Ora (part of China’s huge Great Wall Motors) sold just 46 cars, all of them the cutesy-styled 03 electric hatchback (née Funky Cat, until the point where the marketing people at GWM realised that no English-speaking buyer wants a car called Funky Cat). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUBQLZ5QI5E77K4AO6HCBWMULA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Subaru’s faltering sales can be partly explained by the car maker being so focused on the US market that it often produces models that, even with hybrid power, are just too thirsty and too high in CO2 emissions for Irish tastes and budgets. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RO2BMPORVBCJLFUSC3NK7RHSZA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ora is a single-car brand, but you’d think that the engineering and financial muscle of Great Wall Motors might have done rather better even so. After all, Polestar shifted 314 cars last year, and almost all of those were the Polestar 2 saloon. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RPSQZRD775GLLIZWWSO3H4NIPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The solution for both brands seems to be to consolidate operations with the much larger IM structure in the UK. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZSRFNPTG5B7ZNNPH3XANPU3LQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"That, and the promise of new models yet to come that will hopefully be better suited to the mores of the Irish market. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBLG4UBBJ5B73NLKARD3LJWOGU","additional_properties":{},"content":"William Brown, managing director of International Motors Limited UK & Ireland, told The Irish Times: “In August 2024, International Motors Ltd concluded a review of its operational division for Ireland and restructured its business accordingly. This included amalgamating Ireland and UK sales and marketing operations to streamline and future-proof the business and improve efficiency for both the Subaru and GWM brands. This results in Ireland being managed by a much larger team, with more resources. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"37MVB5Q4A5HQFBYUWZ6APYTIG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Subaru has announced that it will unveil three new EV products before the close of 2026, with more to follow by the end of 2028, as it grows its product portfolio. GWM has recently released the Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid in the UK, which is currently under consideration for Ireland. We continue to be committed to supporting our dealers and customers in Ireland for both Subaru and GWM.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMEDOLITBZFP3KZAYPNAIG6FPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Arguably, the brand with low 2024 sales that has the most potential is Alpine. Renault’s high-performance and electric brand – yes, the one that has its own Formula One and Le Mans racing teams – was supposed to have had a low-key launch in Ireland last year with the A110 sports car. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQWXD5K7LNCWZK4P5GLISDGJ2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"That mid-engined delight, which is a rival to the likes of the Porsche Cayman, is poorly suited to Ireland as it (a) is a sports car, (b) is expensive and (c) has relatively high emissions. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNEO5CXVTJELNPY3QSD3UZC77Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Unsurprisingly, the launch was called off. Even so, enough Irish buyers had worked out the truth, which is that the A110 is quite frankly one of the best cars you will ever drive, and so a tiny number were sold here last year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUKDXYB7UBFDTAWO3Y4LOREPXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Alpine will finally launch properly this year, and it will do so with electric power – the little A290 electric hot hatch is based on Renault’s gorgeous new all-electric R5 E-Tech, and promises proper driving fun with tiny electric running costs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VN67M34CI5DGHNLYB4RBMVDLFQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Next up is the A390, which will be a sleek four-seat crossover, again with electric power, while the A110 itself will be replaced in 2026 by a new two-seat electric sports car. Renault’s marketing nous plus electric power might well mean that Alpine has the best chance of any on this page of climbing past the 100 sales barrier. We’ll start to find out when the marque launches properly here in May. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6S6JAGP3KNGF3FUQG6CKPTGKQA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The thing is, none of the aforementioned brands are actually small brands. Alpine is part of the now-hugely-successful-once-again Renault Group (following its nadir of 2020); Subaru is a massive brand in the US and in other parts of the world; Alfa Romeo is part of Stellantis and has said that its new model programme is fully costed and invested for an entire decade; GWM Ora is part of an enormous Chinese conglomerate. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUFGEQWCQJF7ZBU5MS2DGZXOIQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"China’s X factor: Xpeng arrives in Ireland with €42k electric G6 SUV","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4PYQ5WN5NJFLPMKQ4P5MDPSTTE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It’s that last one that ought to worry the others most, however. According to S&P Markets analysis, smaller brands, especially those from China, are “gaining traction” with consumers, and that traction can only come at the expense of European, Japanese, and American brands with which local buyers have fallen out of love. Alfa Romeo, Subaru and Alpine had better get their collective acts together, and fast, as harder days are most definitely ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GQ76V6NMNFTJDTI55JSPFBORM","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Several brands in the State sold fewer than 100 new cars last year. What does the future hold for them?"},"display_date":"2025-03-25T05:28:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Ferrari sold five cars in Ireland last year, Alfa Romeo sold 43. How do these brands survive? ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"T75KNUYEHFAKDJVPULJV6R7WTI","auth":{"1":"2b71cfd0daef0538132aa388d262da0a3afec977c5bb48c6427c3d6f6b498288"},"focal_point":{"x":1512,"y":1636},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T75KNUYEHFAKDJVPULJV6R7WTI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/25/how-do-you-keep-a-car-brand-going-on-fewer-than-100-sales/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"d48af27ef52077a2c0a070f00e493214b1a976cc4176bce5cc16bb3bf1514222"},"expires":1743512922946,"lastModified":1743512622137},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":4,\"query\":\"taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/transport*\",\"size\":4}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"TNDCSNLHAZD5LJXTYHLLAMQVLQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":301,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9701f972-98d0-4a2d-88c0-68adbbe2f4c3/versions/1742587622/media/b4ed3aef95e6b38110e1cde92a74bae0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/transport/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-to-reopen-with-some-flights-to-resume-this-evening/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZFSBBXJHIBARHBYXCAWALLW2V4","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heathrow-airport/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heathrow-airport/\">London Heathrow</a> is to reopen after power was restored on Friday evening, with some flights expected to resume from 7pm tonight and a full timetable of flights due to operate tomorrow. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NAPMRPJSBVCBRML6CHKU73G2OA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We will now work with the airlines on repatriating the passengers who were diverted to other airports in Europe. We hope to run a full operation tomorrow and will provide further information shortly,” the airport said in a statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WW57DXMHEZH7JIKJEPKLM7KJHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"No flights to or from Ireland will go ahead on Friday evening, with Aer Lingus saying it is planning to run all flights as scheduled on Saturday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K6NRSAJP2RG7NDVSM3TKVSIXWI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Earlier, the travel plans of thousands of passengers were thrown into chaos following the<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-all-day-more-than-1000-flights-affected-after-electrical-substation-fire/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-all-day-more-than-1000-flights-affected-after-electrical-substation-fire/\"> effective shutdown of one of the world’s busiest airports</a> as a result of a fire nearby overnight.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SVCFUNWVLFAMZEZCFW5NVOJFIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said there was no suspicion of foul play with the substation fire.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UKXTAFGNJEKXEFAPENPSGOKHE","additional_properties":{},"content":"London Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the blaze was “as big as it gets for our airport” and that “we cannot guard ourselves 100 per cent”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VAEK4XMMQBAFPB3A4JLWUYT37A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Metropolitan Police confirmed the fire is believed to be non-suspicious with its investigation focusing on the electrical distribution equipment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZEM5QWENAVGNBKKTPTLZTMWURI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr Woldbye said that a back-up transformer failed meaning systems had to be closed down in accordance with safety procedures so that power supplies could be restructured from two remaining substations to restore electricity enough to power what is described as a “mid-sized city”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOAPJRDMKJA6BKGOWNUZKBEO3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"All flights between Dublin and Heathrow were cancelled on Friday, a total of 34 flights – 17 inbound and 17 outbound. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UH57DDCL3BHSJK3ERTV4BT55XA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Further disruption to flights between Dublin and Heathrow over the coming days was also possible, Dublin Airport said in a statement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IOPXLRL455F2RJIRJ4CTGMBWS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"All flights between Heathrow and Cork, Knock and Shannon airports on Friday were also cancelled.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNENKB6TFJASBLPWVNSUWBZ5BU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Online flight tracking service Flightradar24 said more than 1,300 flights were disrupted by the closure, with 120 flights to the airport in the air when the closure was announced. A number of airports across the UK and Ireland have helped facilitate diversions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNLHPBRYJFDKXBTMR6LJLIKPR4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Shannon Airport said on Friday it had facilitated diverted flights originally scheduled to land at Heathrow, including flights from Toronto, Atlanta, Bridgetown Barbados, Boston, Orlando and Newark. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHWKQYCFGJGLTPOXNVXEOHG7EE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Heathrow cancellations Q&A: what are my rights and options and how do I claim?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WS5WOR5BU5CHDA3IMKGHSF5JOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Passengers looking for updates regarding specific flights or to re-book or change flight are advised to contact their airline directly by phone or online, a spokesman for Dublin Airport said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5I7455WIARHPFDXV6ZJS7RTTIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Aer Lingus said all its services to and from London Heathrow on Friday were cancelled. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLYKL5VPRBFFLNVKA2HVKKJJPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In total 38 Aer Lingus Heathrow services from and to Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Ireland West Airports have been cancelled today. Our operations teams are in close contact with London Heathrow, and we will resume our schedule to and from London Heathrow as soon as it is possible,” the Aer Lingus spokeswoman said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"34QV72UOCVATJKVQKDEE7SBK5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"British Airways, which also operates flights between Dublin and Heathrow, advised passengers travelling from Heathrow “not to travel to Heathrow airport, but to check on ba.com for the latest flight information”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNOVKZNCCVHQLGZKGFQ6NLASMY","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Friday afternoon it said only customers booked on long haul flights to Johannesburg, Singapore, Riyadh, Cape Town, Sydney via Singapore and Buenos Aires via Rio de Janeiro should travel to Heathrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKQL3YF3DJFBTE7UBWVE3DEYMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ryanair does not operate flights between Irish airports and Heathrow. However, it announced shortly before 9am that it was operating eight “rescue flights for passengers affected by the Heathrow closure” between Dublin and Stansted airport. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAOL6BXHFJENJGEGB2O4ABV6ME","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BVQRMYUMINFO7HTGCL64ZO3RTQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"While passengers who have been caught up in the chaos have clear rights under EU law, they are unlikely to be entitled to compensation given the cancellations are beyond the control of the airlines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JSLDDBID2ZBXTOSW5OM6H6ZGYA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Under EU Regulation 261, airlines must offer passengers whose flights have been cancelled a refund or a rerouting on the next available flight or at a later time of your choosing. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYYUT3637NFQXPULP2J3M6JIOA","additional_properties":{},"content":"If passengers ask for a refund, the airline’s responsibility ends immediately. If they ask to be put on the next available flight, then the airline must provide care and assistance until they can be accommodated.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NKO4R7FKLJH5FCJMQTWD43IOA4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dublin man Ed Donlon (34) had to pay for another flight and a night’s accommodation after his flight home from Heathrow with Aer Lingus on Friday night was cancelled.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XIYFTUZCKBF5RB5SQD7IVKNPJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The airline had rebooked him on to a flight home on Sunday, “but I can’t really keep staying in the UK for no reason until Sunday,” Mr Donlon said, and so he chose to fly from Gatwick on Saturday instead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Z76T67FARDJPDH2LMLB7Y5ERY","additional_properties":{},"content":"His new flight cost £170, and his extra night’s accommodation is £60. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJD7RFSLLNFFPATQ7TH2QWR3QA","additional_properties":{},"content":" Additional reporting: PA ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IGLGJYOWTJHV7JO34CAI7FT4XQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Are you affected by the airport closure? Tell us your story","type":"header"},{"_id":"3HJPJRLBTZES3L7ODQEKCWVCPY","content":"<span class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"4ce95bdf-959d-4503-8b46-0c9d2a9f1809\" data-display=\"inline\"></span><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"L2REWCPNIBEANKKQO6CFVI56GI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Pope"}},"name":"Conor Pope"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Sorcha Pollak"}},"name":"Sorcha Pollak"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Niamh Towey"}},"name":"Niamh Towey"}]},"description":{"basic":"Compensation for those whose flights were cancelled may not be available due to event outside airlines' control"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T16:50:29.776Z","headlines":{"basic":"Heathrow airport to reopen with some flights to resume this evening","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WKU6ACWUJ3XLAUNAHPJKFECGB4","auth":{"1":"55c52f8c74d7bda8391552fa98bee9263a09c274e86f7f830d354381c6aa4842"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WKU6ACWUJ3XLAUNAHPJKFECGB4.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Transport"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/transport/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-to-reopen-with-some-flights-to-resume-this-evening/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/transport","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Transport"}}}},{"_id":"HQIFV65VXBA3FC5EWUJ32S7NHU","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/transport/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-are-you-a-passenger-affected-by-the-disruption/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ALIA2HJ3XBD5TP3GDWBXZ6XIRA","additional_properties":{},"content":"More than 1,300 flights to and from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heathrow-airport/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/heathrow-airport/\">Heathrow airport</a> will be disrupted on Friday due to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-all-day-more-than-1000-flights-affected-after-electrical-substation-fire/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-all-day-more-than-1000-flights-affected-after-electrical-substation-fire/\">closure of the airport</a> following a fire.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B3ZE2GNYJ5FNHFNVV6ECAKQW4U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Thousands of Irish passengers are likely to be affected by the closure with at least 10 flights from Dublin facing disruption.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DGYCQG5DZ5CUHJH4G3E6AKVK5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Are you one of the thousands of Irish people whose travel plans have been disrupted due to the closure of Heathrow airport? Were you trying to get to Ireland for a family occasion or a holiday? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQLM6P5M7BDKFEO2MWC5JG4YXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"If so, we would like to hear your story. You can share your experience using the form below. Please include a phone number for verification purposes only. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your submission – we will keep your name and contact details confidential.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5HZTPVRUVRFZLDNSWMUGKXVRWQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"We will curate a selection of submissions for potential use in our reporting on the airport closure but please note we may not publish every submission we receive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3TWDRLLOBCA7MRMHIHTFBSBIQ","content":"<span class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"4ce95bdf-959d-4503-8b46-0c9d2a9f1809\" data-display=\"inline\"></span><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"7REKZVJ5WBGPZFOIQNAW252NGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Thousands of Irish passengers are likely to be affected by closure of major transport hub following fire"},"display_date":"2025-03-21T09:18:11.786Z","headlines":{"basic":"Heathrow airport closed: Are you a passenger affected by the disruption? ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UHDJ5YSXXFGVJLCAPGKENUWSZU","auth":{"1":"8e5c2892f57ac7a2883574fdae283703b397626a7ce254987412f9d9c6380c97"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UHDJ5YSXXFGVJLCAPGKENUWSZU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Transport"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/transport/2025/03/21/heathrow-airport-closed-are-you-a-passenger-affected-by-the-disruption/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/transport","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Transport"}}}},{"_id":"HEZYQLB4EVBFPMRCCG6VUHZMMA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":201,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/7a20ecca-7e6d-4745-9472-de992f7f5ec3/versions/1741887108/media/62ef49e3e2000fef8f36acf22df58206_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/transport/2025/03/13/states-scheme-to-help-taxi-drivers-switch-to-evs-paused-amid-record-demand/","content_elements":[{"_id":"ZQRIXOIWEZD3VICTJ2FALW7NLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/\">State</a>’s scheme aimed at helping taxi drivers to buy <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\">electric vehicles</a> (EVs) has been paused just a month after <a href=\"https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/espsv24-electric-small-public-service-vehicle-grant-scheme-2024/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/espsv24-electric-small-public-service-vehicle-grant-scheme-2024/\">applications opened</a> due to record numbers seeking grants. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUB55YUWB5HXRMGLSCBCHFSSN4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Grants of up to €25,000 have been available in recent years for taxi, hackney and limousine operators who wish to buy EVs under the eSPSV Grant Scheme.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EDPWKVHTMVCQZF5UTCWEGLIY6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"With a budget of a €12.5 million, the goal of the scheme is to accelerate the transition to EVs in the small public sector vehicle (SPSV) industry and support those who are scrapping older, more polluting or high-mileage vehicles to make the switch to electric.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HM27DWP2KFH3HDWFOLZSS3FS4I","additional_properties":{},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-transport/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-transport/\">Department of Transport</a> announced on Thursday that the National Transport Authority (NTA) – which administers the scheme – will be temporarily pausing it because it is fully subscribed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPIKGUYTGJG6ZHFLO52E3A4YAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The pause is taking place while the NTA reviews and processes the applications that have been received. After this assessment, the scheme may reopen later in the year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UG3LW3H4DNBGBPU37VEKTIURRY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “The sheer volume of applications received is a strong endorsement of the EV transition, particularly among high-mileage taxi, hackney and limousine drivers who are eager to embrace a cleaner, more efficient technology. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QX6LIUHGQJHCXHFRUEZE5AKH7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The surge in interest highlights not only the attractiveness of the grant offering but also the significant shift in the market towards greater EV adoption.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIT45QZ72RDUZKIYBTNLLNYM44","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Minister said the response is “a clear indication that Ireland’s taxi, hackney and limousine industry is ready for change”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3TDJ3DWJEBFXJCARCDFZIEBFV4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“High-mileage drivers, at the forefront of daily operations, have shown strong support for transitioning to EVs,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQUQGUENSRGVVHO4OPZXATS4EA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mr O’Brien said this “not only helps reduce carbon emissions but also positions the small public sector vehicles as leaders in the nation’s broader environmental initiatives.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"N4ITDPWG35AZXL6Y2M6HMYXWLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to the department, the scheme has seen more than 2,800 SPSV operators make the switch to electric since its introduction in 2018.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTFZSOJBAJDIBKWAXQWTKYSZJE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Electric vehicle grant scheme for taxis hits budget limit","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"K4QR7IJHDFEIDPL42RR7HXP4C4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The scheme provides grants of varying levels towards new and second-hand EVs, with a higher level of funding on offer where an older existing vehicle is scrapped. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UMNGOJIEKNDSPJVV4ZN2GCEVIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The highest level of grant – €25,000 – is available to those who scrap an eligible older vehicle and buy a new wheelchair-accessible EV. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OJRUUQQWJD37JWKOQNKAFAJX4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Applicants must purchase a vehicle that appears on the NTA’s <a href=\"https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/eSPSV-2025-Grant-Scheme-Eligible-Vehicles-List-17-02-2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/eSPSV-2025-Grant-Scheme-Eligible-Vehicles-List-17-02-2025.pdf\">list of approved EVs</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXEMDF3EERFQZEMEJE5WELEPNI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The list includes EVs made by Kia, Mercedes, Nissan, Tesla and Volkswagen among several others. The only plug-in hybrid model listed is the wheelchair-accessible black cab made by the London Electric Vehicle Company. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IHKMS75NWNBPDK2WBTDCVGIIDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"A Department of Transport spokesman said more than 1,850 grant applications have been received this year and they are currently being processed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYFYXK4NWVD2ZDTOKVZDMCAHMY","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said that in previous years, not all applications have met the eligibility criteria and there is also a two-month validity period for successful applicants to draw down the grants.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TK3ZMTAUNCOBHZVPQSZY4D4XA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Following assessment of these initial applications, the scheme may reopen later in the year,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVFJTISLPBBN7EMCLTS7YYKRSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"A spokesman for the NTA said not all applicants choose to complete the process. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y22P3GNQQFGO5F7YVR5GE72U3I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Based on past performance of the scheme the NTA estimates that around a third of applicants will choose to complete the process and the average grant level will be approximately €18,000.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHH6G6FEBBDU7MNKO4NKHTIE4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The latest figures from the NTA show there are more than 2,600 fully electric taxis, hackneys or limos on the road and over 5,400 hybrids.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cormac McQuinn"}},"name":"Cormac McQuinn"}]},"description":{"basic":"Grants of up to €25,000 have been available in recent years for taxi, hackney and limousine operators who wish to buy electric vehicles"},"display_date":"2025-03-13T15:34:09.233Z","headlines":{"basic":"State’s scheme to help taxi drivers switch to EVs paused amid record demand","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"5Q6GGLLXWFA7DCEMVQLJ6XJUW4","auth":{"1":"99db1fb18a6bc9b3fbc5453efd5000eed4e4ca882867133f4e0334e5f9d77ff9"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/5Q6GGLLXWFA7DCEMVQLJ6XJUW4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/transport/2025/03/13/states-scheme-to-help-taxi-drivers-switch-to-evs-paused-amid-record-demand/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/transport","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Transport"}}}},{"_id":"4V4KWUAI5VCQLD6VHLBD5QMGIY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":197,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/9d2d29c3-be01-459f-aa0a-a4a438f42a8d/versions/1741611003/media/3984468913af830cd76a890a95c95e9a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/transport/2025/03/10/cost-of-long-delayed-metrolink-project-could-rise-to-more-than-23bn-minister-told/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741604372078},"content":"The long-delayed <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/metrolink/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/metrolink/\">Metrolink</a> project connecting <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-airport/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-airport/\">Dublin Airport</a> to the city centre could end up costing more than €23 billion, according to a new estimate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3IUQNZVRUJEJLNQTBITUR5ZPPM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The mooted cost is almost twice the highest previous estimate for the project, which was put at between €7.16 billion and €12.25 billion in 2021. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNREX7DETZCIZESJPFUDS52BWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"A figure of €23.4 billion was contained in briefing material prepared for Minister for Transport <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/darragh-obrien/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/darragh-obrien/\">Darragh O’Brien</a>. It is based on an estimate by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform through its major project advisory group, which was established in 2021 to review State spending on major infrastructure projects. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"I6ESKOIGAZGPTM3NVX3O77NV34","additional_properties":{},"content":"The briefing states that the “P95 costs” of the completed project should be €23.39 billion, less VAT. P95 means a 95 per cent certainty that the project will be completed on or under that budget. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MHPKSCV4WVASFGNLUA2YBNQVLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The briefing continues there has been a 30 per cent increase in construction costs since 2021 and it is expected the “final business cases for the major projects will reflect these increased costs”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"G77DWLCR6JGWLFXJYXFRUZHDJA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The current Metrolink project envisages an 18.8km line, mostly underground, incorporating 16 stations from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/swords/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/swords/\">Swords</a> in the north to Charlemont, with stops at the airport, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-city-university/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin-city-university/\">Dublin City University</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/trinity-college-dublin/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/trinity-college-dublin/\">Trinity College Dublin</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7EE5DY2IJBWNJC3W3ELKTK3HY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Michael McDowell: Children’s hospital, Metrolink and bike shed are all symptoms of a deep governmental malaise","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"V6XUFU3PDFEPDIQQSIQSH3ADEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Metrolink was first proposed in November 2001 and has become a byword for how the State has been unable to deliver major infrastructure projects. The initial cost of €2.5 billion has mushroomed due to delays to the project.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6CFBIL2FJCLVAO3VNHBVCE5LU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Railway Order for the project was first lodged with An Bord Pleanála in September 2022 and a decision on it proceeding is expected this year, having initially been expected in 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6HFSBV7WBBRFKF5F65K7ML5UI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Oral hearings in relation to the project were held in February and March of last year, with residents and businesses along the route making a total of 120 submissions. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SWJTL3DR65CDXFKEOBQ34YOSXU","additional_properties":{},"content":"On the first day of the hearing, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) submitted a further 200 documents in relation to the proposal. As a result, further hearings were held by An Bord Pleanála between August and October last, delaying the final planning decision further. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6K4KAGZMVEHPDOPXVEXD732CQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The last government appointed a programme director, Seán Sweeney, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2024/06/25/dublin-metrolink-project-director-to-be-paid-550000-per-year/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2024/06/25/dublin-metrolink-project-director-to-be-paid-550000-per-year/\">on a base salary of €550,000</a>. He commenced working on the project in September. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZ2KHODZWZF2BD2JI67TEICX2A","additional_properties":{},"content":"If planning permission is granted, TII will then put out tenders, but it will be up to the Government to approve funding for the project. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIAPSCIJ5NEITMG7ADZYFBPL3I","additional_properties":{},"content":"The latest estimate for the completion of Metrolink is the middle of the next decade, with a best-case scenario that the project could start next year and take eight years to finish. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOBPPBI5VFGWPA4X2TIGJ6R4BY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The briefing documents warns that the definitive total scheme budget and target cost will only be known after procurement has begun. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"K5E7EIVMF5BHJMALQOLS2R4WC4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The briefing document warns that the construction of major projects such as Metrolink, BusConnects and Dart+ could end up leading to “acute” funding difficulties for other State infrastructure projects.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ronan McGreevy"}},"name":"Ronan McGreevy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Briefing for Darragh O’Brien warns true cost of link between Swords, Dublin Airport and city centre will only be known at procurement stage"},"display_date":"2025-03-10T12:44:54.759Z","headlines":{"basic":"Cost of long-delayed Dublin Airport Metrolink could rise to more than €23bn, Minister told","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UDKMIGXVWCGUAJPXZ5XXRXKSQM","auth":{"1":"0502beea0c2f58360465c575b91714a39ec93fa849557d609b92cd919229357d"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UDKMIGXVWCGUAJPXZ5XXRXKSQM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Transport"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/transport/2025/03/10/cost-of-long-delayed-metrolink-project-could-rise-to-more-than-23bn-minister-told/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/transport","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Transport"}}}}],"count":8856,"_id":"3be880325e68b4a5c7fbab12e2be6cbc5b517fb8202cc2307930d0eda5b947b9"},"expires":1743512922414,"lastModified":1743512622113},"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":4,\"query\":\"(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/motors*) AND (subtype:\\\"irish-times-video\\\")\",\"size\":4}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"a15212a6-8a7a-47eb-b322-3de1c0ccf9ce","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/video/motors/2024/08/22/our-test-drive-renault-scenic-e-tech/","credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"The all-electric Renault Scenic will compete with the Peugeot E-3008 and on balance the Peugeot offers more at a lesser price. 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3."},"display_date":"2024-08-21T07:42:12Z","embed_html":"<div class=\"powa\" id=\"powa-330e2671-2330-4535-9a31-7eeaa4252ffa\" data-org=\"irishtimes\" data-env=\"prod\" data-uuid=\"330e2671-2330-4535-9a31-7eeaa4252ffa\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.562\" data-api=\"prod\"><script src=\"//irishtimes.video-player.arcpublishing.com/prod/powaBoot.js?org=irishtimes\"><\/script></div>","headlines":{"basic":"Our Test Drive: Mazda 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id=\"powa-2db8a7cb-9f30-4929-bc84-859d29bf2753\" data-org=\"irishtimes\" data-env=\"prod\" data-uuid=\"2db8a7cb-9f30-4929-bc84-859d29bf2753\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.562\" data-api=\"prod\"><script src=\"//irishtimes.video-player.arcpublishing.com/prod/powaBoot.js?org=irishtimes\"><\/script></div>","headlines":{"basic":"Our Test Drive: MG3 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id=\"powa-e9a50de4-72d9-4790-bb6c-4ee8d0b94b48\" data-org=\"irishtimes\" data-env=\"prod\" data-uuid=\"e9a50de4-72d9-4790-bb6c-4ee8d0b94b48\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.562\" data-api=\"prod\"><script src=\"//irishtimes.video-player.arcpublishing.com/prod/powaBoot.js?org=irishtimes\"><\/script></div>","headlines":{"basic":"Our Test Drive: Peugeot E-3008"},"promo_items":{"basic":{"auth":{"1":"5e76edd656b3042747b1e5f9d4e58248a2f1b291580ba12a7686950584c08a05"},"type":"image","url":"https://d2j5ip5u6h2g6o.cloudfront.net/08-15-2024/t_5113d1140e6343be906cc0e2178eb0f2_name_1659690186"}},"subtype":"irish-times-video","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Video"}]},"type":"video","website_url":"/video/motors/2024/08/15/our-test-drive-peugeot-e-3008/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","name":"Motors"}}}}],"count":92,"_id":"1a49110cab4b187e89cb59e5c45cf64628e66ccf9311b39ec4d9c08769eae568"},"expires":1743512664533,"lastModified":1743512364420}},"story-feed-tag":{"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":6,\"tagSlug\":\"electric-vehicles\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"COZJPT736FA5TJNEFCOVY5D7CU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":310,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/55c77564-3895-4442-b6c7-c9a76c701634/versions/1743438010/media/17ee078b270850dd7caa40a60879646a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/2025/04/01/investment-in-public-transport-is-key-to-success-of-revised-national-planning-framework/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VDLV3TMCMRB2PGEIOYFIF7XIYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173130797},"content":"The revised national planning framework is expected to be discussed in Cabinet today. It updates <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/housing-crisis/\" target=\"_blank\">housing</a> targets and doubles down on what we need to get right in the planning of our country. Every analysis keeps coming back to the same three essential truths: we need more compact, low-carbon and better-balanced regional development.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3M4Z34UMTZDXZHEBTAPU6YYOXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173130798},"content":"Getting transport investment right will be the key to meeting those three criteria. Firstly we need what is called ‘transport-orientated development’ where new housing is centred on good-quality public transport services and safe cycling and walking facilities. If the Government is serious about the planning framework then the review of capital spending, due this July, must continue the spending ratios set by the last government, where new public transport gets twice what is spent on new roads and 10 per cent of the capital budget goes on walking and cycling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XYHVQ336VNHRNE47HE6EAEAEQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173130799},"content":"Those ratios are essential because the alternative sprawled development model will add an average €115,000 to the price of every new home, due to the cost of providing ever more dispersed electricity, water and other public infrastructure. That price does not include the inevitable costs from congestion, road accidents, town centre dereliction, ill-health and local pollution that continuing reliance on a car-dependent system will bring.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IJZ4UCLWNNEOHEEST2WS24WJD4","additional_properties":{"_id":"UIQT6VLSRFED5C4KTMDJWNDWWE"},"content":"‘Nothing can happen without it’: Housing delayed by out-of-date planning policy","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"BAUNPYMDPZBIBF4C2B24TJPCBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173130800},"content":"The potential climate cost is also only now coming into view. Even if we meet our <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric vehicles</a> target, which I think we will, we know there has to be at least a 20 per cent reduction in the overall volume of kilometres driven to meet our 2030 climate goal. Transport is the hardest sector to change because we have designed our systems around car use. Change is not easy, but we have to do it because relying on a system where everyone has to drive does not work for anyone, with the gridlock and other downsides it brings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JJXJQISV5JCTVLLAE6P7BAWPOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173130801},"content":"We know that in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin</a>, because we have reached the limit of roads-based development. The only rational investment is now in public transport because the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/m50/\" target=\"_blank\">M50</a> and the motorways approaching the city can take no more. It has to be rail, bus and bike solutions or bust.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ONPNN6SRFF7THRBFECZOJ5U7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173130802},"content":"In our other cities, which have to grow much faster for the sake of the whole country, everything is still up for grabs. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/galway/\" target=\"_blank\">Galway</a> will either sprawl around a new outer orbital motorway or else develop alongside new light rail lines, metropolitan rail services and quality bus corridors. You can’t do both because investing in one undermines the viability of the other. I know which one I would prefer to live in – a City of the Tribes rather than one of roundabouts and out-of-town retail stores.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2X4EDETJFAYXDMY5QIQFXZOHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173130803},"content":"In <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/cork/\" target=\"_blank\">Cork</a> it is the same. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/transport-infrastructure-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">Transport Infrastructure Ireland</a> has not given due regard to the national planning framework or climate ambition. It insists on a new motorway being built right up to Blackpool on the north side of the city, which would work only if a new northern orbital motorway was also built, to cope with the induced traffic. Again that would completely undermine the alternative investment ready to be made in a metropolitan and light rail system for the city.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B4TEJKUWEJDVTO54GR6KQSYYAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173130804},"content":"It is the same story in <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/limerick/\" target=\"_blank\">Limerick</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/waterford/\" target=\"_blank\">Waterford</a>, which are ripe for new housing development along existing rail lines, which connect each city to its neighbouring urban centres. These solutions use existing underutilised lines so the planning process would be much easier and the cost would be a fraction of what it would be for building new roads.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKXZMBVEBNDQFAAP54WREXNI6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":"P7GXE7ZWXVE2FJJVZPBUH65BYM"},"content":"The Irish Times view on the National Planning Framework: inertia is inexcusable","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"DOELDREZEJH7JHNFSWXEBPWFKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173130805},"content":"The transport budget got a uniquely good deal in the revision of the National Development Plan in 2021 because it was the only department to get a committed budget up to 2030. The allocated €35 billion would now be just about enough to build what is already in planning for Dublin, however. Hardly any of the big public transport projects in Cork, Limerick, Galway or Waterford are similarly funded, not to mention the reopening of the western rail corridor, a rail line to Navan or the extension of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dart/\" target=\"_blank\">Dart</a> to Wicklow town.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MHSJ5KGVAJBPNN2MNFULZ7JU4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173130806},"content":"In the last Dáil many in the opposition and some within government played culture wars with this issue but now is the time for an honest appraisal. We will need to spend a lot on new roads, especially on bypasses for the likes of Tipperary town, Virginia, Carrick-on-Shannon, Abbeyfeale, Castlemartyr and so on. The list of towns needing such investment is a long and growing one.","type":"text"},{"_id":"43C4KIT3NFFVVFWXEHJRHXTCM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173130807},"content":"We will also have to spend a lot more on public transport, however, especially in our regional cities and on rail lines serving new commuter belts. We either spend there or else the national planning framework becomes a meaningless document, leaving us with more expensive housing, gridlocked traffic and climate bills we will have to pay in the end.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MOYR5T62FZHMDEUDVVPYD2SRBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743340044901},"content":"<i>Eamon Ryan is a former Green Party leader who served as minister for the environment, climate and communications and as minister for transport</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Eamon Ryan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Either we spend a lot more on public transport, especially in regional cities and on rail lines serving new commuter belts, or the framework will be meaningless"},"display_date":"2025-04-01T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Investment in public transport is key to success of revised national planning framework","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YX2U4ZTQ2NEE7AEB6TDDCRVMOA","auth":{"1":"864865017d432b5622a247d3f1666704da52022298dcee99ed45d0770aa4adb0"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YX2U4ZTQ2NEE7AEB6TDDCRVMOA.JPG"}},"subtype":"opinion","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Opinion"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/2025/04/01/investment-in-public-transport-is-key-to-success-of-revised-national-planning-framework/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Opinion"}}}},{"_id":"VEMKAMND4ZEXVCOARY43CRYV5Q","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":438,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8880a835-0b37-4714-b600-44cac26e2032/versions/1743411942/media/7e4c708f8e6e2388d43933a67dd2ae38_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/04/01/will-bidirectional-charging-power-my-house-by-using-my-evs-battery/","content_elements":[{"_id":"HTAOSVTDYBGWPKXCNSRRLFKXV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742672829851},"content":"<b>Q: Bidirectional charging into a home is being referenced consistently in the media post Storm Éowyn. How difficult is this to set up for a home in a residential estate, and does the ESB allow it? Also limited cars allow it, but will doing it void any warranties? </b>– <i>Reader, Co Dublin</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVGKCDQBEZBNRDRUZ7NE7TFOTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604598},"content":"<b>Q: What about EVs in places where the power has been out for several days? </b>– <i>B Ní Shuilleabhain, Co Kerry</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDYF5LYHQRF2BAKNSKFFEUM2NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977866},"content":"<b>A:</b> We have partly covered these questions in a feature separate to our regular Your <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/evs-qanda/\" target=\"_blank\">EV Questions Answered</a> strand, but it bears a revisit, not least because bidirectional charging is so often touted as being a major benefit of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric cars</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6OVKVSGQFFERLFVJZGZQHLOBJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604600},"content":"In fact, as far back as 2010, bidirectional charging was being highlighted as a major boon to electric car owners, and this was when the only EVs on sale were the original Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi i-MIEV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIGUG5XSIZGDJERBOUJ7MGPQEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604601},"content":"At that point, it wasn’t so much the prospect of powering your house from your EV, but more about making some handy cash on the side. The idea being that you could plug your bidirectional electric car into your home charger at 5pm or 6pm presumably with some amount of charge still left in the battery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPF4OJJZ6ZBYBLCDYNJSGNZFP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604602},"content":"That being peak electricity use time, your electricity provider could then, in theory, draw on the excess juice in your battery to help balance the grid demand as everyone came home and started putting on kettles, ovens, PlayStations etc.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYQKKSJ2MVFVTKQ3HCRS757SJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604603},"content":"You would, in theory, be paid the peak electricity rate price for that power usage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RIKMP2L2FH4RLJUYIPX5EZLE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604604},"content":"Later on, when the demand had dropped, the power company could sell you back the electricity again, charging up your car at the cheap rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUZSTCJYRBEJTGA64HZV2EPD2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604605},"content":"The idea being that you could at least alleviate some of your charging cost, and potentially break-even given the disparity between peak and offpeak pricing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWGPW45CJRE4PFATCUGZQX6AWE","additional_properties":{"_id":"VEOLE7CIDRCXZOAIT3WL76MQTY"},"content":"Can software updates make my EV better?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JIZKPG4M75GVJCV36SPK6B6BDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604606},"content":"To do that, you need two things – an electric car that has vehicle-to-grid charging (V2G) or at least vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, and a smart home electricity meter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIP5SCX2PJDPBIHAXSTGAIDXSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604607},"content":"The mechanisms for selling power to the grid as a private user are already in place, as some people already do this with their home solar panels or their home windmills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIVEVQSSENAMJG75MWO65ZDEME","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604608},"content":"The downside, of course, is that although you’ve plugged your car in when you come home, it won’t be actually charging until later in the night, and indeed may actually lose some charge in the meantime – not great if you have to dash back out at short notice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVMNV3NMOBEGLJ7LWNOYKKKZ3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604609},"content":"However, what’s become a more pertinent benefit of late is the idea of actually powering your house directly from your car in the event of a power cut.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILKUD44ZJJDBDB2SSUO7APPHJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604610},"content":"As we all saw with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/storm-eowyn/\" target=\"_blank\">Storm Éowyn</a>, if the power goes out, especially in a remote area, it can take a few days to come back on again. So can your EV really keep you going in the meantime?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZROC6ZFGQJGL7GXIME7SMVXW3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604611},"content":"In theory, yes, although it does help if you’ve come home with a full or nearly-full battery, which perhaps isn’t that likely. With the right car and the right meter, you could potentially keep your home running for two to three days from your car’s battery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R22RJJJG6JGTNAQXLPOH6K4EKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604612},"content":"According to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/commission-for-regulation-of-utilities-cru/\" target=\"_blank\">Commission for Regulation of Utilities</a>, the average household in Ireland uses approximately 4,200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, so divide that by 365 and you get daily energy usage of 11.5kWh. The average electric car battery, in the European market, holds between 75kWh-80kWh, so that could be enough to keep you going for almost a full week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4YKM7JXCXRCZXHPITGV3CZTEWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604613},"content":"Indeed, one reader – P Fitzgerald from Co Limerick – recently told us: “I had my heating system running off the car this weekend when we had not power for three days. The only problem was that I didn’t think to plug in my freezer and fridge as well…”","type":"text"},{"_id":"E52ZOKJUGVF3REA7PKFNXO6QPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604614},"content":"It is also worth remembering that the power output of some EV batteries and on-board chargers may not be enough to run all the high-power systems in your house at once.","type":"text"},{"_id":"USIEBF2URBEFRL2ICB46UQP3LA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604615},"content":"For instance, if you’re running your oven and an electric shower at the same time, that’s getting close to the peak power demand for your house, and not all EVs will have the capacity to do that, so a certain amount of power rationing might be needed. However, you will be able to at least keep the basics going – fridge, heating, lights, and crucially sockets for keeping mobile phones and wifi alive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCB4TRRW6NAR5CAG3TSVWETWBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604616},"content":"Then of course, there’s a problem – as our reader from Co Kerry points out above: what to do if the power stays out for several days, something that most definitely happened for many people in the wake of Storm Éowyn.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SYLAWW3XMNFEHJLNNZSQBKQFOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604617},"content":"Assuming that you haven’t plugged your car into your home charger with a full battery, it’s likely that you’ll only be able to get a couple of days, at most, out of the car before it too will need to be charged. At which point, you do… what, exactly?","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHVWBZMHNJHKVI5N3YQE2GN55U","additional_properties":{"_id":"FG76TAF7P5B5RCI5ZMJZJJ77NA"},"content":"Your EV questions answered: Do all electric cars only have rear-wheel drive? What about driving in snow?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VNOBRRVZ4FB5BH4SA6UWXQO4F4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604618},"content":"Here, you’ll need to do some planning. As an EV driver you’ll probably know where all the local public chargers are nearby, so start monitoring the battery level in your car, and when it reaches a point at which you can safely, with some in reserve, reach one of those chargers, it’s time to disconnect and get going.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TRKWIFYDFEMHGJMFFESVIR4C4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604619},"content":"Power restoration after a storm is difficult business, but in theory power will come back on first in the major population areas, so it’s probably best to plan to head to the nearest town which has a fast charging point, and top up there. You’re effectively at this point using your car as a kind of electric bucket, carrying electricity back home. It’s not especially straightforward, and not foolproof, but hopefully it will keep you going.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEDAG6QUTBBV7IC37XJN72OHXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604620},"content":"There is a better way, however – which is to use an EV battery that’s no longer in an EV. Another of the potential benefits of electric cars is that when the batteries do eventually wear out, they’re not entirely dead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7A6WLP6C5FAEPIMQ3ZZNFT77BE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604621},"content":"In an EV the battery is put under the kinds of stresses and strains that are entirely alien to other use cases, so most electric car batteries are considered to need replacement once they reach about 70 per cent of their original power storage capacity – something that is taking way, way longer in almost all cases, than we ever initially thought.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W2BIOU7P7VCI5A4EUKNY64U5MM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604622},"content":"However, at 70 per cent capacity, those batteries are still usable in other scenarios, and one of those is as a home power wall. Irish company Range Therapy is already taking batteries out of older, tired EVs, and indeed those that have become damaged in a write-off incident, and turning those valuable power cells into home energy storage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGTKJVTHTVDPRLMGEOPL6WY7KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604623},"content":"With one of these, your home has a useful buffer in the event of a power cut and at peak electricity use times as a power wall battery that can work on the same basis as your EV – using the energy in it at times of high electricity cost, and then charging it back up again at night on the cheap rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTHV24XZQFAIJPONGR6XHNGUI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604624},"content":"Eventually, as EVs become more and more prevalent, and older cars age into the arms of the recyclers, hopefully this will become a more common fitment for Irish houses, and we can worry less about losing power in the event of a big storm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BI64ORPVRBAE3BWYVXGK4ZEBJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604625},"content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Electric vehicles: Helping to separate EV myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your questions"},"display_date":"2025-04-01T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Will bidirectional charging power my house by using my EV’s battery?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DSK2APFSUFEWNI5OWOEBOE3F6I","auth":{"1":"5bae789b52fbf7ee7fe142eb505629e79265d2bdaaa0fdd2827755b8393f66c0"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DSK2APFSUFEWNI5OWOEBOE3F6I.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/04/01/will-bidirectional-charging-power-my-house-by-using-my-evs-battery/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"24EKBSBGUFFQ7CXXD3UTJOIUZI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":159,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/255bdd1d-65b7-4d58-aa71-f149e2c5954b/versions/1743174632/media/ce312b251ff829cdb111dcd6c96f5c30_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2025/03/29/attacking-tesla-will-not-help-europes-car-industry/","content_elements":[{"_id":"D4BQBD32ENFINHQJ7NBTG2FA7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1743196460167},"content":"Taking revenge for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/us-tariffs\">tariffs</a> by targeting <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla\">Tesla</a> sales may seem like a smart move, but there’s a sting in the tail. Singling out the beloved car company of US president’s apprentice <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/elon-musk\">Elon Musk</a> might seem like shrewd tactic, but it may not provide much succour to European car firms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSRLCDRYXBFNXLEOCP2ELIHQQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743196460168},"content":"The troubles facing European car executives are manifold. Top of the list is a potential tariff war and its potential to unravel extremely complex supply chains.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6XV6FZHP6BECXJLO4FPMONNNMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743196460169},"content":"Then there is the challenge from China, pumping low-cost rivals into European markets that increasingly match home-grown rivals in quality.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VSDOJG6FQRCIZDBLSEPDFO5UCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743196460170},"content":"Then there are the punitive emissions limits set by the EU, aimed at driving a transition to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles\">electric vehicles</a>, even if customer uptake stutters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UMT4SF72QRBHJHX7KTHYOWWJXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743196460171},"content":"Current regulations requires carmakers to reduce their emissions by 15 per cent from a 2021 baseline or be fined €95 per gramme of carbon dioxide per kilometre emitted above the target for each noncompliant vehicle sold in the European Union. The industry has warned this could result in fines of up to €15 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UTQFNZ2V45EY7MWRFUPHKFF4TA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743196460172},"content":"Irish Tesla owners on Musk’s EV company: ‘I’m either stuck with it, or I have to take a big financial hit’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RQLTSUQHYFFODARY4YX4QHULOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743196460173},"content":"The EU recently extended the initial deadline, but carmakers will still struggle to meet this target – and the limits are only set to tighten further over the next five years, increasing potential fines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WKW76DBOZJFDJBRS2KH3EYEIRI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743196460174},"content":"To avoid these punitive payouts, car makers are buying carbon credits from all-electric carmakers. Enter Tesla, which has already struck deals with firms such as Honda, Ford, Toyota, Mazda and Stellantis, the last being the parent of such big European brands as Peugeot, Opel, Citroën, Fiat and Alfa Romeo plus several others.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPVHC4GUIZG7ZF4LPVVUL4FWY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743196460175},"content":"This has proven a lucrative sideline for Musk’s electric vehicle brand, accounting for $2.76 billion (€2.56 billion) in revenue last year. And that’s before the new EU targets came into full effect.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SYA6OKOD6NDLNLXWPSMZM2N2LM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743196460176},"content":"That revenue stream is now in jeopardy across Europe as its sales slide. European sales of Tesla electric vehicles tumbled 49 per cent in the first two months of the year compared with a year earlier even as overall sales of EVs grew, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIO42VZK5NFQJMD2TVQHT3IC7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1743196460177},"content":"Fewer credits will hit Tesla’s revenue stream from their sales, but it will also leave the dependent car firms with a quandary. European buyers shunning Teslas risk running over the toes of Europe’s car executives in their effort to retaliate against Elon Musk.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cantillon"}},"name":"Richard Cantillon"}]},"description":{"basic":"Elon Musk’s company sells carbon credits to the likes of Peugeot, Opel, Citroën, Fiat and Alfa Romeo "},"display_date":"2025-03-29T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"Attacking Tesla will not help Europe’s car industry","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZDJ75V6YNY66AJRSNKMYYTSFHY","auth":{"1":"38db21e220b7210588c82d2ddc125f0887b3349083c2a0aa94f8e0b5ab9f80bf"},"focal_point":{"x":2310,"y":1266},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZDJ75V6YNY66AJRSNKMYYTSFHY.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2025/03/29/attacking-tesla-will-not-help-europes-car-industry/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"K66HOY2NJZD7HKFEOC6OV376DE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":272,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/0af1c707-83db-44de-886e-8efebc1883bd/versions/1743001977/media/f745cb5624547904a78c26a522388220_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/nissan-reveals-three-new-electric-car-models-crossover-leaf-all-electric-micra-and-juke/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BELVH7EL6VDU3OAGO7AVMPFDZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363235},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nissan/\" target=\"_blank\">Nissan</a> has been going through a rough patch of late, with money draining out of the corporate coffers, dire warnings of a major turnaround needed just to keep the company alive, and a failed merger with rival <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/honda/\" target=\"_blank\">Honda</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HETSNXXSBRAHJERR46BJTAQXVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363236},"content":"However bad things might be behind the scenes, Nissan is at least trying to fight back with some new product, and it has revealed three crucial new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric models</a> which are due to go on sale in the next 18 months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RE7VAGBF6RA3PHEDPHLBD67CW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363237},"content":"The first and most important one is the new Leaf. Since it was launched in 2012, the Leaf has been one of the world’s bestselling electric cars, and it was the first EV to win the coveted European Car of the Year award.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6BBKORGNZDP7L6PGTSBY6MF6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363238},"content":"The Leaf past and current has long since been overtaken in technology and range terms by younger rivals (although sales held up, especially in Ireland, thanks to some very competitive pricing).","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLML6ANX5VE4XD7VWDLS2VBT5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363239},"content":"Now, Nissan aims to meet those rivals head on with a new third-generation Leaf, which not only gets a bigger battery but changes its shape from hatchback to low-slung crossover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FIKVXPDLHVH5JJPDOGRN6HC2KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363241},"content":"For the first time, the Leaf will get an up to date EV platform, sharing the CMF-EV chassis with the Nissan Ariya SUV and the Renault Scenic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GX3LGMCNXBFKTIB4U3EN2EYYDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363242},"content":"So far, no official technical details have been revealed, but there is talk of a 600km range, which would suggest that the more expensive versions will have a circa-80kWh battery. Presumably, that means that a smaller battery version, with a range of about 400km, will also be available, which is exactly the pattern followed by the Ariya and Scenic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWGU2V6KNZEMTPTWTAPHW5EKNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363243},"content":"We have not seen inside the new Leaf yet, but if it borrows much from the Ariya – as seems logical – then the cabin will represent a considerable improvement in quality from the current, rather cheap-feeling Leaf.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2KOHV22RZBGZFDEIK2UM2S6GE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363244},"content":"As with range, there are no details yet about charging speeds (the Scenic can handle up to 150kW on DC power) but Nissan has said that its new three-in-one motor (which combines an electric motor, a reducer and a power inverter into one compact module) has allowed it to make considerable efficiency gains.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJ4LILGDTBCTTL5SDMKSFDIEEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363245},"content":"The company also confirmed that the new Leaf will, once again, be built in Nissan’s factory in Sunderland in the UK, which seems to secure the future of that plant for some time to come.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GS7JHM7ZANEFJK3X3IEANLH2RM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363240},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3XMUWLEEMBGCNKXSGL3FEWAO7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363246},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KYGGGKDMBREFJF2LZJUUQZJ34A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363247},"content":"Nissan has also introduced a new all-electric Micra, which will be on sale before the Leaf, likely by the end of this year. The new Micra – complete with cutesy round headlights which hark back to the classic K11 and K12 versions of the 1990s and early 2000s – is based on the same AmpR-EV platform as the new Renault 5 E-Tech, and so it shares that car’s 40kWh and 52kWh batteries, and 120hp and 150hp electric motors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3JTAEA5J4RGD7JKXPSI3BCE3XA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363248},"content":"That means the Micra should have a maximum range – for the larger battery version – of about 400km. It will be built alongside the Renault 5 at Renault’s factory in Douai, France.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FJXIKBYCBHZ5PEKQRBPH3HOWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363249},"content":"There’s a third leg to this Nissan electric rebirth, and it’s the new all-electric Juke. So far, Nissan has shown only an occluded image of this model, which should be on sale about the same time as the new Leaf, in 2026, but we can see that the new Juke has dramatic arrowhead-shaped LE headlights, and has kept the plunging rear roofline of the current model.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFRKEWMGDNBQBONEXTTRFS5TUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363250},"content":"It should be a bit bigger than the current Juke, though – the new EV Juke looks to also be based on the same CMF-EV platform as the new Leaf and the Ariya, so it’s likely to grow a bit compared to the existing hybrid-engined Juke.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKM4L7TXFJB5FA4PWKS2O5ZLVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363251},"content":"Speaking of hybrids, Nissan has also said that it’s about to launch an upgraded version of its e-Power hybrid system. Already on sale in the Qashqai and the X-Trail SUVs, e-Power means that it uses an electric motor to do all of the driving, while there’s a 1.5 petrol engine on board to act as a generator. At no stage does the petrol engine drive the wheels, and there’s no plug for taking on mains power. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNUYMUN52NHXDAHN4JDXFOLURE","additional_properties":{},"content":"E-Power has been a success for Nissan – 1.6-million cars with the system have been sold – but this new update comes with improved efficiency at higher speeds, especially when cruising on the motorway, as well as lower emissions, and better refinement. The new e-Power system will be on sale by the end of this year, debuting in the Qashqai.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KEKEZ4YFNCOLN7JHY7WMO6KKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363253},"content":"What hope for an all-electric Qashqai? It’s on the drawing boards, apparently, but has been held back for a while as Nissan waits for customer demand for EVs to catch up. Expect to see it before the end of the decade.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Nissan might be on its financial uppers, but the company has reveled three crucial new electric models"},"display_date":"2025-03-26T15:07:48.163Z","headlines":{"basic":"Nissan reveals three new electric car models: Crossover Leaf, all-electric Micra and Juke","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HV4D3UJVORANRC3WT6S5RH6BWQ","auth":{"1":"ad82ddb06adc05e5769733e0351039c509ae7f3721f548564dc68cdeebb5dd56"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HV4D3UJVORANRC3WT6S5RH6BWQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/nissan-reveals-three-new-electric-car-models-crossover-leaf-all-electric-micra-and-juke/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"FACCVXIKCBFRPINWO6BRRIVCUY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":678,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/be3c54f8-783c-4317-aa64-59d3953ab653/versions/1742222834/media/4710376a2d75a408c02f4d4eb337cfc1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/how-bad-might-things-get-for-tesla/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IUUYAX2MK5H7VEQWNGVQAF7YUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"A figure of $800 billion (€734 billion) is a lot of money. To put it in context, with Ireland considering <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/02/28/simon-harris-tells-officials-to-cost-huge-military-expansion-including-fighter-jets/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/02/28/simon-harris-tells-officials-to-cost-huge-military-expansion-including-fighter-jets/\">buying a job-lot of cutting-edge jet fighters</a>, a Saab Gripen – regarded as one of the best and most capable current multirole military aircraft – costs about $85 million. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMNUIPRT7BA5JOZUW4OBRUYWPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"So $800 billion is how much value <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\">Tesla</a> has shed since December. Back then, the carmaking brand run by the increasingly controversial <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\">Elon Musk</a>, hit a peak of $480 per share. At time of writing, that value had plummeted to $240 per share, up a little in the past few days, but still half what it was once worth. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLWHHXZD35FZHLVUUZ2I65QKJM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Your sympathies in this instance may be limited, whatever you might think of Musk and his lurch towards outright fascism. Tesla remains the world’s most valuable carmaker, still worth 10 times as much as the likes of General Motors, Volkswagen, or Ford despite making a fraction of the number of cars each year manufactured by those industrial giants. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMCWLMHU7VBARE5UCDMBNFN53Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tesla’s stock market valuation, often described as being vastly overinflated, has long since been based more on its potential as a tech company – developing autonomous driving taxis, humanoid robots, and artificial intelligence systems – than as a maker of electric cars. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NO52I34IFBDDJ44YZLY3MWMD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Still, the foundations of Tesla have been badly rocked, and much of it appears due to Musk’s increasingly erratic and autocratic tendencies. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EE3NGIT7NZCY3NLDPKMIPTSEUM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Musk’s support of US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a>, and his eventual elevation under Trump to head up the highly controversial department of government efficiency, have meant car buyers of a more liberal bent abandoning the brand. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6D3KS4GTNVGNFOGLFIJS7IXAEY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Germany, where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/01/09/musk-says-things-will-get-much-worse-for-germany-unless-voters-rally-behind-far-right-party/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/01/09/musk-says-things-will-get-much-worse-for-germany-unless-voters-rally-behind-far-right-party/\">Musk attracted ire for his support of the hard-right political party Alternative Für Deutschland</a> (AfD) Tesla sales fell by 71 per cent in February, a drop which was perhaps not coincidental with Musk employing not one but two stiff-armed salutes, which seemed to reference those used by the Nazi party in the 1930s and 1940s, at Trump’s inauguration ceremony.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TAILCERE2JD37FAVR7SFOTECDY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tesla sales plummet across Europe amid Elon Musk backlash","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"SHYY5S7OABBITPJWXCQRNRFU2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"France marked similar drops in Tesla sales, as did the United Kingdom. In Ireland, Tesla sales have also fallen so far this year, but to a far smaller degree. Irish Tesla sales are down 6.1 per cent compared with the first two months of 2024, but there’s devil in that detail. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GZGYYU37FCGREYVIUTY7NVSPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sales of the Model Y SUV, at one point the biggest-selling car in the world, have fallen by 53 per cent in Ireland, but that is less likely due to us developing a sudden national loathing for Musk, and more likely because a new, potentially improved, Model Y has just been launched but is yet to land on Irish shores. The Model 3 saloon, updated last year, has seen a 28 per cent increase in Irish sales. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXUNIC2GQZFJPL7VLPX4AD63FQ","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-96120","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A2OG7CRRIBCD7H3SA5Q6Y2ZYGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In other markets, notably the US market, Tesla is being increasingly seen as a lightning rod for people’s sudden realisation of just how dramatic the shift to the far right American politics has seen this year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZS3CZ62EZFMDIX4I6LAPBKGEM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Musk is the world’s wealthiest man, but much of his wealth is tied up with both Tesla’s stock market valuation and with various loans which are tied to that value. That has turned Tesla from a mere carmaker into a potential lever for those seeking to exert political influence at a time when the Trump administration appears to be doing all it can to stamp out dissent and criticism.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2M5YMKP4BCVBJ5OGOUT2CTTO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ed Niedermeyer is one of Tesla’s and Musk’s staunchest critics. A former senior editor at the Drive and Automotive News, he’s also the author of Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors, published in 2019. Niedermeyer has some skin in this game – he’s a leading light in the recently emerged #TeslaTakedown movement which is, quite genuinely, seeking to bankrupt the world’s richest man by protesting against the sales of his cars. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DS4V2QGWHZHVTK6FREY5JJG4HQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Irish Times asked Niedermeyer if the current sales slump at Tesla is a blip, or something for more serious for the company? “Like everything about the future, it kind of depends on us, right?” Niedermeyer responded. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3FSQ6INGZE2DGF3RJ5TVJ3XNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Are Elon Musk’s antics just a blip for Tesla or permanent brand breakdown?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VEH6PX45JBAUZDSOY7VBQKPEHE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“What I’ve been trying to communicate to people is that if taken seriously, Tesla is an immensely powerful lever that the public has to exert some influence over the political situation, at least with regards to Elon Musk. That there’s sort of fundamental vulnerabilities. That while he seems invulnerable, you look at the wealth. And sort of like the Death Star, there’s that thermal exhaust port that is a very fundamental weakness. There’s no guarantee that that we’ll be able to blow up the Death Star, so to speak, but the opportunity certainly exists. I want to make people aware of that so they understand the options around the table.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWSLPOKMAZFMTNFJBASDXJ7TNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Is it actually possible to topple one of the world’s most powerful and influential people in such a manner, though? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKMFBA4AYZHF5FMLCYFFZTW654","additional_properties":{},"content":"Niedermeyer certainly thinks so. “The first thing to recognise, is that Elon Musk was not elected, that we as a body politic have not had a say in the power that he now wields. And so the question is, what can we do about it? And and my argument is that this is the only real opportunity that we have to exert meaningful influence on the situation between now and the next election. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2CRXA5EDLC45BEL4SAFRTGE5M","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"JX2CFHH3DBCUVHQRUANQTEABEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFNLSZ27AJEJVDXHOKQ4LUCDPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Even in the next election, he wasn’t elected, so the idea that the political system is going to be the way to remove him is not, I think, any more clear than the opportunity that this opportunity presents. And while that’s uncertain, there’s an X factor to the extent to which people buy in and collective action is able to take place at real scale. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SNGCFDUFNFB7RN2S4JXEMMHBSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“But what I know is that if that scale of rejection of selling Teslas, divesting from the stock, of boycotting future sales, boycotting service revenue, boycotting charging revenue, if that all happens at scale, combined with the other trends in Tesla’s business and the fundamental instability of the stock valuation, and the sort of triggers that are built into that, that could fuel a downward spiral.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZHCYSA6DVH3VCSXCTR7FIRAFE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Never mind the shamrocks: White House showroom opens for business amid ‘Tesla Chainsaw Massacre’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZL2WEKB7WZDDJLFFVLX5OV46NA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Clearly the anti-Tesla, anti-Musk movement has touched a chord, or you wouldn’t have seen Trump reading from a literal Tesla sales pitch, live from the Oval Office. However, there remains the question of how much of the downward trend in Tesla sales and value is due to protest, and how much is merely a blip as the company refreshes an ageing model line-up. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PJCPZ3CVZCDBLNEHTGEA35C5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Matthias Schmidt is the chief European auto market analyst at Schmidt Automotive Research, based in Germany. “Tesla’s regional registrations trend has been downward, even prior to the Trump/AfD contagion. We see the withdrawal of purchase subsidies for EVs in many key European markets having a big negative impact, which was priced into Tesla’s business model and is now absent,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LX5AQXDJZNEZNJOOE6RFIOCVK4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Being a pure-player EV company, Tesla was most exposed to this. The ageing and limited model line-up is also impacting them, and alongside that, the market for first-time adopters who were drawn to new brands such as Tesla is likely seeing some market saturation as incumbents increasingly bring new EV models to market to reach sharpening regulatory emission levels. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"34733QL26NCANM2BEGJP7MLVVY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The imminent introduction of the Model Y refresh could also be causing some purchasing decisions to be delayed, impacting January even harder, while the baseline last year was slightly inflated thanks to the Model 3 refresh roll-out. EU anti-subsidy tariffs may be having a small impact but Tesla has the least exposure here due to it facing the lowest rate of all manufacturers exporting BEV models from China to the EU, and it impacts the Model 3 only.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4FBYNPY6NFS3OXK6NLLL22JUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Schmidt also said there is some underlying protest movement effect. “In highly emotional Germany, we are seeing increasing anecdotal evidence – such as bumper stickers – of a consumer shift due to the toxic fallout from the AfD comments as consumers vote with their feet and look for, shall we say, Alternatives Für Tesla.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GO7NIKXJWBB5JJ5GW24U46MFTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Ireland, such sentiments seem thin on the ground at the moment. The Irish Times has made repeated attempts to contact current Tesla owners to see if they’re now feeling the tingling sensations of buyer’s remorse, but perhaps concerns over flatlining their residual value have kept their heads below the parapets for now. There are anecdotal reports of used Teslas becoming increasingly hard to trade in and move on, but that could be as much about market saturation and the reluctance of used car buyers to move to electric as it is any political toxicity. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7YS3V6PAJC25HO3YAFHJM2QAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Adrian Slattery, of electric car leasing specialists DCEV, said that when it comes to anti-Tesla sentiment, “we definitely see it in the UK with posters on bus stops and murmurings of shaming owners, but not so much in our circles in Ireland. Although their numbers across Europe are way down, we still see a lot of new and used models zipping around the Irish cities and towns. The second-hand Model 3 market is still very strong here”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZIGIPFWPNE7ZPMFXVHVWOR72E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Potentially a much bigger worry for Musk and Tesla could be far away from the political sphere, and simply the fact that where Teslas were once pioneering and ground-breaking, now they’re having to compete with a multitude of other very impressive EV models. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ICA3LCYFOBFMNERDRVGSYN7ZYQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The New York Times reports that in China, buyers are abandoning their Teslas not because they’re bothered about fascist salutes or the mass-firing of US government employees, but simply because other brands can offer them more. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXJYIMCWR5ETVLUN5BCLTAPKGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"One report has it that consumers can buy two Chinese-brand EVs for the price of one Tesla, and that seems borne out by sales figures – in the first two months of 2025 in China, Tesla sold 60,480 cars, while it’s biggest rival, in global as well as Chinese terms, BYD, sold 481,318 (although some of those in fairness were hybrids, not all fully electric models).","type":"text"},{"_id":"IK25ZN27VVHCPGH3OIQMW3P5UM","additional_properties":{},"content":"BYD’s vice-president Stella Li has recently said that she would be open to a collaboration with Tesla, telling The Financial Times: “Our common enemy is the internal combustion engine car. We need to work together … to make the industry change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUFFQCXUDBDQ3K66VXM3MHCHVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Quite how Musk might view such a collaboration is at present unknown (has anyone checked his X feed?), but one assumes that collaborating with a gigantic Chinese car maker would not be a good look in the current corridors of Washington power. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7LBTSRDQFGLHO67O3HSEXVQPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also remains to be seen whether Tesla is genuinely teetering on the brink of disaster, or whether the recent plummet in sales and stock is just a blip from which the carmaker, and its chief executive, can recover. Given time and space, most companies can recover from most problems, but the ticking clock of quarterly results will have investors spooked, and if they begin to demand change, Musk’s troubles may merely be beginning. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Irish sales of the controversial electric car brand are holding up and will probably increase overall this year"},"display_date":"2025-03-26T06:18:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How bad might things get for Tesla?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TQMBVOMS3GIVU4GQMXLX6J3X3Y","auth":{"1":"9390a3bfcf8c70cf270d902ac844d456e9fad5180b394f2c6ba8ccd48d0c920b"},"focal_point":{"x":2308,"y":1888},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TQMBVOMS3GIVU4GQMXLX6J3X3Y.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/how-bad-might-things-get-for-tesla/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"2UM25I56FZH6DE4I2AHFOXK33U","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2025/03/25/popularity-of-electric-and-hybrid-cars-surge/","content_elements":[{"_id":"R5R4R5GX5RFH5KKLVBMUIOM22U","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"4AR2FBC6INHGTKHQF5AUYVBO7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"The drive towards electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles continued last month as both cohorts recorded significant year-on-year increases in new car licenses.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XO4YTR4N3ZACPHXZBG5LMAGYYY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The latest data from the Central Statistics Office shows the number of new electric vehicles (EVs) licensed in February rose by 38 per cent to 2,853 from 2,067 the year before.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OHUGOHLHIVG47OBHZGRDFVTGFA","additional_properties":{},"content":"This means the share of EVs among new private cars increased to 20 per cent compared with 15 per cent in the same month in 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ALQHET47FZFXZEQZLMSKD4BJAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The number of new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) licensed grew by 65 per cent from 1,321 to 2,179. This has increased the share of PHEVs among new private cars from 9 per cent in February last year to 15 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IFN25J3YWRBXFJZTEREZIXYV4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"The data also shows a drop in popularity for petrol with 9,593 new cars licensed in the first two months of the year, compared with 10,121 in the same period last year, representing a fall of 5 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ED6H4RURJBUJNPXEMKMV24APM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The drop off has been even more significant for diesel, falling 22 per cent from 7,774 to 6,079 over the same period.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M2BQHOR2TZDUPMC3PUHRHRWNII","additional_properties":{},"content":"The combined share of petrol and diesel cars among new private cars licensed in the year-to-date has fallen from 51 per cent to 42 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCD5E2AMS5C6PNLAGPPKMW7ZNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Overall, the total number of new private cars licensed in February grew slightly in comparison with the same period in 2024 from 13,979 to 14,394. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LKAUP7TDOVCWNN6K73LO27EGNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"On used cars, the number of new licenses increased by 9 per cent from 4,994 to 5,454 over the same period. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYOLWY3OPZDTFLPJSB6XJRZG74","additional_properties":{},"content":"Some 1,450 of these were diesel, compared with 1,388 in the same period of 2024, which represented an increase of 4 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VIRQN62F5BSZFOIC6WOBFLHKQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The data also shows Toyota was the most popular make of new private car licensed in February at 2,024 vehicles, followed by Hyundai (1,481), Volkswagen (1,363), Kia (1,323), and Skoda (1,083). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WTTD4WH3IBF2FEJOP6MKHGVYJU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Together, these five makes represented 51 per cent of all new private cars licensed in February.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WAELPBIB3FHWNKX7AVFONWQQNI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The most popular brand of new electric car licensed in February was the Tesla Model 3 (313), followed by Volkswagen ID.4 (248), and the Kia EV 3 (192).","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Colin Gleeson"}},"name":"Colin Gleeson"}]},"description":{"basic":"Combined share of petrol and diesel cars among new private cars licensed so far this has fallen from 51% to 42%"},"display_date":"2025-03-25T12:51:44.596Z","headlines":{"basic":"Popularity of electric and hybrid cars surge ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4JM7TLRUIDV2VW6MLNUDNYUJM4","auth":{"1":"b9dfc9a2292fa0e617fdf5b7ad796d8115b40e5545d0b5e2524aa3f7639ff374"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4JM7TLRUIDV2VW6MLNUDNYUJM4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2025/03/25/popularity-of-electric-and-hybrid-cars-surge/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}}],"count":423,"_id":"84401f1520a41ff48a9a3d18048c1ca7386ec341e3f718b34959f0e423b90845"},"expires":1743512924068,"lastModified":1743512622132}},"star-review-query-feed":{"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":7,\"offset\":0,\"query\":\"(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"/motors\\\") AND (subtype:\\\"Review\\\")\",\"size\":7}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"7AKTG327PNHD5NDRYQTVR4AAZM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":463,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/18a9d994-398d-42c9-97d8-f36f95b6e257/versions/1742379935/media/29d39673aaf26ec3d16afcfbb97292f1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/26/ineos-grenadier-quartermaster-pickup-review-flawed-but-still-a-guilty-pleasure/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FUHSX46N4RF3LF76ZUQEFGBIAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are many things in my life that fall under the umbrella of “I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t quite help myself”. These include: eating an entire packet of M&S Insanely Chocolatey Custard Creams in one sitting; watching too many films based on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marvel\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marvel\">Marvel</a> comic books; buying <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lego/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lego/\">Lego</a>; staying up too late watching Formula One race repeats on the TV; having just one more glass of wine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OI5FRKLSBAHFKF3MWRQKL4JAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The list is certainly not limited to the above, but that’s as much as I’m prepared to admit in a public forum. However, that list does need expanding by one to include “liking the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ineos/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ineos/\">Ineos</a> Grenadier Quartermaster”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NN33RT7CNBECJNAUJ5K2EPLH3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"I know, I know. Captain Anti-SUV suddenly likes an SUV. Except, I don’t. Whatever the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is, it’s certainly not an SUV. SUVs are pointlessly tall versions of regular passenger cars that crowd out the roads and pavements around school gates. I’ve done the school run this week in the Quartermaster, and I can tell you it’s most certainly not an SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJOUMB6VIJCTXCVO3AE63KP4EI","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3FCMOBBNP5FQ3JFMHWS6HP5XBE","additional_properties":{},"content":"How about Land Rover pastiche, then? Well, there’s some truth in that – the boss of Ineos, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jim-ratcliffe/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jim-ratcliffe/\">Jim Ratcliffe</a> (latterly of Manchester United and the Mercedes F1 team too) – decided that he didn’t like what <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/land-rover\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/land-rover\">Land Rover</a> was doing with its second-generation Defender, and so decided that he’d pivot his gigantic chemical company into making what he considered to be the rightful heir to the original hard-working Land Rover. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CDQSYV5FZGNBGGGMF6YNFFAFM","additional_properties":{},"content":"So, a vehicle was designed, a supply of BMW straight-six engines and ZF gearboxes arranged and a factory in Hambach in France, formerly home of the Smart ForTwo, purchased (that despite Radcliffe’s apparent support for Brexit). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SRZHS6L5TBFTXFEY4T3MER7IMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Grenadier duly appeared, looking roughly like a cross between an original Land Rover Defender and an original Mercedes G-Wagen (or, if you’re feeling less generous, a 4x4 that you’d find on the streets in GTA 6, because the game designers didn’t pay a licensing fee). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"G7MGKSQRMVCJ7HEQRBGSXWJAII","additional_properties":{},"content":"Noisy, somewhat crude, but certainly rugged and useful (and also very, very expensive), the Grenadier has gone on to at least modest success. The company’s Irish importer, Orangeworks, has a unique arrangement, selling its wares by appointment only at an off-roading and adventure sports complex in the ground of Carton House Hotel, just outside Dublin. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPSHCTSYLFB4HJMSU5YC5QN74Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"This is the Grenadier Quartermaster, the brand’s first pickup truck, and a model which for the moment Land Rover has no answer. The current Defender can apparently not be rejigged as a pickup, so the goal is almost open for Ineos, aside from the fact that it has to get past the likes of Ford’s Ranger, VW’s Touareg, and Toyota’s Hilux on the way.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLC5EP5N6JBFHBV34QRCIYYB7A","additional_properties":{},"content":"There is much that might trip the Quartermaster up en route to the back of the net. Not least is its price tag, which – as tested – is €68,995 before VAT is applied, a price that would get you a top-spec version of any of the other three without worrying about VAT. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXASSJJJYBAHBGPQJ3REBXRXZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equally, while the Quartermaster has a wide-open rear-load bed, it’s not actually all that roomy, and you have to remove the upright spare tyre from the back if you want to carry a Euro pallet. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VMQDODY3EBHOBBIEXBPRNSUWXA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4FE6VWO4MBBZTIDKQD5RI57D2Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equally, the Grenadier is stuck carrying less than one tonne of payload weight, although that’s true too of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2023/05/23/fords-new-raptor-is-an-engineering-feat-but-a-thirsty-beast/?\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2023/05/23/fords-new-raptor-is-an-engineering-feat-but-a-thirsty-beast/?\">Ford Ranger Raptor</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2FUI4V34RHADBI33SKXPQDHKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"You can have the Grenadier Quartermaster in a two-seat crew-cab layout, with a vast enclosed load area where the rear seats should be, or as with our test car, you can have the rear seats left well enough alone. Space in those rear seats is tight, but there’s plenty of comfort up front, even with an odd driving position forced on you by the offset of the pedals. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FE2RYNF34FGC7LRCWRDH5WRIT4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The BMW 3.0-litre engine comes in either petrol or diesel form, and our test car used the 249hp diesel engine. In BMWs, this engine is whisper quiet with a low, deep, brassy grumble when pressed hard. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KBPXADGUFBHWTBPNGKVDTRF7OM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the Quartermaster, it sounds like you’re standing in the engine room of a car ferry, and the noise doesn’t really ever go away, even if you can tell that the engine is inherently smooth. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MSSPDE3DBACLLZYNATU6BGZSQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LKT4SAKOCBCEXMG7O7SLEVL6VU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The automatic gearbox is as good as it ever was (this ZF box is by far the best modern auto transmission) but the large live axles, chunky off-road tyres and woeful turning circle all do their bit to make life that bit harder behind the wheel. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"INRNJ5RYQZBOHJJHVTMAOPLZEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equally, the steering – 3.85-turns lock-to-lock, and with no self-centring – is deeply odd, occasionally obstructive, and takes more than a little getting used to. Three-point turns? Try 20-point. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JA73MAJRCBBEFCXDC4IOMZVODE","additional_properties":{},"content":"And yet, I can’t ignore the lure of the Grenadier. Say what you like about its crudity and that fact that it is tantalisingly close to being a piece of agricultural machinery, it is rather good fun. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NBIR3UEXZVE4PJHVTWAM7ZS3SY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Take it to some serious off-road sections and the Grenadier lopes about, climbing, clambering, slipping, sliding, descending, and generally getting about like a big metal mountain goat. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBGNQCR2HRH25FF4TA3QI2ZDNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The engine is tuned for leisurely performance down low, which is a pain in traffic, but makes perfect sense when you’re trying to carefully eke out torque on a muddy hillside. There are locking differentials and low-range gears for serious terrain, but even amid the mud, standing water, and hills of our test route, none of that was needed – the Grenadier Quartermaster tackled it all as easily as those SUVs tackled the school run, albeit with rather more enjoyment and the fun of (literally) mucking about outdoors. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XI5LD6EXTVB2JBQE2S6IIUPV2I","additional_properties":{},"content":"It’s not a dead loss in more normal driving either. True, refinement is compromised but the Grenadier Quartermaster actually cruises quite nicely on the motorway, once you accept the need for constant steering tweaks to maintain a steady course. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ECPQZ3BUPBC6RDCJ2AZZNMXJ7Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YOUS4JBOMNATNLQ4XB4ROYZ6NM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The button-strewn interior is a silly pastiche, but those clunky, meaty, proper buttons feel great to use. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4BK5KYAOYNDEXBH3OVFEEAQ4XM","additional_properties":{},"content":"So, yes, the Grenadier Quartermaster is daft. If you’re looking for a hard-working pickup, the Ford, VW, and Toyota options make so much more sense. If you’re looking for something that can go seriously off the beaten track, then the Land Rover Defender is equally talented and yet cruises main roads with the refinement of a Range Rover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GV4WN7BN3JGXRNIBOUBS5QMUNY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Even so, with the desert camo beige paint job of our test car (officially called Magic Mushroom, yes seriously), the chunky buttons, and the generally old-fashioned approach to motoring, I find myself still charmed by the Grenadier Quartermaster. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"X277CDPBK5G7VDEEOESYIR4TOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lowdown: Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster","type":"header"},{"_id":"7VAKHPFMERH2BAFJIAMSFPIHTY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Power </b>3.0-litre straight-six diesel putting out 249hp and 550Nm of torque through an eight-speed automatic gearbox powering all four wheels. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUXREMXIIJEQJG4TGHXYYJ4EBU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>0-100km/h: </b>9.8 seconds. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFLFN773T5ATLO5B4M2XPEZWZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Emissions (motor tax) </b>295g/km (€333 commercial tax) ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OC2JE5YHJVDWTGXAYIFQCQZU7I","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption</b> 11.2l/100km (WLTP). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIM4KD4JPNGGPP7L543ZYCBN5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Price</b> €68,995 + VAT as tested. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYHV24TLSRCLNCLBOGX4S4SMIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Our rating</b> 2/5 ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGOXS5MPH5H5DEH3J6PSAH56OY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Our verdict </b>Badly flawed in many areas, yet has a certain charm","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"The big, rugged pickup truck is compromised in many ways – and expensive"},"display_date":"2025-03-26T06:11:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pickup review: Flawed but still a guilty pleasure","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"G3R52QXHLBEBRHRQEE3NXWPX2M","auth":{"1":"891badce43ba1bdbda8d60aecf49b45659130c822aa68d6aae52a3e0fa267aa3"},"focal_point":{"x":2469,"y":1789},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/G3R52QXHLBEBRHRQEE3NXWPX2M.jpeg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/26/ineos-grenadier-quartermaster-pickup-review-flawed-but-still-a-guilty-pleasure/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"2HKBGCVBJ5DATHXLZTIAAG2HNY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":535,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a10b5c9c-30eb-4eee-8545-7650e99a694a/versions/1741791460/media/7df84b90fc21f3c83309f31a2fcb5500_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/18/cupra-formentor-review-finally-it-makes-sense/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FNE4A34FNVEPNAMFB7WA6VW3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154588},"content":"At long last, I’ve driven a Cupra that makes sense. To me, at least. The Formentor was Cupra’s first stand-alone model, not shared with Seat, from which the Cupra brand sprang having once been Seat’s high-performance model badge (Cupra was to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/seat/\" target=\"_blank\">Seat</a> as R is to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_blank\">VW</a>).","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRXUOCQWQVGDHOAESRSN6GXOO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154589},"content":"Launched in 2020, the Formentor shared its structure and engines with plenty of other VW Group metal. The MQB chassis underneath is also the basis of a Golf and a Skoda Kodiaq and everything (everything that’s not <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric</a>-only) in between. It was, and is, a sort of low-slung SUV, with a bit of extra ride height but without the overly bulky body.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A4IIN7PIDFA4ZFCRECRHPHHRZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154591},"content":"For 2025, Cupra has updated the Formentor, and the first thing it has changed is the styling at the front - the last thing it should have changed. The original Formentor had a very handsome combo of shield-like grille and slim, almond-shaped lights. The new one has a blunt visage, with a slit for an air intake and slim lights, which looks a little lizard-like but not as good as the original. Shame.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2A4AN3WMXVDFLEV5JVX7LYPBFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154593},"content":"The updates inside have been rather more successful. The new 12.9-inch touchscreen is, as with so many such systems, far too big and far too fiddly and far too distracting (using your phone behind the wheel is a crime, but stabbing at one of these is okay, somehow?) but at least it’s easier than before. Overall cabin quality is good, and the front high-backed bucket seats are excellently supportive and squishy at the same time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUQ66J7NKJG3BEFTHD6QOXLPTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154594},"content":"Space in the back isn’t so good, but if that’s the trade-off for having a lower, less chunky body, I’ll buy it. This being the plug-in hybrid model, you do lose some boot space, reducing the volume to a mere 345 litres, which is pretty stingy, but the Formentor just about gets away with it. It’s hard to believe that a smaller Toyota Yaris Cross has a much bigger boot, though.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQQMBYEOTZDZRPSVL2AWNIO32Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154595},"content":"Moving back to the front, the Formentor gets a cool-looking steering wheel that has, in the spirit of an AMG Mercedes, or a Porsche 911, or even an Alfa Romeo Giulia, a pair of round buttons dangling off the horizontal spokes. One is the engine stop-start button, which adds some much needed sports-car theatre to getting into the Formentor and firing it up, while the other simply wears Cupra’s two-pronged badge, and adjusts the driving modes. This, as we shall see, becomes crucial.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2MI7AKF2BB33HV75H3PTYNFYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154597},"content":"As mentioned, this is the plug-in hybrid version of the Formentor, and if you’re sensitive to the cost of motor tax, or if you’re a company car buyer, it’s the only Formentor that makes sense thanks to its tiny 10g/km CO2 emissions figure. That’s thanks to a large 20kWh battery, which in theory gives the Formentor an electric range on a full charge of 118km. Combined with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, you’ve got 272hp and 400Nm of combined torque to play with – which are at least within shouting distance of the top-spec 333hp four-wheel drive Formentor, and which are a big improvement on the old 50km-EV-ranged Formentor plug-in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQTHVQN53ZAIPALXFAAMQLPLMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154598},"content":"Speaking of plugging in, this Formentor is one of a new breed of plug-in hybrids – an increasingly popular breed in Ireland, with sales up significantly so far this year – which can fast-charge at up to 50kW from a public DC charger. This is not only a boon to people such as myself, who can’t charge at home, but it also means you can stretch your electric range and improve your fuel economy on long journeys. You’ll also have every Nissan Leaf driver in a 100km radius reaching for the pitchfork and torches, but hey – public infrastructure is public infrastructure and it’s there to be used.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZP7NB3CBHRGE7NNFFDGUHTPDQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154590},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CZE2BUQZ4FCEZMAFFXF5VFI3AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154592},"type":"image"},{"_id":"EICPV2M7UVCI3AFVZCBYLRGVVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154596},"type":"image"},{"_id":"S5Y6BKLONRAX3MQ73QPYSE2BAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154599},"content":"However, things aren’t quite as rosy as that makes it seem. For a start, on a full charge, we struggled to break 80km of electric range, which is certainly useful, but not quite as good as you’d hope. Any hopes that the bigger battery and more flexible EV system might also translate into better long-range fuel economy were quickly dashed – in spite of its compact nature, the Formentor struggles to do much better than 8.0-litres per 100km on a motorway run, which is pretty poor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7MTV7GIKRFZBMNZ6HDYLIBK54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154600},"content":"However, as I said at the top, this is the Cupra that makes the most sense for me, because I think I’ve finally cracked the code of its appeal. For a start, you’ve got to stop thinking of it as a posh Seat. For a second, you’ve got to press that Cupra badge button on the steering wheel, and call up the car’s sportiest driving mode.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5X3GWEAAAZDIXMIZB5N22HVYAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154601},"content":"Now, thanks to the miracle of synthesised engine noise, the 1.5 shifts from humming to growling, the throttle response sharpens, the adaptive suspension (part of a €1,134 option pack that also includes Matrix LED headlights) stiffens and the Formentor goes from being a touch pointless to being good fun to drive. It’s quick – the 7.2 second 0-100km/h time feels, initially, pessimistic as the Formentor leaps forward on its electric torque, but that puff does run out quite quickly if you find a stretch of road where it’s safe and legal to keep your foot down hard for long enough to reach 100km/h in one go.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQPLVXGO5JDVNPDBLSN7PWCTGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154602},"content":"It’s also mostly sure-footed, although it’s not perfect in the dynamic department. Electric torque means it’s alarmingly easy to spin up the front wheels on a less than dry road (four-wheel drive would be a welcome option) while the long-travel suspension can become a little springy and bouncy when pressed too hard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCTJ7TT2YFBH5H7H4FMPVGJKII","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154603},"content":"However, it’s precisely that long-travel suspension that’s the key to the Formentor’s appeal. With that performance and that ride height, I finally twigged what it’s trying to be – it’s not a Seat with attitude, it’s an affordable alternative to a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lamborghini/\" target=\"_blank\">Lamborghini</a> Huracan Sterrato, or a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/porsche/\" target=\"_blank\">Porsche</a> 911 Dakar. No, seriously – stumpy performance, sweet steering, a sense of fun and adventure, and the ground clearance so you don’t worry about snagging expensive bodywork on the odd stalagmite.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4WX2RGRPZEIBOB6VOP4WDHVGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154604},"content":"That said, the word “affordable” is debatable. The Formentor range kicks off at a not-outrageous €39,885, but in basic form this plug-in hybrid version would cost you a robust €59,135. Wait for it, though, because someone has added €10,000 worth of optional extras to this one, bringing the price tag to an eye-watering €69,698. That’s a price so painful that it will leave a welt on your wallet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVG3ZFNIBBFEHLDPRBCVLXBEOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154605},"content":"However, you can strip out some of the less useful bits. I could live without the matt-brown “Century Bronze” paint (€2,626), the panoramic glass roof (€1,287), and the upgraded 19-inch alloys (€1,641 – just stick with the standard 19-inch items). I’d keep the excellent Sennheiser stereo (a bargain at €704) and the adaptive suspension (€1,134) but it’s a bit much, in these safety-conscious days that Cupra wants an extra €2,017 for the upgraded safety systems package.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PHJLA4Q4KVH2ZAK4GVGS7YYF5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154606},"content":"Excise the unnecessary from that list and you’re still left with a car that’s way too expensive. Then again, a Porsche 911 Dakar is still more than four times the price. The good news is that not only is the Formentor fun to drive, it’s also a Cupra that doesn’t give you brain-ache in trying to work out what it’s supposed to be.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXDUJHGBIFHYHO3CRZI623EEMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154607},"content":"Lowdown: Cupra Formentor VZ 1.5 TSI e-Hybrid","type":"header"},{"_id":"AIK4I7OC35HQLA2J4SRGEKGEOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154608},"content":"<b>Power:</b> 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 85kW motor and 20kWh lithium-ion battery producing 272hp and 400Nm of torque and powering the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KJUZTOQINFWXMC3ESHHOO6FVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154609},"content":"<b>CO2 emissions (annual motor tax):</b> 10g/km (€140)","type":"text"},{"_id":"BG3DG333WBHXNBCL72775GLKRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154610},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption: </b>0.4l/100km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSQIYJNH7JGYJD24QVY27BOTBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154611},"content":"<b>0-100km/h:</b> 7.2 secs","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDFTBLPSWVAMTPKKXOYZTZGB2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154612},"content":"<b>Price:</b> €69,698 as tested; Formentor starts from €39,135","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VAL7VX3NJHELMOMIQ2GN7FAU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154613},"content":"<b>Our rating: </b>3/5","type":"text"},{"_id":"AO7N5WGZAJCVNI7PRZVMSG5CIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154614},"content":"<b>Verdict:</b> Fun, rugged, and kinda cool but searingly expensive and the old version was better looking.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Updated Formentor isn’t as handsome as before, but it’s good fun"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T05:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Cupra Formentor review: Finally it makes sense","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DDWU3P63JNBPPAYFKCAZ5UEAIQ","auth":{"1":"f948d0101bd1da1b9e59798b8d35cca1d22e24b5d9126f788e526f5cda2f14df"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DDWU3P63JNBPPAYFKCAZ5UEAIQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/18/cupra-formentor-review-finally-it-makes-sense/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"YK6VCPVO7ZECFLMGW2P6AJT44A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":503,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/397a2487-4d38-41e4-9541-244b0eb64c36/versions/1741187462/media/b861dd30956f4f74c08d0ed42385c0b1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/12/ev-latest-smart-styling-and-competitive-pricing-give-xpengs-g6-the-x-factor/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DTH353CZRNCLPHUQXIUT4O5I2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034356},"content":"Another week and another new brand with a moniker that sounds like a new mobile phone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AYDNPMVUIVDMLKHCUO45YBOEYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034357},"content":"Cynics suggest that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric vehicles </a>(EVs) are turning cars into commodity white goods, purchased with as much passion as one would when selecting a tumble dryer. There is a grain of truth in this, but to consider the G6 in that context would be a serious mistake.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXTEL5W5T5CEJIAQKOVUKLCBGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034358},"content":"Firstly, Xpeng’s name has a meaning. It is named after one of its co-founders, He Xiaopeng, who has been compared – often by friendly Chinese media – to Elon Musk. Admittedly, that was before his White House escapades.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7GVFQEJKVBDGXKW6PNT6BUC6EQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034359},"content":"Xpeng has pretensions of becoming the next Tesla. While that may have seemed far-fetched a few months ago, Musk’s increasingly divisive image may allow Xpeng to attract some disgruntled Tesla owners, particularly in the larger European markets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5JWJX3HYLVHQZACP3FNFXF3MMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034360},"content":"Park the politics, and it’s easy to see why Xpeng’s G6 may lure Tesla Model Y owners to the Chinese brand. For a start, the car is simply better looking than the Model Y and most of the myriad crossover-sized all-electric cars available. One passerby at Dublin Airport even compared it to the Porsche Macan – and we can see why.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIA5F7OMVVBQ7KYWHK522URO5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034361},"content":"The G6 looks sleek and stylish. What went awry with European car design that led to the Chinese delivering elegant coupe crossovers while European brands churn out overworked, boxy cars clad with false grilles, often in cheap plastic?","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMGW6DSCK5G37NIVFNGE4ZPFBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034362},"content":"Inside, it follows the standard EV playbook: big touchscreen, minimal physical buttons, and decent leg space atop a big battery with a wheel at each corner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YH76HIECXND6DFDGSVJJ22LVRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034363},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WCTJZPOM3BBRLNZDCJNCNU36PE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034364},"content":"The touchscreen displays are as slick and confusingly compiled as we’ve come to expect. Changing the temperature is relatively simple, but controlling the heated seat or adjusting the fans requires tapping on three dots that are simply not easy to target while also keeping an eye on the road.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVGDMPECYRC3LOXXFQ3ARDIM4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034365},"content":"Forget about trying anything more complex. As with many cars these days, there is a multitude of software options and capabilities that most motorists will never engage with – just like the dozens of apps on your phone that you never open.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C3VRML6DDVDG3L5VZA6T6I3WVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034366},"content":"It’s a clean, airy cabin, but it has all the character and charm of a dentist’s waiting room.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5ZXJ7LEO4JGXTB3FG5DCLESFBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034367},"content":"Xpeng has made a big deal of its “Xpilot” active safety systems, which include five high-definition millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic wave radars, and 12 cameras.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5BMKRRAYYVEXTDDELAM4ELWP5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034368},"content":"When it comes to driving, the G6 has so many sensors and alerts that bleep and ping, you quickly realise it would prefer if you weren’t interfering. The driver is meant to sit down, stare out the window, and steer. Obedience is rewarded with silence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPL3U6QW4JEATNDGMOPSX5H5OE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034369},"content":"The long-range version we tested pushes the price up to just under €50,000, but that also increases the official WLTP range from 435km in the standard 66kWh version to 570km thanks to its 87.5kWh battery pack.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHRRW4Q2HVBSDDB3PIWGBNMWWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034370},"content":"Staying with battery packs, the G6 can handle serious fast charging, thanks to its 800V architecture. Plugged into an Ionity charging station, you can watch the mileage range increase like fuel in a regular car’s tank. We can attest that this car really can go from just over 10 per cent charge to more than 80 per cent (delivering a claimed range of more than 400km) in under 30 minutes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTMGQUB6GRFL7AJMF3H7CE6BAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034371},"content":"In Ireland, the G6 will only be available with rear-wheel drive from a single electric motor, with two outputs. The Standard Range model’s motor delivers up to 258hp, while the Long Range version manages 286hp.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z534DNAE6BGQ3F6OP356GCNQNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034372},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Z45TZA32RNACVKZGHJUVFLT4SA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034373},"content":"The Xpeng is relatively quick on the road – well, as quick as all the other mid-sized EV crossovers on the market right now. The nice thing about the G6 is that power is delivered smoothly, avoiding the jerky, all-or-nothing feel that has many EV passengers reaching for a sick bag after 100km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJAOI36IPNCMROHKMIY5ECH2IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034374},"content":"Smooth power delivery meant we completed several rural road drives without having to use the brakes at all, instead simply managing speed through throttle control.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4C4OMBYI5BNNEM2MYHPRAZCXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034375},"content":"As for ride quality, the price paid for delivering a sense of steering control and keeping the heavy battery from bouncing along bumpy roads is a relatively firm suspension. This results in a stiffer ride than you might expect if you are not used to larger EVs. The upside comes in the bends, where the G6 holds its line well.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLLNABU5XBB35PTE74EHB67VQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034376},"content":"In terms of consumption, like the battery charging speed, range figures align with promises, delivering 17-19kWh/100km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDXKSCPT2FD3THBOMHKFJYFLCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034377},"content":"But the most tempting feature of the Xpeng G6 will be the price. Starting at €42,000, it’s a very attractive proposition. As mentioned, the long-range version comes in just under €50,000, which gives it an edge over Model Y Irish pricing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QTI442VWZNDKRI7UIDUE54PPR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034378},"content":"Tesla is, admittedly, a far more established brand but the Xpeng is simply better looking. And after recently driving a Model Y, it reminded me why Tesla was initially so sought after – but also how failing for years to fully refresh its models has let rivals, even old-school mainstream brands, overtake it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCESSSQD5NGTBDPYS572KOPXO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034379},"content":"The G6 makes you wonder why some premium German rivals believe they can charge €20,000 more for a car that delivers a similar range and arguably less appealing styling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MUYHFXENZDQBGJSREWKOKQOKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034380},"content":"To list all its rivals would take too long, but suffice it to say that it faces competition from Volkswagen Group variants of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vw-id-4/\" target=\"_blank\">ID.4</a>, siblings from Korea in the form of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, and the Franco-Japanese pairing of the Renault Scenic and Nissan Ariya.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HB4JQUKDPNALFOLTJLOAS2EG4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034381},"content":"The problem for Xpeng is that it lacks the character of rival brands. You can see how talk of firmware and cloud integrations fits more naturally with Xpeng than conversations about steering dynamics and throttle response.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUHM6TWJRFFYBHWSDRI4Z2FRGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034382},"content":"Sales will certainly be helped by the fact that its Irish distribution is handled by Motor Distributors Ltd (MDL), which already manages Irish operations for another Chinese brand, BYD.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7RNPREDPFHO7A2SX5OEGZLT5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034383},"content":"So far, MDL’s choice of brands from China’s portfolio has been impressive. The long-time distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Ireland seemingly has a sharp eye for talent. It also has a powerful contact book of customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHI7TSSYZEVTURP6EN2LXGUI5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034384},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3M5W76UTMZD6LAWSCOO5KZH2UE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034385},"content":"And the good news is that Xpeng’s boss, He Xiaopeng, has a realistic view of the challenges. In an interview last November, he described the car industry as “a marathon, not a sprint.” He also said he doesn’t think most Chinese carmakers will survive the next decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MKMSZ7GGJNC2LGJQWPPFCV6DWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034386},"content":"“From 300 start-ups, only 100 survived. Today, there are fewer than 50 companies that still exist, and only 40 of them are actually selling cars every year,” he told the Straits Times in an interview.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBEJ3IZCRFCYTOG2WRE4ORRVRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034387},"content":"“I personally think that there will only be seven major car companies that will exist in the coming 10 years.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLF3CCO5IFEDBH4ZB7XR2XXR4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034388},"content":"He did not specify which Chinese carmakers these might be, but believes Xpeng will be one of them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"STSHUL2O75AJLLMZ6VYVCA6R64","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034389},"content":"<b>Lowdown: Xpeng G6</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"YGL2U7N6FRADFEWTTC7UBQVH44","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034390},"content":"<b>Power:</b> 210kW (282hp) electric motor powering the rear wheels and delivering 440Nm of torque, powered by an 87.5kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3PSU7FXFZHK3GKB6K6SHBZWZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034391},"content":"<b>0-100 km/h:</b> 6.7 seconds","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3HRIBTNLRHNTHAZF4TCZUSVII","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034392},"content":"<b>Range (WLTP):</b> 570km","type":"text"},{"_id":"4L6YCB2KQNET7GSRSTXBNRT4QQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034393},"content":"<b>Consumption:</b> 17.5kWh/100km","type":"text"},{"_id":"KLD7RYD7SRENFGCERKPSFMAXPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034394},"content":"<b>Price:</b> €49,440 as tested (starts at €42,000)","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOEEGCO62FGI5LGHR6SKMWX7WA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034395},"content":"<b>Our rating: 3/5</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YS77MBVCHFFPBKL2FL57XF7HGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034396},"content":"<b>Our verdict:</b> Smart styling and competitive pricing overcome a bland cabin and unremarkable driving dynamics.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"Xpeng may be another unknown brand but the G6 has enough to make you sit up and take notice"},"display_date":"2025-03-12T06:51:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"EV latest: Smart styling and competitive pricing give Xpeng’s G6 the X factor ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PBV6RTO7FRDUTKA7B3JW3VYL3I","auth":{"1":"e868b8b9244508829353f2d6957521f98555523960a894502cccf9fcc5df6ee3"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PBV6RTO7FRDUTKA7B3JW3VYL3I.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/12/ev-latest-smart-styling-and-competitive-pricing-give-xpengs-g6-the-x-factor/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"4MN6D237IBAWDDHDN3B4RFXCOM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":466,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/78ab3697-c39c-4161-8bea-ed8367bb44c4/versions/1740658164/media/199aa4c565747caf9de86a17b853a97f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/05/mini-aceman-ev-review-this-is-one-car-youll-definitely-want-to-take-on-the-open-road-but-mind-the-range/","content_elements":[{"_id":"LO3RANUSB5FWPN6ZQ7CDTPRZOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350844},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"review-highlights-46532","url":"/"},"subtype":"review_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ELQYXNBUCRHMNMDOWJCTFS72NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350845},"content":"I hadn’t expected this. Known <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/motors\" target=\"_blank\">SUV</a>-grump that I am, and as the former owner of a (surprisingly brilliant) Mini Clubman estate (yes, the one with the weird rear-hinged side door) I was unsurprisingly waspish about the prospect of Mini replacing the Clubman with yet another SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PRPOOTD6JEVTKCRKM3UVZLLY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350846},"content":"Never mind that it had a kinda-kitsch name – <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles\" target=\"_blank\">Aceman</a> – and never mind that it was to be distinctly smaller and lower-slung than the elephantine <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2024/05/08/mini-countryman-review-slick-cabin-and-great-screen-but-too-hefty-and-too-blunt-to-be-a-true-mini/\">Countryman</a> (only 1mm shorter than a 1990 US-market Ford Explorer), I was pretty cranky that my precious, beloved estate was being replaced by an SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BATE7ZEJC5AQRMQKRIJUBZLMKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350847},"content":"And yet, the Aceman, when you stand up close to it, has a kind of instant appeal. Yes, it’s a touch on the chunky side by traditional Mini standards, and I’m honestly not sure about the square-shaped headlight graphics – surely half the appeal of a Mini is in its cute, round-eyes “face”? – but in the mean black-on-black colour scheme of our test car, I am pretty easily hooked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFEVB5RLNFEA5M3ST6AZ6PPF5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350848},"content":"It helps that the Aceman isn’t all that big. At 4,079mm long, it’s barely any bigger than the dearly departed Ford Fiesta, and at 1,514mm tall, it’s barely 70mm – a handspan – taller than the old Clubman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AE3WFRJZ5BDRJNIFCVGOAD7X7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350849},"content":"Something tells me that Mini’s engineers, like their cousins at BMW, don’t actually appreciate the lure of an SUV and its weight and bulk being in all the wrong places, so have nudged and winked that the Aceman is a rugged 4x4, and have actually just made an estate with slightly more air between the body and the tyres. Well done, if that’s the case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKJUE6C3V5EALL3LPBJJW56SRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350850},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UDUSAMGGLVFKPOOD3YXFDUMG5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350851},"content":"Slip inside (no frameless doors this time around, unfortunately) and the Aceman’s interior also instantly impresses. At a time when many premium brands are delivering new models with slightly cheap-feeling cabins, the Aceman’s interior looks and feels great. The chunky three-spoke steering wheel (the bottom spoke is actually a fabric strap) is excellent to hold, while the fabric coverings – made from recycled polyester – on the dash and doors lends a distinctly classy air.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A7N2CRMZEZASLDXUE3AQVRAL24","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350852},"content":"This being a Cooper SE model, currently the most powerful Aceman, there are high-backed bucket seats that clamp you firmly in place like a hug from a friendly Alaskan Malamute.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RIGXLVPKNGZNFD4O27RKAYLXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350853},"content":"Thankfully, Mini has banished the old square-screen-in-round-hole mess that afflicted the last-generation of models, and instead has paid homage to the original 1959 Mini’s large central speedo with a 14-inch, perfectly circular OLED touchscreen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Z5AY6MJDRFMNGU33AS4O7FGW4","additional_properties":{"_id":"FRAVK6GZQVADNNZSK6TWMOQWQ4"},"content":"EV Q&A: Should I buy a new EV on finance or go for a second-hand car?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MBXBP4WOEZH6NP66YU5SPZU4NU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350854},"content":"As with SUVs, I’m a bit of a touchscreen grump (too fiddly, too bright at night – bring back buttons) but this one I love, if for no other reason than the sheer theatre of it all. Using the “experiences” button on the dash panel, you can flick it between various different modes, from a dark green for, well, Green mode to an olde-worlde speedo dial with delicately presented graphics for Timeless mode, and moody black, white and red for Go-Kart mode (which activates with an odd and annoying Homer Simpson-esque “woo-hoo!”) there’s quite probably a setting for everyone. As with all touchscreens, it takes way too long to find the bit you’re actually looking for (yes – bring back buttons) but at least it looks good while it’s confusing you. And you can use an on-screen function to switch out the union flag motif in the LED brake lights.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRNLGDKXEJDKPAZ57F5YPA6A7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350855},"content":"Underneath the screen, and alongside the “experiences” toggle switch, there’s a round switch that, like an old-fashioned key, you twist to fire up the Aceman’s electrical synapses. Next to that is another toggle switch, your gear selector. All of these buttons, and the volume control for the stereo, are nicely tactile, so with a flex of a fingertip, you select D and head off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCYMEH5PTVDRRBYAPQH2LWIZYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350856},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MQB2Z2J6XVDK3FMJSHSYSCHZXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350857},"content":"Instantly the Aceman feels a touch too stiff. All Minis, since the brand and the model were reinvented in 2000 by BMW, have been firm on the road, but the Aceman feels really, really firm and it doesn’t really matter which of the driving modes you’ve selected. Too firm? For some, definitely, and around town in particular, it felt very crashy, which is a shame for an electric car that should surely be doing its best work in urban settings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NBCCHHMFDRCZ7GGKS3Q7BIBMXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350858},"content":"However, this is one EV you’ll definitely want to take on the open road. While the Aceman isn’t especially refined on motorways (too much tyre roar), go in search of a twisty country road and suddenly the whole thing comes alive. With 218hp and 330Nm of torque, the Aceman has performance aplenty, even with a kerb weight that nudges 1,800kg. Zero-100km/h takes 7.1 seconds – not especially rapid, but the electric motor’s on-the-move urge makes the Aceman feel perkier than that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BX5RMFC4NVECLJPCC57F367TDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350859},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NI6I2ARAZJETBJTV2GG7MWZAQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350860},"content":"On a twisty road, with bumps, you run into the same overly stiff suspension problems again, but the rapid and responsive steering and the way the body stays utterly flat in corners helps to make up for that. It’s like flinging a speedboat around on a choppy sea – you might barf, but you’ll have fun first.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJMKWXFIDVDQFBLK6VQVXFSRIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350861},"content":"There are a couple of issues. The first is the price tag, which starts at a seemingly reasonable €39,065 for the basic E model, but our sporty Cooper SE model had been specced up to a wild €56,896. Ouch. Equally, space in the back and boot are both rather tight, in spite of Mini’s efforts to scoop out extra foot space by putting indents into the battery pack.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NG4ELH4XX5AMJP7YMFB72KRCNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350862},"content":"The range is the real limitation, though. With a 49kWh battery pack, officially the Aceman Cooper SE is limited to 405km range on a full charge. Well, in the mixed town, country, and motorway conditions of our test drive, 300km is a more realistic figure, and it’ll be less than that if you spend all your time on the motorway. The cheaper Aceman E gets a smaller battery yet, and a mere 308km of claimed range.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJBGGNHK55F2VKZS7CYLHSRLH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350863},"type":"image"},{"_id":"COKJ2BBJ2NGCVMMH54XVYF3SII","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350864},"content":"It’s just not quite enough to enjoy yourself. The fun you’ll be having with the steering and acceleration will be tempered – too much so – by keeping one eye on the range-to-empty meter, and with a maximum DC fast-charging speed of just 95kW, you won’t be able to top up all that rapidly when you’re out and about.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTFB3BWCNRAHRMDNNQRWMCOCMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350865},"content":"It’s a shame – the Aceman, a car that I initially bristled against, has me sufficiently charmed by the end of my time with it that I’d have seriously considered putting my own cash down for one. But for the range.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6PUSWMZIFBALXNIY6OLBKA4C4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350866},"content":"Lowdown: Mini Aceman Cooper SE","type":"header"},{"_id":"YESGR356JFBWZFYVLUCO5HZA3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350867},"content":"<b>Power</b> 160kW e-motor developing 218hp and 330Nm of torque, powering the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQCQPRYU7JDNXPBDXJ43DPO72Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350868},"content":"<b>CO2 emissions (annual motor tax)</b> 0g/km (€120)","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYKQCXITP5CR7OPYKZ5TV2TGUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350869},"content":"<b>Electric consumption </b>14.6 kWh/100km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"CELJHIOUTNHQZBJGYENZSF7QIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350870},"content":"<b>Electric range</b> 405km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"VB2JDEEQ6VDXNMT5BE5EAWBOWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350871},"content":"<b>0-100km/h</b> 7.1sec","type":"text"},{"_id":"VA32LGYODNHXXPAUGLMMK663TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350872},"content":"<b>Price</b> €56,896 as tested, Aceman starts from €39,065","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"    "},"display_date":"2025-03-05T07:06:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Mini Aceman EV review: this is one car you’ll definitely want to take on the open road, but mind the range","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZDEWXS3M35BSZA5PGMBHBCERMI","auth":{"1":"6434398590a4212be3dd923f067a70fe5975ae25dd1698a56e320d4899fcbb0a"},"focal_point":{"x":4680,"y":2920},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZDEWXS3M35BSZA5PGMBHBCERMI.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/05/mini-aceman-ev-review-this-is-one-car-youll-definitely-want-to-take-on-the-open-road-but-mind-the-range/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"URUJBR5TNZFCFMPS4Y52VEP2FA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":452,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d0b2b227-4f5f-4e72-9a46-0e171ddd8ed0/versions/1739960000/media/dc9a229152e4fa2bd0421825a0a7c395_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/26/opel-grandland-can-this-surprisingly-impressive-ev-crossover-lure-irish-buyers-back/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KOLKSIV2BFFT5LZQNLPC7GYB3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527085},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"review-highlights-65039","url":"/"},"subtype":"review_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"M2UNL2SL6JEV3PYGJHTWFH6RKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527086},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/opel/\" target=\"_blank\">Opel</a> has slipped the outer reaches of our radar. The brand once duelled with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/toyota/\" target=\"_blank\">Toyota</a> to be Ireland’s bestselling brand. Last year it was outsold by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mercedes-benz/\" target=\"_blank\">Mercedes Benz</a>, with 2,444 new registrations at a time when Toyota came first with 17,521.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUE2CTP2NJGQ3KPQZ4VFGYG57Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527087},"content":"Since its star waned, there have been a few false dawns. But having been abandoned by its poorly performing former parent General Motors, the foundling is now in the foster care of Stellantis, which already has <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peugeot/\" target=\"_blank\">Peugeot</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fiat/\" target=\"_blank\">Fiat</a> and several other European marques. It’s finally getting some TLC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6HCLSHZK5A4JDXWW6STM46FMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527088},"content":"The Stellantis plan, from what we can perceive, is simple. Copy the playbook of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_blank\">Volkswagen Group</a>. That means developing a solid powertrain, platform and technology and fitting various styling formats on top – one for each brand. The set-ups can be tweaked to suit each brand’s pitch. Then you throw in a little retro styling to remind people there’s some heritage to this brand – unlike new Asian arrivals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJ3VONDRDNDLTOCIPZC3SQU664","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527089},"content":"It’s not without risk. If the foundations are flawed, then every brand suffers. Thankfully for Opel, Stellantis has delivered a steady line of products. So, with the new Grandland, you get a car built upon the same platform that underpins the latest Peugeot 3008, the new 5008, Citroen C5 Aircross and the upcoming Jeep Compass, to name but four.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L62CCO4D7BHCJIGE7BOSDPC34A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527091},"content":"In the case of this electric version, it shares many of its components with Peugeot’s all-electric E-3008.","type":"text"},{"_id":"STH77Y3S2FCYVGRSWDZ5TJCRBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527092},"content":"Here we have a practical, straightforward family crossover that’s ready for everyday life, which was once Opel’s forte.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YAUT2X5GRFAZBK2K6JVX3HQWKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527093},"content":"Unsurprisingly, this is not an engaging car to drive. Like most EV crossovers – with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2024/11/27/alfa-romeo-junior-ev-delivers-real-driving-fun-despite-seeming-sacrilege-to-the-brands-fans/\" target=\"_blank\">Alfa’s impressive Junior</a> being an exception – the Grandland is about comfort rather than driving dynamics. That’s good news for Irish drivers, as it performs well on motorways, while soaking up surface issues on our regional and local roads. It’s easy to drive rather than engaging, which for those coping with the hectic family life, will suit just fine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GANQA5VXRD5DF4THUMASY34E4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527095},"content":"MG4 XPower: An electric hot hatch that boasts Porsche-like acceleration for €43,000, but then it starts to trudge","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5XQG7NZ3F5EOLLFCBVRC4R6BU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527094},"content":"For an EV, the Grandland isn’t fast. A 0-100km/h time of 9.0 seconds is sluggish in a world where electric MGs can now outrun Aston Martins. Yet it has enough acceleration for all necessary overtaking on motorways or national routes. And for a big car, it’s also easy to manoeuvre around town. It’s big, but there’s plenty of visibility.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPOJEEP6ZFAHDOYKRP4GQHCH7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527096},"content":"Practically speaking, the Grandland may lack a front truck (“frunk”), but it’s offers ample space in the boot, particularly with its underfloor storage. Rear-seat legroom is comparable to rivals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ND6CPS6T3JELTAPHUFWIW3KAVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527090},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XIWBB6QBFVB6RBS4JPLRWC4PEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527097},"content":"Perhaps the biggest selling point for customers will be the cabin, where they’ve raided the parts bin of Stellantis sibling Peugeot to deliver a much better-quality finish than we’ve come to expect from Opel recently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOPDUZARWJDZXCRV4DPNTMXMFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527101},"content":"For example, the Opel Mokka’s cabin seems unfinished and drab, and we feared this was the design direction the brand was taking with its interior trim.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VC6A2OXB3ZGWDBJGKTCSREBGXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527102},"content":"There’s a nice use of materials on the dash to brighten things up, while the touchscreen is slightly more user-friendly than in the Peugeot, even though it’s essentially the same 16-inch-wide strip.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFCL2RAAS5HSRKRGPGRZLVUL4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527103},"content":"In terms of range, the Grandland electric’s claim of 523km may be ambitious, but 420km seems realistic based on our time with the car, averaging below 18.0kWh/100km from its battery pack’s 73kWh of usable capacity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NUTCNVT6GNERPOXNAKB4BRMS2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527104},"content":"A larger 93kWh battery is on the way too, with Opel claiming it will have an official range of up to 700km. These are big batteries, especially compared with similar rivals, which list packs more than 70kWh as their “long-range” versions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2FOCBK64VBHQ5M23LIUCOWJ27M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527105},"content":"The Grandland can also charge at up to 160kW from a DC fast charger, which means you can theoretically get from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 25 minutes – if you can find a charging station that delivers on its promises.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2UV5ONJOBFEJECF6NNKPX6V2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527098},"type":"image"},{"_id":"FQ2IMZBCBFHPLPKU5WBCADAEHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527100},"type":"image"},{"_id":"43EKPWDNKBBPDCDPULV23BVG74","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527106},"content":"If cabin refinement, comfort and space are the Grandland’s calling cards, then price is where Opel hopes to seal the deal. Starting at €39,065 after grants, the all-electric Grandland is a lot of car for the money. Dare we use the word “value” at a time when overall car prices are soaring?","type":"text"},{"_id":"4SLFCK7RZVCMVB4QJJ5FFBOY7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527107},"content":"Our test car was the highest specification GS version, but even then, the price was €43,763. The Grandland is also offered in a mild-hybrid petrol variant, plus a plug-in hybrid is on the way. But the full EV version is likely to be the best priced of the lot.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XP5RJDXG6FEO5FMQNRIGXALB34","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527108},"content":"To put some perspective on that pricing, you don’t even need to leave an Opel forecourt. A mid-level mild-hybrid Corsa costs €30,295, while the Astra sits in the €35,000 price bracket. So, this is a lot of car for the money.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ASODEAVG5FULJ457BTPTQSFNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527109},"content":"Price-check it against rivals with similar battery sizes and specifications, and you begin to see why the Grandland may lure buyers back to Opel showrooms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJXVSKQPSZHTZCO44KGSTH6ZDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527110},"content":"The challenge for the Grandland is the sheer number of rivals. These range from established players such as Volkswagen’s ID.4 and its cousin, the Skoda Enyaq, through to the stylish, award-winning Renault Scenic E-Tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKEDV2IALFBSJPXPDGPJUOFFD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527111},"content":"Volkswagen ID.4: Craving an SUV? VW’s all-electric new model could be for you","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZWQHCEAHK5GO7EWQ3VS54AILUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527112},"content":"Is Skoda’s electric Enyaq the true people’s car?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KWPD3BZQ2JAYFDN3PVZRJEBW3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527113},"content":"Can the Ford Explorer arrive late to the EV party and still impress?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RUPCQ3OTB5EC3BSPGDYZPMVMQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527114},"content":"Then there are long-standing Opel rivals, such as Ford with its new Explorer EV, also priced in the mid-€40,000 bracket. It’s another waning star hoping to revive its fortunes, courtesy of its deal with Volkswagen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RY6OCYGV3FFYHDWY2ONWIUG2OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527115},"content":"That’s before we get to Asia and its wave of crossovers in various powertrain guises.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KX65X4VLXRGPLPRVPAVG665VHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527116},"content":"Some of these rivals are more stylish, some more functional and many are simply from brands that stole place on Ireland’s driveways several years ago, building relationships with customers who might once have been Opel buyers. Winning them back won’t be easy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3SPIGLMANDVLP2MLOCZV4GQAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527117},"content":"That’s why it’s easy to overlook the Opel – but that’s a mistake. At these prices, it’s a car that warrants more attention.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OSEYDZNODZDMDHKWQHH3IH6U24","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527118},"content":"<b>Lowdown: Opel Grandland electric GS 73kWh</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4KHICZYUJHYVLALWFPCY64Y6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527119},"content":"<b>Power: </b>A 210bhp electric motor supported by a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) metal battery pack with 73kWh of usable storage","type":"text"},{"_id":"BI7M5TGAUJBGNITSPTVL3MHP6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527120},"content":"<b>0-100km/h: </b>9.0 seconds","type":"text"},{"_id":"OHY7XCZUTJHM5GC6RZ662NKI7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527121},"content":"<b>Range: </b>523km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAOFLSBNSZBPHMY4QVQDURSAJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527122},"content":"<b>Motor tax: </b>€120","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OAHA7XDQBD6NO3F5FKDVY4DAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527123},"content":"<b>Price:</b> From €39,065 (€43,763 as tested)","type":"text"},{"_id":"KAZTYU3Z4VBYPE6WYZTHJZK3MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527124},"content":"<b>Our rating:</b> 4/5","type":"text"},{"_id":"CMQODYEV6BB2TKOBJYQRSYTG3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527125},"content":"<b>Our verdict: </b>Surprisingly impressive, particularly at this price point, but may still struggle to make its mark in a crowded market","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"    "},"display_date":"2025-02-26T07:39:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Opel Grandland: Can this surprisingly impressive EV crossover lure Irish buyers back?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"LS6SCC2I6RHZHJOXQSZCMTZDGQ","auth":{"1":"72a320e015e9e59f8e8378baf09104b65a01bed2d477e5138c3db3a9327dbd30"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/LS6SCC2I6RHZHJOXQSZCMTZDGQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/26/opel-grandland-can-this-surprisingly-impressive-ev-crossover-lure-irish-buyers-back/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"5K5PA5MXSBEABFUYQELJ42AYNA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":475,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/37170518-9da3-4891-8911-593a0c07ee70/versions/1739376118/media/30ff6298e029d1deb741a8a153e90957_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/19/renaults-symbioz-is-a-symbol-of-the-total-euv-takeover/","content_elements":[{"_id":"MO7ZHPSNXVABPMI5RUJZ5PXFME","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664524},"content":"The total takeover of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_blank\">car market</a> by the SUV has been remarkable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IS46YWA7LBB7TCOYII27N5FH5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664525},"content":"It’s not been a good thing for the environment – the International Council on Clean Transport, or ICCT, reckons that the inherent inefficiency of SUV body styles has wiped out, and then some, gains in engine and battery efficiency in the past decade – but it’s hard to argue with what the customer wants. And what the customers wants, so it seems at any rate, is an SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V6QWLNXAHJHAZKJOPE2G2FANWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664526},"content":"It’s madness, really. SUVs originally became popular – especially with the introduction of the first Nissan Qashqai – because they were different, they were fashionable, they made you stand out from the herd. Now the entire herd is driving an SUV of some sort, and one wonders when the whole ridiculous edifice will finally collapse in on itself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KEOKWCUKXBH57C23W4ADM6HABA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664527},"content":"Until that happy day comes, SUVs proliferate. Already, at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/renault/\" target=\"_blank\">Renault</a>, you can buy no fewer than five distinct SUV models – Captur, Arkana, Austral, Rafale and Scenic, with the new Renault 4 on the way and the now-inevitably-SUV-shaped Espace on sale in Europe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAIESFESKVFPRI5ZM7N6RMOSOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664528},"content":"Yet amid all of that, Renault has found a way to slice the SUV onion paper even thinner, and has given us this, the Symbioz. The original Symbioz concept car, shown in 2017, was an astonishingly beautiful, low-slung luxury car with delicate details and striking styling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4BP7VGLRRAHHAS6PT462CJCEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664529},"content":"The production Symbioz is, alas, a mid-size SUV. To be fair to the Symbioz, it’s quite handsome by SUV standards, looking very much like a shrunken Scenic (the modern <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric</a> SUV, not the egg-shaped 1990s people carrier). It has sharp, but relatively elegantly angled lines, so it won’t get too easily lost in a car park, even amid the hordes of other pointlessly tall family cars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3RP22SRL5ADNJQ7GQTDSSYTH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664531},"content":"In terms of price and size, the Symbioz fills the gap between the smaller Captur and the larger, more mechanically sophisticated Austral. It’s based on the same platform as the Captur – something you’ll spot inside, as much of the dashboard is lifted directly from that smaller car – and it’s not too tall, standing 1.6m high at the roofline.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFXTVUIKE5F7NL3LQOAY2SYJSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664532},"content":"Prices start from €36,995 but our highly-specced Esprit Alpine test car (and the invocation of Renault’s sports car and racing brand has never seemed quite so out of place) clocks in at €41,195. You do get a lot for that extra cash, including an excellent Google-based portrait-style touchscreen, and the brilliant ‘Solarbay’ glass roof, which electrically switches from opaque to clear at the flick of a switch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q43XO5HMKNAGBNGCH6K3RH2GRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664530},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6WUAZZL3JNCGHGJAJXK5MMR5JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664535},"type":"image"},{"_id":"K7LVWNLDAJBAVFJFQC3ZNCBEP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664533},"content":"The Symbioz comes with only one engine option for now, and that’s the 145hp 1.6-litre hybrid engine as found in the Captur, the Clio and sundry Dacias. It’s a decent enough power plant but feels oddly underpowered at times here in the Symbioz, not something we’d really noticed in other applications.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCOG2JTJIJBX3C5V63BFBKUSRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664534},"content":"It does spend a commendable amount of time on electric power alone, which is good, especially around town. Renault claims 4.7 litres per 100km and 1,000km on a full tank. We managed 5.3 litres per 100km, and about 700km on a tank. Not bad, but perhaps not quite exceptional.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O2EEOGT4RJCPJH6RLQMEQMI5MA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664536},"content":"If you’re looking for a reason to choose the Symbioz over the more affordable Captur then it might well be in the boot. The back seats slide back and forth, which means the boot stretches from a minimum of 492 litres to a maximum of a whopping 624 litres – more than an Audi Q8. However, do that and your rear-seat passengers will have no legroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4GXZEEQPVGSVLBWEELOHP4WYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664537},"content":"Then again, your rear-seat passengers won’t have much legroom anyway. Indeed, despite its extra size, the Symbioz seems to lack much more space than the smaller Captur in the back, which is a bit of a disappointment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OEVJICQCHREPPCWLNDOCUV3N54","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664538},"content":"The Symbioz cruises quietly and largely comfortably. The ride quality can be somewhat firm around town, but it’s broadly acceptable, and the body and cabin remain remarkably stable when cornering. However, the steering is incredibly slow-witted and needs you to suddenly throw on an extra half-turn of lock to make it around 90-degree junctions. It’s odd – no other Renault steers like this, so why the Symbioz?","type":"text"},{"_id":"3U2VGBQFDJBJRHGMNIJ46NDW4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664540},"content":"Indeed, ‘why the Symbioz’ becomes something of an apposite question. While it certainly does fill in a gap in Renault’s SUV line-up, it’s a hard car to make a convincing case for. Matlock himself would have struggled. It’s fine, does nothing especially badly (that odd steering apart), and does many things quite well, but it never seems to do anything to make itself stand out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYKL3C6NHZG75DNNTBJQLUBROQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664539},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YMUXMXOTP5A6XDCL3RJFMYZ4NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664541},"content":"The bigger problems arrive when you glance across the showroom. The Captur is sitting just over there, not being all that much smaller and with the same hybrid engine, and costing less.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYKB4N4BSVHB5O5PFR3WX3SFKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664542},"content":"However, things get worse for the Symbioz when you glance further across, and come to the Dacia section of the dealership. There you will find the brilliant seven-seat Jogger – which costs €4,000 less even in range-topping Extreme spec with the same hybrid power train.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GAJTN4IOLNBXDBCTETAUR7E37I","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664543},"content":"Obviously, it loses out on some of the Symbioz’s comfort and sophistication, but honestly, would you care? Then there’s the incoming new Duster, which will again undercut the cost of the Symbioz even when fitted with the hybrid engine, and which arguably looks even nicer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBVKNR3HIJBCBFO4ISYJJI3PFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664544},"content":"And then again there’s the Bigster, just revealed at the Paris motor show, and which will likely match the Symbioz for price but be bigger inside, and more enticingly rugged outside. A proper 4x4, at least in style, rather than a mere SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JUNTROBNYZG23LTTO752RFHF3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664545},"content":"It’s not that the Symbioz is a bad car, it just seems a touch humdrum amid the endless, swirling sea of similar rival products. SUVs have long since moved past their fashionable stage and are now just as dull and unadventurous as the hatchbacks, saloons, MPVs and estates which they have largely displaced. It seems perhaps unfair to beat the Symbioz with the stick of silliness that encompasses the entire SUV craze, but it’s clear that a rethink is needed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TIBFCMUJ25HNXHBMZJQSG6F7TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664546},"content":"<b>Lowdown: </b>Renault Symbioz Iconic Esprit Alpine E-Tech full hybrid","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTJXLF5HJVAFHEGBURJ77D2SHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664547},"content":"<b>Power: </b>1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 105kW motor and 1.2kWh lithium-ion battery producing 145hp and 250Nm of torque and powering the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3S6P3ILL6ZHXXL5EN4AR3WT6ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664548},"content":"<b>CO2 emissions (annual motor tax)</b> 107g/km (€180).","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HC7OFFEFBCUJMTBS7GNNSU2EM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664549},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption:</b> 4.7l/100km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJ7PNP3HYNBRJBEGXADM5LESJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664550},"content":"<b>0-100km/h:</b> 10.6 secs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWJY4QUXQ5FWHCMHXDEUOJX67A","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664551},"content":"<b>Price: </b>€41,190 as tested, Symbioz starts from €36,995.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWZL7VISIJAL7MXMDCLU6HASNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664552},"content":"<b>Our rating: </b>2/5.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJC6YFCPXZHPZLMTZAMGN6PMWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664553},"content":"<b>Verdict: </b>Looks smart but the Symbioz feels underwhelming to drive, and it lacks rear seat space. Dacia looms large in its mirrors.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"New hybrid SUV is neatly styled but lacks pizzazz. Dacia looms large in its mirrors"},"display_date":"2025-02-19T07:07:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Renault’s Symbioz is a symbol of the total SUV takeover","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4YOR3XBCN5AL3L2AVXQT4SA3CQ","auth":{"1":"4378dc5a9e6a72b73aadace1b323e2bfc4edfd0d22937334ddd13a4e83db7186"},"focal_point":{"x":2743,"y":1886},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4YOR3XBCN5AL3L2AVXQT4SA3CQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/19/renaults-symbioz-is-a-symbol-of-the-total-euv-takeover/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"UR6SV5BPWRCRPC3QKBIFH2LUD4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":354,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e2803196-290d-4a2c-a755-6f0cd405aff6/versions/1738674213/media/bfc5a9ae2f58b339e8f6776ca7c8be9a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/12/audis-understated-a5-offers-elegant-motoring-at-a-price/","content_elements":[{"_id":"2E2EEFYYWBHIVIOHY5D3PPDIWY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/audi/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/audi/\">Audi</a>’s new A5 is motoring’s black turtleneck – as much a sartorial fashion statement as a form of transport. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FKJIKU3KZZF5JMPGAZ5AZJOITU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The four-ringed brand has always had an eye for fashion. In the past, you could pick out the Audi executives at motor shows from their dapper Hugo Boss suits. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBW6TOHN6FAJ5D7KY5Z5QF6XCI","additional_properties":{},"content":"While Audi is patently a German brand, it often plays upon its Alpine links, tying Munich manufacturing skills to fashion houses of Milan, via the subtle synchronicity of Swiss precision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QA2APOEPHFCXTLEH4JN5GRHMEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"You see it in the sleek exterior styling, but also in the disciplined minimalism of the cabin. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VRPF6X22UNHSVGIWE23AGLAVK4","additional_properties":{},"content":"You also see it in the price. But more of that later. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CT3BHWRRKJGALMLDJG2ZQ43IRM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Y32YAYQWEZCEXIH4XN7YXXMEHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"First, a little housekeeping. Remember the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/59-audi-a5-slinky-coupe-offers-you-multiple-personalities-in-one-model-lineup-1.4081090\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/59-audi-a5-slinky-coupe-offers-you-multiple-personalities-in-one-model-lineup-1.4081090\">two-door coupe A5</a>? Gone. Instead, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/46-audi-a5-sportback-muscular-coupes-with-different-personalities-1.3718914\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/46-audi-a5-sportback-muscular-coupes-with-different-personalities-1.3718914\">four-door A5 Sportback</a> has been overhauled into a saloon, tasked with filling big boots as the successor to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/audi-a4-gets-makeover-and-mild-hybrid-power-in-bid-to-stay-ahead-of-rivals-1.3895750\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/audi-a4-gets-makeover-and-mild-hybrid-power-in-bid-to-stay-ahead-of-rivals-1.3895750\">A4</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6J26YTUBZNDS5AU6DI4WSDUYXI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Once more Audi has upended its naming conventions. New models with odd numbers will feature petrol, diesel and hybrid power, while those with even numbers will be fully electric. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJGDZFPNBRDWXD3JLBGO56LKSU","additional_properties":{},"content":"So, the next A4 will be an EV-only model, while this A5 inherits the petrol, diesel and hybrid mantle for the traditional A4 customer base. Confused? It will become clearer once the current model offensive is in full swing. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPBJK64M7VCU5JF5PXATWSSPVE","additional_properties":{},"content":"And a showroom refresh is overdue. The brand has been subdued since the Covid pandemic, impacted by the global semiconductor crisis, which disrupted deliveries and stalled new model roll-outs. At the same time, it has been struggling with its strategic pivot towards <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles\">electric vehicles</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7NJ2G5YF5EA5CAYRZV4UTEX2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Now, Audi is back on track, with a fleet of new models arriving in showrooms over the next few years. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGXO2HHMPFBVDNNFGUJTS4MGKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"That said, it’s probably not fair to describe this A5 as entirely new. Certainly, it has been redesigned, but underpinning this is an evolution of the brand’s platform for combustion and petrol models that has served it well for over a decade. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2R7KWNDS5CM3IPO4KPRPFLFQ4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"IAFEFYPLF5DUFJBEO2JBNOIKXY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Any fears that replacing the A5 saloon with a fastback coupe will result in a cramped cabin are quickly assuaged; this interior is roomier than the old A4, though the boot does become a little more restricted. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7NJKRVCMZEOPIJGPJG4A5T2SE","additional_properties":{},"content":"That shouldn’t cause a problem. With the steady demise of the traditional saloon, former buyers are dividing into two camps: those who want sleeker coupe looks and those who put practicality before appearance and opt for one of the myriad of crossovers on the market. The new A5 fulfils the needs of the former. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KO3KSTBWMBFHDM6LI5ODIHWLNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Once more Audi delivers a clinically crisp cabin. It’s where the brand does its best to justify the price tag. It’s not the cosy, comfortable sittingroom feel that others espouse, but rather the comfort of an executive lounge. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSVEW5ASOJEGJDWQQRRKQMASPU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Test drive: Audi’s revised e-tron GT proves electric car fun-doubters wrong","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WCFS6PLZ6NAQXI7GZ6K4NY2OXA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Audi’s recent strength is in integrating new technology with minimal fuss. Both infotainment and driver screens on the A5 are stylish, graphic-rich and intuitive. They don’t try to turn this into a video arcade: these are instruments and are treated as such. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6PC72MHERFYDJREEZ6FYZT7LI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Admittedly, that’s not always the case: some Audi models have opted to move the dial far more to digital – and suffer as a result. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"34JZYHRTLNH7PFG2IZYOVBYSGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a week where we had to head west days after Storm Éowyn swept across the nation, it was reassuring to have the two-litre petrol engine up front with the dash displaying a range of more than 800km, rather than hunting for electric power supply amid widespread outages. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KH6WSWISAFHI7ENFZRSCXJVLPU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"PHRR6AWSY5CAVPFICXKGGX5HQI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 204hp version of this engine is also well suited to the car: measured, refined and fast but not wild. Again there’s that clinical trait about it, fitting well with a nicely balanced steering and throttle set-up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCENJCJ2EVAOTANCBQHI5C7TJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"There’s no escaping the fact this car has a sizeable footprint, being longer and wider than the outgoing A4, and this becomes evident on Irish back roads. Yet the engineers have managed to reduce uneven bodyroll, and you can easily glide this A5 through the bends. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHUR55Y47RAYJOEIZYQDNY47M4","additional_properties":{},"content":"For current A4 owners, the good news is the A5 is that little bit sharper and more engaging, as suggested by its coupe styling. It still doesn’t catch the BMW 3 Series for driving fun, but it’s impressively refined. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWSUED4X5ZCPTLZEX3XFWDWTJY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Test Drive: Audi’s colourful Q7 hybrid impresses, but there are limitations","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MNZWSHACTZCZZLHFXK37TMXJUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"As it needs to be, for the starting price for a 150hp version of the two-litre petrol in SE trim is €55,700. Upscale to the S-Line version with the 204hp version of that engine and you are looking at €66,580. That’s before you start ticking boxes on the options page. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3746WZU22ZAEXGHWALHLKJTXRI","additional_properties":{},"content":"For anyone stepping out of a pre-Covid A4, these are nosebleed-inducing numbers. Back in July 2019 you could pick up an A4 two-litre 150hp SE for €38,945.","type":"text"},{"_id":"76ZVREVVFBBG5III5MFFVUIL7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Yes, we’ve gone through a tumultuous time, and inflation is real, but not on this scale. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKTBEJYSMZDM7B3X4DGPAU6C6I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Certainly, there’s a lot more tech now, greater refinement and sleeker styling. But it’s coming at a very big price jump for current A4 drivers, who may be tempted to consider alternative newcomer brands. Can VW Group keep them in the family, courtesy of Cupra perhaps? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQC253U6NNH7ZNHY6K5OJ4ND5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Long-established premium brands struggle to cover the bulging R&D budgets incurred in the transition to electric cars. Yet, by pushing up new car prices they’ve opened the door to newcomer brands, not least the portfolio of Chinese car makers landing on these shores. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VNYZQ4G4GRHQXJNSL7TOIZJ2QI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Brand snobbery prevails for now, but history shows that consumers can quickly revise their views: consider the changed perceptions of Korean brands in Ireland over the last decade. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7WUN75XYZCODKV7HQKIDXIHLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"For those undaunted by the price, the A5 embodies Audi’s effortless, understated elegance. Its clientele of turtlenecked architects, engineers and dentists can take comfort in that, at least. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3IBK74S2VNHNDC26JEIVEGYSGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lowdown: Audi A5 Saloon 40 204hp S-Line","type":"header"},{"_id":"H46NAMMGNRBDVJJQBZG56JQMYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Power </b>1984-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 204hp and 340Nm powering the front wheels via a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJVGCW2CXZEQ7PVDXNXPVDXS4A","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>CO2 emissions (annual motor tax)</b> 151g/km (€280)","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3BMYQOJXFBKBPHRGXH3T5776Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption</b> 7.9l/100km (WLTP). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TDLYDC33NG3TFLW4O2BTQY7HM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>0-100km/h</b> 7.8 secs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2I6NO2F5JB6PAQEIJUBEFWRIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Price</b> €66,580 as tested, A5 starts from €55,700. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVI3WINKTRC4NDCPZX3NBWCF4I","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Our rating</b> 3/5.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZA2DRT5W4BCT3MJAM3PPTFI2UU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Verdict </b>Exemplifies Audi’s understated elegance, but expensive for current A4 owners.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"The A4’s replacement is smooth, stylish and subtle, but it’s shockingly more expensive than current A4 owners might expect"},"display_date":"2025-02-12T07:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Audi’s A5 offers elegant motoring but it’s shockingly more expensive than current A4 owners might expect ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"POMNBGYBYNBJFAQLOAGKTBFP34","auth":{"1":"598e6296df21570f4bfced283c5df7493a00c080ad2b78777ed7797c3b5349d9"},"focal_point":{"x":2818,"y":2435},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/POMNBGYBYNBJFAQLOAGKTBFP34.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/12/audis-understated-a5-offers-elegant-motoring-at-a-price/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}}],"_id":"750bc9ebba88fd01cea229e463ece712fb1813427c4084541b2d5c6b3176d6bb"},"expires":1743512922533,"lastModified":1743512622359}},"story-feed-sections":{"{\"excludeSections\":\"\",\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":50,\"includeSections\":\"/motors\"}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"VEMKAMND4ZEXVCOARY43CRYV5Q","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":438,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8880a835-0b37-4714-b600-44cac26e2032/versions/1743411942/media/7e4c708f8e6e2388d43933a67dd2ae38_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/04/01/will-bidirectional-charging-power-my-house-by-using-my-evs-battery/","content_elements":[{"_id":"HTAOSVTDYBGWPKXCNSRRLFKXV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742672829851},"content":"<b>Q: Bidirectional charging into a home is being referenced consistently in the media post Storm Éowyn. How difficult is this to set up for a home in a residential estate, and does the ESB allow it? Also limited cars allow it, but will doing it void any warranties? </b>– <i>Reader, Co Dublin</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVGKCDQBEZBNRDRUZ7NE7TFOTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604598},"content":"<b>Q: What about EVs in places where the power has been out for several days? </b>– <i>B Ní Shuilleabhain, Co Kerry</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDYF5LYHQRF2BAKNSKFFEUM2NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977866},"content":"<b>A:</b> We have partly covered these questions in a feature separate to our regular Your <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/evs-qanda/\" target=\"_blank\">EV Questions Answered</a> strand, but it bears a revisit, not least because bidirectional charging is so often touted as being a major benefit of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric cars</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6OVKVSGQFFERLFVJZGZQHLOBJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604600},"content":"In fact, as far back as 2010, bidirectional charging was being highlighted as a major boon to electric car owners, and this was when the only EVs on sale were the original Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi i-MIEV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MIGUG5XSIZGDJERBOUJ7MGPQEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604601},"content":"At that point, it wasn’t so much the prospect of powering your house from your EV, but more about making some handy cash on the side. The idea being that you could plug your bidirectional electric car into your home charger at 5pm or 6pm presumably with some amount of charge still left in the battery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPF4OJJZ6ZBYBLCDYNJSGNZFP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604602},"content":"That being peak electricity use time, your electricity provider could then, in theory, draw on the excess juice in your battery to help balance the grid demand as everyone came home and started putting on kettles, ovens, PlayStations etc.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYQKKSJ2MVFVTKQ3HCRS757SJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604603},"content":"You would, in theory, be paid the peak electricity rate price for that power usage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RIKMP2L2FH4RLJUYIPX5EZLE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604604},"content":"Later on, when the demand had dropped, the power company could sell you back the electricity again, charging up your car at the cheap rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUZSTCJYRBEJTGA64HZV2EPD2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604605},"content":"The idea being that you could at least alleviate some of your charging cost, and potentially break-even given the disparity between peak and offpeak pricing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWGPW45CJRE4PFATCUGZQX6AWE","additional_properties":{"_id":"VEOLE7CIDRCXZOAIT3WL76MQTY"},"content":"Can software updates make my EV better?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JIZKPG4M75GVJCV36SPK6B6BDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604606},"content":"To do that, you need two things – an electric car that has vehicle-to-grid charging (V2G) or at least vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, and a smart home electricity meter.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIP5SCX2PJDPBIHAXSTGAIDXSI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604607},"content":"The mechanisms for selling power to the grid as a private user are already in place, as some people already do this with their home solar panels or their home windmills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIVEVQSSENAMJG75MWO65ZDEME","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604608},"content":"The downside, of course, is that although you’ve plugged your car in when you come home, it won’t be actually charging until later in the night, and indeed may actually lose some charge in the meantime – not great if you have to dash back out at short notice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XVMNV3NMOBEGLJ7LWNOYKKKZ3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604609},"content":"However, what’s become a more pertinent benefit of late is the idea of actually powering your house directly from your car in the event of a power cut.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILKUD44ZJJDBDB2SSUO7APPHJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604610},"content":"As we all saw with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/storm-eowyn/\" target=\"_blank\">Storm Éowyn</a>, if the power goes out, especially in a remote area, it can take a few days to come back on again. So can your EV really keep you going in the meantime?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZROC6ZFGQJGL7GXIME7SMVXW3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604611},"content":"In theory, yes, although it does help if you’ve come home with a full or nearly-full battery, which perhaps isn’t that likely. With the right car and the right meter, you could potentially keep your home running for two to three days from your car’s battery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R22RJJJG6JGTNAQXLPOH6K4EKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604612},"content":"According to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/commission-for-regulation-of-utilities-cru/\" target=\"_blank\">Commission for Regulation of Utilities</a>, the average household in Ireland uses approximately 4,200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, so divide that by 365 and you get daily energy usage of 11.5kWh. The average electric car battery, in the European market, holds between 75kWh-80kWh, so that could be enough to keep you going for almost a full week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4YKM7JXCXRCZXHPITGV3CZTEWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604613},"content":"Indeed, one reader – P Fitzgerald from Co Limerick – recently told us: “I had my heating system running off the car this weekend when we had not power for three days. The only problem was that I didn’t think to plug in my freezer and fridge as well…”","type":"text"},{"_id":"E52ZOKJUGVF3REA7PKFNXO6QPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604614},"content":"It is also worth remembering that the power output of some EV batteries and on-board chargers may not be enough to run all the high-power systems in your house at once.","type":"text"},{"_id":"USIEBF2URBEFRL2ICB46UQP3LA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604615},"content":"For instance, if you’re running your oven and an electric shower at the same time, that’s getting close to the peak power demand for your house, and not all EVs will have the capacity to do that, so a certain amount of power rationing might be needed. However, you will be able to at least keep the basics going – fridge, heating, lights, and crucially sockets for keeping mobile phones and wifi alive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCB4TRRW6NAR5CAG3TSVWETWBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604616},"content":"Then of course, there’s a problem – as our reader from Co Kerry points out above: what to do if the power stays out for several days, something that most definitely happened for many people in the wake of Storm Éowyn.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SYLAWW3XMNFEHJLNNZSQBKQFOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604617},"content":"Assuming that you haven’t plugged your car into your home charger with a full battery, it’s likely that you’ll only be able to get a couple of days, at most, out of the car before it too will need to be charged. At which point, you do… what, exactly?","type":"text"},{"_id":"VHVWBZMHNJHKVI5N3YQE2GN55U","additional_properties":{"_id":"FG76TAF7P5B5RCI5ZMJZJJ77NA"},"content":"Your EV questions answered: Do all electric cars only have rear-wheel drive? What about driving in snow?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VNOBRRVZ4FB5BH4SA6UWXQO4F4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604618},"content":"Here, you’ll need to do some planning. As an EV driver you’ll probably know where all the local public chargers are nearby, so start monitoring the battery level in your car, and when it reaches a point at which you can safely, with some in reserve, reach one of those chargers, it’s time to disconnect and get going.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TRKWIFYDFEMHGJMFFESVIR4C4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604619},"content":"Power restoration after a storm is difficult business, but in theory power will come back on first in the major population areas, so it’s probably best to plan to head to the nearest town which has a fast charging point, and top up there. You’re effectively at this point using your car as a kind of electric bucket, carrying electricity back home. It’s not especially straightforward, and not foolproof, but hopefully it will keep you going.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEDAG6QUTBBV7IC37XJN72OHXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604620},"content":"There is a better way, however – which is to use an EV battery that’s no longer in an EV. Another of the potential benefits of electric cars is that when the batteries do eventually wear out, they’re not entirely dead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7A6WLP6C5FAEPIMQ3ZZNFT77BE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604621},"content":"In an EV the battery is put under the kinds of stresses and strains that are entirely alien to other use cases, so most electric car batteries are considered to need replacement once they reach about 70 per cent of their original power storage capacity – something that is taking way, way longer in almost all cases, than we ever initially thought.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W2BIOU7P7VCI5A4EUKNY64U5MM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604622},"content":"However, at 70 per cent capacity, those batteries are still usable in other scenarios, and one of those is as a home power wall. Irish company Range Therapy is already taking batteries out of older, tired EVs, and indeed those that have become damaged in a write-off incident, and turning those valuable power cells into home energy storage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGTKJVTHTVDPRLMGEOPL6WY7KY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604623},"content":"With one of these, your home has a useful buffer in the event of a power cut and at peak electricity use times as a power wall battery that can work on the same basis as your EV – using the energy in it at times of high electricity cost, and then charging it back up again at night on the cheap rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTHV24XZQFAIJPONGR6XHNGUI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604624},"content":"Eventually, as EVs become more and more prevalent, and older cars age into the arms of the recyclers, hopefully this will become a more common fitment for Irish houses, and we can worry less about losing power in the event of a big storm.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BI64ORPVRBAE3BWYVXGK4ZEBJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743408604625},"content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Electric vehicles: Helping to separate EV myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your questions"},"display_date":"2025-04-01T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Will bidirectional charging power my house by using my EV’s battery?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DSK2APFSUFEWNI5OWOEBOE3F6I","auth":{"1":"5bae789b52fbf7ee7fe142eb505629e79265d2bdaaa0fdd2827755b8393f66c0"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DSK2APFSUFEWNI5OWOEBOE3F6I.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/04/01/will-bidirectional-charging-power-my-house-by-using-my-evs-battery/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"VLNCASXDAZGQ7AK3UW4RQSHGTI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":306,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/351df2d9-d6db-40dc-af49-8a3b8db1a050/versions/1743363880/media/efc239df1945d6aa1d29d2228944bcff_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/economy/2025/03/30/which-will-get-to-musk-first-teslas-falling-share-price-or-trumps-maga-clique/","content_elements":[{"_id":"F4CEFVCX7FBMLMIGDDTDCLYMVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514361},"content":"It’s edifying for liberals to see Elon Musk as a sort of madcap Icarus, flying higher and higher and into an inevitable crash and burn sequence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLIGMBPDJZC5VE7XBO3D4PZLG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514362},"content":"Icarus’s folly (or arrogance) was to equate himself with the god of the sun, Helios, and to fly at a commensurate altitude with predictable consequences. The myth is typically read as a tale of self-sabotage brought on by unchecked ambition, but an alternative interpretation paints Icarus as a dreamer, beguiled by the sun (the ultimate source of all light) and striving against the odds, an interpretation that appeals to innovators.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SR2YTZOWZFEATO3ZBJYYMW6FSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514364},"content":"Musk’s switch from political moderate (a term he once applied to himself) to far-right troll and propagandist is difficult to reconcile with his considerable achievements as an entrepreneur.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OEDXBL2UXZBZ5ARPYPX56X5GCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514365},"content":"His Starlink satellite system, initially provided to Ukraine free of charge, replaced the country’s decimated communications system and has been crucial in fending off Russian aggression.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BA7KYOUWSNDC7JWDWB4M5G4MA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514366},"content":"Earlier this month his SpaceX Dragon capsule splashed down off the coast of Florida after rescuing two Nasa astronauts stranded on the International Space Station for nine months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PPV6JNKZLFDJVBK7RQDMPMTKXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514367},"content":"And his Neuralink start-up has received FDA breakthrough device designation for Blindsight, an experimental implant aimed at restoring vision in individuals who have lost sight in both eyes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E5IENDGIW5DC3PMERJUNKKIH3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514368},"content":"But it is his amplification of various tropes and disinformation on X (formerly Twitter) combined with high-profile forays into UK and German politics on behalf of far-right parties that has zapped whatever goodwill he might have had previously, transforming him into a hate figure not only of the left but with moderates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W2VKGESKXJB5VLGGEFWCTHUQCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514369},"content":"According to the Center for Countering Digital Hate, Musk posted 50 false election claims on X in the first eight months of last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LFXP2FBPPZFJNDFYQYDMJHTTYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514370},"content":"Many Tesla shareholders would probably like Musk’s wings clipped rather than crushed to corral his focus back to more earthly matters like the company’s falling share price. But liberals are hoping for a more complete evisceration.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VDJIVQ2VKRDBJP6XLCUCGEP5ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"IF6WB2SWA5ASDF7RGSK25C2G7A"},"content":"Just six people turn up for Tesla protest in Dublin as thousands demonstrate worldwide","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"YHLAZXFHLFCZPGGWN3FWP2MEKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743332855849},"content":"But if we play out the liberal wish dream of Musk collapsing under the weight of his erratic behaviour, what is the sun or sanctioning stick that will plunge him, Icarus-like, back into the sea? Tesla’s share price?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDBLXFXVDNHWLARNHAFLF3H2QM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514372},"content":"The electric car maker is the dominant thread in Musk’s sprawling tapestry of business interests and the main source of his personal wealth. The acceleration in the company’s share price in the wake of Trump’s election victory last year drove his net worth to a colossal $550 billion (€508bn).","type":"text"},{"_id":"I7N5PMFS4ZFFNOHT4NSFEBRFKA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514374},"content":"But the stock has come crashing down since on the back of a near 50 per cent drop-off in European sales linked to a consumer boycott of Musk. The shares were trading as high as $480 in December but were under $260 last week, a slide that has wiped out up to $800 billon of Tesla’s market valuation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"77D7GVE6WZBJ5FAKIF233JOD2U","additional_properties":{"_id":"CUN6CWHUWVEINNGKDUBN7DGJRU"},"content":"What damage is Elon Musk doing to Tesla’s shares and sales?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"SOIDAGUQCNADLIKLDBJPH52YLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514376},"content":"The mitigating explanations – that weaker sales stemmed from the wait for a revised Model Y and/or greater competition from Chinese company BYD – can only explain so much, particularly when the EV market itself is growing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5HHAZXTR2NAR7LMWLJYHUDY7IA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514377},"content":"Telsa has always had its sceptics, those who claim its perennially frothy valuation is at odds with the volume of cars it produces and the revenue it is likely to generate (a significant portion of its current revenue comes from selling emissions credits to rivals) but Musk, until now, has been able to face down his sceptics, convincing investors that Tesla is not just a car company but a revolution in transport stretching beyond mere car production.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UU2FQGNZE5AC7NMU4CQF3CTVWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514378},"content":"It remains the most valuable car brand in the world, worth 10 times as much as the likes of General Motors, Volkswagen, or Ford despite making a fraction of the number of cars the others make.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXKLXYEBF5AQVOBGJVXP2RT6PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514379},"content":"But the current backlash is not an argument around valuations or future earnings or the company’s narrative but a more visceral rejection of Musk himself, something that won’t be easily reversed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UFKUUCOQT5EIHKZV2L53XGNJ3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514380},"content":"Or will Musk have his wings melted in the political arena? He has potentially big enemies among Trump’s own Maga clique – Steven Bannon, Trump’s former adviser, being perhaps the biggest. Bannon has called Musk a “parasitic illegal immigrant”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7V6XI5LLXREELCSTFAO3JKLWEU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514382},"content":"The Maga movement has already clashed with Musk on visas for tech workers and believe he is redefining – in their eyes watering down – Trump’s immigration agenda. They’re waiting in the long grass for cracks in the Trump/Elon bromance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHFQTO2RAVCRJIG2ZZH4F6QNNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514383},"content":"But perhaps the more immediate political threat stems from his role as Trump’s cost-cutting tsar and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, or Doge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6Y6NZXZCYNCTDA5OW6OPUPWNVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514384},"content":"The latter is increasingly beset with legal obstacles, allegations of conflicts of interest and a backlash from federal workers and Democrats who see it as a “hostile takeover” of government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3U6QU5DLGZHZDOT7YGCN5CSNBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514385},"content":"Opponents believe Musk is breaking federal law to purge perceived ideological enemies from the civil service and in defiance of the courts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DU6RFFS6DVCNZEYKE4GQQOQCQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743285514386},"content":"While Doge’s aim of saving taxpayers’ money and reducing US national debt, which stands at a whopping $36 trillion, still appears to have a popular mandate, Musk’s slash and burn tactics is making him a target.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z5QWHYTCIRGNXLHQX2S4D3M3UU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743321872416},"content":"Where Musk’s political gambit ends is not obvious but he appears to have reached a dangerous point.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Eoin Burke-Kennedy"}},"name":"Eoin Burke-Kennedy"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tesla’s market value has slumped in recent weeks while he has potentially big enemies among Donald Trump’s Maga clique"},"display_date":"2025-03-30T11:05:59.584Z","headlines":{"basic":"Which will get to Musk first: Tesla’s falling share price or Trump’s Maga clique?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"A4JNPWBIRNDUZBRRXWJUHAKE3Q","auth":{"1":"fcb9114515b9e0a03af56ef5fdc50a280014ae65d6158469dff2a413837838e6"},"focal_point":{"x":754,"y":521},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/A4JNPWBIRNDUZBRRXWJUHAKE3Q.jpg"},"lead_art":{"_id":"ZRXEM3XT5R43IQU7JNMOXRR7GI","type":"image"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Economy"},{"name":"Technology"},{"name":"Big Tech"},{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/economy/2025/03/30/which-will-get-to-musk-first-teslas-falling-share-price-or-trumps-maga-clique/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business/economy","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Economy"}}}},{"_id":"NPOSOQICBFCKLO7F7TOMATYQYE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":665,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/fbd2c401-ad90-481d-8c47-0ffe3fcc3e23/versions/1742825438/media/b1dbb8dbb7b6be2bbd68211da22d9bbc_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/life-style/2025/03/29/irish-tesla-owners-on-musks-ev-company-im-either-stuck-with-it-or-i-have-to-take-a-big-financial-hit/","content_elements":[{"_id":"7PQ324P72BHIBAOGR6KTCDRFT4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511095},"content":"Ever since <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_blank\">Elon Musk</a> endorsed US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_blank\">Donald Trump</a> and gave a controversial salute at an inauguration event, the fortunes of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla</a> electric car company he owns have taken a dramatic turn. Musk’s political support for Trump, and his subsequent running of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) in the US has been at best divisive, and has certainly stirred some into their own political actions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJKNHL6WLJBMRIYHVGKVTDUZD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511096},"content":"In most markets, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/02/25/tesla-sales-fall-45-in-europe-amid-musks-political-meddling/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla sales have fallen dramatically</a>, and the latest figures show that across Europe, sales of the Model Y SUV – not long ago the Continent’s bestselling car – have fallen by 53 per cent since the start of the year. Not only is that car no longer a top-seller, it’s not even in the top 30 any more.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTJHRBTDUJAZHOYOGOK4KDZSFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511097},"content":"There may be extenuating circumstances for that fall in sales, but what have Irish Tesla owners been feeling since Musk undertook his political lurch to the right?","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAWNVOG7AFBTJKJP5HUE7TLSFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173685524},"content":"‘I’m worried about the resale value now’","type":"header"},{"_id":"GYYXR2SPU5HKJHQE4UOVRLS6CA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511098},"content":"Tim McCarthy, from Co Dublin, is a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2023/01/11/teslas-model-y-is-fast-its-roomy-and-it-goes-an-impressively-long-way-then-the-problems-start/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla Model Y</a> owner who bought his car in 2023. “When I bought it, there was a bit of reluctance, because of Mr Musk. We had looked at other cars, such as the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Skoda Enyaq, but eventually we bought this because it just suited us in certain ways. And I like the car, the ride is a bit firm, but the build quality is good, it works for me in terms of space, and when we had one problem with it – a tow bar issue – that was sorted quickly,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZASPACQV35E5LLOILY63AIAGAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511099},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Z3VZPMWB2FEBNI7OL6D6BUUZWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511100},"content":"McCarthy’s strictly-vehicular experience has been good, but Musk’s recent actions have created disquieting background noise. “I would be worried about the resale value now, and that might actually encourage me to hold on to the car for longer. I think it’s a very fluid situation, and you’re aware of where things are going around the world with Tesla, but it’s a very fluid situation, and who knows? I might be stuck with it…”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MCQ5QH7EPZFQVKYTEFEZRNJXWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511101},"content":"If it weren’t for Musk, McCarthy would be happy to buy another Tesla. “I think it’s a good company in general, in terms of innovation, software, customers’ backup, and the Supercharging network. So I’ve no issues with the company. It’s just him. I would consider buying from them again further down the line if he wasn’t there. Definitely.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPVFOPCQD5HITFVTN4LTZRI7NE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511102},"content":"Genevieve Carbery: Driving my Tesla in Ireland sometimes feels like wearing a red Maga hat","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"J7AZJD2OEVENPGJWQNBBVRNG5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173685530},"content":"‘I’m hoping to pick up a bargain’","type":"header"},{"_id":"XAM7U6NVVFDZBHVJN7W5SBAAJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511103},"content":"One person who says that Musk’s political stance has actually inspired him to consider buying a Tesla is Lewis Duffy, who lives in Dublin and currently drives a BMW 330e plug-in hybrid. “With all the news surrounding Tesla, I’m hoping to pick up a bargain as a result,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XLPVMQCQC5DJDBJ5MVUAK7JH3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511104},"content":"Duffy says he “absolutely” regards himself as a Musk supporter and hopes that his political influence might spread to this side of the Atlantic. “Just in terms of government efficiency, I feel that there’s so much bureaucracy in the Civil Service that we could save billions.” When we asked if he would be concerned that any Tesla he buys might be vandalised, Duffy responded: “Let them try.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BXFSD24B4NGGZEP4QKK2YIAXUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743173685533},"content":"‘I wasn’t a big admirer of Musk, but I was a big admirer of Tesla’","type":"header"},{"_id":"DXUSCOFRUFEMNMGASTSB3POXHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511105},"content":"Mick, who lives in the southeast of the country, and asked that his surname not be used, takes a different approach. “I wasn’t a big admirer of Musk in the past, but I was a big admirer of Tesla,” he says. “As a company, as a technological innovator – fantastic. I sort of had my doubts about Musk himself during the pandemic, when he was telling people to get back into the office.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWDHAG6PXNFIPH526PCEOUU5MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511106},"content":"Tesla Model 3 Performance: It’s flawed, but this is an addictive electric vehicle","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CBV5C7SOT5HEBHX36LYBMUR3YE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511107},"content":"Despite this, Mick bought a Tesla Model 3 saloon in September 2022. In normal circumstances, he’d currently be thinking about trading it in later this year. However, these are not normal circumstances. “I think at this point, I’m just going to have to hold on to it for as long as I can. The trade-in value was already trashed by the price cuts the company made in late 2022. And I can see how that made sense for Tesla — if they have reduced the cost to the point where they can sell it for less and still make a profit, and the mission is be competitive and get people to buy these cars rather than fossil-fuel cars, well I could see it from that point of view and just sort of suck it up.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZMBFKG6WIBFADIFAVOPQFJQJFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511108},"content":"Given the recent spate of vandalism attacks against Tesla cars, dealerships and chargers, is Mick worried about his car suffering similar damage? “I doubt that very much,” he says. “I think the worst that might happen is that someone might ‘key’ it, but then that could happen anyway, so I don’t have much fear of that. I think most people are reasonable, and they don’t think that I went out and bought the car because of a certain salute gesture. But I think I’m going to have to live with the fact that I’m either stuck with it, or I have to take a big financial hit. I might be well-off enough to afford to buy a Tesla, but I don’t make enough to sell it at a loss…”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BWMJVJTODZBCDPRDOK5CCBJYCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511109},"content":"About 20 Tesla cars damaged at Belfast dealership","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"LSABUJYZZVC75PTGPSEMMCJ2KU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511110},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"MKN3MGCZRRHEZJZV626K7W4QOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511111},"content":"It’s a curious situation for car buyers to be in, when politics and culture wars intrude into traditionally simpler questions of consumer value and car purchasing. In general, Irish car buyers have shown themselves relatively immune to broader political issues when it comes to their motoring choices – the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/vw-emission-cheating-who-knew-what-and-when-1.3537754\" target=\"_blank\">“Dieselgate” scandal</a> certainly cost Volkswagen some buyers, but it remains a big-selling brand here. Likewise, Toyota’s unintended acceleration scandal didn’t do the brand much damage in Irish customers’ eyes – it has been and still is the top-selling car brand in the country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAQ52HSCT5HSPO3FP337HK2MOU","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511112},"content":"Irish sales of Teslas have fallen this year, but to a far smaller degree than they have in the rest of Europe. Irish Tesla sales are down 6.1 per cent compared with the first two months of 2024, but there’s devil in that detail. Sales of the Model Y SUV, at one point the biggest-selling car in the world, have fallen by 53 per cent in Ireland, but that is potentially less likely due to attitudes to Musk, and more likely due to the fact that a new, potentially improved, Model Y has just been launched, but is yet to actually land on Irish shores. The Model 3 saloon, updated last year, has seen a 28 per cent increase in Irish sales.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DK4B4TT2EGMP6TXMER24GF5GNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511113},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DRSCEVTPAJD2XBT7TZ6PXNBFNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511115},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"E5Q7K4WVPNDCXCRTS4LNGFHUBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511116},"content":"In the US, Ed Niedermeyer is one of Tesla and Musk’s staunchest critics. A former senior editor at The Drive, he’s also the author of Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story Of Tesla Motors, published in 2019. Niedermeyer has some skin in this game – he’s a leading light in the recently-emerged #TeslaTakedown, a movement with the stated aim of damaging Musk economically by protesting the sales of his cars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OILDX6URDFCFDKJFVOTKJIXQNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511117},"content":"Asked if the current sales slump at Tesla is a blip, or something far more serious for the company, Niedermeyer says: “Like everything about the future, it kind of depends on us, right?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"A7EFQH2IWBHPHKHMGQPBUWB4XQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511118},"content":"“What I’ve been trying to communicate to people is that if taken seriously, Tesla is an immensely powerful lever that the public has to exert some influence over the political situation, at least with regards to Elon Musk. That there’s sort of fundamental vulnerabilities. That while he seems invulnerable, you look at the wealth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BG2PGX2O3BGWLKNWJ4QH2T25E4","additional_properties":{"_id":"EVBBDJPI7BD5DNOGQFNM3LEBOA"},"content":"Tesla-owning taxi drivers in Germany squeezed as customers boycott Musk’s cars","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"PKKBU6Q55ZATVKGOHBQHQEFS24","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511119},"content":"“And sort of like the Death Star, there’s that thermal exhaust port that is a very fundamental weakness. There’s no guarantee that that we’ll be able to blow up the Death Star, so to speak, but the opportunity certainly exists. I want to make people aware of that so they understand the options around the table.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CSTP3R7265HLRAM3EJWET6ZF5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511120},"content":"Is it actually possible to topple one of the world’s most powerful and influential people in such a manner, though? Niedermeyer certainly thinks so: “The first thing to recognise is that Elon Musk was not elected, that we as a body politic have not had a say in the power that he now wields. And so the question is, what can we do about it?","type":"text"},{"_id":"EMEU5LTQJBGNJG7F3KHJBYPGK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511121},"content":"“And my argument is that this is the only real opportunity that we have to exert meaningful influence on the situation between now and the next election. Even in the next election, he wasn’t elected, so the idea that the political system is going to be the way to remove him is not, I think, any more clear than the opportunity that this opportunity presents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HTZKTCBS3NA7FB4JYJTCBF3TMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511122},"content":"“And while that’s uncertain, there’s an ‘X-factor’ to the extent to which people buy in and collective action is able to take place at real scale. But what I know is that if that scale of rejection of selling Teslas, divesting from the stock, of boycotting future sales, boycotting service revenue, boycotting charging revenue, if that all happens at scale, combined with the other trends in Tesla’s business and the fundamental instability of the stock valuation, and the sort of triggers that are built into that, that could fuel a downward spiral.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"BSAUSBVC4HZDEB6ME3P6DOIJKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511123},"type":"image"},{"_id":"QNM3HKARLVAMBITZJGPLFDDAEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511124},"content":"However, there remains the question of how much of the downward trend in Tesla sales and value is due to protest, and how much is merely a blip as the company refreshes an ageing model line-up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HJGI3IL3YBADROLRTHBXLMZCFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511125},"content":"Matthias Schmidt is the chief European auto market analyst at Schmidt Automotive Research, based in Germany, where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/03/20/dont-blame-us-blame-musk-germanys-tesla-owning-taxi-drivers-appeal-for-customer-tolerance/\">taxi drivers are reporting growing resistance among customers to accept a trip in a Tesla</a>. Musk’s backing of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of last month’s federal election infuriated many Germans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4HL7MTWRJRGX5N6SR72CJ77BDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511126},"content":"Elon Musk article praising far-right AfD condemned by German political parties and press bodies","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"SBSEACC5ZJEF3CFCFB6HITZYKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511127},"content":"Schmidt says: “Tesla’s regional registrations trend has been downward, even prior to the Trump/AfD contagion. We see the withdrawal of purchase subsidies for EVs in many key European markets having a big negative impact, which was priced into Tesla’s business model and is now absent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RMCCM7MOD5HNVFKVJADKSRM6HE","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511128},"content":"“Being a pure-player EV company, Tesla was most exposed to this. The ageing and limited model line-up is also impacting them, and alongside that, the market for first-time adopters who were drawn to new brands such as Tesla is likely seeing some market saturation as incumbents increasingly bring new EV models to market to reach sharpening regulatory emission levels. The imminent introduction of the Model Y refresh could also be causing some purchasing decisions to be delayed, impacting January even harder while the baseline last year was slightly inflated thanks to the Model 3 refresh rollout. EU anti-subsidy tariffs may be having a small impact but Tesla has the least exposure here due to it facing the lowest rate of all manufacturers exporting BEV models from China to the EU, and it impacts the Model 3 only.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZVLNFB5YZZHULE5PYNBKJRECBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1743110511129},"content":"However, Schmidt did say there is some underlying protest movement effect. “In highly emotional Germany, we are seeing increasing anecdotal evidence – such as bumper stickers – of a consumer shift due to the toxic fallout from the AfD comments as consumers vote with their feet and look for, shall we say, Alternatives Für Tesla.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"What do Irish Tesla owners think about Elon Musk and his EV company? Here, they have their say "},"display_date":"2025-03-28T14:53:02.92Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish Tesla owners on Musk’s EV company: ‘I’m either stuck with it, or I have to take a big financial hit’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YNCGUXEYBZDXJMCTWNCQZO2YCE","auth":{"1":"cb80718fd19078e9d1c3d5443410a79a46759179287004ea11f53d43ce5d076a"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YNCGUXEYBZDXJMCTWNCQZO2YCE.JPG"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Life & Style"},{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/life-style/2025/03/29/irish-tesla-owners-on-musks-ev-company-im-either-stuck-with-it-or-i-have-to-take-a-big-financial-hit/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/life-style","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Life & Style"}}}},{"_id":"RVOCNY72SZDSBHJMPGDOIYC6FY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":465,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d653cdb5-79f8-462b-acd2-d8cfd6aaf39f/versions/1742897306/media/06ad024e3477ff239bc44c167fd23b81_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/27/dacia-bigster-may-have-a-cheesy-name-but-it-could-be-the-brands-grand-fromage/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UDGOONWNVZC4HCRYK7K5HHAKUY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a world of nominative determinism, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dacia/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dacia/\">Dacia</a> Bigster might be king. Four years ago Dacia set out to remake its model line-up, turning it from cheap and cheerful to affordable and desirable. Doing so meant making bigger <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\">cars</a> was paramount. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMT7Q7FY5JEB7GS4MNVMHYR46Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"So far in its life, Dacia has played in the so-called B-Segment. The segmentation of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/\">European</a> car market is arcane at best and sometimes can be as confusing as wading through a catalogue of taxonomy at the Natural History Museum, but the simple way to think of it is this – B-Segment is small cars and crossovers, such as the Ford Fiesta (RIP), the VW Polo, the Renault Captur, and the Toyota Yaris Cross. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIA2Y4XVLJCFRABEIUO3DCMZ6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"This is where Dacia has been since the beginning. The Duster SUV, for all its practicality, is essentially size-wise a competitor (an in-house one at that) to the Renault Captur. The Jogger might have seven seats, but it’s riding on the same chassis as (and using the whole front structure of) the small Sandero hatchback. So for all its successes – the bestselling car in Europe last year, and not for the first time – Dacia has been only making small cars. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SSUJXRRVE5BQLG3QM2XOIFKQQA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2FIMJ27SWZE2DOPQHB6TMMKCVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"That changes here. The Bigster name might be cheesy, but it’s appropriate as it moves Dacia up into the C-Segment. This is Europe’s biggest car segment, and it runs the gamut from a VW Golf hatchback to a Nissan Qashqai or a Hyundai Tucson. This is where you’ll find so many of the big sellers on Irish and continental roads, and it’s where chunkier profit margins can also be mined. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"252IXQFKFJHDXNOYA64SEP7ADI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Especially if, like Dacia, you’re boxing clever. To create the Bigster, Dacia has stuck with the same CMF-B platform that underpins the smaller Duster and the even smaller Sandero, stretching it pretty much as far as it will go to create a boxy family-sized SUV that’s 4.6-metres long. Still compact, in broad terms, but big enough to be usefully bigger than the Duster. It won’t be drastically more expensive, either. Dacia Ireland is targeting – yet may not quite reach – a base price of just under €30,000. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OG74YMOYRZBDHNJ4STMQ3HTCJ4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KINB3RMNYZA3BEK5755RQBCGOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"You don’t immediately spot that extra size from the outside, as the Bigster takes the Duster’s styling and embiggens it. The same Y-shaped headlights, the same chunky, castellated bonnet. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVOWUVCBLFHBLBIDCQTU242G4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The same square-edged wheel arches, trimmed with “starkle”, a recycled plastic that’s not painted and so which can protect the extremities of the Bigster from scrapes against off-road obstacles such as boulders and branches. Or, more realistically, stop you rubbing paint off against the wall of the Dunnes Stores car park.","type":"text"},{"_id":"24BUAC6NIVAYHGUUMA5DUHVTBA","additional_properties":{},"content":"When you sit inside, though, you immediately sense that the Bigster is a big step up for Dacia. Not just in size and space terms – that too – but also in a sense of greater quality and comfort. There’s a palpable sense that at least some of the materials used inside are of a higher grade than we’ve seen from Dacia of late, albeit not so high that you feel Dacia is getting notions. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJFU5OADRFGVLDTINMHNTJQ7OM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"IMGRUPF5PZFUXNJMJYYAXCMYTQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Crucially, the driver’s seat and driving position feel far roomier and more comfortable than that of the Duster, which makes an excellent first impression. While there are plenty of cheap plastics, the steering wheel and the chunky toggle switch for the automatic gearbox feel good, and those are the bits you’ll end up touching most. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GFS7LGIGSBGX7CZISW4SENJJFM","additional_properties":{},"content":"New Dacia Duster: Great value returns in a much prettier package","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XPQYIXYBRNF6JKIJE6FNLOON3A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 10.1-inch touchscreen – standard on all models – is fairly blameless to use, and certainly simple, and certainly simplified by the fact that Dacia has borrowed some smart looking and feeling air conditioning buttons from Renault. You’ll get either a seven- or 10-inch driver’s digital display, depending on the model. There’s lots of useful storage in the centre console, and large door bins too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CEXWELDGT5G7XACFTBQKUSFMVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the back, there’s a terrific sense of space and airiness, again much more so than in the slightly tight rear confines of the Duster. The optional panoramic glass roof helps (maybe this is notions, for Dacia?) but better still are the comfy rear seats with an acreage of legroom and headroom. No one’s likely to complain about being relegated to the back of a Bigster. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MY5K3U7PEFCIHLE3V57HPOEBV4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"L27BB3J5NVD27C2KUXD3BQKQOA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Fewer still will complain about the boot. Behind the optional electric tailgate (definitely notions … ) there’s up to 702 litres of luggage space (up to the luggage cover) depending on the model. Even the hybrid model, with the need to stash its battery, has up to 612 litres, surely more than enough for anyone? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XDRXI5IB3FHEBAPGJHD35VJOIU","additional_properties":{},"content":"There’s no seven-seat option, though, but then there isn’t in any of the Bigster’s direct rivals either. The rear seats split-fold in three, and there’s up to 2,002 litres of cargo carrying capacity if you do that. There are vans with less. There’s also an optional armrest that turns into a backpack and a new phone app that can help you more efficiently pack your boot. Sort of Bigster Tetris …","type":"text"},{"_id":"L63WT7KASBDOLDU4QV6WGV4IMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"What about driving, though? Well, you can choose from three-cylinder turbo 1.2-litre petrol and LPG engines with mild-hybrid assistance and up to 140hp, or a 130hp four-wheel drive version (which comes only with a manual gearbox). The bestseller is likely to be the 1.8-litre hybrid, which gets an upgrade compared to the similar engine used in the Jogger and Duster, bringing its power output to 155hp. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MEDKRKTDCZDYDINCWOZXLUSZRM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"BT7EOGUVE5C4NKPYF2J5VWYOAE","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s the version we’ve driven, and it’s broadly impressive. It has the strange automatic hybrid gearbox common to all Renault and Dacia hybrids which has four physical gears, but which also has two electric motors (a 50hp motor and a chunky starter-generator) which kind of means that it has infinite gears. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IW4VK3JL7JGTHLYIE2WGNLT2KU","additional_properties":{},"content":"MG HS review: Impressive plug-in hybrid SUV is proof of how far the brand has come","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"C7IA4EF4C5GXZK3HDUDAO2GRSQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"However it works (and I’ve tried, I’ve tried to understand … ) it can be a bit odd to use, allowing the engine to occasionally drone on rather too much, but for the most part the Bigster is really pleasant to drive. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"INVU3ULMEND6HOSGG7UBBY7GEA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"R7AN4UVSRRETNI6YY65YIJ2PTE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In hybrid form, you can tell that it has relatively soft suspension which has been beefed up slightly to cope with the hybrid’s extra weight, so while it is generally quite squishy and well-mannered, big transverse ridges or sharp speed bumps can send a “thwack” up through the wheels and springs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"STNWP7HB3NEW5KA4K644EP2IAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"That inherent softness means that the Bigster is no handling champ, and you definitely have to wait a beat for the nose to settle down on corner entry before really committing, but the feel-free steering is pleasingly weighted and fairly quick, and the Bigster has inherently good manners. Tight and twisty roads are not its forte, but on bigger, wider roads it’s a delight, if one that suffers from occasional bouts of wind (noise).","type":"text"},{"_id":"OKXMVPVUBZB7LEB3AJHI2RMQ2U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Fuel economy seems excellent on this experience – we averaged 5.3 litres per 100km – but the lower speed limits – and they’re rigorously enforced – of French country roads may have played a part in that, so let’s pass final judgment on that when we’ve driven at home on familiar territory. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRUXRY3BEJDFPDUUMRJNHWOPHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"So while the Bigster is well-named – it’s Dacia’s biggest model yet and a crucial climb upwards into more profitable territory – its bigness is not its defining characteristic. Its likeability is.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4NF77N3LLBCMXNZBBYGHTH6HZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cheap in all the areas you’d expect, but pleasing in all the areas that count, is the Bigster Dacia’s best car yet? Possibly …","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Dacia has enlarged its range with the new Bigster that sets a new standard for brand"},"display_date":"2025-03-27T11:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Dacia Bigster may have a cheesy name but it could be the brand’s grand fromage","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BXZLHYDPGBAQDCOTBOMIHSO5MY","auth":{"1":"9b96905bd211ad61076f13a79d1432ad6feea66bbaf522d9d93c077dac981dad"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BXZLHYDPGBAQDCOTBOMIHSO5MY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/27/dacia-bigster-may-have-a-cheesy-name-but-it-could-be-the-brands-grand-fromage/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"K66HOY2NJZD7HKFEOC6OV376DE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":272,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/0af1c707-83db-44de-886e-8efebc1883bd/versions/1743001977/media/f745cb5624547904a78c26a522388220_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/nissan-reveals-three-new-electric-car-models-crossover-leaf-all-electric-micra-and-juke/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BELVH7EL6VDU3OAGO7AVMPFDZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363235},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nissan/\" target=\"_blank\">Nissan</a> has been going through a rough patch of late, with money draining out of the corporate coffers, dire warnings of a major turnaround needed just to keep the company alive, and a failed merger with rival <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/honda/\" target=\"_blank\">Honda</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HETSNXXSBRAHJERR46BJTAQXVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363236},"content":"However bad things might be behind the scenes, Nissan is at least trying to fight back with some new product, and it has revealed three crucial new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric models</a> which are due to go on sale in the next 18 months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RE7VAGBF6RA3PHEDPHLBD67CW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363237},"content":"The first and most important one is the new Leaf. Since it was launched in 2012, the Leaf has been one of the world’s bestselling electric cars, and it was the first EV to win the coveted European Car of the Year award.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6BBKORGNZDP7L6PGTSBY6MF6M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363238},"content":"The Leaf past and current has long since been overtaken in technology and range terms by younger rivals (although sales held up, especially in Ireland, thanks to some very competitive pricing).","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLML6ANX5VE4XD7VWDLS2VBT5U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363239},"content":"Now, Nissan aims to meet those rivals head on with a new third-generation Leaf, which not only gets a bigger battery but changes its shape from hatchback to low-slung crossover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FIKVXPDLHVH5JJPDOGRN6HC2KQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363241},"content":"For the first time, the Leaf will get an up to date EV platform, sharing the CMF-EV chassis with the Nissan Ariya SUV and the Renault Scenic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GX3LGMCNXBFKTIB4U3EN2EYYDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363242},"content":"So far, no official technical details have been revealed, but there is talk of a 600km range, which would suggest that the more expensive versions will have a circa-80kWh battery. Presumably, that means that a smaller battery version, with a range of about 400km, will also be available, which is exactly the pattern followed by the Ariya and Scenic.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MWGU2V6KNZEMTPTWTAPHW5EKNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363243},"content":"We have not seen inside the new Leaf yet, but if it borrows much from the Ariya – as seems logical – then the cabin will represent a considerable improvement in quality from the current, rather cheap-feeling Leaf.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2KOHV22RZBGZFDEIK2UM2S6GE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363244},"content":"As with range, there are no details yet about charging speeds (the Scenic can handle up to 150kW on DC power) but Nissan has said that its new three-in-one motor (which combines an electric motor, a reducer and a power inverter into one compact module) has allowed it to make considerable efficiency gains.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJ4LILGDTBCTTL5SDMKSFDIEEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363245},"content":"The company also confirmed that the new Leaf will, once again, be built in Nissan’s factory in Sunderland in the UK, which seems to secure the future of that plant for some time to come.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GS7JHM7ZANEFJK3X3IEANLH2RM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363240},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3XMUWLEEMBGCNKXSGL3FEWAO7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363246},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KYGGGKDMBREFJF2LZJUUQZJ34A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363247},"content":"Nissan has also introduced a new all-electric Micra, which will be on sale before the Leaf, likely by the end of this year. The new Micra – complete with cutesy round headlights which hark back to the classic K11 and K12 versions of the 1990s and early 2000s – is based on the same AmpR-EV platform as the new Renault 5 E-Tech, and so it shares that car’s 40kWh and 52kWh batteries, and 120hp and 150hp electric motors.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3JTAEA5J4RGD7JKXPSI3BCE3XA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363248},"content":"That means the Micra should have a maximum range – for the larger battery version – of about 400km. It will be built alongside the Renault 5 at Renault’s factory in Douai, France.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FJXIKBYCBHZ5PEKQRBPH3HOWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363249},"content":"There’s a third leg to this Nissan electric rebirth, and it’s the new all-electric Juke. So far, Nissan has shown only an occluded image of this model, which should be on sale about the same time as the new Leaf, in 2026, but we can see that the new Juke has dramatic arrowhead-shaped LE headlights, and has kept the plunging rear roofline of the current model.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFRKEWMGDNBQBONEXTTRFS5TUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363250},"content":"It should be a bit bigger than the current Juke, though – the new EV Juke looks to also be based on the same CMF-EV platform as the new Leaf and the Ariya, so it’s likely to grow a bit compared to the existing hybrid-engined Juke.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKM4L7TXFJB5FA4PWKS2O5ZLVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363251},"content":"Speaking of hybrids, Nissan has also said that it’s about to launch an upgraded version of its e-Power hybrid system. Already on sale in the Qashqai and the X-Trail SUVs, e-Power means that it uses an electric motor to do all of the driving, while there’s a 1.5 petrol engine on board to act as a generator. At no stage does the petrol engine drive the wheels, and there’s no plug for taking on mains power. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNUYMUN52NHXDAHN4JDXFOLURE","additional_properties":{},"content":"E-Power has been a success for Nissan – 1.6-million cars with the system have been sold – but this new update comes with improved efficiency at higher speeds, especially when cruising on the motorway, as well as lower emissions, and better refinement. The new e-Power system will be on sale by the end of this year, debuting in the Qashqai.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KEKEZ4YFNCOLN7JHY7WMO6KKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742998363253},"content":"What hope for an all-electric Qashqai? It’s on the drawing boards, apparently, but has been held back for a while as Nissan waits for customer demand for EVs to catch up. Expect to see it before the end of the decade.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Nissan might be on its financial uppers, but the company has reveled three crucial new electric models"},"display_date":"2025-03-26T15:07:48.163Z","headlines":{"basic":"Nissan reveals three new electric car models: Crossover Leaf, all-electric Micra and Juke","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HV4D3UJVORANRC3WT6S5RH6BWQ","auth":{"1":"ad82ddb06adc05e5769733e0351039c509ae7f3721f548564dc68cdeebb5dd56"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HV4D3UJVORANRC3WT6S5RH6BWQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/nissan-reveals-three-new-electric-car-models-crossover-leaf-all-electric-micra-and-juke/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"FACCVXIKCBFRPINWO6BRRIVCUY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":678,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/be3c54f8-783c-4317-aa64-59d3953ab653/versions/1742222834/media/4710376a2d75a408c02f4d4eb337cfc1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/how-bad-might-things-get-for-tesla/","content_elements":[{"_id":"IUUYAX2MK5H7VEQWNGVQAF7YUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"A figure of $800 billion (€734 billion) is a lot of money. To put it in context, with Ireland considering <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/02/28/simon-harris-tells-officials-to-cost-huge-military-expansion-including-fighter-jets/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/02/28/simon-harris-tells-officials-to-cost-huge-military-expansion-including-fighter-jets/\">buying a job-lot of cutting-edge jet fighters</a>, a Saab Gripen – regarded as one of the best and most capable current multirole military aircraft – costs about $85 million. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMNUIPRT7BA5JOZUW4OBRUYWPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"So $800 billion is how much value <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\">Tesla</a> has shed since December. Back then, the carmaking brand run by the increasingly controversial <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk/\">Elon Musk</a>, hit a peak of $480 per share. At time of writing, that value had plummeted to $240 per share, up a little in the past few days, but still half what it was once worth. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLWHHXZD35FZHLVUUZ2I65QKJM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Your sympathies in this instance may be limited, whatever you might think of Musk and his lurch towards outright fascism. Tesla remains the world’s most valuable carmaker, still worth 10 times as much as the likes of General Motors, Volkswagen, or Ford despite making a fraction of the number of cars each year manufactured by those industrial giants. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMCWLMHU7VBARE5UCDMBNFN53Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tesla’s stock market valuation, often described as being vastly overinflated, has long since been based more on its potential as a tech company – developing autonomous driving taxis, humanoid robots, and artificial intelligence systems – than as a maker of electric cars. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NO52I34IFBDDJ44YZLY3MWMD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Still, the foundations of Tesla have been badly rocked, and much of it appears due to Musk’s increasingly erratic and autocratic tendencies. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EE3NGIT7NZCY3NLDPKMIPTSEUM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Musk’s support of US president <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump/\">Donald Trump</a>, and his eventual elevation under Trump to head up the highly controversial department of government efficiency, have meant car buyers of a more liberal bent abandoning the brand. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6D3KS4GTNVGNFOGLFIJS7IXAEY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Germany, where <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/01/09/musk-says-things-will-get-much-worse-for-germany-unless-voters-rally-behind-far-right-party/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/01/09/musk-says-things-will-get-much-worse-for-germany-unless-voters-rally-behind-far-right-party/\">Musk attracted ire for his support of the hard-right political party Alternative Für Deutschland</a> (AfD) Tesla sales fell by 71 per cent in February, a drop which was perhaps not coincidental with Musk employing not one but two stiff-armed salutes, which seemed to reference those used by the Nazi party in the 1930s and 1940s, at Trump’s inauguration ceremony.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TAILCERE2JD37FAVR7SFOTECDY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tesla sales plummet across Europe amid Elon Musk backlash","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"SHYY5S7OABBITPJWXCQRNRFU2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"France marked similar drops in Tesla sales, as did the United Kingdom. In Ireland, Tesla sales have also fallen so far this year, but to a far smaller degree. Irish Tesla sales are down 6.1 per cent compared with the first two months of 2024, but there’s devil in that detail. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GZGYYU37FCGREYVIUTY7NVSPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sales of the Model Y SUV, at one point the biggest-selling car in the world, have fallen by 53 per cent in Ireland, but that is less likely due to us developing a sudden national loathing for Musk, and more likely because a new, potentially improved, Model Y has just been launched but is yet to land on Irish shores. The Model 3 saloon, updated last year, has seen a 28 per cent increase in Irish sales. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DXUNIC2GQZFJPL7VLPX4AD63FQ","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-96120","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"A2OG7CRRIBCD7H3SA5Q6Y2ZYGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In other markets, notably the US market, Tesla is being increasingly seen as a lightning rod for people’s sudden realisation of just how dramatic the shift to the far right American politics has seen this year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZS3CZ62EZFMDIX4I6LAPBKGEM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Musk is the world’s wealthiest man, but much of his wealth is tied up with both Tesla’s stock market valuation and with various loans which are tied to that value. That has turned Tesla from a mere carmaker into a potential lever for those seeking to exert political influence at a time when the Trump administration appears to be doing all it can to stamp out dissent and criticism.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2M5YMKP4BCVBJ5OGOUT2CTTO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ed Niedermeyer is one of Tesla’s and Musk’s staunchest critics. A former senior editor at the Drive and Automotive News, he’s also the author of Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors, published in 2019. Niedermeyer has some skin in this game – he’s a leading light in the recently emerged #TeslaTakedown movement which is, quite genuinely, seeking to bankrupt the world’s richest man by protesting against the sales of his cars. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DS4V2QGWHZHVTK6FREY5JJG4HQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Irish Times asked Niedermeyer if the current sales slump at Tesla is a blip, or something for more serious for the company? “Like everything about the future, it kind of depends on us, right?” Niedermeyer responded. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3FSQ6INGZE2DGF3RJ5TVJ3XNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Are Elon Musk’s antics just a blip for Tesla or permanent brand breakdown?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VEH6PX45JBAUZDSOY7VBQKPEHE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“What I’ve been trying to communicate to people is that if taken seriously, Tesla is an immensely powerful lever that the public has to exert some influence over the political situation, at least with regards to Elon Musk. That there’s sort of fundamental vulnerabilities. That while he seems invulnerable, you look at the wealth. And sort of like the Death Star, there’s that thermal exhaust port that is a very fundamental weakness. There’s no guarantee that that we’ll be able to blow up the Death Star, so to speak, but the opportunity certainly exists. I want to make people aware of that so they understand the options around the table.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWSLPOKMAZFMTNFJBASDXJ7TNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Is it actually possible to topple one of the world’s most powerful and influential people in such a manner, though? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKMFBA4AYZHF5FMLCYFFZTW654","additional_properties":{},"content":"Niedermeyer certainly thinks so. “The first thing to recognise, is that Elon Musk was not elected, that we as a body politic have not had a say in the power that he now wields. And so the question is, what can we do about it? And and my argument is that this is the only real opportunity that we have to exert meaningful influence on the situation between now and the next election. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2CRXA5EDLC45BEL4SAFRTGE5M","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"JX2CFHH3DBCUVHQRUANQTEABEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"HFNLSZ27AJEJVDXHOKQ4LUCDPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Even in the next election, he wasn’t elected, so the idea that the political system is going to be the way to remove him is not, I think, any more clear than the opportunity that this opportunity presents. And while that’s uncertain, there’s an X factor to the extent to which people buy in and collective action is able to take place at real scale. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SNGCFDUFNFB7RN2S4JXEMMHBSY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“But what I know is that if that scale of rejection of selling Teslas, divesting from the stock, of boycotting future sales, boycotting service revenue, boycotting charging revenue, if that all happens at scale, combined with the other trends in Tesla’s business and the fundamental instability of the stock valuation, and the sort of triggers that are built into that, that could fuel a downward spiral.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZHCYSA6DVH3VCSXCTR7FIRAFE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Never mind the shamrocks: White House showroom opens for business amid ‘Tesla Chainsaw Massacre’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZL2WEKB7WZDDJLFFVLX5OV46NA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Clearly the anti-Tesla, anti-Musk movement has touched a chord, or you wouldn’t have seen Trump reading from a literal Tesla sales pitch, live from the Oval Office. However, there remains the question of how much of the downward trend in Tesla sales and value is due to protest, and how much is merely a blip as the company refreshes an ageing model line-up. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PJCPZ3CVZCDBLNEHTGEA35C5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Matthias Schmidt is the chief European auto market analyst at Schmidt Automotive Research, based in Germany. “Tesla’s regional registrations trend has been downward, even prior to the Trump/AfD contagion. We see the withdrawal of purchase subsidies for EVs in many key European markets having a big negative impact, which was priced into Tesla’s business model and is now absent,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LX5AQXDJZNEZNJOOE6RFIOCVK4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Being a pure-player EV company, Tesla was most exposed to this. The ageing and limited model line-up is also impacting them, and alongside that, the market for first-time adopters who were drawn to new brands such as Tesla is likely seeing some market saturation as incumbents increasingly bring new EV models to market to reach sharpening regulatory emission levels. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"34733QL26NCANM2BEGJP7MLVVY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The imminent introduction of the Model Y refresh could also be causing some purchasing decisions to be delayed, impacting January even harder, while the baseline last year was slightly inflated thanks to the Model 3 refresh roll-out. EU anti-subsidy tariffs may be having a small impact but Tesla has the least exposure here due to it facing the lowest rate of all manufacturers exporting BEV models from China to the EU, and it impacts the Model 3 only.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4FBYNPY6NFS3OXK6NLLL22JUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Schmidt also said there is some underlying protest movement effect. “In highly emotional Germany, we are seeing increasing anecdotal evidence – such as bumper stickers – of a consumer shift due to the toxic fallout from the AfD comments as consumers vote with their feet and look for, shall we say, Alternatives Für Tesla.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GO7NIKXJWBB5JJ5GW24U46MFTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Ireland, such sentiments seem thin on the ground at the moment. The Irish Times has made repeated attempts to contact current Tesla owners to see if they’re now feeling the tingling sensations of buyer’s remorse, but perhaps concerns over flatlining their residual value have kept their heads below the parapets for now. There are anecdotal reports of used Teslas becoming increasingly hard to trade in and move on, but that could be as much about market saturation and the reluctance of used car buyers to move to electric as it is any political toxicity. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"E7YS3V6PAJC25HO3YAFHJM2QAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Adrian Slattery, of electric car leasing specialists DCEV, said that when it comes to anti-Tesla sentiment, “we definitely see it in the UK with posters on bus stops and murmurings of shaming owners, but not so much in our circles in Ireland. Although their numbers across Europe are way down, we still see a lot of new and used models zipping around the Irish cities and towns. The second-hand Model 3 market is still very strong here”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZIGIPFWPNE7ZPMFXVHVWOR72E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Potentially a much bigger worry for Musk and Tesla could be far away from the political sphere, and simply the fact that where Teslas were once pioneering and ground-breaking, now they’re having to compete with a multitude of other very impressive EV models. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ICA3LCYFOBFMNERDRVGSYN7ZYQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The New York Times reports that in China, buyers are abandoning their Teslas not because they’re bothered about fascist salutes or the mass-firing of US government employees, but simply because other brands can offer them more. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXJYIMCWR5ETVLUN5BCLTAPKGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"One report has it that consumers can buy two Chinese-brand EVs for the price of one Tesla, and that seems borne out by sales figures – in the first two months of 2025 in China, Tesla sold 60,480 cars, while it’s biggest rival, in global as well as Chinese terms, BYD, sold 481,318 (although some of those in fairness were hybrids, not all fully electric models).","type":"text"},{"_id":"IK25ZN27VVHCPGH3OIQMW3P5UM","additional_properties":{},"content":"BYD’s vice-president Stella Li has recently said that she would be open to a collaboration with Tesla, telling The Financial Times: “Our common enemy is the internal combustion engine car. We need to work together … to make the industry change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUFFQCXUDBDQ3K66VXM3MHCHVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Quite how Musk might view such a collaboration is at present unknown (has anyone checked his X feed?), but one assumes that collaborating with a gigantic Chinese car maker would not be a good look in the current corridors of Washington power. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7LBTSRDQFGLHO67O3HSEXVQPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also remains to be seen whether Tesla is genuinely teetering on the brink of disaster, or whether the recent plummet in sales and stock is just a blip from which the carmaker, and its chief executive, can recover. Given time and space, most companies can recover from most problems, but the ticking clock of quarterly results will have investors spooked, and if they begin to demand change, Musk’s troubles may merely be beginning. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Irish sales of the controversial electric car brand are holding up and will probably increase overall this year"},"display_date":"2025-03-26T06:18:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How bad might things get for Tesla?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TQMBVOMS3GIVU4GQMXLX6J3X3Y","auth":{"1":"9390a3bfcf8c70cf270d902ac844d456e9fad5180b394f2c6ba8ccd48d0c920b"},"focal_point":{"x":2308,"y":1888},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TQMBVOMS3GIVU4GQMXLX6J3X3Y.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/26/how-bad-might-things-get-for-tesla/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"7AKTG327PNHD5NDRYQTVR4AAZM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":463,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/18a9d994-398d-42c9-97d8-f36f95b6e257/versions/1742379935/media/29d39673aaf26ec3d16afcfbb97292f1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/26/ineos-grenadier-quartermaster-pickup-review-flawed-but-still-a-guilty-pleasure/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FUHSX46N4RF3LF76ZUQEFGBIAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are many things in my life that fall under the umbrella of “I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t quite help myself”. These include: eating an entire packet of M&S Insanely Chocolatey Custard Creams in one sitting; watching too many films based on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marvel\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/marvel\">Marvel</a> comic books; buying <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lego/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lego/\">Lego</a>; staying up too late watching Formula One race repeats on the TV; having just one more glass of wine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5OI5FRKLSBAHFKF3MWRQKL4JAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The list is certainly not limited to the above, but that’s as much as I’m prepared to admit in a public forum. However, that list does need expanding by one to include “liking the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ineos/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ineos/\">Ineos</a> Grenadier Quartermaster”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NN33RT7CNBECJNAUJ5K2EPLH3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"I know, I know. Captain Anti-SUV suddenly likes an SUV. Except, I don’t. Whatever the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is, it’s certainly not an SUV. SUVs are pointlessly tall versions of regular passenger cars that crowd out the roads and pavements around school gates. I’ve done the school run this week in the Quartermaster, and I can tell you it’s most certainly not an SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJOUMB6VIJCTXCVO3AE63KP4EI","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3FCMOBBNP5FQ3JFMHWS6HP5XBE","additional_properties":{},"content":"How about Land Rover pastiche, then? Well, there’s some truth in that – the boss of Ineos, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jim-ratcliffe/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/jim-ratcliffe/\">Jim Ratcliffe</a> (latterly of Manchester United and the Mercedes F1 team too) – decided that he didn’t like what <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/land-rover\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/land-rover\">Land Rover</a> was doing with its second-generation Defender, and so decided that he’d pivot his gigantic chemical company into making what he considered to be the rightful heir to the original hard-working Land Rover. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"7CDQSYV5FZGNBGGGMF6YNFFAFM","additional_properties":{},"content":"So, a vehicle was designed, a supply of BMW straight-six engines and ZF gearboxes arranged and a factory in Hambach in France, formerly home of the Smart ForTwo, purchased (that despite Radcliffe’s apparent support for Brexit). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SRZHS6L5TBFTXFEY4T3MER7IMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Grenadier duly appeared, looking roughly like a cross between an original Land Rover Defender and an original Mercedes G-Wagen (or, if you’re feeling less generous, a 4x4 that you’d find on the streets in GTA 6, because the game designers didn’t pay a licensing fee). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"G7MGKSQRMVCJ7HEQRBGSXWJAII","additional_properties":{},"content":"Noisy, somewhat crude, but certainly rugged and useful (and also very, very expensive), the Grenadier has gone on to at least modest success. The company’s Irish importer, Orangeworks, has a unique arrangement, selling its wares by appointment only at an off-roading and adventure sports complex in the ground of Carton House Hotel, just outside Dublin. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPSHCTSYLFB4HJMSU5YC5QN74Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"This is the Grenadier Quartermaster, the brand’s first pickup truck, and a model which for the moment Land Rover has no answer. The current Defender can apparently not be rejigged as a pickup, so the goal is almost open for Ineos, aside from the fact that it has to get past the likes of Ford’s Ranger, VW’s Touareg, and Toyota’s Hilux on the way.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLC5EP5N6JBFHBV34QRCIYYB7A","additional_properties":{},"content":"There is much that might trip the Quartermaster up en route to the back of the net. Not least is its price tag, which – as tested – is €68,995 before VAT is applied, a price that would get you a top-spec version of any of the other three without worrying about VAT. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SXASSJJJYBAHBGPQJ3REBXRXZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equally, while the Quartermaster has a wide-open rear-load bed, it’s not actually all that roomy, and you have to remove the upright spare tyre from the back if you want to carry a Euro pallet. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VMQDODY3EBHOBBIEXBPRNSUWXA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4FE6VWO4MBBZTIDKQD5RI57D2Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equally, the Grenadier is stuck carrying less than one tonne of payload weight, although that’s true too of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2023/05/23/fords-new-raptor-is-an-engineering-feat-but-a-thirsty-beast/?\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2023/05/23/fords-new-raptor-is-an-engineering-feat-but-a-thirsty-beast/?\">Ford Ranger Raptor</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2FUI4V34RHADBI33SKXPQDHKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"You can have the Grenadier Quartermaster in a two-seat crew-cab layout, with a vast enclosed load area where the rear seats should be, or as with our test car, you can have the rear seats left well enough alone. Space in those rear seats is tight, but there’s plenty of comfort up front, even with an odd driving position forced on you by the offset of the pedals. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FE2RYNF34FGC7LRCWRDH5WRIT4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The BMW 3.0-litre engine comes in either petrol or diesel form, and our test car used the 249hp diesel engine. In BMWs, this engine is whisper quiet with a low, deep, brassy grumble when pressed hard. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KBPXADGUFBHWTBPNGKVDTRF7OM","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the Quartermaster, it sounds like you’re standing in the engine room of a car ferry, and the noise doesn’t really ever go away, even if you can tell that the engine is inherently smooth. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MSSPDE3DBACLLZYNATU6BGZSQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LKT4SAKOCBCEXMG7O7SLEVL6VU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The automatic gearbox is as good as it ever was (this ZF box is by far the best modern auto transmission) but the large live axles, chunky off-road tyres and woeful turning circle all do their bit to make life that bit harder behind the wheel. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"INRNJ5RYQZBOHJJHVTMAOPLZEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equally, the steering – 3.85-turns lock-to-lock, and with no self-centring – is deeply odd, occasionally obstructive, and takes more than a little getting used to. Three-point turns? Try 20-point. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JA73MAJRCBBEFCXDC4IOMZVODE","additional_properties":{},"content":"And yet, I can’t ignore the lure of the Grenadier. Say what you like about its crudity and that fact that it is tantalisingly close to being a piece of agricultural machinery, it is rather good fun. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NBIR3UEXZVE4PJHVTWAM7ZS3SY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Take it to some serious off-road sections and the Grenadier lopes about, climbing, clambering, slipping, sliding, descending, and generally getting about like a big metal mountain goat. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TBGNQCR2HRH25FF4TA3QI2ZDNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The engine is tuned for leisurely performance down low, which is a pain in traffic, but makes perfect sense when you’re trying to carefully eke out torque on a muddy hillside. There are locking differentials and low-range gears for serious terrain, but even amid the mud, standing water, and hills of our test route, none of that was needed – the Grenadier Quartermaster tackled it all as easily as those SUVs tackled the school run, albeit with rather more enjoyment and the fun of (literally) mucking about outdoors. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XI5LD6EXTVB2JBQE2S6IIUPV2I","additional_properties":{},"content":"It’s not a dead loss in more normal driving either. True, refinement is compromised but the Grenadier Quartermaster actually cruises quite nicely on the motorway, once you accept the need for constant steering tweaks to maintain a steady course. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ECPQZ3BUPBC6RDCJ2AZZNMXJ7Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YOUS4JBOMNATNLQ4XB4ROYZ6NM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The button-strewn interior is a silly pastiche, but those clunky, meaty, proper buttons feel great to use. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4BK5KYAOYNDEXBH3OVFEEAQ4XM","additional_properties":{},"content":"So, yes, the Grenadier Quartermaster is daft. If you’re looking for a hard-working pickup, the Ford, VW, and Toyota options make so much more sense. If you’re looking for something that can go seriously off the beaten track, then the Land Rover Defender is equally talented and yet cruises main roads with the refinement of a Range Rover.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GV4WN7BN3JGXRNIBOUBS5QMUNY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Even so, with the desert camo beige paint job of our test car (officially called Magic Mushroom, yes seriously), the chunky buttons, and the generally old-fashioned approach to motoring, I find myself still charmed by the Grenadier Quartermaster. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"X277CDPBK5G7VDEEOESYIR4TOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lowdown: Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster","type":"header"},{"_id":"7VAKHPFMERH2BAFJIAMSFPIHTY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Power </b>3.0-litre straight-six diesel putting out 249hp and 550Nm of torque through an eight-speed automatic gearbox powering all four wheels. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUXREMXIIJEQJG4TGHXYYJ4EBU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>0-100km/h: </b>9.8 seconds. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFLFN773T5ATLO5B4M2XPEZWZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Emissions (motor tax) </b>295g/km (€333 commercial tax) ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OC2JE5YHJVDWTGXAYIFQCQZU7I","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption</b> 11.2l/100km (WLTP). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CIM4KD4JPNGGPP7L543ZYCBN5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Price</b> €68,995 + VAT as tested. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYHV24TLSRCLNCLBOGX4S4SMIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Our rating</b> 2/5 ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGOXS5MPH5H5DEH3J6PSAH56OY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Our verdict </b>Badly flawed in many areas, yet has a certain charm","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"The big, rugged pickup truck is compromised in many ways – and expensive"},"display_date":"2025-03-26T06:11:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pickup review: Flawed but still a guilty pleasure","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"G3R52QXHLBEBRHRQEE3NXWPX2M","auth":{"1":"891badce43ba1bdbda8d60aecf49b45659130c822aa68d6aae52a3e0fa267aa3"},"focal_point":{"x":2469,"y":1789},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/G3R52QXHLBEBRHRQEE3NXWPX2M.jpeg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/26/ineos-grenadier-quartermaster-pickup-review-flawed-but-still-a-guilty-pleasure/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"YIKLC3NUPZB2DD6CBZDGZMQMYU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":600,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/1932ea11-d57b-42a4-8fa9-7098166d4597/versions/1742379586/media/8ad22cffa06aa50bbee6c2e965236ddf_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/25/how-do-you-keep-a-car-brand-going-on-fewer-than-100-sales/","content_elements":[{"_id":"K66V5L4Y5ZGAVHQGMHDXJLPTGY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ireland’s car market is tiny. While it’s true that the motor trade here employs a significant number of people (30,000-plus), in new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\">car sales</a> terms it’s a tiny gnat perched on the buttocks of a hippo. Our average 120,000-or-so new cars sold every year is the equivalent of one minor UK city, or a large US dealership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"46UFJBGN4JGPJPE3FHKL676XNI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The big brands – <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/toyota/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/toyota/\">Toyota</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai/\">Hyundai</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\">VW</a> – will sell something in the region of 15,000 cars each year here. To be more precise, last year Toyota sold 17,251 new cars; Volkswagen 13,520; and Hyundai 11,049 (those last two split by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/skoda/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/skoda/\">Skoda</a>, which sold 12,182). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XFQUEZYPIJESLGCFBMABZDDTE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"These are significant chunks of the market, but at the other end there are marques that manage a tiny fraction of that, car brands whose sales are in double figures, and not necessarily large double figures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XAFHGFLB2FFFBGDZ6SCUW3XUE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are a handful that have single figure sales, but those include the specialist likes of Ferrari (five), Lotus (three), and Aston Martin (one). There is one other in single-digit territory – Alpine – but we’ll deal with that separately in a minute. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TTZUG4FLL5EELFOQ5NUJPBLRNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, there are also brands, far better known, whose sales failed to pierce the century barrier last year. One of those was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alfa-romeo/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/alfa-romeo/\">Alfa Romeo</a>. When Ireland’s car market was at its numerical peak 25 years ago, Alfa Romeo managed to hold a 1 per cent market share purely based on the sales of its hugely successful 156 saloon. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OT4MFO6CRRD77ME6NIWC3Q7LJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Now, though? Only 43 new Alfa Romeos were sold in Ireland last year. Little-heralded DS sold three times as many cars. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bmw/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bmw/\">BMW</a>, once a company that envied Alfa Romeo’s success in the 1950s and 1960s, sold 4,619.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFGZF7UWEBBVVHKDPZD6K4CYNQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"So what does that mean for the future of Alfa Romeo? A brand that is aimed at well-heeled but nonetheless mainstream car buyers cannot survive for long on such tiny sales. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRHTJODFAFFSBCJ2MCOLGDXWFY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Until the departure of chief executive <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carlos-tavares/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carlos-tavares/\">Carlos Tavares</a> from Stellantis Group – the car-making conglomerate that owns Alfa Romeo alongside Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Opel, Jeep and many more – Alfa’s future had been secure for at least a decade, as the brand was given at long last the sort of investment that it has too often lacked. In the past few days, that future may have become somewhat less secure, as Tavares’s departure means Stellantis is more hawkish about its overstuffed cabinet of brands.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EOVNKKYESZBAJA4H5KMHQJ74YM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Nonetheless, Ciaran Cusack, communications and brands manager at Gowan Auto, the Alfa Romeo importer for Ireland, told The Irish Times: “We only have three dealers in the Alfa Romeo network, although we are planning to expand that number in the future and grow the brand sustainably in Ireland. In fact, one of our dealers opened a new state-of-the-art showroom late last year, which is one of the first of its kind in Europe.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4SGEI3BDJAJJO3NXN2KYXGNIM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cusack said Alfa’s Irish dealers understand the brand’s position, that it is a niche premium brand undergoing a transformation and that the recent line-up is not where the volume will come from. Jam tomorrow? Maybe, but there seems to be hope waiting in the wings (albeit Alfa Romeo has gone through multiple generations of rebirth and retraction).","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANCQ6N3Y2RBN7IO2HPZAZ65E5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This year’s launch of the new Junior model has changed things, allowing Irish customers to experience the brand from just under €35,000,” said Cusack. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HS4F5VE6EJF6ZMWEKTOQXRQMFA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This is the first fully electric model for the brand and the first on a Stellantis platform, so you can get a good indication of the future of the brand from this model. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Q4DKMJ2T5DKRGVF6D4KYZHE2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Alfa Romeo Junior EV delivers real driving fun despite seeming sacrilege to the brand’s fans","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CLRNAWTGHNDWLGFQTGJ5G5TJ2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Currently only available in full electric, the arrival of the hybrid version later this year will give us a great chance to increase volume and gain market share. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OH3AO5RQ5ZATVC2VV75TSPI3II","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We brought our dealer network to Turin late last year to give them an exclusive look at the models coming over the next two years and to show them the future of the brand with Stellantis. They were suitably impressed.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENHLIYHAFNAIJAF6VYISI755QA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Those new models include a new Stelvio SUV, which is scheduled for release in late 2025 and which will be built on Stellantis’s STLA Large platform – that allows both fully-electric power with ranges exceeding 700km, and hybrid petrol power too. In 2026 we will see the all-new Giulia which will also use the STLA large platform. It means Alfa will have an entirely regenerated range, including crucial electric and hybrid models that it has until now lacked, within two years. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYCMK7IJDREDFO5HUIJMTRMJAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Alfa is a brand beloved of motoring enthusiasts (this writer included) and, while the marque has had more than its share of flops, to lose it altogether would be to make the motoring world a poorer, less interesting place. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"S767FW7LKFBB3GV7LA2DES2ZNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"What, then, of Subaru and GWM Ora? Both brands are represented here by International Motors (IM), a UK-based car importer and distributor, which has a long history of success. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6AFOJ2KI5GEBI4DLWUJBE4HXQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Yet, last year Subaru sold just 24 new cars in Ireland, while GWM Ora (part of China’s huge Great Wall Motors) sold just 46 cars, all of them the cutesy-styled 03 electric hatchback (née Funky Cat, until the point where the marketing people at GWM realised that no English-speaking buyer wants a car called Funky Cat). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUBQLZ5QI5E77K4AO6HCBWMULA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Subaru’s faltering sales can be partly explained by the car maker being so focused on the US market that it often produces models that, even with hybrid power, are just too thirsty and too high in CO2 emissions for Irish tastes and budgets. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RO2BMPORVBCJLFUSC3NK7RHSZA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ora is a single-car brand, but you’d think that the engineering and financial muscle of Great Wall Motors might have done rather better even so. After all, Polestar shifted 314 cars last year, and almost all of those were the Polestar 2 saloon. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RPSQZRD775GLLIZWWSO3H4NIPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The solution for both brands seems to be to consolidate operations with the much larger IM structure in the UK. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OZSRFNPTG5B7ZNNPH3XANPU3LQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"That, and the promise of new models yet to come that will hopefully be better suited to the mores of the Irish market. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBLG4UBBJ5B73NLKARD3LJWOGU","additional_properties":{},"content":"William Brown, managing director of International Motors Limited UK & Ireland, told The Irish Times: “In August 2024, International Motors Ltd concluded a review of its operational division for Ireland and restructured its business accordingly. This included amalgamating Ireland and UK sales and marketing operations to streamline and future-proof the business and improve efficiency for both the Subaru and GWM brands. This results in Ireland being managed by a much larger team, with more resources. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"37MVB5Q4A5HQFBYUWZ6APYTIG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Subaru has announced that it will unveil three new EV products before the close of 2026, with more to follow by the end of 2028, as it grows its product portfolio. GWM has recently released the Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid in the UK, which is currently under consideration for Ireland. We continue to be committed to supporting our dealers and customers in Ireland for both Subaru and GWM.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GMEDOLITBZFP3KZAYPNAIG6FPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Arguably, the brand with low 2024 sales that has the most potential is Alpine. Renault’s high-performance and electric brand – yes, the one that has its own Formula One and Le Mans racing teams – was supposed to have had a low-key launch in Ireland last year with the A110 sports car. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQWXD5K7LNCWZK4P5GLISDGJ2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"That mid-engined delight, which is a rival to the likes of the Porsche Cayman, is poorly suited to Ireland as it (a) is a sports car, (b) is expensive and (c) has relatively high emissions. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNEO5CXVTJELNPY3QSD3UZC77Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Unsurprisingly, the launch was called off. Even so, enough Irish buyers had worked out the truth, which is that the A110 is quite frankly one of the best cars you will ever drive, and so a tiny number were sold here last year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BUKDXYB7UBFDTAWO3Y4LOREPXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, Alpine will finally launch properly this year, and it will do so with electric power – the little A290 electric hot hatch is based on Renault’s gorgeous new all-electric R5 E-Tech, and promises proper driving fun with tiny electric running costs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VN67M34CI5DGHNLYB4RBMVDLFQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Next up is the A390, which will be a sleek four-seat crossover, again with electric power, while the A110 itself will be replaced in 2026 by a new two-seat electric sports car. Renault’s marketing nous plus electric power might well mean that Alpine has the best chance of any on this page of climbing past the 100 sales barrier. We’ll start to find out when the marque launches properly here in May. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6S6JAGP3KNGF3FUQG6CKPTGKQA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The thing is, none of the aforementioned brands are actually small brands. Alpine is part of the now-hugely-successful-once-again Renault Group (following its nadir of 2020); Subaru is a massive brand in the US and in other parts of the world; Alfa Romeo is part of Stellantis and has said that its new model programme is fully costed and invested for an entire decade; GWM Ora is part of an enormous Chinese conglomerate. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUFGEQWCQJF7ZBU5MS2DGZXOIQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"China’s X factor: Xpeng arrives in Ireland with €42k electric G6 SUV","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4PYQ5WN5NJFLPMKQ4P5MDPSTTE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It’s that last one that ought to worry the others most, however. According to S&P Markets analysis, smaller brands, especially those from China, are “gaining traction” with consumers, and that traction can only come at the expense of European, Japanese, and American brands with which local buyers have fallen out of love. Alfa Romeo, Subaru and Alpine had better get their collective acts together, and fast, as harder days are most definitely ahead.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GQ76V6NMNFTJDTI55JSPFBORM","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Several brands in the State sold fewer than 100 new cars last year. What does the future hold for them?"},"display_date":"2025-03-25T05:28:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Ferrari sold five cars in Ireland last year, Alfa Romeo sold 43. How do these brands survive? ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"T75KNUYEHFAKDJVPULJV6R7WTI","auth":{"1":"2b71cfd0daef0538132aa388d262da0a3afec977c5bb48c6427c3d6f6b498288"},"focal_point":{"x":1512,"y":1636},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/T75KNUYEHFAKDJVPULJV6R7WTI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/25/how-do-you-keep-a-car-brand-going-on-fewer-than-100-sales/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"RSPAWOOHBRAW7GRFJYD2NNLMIY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":298,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/706f5518-3617-41ed-ae2e-27814eedc365/versions/1742481299/media/d7c31915a29f12c6b2e8d8c365d725e8_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/25/is-inclusive-servicing-worth-it-for-an-electric-vehicle/","content_elements":[{"_id":"HTAOSVTDYBGWPKXCNSRRLFKXV4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742672829851},"content":"<b>Q: We’ve purchased a second-hand Skoda EV and have been offered a service plan as a monthly direct debit. It looks relatively cheap, and I wanted to know if these are good value as EVs have different service requirements to ICE cars? – </b><i>D Hurley, Co Cork</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDYF5LYHQRF2BAKNSKFFEUM2NQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977866},"content":"<b>A:</b> Obviously, there’s a straight cash value answer to this. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/skoda/\" target=\"_blank\">Skoda</a> offers used-car inclusive servicing packages starting from €13 per month, so over three years, that will cost you €468.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7TAYOO3IZGHPBPS62R3GBEXJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977867},"content":"Now, on average, a minor service for an internal combustion engine (ICE) car can cost as little as €130, sometimes even less, or it can cost €250 or more.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETUWIOK35FBRNP75LPONVSHMEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977868},"content":"So this gives us a rough bandwidth of servicing costs over three years of between €390-€750. Generally, within a three-year period, a car will also need at least one “major” service, which can cost anything from €300-€500 or more.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQMBEOBTGFE4NKFHLTBQQMCXRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977869},"content":"Add those costs up and the Skoda package, working off the €13 per month cost, seems decent – it’s not an out-and-out bargain, but it’s also not a rip-off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T77Y3KSJN5GODF4OPGONQ6FW3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977870},"content":"However, as you point out, an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">EV</a> has fewer moving parts than a combustion engine car. You will not need to buy a set of new spark plugs, an oil filter, or even an air filter, and definitely not any oil top-ups. So shouldn’t an EV service be basically ... free?","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQUHFWGMNJHQ7H4KOTFEWTYQJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977871},"content":"Well, no. EVs are at the cutting edge of technology, and keeping that running properly doesn’t come cheap.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MAGO53LKTBE2RJARAIQNTBAWWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977872},"content":"All the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_blank\">major car brands</a> have extensive training programmes for people who aren’t really mere mechanics any more, but electrical technicians. Put it this way – we often hear complaints from within the motor industry that when new apprentice technicians reach the end of their training courses, often they are poached out from under the noses of garages and dealerships by the likes of Dell, HP, and even the aerospace industry. That’s the level of training and ability we’re talking about here, and that costs money.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5ATW5O5DJCTLGCDHPPIX6XFJU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977873},"content":"If an EV is mechanically more simple, though, why do we need such highly-trained technicians? Well, an electric motor is pretty simple – just one moving part and we’ve been making them for two centuries now, so they’re pretty well understood.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L6QZ3ECM3NFB3FNRT466UR3NGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977874},"content":"That’s about the only bit of an EV that’s simple, however. Batteries are enormously complex and expensive, and they also come with the bonus of 400 or 800-volt high-tension cables and enough kilowatt-hours to stop your heart pretty quickly if you mess around with one. So again, technicians need to be skilled and trained to manage that. Then there are the sensors, cameras, radars, Lidars, all of which go to feed the various high-tech safety systems, and all of which – if calibrated incorrectly – could represent a significant road safety hazard. Managing all of this requires training and expertise, and that’s before we get to the kind of software genius needed to deal with a recalcitrant infotainment system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DP7ZIPSEYVBL5P37OZVGBGOXAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"KSVGTRF2EJGR5CQGRKGSHLZEJ4"},"content":"Can software updates make my EV better?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5GZ6POIGENABTCCOTTYM5MSBHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977875},"content":"EVs have their consumables, too. Brakes and brake pads, for a start, and while it’s often thought that electric cars don’t need to use their brakes as much because of regenerative braking, their high kerb weights and consequent inertia can make for very high pad and disc wear when they are called into service.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYQ7ER4V4BE4TPE53IM424HIOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977876},"content":"Tyres, too, can take a bashing and many service plans now also come with the option of including tyre replacements. Given the hugely expensive price-per-corner of modern low-profile, low-rolling resistance tyres, that’s a big potential expense which can be accounted for.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYA764WEN5AM5HCXHEKUQVT2OE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977877},"content":"There’s another thing to consider, though, and it might be the most important one of all. Right now the used car market is proving resistant to EVs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAC7CGYX65EOTK6YH2UCCSHOMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977878},"content":"That’s likely to persist for some time yet, as used car buyers tend to be far more conservative in their purchasing habits than new car buyers, which means you need to keep an eye on your EV’s potential residual value.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IOFLHPSYKVDOVBCXNKZZB6Y3W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977879},"content":"With battery condition and history being one of the most important things to consider when it comes to a used EV purchase, it might prove to be invaluable to be able to show a potential next owner a sheaf of documentation showing that not only does your car have a full-service history, it has a full Skoda main dealer service history.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBIHDYBNPNFJ3NTXCOUZWZH7PY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742477977880},"content":"A few years ago, a survey by car history checking site Motorcheck found that where ICE cars were concerned, a full-service history could bump up the used value by as much as €1,500. With electric cars, that number might well prove to be much higher. That makes the service plan look like a sensible choice.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BI64ORPVRBAE3BWYVXGK4ZEBJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742672829868},"content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Electric vehicles: Helping to separate EV myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your questions"},"display_date":"2025-03-24T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Is inclusive servicing worth it for an electric vehicle?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"IEGEJR5F6NEUPGRQSVZQPELASE","auth":{"1":"04f4fb0cdfcd6f02bd023ffe32820cd2ff3eedf28c6aefe5c0a60e2c930d34ba"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IEGEJR5F6NEUPGRQSVZQPELASE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/25/is-inclusive-servicing-worth-it-for-an-electric-vehicle/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"D3DRWHROAJCLTAKPO2ZVSGBEKI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":206,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/f52db1b5-2f79-438a-bd60-42c318404ca8/versions/1742579023/media/96efd669e6706a559ccdc0d7395f5a89_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2025/03/22/irish-car-buyers-spend-16550-on-average-with-ev-costs-major-barrier/","content_elements":[{"_id":"W2QMFY7EVZHH5PHY4GD73UKM7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Irish car buyers spend an average of €16,550 on new purchases and cite high prices as the primary reason for not opting for electric vehicles (EVs).","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWXIJGMCZZCDPJF7P3EOKNGPAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to a survey by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carzone-ie/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carzone-ie/\">Carzone</a>, the average spend varies from €9,840 for buyers aged 17 to 24, rising to nearly €24,500 for those aged 65 or over.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UV2G6IL3FASBCN4VYBEINZOZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Younger motorists are also reducing their spending compared to last year when the average was €14,240 for buyers aged 17 to 24. In contrast, older drivers have increased their average spend by €1,900 this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MRP2EY7WBBHFG337UXL4N3IV4","additional_properties":{},"content":"While 121,214 new cars were registered in 2024, Carzone estimates there were 600,000 used car transactions last year, with four- to five-year-old vehicles being the most popular purchases.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LSPABPCXIJA7HAAHXJW6PIUDPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The survey of 1,000 motorists by the online car sales platform found that 40 per cent of respondents cited the cost of EVs as the main reason for not opting to purchase one, followed by reliability concerns at 31 per cent and electricity costs at 28 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTZIXRF425FMBPOBT7T4BS7Q6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sentiment towards electric vehicles dipped last year, with new registrations down 23.6 per cent on 2023. However, a fall in used EV values, combined with the arrival of more affordable new models, has led to signs of recovery this year, with sales of new EVs up 9.6 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EVFT2CYGNVGW7AAWH2Y2UE6K3I","additional_properties":{},"content":"A report last month by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donedeal/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donedeal/\">DoneDeal </a>found that used EVs are now 11.2 per cent cheaper than comparable diesel cars and 12.7 per cent cheaper than equivalent hybrid models on a like-for-like basis, although they are still 11 per cent more expensive than petrol equivalents.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2G5IPYVYTVGEVH2HBWXNTFIJS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Of those surveyed by Carzone, 32 per cent said they plan to purchase a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV as their next car, with hybrids being the favoured option among 17 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FG2F4HRMHVG5BC2I4BFMVISJXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Aside from the price of the car itself, rising insurance costs are the main financial concern for motorists, closely followed by fuel prices. However, the survey found that the average monthly running costs are €212.32, down 3.5 per cent on last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LD6LRMTXZJHALGA6FJDTPRFPAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The most searched-for models on the Carzone site last year were the VW Golf, followed by BMW’s 5 Series and 3 Series, Hyundai Tucson, and the Mercedes E-Class. The most popular body type was SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZ53PEV7W5GFHAYFEU6KWOKLKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"As for the current coverage of international protests against Teslas, Carzone’s head of content, Martin O’Neill, said search volumes for the EV brand have remained relatively stable – peaking at 600 daily searches on January 8th and averaging around 400 searches per day since.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YPFLSAL5ZZEAZLAIYKMPU2ZPQQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This is broadly in line with the same period in 2024, suggesting no major reaction either way,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XC3DSKNFQBFZVE5KQV5GA4LEUE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“So far in 2025, Tesla ranks as the 12th most searched electric vehicle brand on our platform. While it doesn’t appear in the overall EV top 10, interest remains steady.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"Despite some anti-Tesla sentiment, Carzone searches for the US brand remain steady "},"display_date":"2025-03-22T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish car buyers spend €16,550 on average, but electric vehicle costs a barrier ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UZ4P4GAKXR4BO6ILSTDABWECZA","auth":{"1":"53a6793aad22f2501722aff9788507954673bb3cdef035f9a7dc06d145400ca2"},"focal_point":{"x":2329,"y":1913},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UZ4P4GAKXR4BO6ILSTDABWECZA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2025/03/22/irish-car-buyers-spend-16550-on-average-with-ev-costs-major-barrier/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"ENS23FXGFRBCLELK5TXYS2UIKA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":191,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d79bcf4d-64e6-4553-a16a-ead6808e8ffd/versions/1742392547/media/7d4277c79b57813c49f948e5a62bedab_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/19/database-exposing-uninsured-drivers-leads-to-seizure-of-18676-vehicles-last-year/","content_elements":[{"_id":"X2TESYBMLRDVHCAXGCH22L46PY","additional_properties":{},"content":"A total of 18,676 uninsured vehicles were seized by gardaí last year, a 67 per cent increase on the 2023 tally.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMJG5ZY4CRBZVKZSOGUBMJJGRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The rise coincides with the introduction of the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) in 2024. This was set up to provide motor insurance details for all vehicles on Irish roads, allowing gardaí at checkpoints to identify any uninsured vehicles in seconds through their hand-held mobile devices or via automatic number plate recognition systems.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3OOSW4MLVNBKDNAC72AMGIK4WI","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"},{"_id":"266DAGA54NDKFA7I2XK3WD63RE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The first IMID annual report also shows the number of insurance-related summonses and charges issued by gardaí rose from 21,198 in 2023 to 26,904 in 2024. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q6VJFEJNVZBNRMSCLWYE54DYQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to the report, from January to December 2024 the details for 3,471,083 vehicles and 5,629,873 drivers were passed to the Garda, making them available in seconds to individual gardaí at the roadside. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NKT4VIQVFZDPBN7CS247RUJ6HY","additional_properties":{},"content":"From the end of this month the next phase of the IMID project will make it an offence for any insurance provider or broker to issue a motor insurance policy where the individual motorist’s driver number, located on all driving licences, has not been provided.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KVIBLNWRNNFBLDJJQCIWFZFABY","additional_properties":{},"content":"This means that anyone who does not provide the driver number for all named drivers on their policy will not be able to receive motor insurance. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"L5AI6NDMYRCXTD7UODAVRDCN64","additional_properties":{},"content":"The database is organised by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/motor-insurers-bureau-of-ireland/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/motor-insurers-bureau-of-ireland/\">Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI)</a>, an independent body which compensates victims of uninsured drivers, as well as the industry body Insurance Ireland, the Garda and the Department of Transport.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N2GUE6EQQVANHBKQRYY7XWXQOY","additional_properties":{},"content":"David Fitzgerald, chief executive of the bureau, said over the last year “the power of this new tool” could be seen helping to “apprehend thousands more uninsured drivers”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7WJ5UHOABCF3KY63SUAQTSMNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Writing in the annual report, Mr Fitzgerald told Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien the database “represents a new dawn in the battle against uninsured driving”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EQLGTCWO7BFLLN2Z5WLY6IV4BI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“In light of the high level of uninsured driving in this country, with approximately 188,000 uninsured vehicles on our roads in 2022, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland has long sought the implementation of a tool that would quickly provide the legal authorities with details on the motor insurance policies in place for any vehicle operating on Irish roads,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JMQENEHF3FFGVNX5STW66TNNAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"High Court awards €63,000 damages to ‘entirely blameless’ driver over crash injuries","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"UVCGT3O4C5AWZJZBIKP665IF5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"A spokesman for the IMID told The Irish Times the issue of the cost of premiums for compliant drivers, and whether premiums would reduce as a result of better detection of uninsured drivers, was a matter for the industry body Insurance Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVFK5L4UKBCAFCUOOLPRPSO2J4","additional_properties":{},"content":" He said costs arising from uninsured drivers was currently adding between €30 and €35 to each compliant driver’s annual insurance premium. He said “hopefully” in time the database would lead to a reduction in premiums. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6UIGKV7JBDZXBBXRNLTLGOT4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Insurance Ireland was approached for comment.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Tim O'Brien"}},"name":"Tim O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Insurance database hailed as ‘a new dawn in the battle against uninsured driving’"},"display_date":"2025-03-19T13:55:45.007Z","headlines":{"basic":"Database exposing uninsured drivers leads to seizure of 18,676 vehicles last year","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"K5H47W232J3YNNTEFXJYC5HMPU","auth":{"1":"b515aa5f7a737b72e31e60c0ae6eac3a4e16810126c1280825642b03ae617872"},"focal_point":{"x":2699,"y":1912},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/K5H47W232J3YNNTEFXJYC5HMPU.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Crime & Law"},{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/crime-law/2025/03/19/database-exposing-uninsured-drivers-leads-to-seizure-of-18676-vehicles-last-year/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"JBXKFNGUG5FOJDYIHXHYD6VRAI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":402,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/52b292ae-55bb-4aeb-9db0-378f336a3c41/versions/1742217003/media/eabaf26a3bd8c29e2e5ac137b58e68b0_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/18/can-software-updates-make-my-ev-better/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SOACGNEM5BAUXG3ARSIAOC5X6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1742231438731},"content":"<b>Q:</b> <b>I</b> <b>own a 2021 MG ZS. Great car to drive and it has okay features. Considering cars are now more intelligent than ever, can a simple software update enhance the performance and efficiency of the car and bring new UX features such as enhanced navigation? And the car be retrofitted with additional cameras?</b> – <i>L McDonnell, Co Dublin</i>","type":"header"},{"_id":"MY7ACGKVFBHJZOQNSG5V3FY5EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675626},"content":"<b>A:</b> Let’s deal with the last part first. In theory, you can fit extra cameras to your car, and indeed fit a reversing camera where the car didn’t originally come with one. There are kits which you can buy online to do this, but it kind of helps if you have a degree – preferably a master’s – in automotive electrical engineering, so it’s not something I’d try to do at home.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZFQD6IENNEZ3IGLFYT2JS5VNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268678},"content":"Much will depend on getting access to the coding within the car’s on-board computer systems, and if it wasn’t specified originally to have optional extra cameras – such as for a 360-degree view system – then it might be hard, maybe impossible, to get that to work with the car’s touchscreen. However, it’s certainly possible to fit extra cameras which transmit images to their own stick-on screen (rather like an old windscreen-mounted sat-nav), so you can go down that simpler route.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N6SVKBV43JDHZBP6F6ZL5LMQMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268679},"content":"As for over-the-air software updates, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/mg-zs-ev-a-new-jump-start-for-families-into-the-age-of-electric-motoring-1.4489657\" target=\"_blank\">MG ZS electric SUV</a> can indeed receive such things, via the built-in mobile internet SIM embedded in the car’s systems, but that was only fitted to post-facelift models, which went on sale in 2020 (it’s the version with the blanked-off radiator grille).","type":"text"},{"_id":"JW6DTGQB3RH27JDLZDL6EPKP6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268680},"content":"MG said at the time: “The new ZS EV also sees the first over the air (OTA) software updates from MG. Owners will receive any new software updates, including new features and improvements, through iSMART at the touch of a button, rather than visiting their local dealership. In addition, and another first for MG, customers will no longer get a printed owners manual. It will now be accessible through the iSMART system, thus saving paper and printing costs and ensuring that the most up to date information is readily available.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOUEWYA4CJGITDQA5XBM36GJYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268681},"content":"All well and good, and you’re absolutely right – cars can be given new UX features, including improved navigation, via OTA software updates. And, yes, the performance and efficiency of the car can also potentially be enhanced. Indeed, with many EV models, OTA software updates have even been known to unlock extra range, as real-world experience means that, sometimes, engineers can “unlock” more of the battery’s usable capacity if the data shows that the system is robust enough to allow such a thing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XI222YJSXREANLDQUK3YO62ODA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268683},"content":"Thus far, OTA software updates and upgrades have tended to be free, but that won’t last forever. One particular EV maker – let’s not name names, but it’s currently the most controversial car maker in the world, for a number of reasons – charged customers a four-figure fee for one software update which actually allowed the car’s electric motors to produce more power, improving performance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IBC55M5V6ZE3JJRCFPIBZCLIME","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268684},"content":"Meanwhile, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bmw/\" target=\"_blank\">BMW</a> came in for sharp criticism when it tried to introduce a system whereby its cars would leave the factory with all of the most popular optional extras fitted, but you’d have to pay for a software update, after you’d bought the car, to unlock those features (heated seats was the most commonly-noted feature).","type":"text"},{"_id":"36CZY54MSVBG5NMT7DZP2OPAMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268685},"content":"A public backlash put that on the back burner, but there’s no doubt that car makers are looking to a future where such paid-for OTA updates are the norm; it not only allows them to sell you the options when you buy the car, but because the car can be “bricked” when it’s traded-in, it means that, in theory, the next buyer will have to pay again to get the same options. We doubt many second-hand buyers will be too happy about that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EXMDOOHPRFGZJDRUHXMKZXVGOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268686},"content":"Equally, such systems can easily be turned against you – worryingly, if a patent filed by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ford/\" target=\"_blank\">Ford</a> is anything to go by, then the next thing might be cars that repossess themselves.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYW5WOPILRDLXBFGJENRCP6IE4","additional_properties":{"_id":"FRY3Q2QKDJHAVJ6BD4XUQ2VKXY"},"content":"EV Q&A: Should I buy a new EV on finance or go for a second-hand car?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"7TOO2LOEQJC27FNOHPUN4LY634","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268687},"content":"No, this doesn’t mean a car that needs to be doused with holy water and reported some secretive agency in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vatican/\" target=\"_blank\">Vatican</a>. It means a car which can simply drive itself back to the dealership if you fall behind in your PCP payments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KFPCF6FIXBHBBFJH6P7SGB4SWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268688},"content":"This is more of an issue in the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/\" target=\"_blank\">US</a> than in Europe, where financial providers are more likely to engage with a customer who’s defaulted on payment to sort things out with a new repayment plan. In the US, things can be more aggressive when it comes to falling behind on your loans, and the Ford tech is the autonomous new tip of that spear.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UEHFINVLKVD2FMJXWBQ4FVWKLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268689},"content":"The patent – titled pretty plainly “Systems and Methods to Repossess a Vehicle” – includes a few interventions before the final act. First, the on-board screens will start reminding you that you’ve missed a loan payment (we don’t think that a buzzer which makes a “deadbeat” sound will kick in but you never know). Then, the vehicle will, petulantly, start disabling major features such as your phone connection, or maybe the air conditioning, or the heated seats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ITZI6EFWNJEDPBCCIGLW6O2JHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268691},"content":"The systems can even kill the engine to prevent you driving the car at all (with a fail-safe in an emergency, although how long you’ll have to be on hold on a hotline to get the car unlocked at that point is unclear).","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPIXEHGPIFDZJFTSLLLTUX53VY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268692},"content":"Finally, there is a line in the patent suggesting an eventual fully-autonomous ability for the car to drive itself back to the dealership, or even to the nearest scrap yard if it’s decided that the value has fallen far enough to not make it worth reselling. The system can scan its surroundings to check that it’s not been parked in a closed garage to prevent itself driving away, but there’s no word on what happens in that case – is there a chainsaw hidden in the front bumper, allowing the car to cut itself free?","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFXYQ75V6RGJ3M3PRPHYHXVYYU","additional_properties":{"_id":"DVVQAB22EJCN5B3WUU4XMTJA6Y"},"content":"What’s the best EV for a 400km round trip without stopping and charging?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"J5XMA22NPBAATFOBP4EC733F54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268693},"content":"But there are some upsides to the whole paying-for-updates thing – the primary one being that our cars might last much longer. We’re now in the era of the “softwarexdefined car” in which electric motors and batteries are, broadly, the same and so the defining characteristics of cars will come from the software that controls the batteries and motors (and everything else).","type":"text"},{"_id":"2F6SBPJOQZD3NPYYDCTL5GRZHM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742213268694},"content":"BMW has an idea that in the future you’ll buy a car, and instead of trading it in after three years, you’ll bring it back to the dealership where the interior can be removed and replaced with fresh parts, batteries can be replaced or refreshed, and the software can be updated to a “new and improved” set-up, thereby giving you effectively a new car, but without the carbon-intensive need to actually make a completely new car.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FERPIHTYIRCVXPX5FGAFRHNWHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742231438750},"content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Helping to separate electric vehicle myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your EV questions"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T05:48:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Can software updates make my EV better?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"EX35LT4JQJEQ5NFJXZTPHEFY4M","auth":{"1":"52d1b1a0383b7ff048c905529d1ee7baa702d34a2518be3bb010e9b828af3450"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EX35LT4JQJEQ5NFJXZTPHEFY4M.JPG"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/18/can-software-updates-make-my-ev-better/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"2HKBGCVBJ5DATHXLZTIAAG2HNY","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":535,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/a10b5c9c-30eb-4eee-8545-7650e99a694a/versions/1741791460/media/7df84b90fc21f3c83309f31a2fcb5500_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/18/cupra-formentor-review-finally-it-makes-sense/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FNE4A34FNVEPNAMFB7WA6VW3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154588},"content":"At long last, I’ve driven a Cupra that makes sense. To me, at least. The Formentor was Cupra’s first stand-alone model, not shared with Seat, from which the Cupra brand sprang having once been Seat’s high-performance model badge (Cupra was to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/seat/\" target=\"_blank\">Seat</a> as R is to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_blank\">VW</a>).","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRXUOCQWQVGDHOAESRSN6GXOO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154589},"content":"Launched in 2020, the Formentor shared its structure and engines with plenty of other VW Group metal. The MQB chassis underneath is also the basis of a Golf and a Skoda Kodiaq and everything (everything that’s not <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric</a>-only) in between. It was, and is, a sort of low-slung SUV, with a bit of extra ride height but without the overly bulky body.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A4IIN7PIDFA4ZFCRECRHPHHRZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154591},"content":"For 2025, Cupra has updated the Formentor, and the first thing it has changed is the styling at the front - the last thing it should have changed. The original Formentor had a very handsome combo of shield-like grille and slim, almond-shaped lights. The new one has a blunt visage, with a slit for an air intake and slim lights, which looks a little lizard-like but not as good as the original. Shame.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2A4AN3WMXVDFLEV5JVX7LYPBFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154593},"content":"The updates inside have been rather more successful. The new 12.9-inch touchscreen is, as with so many such systems, far too big and far too fiddly and far too distracting (using your phone behind the wheel is a crime, but stabbing at one of these is okay, somehow?) but at least it’s easier than before. Overall cabin quality is good, and the front high-backed bucket seats are excellently supportive and squishy at the same time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUQ66J7NKJG3BEFTHD6QOXLPTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154594},"content":"Space in the back isn’t so good, but if that’s the trade-off for having a lower, less chunky body, I’ll buy it. This being the plug-in hybrid model, you do lose some boot space, reducing the volume to a mere 345 litres, which is pretty stingy, but the Formentor just about gets away with it. It’s hard to believe that a smaller Toyota Yaris Cross has a much bigger boot, though.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQQMBYEOTZDZRPSVL2AWNIO32Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154595},"content":"Moving back to the front, the Formentor gets a cool-looking steering wheel that has, in the spirit of an AMG Mercedes, or a Porsche 911, or even an Alfa Romeo Giulia, a pair of round buttons dangling off the horizontal spokes. One is the engine stop-start button, which adds some much needed sports-car theatre to getting into the Formentor and firing it up, while the other simply wears Cupra’s two-pronged badge, and adjusts the driving modes. This, as we shall see, becomes crucial.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2MI7AKF2BB33HV75H3PTYNFYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154597},"content":"As mentioned, this is the plug-in hybrid version of the Formentor, and if you’re sensitive to the cost of motor tax, or if you’re a company car buyer, it’s the only Formentor that makes sense thanks to its tiny 10g/km CO2 emissions figure. That’s thanks to a large 20kWh battery, which in theory gives the Formentor an electric range on a full charge of 118km. Combined with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, you’ve got 272hp and 400Nm of combined torque to play with – which are at least within shouting distance of the top-spec 333hp four-wheel drive Formentor, and which are a big improvement on the old 50km-EV-ranged Formentor plug-in.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KQTHVQN53ZAIPALXFAAMQLPLMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154598},"content":"Speaking of plugging in, this Formentor is one of a new breed of plug-in hybrids – an increasingly popular breed in Ireland, with sales up significantly so far this year – which can fast-charge at up to 50kW from a public DC charger. This is not only a boon to people such as myself, who can’t charge at home, but it also means you can stretch your electric range and improve your fuel economy on long journeys. You’ll also have every Nissan Leaf driver in a 100km radius reaching for the pitchfork and torches, but hey – public infrastructure is public infrastructure and it’s there to be used.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZP7NB3CBHRGE7NNFFDGUHTPDQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154590},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CZE2BUQZ4FCEZMAFFXF5VFI3AE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154592},"type":"image"},{"_id":"EICPV2M7UVCI3AFVZCBYLRGVVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154596},"type":"image"},{"_id":"S5Y6BKLONRAX3MQ73QPYSE2BAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154599},"content":"However, things aren’t quite as rosy as that makes it seem. For a start, on a full charge, we struggled to break 80km of electric range, which is certainly useful, but not quite as good as you’d hope. Any hopes that the bigger battery and more flexible EV system might also translate into better long-range fuel economy were quickly dashed – in spite of its compact nature, the Formentor struggles to do much better than 8.0-litres per 100km on a motorway run, which is pretty poor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V7MTV7GIKRFZBMNZ6HDYLIBK54","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154600},"content":"However, as I said at the top, this is the Cupra that makes the most sense for me, because I think I’ve finally cracked the code of its appeal. For a start, you’ve got to stop thinking of it as a posh Seat. For a second, you’ve got to press that Cupra badge button on the steering wheel, and call up the car’s sportiest driving mode.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5X3GWEAAAZDIXMIZB5N22HVYAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154601},"content":"Now, thanks to the miracle of synthesised engine noise, the 1.5 shifts from humming to growling, the throttle response sharpens, the adaptive suspension (part of a €1,134 option pack that also includes Matrix LED headlights) stiffens and the Formentor goes from being a touch pointless to being good fun to drive. It’s quick – the 7.2 second 0-100km/h time feels, initially, pessimistic as the Formentor leaps forward on its electric torque, but that puff does run out quite quickly if you find a stretch of road where it’s safe and legal to keep your foot down hard for long enough to reach 100km/h in one go.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQPLVXGO5JDVNPDBLSN7PWCTGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154602},"content":"It’s also mostly sure-footed, although it’s not perfect in the dynamic department. Electric torque means it’s alarmingly easy to spin up the front wheels on a less than dry road (four-wheel drive would be a welcome option) while the long-travel suspension can become a little springy and bouncy when pressed too hard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCTJ7TT2YFBH5H7H4FMPVGJKII","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154603},"content":"However, it’s precisely that long-travel suspension that’s the key to the Formentor’s appeal. With that performance and that ride height, I finally twigged what it’s trying to be – it’s not a Seat with attitude, it’s an affordable alternative to a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lamborghini/\" target=\"_blank\">Lamborghini</a> Huracan Sterrato, or a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/porsche/\" target=\"_blank\">Porsche</a> 911 Dakar. No, seriously – stumpy performance, sweet steering, a sense of fun and adventure, and the ground clearance so you don’t worry about snagging expensive bodywork on the odd stalagmite.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4WX2RGRPZEIBOB6VOP4WDHVGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154604},"content":"That said, the word “affordable” is debatable. The Formentor range kicks off at a not-outrageous €39,885, but in basic form this plug-in hybrid version would cost you a robust €59,135. Wait for it, though, because someone has added €10,000 worth of optional extras to this one, bringing the price tag to an eye-watering €69,698. That’s a price so painful that it will leave a welt on your wallet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVG3ZFNIBBFEHLDPRBCVLXBEOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154605},"content":"However, you can strip out some of the less useful bits. I could live without the matt-brown “Century Bronze” paint (€2,626), the panoramic glass roof (€1,287), and the upgraded 19-inch alloys (€1,641 – just stick with the standard 19-inch items). I’d keep the excellent Sennheiser stereo (a bargain at €704) and the adaptive suspension (€1,134) but it’s a bit much, in these safety-conscious days that Cupra wants an extra €2,017 for the upgraded safety systems package.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PHJLA4Q4KVH2ZAK4GVGS7YYF5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154606},"content":"Excise the unnecessary from that list and you’re still left with a car that’s way too expensive. Then again, a Porsche 911 Dakar is still more than four times the price. The good news is that not only is the Formentor fun to drive, it’s also a Cupra that doesn’t give you brain-ache in trying to work out what it’s supposed to be.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IXDUJHGBIFHYHO3CRZI623EEMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154607},"content":"Lowdown: Cupra Formentor VZ 1.5 TSI e-Hybrid","type":"header"},{"_id":"AIK4I7OC35HQLA2J4SRGEKGEOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154608},"content":"<b>Power:</b> 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 85kW motor and 20kWh lithium-ion battery producing 272hp and 400Nm of torque and powering the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KJUZTOQINFWXMC3ESHHOO6FVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154609},"content":"<b>CO2 emissions (annual motor tax):</b> 10g/km (€140)","type":"text"},{"_id":"BG3DG333WBHXNBCL72775GLKRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154610},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption: </b>0.4l/100km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"KSQIYJNH7JGYJD24QVY27BOTBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154611},"content":"<b>0-100km/h:</b> 7.2 secs","type":"text"},{"_id":"YDFTBLPSWVAMTPKKXOYZTZGB2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154612},"content":"<b>Price:</b> €69,698 as tested; Formentor starts from €39,135","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VAL7VX3NJHELMOMIQ2GN7FAU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154613},"content":"<b>Our rating: </b>3/5","type":"text"},{"_id":"AO7N5WGZAJCVNI7PRZVMSG5CIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1742225154614},"content":"<b>Verdict:</b> Fun, rugged, and kinda cool but searingly expensive and the old version was better looking.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Updated Formentor isn’t as handsome as before, but it’s good fun"},"display_date":"2025-03-18T05:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Cupra Formentor review: Finally it makes sense","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DDWU3P63JNBPPAYFKCAZ5UEAIQ","auth":{"1":"f948d0101bd1da1b9e59798b8d35cca1d22e24b5d9126f788e526f5cda2f14df"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DDWU3P63JNBPPAYFKCAZ5UEAIQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/18/cupra-formentor-review-finally-it-makes-sense/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"PFFABZVI4NA6RCZOZBHZ2YXIN4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":478,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/eb80cda7-213c-4d2d-bd3f-e03513bbffd4/versions/1741981461/media/e3d562b81041265ea3dc3ffc3d2b2342_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/16/new-all-electric-mercedes-cla-to-boast-790km-range/","content_elements":[{"_id":"YNYUWQCIGZCK5IDPUAEYF5R3XE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857201},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mercedes-benz/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mercedes-benz/\">Mercedes-Benz </a>has revealed its new electric CLA, which claims a 792km one-charge range on the worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4TAOLG5MZEZJKPQ3HPYBVLRHU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857202},"content":"Because of this range, Mercedes is already claiming that the new CLA – which will be a rival to the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the Polestar 2, and the 2026 BMW i3 Neue Klasse saloon – will be the one-litre car for the electric age.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SF6RURXISRBZBAR6565RWJR7PI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857203},"content":"This claim refers to efforts in the 2000s to create cars that would be capable of 1.0-litres per 100km fuel economy, or 282mpg in old money. The only car that ever got close was the strictly limited VW XL1.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BEWYE64WZZH3BBFOY6ELGYWE6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857204},"content":"The new electric CLA will be a rear-wheel drive car in standard form, using a 272hp (200kW) electric motor powering the rear wheels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBV24IJE2BFYJBA3JNZ5M3EGJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857205},"content":"There is also a four-wheel drive variant which gets an extra 109hp (80kW) motor powering the front wheels (bringing the total to 353hp), but this will be decoupled from those wheels until extra traction or performance is needed, in the interests of efficiency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3NZH75RWCVBGPIWANOJK4LSMOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857206},"content":"That efficiency, claims Mercedes, means 93 per cent of the car’s overall energy storage actually meeting the tarmac under the tyres, and the four-wheel drive CLA 350 4Matic still claims a one-charge range of up to 771km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWZOCEDXJBDTFKLNFUQ2ULT3HM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857207},"content":"Interestingly, the CLA will be one of the few electric cars, thus far, to feature more than one gear. Most EVs use a single reduction gear, powering the wheels more or less directly from the electric motor, but the CLA gets a two-speed gearbox, with a low first gear for instant acceleration, and a higher second gear for greater efficiency in main road and motorway driving scenarios.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U43WI5PYI5DCPCZZZICJ63VW74","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857208},"content":"Two battery packs will be offered. The top-spec versions get an 85kWh lithium-ion battery with silicon-oxide anodes, which increases the potential energy density and efficiency by 20 per cent compared with current designs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BAOMEKOW5FGN3LYEQXGHEIB5CE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857209},"content":"More affordable CLA versions will come with a 58kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery (cheaper to make and more robust, too) which will have a shorter range, which has not yet been revealed but which is expected to be in the region of 500km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WF5JMO2RMVEKZHYGRAJD3CJFTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857210},"content":"The CLA includes a cutting-edge 800-volt charging architecture, which means it can accept as much as 320kW of peak fast-charging power, allowing drivers to add as much as 300km of extra range in just 10 minutes’ charging, assuming one can find a DC public charger putting out that much power, which is also not in use, and not broken. The CLA’s battery will charge at either 11kW or 22kW on slower AC power, depending on the model.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3WFYITJLURHXFB2JJIS5ZI7KLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857211},"content":"For extra efficiency, the CLA will get a “multisource” heat pump heating system, which can warm the cabin using waste heat from the car’s water cooling system for the battery, or from heat from the battery itself, or from heat from the surrounding air.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26BIP7JY45HFRENS53YQSXYS34","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857212},"content":"There’s also a built-in “eco assistant” function that helps you tailor your driving style to get to your destination more easily, and a regenerative braking system that can, in its strongest mode, slow the CLA at up to 3m per second/per second.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SHRJ7X6KONGUZMG4G5T4DO42UI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857213},"content":"The CLA’s on-board computers, as well as being constantly updated by over-the-air software, can also teach themselves as they go, learning from your driving style and regular habits. The software can then not only recommend where you should stop for a charging top-up, but also how long you should stop for and how much charge you should take on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4LLWV2UVKVFKJFURJQXS6G3TJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857214},"content":"All of this tech, and the new battery design, adds up to a new platform for the CLA and the models which will be spun off from it. It’s called the MMA platform, and it’s said to incorporate the lessons learned from the ultra-long range EQXX concept car – the one which drove from Stuttgart to the Silverstone racetrack without stopping, and which still had enough charge left for some fast laps.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBCEXETHGFBXVI7BGKDZIRPGOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857215},"content":"Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ chief technology officer, said: “As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has always been a pioneer of ground-breaking drive systems. We recently proved this with the record-breaking Vision EQXX technology programme. With the upcoming MMA vehicles, we are now making this visionary technology available to our customers and getting ever closer to the idea of the one-litre vehicle of the electric age.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJJBD32SW5BTXEUQF25ZOZLEPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857216},"content":"“Our new hybrid drive with electric transmission is also setting new standards in terms of efficiency. With the new CLA and the other vehicles based on the MMA architecture, all customers will benefit from efficient technology at the highest level.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPWX4EUPJFE45CGJ5NAAW5EJ3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857217},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4DD3A6VMLNCQDPXUH7KW4NUPO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857218},"content":"Inside, there are large screens set into a big, vertical dashboard – a new look for Mercedes. The driver gets a 10.25in instrument panel, and an optional head-up display, while there’s a huge 14.9in infotainment screen in the middle. If the front-seat passenger feels left out, they can also have an optional 14in screen of their own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IT4ZDZSK7ZHLXJFOGUTDBAIKYQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857219},"content":"Mercedes is claiming big advances for the new MB.OS software that runs all this technology. Streaming services – including Netflix and YouTube – are built-in so that you can keep yourself distracted even on those brief charging stops, while Mercedes claims to be the first car maker to integrate a choice of artificial intelligence voice-control assistants into the car – you can choose from ChatGPT, Microsoft, and Google robots as you please.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W5QVFXP3GREEPNJ45HWLU4IVXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857220},"content":"Merc’s software also includes its own level of artificial intelligence, and the built-in over the air software update set-up is not merely there to allow problems to be fixed remotely – the idea is that the CLA’s systems will evolve and actually improve, and not just the on-screen stuff either. Mercedes says it wants to use software updates to improve the whole vehicle, including the electronic driver assistance systems, as the CLA ages.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OY6X4GM43ZGS3H3LRCRKFPEZ2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857221},"content":"All of which is all well and good, but what about the undeniable fact that many car buyers are still reluctant to accept fully electric power, and the fact that the current car market is delicately balanced between those keen to adopt EVs, and those who would rather stick with what they know?","type":"text"},{"_id":"7VG3AKWKUBA3DFIZXZUQONMOTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857222},"content":"That’s okay, says Mercedes; have a hybrid CLA instead. The MMA platform can support either full or partial electrification, and so the CLA will come with a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid system, running on the fuel-saving Miller combustion cycle, and which will offer a choice of 136hp, 163hp, or 190hp power outputs, with the 48-volt electric hybrid half of the powertrain, using a 1.3kWh battery pack, contributing 27hp (20kW) of that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TOH25TICNBBC5CAZ6G4V3GEOJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857223},"content":"Oddly, the hybrid CLA will be front-wheel drive, not rear-wheel as standard, although there will also be four-wheel drive hybrid models. The hybrid CLA uses a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Mercedes has said that the hybrid CLA can run on electric power at low speeds (without precisely saying for how long) and that at speeds of under 100km/h it can “sail” along for brief periods with the engine switched off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYAL2H36ONF4JHLNYSNT2ZRUAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857224},"content":"In practicality terms, the CLA gets a 405-litre boot out the back, and the electric versions get a large 101-litre “frunk” storage area in the nose.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOY5E7BK3JBOZFSWSOZZYY2WWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741977857225},"content":"The new CLA will go on sale later this year.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Four-door saloon will also come with hybrid power to placate doubters of electric vehicles "},"display_date":"2025-03-16T00:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"New all-electric Mercedes CLA to boast 790km range ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4G6XGEJGC5DJXDD5I2F6ADLVPY","auth":{"1":"5fd715cb311f0dfb76e3e88408e4f527eaf53ae20dc40a5c02f8a2ad5be5ebb7"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4G6XGEJGC5DJXDD5I2F6ADLVPY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/16/new-all-electric-mercedes-cla-to-boast-790km-range/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"YK6VCPVO7ZECFLMGW2P6AJT44A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":503,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/397a2487-4d38-41e4-9541-244b0eb64c36/versions/1741187462/media/b861dd30956f4f74c08d0ed42385c0b1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/12/ev-latest-smart-styling-and-competitive-pricing-give-xpengs-g6-the-x-factor/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DTH353CZRNCLPHUQXIUT4O5I2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034356},"content":"Another week and another new brand with a moniker that sounds like a new mobile phone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AYDNPMVUIVDMLKHCUO45YBOEYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034357},"content":"Cynics suggest that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric vehicles </a>(EVs) are turning cars into commodity white goods, purchased with as much passion as one would when selecting a tumble dryer. There is a grain of truth in this, but to consider the G6 in that context would be a serious mistake.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXTEL5W5T5CEJIAQKOVUKLCBGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034358},"content":"Firstly, Xpeng’s name has a meaning. It is named after one of its co-founders, He Xiaopeng, who has been compared – often by friendly Chinese media – to Elon Musk. Admittedly, that was before his White House escapades.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7GVFQEJKVBDGXKW6PNT6BUC6EQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034359},"content":"Xpeng has pretensions of becoming the next Tesla. While that may have seemed far-fetched a few months ago, Musk’s increasingly divisive image may allow Xpeng to attract some disgruntled Tesla owners, particularly in the larger European markets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5JWJX3HYLVHQZACP3FNFXF3MMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034360},"content":"Park the politics, and it’s easy to see why Xpeng’s G6 may lure Tesla Model Y owners to the Chinese brand. For a start, the car is simply better looking than the Model Y and most of the myriad crossover-sized all-electric cars available. One passerby at Dublin Airport even compared it to the Porsche Macan – and we can see why.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZIA5F7OMVVBQ7KYWHK522URO5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034361},"content":"The G6 looks sleek and stylish. What went awry with European car design that led to the Chinese delivering elegant coupe crossovers while European brands churn out overworked, boxy cars clad with false grilles, often in cheap plastic?","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMGW6DSCK5G37NIVFNGE4ZPFBY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034362},"content":"Inside, it follows the standard EV playbook: big touchscreen, minimal physical buttons, and decent leg space atop a big battery with a wheel at each corner.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YH76HIECXND6DFDGSVJJ22LVRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034363},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WCTJZPOM3BBRLNZDCJNCNU36PE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034364},"content":"The touchscreen displays are as slick and confusingly compiled as we’ve come to expect. Changing the temperature is relatively simple, but controlling the heated seat or adjusting the fans requires tapping on three dots that are simply not easy to target while also keeping an eye on the road.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVGDMPECYRC3LOXXFQ3ARDIM4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034365},"content":"Forget about trying anything more complex. As with many cars these days, there is a multitude of software options and capabilities that most motorists will never engage with – just like the dozens of apps on your phone that you never open.","type":"text"},{"_id":"C3VRML6DDVDG3L5VZA6T6I3WVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034366},"content":"It’s a clean, airy cabin, but it has all the character and charm of a dentist’s waiting room.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5ZXJ7LEO4JGXTB3FG5DCLESFBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034367},"content":"Xpeng has made a big deal of its “Xpilot” active safety systems, which include five high-definition millimetre-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic wave radars, and 12 cameras.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5BMKRRAYYVEXTDDELAM4ELWP5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034368},"content":"When it comes to driving, the G6 has so many sensors and alerts that bleep and ping, you quickly realise it would prefer if you weren’t interfering. The driver is meant to sit down, stare out the window, and steer. Obedience is rewarded with silence.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IPL3U6QW4JEATNDGMOPSX5H5OE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034369},"content":"The long-range version we tested pushes the price up to just under €50,000, but that also increases the official WLTP range from 435km in the standard 66kWh version to 570km thanks to its 87.5kWh battery pack.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BHRRW4Q2HVBSDDB3PIWGBNMWWU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034370},"content":"Staying with battery packs, the G6 can handle serious fast charging, thanks to its 800V architecture. Plugged into an Ionity charging station, you can watch the mileage range increase like fuel in a regular car’s tank. We can attest that this car really can go from just over 10 per cent charge to more than 80 per cent (delivering a claimed range of more than 400km) in under 30 minutes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTMGQUB6GRFL7AJMF3H7CE6BAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034371},"content":"In Ireland, the G6 will only be available with rear-wheel drive from a single electric motor, with two outputs. The Standard Range model’s motor delivers up to 258hp, while the Long Range version manages 286hp.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z534DNAE6BGQ3F6OP356GCNQNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034372},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Z45TZA32RNACVKZGHJUVFLT4SA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034373},"content":"The Xpeng is relatively quick on the road – well, as quick as all the other mid-sized EV crossovers on the market right now. The nice thing about the G6 is that power is delivered smoothly, avoiding the jerky, all-or-nothing feel that has many EV passengers reaching for a sick bag after 100km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PJAOI36IPNCMROHKMIY5ECH2IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034374},"content":"Smooth power delivery meant we completed several rural road drives without having to use the brakes at all, instead simply managing speed through throttle control.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4C4OMBYI5BNNEM2MYHPRAZCXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034375},"content":"As for ride quality, the price paid for delivering a sense of steering control and keeping the heavy battery from bouncing along bumpy roads is a relatively firm suspension. This results in a stiffer ride than you might expect if you are not used to larger EVs. The upside comes in the bends, where the G6 holds its line well.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FLLNABU5XBB35PTE74EHB67VQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034376},"content":"In terms of consumption, like the battery charging speed, range figures align with promises, delivering 17-19kWh/100km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDXKSCPT2FD3THBOMHKFJYFLCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034377},"content":"But the most tempting feature of the Xpeng G6 will be the price. Starting at €42,000, it’s a very attractive proposition. As mentioned, the long-range version comes in just under €50,000, which gives it an edge over Model Y Irish pricing.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QTI442VWZNDKRI7UIDUE54PPR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034378},"content":"Tesla is, admittedly, a far more established brand but the Xpeng is simply better looking. And after recently driving a Model Y, it reminded me why Tesla was initially so sought after – but also how failing for years to fully refresh its models has let rivals, even old-school mainstream brands, overtake it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LCESSSQD5NGTBDPYS572KOPXO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034379},"content":"The G6 makes you wonder why some premium German rivals believe they can charge €20,000 more for a car that delivers a similar range and arguably less appealing styling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MUYHFXENZDQBGJSREWKOKQOKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034380},"content":"To list all its rivals would take too long, but suffice it to say that it faces competition from Volkswagen Group variants of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/vw-id-4/\" target=\"_blank\">ID.4</a>, siblings from Korea in the form of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, and the Franco-Japanese pairing of the Renault Scenic and Nissan Ariya.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HB4JQUKDPNALFOLTJLOAS2EG4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034381},"content":"The problem for Xpeng is that it lacks the character of rival brands. You can see how talk of firmware and cloud integrations fits more naturally with Xpeng than conversations about steering dynamics and throttle response.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUHM6TWJRFFYBHWSDRI4Z2FRGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034382},"content":"Sales will certainly be helped by the fact that its Irish distribution is handled by Motor Distributors Ltd (MDL), which already manages Irish operations for another Chinese brand, BYD.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K7RNPREDPFHO7A2SX5OEGZLT5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034383},"content":"So far, MDL’s choice of brands from China’s portfolio has been impressive. The long-time distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Ireland seemingly has a sharp eye for talent. It also has a powerful contact book of customers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHI7TSSYZEVTURP6EN2LXGUI5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034384},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3M5W76UTMZD6LAWSCOO5KZH2UE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034385},"content":"And the good news is that Xpeng’s boss, He Xiaopeng, has a realistic view of the challenges. In an interview last November, he described the car industry as “a marathon, not a sprint.” He also said he doesn’t think most Chinese carmakers will survive the next decade.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MKMSZ7GGJNC2LGJQWPPFCV6DWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034386},"content":"“From 300 start-ups, only 100 survived. Today, there are fewer than 50 companies that still exist, and only 40 of them are actually selling cars every year,” he told the Straits Times in an interview.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DBEJ3IZCRFCYTOG2WRE4ORRVRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034387},"content":"“I personally think that there will only be seven major car companies that will exist in the coming 10 years.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLF3CCO5IFEDBH4ZB7XR2XXR4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034388},"content":"He did not specify which Chinese carmakers these might be, but believes Xpeng will be one of them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"STSHUL2O75AJLLMZ6VYVCA6R64","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034389},"content":"<b>Lowdown: Xpeng G6</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"YGL2U7N6FRADFEWTTC7UBQVH44","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034390},"content":"<b>Power:</b> 210kW (282hp) electric motor powering the rear wheels and delivering 440Nm of torque, powered by an 87.5kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3PSU7FXFZHK3GKB6K6SHBZWZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034391},"content":"<b>0-100 km/h:</b> 6.7 seconds","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3HRIBTNLRHNTHAZF4TCZUSVII","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034392},"content":"<b>Range (WLTP):</b> 570km","type":"text"},{"_id":"4L6YCB2KQNET7GSRSTXBNRT4QQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034393},"content":"<b>Consumption:</b> 17.5kWh/100km","type":"text"},{"_id":"KLD7RYD7SRENFGCERKPSFMAXPE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034394},"content":"<b>Price:</b> €49,440 as tested (starts at €42,000)","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOEEGCO62FGI5LGHR6SKMWX7WA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034395},"content":"<b>Our rating: 3/5</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YS77MBVCHFFPBKL2FL57XF7HGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708034396},"content":"<b>Our verdict:</b> Smart styling and competitive pricing overcome a bland cabin and unremarkable driving dynamics.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"Xpeng may be another unknown brand but the G6 has enough to make you sit up and take notice"},"display_date":"2025-03-12T06:51:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"EV latest: Smart styling and competitive pricing give Xpeng’s G6 the X factor ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"PBV6RTO7FRDUTKA7B3JW3VYL3I","auth":{"1":"e868b8b9244508829353f2d6957521f98555523960a894502cccf9fcc5df6ee3"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/PBV6RTO7FRDUTKA7B3JW3VYL3I.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/12/ev-latest-smart-styling-and-competitive-pricing-give-xpengs-g6-the-x-factor/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"F6LJ3RD4VVCHPBUVY7NLXAKNAA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":254,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/18046041-e739-44fd-bff9-3c188b1794d7/versions/1741711365/media/55793d32305115344d46e42eb5377a22_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/12/toyota-favours-slow-and-steady-approach-in-electric-vehicle-market/","content_elements":[{"_id":"M2T5GHJLGFD3ZE5UGB5GM5OWQU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074400},"content":"You can’t homogenise the world’s transport needs - that’s the message from Toyota, one of the world’s largest automakers, selling vehicles in every corner of the planet.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H3KWUUG3SNFMVFP55TRHR54YVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741700150015},"content":"While a pioneer in hybrid technology, Toyota has been accused of being a laggard when it comes to all-electric models, and even hybrids with plugs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GIACVUWYE5CCPE3WX3LKS6DRMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074401},"content":"Yet, as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2025/03/11/toyota-unveils-trio-of-new-all-electric-models-arriving-from-this-year/\" target=\"_blank\">the auto giant revealed a fleet of new EV models</a>, its senior executives were eager to underline how a global leader needs to think regionally and retain a portfolio of power options.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUHKKBY3PBFZZPN3CZBZ2FZ5WY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074402},"content":"While committed to a global target of being carbon neutral by 2050, Matt Harrison, chief corporate officer of Toyota Motor Europe, said you have to consider the different disposable incomes, the different needs and different tastes of people in Asia compared to Africa, and South America compared to Europe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QHWSEU2E6BBP3CRGFMW3XXBBWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074403},"content":"It seems a sensible attitude, when you consider that Toyota’s vehicles are as likely to be spotted in the Congo or the Khyber Pass as in Copenhagen or Castlebar.","type":"text"},{"_id":"THD4K5DU35ASZDIGEV4J3WMHAE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074404},"content":"It’s about respecting regional consumer needs, said Harrison. “The consumers definitely don’t say one size fits all,” he told The Irish Times. “Even in Europe, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we continue to do what we do with multi pathway.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"FL2PTGMEVJH4DBJSXIMCSNWRUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074405},"content":"For Toyota, that means a mix of mild, regular and plug-in hybrids, plus the rollout of new all-electric models several years after rivals have introduced theirs. The Japanese firm was criticised for being slow to adopt full-electric power in its model range, but fluctuating growth in EV sales in various big European markets have suggested their more conservative approach may have been more commercially sensible.","type":"text"},{"_id":"757734RKJBAQTIND6YVNBS7I7A","additional_properties":{"_id":"YJ6WJ6JQDFEFFA6PRCC624JH5I"},"content":"Toyota unveils trio of new all-electric models arriving from this year","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"AHPKOQ4K3FECNH4YEUBBMY27HA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074406},"content":"And amid the wider geopolitical turmoil, Toyota executives seem to value sticking to a long-term strategic plan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYBDCVYD4VAG7JJEDU2NANEIII","additional_properties":{"_id":1741713150127},"content":"Last week, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced a <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/03/eu-eases-emissions-rules-on-petrol-cars-to-help-industry/\" target=\"_self\">three-year extension for automakers</a> to comply with the EU’s new CO2 emission targets, now spanning 2025 to 2027 instead of the initially planned single year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FCZAFQA6NFJFEHRML5WQEZUSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074408},"content":"This adjustment requires car manufacturers to ensure that at least 20 per cent of their sales are electric vehicles (EVs) during this period to avoid substantial fines, aligning with the EU’s objective of achieving zero emissions by 2035. While some industry leaders welcomed the extended timeline, others expressed concerns that it might delay necessary environmental progress.","type":"text"},{"_id":"67GRUQUKGJG5VAMHJFQAEOL7WQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074410},"content":"With uncertainty over tariffs and their impact on global trade, along with changes to EU emissions penalties, Harrison denied that the environmental agenda is now taking a back seat.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VSCONDEXDRET5DCN3RICWWUFX4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074411},"content":"“No, I don’t think so. In reality the 2035 targets aren’t changing. Nor are the 2030 targets. Even the 2025 aren’t changing, the timeline is being amended.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2S3PTGADIVFOPDBA6MRZPSMXJ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074412},"content":"Harrison said: “There are many reasons why there is a gap between what the regulators assumed would be feasible by this point in time and where a real level of customer demand is, and they needed to do something to protect the auto industry from huge penalties.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z2O7IKPEOBBKXAO6TPY2565K6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741713150132},"content":"Was Toyota’s bet on hybrid cars right all along?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"FD6AANN7CVAZ7J66CDHKPQXUVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074413},"content":"He said the changes highlight why Toyota’s strategy isn’t set by outside agendas such as the EU’s emissions action plan. “Together with our partners, we are focused on delivery of our commitments.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNSI3PSPOBB63EPYAXTW7TM5MQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074414},"content":"Harrison’s message is backed up by Gerald Killmann, who heads Toyota’s research and development activities in terms of electronics and software in Europe. The Austrian engineer accepts that Toyota’s transition to electric has been slower than that of its rivals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NFVXT2RA3BDIFLJVUDZBD23MKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741623074415},"content":"“Toyota is not a company that jumps from black to white,” he said. “We’re doing slower transitions. Admittedly, it means we were maybe sometimes not the first to market, but our target is customer satisfaction, quality, and we believe in the long term that is good for the customer, that is good for society and will be good for us as a company as well.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"Recent changes to the EU’s emissions plan cited as reasons why the Japanese firm prefers to work at its own pace "},"display_date":"2025-03-12T05:01:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Toyota favours slow and steady approach in electric vehicle market","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BFZ6755CH5AOPNQL4LQDTZGZ5Q","auth":{"1":"8252d3164f22c98bfe63570ebe95203f8cbec63c45ac754e0d86374317fc250c"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BFZ6755CH5AOPNQL4LQDTZGZ5Q.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/12/toyota-favours-slow-and-steady-approach-in-electric-vehicle-market/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"ZWL4RJK72FESHOCBJ5XOA3VVBQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":269,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/32b6e75e-12e1-4c9e-a998-51bd281f8595/versions/1741708824/media/6d5fdfe9ebfe97931b1fc8a2b60ad5eb_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/11/toyota-unveils-trio-of-new-all-electric-models-arriving-from-this-year/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JHHE7CN6SBALNAZVRJ33HCC3BM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872499},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/toyota/\" target=\"_blank\">Toyota</a>’s electric car line-up is to feature a trio of new and updated <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">EV</a> models. First up is a long-awaited small crossover, the Urban Cruiser.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLX3RYMA6NDRLDTVGH62JH7HRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872500},"content":"Coming to Ireland next year, front-wheel-drive versions will come with either a 49kWh battery pack powering a 106kW (144hp) electric motor capable of 300km range or a 61kWh battery pack powering a 128kW (174hp) electric motor capable of 400km. An all-wheel drive version is also offered with the larger battery and a 135kW (184hp) electric motor delivering a range of 350km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QSKAK7DSRZBSDOVJTGCTE3GFAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Given its position in the market, we expect prices to start below €40,000.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RRCCOB2AQBHHNMLBQYP33DVGYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872501},"content":"Next up – and the highlight of Toyota’s news right now – is the all-electric C-HR+. While sharing its name and styling touches with the popular hybrid compact SUV, the plus sign does a lot of heavy lifting as this is a new car in its own right.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZYZPIQDGXVEZBK5GFHMURUSLAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872502},"content":"Built on the firm’s latest dedicated EV architecture, it is both longer and wider than the regular C-HR and as a result, it combines a coupe roofline with a cabin that certainly seems more spacious and boasts better rear-seat legroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BITJI4S5KZED5FK33IENJDAAMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872503},"type":"image"},{"_id":"O665ZRRO6VAWRA7NIS5UKKNGTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872504},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3AZUW4GJTZBK5LZKIEJFITOFWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872505},"content":"Perhaps revealing its true roots, the C-HR+ shares its powertrain technology with the new BZ4X, including the option of two battery packs and two electric motor options.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6JHJE37SKVGH7BPJCXDAWUGNGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872506},"content":"First up is a front-wheel-drive version with a battery pack delivering a gross capacity of 57.7KWh combined with an 123kW electric motor. A larger battery pack of 77kWh gross capacity will be offered with 165kW motor. This latter combination will also be offered on an all-wheel-drive version of the car.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JEQIREJ3FZAKPHPYFPYBO3JAKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708823606},"content":"Opel Grandland: Can this surprisingly impressive EV crossover lure Irish buyers back?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"VYZD5OO4WZH5JE7XE5UD4CRBCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872507},"content":"Those are the same battery and electric motor options on the largely revamped BZ4X, Toyota’s initial foray into mass-produced full-electric cars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LBIEUTAJFJC6HGVZM3IPJ5NZWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872508},"type":"image"},{"_id":"N6VORXLKABHVVJA4HI4LOJKSHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872509},"content":"Launched in 2022, it attracted criticism for having a conservative battery management system that reserved a large portion of the battery capacity to protect its longevity, but which ultimately affected the usable range.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FAEKPDJ5WBAHLLIU4XNIAUZ6NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872510},"content":"Admittedly, Toyota issued software updates that improved the situation, and with this new version, engineers are hopeful of delivering up to 573km in range for the BZ4X.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EBUPAG5L4RD33FNBYRKWVP4TCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872511},"content":"Toyota is also looking to reassure customers when it comes to the battery’s lifespan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3CBB7GHXFDIFMXNKKNN7GANOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741708823612},"content":"Video: Our Test Drive: MG3 Hybrid+","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"U3CN4X6OIRGTZFSNDLJ7RTO6DQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872512},"content":"If you keep the car serviced with a Toyota main dealer, the battery warranty can be extended from a standard eight years and 160,000km to 10 years and an impressive one million kilometres.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EKQUL4M46NGWJHG5UI73D4QKDE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872513},"content":"The new C-HR+ and the updated BZ4X will land in Ireland towards the end of this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LE6AFSHMPVC2VHG6DOL57FYTQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872514},"content":"Alongside this trio, Toyota’s premium sibling <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/lexus/\" target=\"_blank\">Lexus</a> will introduce the latest generation of its all-electric mid-sized RZ SUV later this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NCG2WBW5ZVCIBGJX7Y3OC5XE3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872515},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CSPGTRSNANFCJPLBSLRZ5XNIKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872516},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GEC66C4VQ5HZZKEMHNV4TH2ZLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872517},"content":"Taking its cue from the BZ4X, the RZ features a 77kW battery pack combined with a 165kW (224hp) electric motor in the RZ 350e, a 280kW (350hp) motor in the RZ 500e or a 300kW (408hp) motor in the RZ 550e F Sport. Lexus claims the larger battery and advances in software mean it should deliver up to 100km extra range on the current RZs, which currently achieves up to 440km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QPE5NHPHFJAKZG52CXTEP562QY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872518},"content":"The F Sport version will also feature the long-awaited steer-by-wire system developed by Lexus some years ago.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HU3LJDGEOREH5GA27ES7SW4374","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872519},"content":"Officially named “One Motion Grip” and featuring a yoke-style steering wheel, it uses sensors and actuators to translate driver inputs instantly into precise wheel movements. That means only a slight turn of the “yoke”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CVKJ3CGDZJDTFIZZNI6EDVWPNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741699872520},"content":"Lexus has incorporated haptic feedback to replicate the tactile response of traditional steering, delivering a connected feel despite the absence of a physical steering column. Standard on the F Sport, it will be offered as an option on the mid-grade versions.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"Premium sister brand Lexus also reveals the latest RZ with long-awaited steer-by-wire system "},"display_date":"2025-03-11T23:01:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Toyota unveils trio of new all-electric models arriving from this year","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZELPOJXQDRGV5CZSNPRD2HHXKI","auth":{"1":"72471091ed7464664801d5d14e63ce17566f494ee83c4ac06ed1892a7cfc82a7"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZELPOJXQDRGV5CZSNPRD2HHXKI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/11/toyota-unveils-trio-of-new-all-electric-models-arriving-from-this-year/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"CIF6A5MMBFDL3JXCPNQP7STSCQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":420,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e66c98bd-0966-497f-9dea-64ac65d2b503/versions/1741605780/media/48d2c95ba55ebe666cbc21d0caa9873c_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/11/ev-qa-do-all-electric-cars-only-have-rear-wheel-drive-what-about-driving-in-snow/","content_elements":[{"_id":"SOACGNEM5BAUXG3ARSIAOC5X6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675625},"content":"<b>Q:</b> <b>In recent snowy weather, I discovered the limits of rear-wheel drive in attempting to ascend a snowy driveway to the house. Do all EVs only have rear wheel drive? If so, it’s rather off-putting.</b> – <i>J Gaffney, Co Cork</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"MY7ACGKVFBHJZOQNSG5V3FY5EA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675626},"content":"<b>A:</b> The debate over <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_blank\">rear-wheel drive</a> versus front-wheel drive during snowy conditions is an age-old one, and it’s not quite the slam-dunk victory for front-wheel drive that you might think.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZBPGQT4UJC35G6MD5OEXWSECA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675627},"content":"Recalling the great snow <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/storm/\" target=\"_blank\">storms</a> of the winter of 2010-2011, radio personalities chided people for buying expensive, rear-wheel drive luxury cars which became becalmed at the bottom of snowy slopes, while more humble front-wheel drive models romped up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YU5BSHNDZNEMZJIUDN4NAPUF5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675628},"content":"There is a touch of truth to that – front-wheel drive cars have the weight of their engine and gearbox on top of or slightly ahead of (therefore acting with some leverage) the front wheels, which grants a traction advantage. If you start to slide, a front-wheel drive car will generally pull itself straight under the application of power.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V72VQURVUZD2NDKQ7RTFAQTABI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675629},"content":"However, all is not lost for rear-wheel drive cars, and a bit of judicious traction control usage and some reasonable levels of driver skill will keep a rear-wheel drive car mobile in the foulest conditions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DQ6U6LRFNZBZ3E5RMEDRXKCBGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675630},"content":"Don’t believe me? Well then, remember that it took almost 60 years for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volvo-group/\" target=\"_blank\">Volvo</a> – the Swedish brand well-accustomed to snow and which puts so much store on safety – to make its first front-wheel drive car.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKDZ332TABETTESWFUEM2ZTOIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675631},"content":"This is very generalised front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive talk, and it applies equally to combustion and hybrid-engined cars as it does <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">EVs</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AD2AYG5N3ZAKVJFPZ6S5X66WYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675632},"content":"Also applying equally to all three categories is the importance of tyres. In Ireland, we generally have one set of tyres for our cars at any one time, and those are basic, bog-standard tyres, generically known as summer tyres.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UWYNCSQ35DGVEMFHL7QPSGPKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675633},"content":"Our European neighbours, being generally more enlightened and also having rather more in the way of properly snowy winters than us, regularly use winter tyres – indeed, from October onwards such tyres are often legally required in certain jurisdictions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYW5WOPILRDLXBFGJENRCP6IE4","additional_properties":{"_id":"FRY3Q2QKDJHAVJ6BD4XUQ2VKXY"},"content":"EV Q&A: Should I buy a new EV on finance or go for a second-hand car?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MYW4OD3OLZHKVKVDL23FUPZF5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675634},"content":"Winter tyres are not just for snow. Their softer, grippier rubber compound also resists hardening in lower temperatures of below about 7 degrees (and how often in Ireland is the ambient temperature below that figure?) which means that even without any snow, they have better grip, traction, and braking performance than a conventional tyre. When the snow and ice does arrive, you would be astonished at the extra grip and traction you can find by wearing a set of winter tyres.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2NXNGMCOTVDNNLMLO4IZML4P3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675635},"content":"Of course there’s an expense involved in buying that extra set, and there’s also an extra expense in buying a second set of wheels on which to fit them. Then there is storage during the warmer months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CZHFKOLZMVDERM2GLNNOF5VYNE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675636},"content":"However, the pay-offs are the twin benefits of (a) being safer in the winter and (b) spreading your annual tyre wear and tear out over two sets of tyres.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UJKU7B4BJJDFTJYBLDJXNWAL74","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675637},"content":"As for all EVs being rear-wheel drive, no they’re not. Increasingly more and more models are arriving with rear-wheel drive simply because that’s a more energy-efficient way to drive a car along (a front-wheel drive car’s efficiency is more in its packaging than in its driving).","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVZ7V6LXJVFS5CZMCRO5HWIHBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675638},"content":"The most common rear-drive EVs at the moment, aside from basic <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla</a> models, are any of the cars using <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_blank\">Volkswagen Group’s</a> MEB electric car platform, so that’s the VW ID3, 4, 5, 7, and Buzz line-ups, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/is-skoda-s-electric-enyaq-the-true-people-s-car-1.4588533\" target=\"_blank\">Skoda Enyaq</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2024/12/10/can-skodas-affordable-elroqs-unlock-the-electric-car-market/?\" target=\"_blank\">Elroq</a>, the<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/audi-q4-e-tron-comfortable-crossover-worth-a-look-if-price-is-right-1.4732425\" target=\"_blank\"> Audi Q4 e-Tron</a>, and the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/seat-s-all-electric-cupra-an-arguably-prettier-cheaper-volkswagen-id-3-1.4757103\" target=\"_blank\">Cupra Born</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2025/01/28/cupras-tavascan-is-fine-but-is-that-good-enough/\" target=\"_blank\">Tavascan</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QB6CGGD4XNCKPJYEIX4DTTTZCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675639},"content":"All of those cars do have optional four-wheel drive models, of course, but there’s an oddity in that not only is the Audi Q4 e-tron rear-wheel drive when Audis had hitherto been front-or-four-wheel drive, so too are the single-motor versions of the new Q6 e-Tron SUV, the A6 e-Tron saloon and Avant estate (with the option of four-wheel drive quattro power of course).","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFXYQ75V6RGJ3M3PRPHYHXVYYU","additional_properties":{"_id":"DVVQAB22EJCN5B3WUU4XMTJA6Y"},"content":"What’s the best EV for a 400km round trip without stopping and charging?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"QRGJROPHPVBL3L3HVCDFLU3Y74","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675640},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/porsche/\" target=\"_blank\">Porsche’s</a> Taycan and Macan Electric come in basic rear-drive forms, as do the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mercedes-benz/\" target=\"_blank\">Mercedes</a> EQE and EQS line-ups (but not the EQA or EQB, which are front-drive, although confusingly the incoming new electric CLA moves to rear-wheel drive).","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZBFWVUEHOBERHCBXMM3FA4DJLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675641},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/toyota/\" target=\"_blank\">Toyota’s</a> bz4X and Lexus’ closely related RZ are both front-drive in basic forms but with optional four-wheel drive versions, while <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bmw/\" target=\"_blank\">BMW’s</a> electric line-up is split – the i4, i5, iX, and i7 are all rear-wheel drive (with optional four-wheel drive) while the iX1 and iX2 are front-wheel drive (with optional four-wheel drive). The iX3 is currently only available with rear-wheel drive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RLWXZJDW35BOZPT3V5ZSWLG3L4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675642},"content":"All of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/stellantis/\" target=\"_blank\">Stellantis Group</a> electric cars from Peugeot, Citroen, Alfa Romeo, Opel, Jeep, and Fiat are front-wheel drive (some with optional four-wheel drive) and so too are all of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/renault/\" target=\"_blank\">Renault’s</a> electric models, ditto for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nissan/\" target=\"_blank\">Nissan</a>. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dacia/\" target=\"_blank\">Dacia’s</a> Spring is front-wheel drive, while <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/byd/\" target=\"_blank\">BYD’s</a> line-up, like BMW’s, is split with front-drive for the Atto 2, Atto3, and Dolphin and rear-drive for the Seal saloon and Sealion 07 SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBR4F55ZCFDVVEGKHO7UXYUIR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675643},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ford/\" target=\"_blank\">Ford’s</a> Explorer and Capri are rear-drive thanks to sharing their chassis with Volkswagen, but the Mustang Mach-E, which has a unique platform, is rear-drive in basic form.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XHKNNMR6UBDJBABQZRBPTP64RE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675644},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai/\" target=\"_blank\">Hyundai’s</a> Ioniq range and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kia/\" target=\"_blank\">Kia’s</a> EV range are rear-wheel drive (with optional four-wheel drive) but the electric versions of the Kona and the Niro are front-drive as is the new Hyundai Inster.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXEI3KLIBBDODFORSRMRI5FHHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675645},"content":"MG has rear-drive for the MG 4 hatch and the Cyberster sports car (again with optional four-wheel drive) but front-drive for the old electric ZS and the MG 5 estate. All of the electric Minis are front-wheel drive (of course) but that may change with the next generation models.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VXNQP2TWINH4HPUWG2NU4GMPDM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675646},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/polestar/\" target=\"_blank\">Pole Star</a> and Volvo are slightly odd. The Pole Star 3 and 4, and the Volvo EX30 and EX90 are all natively rear-wheel drive (with optional 4WD of course) but the Pole Star 2, and the Volvo EX40 and EC40 (previously the XC40 and C40) started out as front-wheel drive models, but were switched in the past two years to rear-wheel drive, because of its greater efficiencies. We think that’s the first time a big car maker has swapped which wheels of a major model are driven since Triumph did it in the 1970s with the 1300/1500 line-up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JJCBV35OUBGCRJX32FZLY7W624","additional_properties":{"_id":1741602675647},"content":"As for <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2025/02/11/electric-vehicles-qa-which-ev-performs-best-in-cold-weather/\" target=\"_blank\">driving an EV on ice and snow</a>, the same basic <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/tips-for-driving-on-snow-or-ice-take-care-that-you-re-not-slip-sliding-away-1.2934377\" target=\"_blank\">rules apply as for any car</a>. Slow down, leave extra stopping room, use gentle control inputs, and if it’s really bad, just don’t venture out at all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FERPIHTYIRCVXPX5FGAFRHNWHE","content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Helping to separate electric vehicle myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your EV questions"},"display_date":"2025-03-11T05:48:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Your EV questions answered: Do all electric cars only have rear-wheel drive? What about driving in snow?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AR7H6RQ3LJGBBP3QZ55ZCNR7AI","auth":{"1":"b15c0d3f9575326cfe97a82afc04c94a9ce9856af969dc2b9ae4bb563e1ad927"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AR7H6RQ3LJGBBP3QZ55ZCNR7AI.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/11/ev-qa-do-all-electric-cars-only-have-rear-wheel-drive-what-about-driving-in-snow/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"A22ZT7M57BF7XDFZX2ASDJ35WA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":443,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3072e5d3-d5e5-4d7f-9431-bf628f30a3aa/versions/1741352536/media/dc4ebc4218facfe138d76a016c115420_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/09/audis-rather-lovely-new-electric-a6-has-serious-range-and-lightning-fast-charging/","content_elements":[{"_id":"QRGZO5E2MFGFZEZXIP52EXA2EE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It all used to be so simple. There would be a 1.3 GL, a 1.6 GLX and a 2.0 Ghia. Everyone knew where they stood in the pecking order, and there were even helpful badges on the boot lid to tell all and sundry in which rank you stood. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GSNN4KMNUBBAZB524XWXEUERLQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Now? Now it’s all but impossible to tell from outside a new car (and sometimes from inside) whether it’s even powered by petrol or electricity. This slinky new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/audi\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/audi\">Audi</a> A6 is a terrific case in point. You’d pretty much assume from looking at its shape and its general demeanour, and its blanked-off grille, that it’s all-electric, and the subtle e-tron badges embossed into the door sills confirm this for the eagle-eyed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K5KGF5OLZFAQJEZIJNPESLWZSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Yet Audi seems insistent on muddying its own waters, by U-turning on its previous policy of giving <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles\">electric cars</a> even numbers and petrol, diesel and hybrid models odd numbers. You see, the A6 e-tron’s combustion and hybrid partner, just launched in Avant estate form this week, was supposed to have been the new A7. Yet at the last minute Audi backtracked on that plan, so now it too is the A6, despite looking subtly different (actually slightly more muscular) on the outside and being based on an entirely different chassis, shared with the Q5 and A5. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NMIUXFEPUFB77MELMTVE4UEDKA","additional_properties":{},"content":"So the only real way you will be able to tell whether you or your neighbour is driving an electric Audi A6 is if it has the e-tron badge. The others will be badged as TFSI for petrol, TDI for diesel, and TFSIe for the upcoming long-range plug-in hybrids. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4GTVGZCFW5BYTEJBHB4AOFJSIQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Confusing? Well, Audi Ireland’s boss Christian Gussen reckons that actually for most buyers it’s a far simpler thing – they will mostly come into Audi’s dealerships and buy the new model that most closely resembles the one they’re trading in, so the number on the badge is actually fairly irrelevant. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AP4JIYDEW5E35JWV2GVA3KIAXQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equally, Gussen brushes off worries about Audi’s broader economic performance. With the brand, globally, worried by its sales volumes and profit margins, and with redundancies on the way, Audi could rightly be called a troubled brand at the moment, but as Gussen points out, last year it was the best-selling premium marque in Ireland, and its performance in Europe remains strong. The worries are mainly to do with the brand’s performance in China, “and in this I think we are in good company, unfortunately”, he says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LLYGGW66XFGQFMOFNA63V3RKVI","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"VRMPX7TN3NDT7NUAPOYLLWQI4A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Perhaps worries about a more consistent badging line-up, then, are peripheral. Perhaps all the more so when you see the headline figures for this new A6 e-tron. Whereas before cars were judged on the size of their engines or their 0-60mph times, now the critical figure is range, and the A6 e-tron has that in abundance. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q22TROJ2V5BYBLYJ5VYBXT5GUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In fact, combine the biggest 100kWh battery with the 286hp single-motor rear wheel drive (yes, a rear-drive large Audi saloon, something that hasn’t really existed ever before) and then A6 claims 751km of range on one charge. Even allowing for some losses in real-world driving, that’s potentially enough to drive from Malin to Mizen and back up to Cork city. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"62JTPVRVZBH4FO27ZO6G5N2C6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Even the smaller 83kWh battery does well on range, allowing for up to 622km in the basic A6 e-tron model. Hitherto, Irish electric car buyers have generally opted for the larger of any two offered battery capacities in a given EV model line-up, rightly fearful of being caught out by our sclerotic public-charging network. However, the A6 e-tron seems to have so much range to burn that the orders taken thus far seem to be pretty evenly split between the two, and the smaller battery version may in time become the volume seller. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"C7ZYAX32ARFWVDUMDGLAOCAT4I","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2BDDL64SDZGOLJDRU2XRSJYBIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Then there’s the question of which body to buy. You won’t be surprised to hear us recommend the Avant estate. It’s slightly more practical than the fastback saloon version, certainly more handsome, and only a fraction worse off when it comes to range. True, it also costs an extra €1,800 above the €74,500 basic starting price (and you’d have to wonder why: surely the extra aluminium and glass can’t cost €1,800?) but on balance, and considering the long and expensive options list, it seems like a good idea. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"233KXCTIRNE6RCXTPLU2RFOOOI","additional_properties":{},"content":"You will instantly notice the low roofline of the A6 when, instead of climbing aboard as one does in an SUV, you instead slide down and left into the driver’ seat. The roof rails actually seem suddenly low and present, almost as if you’re wearing the roof as a hat, but while there’s not quite the open space you’d find in a similarly priced SUV, there’s room enough. Comfort enough, too, and quality more than enough – Audi has reclaimed its stake as the best builder of interiors in the game.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EFTTYXQ3TFC47DQKUE4C4LBNRM","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"3SN675QBKVDAHJFN7OTB4IEI3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The big sweep of touchscreens (including a pointless optional one for the front seat passenger) work well and look sharp, but as ever can be confusing and distracting when actually driving. Thankfully, though, you’ll have other things to think about when you’re driving. Our Avant test car, in gleaming white, was a Performance model, so had a single rear-drive motor with 270kW, or 367hp, backed up by 565Nm of torque. Even so, despite the 5.4 second 0-100km/h time, performance feels amply brisk rather than outright fast. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"A5RZK4GS25GWBLD433IHDJEXQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, the A6’s speed trump card is not in its acceleration, but in its recharging. Thanks to a high-powered 800-volt charging system, it can charge at up to 270kW (assuming you can find a public DC charging point with that much power) and can add as much as 310km of extra range in just 10 minutes’ charging – no wonder people aren’t so bothered about having the bigger battery. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FEOWEVU4VNFN7LI46ACFLAMCLI","additional_properties":{},"content":"To drive, though? Smooth – helped by the optional air suspension of our test car. Refinement is not quite absolute (there’s a touch of tyre swish and roar) but it’s close. The A6’s chunky weight (2,260kg) doesn’t merely blunt the acceleration, though, it also seems to put a slight dampener on driving enjoyment. The A6 corners smoothly and crisply, but on this test not with all that much in the way of fun for the driver. As a comfortable long-range cruiser though, it may well be without realistic peer. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RH3QOSD47VET3DGBJWTCFBBC3U","additional_properties":{},"content":"The thing is that it won’t be the big seller. With the “other” new A6 arriving in the summer, this – really rather lovely – A6 e-tron will find itself playing second sales fiddle to the one with diesel and hybrid engines, which just seems insane. If you could have a car such as this, with performance and range such as this, and yet have to pay minimal motor or BIK tax, and potentially charge it up at night for chump change, why wouldn’t you?","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"This e-tron will find itself playing second sales fiddle to the one with diesel and hybrid engines, which seems insane"},"display_date":"2025-03-09T11:43:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Audi’s rather lovely new electric A6 has serious range and lightning-fast charging","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"S4K6NXDJCVDTPFXRTW5S2ZIDNA","auth":{"1":"883ed4b32c02fbd213d83e48add604cc675a50c50d0a9b9e3c48ad6f13823223"},"focal_point":{"x":2081,"y":2004},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/S4K6NXDJCVDTPFXRTW5S2ZIDNA.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/09/audis-rather-lovely-new-electric-a6-has-serious-range-and-lightning-fast-charging/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"ON6U4HQETVFMNEEFZUNEKFW3BU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":163,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/6aac10c7-8105-4118-8f59-f66d10ccb2d5/versions/1741360848/media/b26ea17c041db2ea271ba61f437d015e_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2025/03/07/volkswagen-bets-on-new-car-to-recapture-beetle-glory-days/","content_elements":[{"_id":"XKB2HO3QTFB2VDIT6MIZWUZOEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922460},"content":"Volkswagen is betting the company’s future on a new €20,000 compact electric vehicle (EV) to recapture the mass-market glory days of the VW Beetle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MY4OGYFTR5DHNL23FKFVUN6MEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922461},"content":"The new people’s car, VW hopes, will be the ID.Every1, unveiled this week with looks that recall the original Golf and a price point of €20,000 closer to the discontinued Up! compact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UZRR7ADPNFCFTJ7Y3AMF7THYAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922462},"content":"“The ID.Every1 is an extremely important car for us because it will be the electric entry into the brand,” said Thomas Schäfer, VW brand board member. “But it is also a sign for the entire group that small vehicles can also be produced economically.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IRYLBL7GRZAORECYOSSFNWL5YA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922463},"content":"The model measures just 3.88 by 1.81 meters, has a range of at least 250km and will go on sale in 2027. For cost reasons, the Every1 will be produced in southern Europe plants rather than in Germany.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVL5C2SJMRB5JEEZ3I43O35P2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922464},"content":"Larger than the Up! yet smaller than the Polo or ID.2, the blacked-out windows of the show model left little to say about its interiors or software. The latter, Mr Schäfer conceded, posed a “steep learning curve” for the company after software problems in recent models.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXFOB433QJATJJJGLKYHL52TCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922465},"content":"The new model will run on “modern software architecture”, according to Mr Schäfer, abandoning its in-house platform in favour of a partnership with Rivian. VW partnered with the American electric car manufacturer last year to expedite an alternative software platform.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWEHZQPHZRGABDLKYCCA3XTNHE","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Y72SH3MLHFHA5MQSSP6FHLIDZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922466},"content":"Initial reaction in Germany was mostly pleasant surprise.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AUJC5VRB4RHI3O7IMPTZVU6SYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922467},"content":"AutoBild praised the “clean, streamlined” design and, quoting VW, said the new model is “80 per cent ready for production”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HIXEI4X4JJCYTBNIQ6MO2JWXTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922468},"content":"“The front is supposed to make a friendly impression and reminds me of a much older car, namely the Golf 1,” said AutoBild editor Sebastian Friemel. “VW says they want to make [the front] look like a smile.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"INAB7RJWSZD4BIAUIGP5VIPTGY","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-39970","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"XOKB5BKTGVHMTFEI4STPPH7MQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922469},"content":"Whether VW will have anything to smile about with the Every.1 remains to be seen, given VW is handing its Korean and Chinese rivals two more years to carve up the entry-level electric market between them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JQ5KZM5LUBBENAMCH5AHWGOMJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922470},"content":"The influential Heise platform noted few visual gimmicks such as vertical daytime lights, recessed door handles and 19-inch tyre rims.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOOHCJRGZRDXDDMMSFZJ5SYC5I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922471},"content":"“Overall, the model seems surprisingly conventional at first glance,” it added, “but that is not surprising as VW has attracted a wide audience with this type of design in the past.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PY4EY2MGM5CSNCFI2SICMEXS2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741354922472},"content":"News of the new VW comes amid further signs of a slump in Tesla sales in Germany: down 76 per cent in February to just 1,429 new registrations.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Derek Scally"}},"name":"Derek Scally"}]},"description":{"basic":"VW ID.Every1 will be available from 2027"},"display_date":"2025-03-07T15:16:52.388Z","headlines":{"basic":"Volkswagen bets on new EV to recapture Beetle glory days","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZALO3L5HQFC47DAPCI7I7LRCQE","auth":{"1":"0a0f0c7db841e8ff2d0e56cc546e61ed226fcad4092c45bbe7e6ba573a448b60"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZALO3L5HQFC47DAPCI7I7LRCQE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2025/03/07/volkswagen-bets-on-new-car-to-recapture-beetle-glory-days/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"6TYCJI2SH5BRRHOWHBASAVH7QE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":481,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/977c461b-1520-42ce-8a73-ae7675a81675/versions/1741171993/media/d2ff49ddb2bbe04ddadf297442712950_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/06/audis-new-q5-suv-so-much-sharper-than-before-but-at-a-hefty-price/","content_elements":[{"_id":"2BBF5A3NB5EZ5LJY6F7UBIQPEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365271},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/audi/\">Audi</a>’s recent success is borne on the back of the SUV craze. The German luxury car maker has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons lately – stuttering sales, falling profits, lay-offs, and worries over China, not to mention the impending tariffs of Trumponomics – but up till now, while we still kind of have a baked-in mental image of Audis always being low, sleek saloons, it has been selling its taller, bulkier models hand over Bavarian fist.","type":"text"},{"_id":"526RF2CLRNAVNGXODCRGGJ4B6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365272},"content":"The Audi Q3 is the brand’s bestselling model in Ireland, but globally it’s the bigger Q5, that has found 2.6 million homes since the first model was launched in 2008. It was a success that, to an extent, passed me by. You all know my general apathy when it comes to SUVs, and while the preceding Q5 was handsome, roomy, and tolerably good to drive, it didn’t really light my fire. An A6 Avant any day, thanks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LR2TKWOXC5BBHI7OINWH4U5MNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365273},"type":"image"},{"_id":"IVNRFSFCTNFR3GBFE2DGJUN6OE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365274},"content":"However, this new Q5 has, at the very least, turned my head even if it may yet struggle to completely change my mind. While it carries over much of the chassis and engineering of the previous model (Audi has renamed the platform as Premium Platform Combustion, or PPC, but really it’s the old MLB-Evo chassis that dates from 2007) there are nonetheless many changes under the skin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOQ6S5UBK5FQLIM5KDVE4I2KPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365275},"content":"Speaking of skin, the new Q5 is kind of gorgeous. I can take or leave the fastback Sportback version (why take an SUV and then make it less practical?) but the regular SUV model looks really sharp, with a close cleaving to the look of the all-electric <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2024/07/17/audis-long-awaited-new-q6-ev-arrives-in-ireland/\">Q6 e-tron</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGNDZ4AR2BBCPPERO43T4R3MOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365276},"content":"The impossibly slim lights, front and rear, give the Q5 a mean Clint Eastwood stare (they’re high-tech too, with OLED lighting, and the rear ones can flash emergency symbols to following traffic). The front air intakes on the edges of the bumpers look crass, but our S-Line test car, in the optional Sakhir Gold paint (it looks like you’ve melted a Caramac bar into your coffee, and I love it) looks properly smart.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TRZKXQCXFFA33I333NISA4NJXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365277},"type":"image"},{"_id":"U73DFZ5GTFF5PBRYZTIMIEKME4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365278},"content":"Inside, the cabin is a mixture of the Q6 and the lower-slung A5 saloon and Avant estate, and that’s no bad thing. It’s here that I’ll make the now-expected gripe about there not being enough physical buttons and about the huge 14.9-inch touchscreen being way too distracting on the move. That is all true, but even so it’s hard not to be impressed by the slick OLED displays and the sharp graphics, while the augmented reality head-up display, projected on to the windscreen, is a godsend on unfamiliar roads.","type":"text"},{"_id":"24C35B6BQZAPPL52LYGAIN3HCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365279},"content":"For now, the Q5 is fairly conventional in its powertrain choices. There’s a 2.0-litre TDI diesel and a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol, both developing 204hp and both with mild-hybrid technology that uses an 18kW electric motor to boost their power and also allow some low-speed electric-only manoeuvring, such as when parking. There’s also a 369hp turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine for the high-performance SQ5. This is a lightly intoxicating engine, with a subdued race-car snarl, 4.5sec 0-100km/h performance, and surprisingly affordable motor tax (€600, which could be a lot worse).","type":"text"},{"_id":"3665OONY6NFKFPVWJL44MCIGLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365280},"content":"The €111,850 price tag probably counts that largely out of Irish sales, and the 2.0-litre TFSI probably won’t fare much better, given that it comes only with front-wheel drive, not Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive, and it’s also a rather noisy and gruff engine from behind the wheel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S572LOXW2NGUFJBF2KEG6445UA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365281},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ROOO6DK455FKBABQJGI4RSJY24","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365282},"content":"So until the two new plug-in hybrid models arrive later this year – one boasting the same power output as the mighty SQ5 and both with up to 100km of electric range – the engine of choice is the diesel, which just seems ridiculous given the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/03/04/republic-risks-fine-of-up-to-26bn-if-eu-agreed-climate-targets-missed/\">news</a> this past week of Ireland’s looming €26 billion emissions fines.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O2MGIQPIGJAE5FFNUR4S35XGGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365283},"content":"In isolation, though, this is still a very good engine. It’s smooth, if a touch vocal at times, and certainly economical – Audi claims a believable 5.9 litres per 100km economy and you should easily put 850km between refills. It’s no powerhouse, but with 400Nm of torque it moves things along quite nicely.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRYED7MGIVDALF4ZAR7DMOWVMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365284},"content":"To be honest, you won’t much be thinking about the engine when you’re inside the Q5, as the high-quality cabin (considerably better in quality terms than BMW’s new X3) and the exceptionally comfortable seats (in our car they were upholstered in a man-made material called Kaskade, made of recycled plastics, which feels almost halfway between suede and wool – it’s delightful) will lull into uncaring.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HJVVFAMDM5F5NB5RWRSZXU5F3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741249073285},"subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"S6AJKQ24T5E4VOI26JKHXG6QGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365285},"content":"Space in the back is only okay. The rear seats adjust back and forth by up to 100mm, and the backs of the seat recline, but legroom is only adequate and the large transmission tunnel wipes out any hope of someone getting comfy in the middle rear seat. The 520-litre boot is fine, if not exceptional, but at least on the optional air suspension you can lower the rear of the car to make loading heavy objects that much easier, and Audi has carved out space under the floor so that you can stow the retracting luggage cover when you don’t need it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BE5BZBLOGJCO5FNSQ4MX4JGRPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365286},"content":"Speaking of air suspension, that’s a pricey €3,300 option (the Q5’s options list is enough to give you an attack of the vapours; make sure you’re sitting down before you start reading through it) but it’s definitely worth having, because with it this new Q5 is something that the previous Q5 never was: fun.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SM6LUEJZZNHIBEPLNVTWO3WRE4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365287},"type":"image"},{"_id":"HREOSZTA4BEHRPAAIZH6ERVB3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365288},"content":"Audi has worked hard under the Q5’s skin, stiffening up the steering rack and tinkering with the suspension layout so that while, yes, the chassis can trace its roots back almost 20 years, it now feels sharper than ever from behind the wheel. The air springs give the Q5 a remarkable balance of comfort (aside from sharp low-speed intrusions, which whump up through the wheels) and stability, but while the diesel Q5 in particular has some of that traditional Audi “heavy feet” feeling, it’s also rather agile, and the steering has good weight and feedback.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XICSGJFHKBG27GQ4OWS3YEE5QA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741249073290},"content":"Mini Aceman EV review: this is one car you’ll definitely want to take on the open road, but mind the range","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"47DSLNBDTZDFNA3TY3AVCYCN3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365289},"content":"Presumably few Q5 owners will care nor care to learn, but on the switchback corners high above Malaga, on the way to Mijas (where Audi brought us to test drive the new Q5) the 2.0-litre TDI quattro S-Line test car was remarkably good at sticking the inside front wheel tight into a corner’s apex, and rotating the rest of the car faithfully around that point (helped by a clever braking system that squeezes the inside brakes in a corner to help steer the car in tighter). It’s an entertaining thing to drive, and while the SQ5 is more entertaining still, this TDI version was not disgraced.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V746FORBPFHTZB4TPGBHDR42PQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365290},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2JCLVPVDSJA5XKOEOBLQYIBQKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365291},"content":"There are a couple of issues. The price tag (€71,115 minimum and that’s before you start dipping into the ruinous options list) is one, as is the fact that standard spec is stingy (adaptive cruise on the options list?).","type":"text"},{"_id":"7E3JTZCXRVGZRFCGXCBSOAFQQ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365292},"content":"Then there’s another crucial fact – just this week, Audi launched its new combustion-engine A6 Avant estate to the world, while the all-electric A6 e-tron saloon and Avant estate finally went on sale in Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6ZTWO4TE5CLFE2DB7LDHNKOHQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365293},"content":"Pretty much as practical as the Q5, and certainly both prettier and more efficient, both these new A6 models act as a convincing reason not to buy the Q5.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKZJX5TP7BBQHJSULLV7RYUT3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1741162365294},"content":"However, while I would still go for the A6 Avant over the Q5, the new Q5’s newfound dynamic sharpness has at least lengthened the pause I’d have to make before deciding.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Latest Q5 mixes diesel and petrol hybrid power, and drives as smartly as it looks"},"display_date":"2025-03-06T23:01:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Audi’s new Q5 SUV: So much sharper than before but at a hefty price","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QMR3HUG3LJCUHJXDOQCTVPGEZM","auth":{"1":"e8eb9935ff7895b585d443f8c8f5487dd0de1b3176f09cb190ecb0a9465d7c23"},"focal_point":{"x":4127,"y":1597},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QMR3HUG3LJCUHJXDOQCTVPGEZM.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/06/audis-new-q5-suv-so-much-sharper-than-before-but-at-a-hefty-price/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"25TMLGHKCBA6DAJAKFSNQDOHXQ","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/05/vws-new-small-car-concept-injects-much-needed-styling-into-its-ev-lineup/","content_elements":[{"_id":"FEYJFB32PBCKRHEAKGGXNICCAQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"While Volkswagen deserves some credit for being a pioneer of modern electric vehicles, it’s also caught quite a bit of flack for its existing ID EV lineup - too bland in style, say many - while grumbles about the cars’ infotainment systems and interior layouts continue. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJ4ZE2B5JZDLDLYIVNU2FENXOU","additional_properties":{},"content":"To try and turn that frown upside down, VW is going to inject some much-needed cheeky styling into the ID range in 2027 with a new ID.1 model. This car, designed to be essentially a replacement for the e-Up, will have interior space comparable to the current Polo hatchback, and will have a starting price, in Europe at any rate, of €20,000. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"63XD5KP475D5DNMOI5WEB5NXBQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"It will also be far more engaging to look at, if this new ID. EVERY1 (please forgive the excruciating name) is anything to go by. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZ37JCAJJFB3DDAQ5VPTTFMVCU","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to Thomas Schafer — head of the VW brand and a man who spends his rare non-working hours at his home in Wicklow: “The ID. EVERY1 represents the last piece of the puzzle on our way to the widest model selection in the volume segment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DFRONHDI45APFLDY6VJTDQR2UI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We will then offer every customer the right car with the right drive system – including affordable all-electric entry-level mobility. Our goal is to be the world’s technologically leading high-volume manufacturer by 2030. And as a brand for everyone – just as you would expect from Volkswagen.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUPQE7CWCFE57CXY5K32FUCHIY","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"C75BCBW3MVFRVCCHYNBN6CVGYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The cute design of the ID. EVERY1 is the work of Andreas Mindt, VW’s head of design, and the man who also oversaw the styling of the very smart-looking ID.2all concept, which will go on sale late this year as a Polo-sized hatchback with Golf-sized interior space. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CU5BQZ5DJNAUVJXHS75P4CEFEQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Our ambition was to create something bold yet accessible” Mindt told The Irish Times. “The ID. EVERY1 has a self-assured appearance but remains likeable – thanks to details such as the dynamic front lights and the ‘smiling’ rear. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4AAV2GTRNFOJMOQLMP6NHKKEE","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"OHDZY4OGAVBKPMJDLM6MXVL3EA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“These design elements make it more than just a car: they give it character and an identity that people can relate to. The widely flared wheel housings over the large 19-inch wheels and the athletic and, clearly, designed surfaces of the silhouette ensure stability. The slightly cheeky smile at the front is a particularly likeable feature. A secret sauce element is the roof drawn inwards in the middle, as is usually known from sports cars. All these design elements lend the ID. EVERY1 a charismatic identity with which people can identify.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDN6J2B2ONEFXKWCWWLPJA3KQA","additional_properties":{},"content":"While there are some stylistic similarities to the current ID lineup — the smooth, uncluttered surfaces and shallow side glass, for instance — the overall look is far more characterful. Having a ‘grille’ on an electric car might be anachronistic, but doing so has certainly given the ID. EVERY1 a more cheerful ‘face’ than that of the ID.3 hatchback, while the big 19-inch alloy wheels, extended wheelarches, and the wheel-at-each-corner stance hark back to classic VW models from the 1980s and 1990s. It’s certainly the most attractive ID model so far; aside from the retro-looking ID. Buzz. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXE3YUJPPZGA5GEJYISWBACPYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Indeed, Mindt even says that he’s used the so-called ‘Golden Ratio’ — supposedly the mathematical relationship between shapes and sizes as employed by Leonardo Da Vinci — for the ID. EVERY1, as its side glass and body sides are in a 2/5:3/5 split. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUQRWA2WO5EDDHCB3BXFZEO35U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Underneath, the ID. EVERY1 marks a major departure from the current engineering layout of the ID range. So far, every car based on the MEB electric car platform — that’s all the ID models, the Skoda Enyaq and Elroq, the Audi Q4 e-tron, and the Cupra Born and Tavascan — have come as standard with rear-wheel drive (and optional four-wheel drive). The ID. EVERY1 uses an evolution of the MEB platform, but as with the upcoming ID.2, it switches to front-wheel drive. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OD57TMS5RREIZBBSPF23VBL35U","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"LEEUCEK4UFAV5OESGYETWOR64M","additional_properties":{},"content":"VW hasn’t specified a battery capacity as yet, but the car maker does claim that the 3.8-metre long ID. EVERY1 will have enough range to go for at least 250km on a full charge (comparable with the old e-Up) and will use a new 95hp front-mounted electric motor. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6CUQDRKQ5B2FLL6LJMZBKYXO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Impressively, within that 3.8-metre length (that’s about 200mm shorter than the current Polo hatchback) the ID. EVERY1 offers space for four people and a decent 305-litre boot. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6KF76RNTNZHEFKQXLVLZ6OBBXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The cabin follows the current zeitgeist by using mostly recycled materials for the soft surfaces, while there are proper physical switches on the dashboard to control cabin temperature and seat heating. The buttons on the steering wheel are also proper buttons, rather than too-fiddly touchpads. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZML33EKEY5EY5AUF35WR4B4IM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"While there is, of course, a central infotainment touchscreen, the front seat passenger has a handy rail in front of them to which a tablet can be attached, and thankfully VW has seen sense and given the driver their own dedicated instrument panel, rather than putting everything on the central screen. The centre console between the seats has removable shelves within it, which can be adjusted as needed depending on what you want to bring with you, and like the one in the ID. Buzz, it can slide backwards so that those in the back seats can also make use of it. The rear seats fold, of course, but also have a special folding setting for safely carrying a dog in the back. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JGH5EJ5JMJGUVP27AVTILODBC4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The ID. EVERY1 and the ID.1 into which it will evolve forms part of a renewed electric car push by VW, which will see nine new all-battery models — including the ID.1 and ID.2 — launched by 2027. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"This concept car is a thinly-disguised version of the €20,000 ID.1, due in 2027"},"display_date":"2025-03-05T18:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"VW’s new small car concept injects much-needed styling into its EV lineup","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DADUSIRDTZCDDF4EKM233MADRM","auth":{"1":"8a317991267fc394ffa9261d95532f1974501b7aa46a6a2f451cd553444bbfc5"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DADUSIRDTZCDDF4EKM233MADRM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/05/vws-new-small-car-concept-injects-much-needed-styling-into-its-ev-lineup/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"4MN6D237IBAWDDHDN3B4RFXCOM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":466,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/78ab3697-c39c-4161-8bea-ed8367bb44c4/versions/1740658164/media/199aa4c565747caf9de86a17b853a97f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/05/mini-aceman-ev-review-this-is-one-car-youll-definitely-want-to-take-on-the-open-road-but-mind-the-range/","content_elements":[{"_id":"LO3RANUSB5FWPN6ZQ7CDTPRZOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350844},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"review-highlights-46532","url":"/"},"subtype":"review_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"ELQYXNBUCRHMNMDOWJCTFS72NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350845},"content":"I hadn’t expected this. Known <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/motors\" target=\"_blank\">SUV</a>-grump that I am, and as the former owner of a (surprisingly brilliant) Mini Clubman estate (yes, the one with the weird rear-hinged side door) I was unsurprisingly waspish about the prospect of Mini replacing the Clubman with yet another SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5PRPOOTD6JEVTKCRKM3UVZLLY4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350846},"content":"Never mind that it had a kinda-kitsch name – <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles\" target=\"_blank\">Aceman</a> – and never mind that it was to be distinctly smaller and lower-slung than the elephantine <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2024/05/08/mini-countryman-review-slick-cabin-and-great-screen-but-too-hefty-and-too-blunt-to-be-a-true-mini/\">Countryman</a> (only 1mm shorter than a 1990 US-market Ford Explorer), I was pretty cranky that my precious, beloved estate was being replaced by an SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BATE7ZEJC5AQRMQKRIJUBZLMKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350847},"content":"And yet, the Aceman, when you stand up close to it, has a kind of instant appeal. Yes, it’s a touch on the chunky side by traditional Mini standards, and I’m honestly not sure about the square-shaped headlight graphics – surely half the appeal of a Mini is in its cute, round-eyes “face”? – but in the mean black-on-black colour scheme of our test car, I am pretty easily hooked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFEVB5RLNFEA5M3ST6AZ6PPF5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350848},"content":"It helps that the Aceman isn’t all that big. At 4,079mm long, it’s barely any bigger than the dearly departed Ford Fiesta, and at 1,514mm tall, it’s barely 70mm – a handspan – taller than the old Clubman.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AE3WFRJZ5BDRJNIFCVGOAD7X7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350849},"content":"Something tells me that Mini’s engineers, like their cousins at BMW, don’t actually appreciate the lure of an SUV and its weight and bulk being in all the wrong places, so have nudged and winked that the Aceman is a rugged 4x4, and have actually just made an estate with slightly more air between the body and the tyres. Well done, if that’s the case.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKJUE6C3V5EALL3LPBJJW56SRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350850},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UDUSAMGGLVFKPOOD3YXFDUMG5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350851},"content":"Slip inside (no frameless doors this time around, unfortunately) and the Aceman’s interior also instantly impresses. At a time when many premium brands are delivering new models with slightly cheap-feeling cabins, the Aceman’s interior looks and feels great. The chunky three-spoke steering wheel (the bottom spoke is actually a fabric strap) is excellent to hold, while the fabric coverings – made from recycled polyester – on the dash and doors lends a distinctly classy air.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A7N2CRMZEZASLDXUE3AQVRAL24","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350852},"content":"This being a Cooper SE model, currently the most powerful Aceman, there are high-backed bucket seats that clamp you firmly in place like a hug from a friendly Alaskan Malamute.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RIGXLVPKNGZNFD4O27RKAYLXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350853},"content":"Thankfully, Mini has banished the old square-screen-in-round-hole mess that afflicted the last-generation of models, and instead has paid homage to the original 1959 Mini’s large central speedo with a 14-inch, perfectly circular OLED touchscreen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Z5AY6MJDRFMNGU33AS4O7FGW4","additional_properties":{"_id":"FRAVK6GZQVADNNZSK6TWMOQWQ4"},"content":"EV Q&A: Should I buy a new EV on finance or go for a second-hand car?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MBXBP4WOEZH6NP66YU5SPZU4NU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350854},"content":"As with SUVs, I’m a bit of a touchscreen grump (too fiddly, too bright at night – bring back buttons) but this one I love, if for no other reason than the sheer theatre of it all. Using the “experiences” button on the dash panel, you can flick it between various different modes, from a dark green for, well, Green mode to an olde-worlde speedo dial with delicately presented graphics for Timeless mode, and moody black, white and red for Go-Kart mode (which activates with an odd and annoying Homer Simpson-esque “woo-hoo!”) there’s quite probably a setting for everyone. As with all touchscreens, it takes way too long to find the bit you’re actually looking for (yes – bring back buttons) but at least it looks good while it’s confusing you. And you can use an on-screen function to switch out the union flag motif in the LED brake lights.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZRNLGDKXEJDKPAZ57F5YPA6A7Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350855},"content":"Underneath the screen, and alongside the “experiences” toggle switch, there’s a round switch that, like an old-fashioned key, you twist to fire up the Aceman’s electrical synapses. Next to that is another toggle switch, your gear selector. All of these buttons, and the volume control for the stereo, are nicely tactile, so with a flex of a fingertip, you select D and head off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCYMEH5PTVDRRBYAPQH2LWIZYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350856},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MQB2Z2J6XVDK3FMJSHSYSCHZXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350857},"content":"Instantly the Aceman feels a touch too stiff. All Minis, since the brand and the model were reinvented in 2000 by BMW, have been firm on the road, but the Aceman feels really, really firm and it doesn’t really matter which of the driving modes you’ve selected. Too firm? For some, definitely, and around town in particular, it felt very crashy, which is a shame for an electric car that should surely be doing its best work in urban settings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NBCCHHMFDRCZ7GGKS3Q7BIBMXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350858},"content":"However, this is one EV you’ll definitely want to take on the open road. While the Aceman isn’t especially refined on motorways (too much tyre roar), go in search of a twisty country road and suddenly the whole thing comes alive. With 218hp and 330Nm of torque, the Aceman has performance aplenty, even with a kerb weight that nudges 1,800kg. Zero-100km/h takes 7.1 seconds – not especially rapid, but the electric motor’s on-the-move urge makes the Aceman feel perkier than that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BX5RMFC4NVECLJPCC57F367TDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350859},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NI6I2ARAZJETBJTV2GG7MWZAQE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350860},"content":"On a twisty road, with bumps, you run into the same overly stiff suspension problems again, but the rapid and responsive steering and the way the body stays utterly flat in corners helps to make up for that. It’s like flinging a speedboat around on a choppy sea – you might barf, but you’ll have fun first.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJMKWXFIDVDQFBLK6VQVXFSRIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350861},"content":"There are a couple of issues. The first is the price tag, which starts at a seemingly reasonable €39,065 for the basic E model, but our sporty Cooper SE model had been specced up to a wild €56,896. Ouch. Equally, space in the back and boot are both rather tight, in spite of Mini’s efforts to scoop out extra foot space by putting indents into the battery pack.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NG4ELH4XX5AMJP7YMFB72KRCNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350862},"content":"The range is the real limitation, though. With a 49kWh battery pack, officially the Aceman Cooper SE is limited to 405km range on a full charge. Well, in the mixed town, country, and motorway conditions of our test drive, 300km is a more realistic figure, and it’ll be less than that if you spend all your time on the motorway. The cheaper Aceman E gets a smaller battery yet, and a mere 308km of claimed range.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJBGGNHK55F2VKZS7CYLHSRLH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350863},"type":"image"},{"_id":"COKJ2BBJ2NGCVMMH54XVYF3SII","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350864},"content":"It’s just not quite enough to enjoy yourself. The fun you’ll be having with the steering and acceleration will be tempered – too much so – by keeping one eye on the range-to-empty meter, and with a maximum DC fast-charging speed of just 95kW, you won’t be able to top up all that rapidly when you’re out and about.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTFB3BWCNRAHRMDNNQRWMCOCMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350865},"content":"It’s a shame – the Aceman, a car that I initially bristled against, has me sufficiently charmed by the end of my time with it that I’d have seriously considered putting my own cash down for one. But for the range.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6PUSWMZIFBALXNIY6OLBKA4C4I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350866},"content":"Lowdown: Mini Aceman Cooper SE","type":"header"},{"_id":"YESGR356JFBWZFYVLUCO5HZA3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350867},"content":"<b>Power</b> 160kW e-motor developing 218hp and 330Nm of torque, powering the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TQCQPRYU7JDNXPBDXJ43DPO72Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350868},"content":"<b>CO2 emissions (annual motor tax)</b> 0g/km (€120)","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYKQCXITP5CR7OPYKZ5TV2TGUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350869},"content":"<b>Electric consumption </b>14.6 kWh/100km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"CELJHIOUTNHQZBJGYENZSF7QIE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350870},"content":"<b>Electric range</b> 405km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"VB2JDEEQ6VDXNMT5BE5EAWBOWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350871},"content":"<b>0-100km/h</b> 7.1sec","type":"text"},{"_id":"VA32LGYODNHXXPAUGLMMK663TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741018350872},"content":"<b>Price</b> €56,896 as tested, Aceman starts from €39,065","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Aceman proves that tactile motoring fun can mix with battery power, but there’s just not enough range to enjoy yourself"},"display_date":"2025-03-05T07:06:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Mini Aceman EV review: this is one car you’ll definitely want to take on the open road, but mind the range","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"ZDEWXS3M35BSZA5PGMBHBCERMI","auth":{"1":"6434398590a4212be3dd923f067a70fe5975ae25dd1698a56e320d4899fcbb0a"},"focal_point":{"x":4680,"y":2920},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/ZDEWXS3M35BSZA5PGMBHBCERMI.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/03/05/mini-aceman-ev-review-this-is-one-car-youll-definitely-want-to-take-on-the-open-road-but-mind-the-range/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"RRLYJ2ATHFGARKLQDMDAPA7RAE","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/04/ev-sales-up-25-despite-overall-decline-in-new-car-sales/","content_elements":[{"_id":"7333B2JMXZCDLI5YX7MBLZXITY","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"X2Y2LANUCFEZZBA3MWGGZ3ZUKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"New car sales fell 15 per cent in February, overturning the sales growth in January and leaving the market down 0.8 per cent so far this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5DNGR7OBXFCHFDXQLFXKSMSYDU","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, electric vehicle (EV) sales bucked the trend, with registrations up 25 per cent compared to the same two-month period last year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IHIC27LC2NAARMLMUOVJTSYMDU","additional_properties":{},"content":"By the end of February, 4,093 new EVs were registered, with Kia leading as the best-selling brand for electric cars, recording 1,156 sales, ahead of Volkswagen on 1,124, Hyundai on 767, and Tesla on 540.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGEQM2QURVENLPFREOLZI6TBR4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Despite reports of declining Tesla sales across major European markets, the US brand’s Irish registrations have increased by 31 per cent this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QUPOEQ3TUNHUXABSTY2IN5WJN4","additional_properties":{},"content":" The Model 3 has recorded a 70 per cent rise in registrations, reaching 428, making it the third best-selling model behind the VW ID.4 and Kia’s EV3.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IQRAJJZ43ZGRPDAB2H33TWWEJA","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to Brian Cooke, director general of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (Simi), the spike in new EV sales can be attributed to private consumers, who benefit from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant, accounting for two-thirds of EV sales this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XH2UTJQPYZCXJPTJASRORNYY3E","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-40052","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"RBMZ7NLH5NHZ5IJCEEV34RRPVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The importance of government supports is key to maintaining this momentum, particularly with a greater range of EVs coming on stream.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SEXLV6MY3VEOFCR6MJNRZ4CXXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"A larger supply of EVs, particularly in the €40,000 price range, is attracting buyers, according to Ronan Flood, managing director of Kia Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUNYCHNKNVFFVJX7EUHFEBBOMU","additional_properties":{},"content":"He also attributed the increase to growing awareness of everyday life with electric vehicles. “We have put a lot of work into awareness, particularly EV test drive campaigns.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PPI3AJNVBCQ3MLSJQHNWMQWTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“There is a better understanding of their capabilities, plus there have been improvements in the public charging network, though I don’t think this issue is as critical, given that many people can charge at home.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YGYXCGMUJFU3LEFKTAVE7S5IE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the overall car market, Toyota is the best-selling new car brand, with 6,958 registrations, ahead of Hyundai on 5,174, Volkswagen on 4,557, Skoda on 4,250, and Kia on 3,712.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3KNRCNBM5EYLI2C3BBHEPTHII","additional_properties":{},"content":"The best-selling new model is Hyundai’s Tucson, with 2,406 registrations, ahead of the Toyota Yaris Cross on 1,536 and the RAV4 on 1,412.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BCRERBQBWZA6RN3GERGUR5ALNE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the commercial vehicle market, seen as a bellwether for wider economic activity, van sales fell 13.5 per cent up to the end of February compared to the same period last year, with 9,471 registrations. However, registrations of larger trucks (HGVs) have risen nearly one per cent, reaching 762.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NKCVV7PEPJARREUBMFWBHYN3B4","additional_properties":{},"content":"There has also been a decline in sales to the hire-drive market, down 37 per cent compared to the same two-month period last year. A key indicator of projected tourism activity, the sector was responsible for 2,334 new registrations up to the end of February, of which just one was an electric car.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"Tesla sales in Ireland rise 31% despite declines in other European Markets"},"display_date":"2025-03-04T12:29:59.317Z","headlines":{"basic":"EV sales up 25% despite overall decline in new car sales","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"XDTSQBGACGP2UXX3UJQPFY7KXE","auth":{"1":"9c43995661919d12e1eb594903cf17a50fc327c65d7103b353dd5d1f3ab10312"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/XDTSQBGACGP2UXX3UJQPFY7KXE.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/04/ev-sales-up-25-despite-overall-decline-in-new-car-sales/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"QNEVGBDAONBVLNDA222UY43GQQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":200,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/cc10f71d-f316-4df5-abc7-ac858be8173a/versions/1741084049/media/f4b3d9cebaf98ee1da0fe0c52bfac881_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/03/04/ev-qa-should-i-buy-a-new-ev-on-finance-or-go-for-a-second-hand-car/","content_elements":[{"_id":"WW56NQAB4FBN7H5NLDMJLBIKXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140195},"content":"This week, a reader has <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/evs-qanda/\" target=\"_blank\">two questions</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EDMDOAYGHZBZ3BW6V5YCNQU4JA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741080213840},"content":"<i>1. I bought a </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Hyundai</i></a><i> Kona 211 in March 2023 for €37,500. It was an ex-Hyundai company car and had only 8,000km on the clock. I now want to change it for a bigger </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles\" target=\"_blank\"><i>electric vehicle</i></a><i> (EV) as I need a bigger boot for a wheelchair-using passenger. Am I better off going with a finance package for a new </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/motors\" target=\"_blank\"><i>car</i></a><i> – I was thinking of a </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Volkswagen</i></a><i> ID4 – or go for a second-hand model? I can afford both options.</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZATT6OVR5GHTO5HNO5D63TSQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741080213841},"content":"<i>2. When I sought a quote in Volkswagen, they said the check on my Hyundai threw up a query about the mileage. If I contact the original Hyundai garage, will they be obliged to give me the original information on this?”</i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVGDIB3LARENTGSHGBIDMBTYS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741080213842},"content":"Answer","type":"header"},{"_id":"2VMZSYD7HNC4NBSRS7NYZL47XA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741080213843},"content":"Let’s deal with the second part of the question first. It shouldn’t be any hassle to get confirmation of mileage from the original dealer. Car dealers are required by consumer law to disclose all relevant information regarding a car, and if it was an ex-Hyundai company car, then the mileage ought to have been recorded when it was serviced, so presenting the service history should suffice. If you’re not getting anywhere, try contacting Hyundai Ireland directly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7WSJRCFRXJHH3HVK3AKKAQSLLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741078980292},"content":"Now to the first, and slightly trickier, part. There are two conflicting pieces of advice here. On the one hand, with second-hand electric car prices still fragile, it makes themost sense to buy a new EV on a Personal Contract Plan (PCP) plan – that way at least you know that your second-hand value is guaranteed, and you know what the car will be worth as a trade-in in three years. PCP guaranteed minimum future values (GMFVs) tend to be set on the conservative side so you should have a little bit of value retained in the car over and above that figure to allow you to trade-in and pay for at least a chunk of the deposit on your next car. That’s how PCPs work, after all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJOZJNXSPJBONJT5VBIHD25SNA","additional_properties":{"_id":"7IQ2MKCAKVAOTBCJV2KAY5GJKA"},"content":"What’s the best EV for a 400km round trip without stopping and charging?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"T2L7QPRLDND7JCNWKOHGBQ2U2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1741078980293},"content":"However, that ‘should’ in the last sentence is carrying a lot of weight. In the last few years, the volatile market for used electric cars has seen car buyers with PCP plans discovering that the value of their cars, to the wider market, has dropped below that of the GMFV. This means they still get their guaranteed used value, but there’s no ‘equity’ left above that amount to roll into the next deal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7FU533X5MVBNDHZXTQQ3NJKEAM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741078980294},"content":"There may be a silver lining here, however. All the signs point to the slump in used EV prices bottoming out, if not right now then most likely as 2025 rumbles along.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XQDRAKFKZRE4NHUM4QYTPRBRGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741078980295},"content":"That makes it a great time to buy a used EV – assuming certain levels of condition and battery health – because you can currently get an enormous amount of car for your money in the used electric car market. VW ID 4s in particular are good value because they’ve been the most popular electric car on sale in Ireland for the past three years, and there is ample stock on forecourts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ACLWCTRBJCSTF36GJBVCXDYAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741078980296},"content":"A good used ID4, with a clean bill of battery health, from a franchised VW dealer offering you a good warranty could be a very good purchase.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FERPIHTYIRCVXPX5FGAFRHNWHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741080213849},"content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Helping to separate electric vehicle myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your EV questions"},"display_date":"2025-03-04T10:22:16.921Z","headlines":{"basic":"EV Q&A: Should I buy a new EV on finance or go for a second-hand car?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"FPRLEMYGZHKEVUSGQVPR3WDROM","auth":{"1":"8f32b0ddadee140b1a339b8683301812d7abc3f7e93d43d82ebb5c7ab6439bcd"},"focal_point":{"x":1300,"y":760},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/FPRLEMYGZHKEVUSGQVPR3WDROM.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/03/04/ev-qa-should-i-buy-a-new-ev-on-finance-or-go-for-a-second-hand-car/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"GOQP6Z34Q5GVBKB3SSREBIFFDE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":247,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/0400409b-f96c-474e-8fb2-464e1d3a6b00/versions/1741083967/media/fe3add697b5f41e4304ce8e13013e654_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2025/03/03/eu-eases-emissions-rules-on-petrol-cars-to-help-industry/","content_elements":[{"_id":"CSHS23UDZNH63OTPVX2LSBTH2A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723451},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"EFPDWXBV6FDRVLLTNT3RUT2C4U","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723452},"content":"Brussels will ease new emissions rules for combustion engine cars, allowing the embattled auto industry to avoid fines following a slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K4MPJVKBRZCV3DSUMMFU26SPUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723453},"content":"The European Commission will uphold its 2035 ban on petrol cars but allow flexibility over the next three years in how carmakers meet stricter CO₂ emission targets entering into force this year, according to Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OORFHNBSDVBQXJITR2E6BJFBYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723454},"content":"“The targets stay the same. But it means more breathing space for the industry and it also means more clarity,” von der Leyen said on Monday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z6ONOO6DDFDIXCA7SLBXCCIWXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723455},"content":"Under the rules, which were designed as part of the bloc’s green transition, new passenger cars and vans must reduce their C0₂ emissions by 15 per cent compared to 2021 levels.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OELKGESXQRAGPMES5EMSIECSSA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723456},"content":"Carmakers have been lobbying hard for Brussels to ease the regulations following a decline in electric vehicles sales in major European markets such as Germany and France last year. In 2024, registrations of new battery-powered vehicles fell 1.3 per cent from a year earlier.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DY3KA5HW45AJ5K56KWRRTXSTNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723459},"content":"The European car industry body Acea has previously estimated a total loss of €16 billion if fines for 2025 were not delayed. Germany’s Volkswagen has warned that it expected a €1.5 billion hit this year in order to meet the stricter emissions rules.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JP5BEES3LFDFHCCEYSQVHQ2SDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723460},"content":"Under the new flexible regime, the fines would only be levied in 2027, allowing companies undershooting the targets in one year to outperform in future years and avoid payments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PIMBZ7IFFBDJHLOFHYFQK4POYM","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723461},"content":"It should also prevent European companies from paying overseas EV manufacturers, such as Elon Musk’s Tesla and China’s BYD, to buy carbon credits to jointly meet the targets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PIV4DKCDH5DE5IWECWHJXZWKPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723462},"content":"There is widespread support for the move among member states and members of the European parliament, who must approve it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B662R2N4W5FWFLB5H54ULEB5CM","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-49646","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5CBMRQG2HNFM3DFSOF4KRHSS6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723463},"content":"VW’s chief executive Oliver Blume welcomed the outcome as “a great opportunity... to align climate protection, competitiveness and economic progress in this challenging geopolitical situation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYN6WL3O4JGKZLILAGRW56S4XQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723464},"content":"Ola Källenius, Mercedes-Benz boss and Acea president, added: “Now we must define a framework that ensures EU’s competitiveness in this critical sector.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JUX25EGUX5CQRM34FL4GXQJHG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723465},"content":"Some carmakers, however, who are ahead in EV sales and have invested heavily in the electric transition, called on the EU to resist pressures to water down the regulations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGXGFGGJD5EKXIS5DTKT45L3SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723466},"content":"“Europe can’t afford electrification to fail, or to delay the transition,” Jim Rowan, chief executive of Volvo Cars and the Swedish group majority owned by Geely, said. “We can’t keep kicking the can down the road.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WW5ZIK7L4JHXNCM676EABE346Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723467},"content":"Trade association E-Mobility Europe warned that the proposed flexibility could mean that about half a million fewer electric cars entered the EU market this year. “Europe slowing down its transition will leave the door wide open for China to continue as an undisputed market leader,” said its secretary-general Chris Heron.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NGL27KQA2ZGXBILJU5DUTYX4UU","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723468},"content":"But von der Leyen said averaging the emissions over three years rather than scrapping or postponing the targets provided “fairness for the first movers, those who did their homework”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJOHDYEX6FGABH2QBAOKND7IEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723469},"content":"In addition to easing the emissions regulations, Brussels will also demand more local content in battery cells and car components sold in the continent and only provide support to Chinese and other foreign battery manufacturers if they share skills and technology with European partners.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDFCNG6JPJGJ7KIAROFCVJNWBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723470},"content":"“The European automotive industry is at risk of losing significant market shares in EV technology and production capabilities, and faces a significant cost gap in critical EV components, particularly batteries,” said a draft of the automotive industrial plan, which is expected to be released on Wednesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KA4X3MOO2JDR5P7NX6VGG5FDTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723471},"content":"To boost demand for electric vehicles, Brussels will also propose measures to accelerate the shift away from petrol in company fleets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RWI4VZQYFAFRLCVTZKCBBE4CI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723472},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"5DXI2E7XLJDFBOKRLDXQVEHKUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1741023723473},"content":"William Todts, executive director of the environmental NGO T & E, said: “Weakening the EU clean car rules rewards laggards and does little for Europe’s car industry except to leave it further behind China on electric vehicles.” - Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Kana Inagaki"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Andy Bounds"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Patricia Nilsson"}]},"description":{"basic":"Fines for failing to meet CO₂ targets will only be levied in 2027 in recognition of slow EV take-up"},"display_date":"2025-03-03T18:00:19.85Z","headlines":{"basic":"EU eases emissions rules on petrol cars to help industry","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"V224IONIRKNIR2QBJ3462UMSWQ","auth":{"1":"63ff20a3573af43a51583c47122ec330fa830e9ba6079f318630f5ceee5667d6"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/V224IONIRKNIR2QBJ3462UMSWQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2025/03/03/eu-eases-emissions-rules-on-petrol-cars-to-help-industry/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"K6MXN4HFGRA2ZHGZGRG4QCJASA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":404,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/278a6227-74a7-4754-afa2-7eab47823800/versions/1740591599/media/0db82ab50e5f790ae16c7e3cb1139bc1_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/27/kia-doubles-down-on-electric-cars-being-the-future/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KY5NOYNC2JBENLSYA7NNRGVEIQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"While others are putting the brakes on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\">EV</a> launches, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kia/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/kia/\">Kia</a> is boldly determined to race ahead with its plans. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QDRNOWOKR5GWHHH4BMUUQEYUU4","additional_properties":{},"content":"At a launch event in Spain, the firm’s president and chief executive, Ho Sung Song, remained bullish about the potential growth of all-electric vehicles, particularly in Europe. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FMWWGZBTIRCN5BFD7QHBCPOJIQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said that while there has been a slide in EV sales in Europe, “if you look at the 2030 EV volume forecasts it is almost 29 million cars – around 31 per cent of the global new car market. So a big market is still coming. Our EV strategy is now to continuously to introduce volume EV models.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z4GWCS6J65EHNAOLLQYODMTOWQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"With volume sales as a cornerstone for the brand’s strategy, it’s hardly surprising that he highlights the new EV2 Concept car, due to go into production next year at the firm’s plant in Slovakia and targeted at European buyers, with prices starting at €30,000. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHUYEMMB4ZEHBOE4JR2G6CXQAE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The EV2 was certainly the highlight of Kia’s EV Day and the brand’s design boss, Karim Habib, was quick to point out that the concept’s exterior design is virtually identical to the production model. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2UKB3ZGIHJC73GM4XNXK4GPA44","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CMJ2336ZYJAKLHHSIMT36PDDHE","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are some styling carry-overs from the larger Kia models, but its silhouette is a nod towards the stylish lines of the former Soul, a favourite of many motoring writers if not a sales success in Europe. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZZWG2AKRRVG4VDBII2SRIFCFKA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Power is expected to come from a choice of 42kWh LFP (lithium Iron phosphate) or 62kWh (Nickel-cobalt Manganese) battery packs, delivering ranges of between 300 and 440km. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"J54OFPLSSFAUDKE6Y4QG2EKC6E","additional_properties":{},"content":"The EV2 is set to do battle with a fleet of diminutive crossovers coming to market in the next 12 months, including the Fiat Grande Panda EV and the Renault 4 E-Tech, delivering long-overdue competitively priced options to mainstream Irish car buyers. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5RIV5ESZQFECRL52KJYKTIVK4I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Before the EV2’s arrival, the big story for Kia will be the roll-out this year of its new EV4 – in hatchback and saloon formats – plus the Korean auto giant’s entry into the commercial vehicle market with a range of all-electric vehicles. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MMTB7TKPVBB5XGNKVSBL6XFFNE","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XBM7KSE7G5A3ZAK3DDM6ZNUH5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"With similar styling touches to the larger EV6, the EV4 hatchback will start at €37,000 and aims to be a volume player in the market, an all-electric alternative to the C’eed, which will be phased out in time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNZDOI3CXBFKDFOPCCDT7SV5CY","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"RMVSOKK7EFG6VF5UO63J2UQJ7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"The saloon’s styling will divide opinion. The rear may add an extra 55 litres of bootspace – at 490 litres – but it looks like it was retrofitted on to the hatchback rather than an integral part of the car. However, that lozenge tail does give the saloon better range than the hatchback. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IRIZN3ZFWVARPBKMJRCVZENECI","additional_properties":{},"content":"With the hatchback produced in Slovakia and the saloon coming from Korea, it’s clear the car firm believes most European buyers will opt for the former format. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"54LUJVWNPBC5JDPNJUZE7Z7CZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"All EV4s are powered by a 150kW electric motor, with a choice of 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery packs. The smaller battery pack delivers 410km in the hatchback and 430km range in the saloon. The larger battery claims 590km in hatch and an impressive 630km in saloon. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WXQN5TQEO5DKHEFEWHCQLX4ZLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"As with the rest of Kia’s EV range, one feature that will lure a lot of Irish buyers, particularly along the west coast, is the so-called Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VB5JAHP6W5D3HDPOAF3DULSRAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In layman’s terms, you get an adaptor for the charging port that lets you insert a three-pin plug and use the battery to power your home appliances. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UYPBNNZE5JCXPI54NATM7D27HM","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to figures from Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the average daily electricity consumption for a household in Ireland is 11.5kWh, so a fully-charged EV4 should keep you going for a few days in the event of an outage. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"M7JC66SA5REBVNW3GFNXDA7EP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"With volume sales in mind, Kia is also moving into the commercial vehicle market. It’s new PV5 is built on a modified version of the firm’s all-electric car platform, but Song was eager to point to the flexibility in formats offered by the firm. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKUGCUAGVZCMJLETCG43VBTFGQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"He said that having previously spent several years living in Europe, he saw how costly it was for commercial vehicle buyers to convert vans to their specific needs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"5NX7EVQA7BFHDI65HPBY5NXTXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"With the PV5, Kia has developed a new modular production system at its plant in Korea, which Song says significantly reduces the complexity and cost, allowing for diverse upper body designs to be integrated into the EV platform.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56GERIIFEFC3RC6Q3IMN5AE2UU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"3CYWCBZOLNEHFGH44IRXIV5BG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"That means the all-electric PV5 will be offered as a seven-seat passenger vehicle, a smart wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) with an integrated side access ramp, along with an array of regular van or five-seater crew options. Variants with features such as freezer boxes will also be available, with these features powered by the battery pack. There are also plans for a camper van version. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JEZ4AIAZFBGF5CPWLBNOZLLPII","additional_properties":{},"content":"The promised range is 400km, which for Irish taxi drivers could be enough to tempt them to make the move, particularly given the wheelchair version. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PPFSCTNPIZHZTFJBVFWG2YSQXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ronan Flood, managing director of Kia Ireland, estimates that initially six of its Irish dealers will take on the new commercial vehicle products. “We’ll then let it grow organically from there,” he said. “In our network we have dealers with past experience in selling vans, so we will probably turn to them first.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HHI3WQYKIFGL3IZB63GU3FPD5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"As to the potential to offer regular diesel or hybrid variants of the vehicle, Kia says its committed to its EV-only commercial vehicle plan right now. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAL6OAKCWZFYJMLKWLODCOUF3Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Despite the global trade turmoil and unstable EV sales, Kia seems determined to remain steadfast on the strategic course. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKFVCD5BMJG3BPLE3PY37HYUXQ","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TOGWGWCVFJFS7PV57MIPOPJEB4","additional_properties":{},"content":"While Song was reluctant to comment on the implications of proposed US tariff, his colleague Spencer Cho, head of the global business planning subdivision, pointed out that Kia exports its products to approximately 190 countries, so it must manage a lot of complex trading environments.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FGXT53YF3ZE7RG5QWENKSSS3TA","additional_properties":{},"content":" “We live in a time of super uncertainty and not only the US, but a number of European countries are considering ways to protect their own industries. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"P6RAVH3TABACHCAZ5RBXAYFMKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We have to rethink about how we can coexist. It seems to me that nowadays the US, and some European countries too, are seeking to survive on their own. I think this will create much bigger problems that we might not appreciate right now.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZGMQUUHWNB2FMEFEH77G75AT4","additional_properties":{},"content":"For now, though, Kia is determined to continue on its EV journey. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"Kia reveals its new EV4, an upcoming EV2 small crossover and an array of new all-electric commercial vehicles"},"display_date":"2025-02-27T08:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Kia doubles down on electric cars being the future","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CDAEZQMO7BHBBN2SYICIN7S5QU","auth":{"1":"5b1fd57779d5429102d3acd5d11e941f85214404bd1e242a29b3630de3cd982d"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/CDAEZQMO7BHBBN2SYICIN7S5QU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/27/kia-doubles-down-on-electric-cars-being-the-future/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"2725YCY43NHZTMSYFWTNPEYPJY","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/26/irish-tesla-owners-how-do-you-feel-about-your-car-as-elon-musk-makes-the-headlines/","content_elements":[{"_id":"C5MCTWLRNZGJVK3UNDCH6ZM7AY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla\">Tesla</a> sales across <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/02/25/tesla-sales-fall-45-in-europe-amid-musks-political-meddling/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/02/25/tesla-sales-fall-45-in-europe-amid-musks-political-meddling/\">Europe almost halved in January</a>. The slump comes as the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\">EV</a> company’s chief executive <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/elon-musk\">Elon Musk</a> has become a close adviser to US president<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/donald-trump\"> Donald Trump</a> and has also waded into European politics. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NP4VJPCNNJHMTICNAIHLRCC3HA","additional_properties":{},"content":"As the tech billionaire becomes a reviled figure for many in Ireland, are buyers of the electric car so closely associated with its chief executive feeling remorse? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2SO6SWUHDBD65IIERWQM6UTDKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Are online reports of Tesla owners fearing vandalism and abuse just overblown fear and conjecture, or is there any basis to it?","type":"text"},{"_id":"773NJLR2JNEUVIRCSB634ULFAU","additional_properties":{},"content":"We’d like to hear from Tesla owners in Ireland. How do you feel about owning a Tesla? Have you experienced negative comments or feedback from friends, family or strangers on the street?","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VHKMHIRXRBYJHAC5KFA4VHWMQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Elon Musk’s Irish friends and their influence on the powerful billionaire","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"IMJHZ25ABJDATKB7OAJNIPPC6M","additional_properties":{},"content":"You can let us know what you think using the form below. Please limit your submissions to 400 words or less. Please include a phone number for verification purposes only. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your submission – we will keep your name and contact details confidential. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R4KL3SYQI5DJPBFRZTLAYX4EPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"We will curate a selection of submissions for an article but please note we may not publish every submission we receive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2EBUFULDVE3PNBILFTGAD6ANQ","content":"<span class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"796c1b70-6e97-454c-a840-f3ccab859043\" data-display=\"inline\"></span><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"GUVGG6DIYVEBBH2C3FVXSCW674","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Have your say: Sales of the electric car across Europe almost halved in January"},"display_date":"2025-02-26T12:41:06.487Z","headlines":{"basic":"Irish Tesla owners: How do you feel about your car as Elon Musk makes the headlines? ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OLFBVGGSP5AJXKEKRXJCVJKDI4","auth":{"1":"78f7b0f658d0ba785b1898e97585d71191543d29edec747914e204fdefe1d9f2"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OLFBVGGSP5AJXKEKRXJCVJKDI4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/26/irish-tesla-owners-how-do-you-feel-about-your-car-as-elon-musk-makes-the-headlines/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"URUJBR5TNZFCFMPS4Y52VEP2FA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":452,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/d0b2b227-4f5f-4e72-9a46-0e171ddd8ed0/versions/1739960000/media/dc9a229152e4fa2bd0421825a0a7c395_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/26/opel-grandland-can-this-surprisingly-impressive-ev-crossover-lure-irish-buyers-back/","content_elements":[{"_id":"KOLKSIV2BFFT5LZQNLPC7GYB3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527085},"embed":{"config":{},"id":"review-highlights-65039","url":"/"},"subtype":"review_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"M2UNL2SL6JEV3PYGJHTWFH6RKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527086},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/opel/\" target=\"_blank\">Opel</a> has slipped the outer reaches of our radar. The brand once duelled with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/toyota/\" target=\"_blank\">Toyota</a> to be Ireland’s bestselling brand. Last year it was outsold by <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/mercedes-benz/\" target=\"_blank\">Mercedes Benz</a>, with 2,444 new registrations at a time when Toyota came first with 17,521.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUE2CTP2NJGQ3KPQZ4VFGYG57Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527087},"content":"Since its star waned, there have been a few false dawns. But having been abandoned by its poorly performing former parent General Motors, the foundling is now in the foster care of Stellantis, which already has <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/peugeot/\" target=\"_blank\">Peugeot</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fiat/\" target=\"_blank\">Fiat</a> and several other European marques. It’s finally getting some TLC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6HCLSHZK5A4JDXWW6STM46FMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527088},"content":"The Stellantis plan, from what we can perceive, is simple. Copy the playbook of <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_blank\">Volkswagen Group</a>. That means developing a solid powertrain, platform and technology and fitting various styling formats on top – one for each brand. The set-ups can be tweaked to suit each brand’s pitch. Then you throw in a little retro styling to remind people there’s some heritage to this brand – unlike new Asian arrivals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJ3VONDRDNDLTOCIPZC3SQU664","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527089},"content":"It’s not without risk. If the foundations are flawed, then every brand suffers. Thankfully for Opel, Stellantis has delivered a steady line of products. So, with the new Grandland, you get a car built upon the same platform that underpins the latest Peugeot 3008, the new 5008, Citroen C5 Aircross and the upcoming Jeep Compass, to name but four.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L62CCO4D7BHCJIGE7BOSDPC34A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527091},"content":"In the case of this electric version, it shares many of its components with Peugeot’s all-electric E-3008.","type":"text"},{"_id":"STH77Y3S2FCYVGRSWDZ5TJCRBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527092},"content":"Here we have a practical, straightforward family crossover that’s ready for everyday life, which was once Opel’s forte.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YAUT2X5GRFAZBK2K6JVX3HQWKE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527093},"content":"Unsurprisingly, this is not an engaging car to drive. Like most EV crossovers – with <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2024/11/27/alfa-romeo-junior-ev-delivers-real-driving-fun-despite-seeming-sacrilege-to-the-brands-fans/\" target=\"_blank\">Alfa’s impressive Junior</a> being an exception – the Grandland is about comfort rather than driving dynamics. That’s good news for Irish drivers, as it performs well on motorways, while soaking up surface issues on our regional and local roads. It’s easy to drive rather than engaging, which for those coping with the hectic family life, will suit just fine.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GANQA5VXRD5DF4THUMASY34E4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527095},"content":"MG4 XPower: An electric hot hatch that boasts Porsche-like acceleration for €43,000, but then it starts to trudge","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5XQG7NZ3F5EOLLFCBVRC4R6BU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527094},"content":"For an EV, the Grandland isn’t fast. A 0-100km/h time of 9.0 seconds is sluggish in a world where electric MGs can now outrun Aston Martins. Yet it has enough acceleration for all necessary overtaking on motorways or national routes. And for a big car, it’s also easy to manoeuvre around town. It’s big, but there’s plenty of visibility.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPOJEEP6ZFAHDOYKRP4GQHCH7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527096},"content":"Practically speaking, the Grandland may lack a front truck (“frunk”), but it’s offers ample space in the boot, particularly with its underfloor storage. Rear-seat legroom is comparable to rivals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ND6CPS6T3JELTAPHUFWIW3KAVI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527090},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XIWBB6QBFVB6RBS4JPLRWC4PEY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527097},"content":"Perhaps the biggest selling point for customers will be the cabin, where they’ve raided the parts bin of Stellantis sibling Peugeot to deliver a much better-quality finish than we’ve come to expect from Opel recently.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZOPDUZARWJDZXCRV4DPNTMXMFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527101},"content":"For example, the Opel Mokka’s cabin seems unfinished and drab, and we feared this was the design direction the brand was taking with its interior trim.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VC6A2OXB3ZGWDBJGKTCSREBGXQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527102},"content":"There’s a nice use of materials on the dash to brighten things up, while the touchscreen is slightly more user-friendly than in the Peugeot, even though it’s essentially the same 16-inch-wide strip.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFCL2RAAS5HSRKRGPGRZLVUL4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527103},"content":"In terms of range, the Grandland electric’s claim of 523km may be ambitious, but 420km seems realistic based on our time with the car, averaging below 18.0kWh/100km from its battery pack’s 73kWh of usable capacity.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NUTCNVT6GNERPOXNAKB4BRMS2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527104},"content":"A larger 93kWh battery is on the way too, with Opel claiming it will have an official range of up to 700km. These are big batteries, especially compared with similar rivals, which list packs more than 70kWh as their “long-range” versions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2FOCBK64VBHQ5M23LIUCOWJ27M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527105},"content":"The Grandland can also charge at up to 160kW from a DC fast charger, which means you can theoretically get from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 25 minutes – if you can find a charging station that delivers on its promises.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K2UV5ONJOBFEJECF6NNKPX6V2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527098},"type":"image"},{"_id":"FQ2IMZBCBFHPLPKU5WBCADAEHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527100},"type":"image"},{"_id":"43EKPWDNKBBPDCDPULV23BVG74","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527106},"content":"If cabin refinement, comfort and space are the Grandland’s calling cards, then price is where Opel hopes to seal the deal. Starting at €39,065 after grants, the all-electric Grandland is a lot of car for the money. Dare we use the word “value” at a time when overall car prices are soaring?","type":"text"},{"_id":"4SLFCK7RZVCMVB4QJJ5FFBOY7I","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527107},"content":"Our test car was the highest specification GS version, but even then, the price was €43,763. The Grandland is also offered in a mild-hybrid petrol variant, plus a plug-in hybrid is on the way. But the full EV version is likely to be the best priced of the lot.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XP5RJDXG6FEO5FMQNRIGXALB34","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527108},"content":"To put some perspective on that pricing, you don’t even need to leave an Opel forecourt. A mid-level mild-hybrid Corsa costs €30,295, while the Astra sits in the €35,000 price bracket. So, this is a lot of car for the money.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4ASODEAVG5FULJ457BTPTQSFNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527109},"content":"Price-check it against rivals with similar battery sizes and specifications, and you begin to see why the Grandland may lure buyers back to Opel showrooms.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJXVSKQPSZHTZCO44KGSTH6ZDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527110},"content":"The challenge for the Grandland is the sheer number of rivals. These range from established players such as Volkswagen’s ID.4 and its cousin, the Skoda Enyaq, through to the stylish, award-winning Renault Scenic E-Tech.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKEDV2IALFBSJPXPDGPJUOFFD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527111},"content":"Volkswagen ID.4: Craving an SUV? VW’s all-electric new model could be for you","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZWQHCEAHK5GO7EWQ3VS54AILUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527112},"content":"Is Skoda’s electric Enyaq the true people’s car?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"KWPD3BZQ2JAYFDN3PVZRJEBW3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527113},"content":"Can the Ford Explorer arrive late to the EV party and still impress?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RUPCQ3OTB5EC3BSPGDYZPMVMQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527114},"content":"Then there are long-standing Opel rivals, such as Ford with its new Explorer EV, also priced in the mid-€40,000 bracket. It’s another waning star hoping to revive its fortunes, courtesy of its deal with Volkswagen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RY6OCYGV3FFYHDWY2ONWIUG2OM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527115},"content":"That’s before we get to Asia and its wave of crossovers in various powertrain guises.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KX65X4VLXRGPLPRVPAVG665VHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527116},"content":"Some of these rivals are more stylish, some more functional and many are simply from brands that stole place on Ireland’s driveways several years ago, building relationships with customers who might once have been Opel buyers. Winning them back won’t be easy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3SPIGLMANDVLP2MLOCZV4GQAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527117},"content":"That’s why it’s easy to overlook the Opel – but that’s a mistake. At these prices, it’s a car that warrants more attention.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OSEYDZNODZDMDHKWQHH3IH6U24","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527118},"content":"<b>Lowdown: Opel Grandland electric GS 73kWh</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"H4KHICZYUJHYVLALWFPCY64Y6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527119},"content":"<b>Power: </b>A 210bhp electric motor supported by a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) metal battery pack with 73kWh of usable storage","type":"text"},{"_id":"BI7M5TGAUJBGNITSPTVL3MHP6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527120},"content":"<b>0-100km/h: </b>9.0 seconds","type":"text"},{"_id":"OHY7XCZUTJHM5GC6RZ662NKI7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527121},"content":"<b>Range: </b>523km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAOFLSBNSZBPHMY4QVQDURSAJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527122},"content":"<b>Motor tax: </b>€120","type":"text"},{"_id":"2OAHA7XDQBD6NO3F5FKDVY4DAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527123},"content":"<b>Price:</b> From €39,065 (€43,763 as tested)","type":"text"},{"_id":"KAZTYU3Z4VBYPE6WYZTHJZK3MY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527124},"content":"<b>Our rating:</b> 4/5","type":"text"},{"_id":"CMQODYEV6BB2TKOBJYQRSYTG3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740483527125},"content":"<b>Our verdict: </b>Surprisingly impressive, particularly at this price point, but may still struggle to make its mark in a crowded market","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"Family crossover SUV may be entering a crowded market, but its pricing will help it stand out"},"display_date":"2025-02-26T07:39:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Opel Grandland: Can this surprisingly impressive EV crossover lure Irish buyers back?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"LS6SCC2I6RHZHJOXQSZCMTZDGQ","auth":{"1":"72a320e015e9e59f8e8378baf09104b65a01bed2d477e5138c3db3a9327dbd30"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/LS6SCC2I6RHZHJOXQSZCMTZDGQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/26/opel-grandland-can-this-surprisingly-impressive-ev-crossover-lure-irish-buyers-back/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"LZTCSW5PHRAPRFDLYDLPHFKMBI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":192,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/843e5a5e-2cb9-4706-b3eb-8eb328163a84/versions/1740494283/media/e054c33bd9d20c4af4699bf1ba124153_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/26/ccpc-calls-for-used-car-database-of-damaged-or-dangerous-vehicles/","content_elements":[{"_id":"5XCWRD6LP5CWTJBRZWSSWQUJXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234034},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/competition-and-consumer-protection-commission-ccpc/\">Competition and Consumer Protection Commission</a> (CCPC) has called on the Government to establish a publicly accessible used car database so that damaged or dangerous vehicles can be identified and avoided at the time of purchase.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HANPAJZJCZGHXF7AJIZVLGZB3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234035},"content":"The call follows <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2025/02/04/nct-passes-unroadworthy-car-as-fit-for-the-road/\">reports in The Irish Times</a> and on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rte/\" target=\"_self\">RTÉ</a> that the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nct/\">NCT</a> – the National Car Test, run by Spanish company Applus+ and overseen by the Road Safety Authority (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/rsa/\">RSA</a>) – has passed an unsafe car as fit for the road.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VVEKSBV6X5GCLNTVHN2LVKKNVU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234036},"content":"The CCPC’s report states: “Every year, the CCPC is contacted by thousands of consumers who have a problem with a used car they have bought, including hundreds who believe that a used car they purchased in good faith was previously crashed without that damage being disclosed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KDL2GEJ2HVGKJAHZVTVNAS2HUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234037},"content":"“These cars may be unsafe to drive or require expensive repairs to make them safe. The CCPC believes that consumers should be armed with the information they need when buying a used car to help them avoid being misled into making a purchase they would not otherwise have made.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLEBH6SYANCBPBXEBK4PV7TRFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234039},"content":"While the history of a used car can, in part, be investigated by online service providers such as Motorcheck, the CCPC believes that Ireland is lagging behind countries such as Australia and the UK in providing centralised databases of used car histories accessible to car buyers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KTCLUVRGF5GSLF5TXFYFBRZUS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234040},"content":"“Action is urgently required to enhance and extend the delivery of information on used cars by the State to help consumers avoid being misled by both traders and private sellers,” according to the CCPC.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MKJDSZ5XP5FSFI7ISFMNBFXFIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234041},"content":"The CCPC estimates that in 2023, it cost car buyers a total of €57 million to put faulty used cars right or to have them scrapped in cases of extreme damage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7UVPKN34W5DN7CPQ4TSU4UU5UE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234043},"content":"The CCPC believes that much of this issue could be alleviated by taking data directly from insurers. “The details of cars that are crashed, repaired and put back on the road should be captured by the State and made available via an online portal,” it said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OTKKVRG6INGFPEVGYHRPMYHFOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740488723823},"content":"“This information should be provided by insurers and shared with consumers. The portal should also inform consumers of outstanding recalls on used cars, enabling them to check whether a safety issue has been resolved.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Z72J5QBHRHCJOICDWBPDQKB6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1740550884843},"content":"How did a car that was too dangerous to drive pass the NCT?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"EPURWMJBNZH5JKYSIDITUCILNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234044},"content":"The CCPC is also calling for a consultation on how the Government could compel garages and repair shops to contribute their data on repaired vehicles to the system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNOX267POBBPPFVQQY4H5NOCVE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234045},"content":"While the NCT records a car’s mileage at each test and is supposed to identify faults both serious and minor, consumers have almost no access to this data. They must rely on the seller to provide previous NCT certificates.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BNKMXY3DF5HXXMKMA5WF4V57EQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234053},"content":"Efforts have been made to make this data public but the CCPC notes that major structural changes within the RSA – including its division into two separate entities – have created uncertainty about which organisation will be responsible for delivering such functions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5IW22IWENAQ5EJQ7TU3OUVAUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740487234061},"content":"According to the CCPC: “There is a clear public interest in empowering consumers to access information about the history of a used car to protect both the buyer and the public.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Consumer watchdog says Ireland is lagging behind countries such as Australia and the UK in providing centralised databases of used car histories accessible to car buyers"},"display_date":"2025-02-26T00:01:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Dangerous car database needed to protect second-hand buyers, State’s consumer body says","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"J7DHL4OW3NENHG4ZZ7YPXZM7JU","auth":{"1":"be8a3706c07f458ed489d02bcfaacd281d64f120e9a7ea357b0c073b23bf3e32"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/J7DHL4OW3NENHG4ZZ7YPXZM7JU.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/26/ccpc-calls-for-used-car-database-of-damaged-or-dangerous-vehicles/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"2K7NHUAXLJF6DNMS7OLIAC2IGU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":363,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/3e402ba5-374a-45ff-9476-690929bba3d5/versions/1740477516/media/565d6bdca21fc11b46da7a27e888e1db_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/25/whats-the-best-ev-for-a-limerick-to-dublin-commute/","content_elements":[{"_id":"WW56NQAB4FBN7H5NLDMJLBIKXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140195},"content":"<i><b>Q: Do you have any </b></i><a href=\"\" rel=\"\" title=\"\"><i><b>EV</b></i></a><i><b> recommendations for a car that can regularly do the Limerick to Dublin round-trip (eg 400km of mostly motorway) as part of a work commute (with no charging at workplace)? I currently drive a 2014 BMW 5 series estate which can do 1200km on a full tank, so I’m wondering should I stick with that for another two to three years in the hope/expectation that battery technologies and ranges improve further so that I can do a 400km round-trip without stopping & charging. </b></i><b>– </b><i><b>S Keyes, Co Limerick</b></i>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVGDIB3LARENTGSHGBIDMBTYS4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140196},"content":"<b>A: </b>There are lots. Not being able <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">to charge</a> at work does make this slightly more tricky, as that would turn a conundrum into a simpler solution, but even so, there are a great many electric cars that will make this journey.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M2H44F6GUFBQ5KMH6HTTUQERGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140197},"content":"According to our calculations (using Apple Maps), it’s 186km from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/limerick/\" target=\"_blank\">Limerick</a> city centre to the Red Cow junction on <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">Dublin’s</a> <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/m50/\" target=\"_blank\">M50</a> motorway. Obviously, you might need to travel a little further at either end, but that at least gives us a basic figure to work from and it chimes with your circa-400km round-trip estimation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6XE5ZU7TFEJNPCXT5XUMCSNO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140198},"content":"Going off the official WLTP ranges, there are a huge number of EVs, even down to the affordable MG 4 hatchback (450km range on one charge) which would do that journey without stopping, but of course that’s not a realistic figure, and it’s especially not a realistic figure for motorway driving.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PVCQ5U4LUVGABA3DYVHQ3RR3SA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140199},"content":"Assuming you’re cruising at a steady 120km/h, motorway driving is the worst possible environment for an electric car – it’s just a steady, unstoppable drain on the battery, with very little slowing down which would allow you to trickle some energy back to the battery from the regenerative braking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYXXESGI7ZGZPEJE3UEOGWLK6Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140200},"content":"Worse still, a car’s drag increases at the square of its speed, so travelling at the legal limit means pushing an awful lot of air out of the way. You could slow down, and creep along at 80km/h in the inside lane (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nissan/\" target=\"_blank\">Mk1 Nissan Leaf</a> owners know all about this technique) but who’s got the time and patience for that?","type":"text"},{"_id":"H64AP5BIDRDIDKLZI7NPSUR3IE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140201},"content":"There is an obvious, elephant in the room answer here: the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/tesla/\" target=\"_blank\">Tesla</a> with a claimed 702km range and which has its own private rapid charging station at Birdhill services, just outside Limerick, should you need a quick top-up en route.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5X6ANH64BHP7J3Z6IGRPBDVJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140202},"content":"Although SUVs are generally bad when it comes to aerodynamic drag figures, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2023/06/07/skodas-chunky-ev-coupe-makes-electric-life-easy/\" target=\"_blank\">Skoda Enyaq Coupe</a> could be a good choice here. It’s better looking and nicer inside than its <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_blank\">Volkswagen</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/audi/\" target=\"_blank\">Audi</a> cousins, and on a full charge it has a claimed range of 585km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ODPNTPVKZVCN7M3VPJRX5U5B3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140203},"content":"In our real-world experience, with similar motorway mileage to do, the Enyaq Coupe should cover between 450-500km on a charge, so it certainly fits the bill (although you might fancy a stop at Junction 17 or at Barack Obama Plaza for a quick 20 minute top-up just for safety’s sake on the way home – not a bad idea for any of the cars we’re recommending here).","type":"text"},{"_id":"ILU7C6KO7NGXLEJ5TG4IMKAQLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140204},"content":"We can do better, however. If you fancy a like-for-like replacement for your <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/bmw-s-new-5-touring-may-be-more-practical-than-a-volvo-1.2960603\" target=\"_blank\">BMW 5 Series Touring</a> (one of our very favourite cars) then there is the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2024/05/27/bmw-i5-touring-road-test-the-1200km-drive-from-munich-to-dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">BMW i5 eDrive40</a> Touring, which boasts a range of 560km on official figures.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7KKAPGAQJEDRAHDYN67MRNENY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140205},"content":"Now, during our <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2024/05/27/bmw-i5-touring-road-test-the-1200km-drive-from-munich-to-dublin/\" target=\"_blank\">epic drive from Munich to Dublin</a>, we found that the realistic motorway range of the i5 Touring was between 380-420km, although that was at French and German motorway speeds, not Irish. Either way, you’ll probably need a top-up charge on the way home, but the i5 is lovely to drive and has a fabulously comfortable interior (and we put almost 1,200km on our test car in less than 24 hours).","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFBJTNS5RZHXJEQSOP5PNKNJDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140206},"content":"There are easier options, however. Still fancy a big, comfy estate? Get a Volkswagen ID7 Tourer, which is hands-down one of the most refined and relaxing cars we’ve ever driven, and which even in frigid conditions will easily cover 450km at motorway speeds on one charge, and more than that if you can precondition the cabin before you leave in the morning.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZA2HNFHEFCNRBR5BOMLQ7SWMY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140207},"content":"There’s an even-longer range version coming soon, which stretches the range of the current 77kWh battery model from 601km to 683km thanks to an 82kWh battery. That one should easily do a realistic 550km between charges, which will make your Limerick-Dublin-Limerick run a doddle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HRJD57KSLVCKBCYLPRPJILQ6EI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140208},"content":"If an estate isn’t a deal-breaker, however, there’s a potentially even better option – the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2023/04/05/hyundai-ioniq-6-striking-electric-saloon-offers-tempting-alternative-for-suv-buyers/\" target=\"_blank\">Hyundai Ioniq 6</a>. The styling isn’t to everyone’s taste, but there’s method in Hyundai’s design madness. That shape makes the Ioniq 6 incredibly aerodynamically slippery at motorway speeds, and so the long-range 74kWh model, with its quoted official 614km range, will easily manage 550km in real-world driving. Better yet, the Hyundai has ultra-fast 800-volt charging, so you can potentially top it up from 10-80 per cent charge in less than 20 minutes when you need to.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HAELEGYQ4BCKVKX6QNNNTQVRDM","additional_properties":{"_id":"V3WYIPINSNBN3DSKDWJWBMBERM"},"content":"BMW i5 Touring road test: the 1,200km electric car drive from Munich to Dublin","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"25DNYXMECBCUPAJL5CC3UZ4VLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140209},"content":"So, we’ve given you a few options there, and if you want a final, that’s-the-one-we’d-buy-with-our-own-money recommendation? It’s the Hyundai.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SGXJ3QFAFNAVTE73R3A5L6NPD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140210},"content":"On the final part of your question, about the potential improvements in battery technology – yes, those are coming, and yes there is the possibility of solid-state batteries which can be rapidly charged-up (less than 10 minutes charging) and which could promise 1,000km-plus ranges.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPVUY5G2SRHDTA5IXQAOOYYNLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740474140211},"content":"But that tech won’t be on the road for at least another three-to-four years, and then it will be only for the most expensive and high-tech cars, and will take a while to trickle down to more affordable models.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FERPIHTYIRCVXPX5FGAFRHNWHE","content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Helping to separate electric vehicle myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your EV questions"},"display_date":"2025-02-25T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"What’s the best EV for a 400km round trip without stopping and charging?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QREDHOMHDZA25GIHCYNILT3TFM","auth":{"1":"340bb852c7488cb452a8843449270d7196a8b3cf31bcb298d2927fd33766e1df"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QREDHOMHDZA25GIHCYNILT3TFM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/25/whats-the-best-ev-for-a-limerick-to-dublin-commute/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"42AJQ67WOBGA3JEJYQSSOQMI6Y","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":378,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/078f4c32-abae-4eb0-b8bc-0db5d545efa9/versions/1739975462/media/82a00eb4fffbf233053254888b7e1a20_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/24/happy-torque-bmws-electric-m3-is-a-fan-car-in-more-senses-than-one/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VIOCETGFBZB2FDZT4OZWV7IRKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581719},"content":"The swirly camouflage of the vinyl wrap says it’s a prototype. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bmw/\" target=\"_blank\">BMW</a> says not only is it a prototype, but it’s not for production. But the showroom-spec grille and lights say otherwise and, while presumably BMW bods had their fingers crossed behind their backs a moment ago, this one-off prototype of the all-electric <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/video/motors/2024/03/21/our-test-drive-bmw-vision-neue-klasse-x/\" target=\"_self\">Neue Klasse saloon</a>, due to go into production late next year, is pretty clearly the new M3.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L43A4B3Q5NDLNFZPPSBLZEFQPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581720},"content":"BMW won’t confirm as much just yet, but the signs are there. The bulging, almost touring-car-spec side skirts. The deep front air intake. The broad tyres on those big alloy wheels (which glow different colours according to when the car is accelerating, braking, or cruising – let’s hope that NEVER makes it to production). The way the rear bootlid and brake lights sweep upwards into a ducktail spoiler. We’ve seen the concept version of the regular Neue Klasse saloon up close and personal before, and it never looked as muscular as this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6S43P3RSKBFXBELBYSHGRN6ITY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581721},"content":"Then there are the high-backed carbon fibre bucket seats and the plumbed-in fire extinguisher within. Clearly, this is a car that means business with a capital F. It also looks, even with the camouflage wrap, astonishingly desirable, triggering the 10-year-old-boy synapses to the point where you half expect to be able to pick it up and find the words “Hot Wheels” stamped underneath.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKWDZ6AWE5CINBGWGRIDUKWKQA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581722},"content":"Whether this car will be called the i3M, the Mi3, or some other three-figure combination, this is almost certainly something close to the high-performance model of the 2027 all-electric BMW 3 Series. Normally, that’s an upcoming new model whose key performance figure is its expected 600-odd-kilometre range. With this one, the number is 18,000.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XA66N4CBVVGNZEF3VJBV7CZFU4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581723},"content":"That’s 18,000Nm of torque, which is what BMW claims is delivered at the wheels of this development prototype. Now, that needs a major caveat. Torque figures measured at the wheels are notoriously difficult to quantify, and they’re actually kinda misleading. Even though this is a car with four individual electric motors, one for each wheel, measuring torque at those wheels – rather than at the motor itself – is notoriously inaccurate, as the maximum figure might only last for a microsecond or two.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2DQBUMWWJFCC7E45OMARIMNZQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581724},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Q33M54BGT5FSXBBEJXAFIBVGDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581725},"content":"Anyway, as with a proper power figure, we’ll have to wait and see but BMW is keen to start stress-testing the i3 and i3M’s suspension, brakes and electronic control units. That’s why this car is being put through its testing paces. “The reasoning behind this is that if the control system can deal with an explosion of power of this magnitude, it will be able to handle the demands of everyday driving with ease,” says BMW.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M6JXCIBNHRFODN7QRGOPZ77Z6E","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581726},"content":"There’s a helping hand to allow the car to deal with that much wallop – downforce. Forget that swept-up bootlid, BMW has turned to electricity to give its new electric car the grip and traction it needs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3GN6SQAK45GK7GJX43NFKN6NUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581727},"content":"There are no fewer than five electric fans under the bodywork, which suck the air out from underneath the car, pinning it to the road in the fashion of a late-1970s Formula One “ground effect” car or, for that matter, like the current <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMurtry_Sp%C3%A9irling\" target=\"_blank\">McMurtry Spéirling single-seat electric track car</a>, which holds a series of racetrack and hill-climb records simply because it’s developing maximum downforce as soon as it starts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2BPC5V45UVDXZLFOZADAIQO4OA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581728},"type":"image"},{"_id":"XG4YBUXXRNAYHIZFOV6H2WH2BA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581729},"content":"Will such a system make it to production? Doubtless it would be a drain on the i3M’s battery if it does, but perhaps BMW is developing clever electronics to only activate the fans for short bursts when they’re needed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCIBF43EXFCU3PBEXILZJDTW3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581730},"content":"Certainly plenty of clever electronics have already been developed for this car, as BMW is using it to stress-test its “Heart Of Joy” electronic brain. The Heart Of Joy may have a silly name but it’s deadly serious tech, developed in-house in Munich, which uses two big processing centres, each divided in two, which deal variously with the car’s driving dynamics, its efficiency, its performance, its advanced driver aids (and a smidgen of autonomous capability, apparently) and more mundane but vital stuff such as air conditioning and infotainment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VH6NR7V7SRGXXHLSHZJBWKTBUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581731},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TV3BPYIJCVD3BI4C3LDISN4V4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581732},"content":"Aside from the big bucket seats, we can see inside the prototype that BMW is using the same button-free infotainment screen, with its offset rhombus shape, and the full-width windscreen display which is half-HUD, half-instrument panel. That set-up, along with the car’s 30 per cent more efficient batteries and motors, will make their debut in the production version of the new iX3 electric SUV, which goes on sale in 2026.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPKMQ6VINNF2PJ6V5BIFYNLZ7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581733},"content":"BMW previews a 600km-range iX3 replacement","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZBBK5GNFTBGS5HBRSIXOSYMIKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581734},"content":"In the meantime, BMW is torturing the systems with this i3M’s torque and performance. It’s not just about going quickly, either – the Heart Of Joy is also reckoned to be a range-saving system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"233PQWGAGRABNBKZAYPXIIXZBU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581735},"content":"According to BMW: “Integrated drivetrain, braking and energy recuperation control allows energy to be used more sustainably. 98 per cent of drivers do not need to make any inputs using the conventional brakes. The braking power generated using energy recuperation is sufficient for normal, everyday driving. Only under heavy braking, eg in an emergency situation, is intervention required from the friction brakes. All in all, this system increases efficiency by up to 25 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GWQQWUGBBJCDJGDXR7PHCVKMSE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581736},"type":"image"},{"_id":"S5ADQUNI65E2HO6VR6FMKXEWKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581737},"content":"“The Heart of Joy enables us to take driving pleasure not just to the next level, but another one beyond that,” said Frank Weber, BMW’s development and tech chief. “In addition, we are further increasing efficiency and therefore boosting range, as in future the driver will brake almost exclusively using energy regeneration. This is efficient dynamics squared.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"23SV3DNFDNE5JNUWV45GEVG3VA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740155581738},"content":"We should find out more about the Heart Of Joy, and possibly this muscle-bound “not for production” (wink, wink) prototype at the upcoming Shanghai motor show.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Latest disguised ‘Neue Klasse’ saloon is a pretty blatant hint at the next-gen electric M3"},"display_date":"2025-02-24T05:59:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Happy torque: BMW’s electric M3 is a fan car in more senses than one","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"2IG7V2DMOFAL7H4M2TG2BKEUMM","auth":{"1":"abd91985d617405062d5a19823dc7e84ecbc0299d371fa613937014ce080489b"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/2IG7V2DMOFAL7H4M2TG2BKEUMM.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/24/happy-torque-bmws-electric-m3-is-a-fan-car-in-more-senses-than-one/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"J3OY4Z3P4ZD5DEGYLHAJQW2R4I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":165,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/8ff17c88-d66f-47d1-ba33-60f5042c303c/versions/1739992044/media/45272fdb8a43c071a3de0b9570143d15_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2025/02/20/ev-home-charging-pilot-fails-to-address-critical-issue/","content_elements":[{"_id":"5NYDWBZEQFF3JDD33IICZQN3VI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Never mistake motion for action,” the writer Ernest Hemingway is reputed to have said. It’s a maxim the Government might do well to heed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FPZHDMBOCZC3FOQ2AY6WPVJSGM","additional_properties":{},"content":"All too often, Ministers mistake being busy for real progress in managing the problems that cross their desk. The recent history of Government policy on housing is a case in point.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EX5PWO2OAJE3NEJYHA36LKSEPI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Now newly installed as Minister for Transport, Fianna Fáil’s Darragh O’Brien, this week announced initiatives designed to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The “greening” of Irish transport is, like housing, an area where the Coalition is falling hopelessly short of targets.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFIHLTOAJZBKDD2EK36ZR7ZIMY","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-27367","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"YSA3EVI62BGT7CJJN2AMVQ3AFM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The initiatives included a “shared charging pilot scheme” under which homeowners with charging infrastructure installed will be allowed to rent that out to other EV users through an online booking platform.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BBBO7F6F5BE5VGLQ5FYMDWMDJE","additional_properties":{},"content":"This, said the department, will “offer cost-effective charging options for EV owners who don’t have private off-street parking”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PAJZ7KHQO5F7LFYUQQPWDOBZPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"It made for good headlines, but is it remotely practical?","type":"text"},{"_id":"OFP2CF4DIBGWHM2PJZGYTX476U","additional_properties":{},"content":"To work out how long it takes to charge your car battery, you need to divide your car battery size by the charging speed. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7NYZNJZBBGGBGNW46TXFZWQLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The most popular EV models in Ireland have batteries ranging from 58kWh to 82kWh. By and large, home chargers are what is classed as “slow chargers” – operating at about 7kW per hour. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3Z4TVD2BT5CRJCO72FET2V7XHI","additional_properties":{},"content":"So it will take between eight and 11 hours for a home charger to charge a car fully – conveniently allowing the exercise to be completed overnight. And people with home chargers and smart electricity meters will often opt for energy packages offering lower night-time rates to capitalise on this process.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RAFXWP2CWRAUXKGPOTYSGDVYHI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Of course, in urban areas, car owners are unlikely to need to charge their cars every night. But, aside from civic spirit, there is no indication that there is any incentive for homeowners to turn their front drive into a 24-hour recharge point.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3DNUB7CRFBDNBFNCD76MPQ6HP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"And at 7kW, a quick burst on a home charger is not likely to get motorists too far down the road. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LW4IKFMIZE5DE3FU72GXEJM4A","additional_properties":{},"content":"The bottom line remains that this initiative is little more than an attempt to deflect from the State’s inability to oversee the rolling out of a comprehensive national network of fast chargers which most motorists cite among the main reasons for their reluctance to make the leap to emission-free driving.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ADDYNRBM45C3LBTRBI6DYTJPRY","additional_properties":{},"content":" Well, emission free if you discount the gas used to generate a significant amount of the electricity in the first place. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LNB7ZNCRVFGPPPNRYPCZKV4RVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"We’re good at motion: action, less so.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DZD6CDF5O5EL7DNUXQCZQTBO2U","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7I563QHQRH4RFGHHUP3XVM2WI","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"TD5JJ2XF6JA23OMAKEODKS4I6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"5X2GVALXMBBGLIA3ALZ2FG2U2Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cantillon"}},"name":"Richard Cantillon"}]},"description":{"basic":"Concern to persist among motorists about switch to EVs in absence of comprehensive fast–charger network "},"display_date":"2025-02-20T05:30:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"EV home charging pilot fails to address critical issue ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"LHZXCPJJ55CU3DKKY4AOOJCSDQ","auth":{"1":"6e5d74caed83010a569155a861eb489def24acd1120fff14540925aa9fff51fb"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/LHZXCPJJ55CU3DKKY4AOOJCSDQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"columnist","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Your Money"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2025/02/20/ev-home-charging-pilot-fails-to-address-critical-issue/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"KNNVCWRVWBBNBBFLTTPSIHSLIU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":246,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e90535ca-16c0-4531-ae10-9d802f9fa59e/versions/1739989617/media/8d607b1cbb0dd5193dafac018be2602b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/technology/consumer-tech/2025/02/19/ev-qa-pilot-scheme-aims-to-connect-drivers-with-people-willing-to-rent-use-of-private-chargers/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JFIVIEGQ7VAZ5LDNF5FUVGBZ5U","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>The Government has a cunning plan for </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\"><b>electric vehicle (EV)</b></a><b> chargers, has it? Can we expect a faster roll-out of public chargers? Will the electricity for EVs be cheaper? Or can folk </b><b>juicing up at on-street charge points get free parking? </b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"J2OHR5JDOREWNCQKKML4IIQAQI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Um, no, none of those things. But under plans aimed at promoting sustainable travel, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2025/02/18/domestic-ev-chargers-for-rent-to-public-under-pilot-project/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2025/02/18/domestic-ev-chargers-for-rent-to-public-under-pilot-project/\">homeowners will be allowed to rent out the use of their EV chargers to other people</a>. The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-transport/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-transport/\">Department of Transport</a> says this will “offer cost-effective charging options for EV owners who don’t have private off-street parking”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EZ5TXYURTZEMFEOMVUYNVFTODQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>What? Can they not do that already?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"V5QXQHODQNFOLPYCXAYEW2DCIQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"They probably can, but what the new pilot scheme aims to do is set up an online platform to allow people without access to home chargers connect easily with those willing to rent out theirs. A frequently used phrase in recent days is it will be “like an Airbnb for car chargers”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6TZ4WQJCF5C5XOBOXN6DXWS2TQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>That might be part of a solution, for sure. How much will it cost?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"RG5MMUE2AJDZHCFAARUMUVNTP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"It is far too early to say, and ultimately the market will determine the cost. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWZIQKZMN5HYNHV47Z2AMBINNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>But it will be cheaper than public charging points, will it?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQYYSBTXN5BZXO7VGRHRB6P3OM","additional_properties":{},"content":"You would imagine it would have to be, but it won’t all be about price. If homeowners rent out their charging points to others when they are not in use, it will take pressure off the wider network and make things easier for everyone. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CG4SNYY6INEDPORJQ5W2JQJAUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are about 2,500 public charging points in the State, and we need a whole lot more of them if widespread adoption of EVs is to happen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26QQUZCX3FBFFBG6Z3F32N4XEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Still, can you talk to me about the money?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"4Z65BIFTOJCGPIFLIY5W36AOQQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"An EV driver who charges their car at home can expect to pay anywhere from €7 to €30 for a full charge, depending on the size of the battery and the electricity tariff they are on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4JWGNSI3QNBIJBO2COGMJZEU4A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Someone on a time-of-use tariff, who charges their car overnight, will pay the least, while someone who is on a standard rate or who charges their car during the day will pay more. Broadly speaking, an EV driver can expect to pay about €15 for a full charge. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QH5KMOZHWJGOFMDC5XYRW7652E","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>How much does it cost to charge a car at a public station?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2TGA6YWZBGX3NQEHFQGDUUF2Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"A lot more than that. There are multiple companies offering charging at multiple speeds – the faster the car is charged, the more you pay for it – but a good rule of thumb would suggest that charging an EV via the public infrastructure will cost about 75 per cent more than charging it on a decent tariff at home. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ODI6MVMQZWJQDQJHSG3Q4H2QQA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ICP7BFSSYFA43ABOS6VJAALJGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"If you charge your car from empty to full at home once a week, the annual cost will come in at about €780. If you charge on the public network, you can expect to pay about €1,350 over the course of a year. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QMYTWJAGYFHYPMV623K3FVVIHY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>I see, so renting a private charger will make sense once the price is right?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"L4MRNEFYGFCPHDREUX4LLAKVYU","additional_properties":{},"content":"It will indeed – although bear in mind that a person renting their charger to you will want to make a few bob, so you might end up paying 10 or 20 per cent more than they do for their charges, taking the annual cost with the new system to about a grand. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2ZZDWNS2BGUZMH27BJTBSO744","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>What about the time factor? How long does it take to charge an EV at home?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"S5MUP7G2FBBANCBYWV2VMDTTFU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Longer than on the public network, that is for sure. Depending on the model of car and the charging point you have, it could take anywhere from four to 20 hours to go from empty to full, although about eight hours is more typical. Public points can charge a car to full in less than an hour if souped-up chargers, or about four hours if standard chargers. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6N5G6ZDTUJGKVPNFUD3EVMNPPI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Okay, what else? </b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPFNV5H4NNBZHIKFIASCGR5W3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"There is also the cost of installing a car charger. That varies depending on what type of charger it is and where you locate it, but you can expect to pay anywhere between €1,200 and €1,600 for a home charging point. There is a Government grant of €300 available to soften the blow. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Pope"}},"name":"Conor Pope"}]},"description":{"basic":"If homeowners rent out charging points when they are not in use, it will take pressure off the network and make things easier for all"},"display_date":"2025-02-19T18:21:48.427Z","headlines":{"basic":"EV Q&A: Pilot scheme aims to connect drivers with people willing to rent use of private chargers","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OVTDRYIMEFAFJBFC2IT2VHM3TM","auth":{"1":"cb17433117d649c40186af1247b73b17304b1d85bfc40744fa322ec56f3b7ed3"},"focal_point":{"x":860,"y":662},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OVTDRYIMEFAFJBFC2IT2VHM3TM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Consumer Tech"},{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Technology"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/technology/consumer-tech/2025/02/19/ev-qa-pilot-scheme-aims-to-connect-drivers-with-people-willing-to-rent-use-of-private-chargers/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/technology/consumer-tech","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Consumer Tech"}}}},{"_id":"6LH3ACRXFNFCFIPUUIF4LW3EWU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":631,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/6c3afcbd-e735-4b35-aff9-1573cc7e0b3e/versions/1739369752/media/b9a99a534644c269bee8f64a28087798_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/19/with-car-prices-surging-where-can-budget-conscious-drivers-turn-the-answer-may-surprise-you/","content_elements":[{"_id":"BCR5BXSJYRAR7KIQRMXT5SL7SM","additional_properties":{},"content":"A full €20,000: That’s how much more a basic Skoda Superb saloon costs today, compared with what it cost one decade ago when we test-drove the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/first-drive-skoda-superb-combi-is-big-on-space-big-on-quality-1.2280311\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/first-drive-skoda-superb-combi-is-big-on-space-big-on-quality-1.2280311\">Skoda Superb Combi in Style trim</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GUUNORVA25EBRHLKWSPGS2AR2A","additional_properties":{},"content":"That test car was a €40,000 version, but you could have bought a basic Superb for €28,995 at the time. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NR7GNPH64VEIJMPMBTDCK7RA64","additional_properties":{},"content":"Fast forward to 2025 and that same basic Superb now costs you €48,395. Yes, there are some new equipment items to consider – more touchscreen technology, updated engines (although, the basic Superb does use essentially the same 2.0-litre TDI diesel that it did in 2015), a standard automatic gearbox where once there would have been a six-speed manual, nicer seat trim etc. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FFNSGKX6KRCRNB3ZR6MPAM2MGU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Yet fundamentally it’s the same car doing the same job. For this, its price has gone up by 67 per cent. In case you were wondering, take Ireland’s annual inflation rate over each of those 10 years and it averages out to 1.75 per cent.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYHRM4D6ZBBA5OV7S7E5MIXJWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"I’ve picked on Skoda here, mostly because the Superb can handle a bit of criticism. After all, we recently named it The Irish Times car of the year for 2025, and pricey though it may be, the Superb really is a very hard car to beat as an all-rounder. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VUDM4446XZDAHJNGAPTERYWXKA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equally, it’s not alone. Car prices across the board have risen almost to the point of insanity. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IDW7LSCFFFBQJJMEVUCJ3WKFUM","additional_properties":{},"content":"A decade ago, a basic BMW 5 Series would cost you just shy of €50,000. The same for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class – both stalwart driveway denizens of those who’ve done well this year, and fancied a premium treat. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XYD4EJVUKBDZBP2OO7YYIULMKA","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"UUOHMNBSIRBJTGOJGJFEWASD6I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Now, neither car can be bought for less than €70,000. It’s the same story at the other end of the price lists. A basic Dacia Sandero today costs €18,245. That may not seem an outrageous price tag and the latest Sandero is a far more sophisticated, comfortable and all-round excellent car than a decade ago. But a decade ago, the same basic Sandero cost €12,290.","type":"text"},{"_id":"STAXZLYNTVFEBLN3RFNVTBPVKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Of course, there are exceptions. Depending on where you set your benchmark, a Volkswagen Golf costs slightly less than it did in the 1980s. Small victories count for something, eh?","type":"text"},{"_id":"5Q5NM6ORWBBURCGXY7A73SXAVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Why is all this happening? Clearly, we live in a more turbulent world. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NURT5NIDSFAGPPXVFDWG35HJWA","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to Jeremy Warnock, group product supply and distribution manager at Renault Ireland (which includes the value brand Dacia): “Inflation, raw materials and labour costs are all different facets of the same issue and have definitely been a factor in price increases. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QNPNRA7RTRAITHRDRZZGOP4SXA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“That said, the auto industry has to contend with a number of additional factors. Regulatory costs have a significant impact. Emissions regulations are constantly tightening and the elimination of substances such as NOx and particulates involves the addition of often costly hardware. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"U3EHOOF6HZCW7KL7DKXDF3Y26I","additional_properties":{},"content":"In addition, he points to the new set of safety and cybersecurity regulations (GSR2) introduced last year, which have made several items of safety equipment mandatory on all new cars. Many of these rely on radar and cameras as well as a variety of sensors and the screens required to manage all these systems.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7Y7MVVSYAZELVNP6RE5IA6G3XE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“While many of these systems were already included on mid-level to high-spec cars – and consequently featured on a high proportion of pre-GSR2 cars in Ireland – the new regulations mean there’s no longer the option to have a basic car without them,” says Warnock.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TNNNMDQ7W5CQ7OFDMOCCZDV5UU","additional_properties":{},"content":"What car should I buy in 2025 if I need … an EV?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZRAV2PNRFRDOJJHPVFW7KWPWSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"So where can budget-minded motorists now turn? The answer may not be the one you’re expecting. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DJLNKS2WV5GTTI2RFF3IEEMIDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Interestingly though, the price increases you ask about really only apply to ICE cars,” said Warnock, meaning cars with internal combustion engines. “Although electric cars had to meet the same GSR2 rules, clearly they already don’t produce exhaust emissions. In addition, increased volumes have improved economies of scale while a faster pace of technological development than we see on ICE has reduced production costs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"G45BP4NYWVANDPJGCV4BNAWQUA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Ironically, given that we still hear so many complaints about EV pricing, we’re now at a point where an electric Renault Scenic is more affordable than a Renault Austral, and the electric Dacia Spring is the most affordable car in Ireland. Not only are EVs more affordable than before but they’re better than ever.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIJB7HLEYRDG5E7ZGJL5CV2DL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Going electric to bag a bargain is probably not the answer many of us were expecting in the first months of 2025, but the maths add up – and that’s before you start looking at running costs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NU2HMSCPZJF2XCJ6SH5BNTCNSI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Mention of GSR2 regulations does raise another question, however, and it’s one of value. It should be axiomatic that increasing the standard, legislated-for, levels of safety hardware in cars should increase road safety. Look back to when seat belts became mandatory. Then airbags. Then ABS brakes. Then electronic stability control. Every time, lives were saved and road death statistics fell. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HZZE42UNRJCJDIK35AMPNQS22E","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s seemingly not happening now, though. GSR2 mandated – as its headline additions – intelligent speed assist, autonomous emergency braking, driver drowsiness and attention warning, and emergency lane keeping systems. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IRZXRTXDQBFMNGB4HXID3E6EOM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Autonomous emergency braking is a definite good, especially around town and at low speeds, but the other three are messy at best. All three alerts for speed, attention and lane-keeping are wildly different in their performance across different vehicles, and are often haunted with false alerts. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WDP3JIDXEBA7NGIZMHSPUU2X7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Speed limit warnings beep at you because they’ve spotted the wrong sign, or haven’t noticed that you’ve moved from a city street to a main road. Attention monitor systems chide you for something as basic as looking out of the side window or over your shoulder when changing lanes. Surely a driver who’s moving their head around is better informed than one staring directly ahead? Lane-keeping systems can be appallingly intrusive and can sometimes start to apply steering correction just when you really need to be turning the other way.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WHLETEOR4BHK5CHTLEG6R4S5G4","additional_properties":{},"content":"So, are Irish buyers actually getting value for money with these troublesome systems? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4QG7ZQS6X5D63N6GL5IUXATDTY","additional_properties":{},"content":"According to Cordelia Wilson, communications director of independent safety experts Euro Ncap, the answer is a very firm yes. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CGIQL3D5QBGMNLPNGQH57RERRA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It keeps drivers focused, when distracted, keeps vehicles in lanes, is a second pair of eyes, when we are tired. ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) is a technology that helps us all to become better and fundamentally safer drivers. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOFLMWLRCVAE5BANX7OBCVHBKE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“However, many customers do find ADAS systems annoying, but that is not necessarily due to the system, it’s because of the way the system responds with the driver in particular vehicles and Euro Ncap is working with manufacturers to try and standardise the noises, to ensure that they are not annoying. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OQKB5R5XXRDAPGR5MINC2XARUU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“There is also work to be done in making consumers/drivers understand the importance of these technologies, so they don’t switch them off and as you say there should be more investment in driver training. We have not gone too far; we have not gone far enough.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6RCTEM7PUFFA5MGABODEONH3ZQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The increasing regulation and a flat sales market for cars in Europe means that profits at the region’s carmakers are stalling and prices are going up. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AJKDAGLXZJCYNM7ROHLFY73PAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"And it isn’t just an Irish issue. According to motor industry analysts Jato Dynamics, the average retail price of a car in Germany – Europe’s largest car market – is €56,735. In France, the average totalled almost €49,000, while it rises to €54,000 in Spain and €56,000 in Italy. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"342WXXOR55EMLOVB3CB4HPS7BY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the United Kingdom, the average retail price of a brand-new car is £49,451, equating to €59,360 at the November 2024 exchange rate. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GGC5GWXGWFBFRPZAZGDW2GEA7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"In Ireland, we’re getting off relatively lightly, with the average price of a new car here heading towards €45,000, although it must be noted our market doesn’t feature some of the higher-end models – Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley and so on – that somewhat skew the averages elsewhere. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6IDVAEKLOJEAPEGSAEC57YQTVU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The double-whammy of increasing safety equipment legislation, plus the imperative to develop entire families of electric cars by 2035, means that European carmakers have little choice but to raise prices, especially against the backdrop of continuing fallouts from Covid and component shortages. Rising energy prices don’t help either, and now that fire is being stoked by the arrival of Chinese brands.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L3RPO7WQ2VAJDNTLROEGX4PPVU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"ECB27FH6QFCPLAZZPZS3PRRDTE","additional_properties":{},"content":"MG delivers its best car in decades – and it’s priced to give its rivals sleepless nights","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"H7ZRWECUSNCD5CYC57MIM2ASHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jato’s advice is pretty stark: “The impacts of the global pandemic – most notably the semiconductor shortage – created a state of disequilibrium with supply unable to meet demand, triggering longer waiting times and higher prices for consumers. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NPGCCX5MG5FZHPO2KG644V2EXE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Between 2021 and 2022, the average retail price of new cars increased between 6.3 per cent and 12.5 per cent across Europe’s big five markets. A year later, this trend had accelerated, with prices rising from 6.7 per cent to 16.8 per cent, despite slowing inflation. As a result, western Europe’s automotive market lost the equivalent of 3.3 million units in new car sales between 2019 and 2023. [Carmakers] may have been able to remain profitable despite higher price increases and longer waiting times for customers. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DGLHKHAPPBFJDASMPNEL6ZDZRY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“However, the emergence of China as an automotive superpower has changed the game entirely. Western companies must look for new ways to reduce their prices in an increasingly competitive market, or risk extinction.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Prices have been on the rise for years, but recent spikes have pushed many mainstream models beyond the reach of average pockets"},"display_date":"2025-02-19T07:55:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"With car prices surging, where can budget-conscious drivers turn? The answer may surprise you","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"TUPZ7IH3CNHAZMWIJK5345OKBA","auth":{"1":"24f4da03e26a1cfa96b75f48e1e768f8435ea7f52589b583c6250c1a728f1a99"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/TUPZ7IH3CNHAZMWIJK5345OKBA.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Your Money"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/19/with-car-prices-surging-where-can-budget-conscious-drivers-turn-the-answer-may-surprise-you/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"5K5PA5MXSBEABFUYQELJ42AYNA","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":475,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/37170518-9da3-4891-8911-593a0c07ee70/versions/1739376118/media/30ff6298e029d1deb741a8a153e90957_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/19/renaults-symbioz-is-a-symbol-of-the-total-euv-takeover/","content_elements":[{"_id":"MO7ZHPSNXVABPMI5RUJZ5PXFME","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664524},"content":"The total takeover of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_blank\">car market</a> by the SUV has been remarkable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IS46YWA7LBB7TCOYII27N5FH5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664525},"content":"It’s not been a good thing for the environment – the International Council on Clean Transport, or ICCT, reckons that the inherent inefficiency of SUV body styles has wiped out, and then some, gains in engine and battery efficiency in the past decade – but it’s hard to argue with what the customer wants. And what the customers wants, so it seems at any rate, is an SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V6QWLNXAHJHAZKJOPE2G2FANWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664526},"content":"It’s madness, really. SUVs originally became popular – especially with the introduction of the first Nissan Qashqai – because they were different, they were fashionable, they made you stand out from the herd. Now the entire herd is driving an SUV of some sort, and one wonders when the whole ridiculous edifice will finally collapse in on itself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KEOKWCUKXBH57C23W4ADM6HABA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664527},"content":"Until that happy day comes, SUVs proliferate. Already, at <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/renault/\" target=\"_blank\">Renault</a>, you can buy no fewer than five distinct SUV models – Captur, Arkana, Austral, Rafale and Scenic, with the new Renault 4 on the way and the now-inevitably-SUV-shaped Espace on sale in Europe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAIESFESKVFPRI5ZM7N6RMOSOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664528},"content":"Yet amid all of that, Renault has found a way to slice the SUV onion paper even thinner, and has given us this, the Symbioz. The original Symbioz concept car, shown in 2017, was an astonishingly beautiful, low-slung luxury car with delicate details and striking styling.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S4BP7VGLRRAHHAS6PT462CJCEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664529},"content":"The production Symbioz is, alas, a mid-size SUV. To be fair to the Symbioz, it’s quite handsome by SUV standards, looking very much like a shrunken Scenic (the modern <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric</a> SUV, not the egg-shaped 1990s people carrier). It has sharp, but relatively elegantly angled lines, so it won’t get too easily lost in a car park, even amid the hordes of other pointlessly tall family cars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O3RP22SRL5ADNJQ7GQTDSSYTH4","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664531},"content":"In terms of price and size, the Symbioz fills the gap between the smaller Captur and the larger, more mechanically sophisticated Austral. It’s based on the same platform as the Captur – something you’ll spot inside, as much of the dashboard is lifted directly from that smaller car – and it’s not too tall, standing 1.6m high at the roofline.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFXTVUIKE5F7NL3LQOAY2SYJSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664532},"content":"Prices start from €36,995 but our highly-specced Esprit Alpine test car (and the invocation of Renault’s sports car and racing brand has never seemed quite so out of place) clocks in at €41,195. You do get a lot for that extra cash, including an excellent Google-based portrait-style touchscreen, and the brilliant ‘Solarbay’ glass roof, which electrically switches from opaque to clear at the flick of a switch.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Q43XO5HMKNAGBNGCH6K3RH2GRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664530},"type":"image"},{"_id":"6WUAZZL3JNCGHGJAJXK5MMR5JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664535},"type":"image"},{"_id":"K7LVWNLDAJBAVFJFQC3ZNCBEP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664533},"content":"The Symbioz comes with only one engine option for now, and that’s the 145hp 1.6-litre hybrid engine as found in the Captur, the Clio and sundry Dacias. It’s a decent enough power plant but feels oddly underpowered at times here in the Symbioz, not something we’d really noticed in other applications.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XCOG2JTJIJBX3C5V63BFBKUSRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664534},"content":"It does spend a commendable amount of time on electric power alone, which is good, especially around town. Renault claims 4.7 litres per 100km and 1,000km on a full tank. We managed 5.3 litres per 100km, and about 700km on a tank. Not bad, but perhaps not quite exceptional.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O2EEOGT4RJCPJH6RLQMEQMI5MA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664536},"content":"If you’re looking for a reason to choose the Symbioz over the more affordable Captur then it might well be in the boot. The back seats slide back and forth, which means the boot stretches from a minimum of 492 litres to a maximum of a whopping 624 litres – more than an Audi Q8. However, do that and your rear-seat passengers will have no legroom.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4GXZEEQPVGSVLBWEELOHP4WYI","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664537},"content":"Then again, your rear-seat passengers won’t have much legroom anyway. Indeed, despite its extra size, the Symbioz seems to lack much more space than the smaller Captur in the back, which is a bit of a disappointment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OEVJICQCHREPPCWLNDOCUV3N54","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664538},"content":"The Symbioz cruises quietly and largely comfortably. The ride quality can be somewhat firm around town, but it’s broadly acceptable, and the body and cabin remain remarkably stable when cornering. However, the steering is incredibly slow-witted and needs you to suddenly throw on an extra half-turn of lock to make it around 90-degree junctions. It’s odd – no other Renault steers like this, so why the Symbioz?","type":"text"},{"_id":"3U2VGBQFDJBJRHGMNIJ46NDW4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664540},"content":"Indeed, ‘why the Symbioz’ becomes something of an apposite question. While it certainly does fill in a gap in Renault’s SUV line-up, it’s a hard car to make a convincing case for. Matlock himself would have struggled. It’s fine, does nothing especially badly (that odd steering apart), and does many things quite well, but it never seems to do anything to make itself stand out.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYKL3C6NHZG75DNNTBJQLUBROQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664539},"type":"image"},{"_id":"YMUXMXOTP5A6XDCL3RJFMYZ4NA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664541},"content":"The bigger problems arrive when you glance across the showroom. The Captur is sitting just over there, not being all that much smaller and with the same hybrid engine, and costing less.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KYKB4N4BSVHB5O5PFR3WX3SFKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664542},"content":"However, things get worse for the Symbioz when you glance further across, and come to the Dacia section of the dealership. There you will find the brilliant seven-seat Jogger – which costs €4,000 less even in range-topping Extreme spec with the same hybrid power train.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GAJTN4IOLNBXDBCTETAUR7E37I","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664543},"content":"Obviously, it loses out on some of the Symbioz’s comfort and sophistication, but honestly, would you care? Then there’s the incoming new Duster, which will again undercut the cost of the Symbioz even when fitted with the hybrid engine, and which arguably looks even nicer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBVKNR3HIJBCBFO4ISYJJI3PFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664544},"content":"And then again there’s the Bigster, just revealed at the Paris motor show, and which will likely match the Symbioz for price but be bigger inside, and more enticingly rugged outside. A proper 4x4, at least in style, rather than a mere SUV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JUNTROBNYZG23LTTO752RFHF3Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664545},"content":"It’s not that the Symbioz is a bad car, it just seems a touch humdrum amid the endless, swirling sea of similar rival products. SUVs have long since moved past their fashionable stage and are now just as dull and unadventurous as the hatchbacks, saloons, MPVs and estates which they have largely displaced. It seems perhaps unfair to beat the Symbioz with the stick of silliness that encompasses the entire SUV craze, but it’s clear that a rethink is needed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TIBFCMUJ25HNXHBMZJQSG6F7TE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664546},"content":"<b>Lowdown: </b>Renault Symbioz Iconic Esprit Alpine E-Tech full hybrid","type":"text"},{"_id":"PTJXLF5HJVAFHEGBURJ77D2SHY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664547},"content":"<b>Power: </b>1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 105kW motor and 1.2kWh lithium-ion battery producing 145hp and 250Nm of torque and powering the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3S6P3ILL6ZHXXL5EN4AR3WT6ZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664548},"content":"<b>CO2 emissions (annual motor tax)</b> 107g/km (€180).","type":"text"},{"_id":"3HC7OFFEFBCUJMTBS7GNNSU2EM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664549},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption:</b> 4.7l/100km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"OJ7PNP3HYNBRJBEGXADM5LESJQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664550},"content":"<b>0-100km/h:</b> 10.6 secs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NWJY4QUXQ5FWHCMHXDEUOJX67A","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664551},"content":"<b>Price: </b>€41,190 as tested, Symbioz starts from €36,995.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZWZL7VISIJAL7MXMDCLU6HASNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664552},"content":"<b>Our rating: </b>2/5.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJC6YFCPXZHPZLMTZAMGN6PMWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739373664553},"content":"<b>Verdict: </b>Looks smart but the Symbioz feels underwhelming to drive, and it lacks rear seat space. Dacia looms large in its mirrors.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"New hybrid SUV is neatly styled but lacks pizzazz. Dacia looms large in its mirrors"},"display_date":"2025-02-19T07:07:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Renault’s Symbioz is a symbol of the total SUV takeover","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4YOR3XBCN5AL3L2AVXQT4SA3CQ","auth":{"1":"4378dc5a9e6a72b73aadace1b323e2bfc4edfd0d22937334ddd13a4e83db7186"},"focal_point":{"x":2743,"y":1886},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4YOR3XBCN5AL3L2AVXQT4SA3CQ.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/19/renaults-symbioz-is-a-symbol-of-the-total-euv-takeover/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"ERQK3SCQOFFFDPYPGP3J7ONNIQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":357,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/b2f28322-c6d8-4ebf-acf3-f8426cbbcb4a/versions/1739889909/media/bbdb5be4e732db67bcce8273ffa0eb48_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/18/what-are-the-possible-health-effects-of-driving-around-with-a-high-voltage-battery/","content_elements":[{"_id":"27T2ZMWBQNCO5FI6RIDLOL523A","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>Q. Is there any proven electromagnetic health risk with long-term EV driving? – N Doherty, Co Dublin</i>","type":"header"},{"_id":"SX6KHIWZQJHNXKZYA7B3VPWQLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052972},"content":"<b>A. </b>The short answer is no; no one has yet found a direct provable link between the electromagnetic emissions from an <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric vehicle’s</a> (EV) battery and motor, and any potential health risks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CAEGYJDSNNACDBKGS4ULOT3TCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052973},"content":"However, it is known that prolonged exposure to high-energy electromagnetic radiation may cause health issues. At the highest end of the electromagnetic spectrum we find what’s called ionising radiation. This is the sort of emission that you’d expect from a nuclear fission reactor, and as anyone who’s old enough to remember the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/chernobyl/\" target=\"_blank\">Chernobyl</a> incident, that has very definite effects on your health.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DVL2UMPYBVFTJOTZHRW7TT5JBQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052974},"content":"Don’t panic however; that is the extreme end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Dial things back a bit – a lot, in fact – and you reach the section of the spectrum with which we’re all much more familiar. At this point in the electromagnetic spectrum, we reach the level of radio signals, wifi and mobile phone signals, television antennae, and so on. The computer on which I’m typing these words and the mobile phone or tablet on which you’re most likely reading them have their own electromagnetic output, and concerns over that output causing health effects have been largely put to bed – although concerns are still raised from time to time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UC5M5ZY3LNBIJMAGADATD35GFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739870556242},"content":"Essentially, we all live in this electromagnetic “soup” in our daily lives, walking in and through invisible radio waves all day long. So to what extent do electric cars – whose high-voltage batteries and motors very definitely do create their own electromagnetic waves – pose a potential health risk?","type":"text"},{"_id":"E3X5SCZKPVDKLHJ6DAUN6GGQM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Homeowners to be allowed rent out their EV chargers under pilot project","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JAB7RVQV25CXJFOHXVQJYAJO24","additional_properties":{"_id":1739879088877},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"NBTXGCEXJFBHDBI5LCMPSHNU2Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052976},"content":"In Germany, the Bundesamt für Strahlenshutz (BfS, the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection) has carried out a series of studies into potential electromagnetic exposure from driving an EV.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RVQNG6K5VFDXJDGQ4CKEMBMJTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739870556244},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.bfs.de/EN/topics/emf/electromobility/electromobility_node.html\" target=\"_blank\">research shows that the exposure to the electromagnetic field</a> being emitted by the battery, wiring, and motors of an EV is highest in the car’s footwells, where you’re physically closer to the battery. The studies also noted, with a faint hint of concern, that many cars have their strongest electromagnetic fields in and around the back seat, which is where the concentration of high-voltage wiring is often at its greatest. The reports note that’s also where young children are most likely to be sitting.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6XXUMZKF5GTBKWXMJBJDRDX3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052977},"content":"“According to current knowledge, these intermediate-frequency fields do not trigger any health effects, provided that the recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection are adhered to,” the report states, adding that there is currently no legislated legal limit of exposure values in an EV in Germany.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVWLXJQMV5ADDDI5B7P3E6KO6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052978},"content":"“The analyses revealed a highly uneven distribution of magnetic fields in the electric vehicles, with the highest values often appearing in the footwells of the front seats. Significantly lower values were measured at other locations, such as in the areas occupied by drivers’ and passengers’ heads and torsos. This highlights potential for minimisation that manufacturers could utilise in vehicle development.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6HJ645FLGBCZNP65KGKTOJPTYA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052979},"content":"The report also noted: “There were no indications that the recommended maximum exposure levels were exceeded in the analysed vehicles, nor were excess levels observed in a more recent study.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WKRKMYWABBDQZL6GMYP52GA73M","additional_properties":{"_id":1739870556248},"content":"“Comparative measurements in two vehicles with combustion engines found similarly high field strengths in the footwells of the front seats as in the electric vehicles,” the report said. “These fields originated from the motor of a ventilation fan and its wiring.” That suggests that we’ve been driving around for years with this issue without realising it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"37TQERQ7PVGJ7KP2D45HRUDUFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052980},"content":"The BfS report largely chimes with <a href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8914635/\" target=\"_blank\">an academic investigation</a> into the issue by Krzysztof Gryz, Jolanta Karpowicz and Patryk Zradziński from the Laboratory of Electromagnetic Hazards, Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute in Poland, edited by Felipe Jiménez.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L3CZSKEL4RBOZIZXLOEMIYFKAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052981},"content":"In this study, the group looked at the emissions of electromagnetic radiation in both electrically-powered forms of public transport and in private cars. Interestingly, the paper found that measurements of electromagnetic radiation in electric buses isn’t much different from being in a building in the same area, and that measurements of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) inside the bus changed according to how many passengers were using mobile phones and other devices.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4MJRGRSRLJE23DKPU4LCKKXKCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739870556251},"content":"According to the paper, significant differences were not found in the level of exposure depending on the type of vehicle (EVs, HEVs, regular petrol and diesel cars).","type":"text"},{"_id":"SBEPHAR6EFCZBORQ56IH73DYLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052983},"content":"There’s a kicker, though. The paper found that instantaneous exposure to electromagnetic fields was low enough to not present any major health problems, but that there was less certainty when it came to prolonged and repeated exposure over time. Just as having one X-ray a year doesn’t do you any harm, but having one every day for a year probably would, it’s not yet known whether long-term repeated exposure to the electromagnetic fields generated by EVs might cause any health issues further down the line.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6LEPRHGGJFDNOXRXUTJ7UXLXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052984},"content":"To be very clear on this point, the paper wasn’t issuing a direct warning over prolonged exposure, but merely calling for more research into the issue so that it can be better understood.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DLLQAKILYNAZ7H7VW6DSEFDSWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052985},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"A6BS2YIIJZDPPAO2SRYMIDE7QY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739809052988},"content":"So, to sum up: according to the experts, the exposure to electromagnetic radiation in an electric car isn’t enough to cause any health issues in the short term. However, it has been suggested that more research, and long-term research, is needed to rule out any potential health effects from repeated exposure over many years.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Helping to separate electric vehicle myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your EV questions"},"display_date":"2025-02-18T14:40:00.73Z","headlines":{"basic":"EVs: What are the possible health effects of driving around with a high-voltage battery?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"QGRYKZNXB4NW3BRFJTFMEGQXYA","auth":{"1":"0bad5c4945d9788d2d0aca101e39fc2e51dbdcbf57e94ee31d82eb37cdc1a84f"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QGRYKZNXB4NW3BRFJTFMEGQXYA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/18/what-are-the-possible-health-effects-of-driving-around-with-a-high-voltage-battery/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"MO3Q2LCGWFBAVOAPGDMYLNOUSQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":400,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/30805334-77ee-4c5a-bc24-9499ba6b8e97/versions/1739550149/media/553967346d70a54b4e0dea6cb93af9ff_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/16/nct-faces-fresh-accusation-of-passing-unfit-car-as-safe/","content_elements":[{"_id":"76IH2IFGWVE5RAXOSLNRI73UNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020221},"content":"A motorist has raised questions about how a used car she bought passed the National Car Test (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nct/\" target=\"_blank\">NCT</a>) weeks before a problem with the rear wheel revealed it had been welded on and that there was significant rust on the rear axle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CLNPHJOTUVCNTMBJ7TKLLIPF64","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020222},"content":"In September 2021 Claire Buckley purchased a 2006 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/toyota\" target=\"_blank\">Toyota</a> Yaris from a private buyer. The car had been certified by the NCT on September 2nd.","type":"text"},{"_id":"46AAYPK3MJCQZNZKIBZSLMAY3Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020224},"content":"Within a couple of days, after a short drive to the local shop, Ms Buckley noticed the right-hand rear wheel was turned outwards.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KI3WRMPQGRC2JI3HGQP6JX2L5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020225},"content":"“The second time it was driven to the shop the wheel gave way,” she said. “My dad came around and we jacked up the car, and we found that the wheel had been welded on, and that there was all this corrosion and rust in behind it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JKO2AHJEQNDRXMHBTEJUBBCIIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020228},"content":"Ms Buckley said her suspicions should have been aroused when the person selling the car said he put it through the NCT the second time in Deansgrange as it would have been a shame to scrap it. “Why would you scrap a car that only failed on minor things the first time?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2QNUNDT65B4JBHLI4OGTBUFJM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739690928114},"content":"The seller did not answer his phone when Ms Buckley attempted to contact him.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DYOZKXEEQJG73NS3IGY2S6COTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020230},"content":"The next step was to contact the NCT and try to find out how a car with such a significant issue with a significant component – the back axle – was passed as safe just days before. The NCT sent out an inspector on September 28th, backed up by an independent assessor from the AA.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IR4RSXONBBFNZMYDMJIIN4MLZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020231},"content":"Ms Buckley told The Irish Times: “I told them that they were welcome to take the car away and carry out a full test on it, but they were happy to come out and view it in my front driveway.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYFJ3RKHEZFTRCMXD5IHMSG5YU","additional_properties":{"_id":"GNHWXITTQ5GGLJLMZCVMFYWTSA"},"content":"How did a car that was too dangerous to drive pass the NCT?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"ZWJNE2NWVFAYBBIK72WBQL46SE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020232},"content":"Later, Ms Buckley received a letter from the NCT service, saying that: “As the inspection was conducted at your premises, there was no access to a hydraulic lift ... due to this, the inspection was limited as the auditors only had visibility of the rear of the vehicle.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDVRFPLD3ZGZ3FQBIQP3B2S23I","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020223},"type":"image"},{"_id":"HATOA6DUKRG3XKVP5AUWIPLCEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020233},"content":"However, they identified the presence of a crack/split on the axle. “In the area where the rear axle had cracked, the auditors believe this crack/split caused the wheel to lean heavily to a camber-in position.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GGUJON4QSFH73MVTOFLSVM7MGI","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020234},"content":"The report concluded that an NCT inspector would have had “limited visibility of the area” where the corrosion was present. It was left in Ms Buckley’s hands to get the car repaired before bringing it for a full re-test. Instead, she had the Yaris scrapped, as she felt it was unsafe.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VLBSE3QPNRBQFDKDQUEJT24PLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020235},"content":"“It was just absolutely soul-destroying,” she said, adding that the Yaris had failed an NCT in Portlaoise, Co Laois, before being passed in Deansgrange.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UP6UMXFYIFA7TLAEXXDO3HVABE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020236},"content":"Responding to questions from The Irish Times, a spokesperson for the Road Safety Authority, which oversees the running of the NCT, said: “The vehicle owner appealed the situation at the time to the NCT and the Independent Appeals Board (the AA) inspected the vehicle. Please note, that at the time, the vehicle owner did not make a complaint based on the wheel being ‘solidly welded to the hub’, so we feel that this claim lacks substance.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T5VIORAAM5ANTD6FBF2FL3Z3GY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020227},"type":"image"},{"_id":"CTDKCMPK7JFKBMD2QVI65WD73E","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020237},"content":"“The Independent Appeals Board noted that the vehicle had been failed by the NCT and that repairs were made to the vehicle which were necessary to meet the standards of the NCT; therefore, the vehicle subsequently passed the NCT appropriately.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOFZONI4SRH6LGSP6RSDU4JDMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020238},"content":"“It was also noted by the Independent Appeals Board that there was extensive corrosion in the vehicle leading to a rear wheel collapse, which had manifested internally, and which would not have been detectable during an NCT inspection. So, in short, they found no basis for the appeal by the customer.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VZXVYGBOVACJOQLOPZ35AYMD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020239},"content":"However, Ms Buckley expressed concerns about the appeals board, after it subsequently emerged the AA’s auditor had previously been an employee of NCT operator Applus+, and subsequently returned to employment with that company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5JOEZJVDJNCH7EDRXKADJZ53YY","additional_properties":{"_id":"PPVPTLBGJ5CIDIFQ725UVGLB4Q"},"content":"NCT passes ‘unroadworthy’ car as fit for the road","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"RIYY6YLEZ5ENTLE5BHIOU26YPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020240},"content":"When The Irish Times approached the AA, a spokesperson said: “The motor industry in Ireland is small. In the AA, we have a strict policy in place that should an employee have any conflict of interest with a specific NCT test location such as previous employment or relationship, they cannot and will not ever be placed on a job to inspect that specific location.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBXX4SLKFFFUFHOX3Q2YE24UDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020241},"content":"“The AA ensures its independence by carrying out the independent inspection on the vehicle on behalf of the vehicle owner. The AA is contracted by the RSA and carries out the inspections according to the NCT Testers Manual. Our main objective is to make sure the vehicle in question is roadworthy and safe.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWG5G6DN3VFK7IRC7YWIYQHANQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020242},"content":"Ms Buckley’s complaint follows the recent coverage of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2025/02/04/nct-passes-unroadworthy-car-as-fit-for-the-road/\" target=\"_blank\">case of Esther Woodley</a>, who bought a used car with a newly issued NCT certificate. The car subsequently turned out to have been written off and then badly repaired. In this case, the NCT cert was revoked and Ms Woodley was left with an unroadworthy vehicle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WO4FW3OCG5ENLHRO7ZCJ7TYOUE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020243},"content":"According to Patrick Kenny of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC): “The car industry is the single biggest driver of calls to our helpline and we prioritise cases that involve unroadworthy vehicles or multiple complaints about the same person.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J24PFAYX6NEGXCNR5EFFWDHFO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020244},"content":"“Consumers who buy from a private seller have fewer statutory rights but if something goes wrong after they buy, they have the option of taking a civil case through the courts. Enhanced information on car history will also make the market work better when consumers purchase from private sellers. We strongly advise consumers to get cars checked by a mechanic before buying and get a car history report from an online provider.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"UXM53UXEO5CA5BPW75LLXUXH7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020245},"content":"Mr Kenny added the car-buying environment in Ireland is not on the consumer’s side. “Ireland compares poorly to other countries in providing access to information about the history and performance of used cars. That is why we are preparing a detailed report for government, which will include recommendations on how Irish consumers can be better informed and protected before buying used cars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FGLWJCE2ZA7FCCOIIOPJOUGCM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020246},"content":"“The CCPC believes that consumers in Ireland need better information on the history of used cars. Ireland compares poorly with countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom as well as many European countries in providing online access for consumers to information about the history and performance of used cars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYZXSMNPB5DVRDPSFPAJ3IU46Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1739537020247},"content":"“Buyers need to have essential information about a car before they buy it. They need information on mileage, safety recalls, and whether a car has been crashed and repaired or written off entirely.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Owner finds wheel welded on to used car that had passed NCT weeks before"},"display_date":"2025-02-16T06:09:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"NCT faces fresh accusation of passing unfit car as safe","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"J7DHL4OW3NENHG4ZZ7YPXZM7JU","auth":{"1":"be8a3706c07f458ed489d02bcfaacd281d64f120e9a7ea357b0c073b23bf3e32"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/J7DHL4OW3NENHG4ZZ7YPXZM7JU.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/16/nct-faces-fresh-accusation-of-passing-unfit-car-as-safe/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"ETQMGOXIEBHXHINRYJXROWP3GQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":153,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/5ac4d7b1-0496-453b-8896-22f95e826f60/versions/1739606138/media/8b8ecfdbcf9b5a10e782aab38ff3e6b6_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/transport/2025/02/15/drivers-caught-speeding-could-be-sent-on-re-education-courses-under-new-proposals/","content_elements":[{"_id":"HSAKWZQ62ZHWPNE6WMEUB7Q4WI","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643540},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_blank\">Motorists</a> caught speeding may face being sent on driving “re-education” courses by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/\" target=\"_blank\">courts</a> under plans being considered by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/government/\" target=\"_blank\">Government</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNBHD6NWBNGSPKY2TP525BD66A","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643541},"content":"Such a move could be an alternative to penalty points.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FJALHU7BVE6TMXSTKIBHU6B2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643542},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/department-of-transport/\" target=\"_self\">Department of Transport</a> set out proposals “to reduce dangerous behaviour on the roads” in a document given to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fianna-fail/\" target=\"_blank\">Fianna Fáil</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/fine-gael/\" target=\"_blank\">Fine Gael</a> leaders <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/micheal-martin/\" target=\"_blank\">Micheál Martin</a> and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/simon-harris/\" target=\"_blank\">Simon Harris</a> before talks last month on the formation of the Government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2EUBBXAIS5FK3PZ2VBXYJDNTZU","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643543},"content":"The department proposed a review of the graduated penalties approach to speeding and other road traffic offences, a strengthening of driver training and consideration of “the introduction of re-education courses as a judicial sanction option for certain road traffic offences”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZJHTHFVIRNC2LDE6TS47LBPJMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643544},"content":"It is understood the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/road-safety-authority\" target=\"_self\">Road Safety Authority</a> (RSA) had previously looked at speed awareness courses as an alternative to penalty points for some motoring offences.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMXQQXI7XRH25D46KD6AUOFWZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643545},"content":"In the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/\" target=\"_blank\">UK</a>, courses are offered to those engaging in low-level speeding. Research has shown that the measure contributes to reduced rates of reoffending.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HDC3KN5RGNGKVEWGVBQENIX32M","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643546},"content":"It is understood the RSA had indicated it may propose that the introduction of speed awareness courses be considered as part of the next phase of the Government’s road safety strategy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E74VYWELBNBGLD7AJYCVEMIB2E","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643547},"content":"The Department of Transport also told the political leaders, as part of the government formation talks, that it would look, too, at continuing the roll out of safety cameras, including additional average-speed camera zones, to curb speeding and expand camera-based enforcement to other road traffic offences.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SOEEQ3UZHFC3TNAG2R7SC3RUXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643548},"content":"More than €700m for new road projects as Healy-Raes claim ‘the people want tar’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"JXXNGSC5E5FBTO3PAEHD3JNFSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643549},"content":"It also proposed providing a digital solution to replace the paper discs on vehicle windscreens for motor tax, insurance, national car tests and the commercial vehicle roadworthiness test.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZIWBSC7Q5A4PAYM6HBOSG7EWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643550},"content":"“Once completed, [the department would] abolish the surcharge for quarterly or twice yearly disc issue and provide for continuous payment methods,” the briefing notes said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JJYKZ5VJOFG5DKLMUKJ7IJXCC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643551},"content":"The department also signalled that clarity was needed on the provision of funding for key road projects announced by the previous government, such as the upgrading of the A5 road link to the northwest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NADAIRN6EVFBXLGFRRFA25MH3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643552},"content":"Last year the then government said it <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/02/21/government-funds-a5-road-upgrade-as-part-of-shared-island-initiative/\" target=\"_self\">would provide €600 million towards this project</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZL4WTOVOORGJLIX43UMFGOKOLE","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643553},"content":"However, in the briefing papers provided to the coalition formation talks last month, the department said “the funding source to match that commitment is not clear”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O6PCDAMUWVGRJDU6PQWSYQXKVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643554},"content":"It said that without that clarity, funding for the A5 would be “at the expense” of other road projects.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7NYYFQ6B3RHBPG4G4NM6GKSH6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1739605643555},"content":"A review of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/national-development-plan/\" target=\"_self\">National Development Plan</a> is expected to be completed later this year and additional funding could be provided for infrastructure projects at that stage.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Martin Wall"}},"name":"Martin Wall"},{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}},"name":"Kevin O'Sullivan"}]},"description":{"basic":"Initiative could be an alternative to penalty points on driving licences"},"display_date":"2025-02-15T06:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"Drivers caught speeding could be sent on re-education courses under new proposals ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"S7JUONX7HJ46BZGYHZ6A627KAM","auth":{"1":"f1cd7138afb9fa5a25d1999a33f4ade7cb864a8f3c4cfbd7f8f7e5a55b713714"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/S7JUONX7HJ46BZGYHZ6A627KAM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Transport"},{"name":"Motors"},{"name":"Politics"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/transport/2025/02/15/drivers-caught-speeding-could-be-sent-on-re-education-courses-under-new-proposals/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/transport","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Transport"}}}},{"_id":"DGA3R5ZX5VD5TK2YCE4K5UMV3I","additional_properties":{},"canonical_url":"/business/2025/02/14/number-of-new-plug-in-hybrid-private-cars-licensed-in-january-doubles/","content_elements":[{"_id":"6Y7PSPK6P5DARODUJ5Z72XTWCI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The number of plug-in hybrid cars licensed for the first time in January doubled when compared with the same month last year, new data from the Central Statistics Office shows.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RRLIIWXB3VACZNZAT3ZYJSHKO4","additional_properties":{},"content":"There were 3,427 new plug-in hybrid private cars licensed during the month, up from 1,712 in January last year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AMVHLVEYWBGLVM2TCJAX2OFMOM","additional_properties":{},"content":"There were a total of 22,484 new cars registered overall, which represented an increase of 8 per cent. The number of used cars licensed rose by 5 per cent over the same period.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQIZTA54P5AURDR4RCJR6FGMMY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Some 15 per cent of all new cars licensed for the first time were electric compared with 14 per cent in the same period in 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FRKKDGEMCZEXNIRVGV7V74UGGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Despite the strong showing by plug-in hybrids, the number of hybrid cars licensed rose by just 4 per cent when compared with the same period in 2024. This means the share of hybrids among new private cars fell slightly in comparison to last year, 27 per cent in 2025 from 28 per cent in 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SRTISOMJRBFQPCQVEE34SGKRVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sales of electric car sales started to fall in July 2023 from their post-pandemic rise as the Government pulled back on incentives for buying a new electric vehicle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GAWBENB33RBWJDLYMICVSI3KVY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Consumer concerns, meanwhile, centre on three issues: recharging infrastructure, high costs and uncertainty about the technology/battery life.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RNCOOMZGYBFRBEGD6QY3TE4BVE","additional_properties":{},"content":"An Irish Fiscal Advisory Council report last year warned that the switch to electric motoring will cost the exchequer at least €2.5 billion in lost tax revenue a year by 2030. The transition likely to herald big changes to the motoring tax regime.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7E37G4IUWBBRBATWPN5IUAAXW4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The combined share of petrol and diesel cars among new private cars licensed in January dropped from 50 per cent in 2024 to 42 per cent. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KGIQHIPZJDMHMKRPWV2G24SQY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Toyota was the most popular make of new private car licensed in January, followed by Hyundai, Volkswagen, Skoda, and Kia. Together, these five makes represented 54 per cent of all new private cars licensed in the month.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Colin Gleeson"}},"name":"Colin Gleeson"}]},"description":{"basic":"There were a total of 22,484 new private cars registered in January overall, which represented an increase of 8%"},"display_date":"2025-02-14T14:50:32.823Z","headlines":{"basic":"Number of new plug-in hybrid private cars licensed in January doubles","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DV6NRZWW35YQDHIH6EA7DNDJQA","auth":{"1":"401df73127a650b0fec916026e77fcb901232e37ee1a82ab8e1952c89403f5eb"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DV6NRZWW35YQDHIH6EA7DNDJQA.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Business"},{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2025/02/14/number-of-new-plug-in-hybrid-private-cars-licensed-in-january-doubles/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/business","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Business"}}}},{"_id":"UR6SV5BPWRCRPC3QKBIFH2LUD4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":354,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e2803196-290d-4a2c-a755-6f0cd405aff6/versions/1738674213/media/bfc5a9ae2f58b339e8f6776ca7c8be9a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/12/audis-understated-a5-offers-elegant-motoring-at-a-price/","content_elements":[{"_id":"2E2EEFYYWBHIVIOHY5D3PPDIWY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/audi/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/audi/\">Audi</a>’s new A5 is motoring’s black turtleneck – as much a sartorial fashion statement as a form of transport. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FKJIKU3KZZF5JMPGAZ5AZJOITU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The four-ringed brand has always had an eye for fashion. In the past, you could pick out the Audi executives at motor shows from their dapper Hugo Boss suits. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBW6TOHN6FAJ5D7KY5Z5QF6XCI","additional_properties":{},"content":"While Audi is patently a German brand, it often plays upon its Alpine links, tying Munich manufacturing skills to fashion houses of Milan, via the subtle synchronicity of Swiss precision.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QA2APOEPHFCXTLEH4JN5GRHMEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"You see it in the sleek exterior styling, but also in the disciplined minimalism of the cabin. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VRPF6X22UNHSVGIWE23AGLAVK4","additional_properties":{},"content":"You also see it in the price. But more of that later. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CT3BHWRRKJGALMLDJG2ZQ43IRM","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"Y32YAYQWEZCEXIH4XN7YXXMEHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"First, a little housekeeping. Remember the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/59-audi-a5-slinky-coupe-offers-you-multiple-personalities-in-one-model-lineup-1.4081090\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/59-audi-a5-slinky-coupe-offers-you-multiple-personalities-in-one-model-lineup-1.4081090\">two-door coupe A5</a>? Gone. Instead, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/46-audi-a5-sportback-muscular-coupes-with-different-personalities-1.3718914\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/46-audi-a5-sportback-muscular-coupes-with-different-personalities-1.3718914\">four-door A5 Sportback</a> has been overhauled into a saloon, tasked with filling big boots as the successor to the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/audi-a4-gets-makeover-and-mild-hybrid-power-in-bid-to-stay-ahead-of-rivals-1.3895750\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/audi-a4-gets-makeover-and-mild-hybrid-power-in-bid-to-stay-ahead-of-rivals-1.3895750\">A4</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6J26YTUBZNDS5AU6DI4WSDUYXI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Once more Audi has upended its naming conventions. New models with odd numbers will feature petrol, diesel and hybrid power, while those with even numbers will be fully electric. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NJGDZFPNBRDWXD3JLBGO56LKSU","additional_properties":{},"content":"So, the next A4 will be an EV-only model, while this A5 inherits the petrol, diesel and hybrid mantle for the traditional A4 customer base. Confused? It will become clearer once the current model offensive is in full swing. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZPBJK64M7VCU5JF5PXATWSSPVE","additional_properties":{},"content":"And a showroom refresh is overdue. The brand has been subdued since the Covid pandemic, impacted by the global semiconductor crisis, which disrupted deliveries and stalled new model roll-outs. At the same time, it has been struggling with its strategic pivot towards <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles\">electric vehicles</a>. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7NJ2G5YF5EA5CAYRZV4UTEX2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Now, Audi is back on track, with a fleet of new models arriving in showrooms over the next few years. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MGXO2HHMPFBVDNNFGUJTS4MGKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"That said, it’s probably not fair to describe this A5 as entirely new. Certainly, it has been redesigned, but underpinning this is an evolution of the brand’s platform for combustion and petrol models that has served it well for over a decade. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"B2R7KWNDS5CM3IPO4KPRPFLFQ4","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"IAFEFYPLF5DUFJBEO2JBNOIKXY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Any fears that replacing the A5 saloon with a fastback coupe will result in a cramped cabin are quickly assuaged; this interior is roomier than the old A4, though the boot does become a little more restricted. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7NJKRVCMZEOPIJGPJG4A5T2SE","additional_properties":{},"content":"That shouldn’t cause a problem. With the steady demise of the traditional saloon, former buyers are dividing into two camps: those who want sleeker coupe looks and those who put practicality before appearance and opt for one of the myriad of crossovers on the market. The new A5 fulfils the needs of the former. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KO3KSTBWMBFHDM6LI5ODIHWLNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Once more Audi delivers a clinically crisp cabin. It’s where the brand does its best to justify the price tag. It’s not the cosy, comfortable sittingroom feel that others espouse, but rather the comfort of an executive lounge. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSVEW5ASOJEGJDWQQRRKQMASPU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Test drive: Audi’s revised e-tron GT proves electric car fun-doubters wrong","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WCFS6PLZ6NAQXI7GZ6K4NY2OXA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Audi’s recent strength is in integrating new technology with minimal fuss. Both infotainment and driver screens on the A5 are stylish, graphic-rich and intuitive. They don’t try to turn this into a video arcade: these are instruments and are treated as such. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6PC72MHERFYDJREEZ6FYZT7LI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Admittedly, that’s not always the case: some Audi models have opted to move the dial far more to digital – and suffer as a result. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"34JZYHRTLNH7PFG2IZYOVBYSGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"In a week where we had to head west days after Storm Éowyn swept across the nation, it was reassuring to have the two-litre petrol engine up front with the dash displaying a range of more than 800km, rather than hunting for electric power supply amid widespread outages. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KH6WSWISAFHI7ENFZRSCXJVLPU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"PHRR6AWSY5CAVPFICXKGGX5HQI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The 204hp version of this engine is also well suited to the car: measured, refined and fast but not wild. Again there’s that clinical trait about it, fitting well with a nicely balanced steering and throttle set-up.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCENJCJ2EVAOTANCBQHI5C7TJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"There’s no escaping the fact this car has a sizeable footprint, being longer and wider than the outgoing A4, and this becomes evident on Irish back roads. Yet the engineers have managed to reduce uneven bodyroll, and you can easily glide this A5 through the bends. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GHUR55Y47RAYJOEIZYQDNY47M4","additional_properties":{},"content":"For current A4 owners, the good news is the A5 is that little bit sharper and more engaging, as suggested by its coupe styling. It still doesn’t catch the BMW 3 Series for driving fun, but it’s impressively refined. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YWSUED4X5ZCPTLZEX3XFWDWTJY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Test Drive: Audi’s colourful Q7 hybrid impresses, but there are limitations","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"MNZWSHACTZCZZLHFXK37TMXJUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"As it needs to be, for the starting price for a 150hp version of the two-litre petrol in SE trim is €55,700. Upscale to the S-Line version with the 204hp version of that engine and you are looking at €66,580. That’s before you start ticking boxes on the options page. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3746WZU22ZAEXGHWALHLKJTXRI","additional_properties":{},"content":"For anyone stepping out of a pre-Covid A4, these are nosebleed-inducing numbers. Back in July 2019 you could pick up an A4 two-litre 150hp SE for €38,945.","type":"text"},{"_id":"76ZVREVVFBBG5III5MFFVUIL7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Yes, we’ve gone through a tumultuous time, and inflation is real, but not on this scale. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GKTBEJYSMZDM7B3X4DGPAU6C6I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Certainly, there’s a lot more tech now, greater refinement and sleeker styling. But it’s coming at a very big price jump for current A4 drivers, who may be tempted to consider alternative newcomer brands. Can VW Group keep them in the family, courtesy of Cupra perhaps? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQC253U6NNH7ZNHY6K5OJ4ND5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Long-established premium brands struggle to cover the bulging R&D budgets incurred in the transition to electric cars. Yet, by pushing up new car prices they’ve opened the door to newcomer brands, not least the portfolio of Chinese car makers landing on these shores. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VNYZQ4G4GRHQXJNSL7TOIZJ2QI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Brand snobbery prevails for now, but history shows that consumers can quickly revise their views: consider the changed perceptions of Korean brands in Ireland over the last decade. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"B7WUN75XYZCODKV7HQKIDXIHLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"For those undaunted by the price, the A5 embodies Audi’s effortless, understated elegance. Its clientele of turtlenecked architects, engineers and dentists can take comfort in that, at least. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3IBK74S2VNHNDC26JEIVEGYSGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lowdown: Audi A5 Saloon 40 204hp S-Line","type":"header"},{"_id":"H46NAMMGNRBDVJJQBZG56JQMYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Power </b>1984-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 204hp and 340Nm powering the front wheels via a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RJVGCW2CXZEQ7PVDXNXPVDXS4A","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>CO2 emissions (annual motor tax)</b> 151g/km (€280)","type":"text"},{"_id":"I3BMYQOJXFBKBPHRGXH3T5776Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption</b> 7.9l/100km (WLTP). ","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TDLYDC33NG3TFLW4O2BTQY7HM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>0-100km/h</b> 7.8 secs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2I6NO2F5JB6PAQEIJUBEFWRIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Price</b> €66,580 as tested, A5 starts from €55,700. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FVI3WINKTRC4NDCPZX3NBWCF4I","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Our rating</b> 3/5.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZA2DRT5W4BCT3MJAM3PPTFI2UU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Verdict </b>Exemplifies Audi’s understated elegance, but expensive for current A4 owners.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Michael McAleer"}},"name":"Michael McAleer"}]},"description":{"basic":"The A4’s replacement is smooth, stylish and subtle, but it’s shockingly more expensive than current A4 owners might expect"},"display_date":"2025-02-12T07:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Audi’s A5 offers elegant motoring but it’s shockingly more expensive than current A4 owners might expect ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"POMNBGYBYNBJFAQLOAGKTBFP34","auth":{"1":"598e6296df21570f4bfced283c5df7493a00c080ad2b78777ed7797c3b5349d9"},"focal_point":{"x":2818,"y":2435},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/POMNBGYBYNBJFAQLOAGKTBFP34.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/12/audis-understated-a5-offers-elegant-motoring-at-a-price/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"2EWCPIJNSBDTREQ2H4TSD2BHHQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":521,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/4941fd7a-2455-46be-bc03-697e8bb85b06/versions/1738766219/media/5722eb1719aa8d69d40464306d1e39b3_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/11/chinas-x-factor-xpeng-arrives-in-ireland-with-42k-electric-g6-suv/","content_elements":[{"_id":"PBRALXL63FGETNG7FCRBDVVP4I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Not for the first time, a new <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\">car</a> brand has arrived on the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/\">Irish</a> market as a potentially good Scrabble score. The previous champ was <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai/\">Hyundai</a>, whose use of the letter Y would ensure you a haul of points, even without landing on a triple-word-score square. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LXN3OHYEJBHHXI6NS4RJY7FOZM","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, newly arrived <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/china/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/china/\">Chinese</a> brand Xpeng may just have beaten it. It may be a shorter word, but that X pays serious Scrabble dividends. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2IY7CFHYBF55OEPYMGR4POJ2E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Unlike its Chinese rival <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/byd/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/byd/\">BYD</a>, which has been in business for several decades now, and which began as a battery maker before it ever started making cars, Xpeng is a far more recent company. It was established in the Chinese city of Guangzhou as recently as 2014, and only put its first car on sale in 2018.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BWT7UX2SXJDZPGVIFGQE6JLTGU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Xpeng (it’s actually pronounced shao-peng, but no-one’s going to yell at you for pronouncing the X) G6 electric SUV, which has just gone on sale in Ireland, doesn’t look or feel – at least initially – like the product of a company which has only been making cars for seven years. It feels instantly, immediately competitive, in fact – a sign of China’s incredible industrial might and battery technology dominance. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VIMHAZ3KM5BUFATSC2BWEDNJAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The G6 is a smart-looking car which nonetheless doesn’t manage to be very memorable in its styling. It’s a default egg-shaped windcheating SUV. Originally it seemed as if Xpeng had taken significant inspiration from the big-selling Tesla Model Y for the style of the G6, but with Tesla having just released its latest, updated and restyled Model Y, it now looks as if the inspiration is flowing the other way – the Tesla now looks like a clone of the G6.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BIXUNEQ4NNBTHJ3O4VD77BV2QU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Chinese electric car brand Xpeng to enter Irish market next year","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"5URZ7SOU2ZDV7P3TQLVIENQEAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are two versions of the G6 available, There’s a standard rear-wheel drive model, with 258hp and a 66kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery – good for repeated charging and robust in its chemical make-up) which has a WLTP range of 435km and a price tag of €42,000. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VA75JRU7UJBXBO5BXTDDEXTY2U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Or, for €49,440 you can have the long-range version, which gets an 87.5kWh lithium-ion battery (not as robust as the LFP one, but it’s more energy-dense) which manages a claimed 570km on a full charge and has the same 258hp motor. Those prices are competitive, but not undercutting most of the big European and Japanese rivals by much – the expectation is the Xpeng will be a premium brand, not a cheap brand. To back that up, there’s also a 476hp performance model, with two motors and four-wheel drive. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"J7I4QQW22ZHR7JLSWHWX6YIV5M","subtype":"pullquote","type":"quote"},{"_id":"ZQYPXOGL5VBOXJZ6TVO4TP4N64","additional_properties":{},"content":"Sit into the G6 and it has a pleasantly airy cabin, especially with the white colour scheme for its dashboard and synthetic-leather seats. It’s a shame that such synthetic leather almost always feels like recycled rubber bouncy balls, but the cabin is roomy and the G6 is comfortable, aside from a notably offset driving position.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VENZ5LDGCNC4XFRDIAQW43DVHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Inevitably, the big 15-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash controls everything, and the dearth of proper buttons will be annoying at times, but it’s a fairly easy screen to find your way around, and it includes such online services as Spotify and TuneIn Radio. Significantly, and unlike its American rival, the Xpeng G6 gets a clear, simple, 10-inch driver’s instrument display, which takes a lot of the strain and complication off the big central screen. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NMTSFWSL74HY2YLCPAUME4JK6Q","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"NKILFWUCZVBMLCYOZKXRTVGORE","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are also familiar column stalks – taken straight from the Mercedes parts bin, or at least the same supplier, as far as we can tell – and with roomy back seats and a decent 571-litre boot, the G6 feels less like a new arrival and more like a thoroughly mature product. EV doubters may be mollified, to an extent, by the fact that our test car was showing 500km available on an 80 per cent charge, and that it recorded 20kWh/100km on a brief test drive. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"A5JQI5WVFZB65PGLEJHVPV6OPU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Better still, with 800-volt charging technology, you can add as much as 230km of extra range in as little as 10 minutes of charging, assuming you can find a DC charger pumping out enough current to meet the G6’s ultimate 280kW charging speed. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LMEFZONWERHPBM4WMO2GPE4GDY","additional_properties":{},"content":"To drive? Well ... In fairness, this was a brief test drive but on this assessment no-one is going to be sneaking out on a Sunday morning to take their G6 for a spin. It’s smooth (aside from an over-firm low-speed ride quality), brisk without being notably fast, very refined, very comfortable, and easy to drive with light steering and good forward (if poor rearward) visibility.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5DECFLRMRVHTVAJY3CWWH33IJU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Xpeng prides itself on being a very tech-forward company, so the G6 is crawling with digital assistance, not just in terms of driving – the usual battery of sensors, cameras, and driving aids are present and correct – but also in more ephemeral areas, such as a one-touch on-screen button that sets up the cabin for “mindfulness” or another that converts the seats into a lie-flat double-bed. Car-camping, anyone?","type":"text"},{"_id":"AXUEVY4GFNFEBPJOZOJIQWAZLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Of probably more importance for most consumers is a substantial list of standard equipment, including a panoramic glass roof, heated and chilled seats, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting and Xpeng’s own “XOpera” sound system which seemed suitably symphonic. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YEKWE4VYCRBS5OP4T3PETU74UU","additional_properties":{},"content":"China’s EV sales set to overtake traditional cars years ahead of west","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"QWJPQYJ5XVEV3HY3R6T5A2T3EM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Xpeng is being imported into Ireland by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL), which also holds the franchises for Mercedes-Benz, Smart and BYD. “In appointing dealers who will represent Xpeng, we will be recruiting outside our current network,” MDL’s Ciaran Allen told The Irish Times. “Our objective will be to maintain a competitive balance between all of the brands we represent and, insofar as conditions within the market permit, to create its own independent presence for Xpeng within the retail environment.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RXO46FFVV5C5VNUSG4YAA2IJIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"When it comes to the EU’s recently introduced tariffs on Chinese-built electric cars, it looks as if Xpeng will follow what others have done and, in the short term at any rate, absorb those extra charges without passing them on to the consumer. “To-date, manufacturers whose products MDL represents have taken a pragmatic view and absorbed the impact of those the EU has applied,” said Allen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSPQJQODBFD7HH5EXM4FJWFHRI","embed":{"config":{},"id":"acast_podcast-74490","url":"/"},"subtype":"acast_podcast","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"4XVB7OSCH5DSHLOF2VIHSLXWYI","additional_properties":{},"content":"As for the state of the electric car market in Ireland, following the disastrous 24 per cent fall in sales in 2024, Allen said: “Markets have always ebbed and flowed and will continue to do so in future. EV sales in Ireland will rise with the tide as EV ownership becomes more prevalent; as the number of brands and EV dealerships increases; as motorists become even more aware of the benefits that EV motoring brings, not least in terms of cost savings; as EV technology advances; and as our infrastructure expands.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ARFNXE5J2FCBJLAAJOOKO62JXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Allen also pointed out that, even with the drop-off in sales last year, Irish buyers responded positively to MDL’s other Chinese brand, BYD, and its high-tech cars with relatively affordable prices. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"IGCARANIBBBZTG53DLHZSHHW3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"“As BYD’s sales volumes to date show, Irish motorists are responding enthusiastically to the cost savings that electric motoring brings, and to the ‘more for less’ value that Chinese-built vehicles deliver,” he said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"J4NVWTTQGVGDJLJBRCXNR7GSBY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Now, with the arrival of Xpeng on to the market here, and the launch of its ‘hi-spec’ G6 SUV, the added competition that this new market entrant brings will drive growth and increase customer interest even further.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TDR5JRK7TZGL7PHMA6DHK4T3UE","additional_properties":{},"content":"China’s electric-vehicle leader BYD posts record sales in 2024","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"WSI5HHBKFNGMVD5SLOSEE6O4Q4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Allen also said MDL expects a “significant expansion in dealer numbers” to cope with demand for both BYD and Xpeng, and he dropped hints of major new BYD models to come – including a hybrid-engined Seal coupe, and even a Seal estate. Later this year BYD will launch an affordable compact EV crossover called the Atto 2, and an SUV version of the electric Seal, called the Sealion 7. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LONBW3PD3JG6XG32RLUVTVAXWE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Back with Xpeng, how will it score with Irish buyers? Given the G6’s immediately obvious all-round competence, and the fact that rival BYD has already proven popular here, expect it to do well. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOVTCDSCPVE5HA3QHUA34VKTNI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Further models – including a G9 mid-size SUV and a sleek four-door saloon called the X7+ – will follow in the coming months, and Xpeng even has plans – serious plans – for a combined six-wheeled truck with a built-in autonomous drone-like personal helicopter. That vehicle, called the Land Aircraft Carrier, is deep into development in China already, and the helicopter bit has already passed its Chinese airworthiness tests. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HBKTT4P7T5DNFMSXSOQBPVLZDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Could such a thing ever go on sale in Ireland? “Suffice it to say, the question is one that underlines Xpeng’s vision, their capacity for ‘outside-the-box thinking, and their penchant for invention in matters relating to individual transportation,” said Allen. ","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"More new Chinese models to follow – there’s even a truck with a built-in personal helicopter in development"},"display_date":"2025-02-11T20:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"China’s X factor: Xpeng arrives in Ireland with €42k electric G6 SUV","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HPSGZLNCNRBQHGA7ZEJE4JIRCY","auth":{"1":"1b45e18019997fda7218ca53736704458031c594cd781e518743cefc383213a0"},"focal_point":{"x":1294,"y":881},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/HPSGZLNCNRBQHGA7ZEJE4JIRCY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/11/chinas-x-factor-xpeng-arrives-in-ireland-with-42k-electric-g6-suv/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"FGEQPKKC45FTLPFOSPJ3YEDDWI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":273,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/cc732c5e-a34a-4693-b9a8-04919c9a1cbd/versions/1739206708/media/7be90ed40bfffca1c8bcb1dcfd2581cd_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/11/electric-vehicles-qa-which-ev-performs-best-in-cold-weather/","content_elements":[{"_id":"VE7ECEXMARFVNKBOZ6OIBI7JOM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Given the recent cold snaps, how much are EVs affected by chilly weather?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"7PWMOYIKWBCZ3D5KMHPOH4PBSQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"We all know that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\">electric car</a> ranges are affected by winter weather. When it’s cold out, the physical chemistry of an electric car’s battery is affected, and it becomes less efficient (batteries, like us, tend to prefer a nice stable ambient temperature of about 20 degrees).","type":"text"},{"_id":"2GIG3WCDSFGPBNS6RMEGNNT2CU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Compounding that effect on chemistry is the simple fact that humans need warming up too, and heating the inside of the car uses battery energy to turn on heating systems. Even with an efficient heat pump set-up, the losses can be significant (we may need to resume wearing driving coats and gauntlets).","type":"text"},{"_id":"U7Y25J5MCBA73CVV36IFLD6ZZE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Of course, not all cars are affected equally so we’re thankful for the joint efforts of both the Norwegian Automobile Association (NAF) and Norway’s Motor magazine, which carry out an annual test of the leading EV models in freezing, snowy conditions to see which performs best, and which performs worst.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JBXYQ2Y26RAIZFQX7J3AURDCYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"More electric vehicle Q&As","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"CPPXELS2YNFENPW7XE5DNA6XTM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The good news this year is that EVs seem to be getting slightly better when it comes to dealing with icy conditions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZCXD4W2H2FAJZK2YI6RP6X4Q7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the 2024 test, the average loss of range stood at 22 per cent, while for this year it was 18 per cent, although the testers urge caution in reading too much into that figure as this is a test carried out on real roads in real conditions, so the parameters change all the time.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZDGLBUYT5E37LUG3W5FSMDLDU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Indeed, at one point on this year’s test, all of the cars had to stand idle for almost an hour as the road was blocked by a truck that had slithered off on the ice, while exceptionally wintry conditions in the final mountain road stage meant that high speeds couldn’t be maintained.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J5HRDITQU5H7BP4MHOCKU4ELFA","additional_properties":{},"content":"In terms of the difference between claimed and actual range, the overall winner of the test this year had a certain amount of Scandi home advantage, as it was the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2024/06/09/polestar-3-is-an-suv-that-doesnt-want-to-be-tall/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2024/06/09/polestar-3-is-an-suv-that-doesnt-want-to-be-tall/\">Polestar 3</a>. The big SUV claims a range of up to 559km, and on the test (in which the cars are driven continuously until they reach between 10-15 per cent charge) the 3 managed to cover 530km – a drop in range of only 4.1 per cent. Its average energy consumption of 18.9kWh/100km was only 8.7 per cent shy of the claimed WLTP figure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJZSPJMBYZHJDLV4CZLXYWOGYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The next best was the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2024/05/08/mini-countryman-review-slick-cabin-and-great-screen-but-too-hefty-and-too-blunt-to-be-a-true-mini/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2024/05/08/mini-countryman-review-slick-cabin-and-great-screen-but-too-hefty-and-too-blunt-to-be-a-true-mini/\">Mini Countryman</a>, which may only have a pretty short claimed range of 400km, but it managed to cover 356km before giving up the ghost. Rounding out the podium places was the BYD Tang, a large Chinese-built seven-seat SUV which isn’t on sale in Ireland yet, but which has a claimed range of 530km and it managed to cover 483km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6CTKHICJUZHBBB4RC3DYEDBKBQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The poorest performer on the test may surprise you – it was the Tesla Model 3, which against its claimed 703km range delivered 532km; a decent distance to cover, but some 170km shy of the official claimed figure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUPDPH4ODZCDRFNKWT7DHZAQQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"That means winter costs you 23.6 per cent of your Tesla’s winter range. That said, Motor did point out that even with the range drop, the Model 3 still had the best cost-per-kilometre of all the cars on the test.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FODEZN4LMNCJHERL3YL4BQS2CA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Also performing poorly was the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2024/09/18/peugeot-e-3008-review-electric-suv-coupe-is-a-long-range-surprise/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/review/2024/09/18/peugeot-e-3008-review-electric-suv-coupe-is-a-long-range-surprise/\">Peugeot E-3008</a>, which drove for 348km, but fell 162km short of its claimed range. Also on the naughty step were the VW ID.7 Tourer (although in fairness it was the high-performance GTX version), which fell 24 per cent short of its claim, covering 434km, while the Porsche Macan Electric saw its range drop by 22 per cent, managing to reach 429km before needing a charge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PNTPC44IQJCWZECLEAJKLOHMEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The new Xpeng 6 electric SUV – a Chinese model which is launching in the Irish market this month – dropped its range by 22 per cent as well, covering the same 429km as the Macan. Also in the 22 per cent club was the BMW i5 xDrive40 Touring, which drove for 387km on a full charge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L2WQ25LWBVGG3API73E6KXYEA4","additional_properties":{},"content":"And if you’re assuming that all the Scandinavian models would perform well in a winter test, think again – the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2023/11/06/volvos-electric-ex30-is-small-and-perfectly-formed/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2023/11/06/volvos-electric-ex30-is-small-and-perfectly-formed/\">Volvo EX30</a> also lost 22 per cent of its range, reaching a maximum of 368km.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CW2DGT6XDJASVCHRZXZZ6G2R5M","content":"\n<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>\n","type":"raw_html"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Helping to separate electric vehicle myths from facts, we’re here to answer all your EV questions"},"display_date":"2025-02-11T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Electric vehicles Q&A: Which EV performs best in cold weather?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4YEZBVT6PNFTLB6FWLTVWYXW2A","auth":{"1":"09355477bd8467930ef8d6b3d2bc09868328f1c01a7edb3f8f2872c9d4719c68"},"focal_point":{"x":4112,"y":3228},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4YEZBVT6PNFTLB6FWLTVWYXW2A.jpg"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/11/electric-vehicles-qa-which-ev-performs-best-in-cold-weather/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"6OTWWRSITVFVZJWB2OKWS3EKT4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":408,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/5499b902-4f37-402a-80bf-7cdd29cfcfa4/versions/1738846792/media/7e31aae04e5d0ccd44ac52fe05568188_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/10/byds-atto-2-will-shake-up-the-ev-market-but-dont-expect-it-to-be-lots-of-fun/","content_elements":[{"_id":"THBWA7TO4VCGPFBFB46336A2HQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Being a European car company executive these days must feel like being the proverbial frog in ever-warming water.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6N3CMAOO2JG6FOH4BHBN3UT2OE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Not only do you have to contend with disrupted supply chains, the potential damage from tariffs, and European governments vacillating over their willingness to support <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles/\" target=\"_blank\">electric car</a> incentives, but you also have <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/china/\" target=\"_blank\">China</a> looming like a patient elephant in the corner of your boardroom. Whatever car you might be able to make, China can probably make it just as good, for less.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PIT2MRGFEZFGFLI2S7S454TEOA","additional_properties":{},"content":"China’s dominant player, at least when it comes to electric cars, is <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/byd/\" target=\"_blank\">BYD</a>. While the Build Your Dreams moniker might seem rather cheesy, this company is deadly serious about taking on and beating the US, European, Japanese and Korean motoring grandees at their own game.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5HH4ZG53NFHWNJLDYEQ47MIGYE","additional_properties":{"_id":1738847790890},"content":"China’s electric-vehicle leader BYD posts record sales in 2024","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"TD3H4YN53BFTTCYCAAY3T2AY7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"We’ve already seen BYD produce a passable EV family SUV (the Atto 3), an impressive electro hatchback (the Dolphin) and an impressive sporty saloon (the Seal). Now BYD is coming for Europe’s most important market segment – small SUVs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DRZ7D42EANGYLKQHGIRHKTVNGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"So while this new Atto 2 is another all-electric model, its primary rivals won’t just be fellow battery-powered cars such as the Jeep Avenger and Opel Frontera; it will also be taking on the likes of the Toyota Yaris Cross and Renault Captur, attempting to turn those buyers over to battery motoring.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4AYOSM2CNBTTOPLBDEDIAH5G4","additional_properties":{},"content":"That won’t be easy, as many of these buyers will be of a more conservative bent, reluctant to embrace new technology they view as unproven.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZHIYNNILNDPPL3DR7VUHEXZMU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equally, BYD’s recent appearance on front pages over alleged <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/world/americas/2024/12/24/workers-in-slavery-like-conditions-found-at-byd-factory-site-in-brazil/\" target=\"_self\">exploitative working conditions</a> for the people building its new factory in Brazil will not have endeared it to more liberal-minded buyers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JC2OUGZZMFGWPA6LSMFTGI2XCA","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, the Atto 2 might be good enough to convince even the doubters.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVM7PF4V6FEYDAGPPZP3K6MLXY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Maybe not right away – initially this compact EV crossover arrives in July with only a 312km range on one charge, which given our poor national charging network probably isn’t really enough – but most likely later, in October or thereabouts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EVYMOZR6FZBN7FMHJVYLW4KSPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1738847790898},"type":"image"},{"_id":"KA7THC3RVBEJVFE6OFACNBXJUA","additional_properties":{"_id":1738847790901},"type":"image"},{"_id":"MY6TPHI6SFH5XJBCUKLBVAYSHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s when the Comfort model, with its bigger battery and 435km range, arrives and it might do the trick. Prices should start from just under €30,000, although that will be confirmed closer to the summer on-sale date.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4RTYI7RXRGY3FUTN5A7AS6GAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Against most of its current opposition, the Atto 2 has one significant advantage – its cabin. For anyone still thinking Chinese-made cars are cheap and tacky, the Atto 2 turns that on its head. It has a nicer, classier interior than the Opel Frontera or Citroën C3 Aircross, both of which are closer to Dacia than Davos in terms of poshness.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HO6TEHUESBHMVAXGIWAOC4PBPE","additional_properties":{},"content":"By contrast, the Atto 2 has buttery-soft imitation leather seats (standard), a panoramic glass roof (standard) and a generally impressive level of fit and finish. It’s not quite premium, but it’s not far off and certainly better than the standards of this small SUV class. Space is good too, with generous legroom and headroom in the back, and a reasonable 400-litre boot.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QBUMCWQ57RG5BIB4ZQG277V4UI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The big screen in the centre of the dash (10.1in for basic Active models, and 12.8in for the Boost version we’re testing here) is also much improved.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SZ6XQJ3GYNBABJPWIIFB2HFNP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"BYD gives you at least a smattering of physical buttons, which helps, but better yet is the software upgrade being rolled out to other BYD models as well, including existing cars by way of a download. It fixes the air-conditioning controls permanently in the bottom of the screen and allows a “multitouch” three-finger swipe, which means you can alter the cabin temperature by swiping up or down anywhere on the screen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62CDSQO77JG4NGKMHZ5UPWM2EY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Clever stuff, and there’s fun too: built-in YouTube and games for whiling away charging stops (which will take a while as the maximum DC charging power is only 65kW) and even a karaoke system, which is almost enough for us to hand over our Irish Times car of the year gong on the spot. Fire up Dancing Queen, please ...","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNBWJIIQF5FRBBHIN2XKUW74EM","additional_properties":{"_id":1738847790906},"type":"image"},{"_id":"J6OOSFW7T5DVTDBB5LZRJSBRVI","additional_properties":{},"content":"More importantly (well, depending on how important you consider karaoke to be) the Atto 2 comes, for now, with a 45.1kWh battery (more robust and long-lasting compared to the more common lithium-ion batteries, and BYD warranties it for 200,000km) which gives it range of 312km. That isn’t much, but it’s arguably enough for those who don’t regularly cover big mileages, and it’s a realistic range, as a chilly drive around the environs of Madrid proved.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KO3PKDJMRZG6PPPTPYUS2K3YDM","additional_properties":{},"content":"A range of 280km seems to be about the minimum you’d get, helped by a standard-fit heat pump heating system (pay attention, European car makers who charge extra for such items). Performance is fine – the 170hp and 290Nm of torque is delivered with smooth progressiveness – but don’t go expecting fun.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KB3N7BYVTVA2ZLTZN7LQS6L7EM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Atto 2 has been tuned to have a soft, springy ride quality for dealing with urban obstacles, and its steering is light and rubbery, allowing you to exploit a tight turning circle, but it’s not entertaining once you get out of town. Totally competent, and with decent refinement and comfort (helped by those excellent front seats) but a fun-free zone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBJW2U4OWZHKXMSFMPIF3B5RW4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Most customers probably won’t care much about that, but it seems odd that BYD – an engineering-led company with enormous resources both technical and human – has yet to produce a car that’s actually fun to drive. The Seal saloon comes closest so far, but even that’s a bit plank-like on anything but a perfectly smooth road. C’mon, BYD – EVs can be fun too. Honest, they can.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ONEV3ZFDG5GO3KMDHUJBEJLVAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Taking more serious considerations of value and equipment into consideration, the Atto 2 will place more worrying weight on the shoulders of European car company execs. To produce a family-friendly small electric SUV for a price of less than €30,000, Opel and Citroën – to take two examples – have had to make cheap and cheerful cars, with a whiff of the hair shirt about them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ITES6FSRYZEGVLRH4CBEVL7MFI","additional_properties":{},"content":"BYD, flexing its Chinese labour cost muscles (not to mention its government supports and lack of pesky unions etc) has shown that it can be done with a quasi-premium feel instead. Net of the reluctance among some to switch to battery power, expect this compact BYD to make a big impression on Irish car buyers.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"New compact EV will be taking on the likes of Jeep Avenger, Opel Frontera and Renault Captur in the small SUV sector"},"display_date":"2025-02-10T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"BYD’s Atto 2 will shake up the EV market, but don’t expect it to be lots of fun ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"JVBBA6HAA5GYRBYYVV5UYVLWEY","auth":{"1":"e9d0454991289616f2b0e5921f2e87d41d601959144a373cc71067264c0e085e"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/JVBBA6HAA5GYRBYYVV5UYVLWEY.jpg"}},"subtype":"feature","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/10/byds-atto-2-will-shake-up-the-ev-market-but-dont-expect-it-to-be-lots-of-fun/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"J7NPZUUPCJGH5KJHCHJY5D2WB4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":170,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/126dc664-fd7a-47c8-82ad-56fab5434566/versions/1738846408/media/07d0a384a103e2304a5b8cb2e3ad4ab9_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/07/how-did-a-car-that-was-too-dangerous-to-drive-pass-the-nct/","content_elements":[{"_id":"XJKYJRMWFFDZZE5EP2I6W2UMMY","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"O27TE3HKKBDBHHTDIJK3FK445E","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"XUJ7EUB3DZGBVCQV2UAY554KG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"What’s been happening with the NCT?","type":"header"},{"_id":"74KAAXLCOJAX3EYLKIVJSIRZSI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nct/\" target=\"_blank\">NCT</a> – the National Car Test, if you didn’t already know, the check that is carried out on your <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/\" target=\"_blank\">car</a> every year or two years to make sure it’s still roadworthy – has had a bad week as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2025/02/04/nct-passes-unroadworthy-car-as-fit-for-the-road/\" target=\"_blank\">it emerged that a car passed as fit was actually too dangerous to drive</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3CAAFY54XFECPHAQ76H6D67A2U","additional_properties":{},"content":"How did this happen?","type":"header"},{"_id":"YT6HYE3WBNFYTOOSHKFXR7676U","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s a good question. The story came to light when Dubliner Esther Woodley contacted The Irish Times to tell us her story of buying a 2008 <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_blank\">Volkswagen</a> Polo from a car dealer in Dublin. Having bought the car on the basis of it passing the NCT test, said test was duly performed and the car collected as arranged.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2TTJKIJA4BEGTJABVPI2QKCNM4","additional_properties":{},"content":"And then, we assume, things started to go wrong?","type":"header"},{"_id":"O5YTM2IZLNC6JMWSRYOND3FPBU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Indeed so. Concerned that the Polo was displaying a lot of worrying warning lights, Ms Woodley contacted the dealership, which assured her it would sort any issues. But after that, communications with the dealer went blank, and when Ms Woodley tried to call in, she found a new name over the door, and new staff within.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZMKTCKTLLZELPIQ5J47QQYKVFI","additional_properties":{},"content":"How bad a state was the Polo in?","type":"header"},{"_id":"ABR4ECI5RZCLRIIFPKISIOE2JA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Truly shocking. An independent motoring engineer inspected the car and found that it had been seriously damaged in a frontal collision and that damage had been poorly, even shoddily, repaired. In fact, the car had previously been written off and twice failed the NCT on previous attempts. It only passed on the third try, just as Ms Woodley was buying it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OPF2GEJDHFFMFBWFG3OZIH56DU","additional_properties":{},"content":"So who’s at fault here?","type":"header"},{"_id":"MDLGT5NLNREFDIGY3BL6MVFNXI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Clearly, the car dealer in question – who’s not being named as there are possible civil and criminal investigations to be carried out – is at fault for passing off a car so damaged that it should have been scrapped as a legitimate purchase.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5XFRN3DA6VFQNCE6NEPLG33UPI","additional_properties":{},"content":"More seriously, there’s the question of how an NCT inspection station passed the car as safe to drive, when it very clearly and obviously was not. The Road Safety Authority (RSA), itself currently being broken up into different agencies following a Government review, told The Irish Times that it “acknowledges that this vehicle should not have passed its NCT upon its third presentation within a short period.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCI24BNVPFGWTOVY3UDLEOKUCY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The RSA told us that it has requested that <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/applus/\" target=\"_blank\">Applus+</a> – the Spain-based company that runs the NCT service on a Government contract – investigates how this occurred and that any additional training and standards measures required are identified and implemented.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IWZ7U5RK65GMJPDM66O6EC6DAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1738847684958},"content":"Ministerial and public frustration at driving test delays led to Road Safety Authority break-up review, board said","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"XVBBLD2YPRDO3GWDMVDWOHA6JE","additional_properties":{},"content":"What happens next?","type":"header"},{"_id":"W5BVVI3XWVAJPCF5R7UWP2YNWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The RSA and Applus+ will have to investigate the incident and explain exactly how such a dangerous car passed its NCT. We will then have to find out whether or not this was an isolated incident.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"That’s precisely the question the National Car Test faces after an unsafe vehicle was passed as fit for the road"},"display_date":"2025-02-07T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How did a car that was too dangerous to drive pass the NCT?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"BRP4TQAEYRGVXPKLXBVIJPMEQY","auth":{"1":"7ddb7ba283cc09abc8499ee2e77d28f5561c7c0f30e427e3726b1e0823922bbf"},"focal_point":{"x":600,"y":430},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/BRP4TQAEYRGVXPKLXBVIJPMEQY.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/07/how-did-a-car-that-was-too-dangerous-to-drive-pass-the-nct/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"5WP3YJS2G5H2PIQM2M2CBX55N4","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":528,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/908a4551-7763-499a-baa1-2a74529f4b0a/versions/1737639646/media/c4bdee2a77d01db38a33163dbc345053_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/05/mg-hs-review-impressive-plug-in-hybrid-suv-is-proof-of-how-far-the-brand-has-come/","content_elements":[{"_id":"DM4D7FDHJNHTFMICO6NLJ6IKLY","additional_properties":{},"content":"To say that the MG brand has come a long way in a short time is to rather dramatically undersell what has been an astonishing rebirth of one of motoring’s great names, under Chinese ownership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6EJOQWLKOJFZBIYLX2Q4RIHXRU","additional_properties":{},"content":"MG seemed to have been dead and done in 2004, as the MG Rover company, born out of the wreckage of the old Rover Group, finally breathed its last. MG had become, in the 1930s, one of the great sports car brands, with affection backed up by motor sports victories and even an occasional land speed record.","type":"text"},{"_id":"623HLGK4B5HCJC37TSMT5QHC3Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"By the 1950s and 1960s, MG was really into its stride with the gorgeous MGA and latterly the MGB, which would become the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car until the Mazda MX-5 took that trophy in the late 1990s.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5QLPZ3VU5VEVLHFTLNX7NNK7H4","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, by the 1970s MG – like so much of the once mighty British motor industry – was on life support, and the MGB, launched in 1962, limped on listlessly until 1982. The badge was kept alive by being used as Austin Rover’s hot-hatch brand, and latterly through a proper sports car revival in 1995 with the delightful, if flawed, MGF. 2004, though, seemed like the end of days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GFLYGOP4GRANRILKBKO4YTQVVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, the Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation (SAIC) swept in and scooped up the post-collapse wreckage of MG Rover and decided that the bit that was worth saving was the MG badge. Stick that on to some otherwise humdrum cars developed with Chinese engineering and budget largesse, and you’d have a recognised brand ripe for global expansion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YKADQVRTPNFQRFLOAVYHSKXUJE","additional_properties":{},"content":"MG restarted cautiously, with a few somewhat dreary models, before hitting big with the new ZS crossover, which became one of the brand’s first electric cars. To be fair, that ZS was dreary enough in itself (no fun at all to drive) but buyers liked its pricing and practicality, and so MG’s rebirth really kicked up a gear.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VSHMYKDHEFFZVLYFRURBBWN5NU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Now, in early 2025, we stand at a point where MG can start making sports cars again – the expensive, but rather lovely, electric MG Cyberster complete with its Instagram-friendly Lamborghini-style doors – while also shrugging off the “…but it’s cheap” suffix of justification that followed most of its revival models around.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WPDBYZILYBGSHFS5DQWSGREMEY","additional_properties":{"_id":"QHNOXRTOEFAFRF3IMCXKJ4AVJU"},"content":"MG’s dramatic new Cyberster electric sports car lights the fuse on MG’s reinvention","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"AZETHE6LY5CTTG5AS33XWNPYAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":"DRCN6V5ISZDXZLNTQDD2JETM4U"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2237U6CLF5AYXDZF4CJ4DU2WGQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Indeed, this new MG HS hybrid SUV can almost do without the suffix or the justification. It’s good enough to stand tall with the best of them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O4TFH254RFGUTASACTVPBYXV7E","additional_properties":{},"content":"For a start, it looks nice. The previous HS looked okay too, but was visually a bit of a pastiche of Mazda’s first-gen CX-5. This new HS is sharper by far, and very handsome if perhaps a touch generic. In the metallic grey paint of our test car, you could easily lose it in a crowded car park amid the hordes of other metallic grey SUVs. Wonder if MG has any spare orange paint left over from the MG4 electric hatchback?","type":"text"},{"_id":"33CRX27VVFAN5PZ5P4GYRAACDI","additional_properties":{"_id":"VTURHYDHYRAVNMHONS52JNNHYU"},"content":"MG delivers its best car in decades – and it’s priced to give its rivals sleepless nights","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"4R62GOUXJFC4FCP7VQC4ASO52E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Inside, the HS arguably represents the biggest step forward by a modern MG model, bar the slightly odd multi-screened Cyberster. Perceived quality has taken a big step up, so that the sense of built-to-a-price-ness that pervades even the impressive MG4 EV isn’t present here. Sure, there are a couple of cheap bits and pieces (true of most cars, even premium-badge stuff these days), but MG has clearly invested in the right bits as the stuff you touch and use every day – the steering wheel, the column stalks, the gear selector – all feel really good.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OYJNX7XKXJAZ3EECKL27VL3W6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"The front seats are comfy and the back seats are roomy, although this is one large-ish SUV that doesn’t come with a seven-seat option, as the hybrid battery gets in the way. Still, while the 507-litre boot isn’t the biggest in the world, it’s probably enough for most.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGMVPZLKQNB3XLWMGPE2EKFT3Y","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"H67HT7SDG5CUHPNMAVKXJOTMAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"MG has also worked hard on its twin 12.3-inch screens – instruments and infotainment doubled-up in one big sweep across the dash – as the graphics look far smarter than they used to, and it’s easier now to get the instrument panel set up with the information you want and need.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NNBRUVQTUJBZNFWXVCZXQO4IYA","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, the infotainment screen is a bit of a mess when it comes to usability. Note to MG, and to all carmakers: please don’t fit a driver distraction monitor that beeps angrily at you for even flicking your eyes away from dead ahead, and then also put pretty much every single control on to a touchscreen with an inconsistent menu layout. Better yet, give us a few physical controls for things that need quick access, such as climate control buttons and a radio volume control. The HS doesn’t actually have one of those at all, bar the button on the steering wheel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PUJW5V5ZPZER3AST44FJ4ZYVWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"While the touchscreen will never not be maddening, the MG HS does rather better with how it drives. Some markets get a petrol-only HS model, but we only get the plug-in hybrid which combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 21.4kWh battery pack, topped up by a 7.4kW AC charging socket mounted on the left rear shoulder of the car.","type":"text"},{"_id":"F7CHGJZKPNBTLCAQICRDU675Z4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Fully charged, MG claims an electric-only range of up to 120km and that’s not unrealistic. Even in mixed driving conditions, with the air conditioning going, we easily managed 90km, so with a little more care and attention, 100km-plus seems doable. It’s hugely impressive in that respect, and impressive too in its overall economy. Starting with a full battery and a full fuel tank, over a 300km journey we managed to average 5.9 litres per 100km, although motorway consumption was more like 7.0-litres per 100km to be fair.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V6RRRVLBMZB75IQHFHJ6VDYZZA","additional_properties":{"_id":"T4RVE2Y2AZFKLKQIP5C7V2RPCM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"TB2ZWNFAYZGZXHE46KZ343ZLQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Performance is good too, with 299hp and 350Nm giving the HS a fleet-footed 6.8 second 0-100km/h time, and mid-range performance is more than solid.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NHSUB3RCIZBRDNE5IM5H3ZUJH4","additional_properties":{},"content":"It’s also a really rather nice car to drive. The steering is numb, but responsive all the same and the HS’s body control is impressive too, so it never feels sloppy nor floppy. Of course, the reason for this is that MG seems to have tightened down the HS’s springs a bit too much, so the ride quality is really over-firm and too fidgety on anything other than a smooth surface. Compared with rivals, it betters the softly-softly BYD Seal-U plug-in hybrid for driver engagement, but neither can match the all-round performance of Toyota’s ageing, but still impressive, RAV4 PHEV (even if the RAV runs out of electric puff as much as 40km before the Chinese pair).","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOWK6BTZRVAGXE6PX66FQDXOQE","additional_properties":{},"content":"That said, while the Toyota remains better overall to drive, even in top-spec Exclusive form, the HS is some €9,000 less expensive, and definitely has the Toyota beat for EV range on one charge. This is a superior kind of PHEV, one in which you could easily and without effort conduct your Monday-to-Friday driving on electric power, saving the fuel and the 1.5 turbo for longer weekend jaunts. For many of us, it might be a better way of going electric until such time as someone steps up and installs a truly functional national charging network.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WNLLRB4CMZBXPBV6TPI23FDUVI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the meantime, fix the ride, put in some actual switches in the cabin and give us a touchscreen that works, and the MG HS would be close to faultless.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KUGPCMDUKBBUNOKIDWAKYHZAKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Lowdown: MG HS Plug-In Hybrid Exclusive</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"ANPHITY5HVG7XKPRKE3TGTM5QY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Power: </b>1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 135kW motor and 21.4kWh lithium-ion battery producing 299hp and 350 of torque and powering the front wheels via a two-speed automatic transmission.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DO4LAC63SNARVH4PVBJBONDCZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>CO2 emissions (annual motor tax):</b> 12g/km (€180)","type":"text"},{"_id":"K3BWWDVEIBAHVLMACMIJHV5CXU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption:</b> 0.5l/100km (WLTP)","type":"text"},{"_id":"B6IRVTKU65GDLJHQOJHENC45XQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>0-100km/h: </b>6.8secs","type":"text"},{"_id":"EHHWYLW3KNGJDIKUUBE5RMBIOQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Price:</b> €43,995 as tested, HS starts from €40,995","type":"text"},{"_id":"224LLKSP25BI5BPINH3I4DRGCY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Our rating:</b> 3/5","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJVT76UQT5FF5OOF5IN46JAFHY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Verdict:</b> It’s let down by an awkward touchscreen but the MG HS is a solid SUV performer, with impressive electric range.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Awkward touchscreen lets it down but the new MG HS is a solid performer with impressive electric range"},"display_date":"2025-02-05T07:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"MG HS review: Impressive plug-in hybrid SUV is proof of how far the brand has come","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"3K4QHTDSGBAMTG34N5XEOPTQCM","auth":{"1":"b4ef305a8ef380918b7e361ab26cc2dff5056479eb48e3bc4ffc75e3a1066dc2"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/3K4QHTDSGBAMTG34N5XEOPTQCM.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/05/mg-hs-review-impressive-plug-in-hybrid-suv-is-proof-of-how-far-the-brand-has-come/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"XLYR7CXDVRFSPBCVNAOKD4SP2I","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":592,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/bb612364-8568-47a7-8534-b32c7370f153/versions/1738670948/media/4b93634203b17fdd20f906ff922fc8e7_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/05/what-data-is-your-car-storing-about-you/","content_elements":[{"_id":"7MOW4ZQRSVHY7KAUNUL5WMJX7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cars are increasingly digital. That sounds like something of an obvious statement, given the TV-sized screens now increasingly standard fit for the interiors of almost all cars. The digitisation of the car goes far, far farther than that though. Hitherto, cars have been defined and categorised by the size and power of their engines, and the shape and spaciousness of their bodies. From here on in, the car is defined by the software, pulsing like digital blood flow, through the electronic arteries of its on-board computers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3H7IRLNNBAN7AIXY6XE2OQFTA","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are dangers here for consumers, dangers far beyond the expected worries about advertisers harvesting your <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/data-privacy/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/data-privacy/\">information</a> for their own nefarious ends.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOFFW7GVNRGTLI6ZFR66CXCVXY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In January it emerged that a massive data breach in Germany had exposed the personal information of 800,000 drivers of electric cars made by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/volkswagen-vw/\">Volkswagen</a> Group, including VW, Audi, Skoda and Cupra models.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T2HDO2LXG5GSLKHXYAYJ3ERXSU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The breach included revealing the locations of places regularly visited by major politicians, sparking significant security concerns. The breach was down to an error, a seemingly small one, made by VW’s software subsidiary Cariad. The breach was revealed by German magazine Der Spiegel, but Cariad claims it has seen no evidence that the information has been accessed by any group other than the “white hat” hackers who revealed the breach.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2WXXI4OPXFFI3I6IJ4BOCSAEGQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Volkswagen Group Ireland confirmed that 91 per cent of its 2024 car buyers were signing up for connected services, a new record. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJY37ELVM5G5HA6U3Y4YMCXGIQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Connected services can be beneficial, and include anything from live traffic data for your sat-nav to automatic payments for electric car charging to servicing information, but there are other benefits. VW Group vehicles — be the Volkswagens, Audis, Skodas or Seat/Cupras — can now use “swarm” data that can send each other warnings of stopped traffic, accidents or other hazards on the road around you. These swarm warnings pop up as alerts on the car’s big infotainment screen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LWEYUVD7NBHIDC4HBSMY4QFHHQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Clearly those benefits also come with the danger that the software and sensors that they use are also tools for monitoring and surveillance within the car.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQLYZVKDI5GCPCBYDTK5NEQ634","additional_properties":{},"content":"VW Group Ireland chief executive Pierre Boutin said to The Irish Times that a greater emphasis was needed on keeping all sides informed of what data is flowing where. “The first element is that personal information is absolutely critical, and we do the utmost to make sure that our customers data is is never at risk in any way, shape or form” said Boutin. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDK2RFKC3JCONHNLN7T7XG4ZKM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Two, we have what we call the customer consent in anything we do; we always ask for consent. But three, I will say that, yes, there’s more that needs to be done in educating the customers about this data, about what’s being done with the data. That data helps us improve products moving forward, and that actually help us with the over-the-air software upgrades and so on to enhance even the current vehicle that our customers have, but we take this very seriously. I think that it’s a growing field, and we’re still constantly looking at, how can we do better in terms of protecting the data, to protect ourselves against cyber attacks and so on, so that the customer’s data is safe.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"URRDTDQDU5H4DEOL53LDBFHI5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Part of the issue may be that, increasingly, cars are not only dependent on their software for their systems to work, they are dependent on software to function at all, and are increasingly designed around such software.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RTGFPEO4VFC35ISFPWHXVLFVMI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hyundai has said that software will not only define the design and capability of its future models, but that it will even actively improve their performance. It’s the software that’s the critical bit here, as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/hyundai/\">Hyundai</a> isn’t talking about stuffing new car platforms with ever-bigger batteries, but instead maximising their efficiency. Much of that efficiency will come from software. Indeed, Hyundai says that from this year onwards, its cars will be “software-defined”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TTTHTR7ZYNB4ZLEN7YIZSPZNHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“By transforming all vehicles to software-defined vehicles, Hyundai Motor Group will completely redefine the concept of the automobile and take the lead in ushering in a never-before-experienced era of mobility,” said Chung Kook Park, president and head of research and development at Hyundai. “Creating visionary vehicles empowered with the ability to evolve through software will enable customers to keep their vehicles up to date with the latest features and technology long after they have left the factory.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"XBXUYM75IBGPDFJLPDLLSWDN4U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Facial recognition technology: AI advisory group warns of potential for mass surveillance","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"LTKCLZXQIJHAFPUNC4RM4IOPEU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hyundai has already introduced software over-the-air (Sota) capability to some of its models, allowing them to download new and upgraded software, sat-nav maps and so on, usually overnight and while plugged in. This year, Hyundai says that all of its cars will be Sota-ready, and by that stage it anticipates that some 20-million cars worldwide will be signed up to its online services programmes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MDMYRXXBBCCVIXWNOFEZ5DZWY","additional_properties":{},"content":"This will give Hyundai access to what will effectively be a massive, mobile data farm. Twenty-million cars, driving around, generating terabytes of data each day on battery life, driving conditions, safety systems, traffic flows and so much more. Hyundai is teaming up with tech giant Nvidia to help crunch all this data, and will use so-called artificial intelligence systems to help it do so.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OIIWSG4LZRFHRI5CLZPPU2EBKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hyundai is not alone, and these terabytes of data — all of it generated by us driving about, and therefore linked to our daily schedules and lifestyles — makes for a tempting resource for car companies. As well as an age of software, we live in an age of minutely targeted advertising, and so car companies are sitting on a motherlode of potentially lucrative data which can be sold to advertisers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IYGLR5CDUZE7FOMTNQY2U2BSYQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Here in Europe, the use of such data is governed by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gdpr-general-data-protection-regulation/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/gdpr-general-data-protection-regulation/\">GDPR</a> regulations, which seek to ensure that any data gathered is sufficiently anonymised before being shared with anyone, which helps to protect consumers and drivers against intrusive ad targeting. Indeed, GDPR even tries to restrict precisely which data can be gathered in the first place, although there are a series of ongoing legal arguments over precisely which segments of data are considered personal and therefore off-limits. Equally, the Volkswagen data breach shows that such security and anonymity can be bypassed by people with the right tools and skills.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OG6JC5HMOJBGJMVGLTIAKL7PTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"In other jurisdictions, things are rather looser but not perhaps to the extent that some companies would like, as <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-motors/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/general-motors/\">General Motors</a> has just found out to its cost. GM has been harvesting data from drivers of its cars, especially those using the online connected OnStar service, for some time now and reselling that information to data brokers. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JZB4PNSIWJE3NCOVVMY3P45X44","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, the American Federal Trade Commission has now issued a ruling that says GM can’t sell that data on for five year. The FTC said that GM didn’t adequately inform its customers that it was collecting such data, nor what purposes that data was being used for. GM protested that it was “committed to customer privacy” but the FTC rejected this claim. “GM monitored and sold people’s precise geolocation data and driver behaviour information, sometimes as often as every three seconds,” FTC chair Lina Khan said in a statement. “With this action, the FTC is safeguarding Americans’ privacy and protecting people from unchecked surveillance.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"V2YVCIU7PBGHDFOJRQQRRPLLFE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Speed limit on local roads reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h from Friday","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"FS4SXBRTZNENXGALYCWNLAAVOY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Others are prepared to go further. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ford/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ford/\">Ford</a> has patented a new in-car system that would use the car’s built-in microphones, normally part of the handsfree phone setup, to actively listen to what occupants are saying. Someone mentioning that they’re hungry could trigger the automatic pinging of an advert on the car’s touchscreen for a nearby Burger King or similar. That’s worryingly Orwellian.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E4TD5PCH4JA23DPMOUSI3PWLXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Quite apart from the fact that European drivers are already better protected than our American cousins (and who knows, at this point, which US protections will be further rolled back in the next four years) there is a benign angle to all of this. Ultimately, the idea is that the data and the software updates become a feedback loop, with cars kept constantly updated to improve their physical performance and their digital agility. There is even the potential for creating personalised software for each individual driver, the better to augment their driving and ownership experience. That enhancement can, surely, not be allowed to come at the expense of drivers’ privacy and personal safety.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GZOTKBTKOZHJPKY5KL2VGHTVGU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Are car touchscreens safe? Safety regulator lays down the law","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"3LNL5ZIZDNBT7L3LCSYFVQT2AY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The BEUC, the EU’s official consumer protection organisation, is already highlighting areas of concern when it comes to data and cars. The BEUC said, in a position paper, that: “Smart driver assistance systems on cars can make driving easier and safer. By using these types of products every day, the modern-day consumer uses and produces increasing amounts of data – both personal and non-personal. What can be done with this data and by whom, however, is a complex issue, particularly from a consumer perspective.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CNRYMBTCRVGUBAEE6S4LCIR37A","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Consumers can benefit from this innovation, for example by walking in safer streets, finding themselves in fewer traffic jams or saving money on fuel. But such changes also raise questions regarding liability, safety, data protection, fair competition and more. We call for the putting in place of technical measures so the consumer can take their data with them and decide who should access the data generated by a car.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"VW Ireland boss says ‘more conversation is needed’ around the gathering of data both technical and personal following German data breach"},"display_date":"2025-02-05T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Your car knows where you go. Here’s why you should be concerned","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"G6TLFTBTEFBVHJJDE3VOSP4UO4","auth":{"1":"a076b39cc1483573351b8d094991c10a5ec02696953e87b76e168985ad0caf33"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/G6TLFTBTEFBVHJJDE3VOSP4UO4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/05/what-data-is-your-car-storing-about-you/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"22W6RIBE3FFYJLKS6PKFB4N3KU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":441,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e7305c80-7c73-446e-ae19-28ab27b9c05a/versions/1738683457/media/1a67357a5e460cff4cb7f9f9bc1e9217_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/04/nct-passes-unroadworthy-car-as-fit-for-the-road/","content_elements":[{"_id":"5SNEYPX76NHT7EHU3MUQI5MFUM","additional_properties":{},"content":"A motorist who bought a used car with a valid <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/nct/\" target=\"_blank\">NCT</a> certificate has been told the car is “unroadworthy and unsafe for occupants and it does not conform to the requirements of the Road Traffic Act”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDKHY2FDYVDJ3CCKTO5WWOC2NY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Esther Woodley from Clondalkin in Dublin traded in her old 2008 car for a 171-registered Volkswagen Polo hatchback at a Dublin-based dealership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"67TRS6EE3RGZVM4A24J25UFZGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"She was assured that her Polo would be delivered with a fresh NCT certificate, giving her peace of mind that it was going to give her years of safe, reliable motoring.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IS5NJBS7XRBETOHH5YZHSFJTGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, she noticed the Polo’s dashboard was repeatedly lighting up with serious warning symbols. “I took a photo of the dash lights on my phone,” Ms Woodley told The Irish Times. “I sent that to the person who’d sold me the car, and he got back to me to say: ‘No worries, we’ll have that checked and sorted for you.’ Happy days, I thought. But then there was no further response.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"WGNIQKPSKNAG3HLNA6G2P5SR6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Woodley drove back to the dealership with her father, only to discover that there was new signage up, and completely new staff working there. At this point, unsurprisingly, suspicions were raised.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O4JHFTUWNVE4RALO5J6N5NA53Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I found an independent automotive engineering consultant to come and check the faults that were coming up,” said Ms Woodley.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CRWLHF27MRBB3HVDD65ICW5Q6Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"“A few hours later he rang me and said: ‘I’d like you to come down and see this. Normally we don’t deal with this face-to-face, but the computer codes are the least of your worries. The chassis is hanging out of this car.’","type":"text"},{"_id":"3DYEZMEGCJDXHIEC4QSMSC5XK4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“He thought that there was no way it had actually been through an NCT; in fact he thought that the NCT cert that I had was a fake initially.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"TW2OLH4ANBBIXNKOIA76HV3YJM","additional_properties":{},"content":"On foot of this troubling information, Ms Woodley contacted the NCT’s customer service department to complain.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKMCPPNRERC6RL6GQO5NQQLDDQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"After several days and more calls, the NCT arranged to have the car inspected by the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aa-ireland/\" target=\"_blank\">Automobile Association</a> (AA), as is standard procedure in a case such as this. In the meantime, Ms Woodley had arranged for an independent automotive engineer to examine the car.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AKTPJHAXQBFORFRICSBLQCWPII","additional_properties":{},"content":"That independent report made for some shocking reading. In one paragraph, the assessor noted: “The welding work carried out to the driver’s side front chassis rail is of very poor quality and does not conform to manufacturer or industry acceptable standards. There are gaps all around the welding area which affect the structural integrity of the vehicle.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"V3JDPSMP3ZFE3DJESBBI7SK4T4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Later in the report, the assessor delivered the hammer blow to Ms Woodley’s hopes of a reliable, safe car: “A close examination of the passenger side front chassis rail revealed substandard welding repairs completed to a heavily damaged or deformed chassis rail. There is also evidence of the chassis leg deformation from impact damage received.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JAUN37IUBBESRL2EGS5PFLIFYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I deem the vehicle to be unroadworthy and unsafe for occupants and it does not conform to the requirements of the Road Traffic Act. I have advised that the vehicle not be driven on public roads and be parked up securely.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"MXZB7H2HHFGY7P4IWT7LACK6CA","additional_properties":{},"content":"It seems the vehicle had received a heavy front impact, which had damaged major components, including the chassis and the subframe holding the engine in place. The chassis had subsequently been cut and a new section inserted, held in place with a couple of tack welds on the driver’s side, while the passenger’s side was heavily deformed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AZJXKRN6L5GYNNN5JLLPGDNITM","additional_properties":{},"content":"With the AA automotive engineer and the independent engineer in agreement, the NCT had no choice but to rescind the originally issued certificate of roadworthiness.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HXVCWXIMPZAJVJIF3CXNA7HJJI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Clearly, there are serious questions to be raised about the conduct of the dealership in question and the sales staff there, which is now likely subject to an investigation by the criminal enforcement team of the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/competition-and-consumer-protection-commission/\" target=\"_blank\">Competition and Consumer Protection Commission</a> (CCPC). The case may be referred to the Garda by the CCPC, pending the outcome of their findings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQGBALA7FRAIXHDOUYC2FNDATE","additional_properties":{"_id":"VZTQZGB5GVGEJIR5X4GDTOHECE"},"content":"Cost of driving licence and NCT tests to increase as part of fee hikes by Road Safety Authority","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"SV7IEEMH2VDPDATDPMSPCOULDA","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, there is wider question about the role of the NCT service in all of this.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V3PMAOYN6NHI3AAAWEW3Q7IAJI","additional_properties":{},"content":" The car had been originally presented for an NCT inspection a month prior to the sale, and had failed. This should be unsurprising, given that, as the subsequent report showed, it had been involved in a serious frontal collision and had been written off in 2023. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPZHD2FHT5C4BAPLQPV6M5U2U4","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, a month later – as Ms Woodley was engaged in the purchase of the car – it was resubmitted for an NCT inspection. It failed again, but on a third attempt it passed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"646OKMY6RRCA5HQOUE67NZNTJE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Repair work had been carried out, it seems. According to the independent engineer’s report, the broken and bent chassis sections had been cut out and replaced in a dangerous fashion, but only with simple and structurally unsound spot-welds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JVFRF5ZRQNG35KHI2RKWXMZ5WQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The car’s front-facing anti-collision radar unit was missing, as a cheaper replacement bumper had been fitted. The headlights were held in with wood screws, and a significant number of under-bonnet bodywork was missing, while the battery was loose and unsecured. Yet it passed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YVXXYTNJJDXHFZKJU63AJVJ64","additional_properties":{},"content":"In response to The Irish Times’s queries, the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/road-safety-authority/\" target=\"_blank\">Road Safety Authority</a> (RSA), which has oversight of the operation of the NCT by Spanish-based company Applus+, said it “acknowledges that this vehicle should not have passed its NCT upon its third presentation within a short period. The RSA has requested that Applus+ investigates how this occurred and that any additional training and standards measures required are identified and implemented.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CKX6FRZVNJBYTAFLO6B74BISXA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Prior to its sale, there were three attempts to enable this vehicle to pass an NCT, in two different NCT centres. It ‘failed dangerous’ the first test on August 21st.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LXH6XSVRRRGMXAMYDVYQHBILSA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It failed a re-test on September 19th, before finally passing a third test on September 24th.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U2J4FQAUG5FJ7JGV24MXFHJNQQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The customer requested an appeal of the NCT which took place prior to her purchase and Applus+ engaged with the customer in good faith in that regard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QB7XJTMCBBZFD6TXLCNEXXZVI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The AA’s detailed assessment report concluded that the vehicle should not have passed the NCT on September 24th and also should have failed the September 19th test for additional grounds.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6HS37HE4MFG23GMQD45GNAOMQE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“It is worth noting that, in this case, repairs were undertaken – the AA report finds that these repairs were ‘unacceptable’.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2QUDZKTV4JCBDLVF5L7PCREFUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The RSA and Applus+ assert that these ‘unacceptable repairs’ were also accompanied by what appears to be a deliberate attempt to mask and conceal the nature and scale of the damage to the vehicle.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"6ZLRQYT2MNB7ZDJV3HDGEQ7DGI","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, the RSA did not respond to a question from The Irish Times as to how the car passed its NCT on the third try.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOQ5ASIYGREIBLMLCU4VUHNVLA","additional_properties":{},"content":"As for Esther Woodley, she paid a significant amount of money for a car that is now worth barely its scrap value, having believed that an inspection by the NCT would assure that the car was in essentially good condition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LBMDXVSNSRAGPHEWPHSPMAFUZI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“For me it has cast a huge shadow over the integrity of the NCT. It really brings home the fact that the public are relying on the NCT to act with integrity, and that cars are safe when they pass a test. I’m just shocked, and I’ve lost all faith.”","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Dublin woman could be as much as €10,000 out of pocket after buying a car passed by the NCT which turned out to be a write-off"},"display_date":"2025-02-04T22:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"NCT passes ‘unroadworthy’ car as fit for the road","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"J7DHL4OW3NENHG4ZZ7YPXZM7JU","auth":{"1":"be8a3706c07f458ed489d02bcfaacd281d64f120e9a7ea357b0c073b23bf3e32"},"focal_point":{"x":1135,"y":657},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/J7DHL4OW3NENHG4ZZ7YPXZM7JU.png"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/04/nct-passes-unroadworthy-car-as-fit-for-the-road/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"KPXXURIBMRHTJBCOKYQMPFXTHQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":484,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/843b4be7-ffec-4989-8409-9dbe4c4019f2/versions/1737992790/media/575176de1447f7576bd76e80dcfa9d51_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/05/actyon-stations-as-kgm-tries-to-revive-what-was-ssangyong/","content_elements":[{"_id":"UISUZ5RIGJCITMI2YP5HY4CZL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Once upon a time there was a car maker called <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ssangyong/\" target=\"_blank\">SsangYong</a>. It hadn’t always been called SsangYong – in fact, it had started life in 1954 as Dong-Hwan Automobile Manufacturing, before changing its name to Dong-A Motors in 1977, so clearly name changes are not an unusual thing. By the late 1980s, SsangYong was starting to sprout wings and move beyond its home market of South Korea. In that, it was accompanied by its fellow Korean expansionists Hyundai, Kia and Daewoo.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NU2G4UXJXJCBNNZPTDUPZOYTEM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Fast forward a few years and Hyundai and Kia have come to dominate global motoring and the Irish car market in particular. Daewoo was subsumed into, and eventually consumed by, General Motors. And SsangYong?","type":"text"},{"_id":"2NZQVDFEWFBLPHHD2KBP6HRTWM","additional_properties":{},"content":"There were some early stirrings of interest. The original SsangYong Musso might have been ugly but it was more capable than many early 1990s rivals. Ditto the later first-generation Rexton. But in spite of the general move towards SUVs, the SUV-only SsangYong brand stuttered and stalled and passed through multiple owners – Daewoo, briefly; then China’s SAIC; the India’s Mahindra and, now, finally, since 2022, it’s back in Korean ownership as part of the vast KG Group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4V36ZYBALFHCRHGO335FHIA3VI","additional_properties":{"_id":"TRPTEIOHYVDEXJHMRBA5GH3DHM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WDS7QXMVRRCLDCC5WFVFIXVZWU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hence the latest name change, to KGM, which stands for KG Mobility, but which the company would prefer you to think of as Korean Genuinely Made. Cheesy, but also a sign that KGM is keen not to be confused with an arriviste Chinese brand – in fairness, it’s sitting on 70-some years of car-making heritage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BPZZCVJJ5ZDNJMIBNTOA5M73KU","additional_properties":{},"content":"For all that KGM wants us to place hopes in the heritage, the company is also on the reinvention trail. While older, clunkier models such as the big Rexton SUV and the Musso pickup remain on sale for now, KGM is renewing and modernising its model line-up, starting with last year’s Torres and continuing with this new Actyon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R7GHWLFGBNFZXOKQKB4MHNSVN4","additional_properties":{},"content":"You can pronounce that as either Action or Ack-tee-on according to taste, but from a company replete with name changes, this one’s actually a recycled name. Actyon was originally used back in 2006 for a fastback-shaped compact SUV that looked distinctly odd, drove fairly dreadfully and which had one of the worst automotive interiors we’ve ever come across. At least that original Actyon had the dubious honour of being one of the (possibly the) first SUV-coupes ever to hit the market.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZOC32QB4JAM5J6TRHYQDHZOE4","additional_properties":{"_id":"CYIN5FQPTZBULKJNRR7SRTIR2U"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4XU64UXTEREBLJGIKOVTA7IJ7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"KGM reckons that this new Actyon is also an SUV coupe, but frankly that’s just overloading the circuits of vehicle nomenclature. Yes, it’s sleeker than the Torres with which it shares a chassis and engine, but this is no coupe. What the Actyon is is really rather good looking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7BPJZEPYWBBX7P63VQ3AZF5NF4","additional_properties":{},"content":"As with the Torres, it gets slim lights up front, chiselled styling all over and, at the rear, a faint visual similarity with the Range Rover Velar. Okay, so you’d need to be in a dark alley on a new-moon night and have broken your varifocals to confuse the Actyon with the Velar, but at least the two visually occupy the same ballpark. A dark ballpark. On a new-moon night. When you’ve ... you get the idea.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VFPHRHHAYJA4RJNIT2BGOKSW7Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"We’re not sure what the weird grab-handle appendages on the bonnet do, but otherwise the Actyon is a good-looking SUV, and that extends to the interior, which is, against type for SsangYong, genuinely impressive.","type":"text"},{"_id":"J4ZGZXSZENHY7M4UVG6VTFGFBU","additional_properties":{"_id":"66CP5SOJHREYLIZWXZAUWBKXFM"},"type":"image"},{"_id":"DRXZP2ZAWRFU3HSHUFRI5INGBU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Everywhere you look there’s nappa leather, contrast red stitching and even some nice wood trim (albeit that’s spoiled by a ham-fisted gap in the wood panel that runs across the dashboard, one for which my old woodwork teacher would have thrown me out of class).","type":"text"},{"_id":"BOBCPLOKGNDZBGXEJDBHI7O4E4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Actyon’s cabin looks smart, is spacious and practical (tonnes of rear legroom, massive 668-litre boot) and is well made (some cheap plastics, but that’s true of nearly every car this side of a Rolls-Royce these days). The big screens look slick, although, as ever, the central screen needs some proper buttons to help it overcome inherent lagginess and a confusing layout.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7XVWTETXWVAQLDFRWYTNRSARME","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, there may be some difficulty, in the Irish market, with the Actyon’s engine. Unlike the chunkier Torres, which comes in electric form (borrowing a battery and electric motor from BYD), the Actyon is petrol-only, using a 1.5-litre turbo engine with 163hp and 280Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XY6T5AU3BVBYBMEW4FG64QTAZY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Which sounds fine, but then you realise that there’s no hybrid system, not even a mild-hybrid, and that the Actyon has CO2 emissions of 194g/km. That makes for a distinctly unappealing €790 annual motor tax bill, which while it was not unusual for some cars not so long ago (anyone with a 1.8-litre MkII Ford Mondeo would have paid that, and still does) seems absurdly steep when a 727hp BMW M5 plug-in hybrid can be taxed for €140. More significantly, so too can the MG HS plug-in hybrid, the BYD Seal-U ‘super hybrid’, the Kia Sportage PHEV and the Toyota RAV4 PHEV – all direct rivals to the Actyon.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MV4RY2VONFFVAD2RELVJET4YI","additional_properties":{},"content":"That would be kind of fair enough if the Actyon displayed the kind of simple ruggedness hitherto displayed by its SsangYong forebears, but it kind of ends up falling between two stools. Initially, the Actyon seems smooth and refined to drive, and the engine is notably refined until you ask for full throttle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L6TL7HOTJRBCJNYOQBFRWIK7PA","additional_properties":{},"content":"When that throttle request is accepted, the front tyres just give up the ghost entirely and start spinning and scrabbling for grip, even on a dry surface. That doesn’t bode well for a brand whose customers often expect their cars to be able to deal with mud-strewn country roads and farm tracks. A four-wheel drive version? Don’t hold your breath.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JSS4LNHHYFCNTCC55EXVX7QJJQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Equally, the Actyon rides poorly (especially on those country roads) and is thirsty – good luck equalling the claimed 8.5-litres per 100km fuel consumption figure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJKPH3VEINDZ5NJ24O3F36HPOQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Which leaves the Actyon and KGM in something of a quandary. The Actyon looks slick enough inside and out to bear comparison with the likes of the Kia Sportage and certainly the MG HS.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAN76CUAJVBJHPYELTWAR66NMY","additional_properties":{},"content":"But the lack of dynamic polish leaves it floundering, and the poor economy and high emissions mean there is little in the way of rescue.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XSY2AV4U45EBTE7R2WJ6ES5HZQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"If KGM can price the Actyon low enough, say lower than the incoming Dacia Bigster, it may stand a chance, thanks largely to its handsome looks. If it’s pricier than the Dacia, it’ll probably sink without trace in the Irish market, which would be an unfair ending for a car that does a lot well but which falters in key areas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B66WVU2U2JHPXA3G373TL6M5LI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Lowdown:</b> KGM Actyon","type":"text"},{"_id":"2HM5BQ6TDBD4ZOWVZNFYRJTKQQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Power:</b> 1.5 T-GDI: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 163hp and 280Nm of torque driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZZC7CHBYH5BHTBDVRADDHPBSI4","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>0-100km/h:</b> 10.8 secs.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IRXJBUZPMNCIVJXTTXFY7V5JHM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Emissions (motor tax): </b>194g/km (€790).","type":"text"},{"_id":"XBS3B5IDXBBT5FTOAKJ5WCKPEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Fuel consumption: </b>8.5l/100km (WLTP).","type":"text"},{"_id":"ESIADPFE5ZCRNJPGEDTIM3WV7U","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Price:</b> TBA.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4S3OBLRRYRGDDNLCB6MKIXKVJI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Our rating: </b>2/5.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WEUYR6GOSRDXTKNKUTZSMG2CFI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Verdict: </b>The Actyon looks good, and has an impressive cabin and practicality, but it’s scuppered by its ride, traction and thirst.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Korean brand wants to be seen differently to its Chinese rivals"},"display_date":"2025-02-04T13:33:12.729Z","headlines":{"basic":"Actyon stations as KGM tries to revive what was SsangYong","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"XSWWPGXU4BDU3P4E7QV7OK4QBE","auth":{"1":"811fdd88c4930da954730ed0133dcf11b3b96b60466afafd21bebb38b94241ca"},"focal_point":{"x":2335,"y":1825},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/XSWWPGXU4BDU3P4E7QV7OK4QBE.jpg"}},"subtype":"review","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/review/2025/02/05/actyon-stations-as-kgm-tries-to-revive-what-was-ssangyong/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}},{"_id":"GLLJOJSGWVEOJIQSWO7ZBC5ZLE","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":312,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/0ed844da-6272-45a6-92fb-aae0f9d3dcfd/versions/1738604594/media/8ab82f7ab168da5089d34f4ba7556e8b_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/motors/2025/02/04/how-risky-is-it-to-buy-a-second-hand-electric-car/","content_elements":[{"_id":"WVLCAWAJG5B7LO3UZ5VCEO35JY","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>A reader from Co </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/carlow\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Carlow</b></a><b> asks: “There are a number of relatively cheap </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-vehicles\" target=\"_blank\"><b>EV</b></a><b>s available on the second-hand market. Some have very low mileage but would be old enough to be outside the warranty offered by the manufacturer. So my questions are: How big a risk are these to buy? What checks can you do to mitigate any risks? Is it better to go with a low mileage </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/motors\" target=\"_blank\"><b>EV</b></a><b> that might not have had much use or a higher mileage car that would have been running regularly?”</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"QIXZJNXH7NDSXJWGGS6DZWRW5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Buying a second-hand electric car right now is, in theory, a terrific idea as the plummet in second-hand values which has been the original owners’ loss is potentially the second buyers gain. Certainly, second-hand prices for EVs will likely never be lower than they are now, so this is the time to strike. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AUH5U7TR2BAZ5FZ5MSXJ62N6TA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The first thing to do before buying is to examine your own situation. Do you have a driveway or other off-street parking where you can install a charging point? If not, then an electric car likely isn’t for you just yet, given the expense and hassle of relying solely on the public charging network. Equally, consider where and how far you regularly drive. Are there plenty of public chargers, both slow and fast, along your regular routes? If not, consider how you’re going to deal with getting a charge when you’re out and about.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XLF6WNLMA5G6PAD2T3MMOOWYEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Let’s assume that you have a driveway, and you’re happy to pay the cost of getting a home charger installed – that runs to about €1,000 but you’ll quickly make that back in fuel savings.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PLHVCW36L5FCFM3MUX5KACFURQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Next, the car itself. The first and most important thing to consider is the battery and what you’ll want to do is to assess the battery’s overall health. That may have been done for you already – a reputable dealership selling a used EV will have almost certainly had the battery checked and analysed and should be happy to include that data with the rest of the sales material related to the car. If it’s not there, ask why. If, further, the dealer (or private seller) objects to you carrying out your own independent battery check, then walk away – if the seller is trying to hide something on the battery front, it’s probably bad news.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YYMEQI5YFFA5LFYOLA2YJ3VC7I","additional_properties":{},"content":"You can have your own battery check done – companies such as Aviloo can, depending on the model, supply you with a simple USB reader that plugs into the car’s diagnostic port, or you can – with the seller’s co-operation – bring the car to a testing station for a fuller report.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VINMKRNWEZDNDKADAYJR3RZGQM","additional_properties":{"_id":"CLUJ4RBZ3ZAABDKOLEV4OSYALY"},"content":"Powerless in rural Ireland: I love my EV but Storm Éowyn has made me think twice","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"S5HCQ72FEJFGFJF2WYK6P7LGPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Will the battery be degraded? Yes, it absolutely will, but this is far less likely to be a big issue than you think, and it relates to the questions you’ve asked above about mileage and warranty. While a car may have slipped beyond the original three-year’s manufacturer’s warranty, that’s the warranty for the car – the battery warranty is different. Almost all car makers cover their EV batteries for up to eight years or 160,000km, and that usually covers the battery from dropping below 70 per cent of its original charge level. So if any of those conditions are met, you’re in for a free new battery anyway (or at the very least a free repair).","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBP3PGW6CJE6XIJBJYV4UISAPI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The good news is that batteries don’t seem to be degrading much at all. According to GeoTab, a company which supplies telematics services to big fleet users (monitoring the use and health of all the cars in a company’s fleet) EV batteries on average degrade at around 1.8 per cent per year. Let’s assume that the car you’re looking at has done a little worse than that, and degraded by 10 per cent – for most models, that means a loss of between 30km and 40km on a full charge, which really ought not to be a deal breaker.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OSVJQPUVWNCM3GXKCVAEFD2BKE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In terms of mileage, with a petrol or diesel car we always say to buy on the condition and history, not the mileage, but in the case of EVs that advice only goes so far. It does still apply, but ask what kind of mileage the car has racked up. If it’s lots of city and main road miles, with charging almost exclusively done at home, then that’s fine. If it’s lots of motorway work with lots of fast charging sessions, be more cautious as its regular fast-charging that degrades batteries the most. Mind you, the battery health check will have already covered most of this ground.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RAFCFXE6AZFB7B3O3OQEE7KBAA","additional_properties":{"_id":"NQSPQKIZ2BCJFJECK47XHNCWH4"},"content":"Could electric cars help us keep the lights on during power cuts?","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"QBLS6WL7UZHA3EJI4CKFNP5BIA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Beyond that, do the normal checks you would for any used car – check the paint and the body panels, the service history, look for scuffs, scrapes, and tears on the inside, and go for a decent test drive. Make sure you find a bumpy road or some speed bumps on your test route, as electric cars’ silent motors mean that any interior squeaks and rattles will be amplified, and you don’t want to be driven bananas in a few week’s time by a squeaky seat or rattling dashboard.","type":"text"},{"_id":"G7FVBWHPD5HS5NMGXZHIITQAAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Finally, shop around for insurance before you take the plunge. Electric cars are generally attracting higher insurance premiums at the moment, because of the potential cost of repair, so make sure you can afford a higher premium, or get a good broker to find you a better deal. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3KB6HEEWPNDIZISXBCGHNLSQGA","content":"<div class=\"contribly-contribute-v2\" data-client=\"9fc0f2a4-9bf9-4464-8b77-ec351ad0db03\" data-assignment=\"21ca3670-4115-4300-9994-f7f164f2f7aa\" data-display=\"inline\"></div><script type=\"text/javascript\" src=\"https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/contribly-widgets/contribute/contribute-v2.js\"><\/script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"LD6O3W73CZFZLIGNSB2INQKFFU","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Neil Briscoe"}},"name":"Neil Briscoe"}]},"description":{"basic":"Your electric vehicle questions answered: Helping to separate EV myths from facts "},"display_date":"2025-02-04T06:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"How risky is it to buy a second-hand EV?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OCVO4SUKPBDI2Y7PNG7UODDXXM","auth":{"1":"93123e8bf250eaa2b953f912d82959557fbb18bb56d96e0ba0219836191ea8cd"},"focal_point":{"x":2520,"y":2965},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OCVO4SUKPBDI2Y7PNG7UODDXXM.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Motors"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/motors/2025/02/04/how-risky-is-it-to-buy-a-second-hand-electric-car/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/motors","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Motors"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"cebd0865cb6cb3e4b0e20c9f047f6091fde03807c3bb10cb7690024605184672"},"expires":1743512664913,"lastModified":1743512364510}},"most-popular":{"{\"feature\":\"numbered-list\",\"section\":\"\",\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"MHGW7GRYLVCZ3M2OMNWHWWCVCE","headlines":{"basic":"‘Ireland is a beautiful country. 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