Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The All-Electric Skoda Elroq SUV
Skoda Auto a.s., more commonly referred to as Skoda, is headquartered in the Czech Republic. The founders of Škoda, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement were initially involved with the manufacturing of bicycles and motorcycles. In due course they progressed to trucks and eventually to cars, establishing Skoda in 1925. The company currently has the following battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs):
- All-electric Skoda ENYAQ iV
- All-electric Skoda ENYAQ Coupé iV
- All-electric Skoda Elroq
- Skoda OCTAVIA iV Plug-In Hybrid Estate
- Skoda OCTAVIA Plug-In Hybrid Hatch
- Skoda SUPERB iV Plug-In Hybrid Hatch
- Skoda SUPERB iV Plug-In Hybrid Estate
The all-electric Skoda Elroq should not come as a surprise to anyone acquainted with the automotive industry. Over the past two years, a plethora of mid-sized/ compact crossovers and SUVs have been launched by global automotive manufacturers, keen to take advantage of the fast burgeoning mid-sized/ compact SUV segment, in particular, the zero-tailpipe emission battery-electric vehicle (BEV) segment.
Just like the all-electric Kia EV9 was ‘downsized’ to create the all-electric Kia EV3, the all-electric Skoda Enyaq has been ‘downsized’ to create the all-electric Skoda Elroq SUV. Though the Enyaq and Elroq have much in common in regards to the underpinnings, the Eroq differs in the design language. The Elroq introduces Skoda’s latest design language, termed ‘Modern Solid’. The Skoda Elroq world premier took place in Prague (Czech Republic) in October 2024. The EV was showcased in 2022 as the Skoda Vision 7S concept car.
Apart from the Kia EV3, the other BEVs vying for a top spot in this compact segment are: the all-electric BYD Atto 3 SUV, the all-electric Fiat 600e SUV, the all-electric Honda e: Ny1 SUV, the all-electric Kia EV3 SUV, the all-electric Smart #3 SUV and more. The view that SUVs have to be ‘big and bad’ is now fast changing to ‘small and beautiful’!!
In terms of dimensions, the Enyaq electric is 4.64m long and 1.61m tall. In comparison, the five-door Elroq electric is 4.48m long and and 1.62m tall. The Enyaq offers a boot space up to 585 L, while the Elroq offers up to 470 L (up to 1,580 L with rear seats folded down). By way of comparison, the EV3 offers a 460 L boot and is 4.3m long. The Elroq does not incorporate a frunk. The Elroq is Skoda’s second BEV to use the Volkswagen Group’s, Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform. The Volkswagen all-electric ID. Family also uses the same platform.
For those living in towns and cities, a smaller SUV is a far more appropriate solution compared to a larger SUV (easier to drive, manoeuvre and park – the Elroq offers an excellent turning circle: 9.3m). Moreover, the smaller the size of a vehicle, the lower its environmental impact (emissions). This is true for both, electric vehicles (EVs) and conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles.
It is worth noting that with smaller SUVs, it is not only the dimensions that have shrunk, but also the retail price!! Prices for the entry-level Skoda Elroq SE 50 start from € 42,000. In fact, prices for the all-electric Citroën ë-C3 compact SUV start at € 23,400. With the continued decrease in battery prices, along with economies of scale, expect BEV prices to continue to become more affordable.
In fact, many BEV models are already as cheap, if not cheaper than the equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle. Apart from retail price (acquisition price), battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) offer much cheaper life-cycle ownership costs (maintenance & operating), when compared to conventional petrol & diesel cars.
The Elroq pure electric SUV is available in three EV battery sizes: 55 kWh/ 63 kWh/ 82 kWh. We encourage automotive manufacturers (OEMs) to offer EVs with more than one EV battery size option, as not everyone requires a large onboard EV battery. If you live in a city or town with limited regular long distance driving, than the 55 kWh EV battery option will do just fine! The entry-level 55 kWh variant has a claimed WLTP range up to 375 km, the 63 kWh can achieve up to 403 km, with the range-topping 82 kWh at 581 km (WLTP). Even after adjusting for real-world driving conditions, all variants offer ample range for city and motorway driving.
The Skoda Elroq offers decent DC rapid charging capability. The larger 82 kWh EV battery can be fast charged up to 175 kW DC (10%-80%: 28 mins), while the smaller 55 kWh EV battery can be charged up to 145 kW DC (10%-80%: 25 mins). The middle-of-the-range 63 kWh EV battery can be charged up to 165 kW DC (10%-80%: 24 mins). Just enough time for a short motorway break. The EV incorporates battery pre-heating energy management. It is worth noting that some of the latest-generation of pure electric cars offer faster DC charging speeds (up to 350 kW DC).
The Elroq EV incorporates a 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. Homes and commercial buildings powered by three-phase power supply can take advantage of 3-phase AC charging. At 11 kW AC, the 55 kWh can be fully charged in 5 hrs 30 mins. The 63 kWh and 82 kWh will take up to 6 hrs 30 mins and 8 hrs respectively. We at e-zoomed encourage EV owners to install on-site (home or business) solar PV and battery storage. It is a fantastic way to leverage the potential for lower cost of ownership of an electric car, and also achieve ‘well-to-wheel’ zero-tailpipe emissions. We at e-zoomed offer a number of fantastic solar PV and battery storage bundle offers!
Skoda offers a host of safety and driver assistance technology. Some of these include: adaptive lane assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, emergency assist, predictive adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed assist, traffic sign recognition, predictive pedestrian protection, predictive cyclist protection, collision avoidance assist, turn assist and more. The EV is yet to be awarded the Euro NCAP Safety Rating. The EV has a digital cockpit, 13″ touchscreen display, wireless charging and more. There is an option for a head-up display (HUD)!
The five-seat Skoda Elroq further improves its environmental credentials with the use of sustainable materials for the interior. The Elroq incorporates: recycled plastic bottles, recycled clothing, Recytitan (78% recycled PET), Technofil (75% recycled ECONYL fibres and 25% polyester), old fishing nets, artificial leather and more. Of course, other OEMs are also incorporating a similar approach, and we expect this trend to only become more popular!
The Elroq offers good internal space, to include headroom and legroom. There is ample storage options within the cabin and storing the EV cable below the parcel shelf is a clever approach. The BEV has a bit of ‘Rolls-Royce’ i.e. the umbrella included in the front door! As for the exterior styling, the Skoda badge has been replaced simply with the letters. We think it looks smart and putting it on the steering wheel is a nice touch. Though the new design language is not bold, it is certainly not offensive. Skoda has incorporated features in the exterior design (air intakes, sloping roofline etc) to further improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the BEV (.26-.28 Cd drag coefficient).
The Elroq family SUV is available in both, rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD is only available in the Elroq 85x variant. The Elroq 50, Elroq 60 and Elroq 85 are available only as RWD. The Elroq 50 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds (torque: 310 Nm). The Elroq 60 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 8.0 seconds (torque: 310 Nm). The top speed of both variants is 160 km/h. The Elroq 85 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds (torque: 545 Nm). The top speed is 180 km/h. The EV incorporates regenerative braking.
Company car drivers can also take advantage of the pure electric car. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
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Available in multiple EV battery options/ decent real-world EV range | Not the most inspiring exterior styling |
Spacious and practical/ decent level of equipment | DC charging limited to 175 kW DC |
Value for money | Heat pump not standard |
The All-Electric Skoda Elroq SUV (credit: Skoda)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Vehicle Type: | SUV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (2 Options) |
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Skoda Elroq 50 (from € 42,000) |
Skoda Elroq 85 (from € 47,990) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in three battery sizes: 55 kWh/ 63 kWh/ 82 kWh |
Charging: | 145-175 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 24-28 mins). Onboard AC charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs 30 mins/ 6 hrs 30 mins/ 8 hrs 0 mins) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
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Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
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Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
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Height (mm): | 1625 |
Width (mm): | 1884 |
Length (mm): | 4488 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2765 |
Turning Circle (m): | 9.3 |
Boot Capacity (L): | 470 (up to 1,580 L with rear seats folded down) |
Frunk (L): | N/A |
Elroq SE 50 | |
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EV Battery Capacity: | 55 kWh (52 kWh – Net Capacity) |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 375 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 15.8 |
Charging: | 145 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 25 mins). Onboard AC charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs 30 mins) |
Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 9.0 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 125 |
Max Power (PS): | N/A |
Torque (Nm): | 310 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,949 |
Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | 1,000/ 750 |
Colours: | 9 |
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Elroq SE 60 | |
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EV Battery Capacity: | 63 kWh (59 kWh – Net Capacity) |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 403 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 16.6 |
Charging: | 165 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 24 mins). Onboard AC charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 6 hrs 30 mins) |
Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 8.0 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 150 |
Max Power (PS): | N/A |
Torque (Nm): | 310 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,978 |
Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | 1,000/ 750 |
Colours: | 9 |
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Elroq SE 85 | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 82 kWh (77 kWh – Net Capacity) |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 581 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 15.2 |
Charging: | 175 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 28 mins). Onboard AC charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs 0 mins) |
Top Speed: | 180 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 6.6 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 210 |
Max Power (PS): | N/A |
Torque (Nm): | 545 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,119 |
Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | 1,000/ 750 |
Colours: | 9 |
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Used Electric Cars: Top Tips
The growth in electric driving in Ireland has been unabated, but not surprising. Like other international markets, consumers in Ireland (individuals, families and businesses) are seeking environmentally-friendly and cleaner forms of road transportation. Electric driving fits perfectly in the narrative they seek!
We have also witnessed growth in the used electric car market. Five years ago it was challenging to find a reasonable choice of used electric vehicles (EVs), with only a handful of used models available. In 2023, the narrative could not be more different.
Today the choice for consumers seeking second-hand electric cars is vast, to include, leading global automotive brands, body types, budgets etc. Of course, the used EV market will only continue to grow, as consumers continue to become more confident with purchasing new and used electric cars. But of course, as is the case in buying any used product, it is always helpful to have a few helpful tips to avoid costly mistakes!
Top Tips For Buying A Second-Hand Electric Car |
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Check the EV real-world range: electric car range is impacted by a number of factors, to include: weather, temperature, road conditions, payload, driving profile and more!. Always take the EV for a test drive, preferably, testing the EV range under as many real-world conditions as possible. |
Check EV battery performance/ charging/ degradation: in general, an EV battery will degrade 2.3% of maximum capacity a year. |
Check EV battery warranty: in general, most BEVs have an EV battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles. However, PHEVs have a shorter battery warranty profile. Moreover, some of the earlier generation of electric cars offered shorter battery warranty, usually up to 5 years. Also worth checking if the EV battery can be extended, albeit, with an additional payment. |
Check service/ maintenance history and costs: this applies to all types of cars, to include petrol, diesel and electric cars. If a car does not have a well documented service history, best to avoid it. |
Buy a used EV with as large a battery as possible, for the given budget: the larger the onboard EV battery, potentially, the longer the electric range. In particular, for those considering buying a used plug-in hybrid car. Only buy a PHEV with a real-world practical range, so that, the benefits of electric driving can be leveraged. |
Where possible, look for EVs with DC charging capability: in general, most PHEVs do not offer DC charging, while most of the latest BEVs do. It can be the case, that some of the first-generation of electric cars do not offer DC charging capability. So for those keen on buying a used pure electric car, better to identify one with DC charging capability, and preferably 50 kW DC +. |
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