As an EV owner, you’ve probably face public charge point blocking sometime, whether it’s was by an ICE, an EV not charging, or something else ! Please fill out this survey and give us feedback !
The IEVOA would like to understand what sort of blocking it was, how it happened and how we can fix this…The goal is to have some feedback and statistics to present to our next meeting with ESB eCars.
Please fill out a separate form if you have more than one event you would like to share with us.
In 2020 PHEVs sales have been growing much faster than BEVs sales, thanks to strong incentives and a choice of now over 40 different models (even though we’re usually talking mostly larger and/or premium vehicles).
New PHEVs sales went from 1333 in 2019 to 2491 in 2020 brining the market share to 2.82%, closer to BEVs 4.54%. The Kia Niro is clearly the most popular car, followed by a few Premium cars and the Ford Kuga that should do quite well in 2021. New in December is the MG HS.
MG HS
Even more impressive have been the imports, with a record 619 cars brought to the Republic last month (“thanks to” brexit uncertaincy) and a annual count of 3899 cars (2421 in 2019), much more than BEVs imports (451), thanks to a more mature British used PHEVs market, and signioficant VRT rebate.
Plug-in hybrid vehicules have show a great growth in 2020 (+87% to 2491 units and 2.82% market share) thanks to incentives and a choice of over 40 different models. Here are the 10 best selling Irish PHEVs for 2020. No less than 8 of these vehicles are SUV/Crossovers.
10th – Volvo XC60 T8 – 73 units (+62%)
Despite sales up 62%, the XC60 is down 1 spot over 2019.
9th – Volvo XC90 T8 – 76 units (-7%)
The original PHEV SUV is still in the game, but not as popular as it used to be with sales down 7%.
8th – Land Rover Range Rover Sport – 89 units (-47%)
New for 2020, the compact XC40 is logically beating its XC60 and XC90 siblings.
6th – Kia Ceed – 110 units
Affordable PHEV at around €30,000, the Ceed found its first 110 drivers.
5th – BMW X5 – 186 units
This new generation of X5 PHEV is a hit with no less than 186 units sold, representing more than half of total X5 sales.
4th – Ford Kuga – 228 units
Also new for 2020 and possible winner for 2021, the Kuga didn’t miss its launch last summer.
3rd – Mitsubishi Outlander – 237 units (+18%)
The now ageing Outlander is down one spot but still doing well with sales up 18% to 237 units.
2nd – BMW 3er – 345 (+337%)
The BMW 330e is in its second generation and it sells pretty well with 345 units registered in 2020, representing 45% share of all 3-series ! Not bad for a car that exists in only 1 power train and in saloon bodystyle only.
1st – Kia Niro – 496 units (+16%)
For the second year in a row, the Kia Niro is the king of PHEVs in 2020, but also is the only vehicle present in both PHEVs and BEVs top 10s. Which PHEV will challenge the Kia next year ? Ford Kuga ? Renault Captur ?
After the top 10 in photos, here are the details of new BEV sales for 2020, and for December. If the Model 3 is unsurprisingly leading this month (as per Tesla hockey stick quarterly sales model), a surprise is the landing of the first 20 MG ZS, now officially imported in Ireland. If you follow this site, you already know we’ve already reported 11 MG ZS imports from the UK (classified as used). Sales are up 174% to 85 in December, and the year count is at 4013 units, representing 4.54% market share (vs 2.94% in 2019).
Used BEVs imports have surged by 38% in December, anticipating a no-deal Brexit (that growth can be seen for other powertrains too).
2020 is over and it hasn’t been a great year for most of us… but it has been for new BEVs sales, growing 17% over 2019 to 4013 sales. Here is the Top 10 best selling new cars for 2020.
10th – Mini Hatch Cooper SE – 114 units
The affordable Mini Electric has been launched in Spring and is entering the top 10.
9th – Volkswagen e-Golf – 175 units (-29%)
The variant of the Golf that has always been in the shadows of the TDI in showrooms yet has had a decent 2020 with 175 units sold. It is now retiring, replaced by the ID.3.
8th – Hyundai Ioniq – 196 units (+47%)
The super efficient Hyundai Ioniq is often forgotten compared to its SUV Hyundai/Kia sibbling but is a great alternative to the Nissan Leaf 40 and it sales grew by 47% thanks to the launch of the facelift version with a bigger battery.
7th Kia E-Soul – 225 units (+263%)
Quirky for sure, but popular nevetheless with a 7th position for the second generation of e-Soul.
7th – Renault Zoé – 232 units (-11%)
The European best seller is only 7th here, still offering by far the best range for your money. It is somewhat disappointing to see sales receding despite the new version launched in Spring 2020.
5th – Volkswagen ID.3 – 358 units
Just landed a few months ago and already 5th overall in 2020, the ID3 is an instant hit and is going to be fighting for the leader position in 2021!
4th – Kia E-Niro – 393 units (+446%)
True family capabilities, impressive range for under €40,000 : The E-Niro is the only BEV solving that equation, bringing it to a 4th position in 2020.
3rd – Hyundai Kona Electric – 497 units (-54%)
If last year it did tie for 1st place with the Nissan Leaf, the Hyundai Kona Electric has been loosing important ground this year. Korean alternatives offering much more interior space for less probably penalized Kona sales.
2nd – Nissan Leaf – 617 units (-43%)
Despite being almost 4 years old, with tech that is not best in class, the Leaf is still a very good choice on the market, with competitive prices, and a great dependability.
1st – Tesla Model 3 – 724 units (+287%)
The Tesla Model 3 has been sold for over a year now and is the crown holder for 2020. 2021 will be much more challenging though, with improved competition from legacy automakers, as seen already in 2020 in the rest of Europe.
November 2020 sees the PHEV market share at 3.83%, growing comapared to the same month last year (3.15%) and also 2020 year to date (2.83%), with sales up 46%, despite covid restrictions on the distribution network.
This month, we welcome to the list 2 new models, : The Renault Captur (leading with 12 registrations) and Renault Mégane Estate, quite popular in their ICE variants and that should seduce a number of Irish customers thanks to their keen sub-30K base prices.
Renault Captur PHEVRenault Mégane Estate PHEV
462 used PHEVs were imported last month. Mitsubuishi Outlander is still leading, followed by the BMW 3 and 5 series.
A half-disapointing month for EVs in November. Numbers show a 68% decrease in BEV sales while the overal market is up 20%. However last year was exceptional as it was the period when years of backlog of Tesla Model 3 started to be delivered. If you discount the Model 3, sales are stable, and at the endl, the BEV market share is at 6.67% which is more than the year to date (4.45%)
During the last few months 4 DC charge points delivering 150kW (also known as HPC – High Power Chargers) have been installed and been free to use for the time being, so that ESB can see how these work for the users. This test phase is finishing now and from the December 1st 2020, we will have to pay to use these, like any other charge point. Pricing is set at 37 cents per kWh for pay as you go customers, and 34.5 cents per kWh for members (membership being at €4.60 per month). There is an introductory offer : till March 1st, 34.5 cents pricing will apply to PAYG customers.
Pricing (incl VAT)
AC (22kW)
DC (50kW)
DC HPC (150kW)
Pay as you go
26.8c
30.5c
37c (34.5c till 1/3/2021)
Membership
23c
26.8c
34.5c
ESB Ecars HPC charge point (foreground)
Pricing is rather reasonable compared to 50kW DC charge, and this is a good news, as it means will be only a small premium to pay to charge faster a 50+kW capable vehicle. Let’s see the cost and average charging time for a vehicle charging 30kWh of energy at 30.5c (DC) vs 37c (HPC).
Average charging speed
Time spent on HPC
Time spent on 50kW DC at 40kW average
40kW
45 minutes
45 minutes
80kW
22.5 minutes
45 minutes
120kW
15 minutes
45 minutes
Total cost
€11.10
€9.15
As we can see, the extra cost of around 20% is very reasonable considering the time saved, of course depending on the vehicle you drive. ESB Ecars has announced today the rolling out of 50 of these charge points across the country
New PHEVs represent in October 4.63% of the car market, with 107 units registered, and 2446 so far this year. The Kia Niro is still leading the segment and the newcomer this month is the relatively small Mercedes A250e. Used imports are still strong, almost as much as last month, with 482 vehicles entering the Republic (+75% vs October 2019). See the tables below for more detail.
The new Mercedes A250e, one of the rare PHEVs with DC capabilities.Kia Niro PHEV
For the second month in a row, the VW ID.3 is leading the BEV sales in Ireland (and again, the whole market), with 94 units registered. Thanks to that and also good performance from the Model 3 and E-Niro, BEV market share is at 10.97% for the month, and 4.45% in 2020 to date. The new entrant to the game this month is the Honda e ! Making 23 different BEVs sold new in 2020. Every month we’re getting a little more choice !
With Covid restrictions and end of year coming, the 2020 top 3 will probably be the same as today : Tesla Model 3 leads, followed by the Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Kona. The Nissan Leaf still largely leads the (small) used import segment.
But the surprise this month cam from the LCV market with no less than 286 (!) Renault Kangoo ZE registerd ! Which is more than any other vehicle this month and over 600 so far this year. Will there be more next month ? The Kangoo ZE might become the most popular Irish BEV of 2020 !
On Saturday 7th November, we hosted our first virtual event of the winter season. The theme for this first webinar was Used EVs, so, if you are considering buying a used EV or if you are a current EV owner there is something in this event for you.
We had the following speakers and topics lined up:
Eamon Stack of Range Therapy, a new not for profit Irish enterprise specialising on EV battery extensions.
Elena Wrelton of ELVES who are specialists in reclaiming and recycling EV and Hybrid batteries and developing appropriate training programmes for the industry such as Safe Handling of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles.
A panel discussion ‘Buying a used EV’ featuring Irish independent EV specialist dealers including Phil Fitzgerald of Electric Autos.ie, Simon Acton of Next Eco Car and Maciej Gasowski of EV Electric Vehicles.
The Honda e finally landed on our shores in a version that is really close to the original prototype, and that’s really refreshing to see !
Honda e Advance in Crystal Blue Metallic
Like Mazda with the Mx-30 or the Mini Electric, Honda decided to put a small-ish battery pack (35.5kWh) and to keep the pricing contained to keep it affordable for the commuter that doesn’t need the 52kWh of a Renault Zoé battery. WLTP range is just 222km. The pack allows 7.4kW AC single-phase charging and 50kW DC charging. Its rear wheel drive configuration allows a tight turning circle. And combined with the swift acceleration (0-100 in 9seconds, and even 8.3 seconds for the Advance model), the one-pedal driving capability will make it one of the favorites urban EVs, along with the BMW i3 and the Mini Hatch.
No frunk but a very accessible CCS connector
Consequently the package is quite attractive with a very comprehensive equipment level for the asking price. The Honda e is very compact (3.89m long), unfortunately a small boot (and no frunk), and limited space in the back. But everything inside of this car is made so you feel good, it is a premium product with quality materials, attention to detail and loaded with technology (multiple screens, door cameras replacing the door mirros, etc.)
The drivers enjoys a large digital screen…… and there are 2 more on its left!Below the small boot is a handy space to store the charging cable.
The base version called simply “e” has the 136hp motor, and a decent kit with as standard alloys, climate control, connected navigation, front are rear parking sensors, reverse camera, adaptive cruise control or Smart entry & Start . The Advance version adds for an extra €3,000 a more powerful 154hp motor, the multi-view camera, the cool 230v 1500w outlet, a premium sound system, the camera mirror, parking pilot, plus other features.
No factory option for either of these versions, but the choice of 4 distinctive colors : pearl white, blue, yellow or grey !
Prices: Honda e – €29,995 Honda e Advance – €32,995
Prices exclude delivery charges, include VAT, VRT, VRT rebate and SEAI grant.
Photo credit: Simon Acton
The Honda e design has been inspired by the iconic Civic mk1
As many of you know we had hoped to host a number of regional IEVOA meet-ups during the autumn. We have held off announcing any dates or locations in the hope that the COVID 19 situation would improve.
At this stage it is increasingly clear that this kind of event simply isn’t going to be possible this year. Our priority is the health and safety of our members and the general public so with a heavy heart we will be postponing until Spring 2021 at the earliest.
Regarding the EV Challenge, Dublin-Cork-Dublin or otherwise, this may still be possible as a socially distanced event but we are holding fire on this for now. We could do this anytime of year but with travel restrictions in place for some counties and likely to be extended we can’t plan this for now.
On the upside, we are going to arrange some online events through the autumn and winter, on Zoom, similar to how we hosted the AGM. This will include updates from the committee, contributions from guests from around the industry and Q&A sessions. More details to follow soon.
We hope this goes some way towards compensating for the disappointment of postponing the other events and giving everyone something to look forward to over the coming months.
We have never really covered light commercial vehicles (LCV) sales, just because these are relatively rare in a market where diesel is king. But lately, this is changing and no less than 327 100% electric LCVs were sold last year, mostly Renault Kangoo ZE.
This year sales are growing further and we should hit the 400 units mark. And if 2020 of course started slowly, surprising sales of Q3 (July-September 2020) did show again massive Kangoo ZE sales. We don’t have the details of who bought these Kangoos ZE but just opening your eyes (and ears) you will probably have noticed that there are quite a lot of green AnPost vans going around (“192” and now “202” regs). Postal services have been purchasing Kangoo ZE all over Europe, thanks to reasonable purchase/lease prices and low running costs (and where the lack of DC capabilities do not matter). Fleet managers know!
New PHEV sales have reached a 3.57% market share in September, with 203 registrations recorded, a 3-fold growth over September 2019 (67 sales). No new entry this month but a top 5 made of 4 models launched this year (Ford Kuga, Volvo XC40, Kia Ceed and Audi Q5). A total of 2325 new PHEVs (2.77% market share) have now been registered in 2020, compared to 3618 BEVs during the same period.
Ford Kuga PHEV, leader in September
The interesting element is still to be looked on the used import side, with yet another record, as for the first time PHEVs passed the 500 units/month mark. representing now over 5% of all used vehicles imported into the Republic, thanks to the greatly reduced VRT compared to ICE variants of the same models.
Over 100 used Mitsubushi Outlander PHEV were imported in September
The month of September has been exceptional for dealers this year, with sales up a surprising 66%, mostly dues to attractives offers and delayed-by-covid purchases. Again this month BEVs shine with a progress of 477% (!) over September 2019. BEV Market share has reached 11.68%! (4.28% year to date)
Volkswagen ID.3
The newcomer (and leader!) of the month is the long-awaited Volkswagen ID.3. The first 238 units have been registered, and there is no doubt on the fact that it’s a mix of dealer demo cars and first customer orders, as the software issue bottleneck has now past, and thousands of ID3 produced over the last few months can now be shipped to their respective destinations. Behind the new Volkswagen is the Tesla Model 3, usually on top on the 3rd month of each quarter : it is now celebrating its first year in Ireland. It also take the year to date lead over the Leaf, with 41 extra units sold over the popular Nissan.
Used imports are in line with previous months with just 50 BEVs registered in September.
ESB eCars introduced paid for charging on their standard AC network on 10th August 2020 so we would like to gather some feedback from you, our community and members, before we meet with them next later on this week. Thank you !
Another month, another great push for PHEVs. 228 new vehicles were registered with the Niro leading ahead of the Kuga. Since July and its launch in Ireland, 28% of all Kugas were Plug-in, which shows that if you get a PHEV variant in your range, these will sell more than just a few units. And this is how we’re getting PHEVs representing already 4.68% of the total market.
Kia Cee’d
More than the new car sales, the used imports have again hit a monthly record, with 406 vehicles brought into the Republic in August, almost 1 of every 20 vehicles imported. The hype for the Outlander seems to slow down but German Premium are getting huge interest, BMW being by far the most imported brand.
On an August market almost stable (-4%), BEVs shine with sales up 72% and 296 units, brining the 100% electric cars market share above 6%! The year to date share is at 3.75%.
This month Kia is doing great with both E-Niro and E-Soul on top. followed by their cousin the Kona. The Zoé and Model 3 sold 27 models each. The Tesla is still 2nd year to date behind the Leaf but September (end of quarter) sales could give the American model the lead. And big up for whoever ordered a Renault Twizy 🙂
214 E-Sould have been sold so far this year
Used imports are back into negative territory after growth in July and are now becoming marginal, less than 10% of the level of new sales.
By John Doyle with Eamon Stack and Barry McMahon – August 8th, 2020
I’m John Doyle. The beginning of my Vectrix story goes like this: I returned to motorcycling in April 2010 (after a 30 year hiatus) when I saw an Irish Times article on a new motor scooter, the Vectrix VX-1. I went on to purchase the ex-demo bike I had used for my demo ride.
After 3.5 years of ownership, the battery temperature sensor circuit failed having been exposed to water after driving through a flooded road. In turn, this prevented the NiMh battery pack from charging and it died. This resulted in a temporary halt to my EV dream.
John discusses Vectrix upgrade with Kevin McDonald
Early in 2014, I noticed a Vectrix parked on Amiens Street, Dublin. Intrigued, as these bikes are a rarity, I waited to meet the owner who turned out to be Eamon Stack. After a chat we exchanged contact details. It was the beginning of an enduring friendship and meeting of minds in the world of electric motorcycles and cars. It was also the start of putting my Vectrix back on the road. In March 2014, with Eamon’s help, we sourced 40ah CALB LiFeP04 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells from Anne Klopenberg in The Netherlands (New Electric) and a BMS kit from Matt Casey in Perth, Australia. (Ireland, The Netherlands, Australia, Poland – the EV community is global). We put my Vectrix back on the road with I creased range.
Eamon and myself are now part of a Vectrix community of 5 EV owners with Vectrix bikes we have successfully converted from NIMH to LiFeP04 and now to Leaf cells.
The Vectrix VX-1 was designed around the millennium and launched in 2006. It is a maxi- scooter similar to the Honda Silverwing or Yamaha XMax and many similar bikes very commonly used by European commuters. The Vectrix, unlike many Asian small electric scooters, was a high-spec bike using quality bike parts like Brammo brakes, alloy frame by Lockheed martin aerospace and Italian forks. Its brushless motor gave 24 BHP of torque (equivalent to 350cc ICE bike) and its regen braking, by reversing the throttle, was revolutionary. Even Eddie Jordan had a Vectrix!
John removes modules from Leaf battery pack
The Achilles heel of the bike was the battery pack – it was designed too early for the Lithium battery revolution and relied on a battery chemistry that was great for Duracell bunnies but inadequate for Vectrix’ big motor. After a rumoured $100m investment, Vectrix went bankrupt, twice and there inventory was purchased by Vectrixparts.com in Poland set up by some emplyees from the original manufacturing plant.
While our early Vectrix conversions were a success, the real breakthrough for Vectrix enthusiasts came when a Nissan Leaf was kindly totalled by its owner. Eighteen modules of a Leaf pack, entirely by coincidence, fit snuggly into the Vectrix battery case and have the right total voltage for the motor. Our latest project has been delivered by Barry McMahon using cells from the battery pack of a Gen2 40kwh Leaf. The BMS for the Leaf modules is designed by Vectrixparts in Poland and the result is a bike with I creased power and range of 160km. This is 60% better than the original design. Barry and Eamon now drive these beefed-up maxi scooters. Our friend Sean O’Callaghan is currently rebuilding a bike for his friend and plans to put Eamon’s old bike back on the road later in the year.
Our EV community has learned the skills to upgrade the battery of any EV. The two challenges for reliable upgrade: to source affordable Lithium cells and for someone in our worldwide EV community to develop a upgrade kit. As Sean, Eamon and Barry have Gen 1 Leaf EVs, they are keen to upgrade their Leafs. Please read our other article on “Leaf – how to quadruple your range”.
Vectrix with Leaf modules and BMS
Keeping EVs on the road, for as long as possible, is an important aspect to living a more sustainable lifestyle. EVs can outlast ICE vehicles threefold. While the early vehicles suffered from underdeveloped or short-range battery packs, this need not be a fait-accompli with no or excessively expensive options. It is important that the EV community demonstrate the reality that we can upgrade older EV to give them a fully and happy long life.
As we are all also EV car drivers, we share the delights of the EV community with the increased range of new and used EV cars for the public. However, we note that unlike the automaker sector, the motorbike sector has been very slow to design EVs. The only maxi-scooter alternative to the Vectrix is the BMW C-Evolution (BMW’s only e-bike to date). In the mainstream motorbike market, Harley-Davidson have the Livewire and Zero, the Tesla of motorbikes, have a good range of powerful bikes at different levels. Our concerns is that the price premium of EV motorbikes is 50% over their ICE equivalents and there is no Government grant to soften the financial hit.
Four upgraded Vectrix maxi-scooters with Kevin
We invite anyone interested to campaign for the introduction of a €3k EV grant for motorcycles, equivalent to the grant available in UK and most EU countries.
