The electric car market is surging. More people are charging up rather than fuelling up as the trend for fully electric modes of transport are becoming essential on the road to sustainable futures. Expedited by Government plans to ban diesel engines in Ireland by 2030, the time to think about making the switch is most definitely now.

Electric car benefits are wide ranging for both the person in the driving seat and the planet. Here we explore in more detail the facts which make electric cars a great choice for everyone.

Environmentally friendly

The most obvious electric car benefit is the positive environmental impact. As electric cars are uniquely battery operated rather than fuelled by petrol or diesel, they produce zero emissions, resulting in a reduction in harmful greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Transport accounts for approximately 20% of Ireland’s carbon emissions and given that these emissions are the single biggest contributing factor to climate change, choosing a fully electric car is an easy way to make an immediate impact. However, a truly emission free electric car experience will only be possible if the electricity used to charge the vehicle is from renewable sources, something which Ireland has specific targets against as part of the 2021 Climate Action Plan.

Conscious consumers are playing their part to protect both the planet and people and Energia is proud to support them. Renewable energy plans and dedicated electric car products have been developed with specific electric car charging requirements in mind.

The charging costs of an electric car are significantly less when compared to petrol or diesel alternatives. Choosing a cost-efficient electric car energy plan can result in savings particularly if you are happy to charge your car at off-peak times such as overnight.

Electric cars are made up of fewer parts and are designed to last longer than traditional combustion engines. Without the need for oil changes, cogs, belts and filters your electric car maintenance costs should be much lower. Additionally, electric car owners benefit from lower road tax incentives, options for free home charger installations and businesses can offset tax levies by choosing fully electric fleets all of which contribute to less costs.

Better performance and driving experience

A common myth about electric cars is that they offer low performance. Thankfully this myth has since been busted! Electric cars have vastly improved over the years and all now have instant torque, which means you’ll always have power and instant speed. Electric cars are said to put a new level of the fun into driving with features such as regenerative braking and low centres of gravity, contributing to superior handling, comfort and safety, making the driver's experience feel first class.

Fast, easy home charging

Most electric car owners can easily charge their cars from the comfort of their own home, saving money, time and effort with no trips to the petrol station needed. That said, there remains some apprehension among drivers that they may run out of charge on long journeys. Thankfully, improvements to battery technologies and capacities can now give driving ranges of up to 300 miles. Additionally, as part of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2021 the Government has committed to investing in more on street electric car charging points and rapid charge units. These new charge points are expected to overtake traditional garage forecourts in the next ten years.

Energia have teamed up with a number of electric car dealers in Ireland to offer an exclusive free home charge point installation so you can charge your new electric vehicle conveniently from home with 100% renewable electricity.

Previously electric cars have been branded as exclusive and expensive but over the past decade they are becoming more affordable driven by consumer demand and a world-wide shift in the electrification of transport. With almost every car manufacturer now offering an electric model range, a lot of progress has been made with so many new models coming to market. SUVs, hatchbacks and saloons are now all available in electric transmission, not to mention vans and fleets for business users.

The make, model, size and features (as with any vehicle purchase) ultimately determine the end cost but when it comes to overall value for money in the long term, electric vehicles are a smart and sustainable investment.

Energia have offers for new and existing customers with many of Ireland’s largest electric car manufacturers including Opel, Hyundai, Honda, Kia and Citroën. If you’re in the market for a new electric car you can save on your first home charger as well as on your electricity. Find out more.

Peaceful and pleasant driving

If you’re after a more relaxing drive then an Electric car is for you! Electric cars are much quieter than petrol and diesel vehicles. No combustion = no noise. New EU regulations actually require a warning noise to pedestrians and cyclist when electric vehicles are close by due to their non disturbing qualities.

Fit for the future

Electric car benefits range from economical to environmental. Suitable for both personal and professional use, the electric car ticks every box. Technology is continuously improving and alongside the need for greener transport options to reduce the impact on climate change, the future for the electric car is bright.

Explore tariffs and electric car incentives with Energia Group.

• Find out more about Energia's EV plans here.
• Find out more about Power NI's EV plans here.