Just like for BEVs, the PHEV market is doing much better than the ICE one (-62% year on year) in these difficult times. New sales have rose 69% to 244 units, bringing the market share to 3.96% ! Added to the BEVs, this brings a combined market share of just over 10% for BEV/PHEV. 1 out of 10 new cars has a socket !
Volvo XC40 T5
In terms of models, Kia Niro and Mitsubishi Outlander are sharing the top spot with 55 registrations each. There are 2 new PHEVs entering the market this month : The Volvo XC40 and the Peugeot 3008, which powertrain will be introduced this year in a number of vehicles from the PSA group ( DS 7 Crossback and DS 9, Peugeot 508, Citroen C5 Aircross or Opel Grandland X)
Due to Covid-19 and closure of many dealers, it’s not a surprise to see the new car market sinking in March (-62% compared to March 2019). However on the BEV side, things are much more positive with sales up 21.8% to 379 units.
The first Renault Zoé ZE.50 have been delivered…
This difference is mostly due to the Tesla Model 3 (146 registrations) as we’re at the last month of the quarter and sales have accelerated (at least at the beginning of the month…). The “older” BEVs (Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona, BMW i3…) are suffering but new models are coming with this month the first Renault Zoé ZE 50 and the Mini Hatch Cooper SE. All in all, the market share for new BEVs is at a very impressive 6.14% for March and 3.27% to date this year. See table below for details.
… and so have the Mini Hatch Cooper SE
The used import market is not as healthy unfortunately with registrations collapsing by 52% to just 25 vehicles. Note the that one MG ZS has been imported, a first.
In light of the Irish government’s announcement yesterday regarding the measures now in place to tackle COVID-19 it is with regret that we have taken the decision to postpone the IEVOA AGM scheduled for Saturday 4th April. We will reschedule as soon as it is practical to do so and provide at least 14 days notice of the revised date.
In the meantime, if you have any immediate issues or concerns you would like to raise please email pr@irishevowners.ie or chair@irishevowners.ie.
Prior to our next meeting with ESB ecars, we would like to ask you what is your current opinion of this charging network. Please fill out the survey, before the 18th March.
In February PHEV sales grew by 33% over the same month last year, representing 1.64% of the car market. The total to date is already 788 units, over half of what has been sold for the whole 2019 year (1335).
The Kia Niro PHEV is still leading ahead of the BMW 330e and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Skoda Superb iV is not too far behind with another 12 units registered. The newcomer of the month is the BMW X3 xDrive 30e.
BMW X3 xDrive 30e
On the used import market, the Mitsubishi Outlander is finally leaving its crown to the BMW 530e. The Mercedes C350e is growing in popularity and is now just behind the japanese SUV.
Just like in January, BEV sales grew more than the rest of the market, but that growth was modest (+12.4%), with a market share of 2.88%. To date, 1294 BEVs have been registered.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is the winner this month with 154 sales. And just like last month, sales of last year joint-leaders Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona disappoint. Newcomers compensate (Kia E-Soul and E-Niro, Audi E-Tron). The Renault Zoé is still waiting for its Ze50 variant to come but that’ll be for March. Its archenemy the Peugeot e-208 is the newcomer of the month with its first 3 registrations. 51 used BEVs were also imported this month.
The PHEV market starts 2020 with a more important growth than the BEV one. It went from 301 units registered in January 2019 up 86% to 560 units registered last month, now representing 1.8% of the market.
The Kia Niro (146 units, +106%) is still leading the segment with a slim advantage over the BMW 330e. No less than 23 different PHEVs have been purchased. New for this month : The Skoda Superb iV and the Kia Ceed PHEV (available in hatch and estate versions). More popular PHEVs are coming on the market in 2020 and the generous incentives often put these financially in par with petrol/diesel, this segment will therefore grow a lot and it could become bigger than the BEV market.
Kia Ceed EstateSkoda Supber iV
Used imports are still progressing (+12%), and much higher than for BEVs. Misubishi Outlander imports are slowing down a lot but almost all the other are progressing, especially the BMW 530e.
January is the strongest month for Irish car sales and this is also true for BEV sales. The growth has slowed down, but it is still up 12.4% for a market share of 2.87% in a total market down 3.5%.
Kia E-Sould is 5th this month with 69 units sold
The Nissan Leaf is the best selling car this month with sales slightly increasing over the same month last year. On the second spot, the Hyundai Kona is disappointingly down 35% whereas its sister theIoniq benefits from its facelift to boost is sales by 120% and steal the 3rd spot from the Renault ZoéZE40, which sales are at a standstill (6 units down 92%) awaiting for the new model to start its deliveries in the next few weeks. On the 4th and 5th spot, we can find the Kia E-Niro and E-Soul, and 6th is the Tesla Model 3. The Volkswagen E-Golf is showing a good growth (47 sales up 52%) thanks to its readjusted pricing.
On the luxury side of the market the Audi E-tron (20 units) is leading ahead of the Jaguar i-Pace (8), Tesla Model X (4), Model S (3) and Mercedes EQC (2).
There was no real new models on the market this month, so no particular boost seen, but there are a few volume vehicles coming this spring such as the Peugeot e-208, Renault Zoé ZE50, Opel Corsa-e and Mini Cooper SE, that should allow a significant growth later this spring.
Nissan Leaf, clearly leading both new and used import markets
The used imports market is still quite slow and dominated as always by the Nissan Leaf.
Here are the best selling Plug-in hybrids for 2019, in Ireland. 26 different PHEVs were available at some point on the market in 2019, actually the same number as in 2018. Half of the models sold 10 or less units in 2019 which shows that it is still a niche market, mostly occupied by premium manufacturers. You will find down below the number of 2019 registrations, and evolution compared to 2018.
Kia Niro PHEV– 427 units (2018 : 136) – It is logically leading the market, as it is the most affordable PHEV, whist being the only non-premium family SUV available. Ticking all the boxes and looking to pursure its lead for 2020.
3. Land Rover Range Rover Sport – 172 units (2018: 7 ) – 66% of Range Rover Sports sold in Ireland have the PHEV powertrain. A trend we can see with many large vehicles allowing a much lower VRT and motor tax.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
4. BMW 530e – 112 units (2018 : 150) – Sales are slowing down for the 530e but it remains the most popular PHEV saloon in Ireland. The 530e represents 10% of total 5-series sales (9% in 2018).
BMW 530e iPerformance
5. Volvo XC90 T8 – 83 units (2018 : 66).
Volvo XC90 T8
6. BMW 330e – 79 units (2018 : 93) – The new version of the 330e allow it to lead the market in the second half of 2019. Sales should be quite strong in 2020.
BMW 330e iPerformance
7. Mini Countryman Cooper SE All4 – 52 units (2018 : 42) – The Mini Countryman is not a very popular car but when you get one, there is over 60% chances you will go for the PHEV version !
Mini Countryman Cooper SE All4
8.Volvo XC60 T8 – 44 units (2018 : 36)
Volvo XC60 T8
9. Land Rover Range Rover – 39 units (2018 : 8) – Every second Range Rover sold in Ireland is now a plug-in hybrid !
If BMW has yet to launch another BEV (The i3 is still the only pure electric vehicles from BMW, awaiting the iX3), they have developed a pretty comprehensive range of plug-in hybrids, with the 225 xe, 330e, 530e, 745e saloons, the 225 xe Active Tourer MPV plus the X3 xDrive 30e and X5 xDrive 45e SUVs. And of course the i8. 2 more SUVs are now joining the family : X1 xDrive 25e and X2 xDrive 25e.
The X1 and X2 are mid-size SUV and the powertrain has a setup already seen with the 225 xe Active Tourer and Mini Countryman Cooper SE All 4 : A 1.5 liter turbocharged 3-cylinder is powering the front wheel whereas the electric motor is powering the rear wheels. This configuration allows 220hp and 385Nm, resulting in a 0-100km/h acheived in just under 7 seconds.
The battery pack has a capacity of 10 kWh and is able to charge at 3.6kw, in 3 to 5 hours depending if you have a home charge point or are plugging on a regular socket. The different driving modes will allow you to drive in 100% electric mode till 135kph.
The WLTP range of up to 57km and co2 emissions are between 43 and 48g of co2 depending on the options chosen.
The X1 is available now, in same lines (Sport Line, xLine and M Sport), and available options as the ICE versions. The X2 will arrive later in 2020
BMW X1 xDrive 25e – € 50,055
Price includes VAT, VRT, VRT rebate and excludes delivery charges
Here are the best selling EVs for 2019, in Ireland. First of all we have 16 different BEVs on the market in 2019 versus just 10 in 2018. You will find below the number of 2019 registrations, and evolution compared to 2018.
Yes this year we have a tie for the top spot with 1086 units. The Nissan Leaf is no longer dominating the segment even if its sales are progressing by 38% over 2018 (789 sales). The Kona wasn’t really sold in 2018 (just 2 registrations) and is the big hit of 2019.
Nissan Leaf
Hyundai Kona Electric
3 – Renault Zoé – 262 units (2018 : 93 units). The small French car is down 1 spot in 2019 despite a 182% evolution in sales compared to 2018!
Renault Zoé
4 – Volkswagen E-Golf – 247 units (2018 ; 80 units). The E-Golf sales have increased by 209% over the previous year.
5 –Tesla Model 3 – 187 units. It has freshly landed and yet is already the 5th best selling EV for the year 2019.
6 – BMW i3 – 135 units (2018 : 56 units). Still in 6th place for the quirky premium city car, up 141% over 2018.
7 – Hyundai Ioniq– 133 units (2018 : 93 units). The Hyundai Ioniq only progressed by 43% this year, and is down 4 spots.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric
8 – Kia E-Niro – 72 units – new comer for 2019
Kia E-Niro
9 –Kia E-Soul– 62 units – Another new comer for 2019 as the previous version was not imported into Ireland.
Kia E-Soul
10 – Tesla Model S – 49 units – (2018 : 79 units) – The American luxury car has lost 5 spots and sales decreased by 38% over 2018.
Tesla Model X, Jaguar i-Pace, Nissan ENV200 are now outside of the top 10 … see full details in the table below.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is coming to Ireland, before the end of 2020 and we start to have some more information about this model, as per Ford.ie website.
Mustang Mach-E
The base model will be available from around €50,000 similar to a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range plus. For this price, you will also have a rear wheel drive vehicle with the “small” battery (75.7kWh), much bigger than the Tesla’s 50kWh, but the range is 450km (compared to the Model 3’s 409km) due to the less efficient motor and aerodynamics. You can get a bigger 98.8kWh battery allowing 600km range, for an undisclosed price.
Mustang Mach-E Premium
The Premium AWD version will be available from around €65,000 with more equipment and 4 wheel drive. The range falls to 420km due to the extra weight, and the larger battery is also an option (for a range of 540km).
Mustang Mach-E First Edition
Finally the First Edition is available from around €75,000 and comes standard with 4WD and the larger battery pack.
You can find more details about the Mustang Mach-E on Ford Ireland website and we will keep you posted later this year when more information, specs and prices are revealed for the Irish market.
PHEV sales have progressed in 2019, but at a slower pace than with BEVs. 82% growth is still very respectable and it shows us some interesting elements : Out of the 26 different PHEVs available on the market, 21 are from Premium brand and just 5 are non-premium models, 2 of which (Kia Niro and Mitsubishi Outlander) are actually leading by far and representing almost 50% of total sales thanks to their popular SUV shape and more “affordable” price point.
Kia Niro PHEV
More interesting is the fact that if new PHEV sales are lagging behind BEV sales, the used import market shows us a very opposite reaction : The PHEV market almost doubled in 2019 to 2424 units, way more than the 642 BEVs that crossed the Irish sea last year. This is explained by the fact that PHEVs had a lot of incentives in the UK, resulting in high sales there. This has become a good source of used vehicles for us to tap into and this trend should pursue into 2020, with the VRT rebates still making these PHEVs even more interesting to import compared to similar diesels, as these will now be hit by the new Nox tax.
We’re in January 2020 and it’s time to look back onto 2019.
First of all, the Irish BEV market almost tripled over 2018, from 1233 (and 0.98% market share) in 2018 to 3444 units this year, and a more significant 2.94% market share in 2019.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is still on top, but the new kid on the block for 2019, the Hyundai Kona Electric is also there, with the exact same number of registrations (1086) ! These 2 are each covering a third of the BEV market and the next EVs are far behind : The Renault Zoé has progressed a lot over 2018 (262 vs 93 sales) but still represent less than 10% of the market, and is underrepresented compared to its European performance where it is at the top, behind the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla blockbuster has been launched in ireland during the last quarter of 2019 and will be the one to watch for 2020 !
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric
The used import market has been a bit sluggish at the beginning of the year but picked up again in Q4. The Nissan Leaf is still representing the majority of the imported vehicles but the Tesla Model S is second. It is normal to see it in this place considering that the American brand only started selling their vehicles in Ireland back in 2017. There is a local demand for older Tesla Model S, that are now affordable, with an almost reasonable VRT. We can expect this market to grow again in 2020.
How will 2020 be for new sales ? It is really hard to tell. Of course the many EVs coming onto the market this year will help the market growing further. We can for sure pass the 5% market share, if the manufacturers can respond to the demand. At least, the aggressive European co2 targets will now push them to sell EVs and not try to steer an EV prospect into getting a diesel.
On Tuesday 26th November I was invited to attend an ESB Networks Innovation Event at Explorium in my role as IEVOA Chairman.
Attendees included representatives from across ESB as well as many stakeholders such as SEAI, CRU, Eir Grid, MaREI, many other ESB Networks partners, energy generators, commercial customers and competitors, such as Gas Networks Ireland, and academic institutions such as DCU & UCC.
For context, while reading this please bear in mind that ESB Networks and ESB ECars are two different parts of the ESB group. ESB Networks have a much wider brief, ESB ECars are a customer of ESB Networks in the same way that Ionity, EasyGo and any other business requiring electricity network connection are.
By 2030, in order to meet Ireland’s challenging targets for emissions reduction and renewable generation, much of our transport and heat needs to be electrified. Therefore, an important part of ESB Networks innovation brief over the coming years is to enable the decarbonisation if transport and heating through electrification.
Many innovative projects were discussed in areas including integration of renewables, customer engagement, asset optimisation, electrification of heat and transport, network flexibility and resilience, but for the purpose of this summary I’ll try keep to those most relevant to transport and therefore IEVOA.
You can read more about the ESB Networks innovation strategy here
Dingle Project
This is ESB Networks largest current innovation project, a 3 year community engagement programme basically using Dingle as a testbed to trial a number of technologies to gain knowledge of future network needs. In the mobility space this includes the leasing of 17 EVs for the community alongside use of battery storage and smart grid/charging capabilities including V2G (Vehicle To Grid).
This will be a great shop window for EV adoption in rural communities so I’ve agreed that we can help publicise what they are doing and also consult on which vehicles they should consider trialing.
Energy Citizens
A new term for me, but apparently if you are thinking about how you use energy then you are an Energy Citizen. Further, if you are taking specific actions with regard to how you use energy then you are an Active Energy Citizen. So by driving an EV, maybe charging them at night when renewables are plentiful or generating energy from solar PV or upgrading even our homes to use heat pumps we are all being good active energy citizens and ESB applaud us. So, well done to us, we are making a difference!
Micro-generation
I learnt that June 2021 is the date by which it should be possible for consumers generating excess energy from solar PV and the like to get payment for what they put back into the grid and also that connection of these devices to the grid should be free of charge.
Workshop
The afternoon session concluded with a series of workshops, I participated in ‘Optimising the Network for the Electrification of Heat and Transport’.
This focused on getting feedback from participants on the following questions:
What do customers need to enable the electrification of heat and transport?
What areas need to be prioritised.
I fed in specifically around the need for reliable, cost effective and plentiful supply of fast and slow charge points and the need for public knowledge building initiatives around EV adoption and EV champions. In terms of prioritisation I highlighted the immediate need for rapid charging hubs and plentiful charging alternatives for those who cannot charge at home.
This session included lots of discussion from stakeholders around concerns whether the network will be able to support every house having an EV home charger and a heat pump, but the impression I got throughout the day was that ESB are taking this seriously and have specific projects looking at future network requirements required to support electrification of transport and heating in particular. This tallies with what ESB eCars have previously told us, basically, don’t worry about the network, it will be ready. So I felt reassured on this point.
The day concluded with an awesome lightning show ⚡️, I’d recommend a trip to Explorium for this alone!
There was a lot more in the day but I wanted to keep this brief-ish. If you made it this far, thank you! There I’ll be another similar event in 6 months so it will be good to gauge progress then.
If you have any questions or feedback please feel free to comment below or email chair@irishevowners.ie
24 PHEVs were sold in November, a 26% increase over November 2018. Volumes are becoming low at this period of the year but PHEVs are representing a 3.12% market share. The BMW 330e is still the most popular choice (69 sales since its launch in August).
Used imports on still on the rise (+43.3% vs 2018) with for the first time the BMW 530e leading, ahead of the Mistubishi Outlander.
Good news for Ireland ! The Tesla Model 3 is finally being delivered in numbers. 136 exactly. Consequently, it leads the segment in November, ahead of the Hyundai Kona (34) and Nissan Leaf (13). BEV market share is at an impressive 25.88% . Of course this is November and overall sales are very low anyway, so it’s not too significant. Still, even without Model 3 sales, BEV market share would have been over 8%.
To date in 2019, the Nissan Leaf (1083 registrations) is leading the segment by… just one unit over the Hyundai Kona Electric (1082).
The used import market is showing again signs of recovery, with a second month of growth in a row (+44% compared to November 2018), still dominated by the Nissan Leaf.
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq is now available in Ireland, and it is welcoming a larger battery, to finally leave the crown of smallest battery of the market… to the new Mini! The useable size goes from 28 to 38.3 kWh, which is still rather low for a family car, but partially compensated by the legendary efficiency of the Ioniq. At 312km WLTP, it means the real life range should be above 250km, 50 more than the previous model, and also more than a 40kWh Leaf. It still charges on CCS but the new battery is actually charging slower than the previous model.
The redesigned interior features a 10,25 inches screen
If the exterior retains its general design, with a new still-challenging silver “grill cover” in front, the biggest changes are to be found inside the cabin with a redesigned dashboard and a new infotainment system. It includes a large 10,25 inches screen, offers Android Auto, Apple Carplay, integrated navigation with the upgrated Infinity sound system. Leather seats are now standard and besides adaptive cruise control, nothing is really missing from the long list of standard equipment.
But, unfortunately, one of the best selling point of the Ioniq, its attractive sub-30K pricing, is now gone. Price went up by no less than €6,000 which make this car more expensive than a fully equipped 40kWh Leaf and barely less than the Kia E-Niro and E-Soul, 2 models offering a much better range.
Hyundai Ioniq – €34,850
Price includes VRT relief, SEAI grant and exclude metallic paint and delivery charges.
The much loved Hyundai Kona has been suffering from 2 weaknesses : The lack of native navigation system but also the relatively slow 7.4kw onboard charger, making an full AC charge in no faster than 9 hours. This can now be reduced to just 6 hours thanks to the 3-phase 11kw onboard charged offered as standard on the new Premium trim.
Aesthetically, the Kona Premium looks just the same as the regular one, but for an extra €2,000 it offers as well a larger 10.5 inches infotainment screen with built-in navigation (the “base” version has only Apple Carplay/Android Auto). The stereo is also upgraded with a 8-speaker Krell Audio System.
Black interior and new 10.25” infotainment screen
Finally you can now choose the interior color, as a full black leather can be picked as an alternative to the light grey upholstery. The 2-tone paint is available for €600, on both trims.
Hyundai Kona – €38,630 Hyundai Kona Premium – €40,630
Prices include VRT relief, SEAI grant and exclude metallic paint and delivery charges.
