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Hi Malcolm,

Yes it does. All modern electric cars can be plugged into a home charger/wallbox and charged at up to 7.4kW on single-phase AC outlets. 

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Hi San,

From the details you've provided, we believe there would be no VAT or import duty, though you will need proof that the dealer imported the car according to the Windsor Framework rules. Mention it to them, as I'm sure they'll know exactly what you need.

And yes, assuming the car is under the VRT threshold, there should be a VRT rebate in full as well.

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Hi Neil,

Yes, in fact most versions of the new C3 Aircross are automatic. There are electric and hybrid models that are automatic. Only the regular petrol engine can be had with a manual gearbox.

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Hi Gerry,

There is some anecdotal evidence of increased insurance premiums when buyers move to an EV, though we've not experienced this ourselves. There are a lot of factors that feed into the cost of insurance, including the increased price of a new car.

However, we don't believe the issue is the extra performance, but the potential increased cost of repair, such as to a battery pack for example.

We'd certainly urge would-be EV buyers to get an insurance quote for the car they're considering buying so that they have the full picture.

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Hi Mike,

Citroen does not publish such a figure as the C3 Aircross is only a 'mild' hybrid. In reality it only moves on electric power when manoeuvring or in very low stop-start traffic speeds.

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Hi John,

Your Octavia's boot is rated to 600 litres, we believe, which is difficult to match unless you go for a much larger car. The Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer, for example, holds a little more than that, but it's out of budget. Same story for the VW Tayron eHybrid (PHEV), which has a bigger boot again.

Those cars are still relatively new, so you can't afford used versions yet, either, though we did find a selection of second-hand Skoda Superb PHEVs on the market within budget. They're massive in all directions and might well suit your needs, so long as you don't mind going for a car that's two to three years old.

The VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq have comparable boots of well over 500 litres and are in budget – though there's much more choice in the ID.4 lineup for that money.

Last but not least, and assuming you have nothing against buying an SUV, the Hyundai Tucson PHEV has a boot of about 560 litres and is within budget.

Let us know what you think of these suggestions.

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Hi Simone,

I'm assuming you're trying to choose between that ex-demo Volvo and a brand-new Kia EV9, as we wouldn't usually consider these cars to be direct rivals, despite the fact they're both electric and can seat seven people.

The Volvo is supposedly the more luxurious car and brand for sure, and it's a very impressive vehicle. I too would be worried about the software, however, unless there's evidence that it has been updated to a newer version.

A new Kia EV9 would come with a much longer warranty and Kia also has a great reputation for reliability, so it's probably the safer bet. Saying that, the EV9 is also a lovely car, very well specified and spacious.

Make sure you drive examples of both to help you decide – and do let us know which way you go.

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Hi John,

It certainly does, as standard.

Read our detailed Irish review of the Renault 5 E-Tech electric here.

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Hi Mick,

It's very likely that the dealer is correct, but you will need to make sure they give you all the paperwork ahead of time so you can check. For example, if the car was previously imported to NI, but not by the dealer you're buying the car from, then our understanding is that they could not do the requisite customs declaration now.

Essentially, you need to have proof that the dealer you are buying the car from is the same entity that brought the car from England and that they imported it according to the Windsor Framework rules. They should be able to give you a copy of the SAD (Single Administrative Document – or form C88) for example, plus proof of transportation of the car into the North.

If you're satisfied that the paperwork is in order then you don't need a customs declaration at all, just book a VRT inspection with the NCTS.

However, make sure you do have proof of all the facts, as Revenue can contact importers after the VRT inspection and request more information.

It's highly likely that the NI dealer is familiar with the paperwork requirements and that they'll furnish you with what you need.

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Hi Galin,

Worry not, as the Grande Panda hybrid does not have a traditional starting motor at all. Instead, it uses the mild-hybrid system's electric motor - integrated into the transmission - to start the engine up. This should be quite robust.