Manufacturers want consumers to have confidence in their electric cars and while warranties vary between car brands, generally they provide excellent warranty terms for batteries, with many on the market offering between 7 years/150,000km to 8 years/160,000km warranty. 

The lifespan of the battery will be dependent on many different factors. These include but are not limited to, how the vehicle is driven in its lifetime, how often the battery has been charged using fast/rapid chargers and ambient temperatures. Like all lithium-ion batteries, the battery will experience gradual capacity loss over time. Modern battery packs are made up of modules/individual cells and if a battery requires replacement, the module would be replaced which is more cost-effective than the entire pack. The average lifetime of an ICE vehicle is over 14 years and 200,000km, and it is expected that on average EV batteries will have a similar lifetime. Battery manufacturers expect batteries to last the lifetime of the vehicle and undergo greater than 1,000 full charge cycles before significant degradation is notable. In a vehicle with a 300km range, this would equate to greater than 300,000km. Batteries can still serve a sustainable purpose after they leave your EV. Their recycling capabilities can provide a second life use of batteries, as they still store significant amounts of energy and can be converted for storage to power homes, buildings, and the wider electricity grid. 

While it is true that batteries degrade over time, battery technology has become far more advanced with improvements in durability and longevity and aims to extend the life of the battery. Additionally, research and real-world data show that EV batteries can retain a significant portion of their capacity even after the warranty period expires. This means that EV batteries often continue to perform well for many years beyond the 
warranty, providing reliable and efficient operation for the lifespan of the vehicle.

EV car batteries are recycled when they reach end-of-life, the material from them ends up in new batteries and in other applications. In Ireland, recycling of EV batteries is provided through the Electric ELVES programme operated by ELVES (ELV Environmental Services CLG). ELVES is the 
compliance scheme for End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), established by vehicle manufacturers to help deliver on their obligations under the ELV Regulations. The Electric ELVES programme provides support to Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs or permitted scrapyards) when they receive an 
end-of-life electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or mild hybrid vehicle. The programme provides free collection and recycling of electric vehicle batteries as well as EV dismantling training for ATFs. In addition to being recycled, batteries may go on to have a second life; reused in another vehicle 
or repurposed into another application such as storing power generated from solar panels.

A commonly shared EV myth is that they regularly catch fire. The likelihood of an EV catching fire is significantly less than that of a petrol or diesel car. A study by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency concluded that EVs are 20 times less likely to catch fire than petrol and diesel cars

While early EV models did have limited ranges, modern EVs have significantly improved battery technology. EV models have electric ranges of 220km to 600km while some higherend models can range up to 835km. Additionally, the charging infrastructure is expanding, making long-distance travel more feasible. The range of an EV is determined by the battery capacity of the car. Larger batteries will have a greater range. Various factors, like driving behaviour, outdoor temperature, weather, wind, topography, and road conditions can influence range. Range varies depending on whether you’re driving in a city or on the motorway as the faster you drive, the quicker you use up range. EVs will typically use less than 20kWh/100km, so a 60kWh battery provides greater than 300km of range and an 80kWh battery provides greater than 400km but the same as an ICE vehicle the heavier the foot the quicker the fuel is used. The average daily mileage in Ireland is 16.9km and even if you travel for longer journeys the vast majority of EVs can cover the range adequately. EVs provide instant torque and smooth acceleration providing a pleasant driving experience.

WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) is a testing procedure carried out in a lab environment to determine the fuel or energy consumption and CO2 emissions of a vehicle. EV range like ICE vehicles is determined by various factors, like driving style, outdoor temperature, weather, wind, topography, and road conditions. Other factors that impact range include how much electricity you use for car functions such as heating and cooling. Help extend your range by preconditioning the battery when charging to hit the optimal temperature when your journey begins. Many manufacturers have developed an EV Range calculator on their EV car configurator, available on their websites and this can be used to accurately calculate the range you can expect your car to achieve.

Weather can impact a vehicle’s driving range typically, warmer temperatures in the summer will result in a higher range while lower temperatures in the winter will reduce the range. However, it doesn’t affect the majority of EV owners who get to know their vehicles. At the same time, weather also impacts Petrol/Diesel cars when you need to use the heater or air conditioning. It results in more fuel being burnt, for the car to do this extra work. Most EVs offer pre-conditioning, a feature that allows you to remotely activate your car’s climate control using a mobile app, to pre-heat or pre-cool the car’s interior temperature before you get in. It also helps demist the windscreen and windows which is beneficial during the winter months. Pre-conditioning can be done from a direct supply of electricity when the EV is plugged in charging or scheduled for a specific time utilising the car’s battery. Pre-conditioning can help to optimise your EV’s driving range. 

With an EV, you effectively can have your own “charging” station at home when you install a home charger. A lot of people have the possibility to charge their vehicles at work. It is estimated that over 90% of EV owners don’t rely on the Public Charging infrastructure at all. A survey conducted by the Irish Electric Vehicle Association (IEVA) on charging habits found 87.9% of its respondents charge primarily at home and 8% at their workplace, and that a big benefit of an electric vehicle is that you can charge at home, if you have the facilities available to do so. According to the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), there are already over 600 fast DC recharging points across the country and over 2,550 slower AC chargers, which are available on almost every major route/town/city, and the network is being added to every month. In line with EU regulations, the Irish Government announced a new €21m scheme to accelerate the development of high-powered Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across 
Ireland’s road network. This scheme targets the motorway/dual-carriageway network, driving the installation of high-power recharging pools every 60 kilometres, with at least four 150kW recharging points in each pool. Other schemes to install charging infrastructure include the Shared Island Sports Scheme and the Just Transition Fund Scheme. Along with private investment, the national charging infrastructure is improving greatly across Ireland.

While the upfront cost of purchasing some Electric Vehicles (EVs) can be higher than an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle. With more EV models now in the market, the recommended retail selling prices are narrowing with diesel/petrol vehicles. Government grants help to reduce the cost of purchasing a new EV with real savings in the lower motor tax, running costs, maintenance, and charging costs. To review the cost of ownership the SEAI has created an online tool Compare Electric Car Running Costs |Electric Vehicles | SEAI which allows you to browse and compare the full range of new electric, petrol and diesel vehicles. This allows you to see how much you can save in costs and emissions. 
 

Car depreciation refers to a car’s reduction in value over time by taking into account a number of factors, including the car’s age, mileage, condition and general demand. Electric cars are subject to the same factors of car depreciation as a petrol or diesel car, but with a main difference in that battery condition and EV type (Hybrid, PHEV, BEV) are a factor in the cars overall value. 

While it’s true that resale values for Electric Vehicles (EVs) may be uncertain due to concerns about battery degradation and market acceptance, the increasing popularity and acceptance of EVs will likely stabilise and improve resale values. Many Retailer brands are offering customers the option to finance their new car over a fixed term at a more affordable rate. In addition, when you opt to pay for a new car through PCP finance, you’ll also receive a Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) which is the value your Dealership guarantees the car will be worth at the end of the contract. As EV technology matures and becomes more mainstream, resale values are expected to align more closely with those of ICE vehicles.

Home/Domestic charging is the cheapest way to run your car. Your energy provider can advise for different time of use tariffs for the best fit for your energy use. According to the SEAI fuelling an electric vehicle costs much less than fuelling a similar sized petrol or diesel car. You can save between 50 and 60% on fuel costs! If you usually charge overnight at home, then you can save even more with night rate electricity. To do this 
you will need your utility company to install a night meter or smart meter. Charging can also be done via the public charging network operated by different suppliers that offer different types of chargers (standard, fast or high power). Pricing will vary from each provider depending on the amount of power and time consumed, with fast charging being more expensive.

A common misconception made against EVs is that they offer little or no climate benefit over conventional cars, due to the emissions associated with making their batteries. Electric Vehicles (EVs) are responsible for considerably lower emissions over their lifetime than conventional (internal combustion engine) vehicles. An EV in Europe will pay off its carbon debt after around 11,000 miles (18,000km), which is the equivalent of one year’s driving based on the average annual mileage driven by cars in Ireland, after which the full life cycle CO2 emissions are around three times lower than an average petrol car according to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). Transport & the Environment found Direct electrification of road transport is more than 2 times more efficient than hydrogen power, and 4 times more efficient than using e-fuels. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which mean improving air quality contributing to a cleaner and greener environment and are helping to reducing Ireland’s emissions. 

The transition to EVs is not a phase, Government and the Motor Industry are committed to the EV project and must work together to support this transition. The Irish Government has set decarbonisation targets for many sectors through its Climate Action Plan, which must be achieved by 2030. For Transport this includes emission reductions and a transition of our national vehicle fleet to electrification, which is the quickest way to reach our commitments. Worldwide Manufacturers have invested heavily in this new technology and rapidly adjusted their product offerings to the adoption of EVs. The European Parliament has approved a new law banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. The Irish EV market has gone from a standing start to a 14% market share and continues to grow, with supply and product offerings increasing to over 100 EV models now available in the market. The IEA (International Energy Agency) recently reported that  the transition to electric mobility continues to advance rapidly, reshaping  
global energy and auto markets. Global momentum behind electric cars remains  powerful in the medium term. Under today’s policy settings, electric cars are expected  to account for around 45% of car sales in 2030 and 55% in 2035.

To suggest that EVs are powered mainly on fossil fuels and unlikely to cut emissions is misleading. Most countries now generate a portion of their electricity from renewables and not solely from fossil fuels. According to EirGrid over 40% of Ireland’s electricity power currently comes from renewable sources, with this proportion set to increase significantly over the next few years. The lifecycle benefits of EVs are increasing over time as electricity grids get cleaner.

All new vehicles regardless of fuel type must meet the latest European General Safety Regulations when brought to market. Electric Vehicles (EVs) come with a lot of safety features as standard. Despite concerns, the risk of electric shock while driving an Electric Vehicle (EV) is not more than that of an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle. Both types of cars have batteries and electric systems and under normal circumstances, these do not short out or create risks of shocking anyone.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are generally cheaper to maintain than combustion engine vehicles and have lower operating costs. This is because most EVs have fewer moving parts than a standard internal combustion car and the use of regenerative braking also means there is less wear on the physical brakes. EVs also require tyre replacement similar to combustion engine vehicles. It is important to service your EV regularly so that it runs efficiently and remains safe on the road. 

Tyres on all vehicle types should be checked regularly for pressure, tread depth, wear, and wheel alignment. Electric cars are much heavier than regular combustion engine vehicles due to battery weight and their tyres are built to manufacture specifications (details of which are located inside the driver’s door) to withstand the pressure of the increased weight. Tyres costs will be largely influenced by the driving style, wheel size and overall size of the vehicle much more so than how it is powered. Driving with underinflated tyres will result in unnecessary fuel/electricity consumption while incorrectly inflated tyres can lead to premature wear and tear. A lot of EV owners will drive gently to maximise range and most EVs will use regenerative braking as much as possible. A regenerative braking system captures kinetic energy generated during deceleration and converts it back into electrical energy, which is stored in the battery helping to conserve energy and extend the vehicle’s range and efficiency. ICE vehicles lose this energy during braking and cannot be recovered. Regenerative braking in EVs means there is less stress put on tyres when it comes to slowing down and speeding up, reduced wear and tear on the braking system, and prolonging the life of brake components unlike in ICE vehicles which require more frequent maintenance intervals. Excessive braking, mileage, wheel alignment, and tyre monitoring have the biggest influence on the tyre lifespan.

No, any retailer that sells an EV is also capable of repairing them. The automotive industry is currently undertaking the biggest transformation with the transition to electrification. Car manufacturers are strongly committed to decarbonisation and investing billions in electrification. With new technology comes the need for technicians to upskill. Manufacturers and training suppliers are providing upskilling courses, so that technicians are equipped with the essential automotive knowledge and skills for working safely with high-voltage systems in electric and hybrid vehicles so that the 
Industry can stay ahead of the curve. 

Electric cars are inherently much simpler than internal combustion engine cars, as there are fewer moving parts. Breakdowns are less common. In the event your driving range is low, and your battery is reduced the car will issue an advanced warning to remind you to charge your car at your nearest station, like an ICE car when a fuel light appears reminding you to refuel.