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ESB Networks Innovation Event   Recently updated !

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5th December 2019 – By Simon Acton

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).

You can read more about the Dingle project here

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

Irish PHEV Sales – November 2019   Recently updated !

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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.

Irish BEV Sales – November 2019

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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.

New on the market – Hyundai Ioniq facelift (2020)

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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.

New on the Market – Hyundai Kona Premium

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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.

New on the market – Peugeot e-208

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The Peugeot e-208, with its 136hp motor and standard CCS port, is going to be available from spring 2020 in Ireland. Peugeot is launching the petrol variant of its supermini at the same time as the petrol/diesel ones. The e-208 will be available from €27,334 (ex-delivery, including incentives) in 4 trims : Active, Allure, GT Line and GT.

The Active is already very well equipped with 16” alloy wheels, climate control, alarm, cruise control with speed limiter, trafic sign recognition, automatic headlamps and wipers, electric parking brake, automatic emergency braking system and rear parking sensors.

The Allure version adds electrically folding mirrors, rear electric windows, 3D instrument cluster, and rear privacy glass.

The GT-Line will offer a more sporty look as well as electrically folding mirrors, full LED headlights, reverse camera, ambient lightning and 17” alloy wheels.

Finally the GT trim (actually exclusive to the electric variant of the 208) is at €32,660 offering alcantara sports heated seatsn handsfree access and blindsport detection.

All in all, that e-208 seems to be quite well priced compared to the Renault Zoé : you get more equipment for a similar cost.
The e-208 compares to the Zoé R135 in terms of power and charging capability so on that perspective it seems to be better value for money. However it has only a 7kw on-board charger (vs 22kw for the Zoé), while the CCS port can support up to 100kw (to be verified) vs 50kw on the Zoé. The range is 340km WLTP which is significantly less than the 395 km of the Renault. The reason for that is not that the e-208 is inefficient, but Peugeot’s battery size is 46kWh useable (50kWh raw) while the Zoé one is actually 52kWh!


Peugeot e-208 Active – €27,334
Peugeot e-208 Allure – TBA
Peugeot e-208 GT Line – TBA
Peugeot e-208 GT – €32,660

Prices include the battery, VRT relief, SEAI grant and exclude metallic paint and delivery charges

Irish PHEV Sales – October 2019

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October PHEV sales are also healthy this month with a progress of 118% over October 2018, and 70 units registered. It represents a 3.21% market share. The new BMW 330e is like last month leading the segment, while the Kia Niro keeps its 2019 crown with 425 units registered year to date.

BMW 330e

Used imports are at an all time high with 275 vehicles registered last month! We can note the recent progress of the BMW 530e, these cars being now available at under GBP 25,000, with the reduced VRT and the low exchange rate, making these sometimes more affordable than the common 520d !

Irish BEV Sales – October 2019

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This is an exceptional month of October for BEV sales. No less than 247 cars were registered witch represents, in a traditionally low month, a 11.3% share of the new car market !

It cannot be explained by a specific model. Of course the Tesla model 3 is now getting delivered, but with just 23 units, represents less than 10% of the segment. All BEVs are doing very well this month, topped by 80 Hyundai Kona Electric, now just 21 units behind the Nissan Leaf (1070 to date). Which car will get the 2019 crown ? Too early to say !

Hyundai Kona Electric is leading new BEV sales in October

88 used BEVs were also imported in October, with is the best month of 2019. The Nissan Leaf is still dominating the segment.

Tesla Model 3

IEVOA Press release – Introduction of charges on ESB Ecars fast charging network

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23rd October 2019

On Wednesday (23-Oct-2019), ESB ecars announced details of the arrangements to be put in place for paid charging on their Fast Public Charging infrastructure.

The full press release can be found here: https://esb.ie/tns/press-centre/2019/2019/10/23/esb-ecars-introduce-pricing-to-support-ev-network-expansion

In summary:

  • Paid charging on 50kW fast chargers will commence on 18th November 2019
  • Users wishing to avail of this service will be required to sign-up from 29th October
  • Charging will be priced per kWh used with two price plan options:
    • ‘Pay As You Go’ at 33c per kWh
    • ‘Membership’ with a €5 monthly subscription fee at 29c per kWh
  • A limited time introductory offer (available from 29th October until the end of November) will provide the ‘Membership’ rate with no monthly subscription for 12 months
  • A €5 overstay fee will apply for charging sessions exceeding 45 minutes
  • Standard 22kW AC chargers will continue to be free to use for the time being
  • Pricing for High Power Chargers (150kW DC) will be announced once the first high power hubs are installed in early 2020
  • Fees will not apply to the network in Northern Ireland at this time.

The IEVOA is broadly supportive of the measures announced having long held the view that the introduction of paid charging will be positive for current EV owners and will also support on-going EV adoption in line with the objective of the Climate Action Plan. Further, we commend the ESB in taking on board feedback from our members during the consultation process as the measures announced very much follow what the majority of our membership indicated they would like to see when surveyed earlier this year.

The advent of paid charging will allow expansion of the existing EV infrastructure in line with ESBs plans announced in late 2018, including the much needed introduction of high power charging hubs at key locations. It will also allow for the network to be fully maintained and upgraded as required into the future. Furthermore, paid charging opens the way for competition allowing other charge network operators to bring their plans to fruition. This can only be positive for EV owners with more chargers, more choice and competition on pricing. Meanwhile, the price point selected will still ensure that EVs are cheaper to run than their ICE equivalents, whilst encouraging those able to avail of home charging to do so as a preference. Finally, overstay fees should help discourage blocking of chargers for excessive periods, hence the network should be more available to those who need it.

Feedback so far from our membership indicates that they may have liked to have seen a higher overstay fee and also measures to ensure that the overstay fee isn’t easily avoided by unplugging and restarting another session, but we are assured that these trends will be monitored.

We must also acknowledge that this is new territory in Ireland and a starting point. The ESB are open to revising these measures should this prove necessary. To this end the IEVOA will keep close contact with ESB ecars over the coming months following introduction of paid charging, passing on feedback from our members and ensuring their voices are heard.

Contact : pr@irishevowners.ie

Irish PHEV Sales – September 2019

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New PHEV sales are representing a record 1.96% of total passenger car sales in September, the 67 registrations are representing a 52% increase over the same month last year. The newly launched BMW 330e is the best selling model this month with 27 registrations.

Used imports are also very dynamic with 216 registrations, best so far this year, on a 53.8% increase over September 2018.

Mistubishi Outlander PHEV, most popular PHEV import in September and YTD.

New on the market – Renault Zoé ZE50

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The updated Renault Zoé has been highly anticipated by the EV community and it will arrive very soon in Ireland. Not only this is (still) the most affordable EV on the market, but it also (still) is the only one that can charge at 22kw at one of the hundreds AC chargers spread out all around the country, making it the most versatile EV available.

We know the Renault Zoé, it has been around since 2013 and is so far in 2019 the 2nd best selling BEV in the European market, behind the Tesla Model 3. Renault’s goal is to bring affordable electric cars for the masses and it naturally improved its Zoé.

You’ve probably read about the new Zoé before, with its impressive range of 395km WLTP, massive bootspace and available CCS connector, but we now have more details on the range available for the Irish market, and the good new is that it is (still) great value for money.

This new range starts at €26,990 with the Play R110 model. Compared to the outgoing Zoé Expression, it costs €1,400 extra but adds the 52kWh battery (instead of 41kWh), a more powerful 110hp motor (vs 90hp previously), and a number of new standard equipment such as Full LED headlights (previous Zoé owners will appreciate that), a full 10-inch digital instrument cluster, hands-free key card, automatic wipers and headlights. The infotainment is powered by the new Easy Link system, that comes standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Of course ou still have Air conditioning or cruise control and speed limiter. This comes with the more efficient 15 inch wheels.

The 10inch display is standard on all Zoé (navigation available from Iconic trim)

At €28,990, the Zoé Iconic R110 will be the popular option. It is just €1,000 over the outgoing Dynamique Nav R110 and adds to the Play version 16 inch alloys, built-in satellite navigation, climate control, inductive smart phone charging, electric rear windows, a number of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) such as lane departure warning, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition, the 100% recycled seat upholstery and dashboard trim, and rear parking sensors. 50kw CCS connector is a €750 option.

Zoé GT Line R135 with optional 17 inch alloys

For €30,990, you can afford yourself the Iconic R135. This version will be aimed for EV drivers who do more regular long distances trips. For €2,000 over the Iconic R110, this version adds the more powerful 135hp motor, allowing faster acceleration and top speed, but also the desirable DC CCS 50kW connector, a must when going for a long trip across the country.

Zoé GT Line interior

Finally at €31,990 the GT Line R135 is topping the new Zoé range, with diamond cut 16 inch alloy wheels, the very sexy 9.3 inch portrait Easy Link central screen, front parking sensors, rear-view camera, semi synthetic-leather and recycled cloth upholstery and Blind sport warning.

All Zoé come with a 5-year 200.000 km warranty (8-year 160.000 km for the battery).

Which one should I choose ?

The Iconic R110 will probably be the most popular choice. The price is reasonable, performance is adequate and it’s really well equipped. For a car that is meant to stay around town or be used as a second car, the lack of standard DC charger might not be an issue but it would be wiser get the option, as it will be an feature people will look for in a few years when you’ll resell the car. If you really want to go for the more powerful motor, go directly to the GT Line R135, as it offers many more features than the Iconic, such as the larger screen or the reverse camera, for just €1,000 extra.

When can I get it ?

The new Zoé will be available for deliveries from January, so you might want to visit your dealer quite soon.

Zoé Play R110 Z.E.50 – €26,990
Zoé Iconic R110 Z.E.50 – €28,990
Zoé Iconic R135 Z.E.50 – €30,990
Zoé GT Line R135 Z.E.50 – €31,990

Prices include the battery, VRT relief, SEAI grant and exclude metallic paint and delivery charges

Main options:
50 kw DC (CCS) connector – €750 (Iconic R110)
17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels – €400 (GT Line R135)
Winter pack (heated front seats and steering wheel) – €500 (Iconic and GT Line)
Technology pack (front sensors, rear-view camera, 9,3 inch portrait Easy Link screen) – €800 (Iconic)
Hands Free Parking – €350 (GT Line)


Irish BEV Sales – September 2019

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BEV sales are up 20.6% for September to 117 units, for a 3.41% market share. The news of the month are the first 13 Tesla Model 3, that places the model directly in the lucky 13th position for 2019 (4th for September alone). The Nissan Leaf is quietly passing the 1000 unit sold mark so far this year, and is still ahead of the Kona Electric.

The first Tesla Model 3 have landed !

As for the used imports, the month of September was actually the best this year, but still down compared to 2018. Note that no less than 17 used Tesla Model S were brought in last month.

Tesla Model S was a surprisingly popular used import last month !

Irish PHEV Sales – August 2019

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The PHEV market is just as dynamic as the BEV market with sales increasing by 39.4% year on year for August, to 91 units and 1.79% market share. The Plug in market share was again above 5% last month (and 3.66% so far this year)

Kia Niro PHEV

The Kia Niro PHEV is still dominating the segment, but this month we welcome 2 new models, the new BMW 330e (10 sales) and the Mercedes E300de (yes it’s a diesel PHEV – 1 sale). See below details for new sales and used imports.

Mercedes E 300de

Irish BEV Sales – August 2019

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New BEV sales still increased last month, by 4.24% year on year. That said, August 2018 was particularly strong due to the launch of the Leaf40 so it’s actually a quite good result as shown by the 3.35% market share achieved !

The Hyundai Kona is the strongest this month, catching up with the Nissan Leaf. Which one will be the king of 2019 sales ? Too early to say ! Note as well the 3 first Irish Mercedes EQC … and we’re still waiting on the Tesla Model 3.

Used imports are still decreasing (41.3% year on year) . See below for more details

IEVOA position on the new scheme for on-street charge points for electric vehicles

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On Monday (26-Aug-2019), Minister Bruton announced a plan to deploy 1000 charge points (up to 200 per annum) over the next 5 years. Capital will support up to 75% (or €5,000) of the cost of each charge point and these will be implemented and operated by county and city councils.
On top of this a new regulation requiring non-domestic buildings with over 20 car parking spaces to install charging facilities will be introduced.

The IEVOA is glad that a different perspective is given to the development of infrastructure and with a more local implementation, closer to communities needs and local initiatives… Whilst this plan is welcome, the number of charge points are small, the roll-out long, and many more public charging points will be necessary to support the million electric vehicles expected by 2030 under the Climate Action plan.

With the advent of paid charging over the next year or so we would hope to see more charge stations operators rolling out public charge stations which will add to the numbers available all over Ireland.

The IEVOA, on behalf of its members, will engage with local authorities and offer its expertise to support the optimal implementation of these charging points.

Contact : pr@irishevowners.ie

IEVOA meeting with ESB Ecars – 23-Aug-2019

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You may have seen elsewhere in the press today that ESB eCars will commence pay charging shortly. So this announcement is just to confirm the details shared with the IEVOA Committee when we met with eCars today.

Firstly, the announcement relates to Fast charge points ONLY. Pay charging for Standard charge points will come later, likely in 2020. So an announcement is to be expected during the next one to two months regards when pay charging will commence, how much this will cost and on what basis it will be costed. There will then be a short period, likely 3-4 weeks, to register for the service before the pay charging service will commence.
We understand that existing RFID cards can be used after being re-registered, and/or a new app to avail of the service.

This is all the information we can provide for now but hope to be able to share some more details early next week.

Fast charge point unit with Chademo, CCS and Mennekes type charge connectors.

European EV sales – Ireland accelerating !

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Great news for the European EV market (BEV+PHEV), growing 34% during the first semester 2019 compared to same period of 2018. Over 259.000 plug in vehicles were registered.

Most importantly for us, Ireland did show the most important year or year growth (+182%) and is now the 15th plug-in market in Europe (in volume)!

At a global level, and in terms of market share, Ireland is now at the 10th place, with 2.7% ! Far from Norway but on the right path, ahead of Germany, France and UK. Now that the buyers are here, what about the infrastructure ? It’s no longer a chicken and egg situation, right ?

Source : EV-volumes

ESB Ecars Charge point fault report form

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Dear members,
We would like to collect some data on currently faulty and/or regularly unreliable ECars charge points ahead of our upcoming meeting with ECars this coming Friday (24th August).
This should be from your own personal experience and just the following data as we need to compile this as quickly and easily as possible: – Charge Point location – Ecars ref number (found on charge point or Ecars app or website , for example CP:123ABC) – FCP or SCP – Socket used e.g. (Chademo, Type 2, CCS) – Date(s) unavailable – Very brief description of fault e.g. Faulty socket, Faulty card reader, Won’t start charge, etc.
We’re not interested in blocking or ICEing this time, that’s a different issue, and please no essays. We know well about the frustrations of you all, we just need the data.
Many thanks, IEVOA Committee.

Please click on the link below to access the form :
https://form.jotformeu.com/form/92295817243362

Irish new PHEV Sales – July 2019

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PHEV sales keep progressing significantly, by almost 80% over July 2018. Last month saw a clear domination of the Kia Niro PHEV, absorbing over 50% of the total sales of the segment, with 139 units registered. The Mitsubishi Outlander is now clearly behind and the rest are mostly premium vehicles. Price point is a key factor here and the € 31,495 Niro showed that being an reasonably priced family PHEV does pay off. Next year other affordable newcomers like the Renault Captur PHEV should help reinforcing the segment…

2020 Renault Captur PHEV should help the segment to expand

Irish new BEV Sales – July 2019

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The Irish BEV market is still very dynamic in July for the 192 plate change, despite the limited choice and the difficulty for dealers to supply some models.

On a car market shrinking by over 8% last month, BEVs sales were up 91.9% to 735, representing a 2.98% share. That share was just 1.42% in July last year.
The Nissan Leaf is back on top with 293 units sold. The Hyundai Kona on the other hand is lagging behind with 169 units. 897 Konas have been sold so far in Ireland this year, which is quite an achievement considering the car is in high demand globally and the expected production is just 48000 for 2019. Next year the Kona EV will by possibly built in Czech republic, hopefully solving the supply issue, affecting as well the Kia E-Niro and E-Soul.

The Renault Zoé has its best month ever, with 94 units registered and gets back onto the podium, leaving the disappointing VW E-Golf behind (36 units).

Renault Zoé is 3rd in July with a record 94 units sold

Sales are premium EVs are all somewhat disapointing: BMW i3, Audi E-Tron, Tesla S and X registrations are all relatively slow, but the first batch of Tesla Model 3 has yet to be delivered.