Are EV range figures based on 100% battery?
Hi,
All the articles I read say that electric car batteries should only be charged to 80/85 per cent. Are the published range figures based on 100 per cent or 80 per cent charging?
Thanks, Philip
PS: For me, electric cars will only become realistic when they have a real world range of 600km.
Philip Donegan (Ballina)Jan 2020 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Philip,
Well, Tesla already sells a Model S long range that will go for a claimed 610km...
BMW 320d or 330e?
Hi lads,
I'm trying to decide between a 2016 BMW 320d or a 330e... I do about 40,000km a year, my work commute is three days local (about a 50km round trip) and two days to Dublin (350km round trip). I live in the countryside as well, so not an urban driver as such. I'd like to move away from diesel, but I'm concerned that I won't at least match my current mpg on my existing diesel Audi A5.
Any thoughts would be most welcome!
Thanks, Brian
Brian Duignan (Kilkenny)Jan 2020 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Brian,
It’s a tricky one. The problem is that a 330e gets amazing fuel economy as long as you keep it plugged in as much as possible (which would work nicely for your short commutes), but that all goes to pot a bit on long motorway journeys (which is obviously not going to be good).
We think it’s a good idea to start moving away from diesel and towards hybrid and electric, but you’re going to struggle — overall — to match your A5 TDI’s economy with the 330e. Now, the thing is you can maybe make this work from the perspective of overall running costs. If you can charge up at work as well as at home, and stick to electric-only power as much as possible for your three short commuting days, then it’s just possible that might balance out the thirstier longer runs on the other two days.
Unfortunately, we can’t be more certain than that — the only way to know for sure is to try it out. If you don’t fancy making that leap of faith, then I guess it’s back to 320d diesel power and wait for truly long-range electric cars to arrive.
Where to go to get an EV home charger?
Hi,
Any advice/recommendations for EV home chargers? I’ve ordered an EV and have no clue where to start when choosing what size/type home charger to install.
Any help appreciated.
Many thanks.
Iobhán Smith (Ennis)Jan 2020 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Iobhán,
If you’ve bought a new electric car, talk to the dealer from whom you bought it. All of the major electric car brands have their own charging recommendations and can usually offer you a supply and fitting service. If it’s a second hand one, talk to the guys at ESB e-cars as a first port of call — lots of knowledgable people there and they’re very helpful. As a rule of thumb you’ll need to be able to run a charger with a power output of at least 7.4kW or you’ll not be able to fully charge the car overnight, especially if it’s one of the new big-battery models.
Does the Peugeot e-208 have cruise control?
Does the electric Peugeot e-208 have cruise control?
Michael Moran (Dublin)Jan 2020 Filed under: optional extras
Expert answer
Hi Michael,
It does indeed. In fact, cruise control will be standard on all versions of the new Peugeot 208, from Active spec on up. Read our Peugeot 208 reviews here
Cost to tax a 2010 Transit privately?
Hi.
Can you tell me what it will cost me to tax a 2010 Ford Transit 2.2-litre diesel? I want to tax it privately as I am not self employed and can’t avail of the commercial tax of €333. I’m an electrician if that makes any difference but like I say I want to tax it privately as I don’t have a VAT number. Also will I be able to insure it privately?
Eoin Grennan (Carlow )Dec 2019 Filed under: commercial vehicle
Expert answer
Hi Eoin,
Well, to tax a 2.2 Transit as a private car will cost you €950 a year, but the good news is that you don’t need a VAT number to be able to tax a van as a commercial. You simply have to fill out a Goods Only Declaration form (find it here: http://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/content//Documents/Application_Forms/Roads_and_Traffic/Motor Tax/RF111A_ENG.pdf) and for that you only need your income tax registration number and get it witnessed at your local Garda station.
Do I have to fix the stop-start system?
Hi, my auto stop-start stopped working and a symbol keeps on flashing on the dashboard. Will it damage my car if I don’t get it fixed right away? I’ve a Nissan Note.
Sandra Clarkson (Dundee)Dec 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Sandra,
It shouldn't cause any damage, but it could indicate a weakness in your battery or electrical system, so it's best to have it looked at when you can.
Read our Why won't my car's stop-start system work? feature for more information
My Skoda has too-light steering...
My 2014 Skoda Octavia Estate has very light steering; it feels like driving on ice and the tyre pressure is OK.
Andy Wallis (Bedford)Dec 2019 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Andy,
That's a tricky one to analyse from afar, but we do know that an issue can arise from the electric power steering motor that may lead to strange sensations through the wheel. Best to have it checked by a good mechanic as soon as possible.
How much VRT on a Lamborghini Gallardo?
Hi, I was wondering would you have any idea on the VRT of the following car:
Year: 2005
Mileage: 67191
Seats: 2
Colour: Silver
Drive Side: Right-hand drive
Transmission: Manual
Power: 520
Fuel: Petrol
Engine Size: 4,961cc
Manufacturer: Lamborghini
Metallic Paint: Yes
Model: Gallardo
Safety Features: Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Immobiliser, Safety Belt Pretensioners, Xenon headlights, Four Wheel Drive, Alarm
Body Type: Coupe
Interior/Comfort Options: Air Conditioning, Climate Control, Central Locking, Leather Seats, Electric Adjustable Seats, Electric heated seats, Electric Windows, Power-assisted Steering (PAS), Tilt Steering Wheel
Doors: 2
In-Car Audio: AM/FM Stereo, CD Player, Navigation System
Nov 2019 Filed under: VRT
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Basically, rocking up to an inspection with a Lamborghini is a licence for Revenue to charge you whatever it fancies… I wouldn’t be surprised to see a VRT bill of more than €30-40,000 for this one.
Hyundai Kona Electric or Kia e-Niro?
Which is the best electric car - Hyundai Kona or Kia Niro?
Patrick Garvey (Carrickmacross)Nov 2019 Filed under: electric cars
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
Both are very good indeed, and that’s perhaps not surprising as they’re both basically the same car, using the same batteries and motor. The e-Niro, for us, nudges slightly ahead simply because it’s larger and more practical inside, but the Hyundai is a little sharper to drive, and arguably more stylish on the outside. Worth also considering the Kia e-Soul — again, the same batteries and motor, but stylish both inside and out.
Our reviews to help you decide:
Which Outlander PHEV to go for?
Hey there, I love your site, the content is great and I have been reading it for a while now. I have a question you might be able to help me with.
I am looking to buy a used Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and have two options as per below and would love your opinion on which one to go for - basically the highest spec version of the second generation model for €17.5k or the second highest spec version of the third-generation version for €19.5k...
Option 1 - 2015(1) Second Generation PHEV 5hs
- This is the top of the line spec with red leather interior, all heated seats, Alpine stereo system
- This one has 23k miles on the clock
- Price - €17,500 (with a trade-in for my banged up Opel Meriva)
Option 2 - 2015 (2) Third Generation PHEV 4hs
- This is the newer model of the PHEV
- It is high spec but not quite as many bells and whistles as the above
- This one has 30k miles on the clock
- Price - €19,500 (with the trade-in)
Thank you
Patrick Conway (Dublin)Nov 2019 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Patrick,
We’d go for the slightly later, slightly more expensive Outlander, and sacrifice a couple of options. That update was a major one, not just on the styling front, but on the mechanical front too. The second-generation Outlander PHEV was more refined than before, and there were some significant improvements to the electric part of the powertrain, which make it both a bit quicker under electric-only power, and a bit more economical overall.