Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Benefits Of Green Energy: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
EV Charging Cables: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car At Home: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Different Type Of Electric Vehicles (EVs): An Introduction
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Electric Cars: Benefits Of Electric Driving: Top 5
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
What Is Regenerative Braking: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreSign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter
The All-Electric Audi e-tron Sportback
Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group. Volkswagen AG is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.
With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position is to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles. The Audi all-electric e-tron portfolio includes:
- Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback
- Audi SQ8 e-tron SUV
- Audi Q8 e-tron SUV
- Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback
- Audi Q4 e-tron SUV
- Audi e-tron S Sportback
- Audi e-tron S SUV
- Audi e-tron GT
- Audi e-tron SUV
- Audi e-tron Sportback
- Audi RS e-tron GT
- Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback
The Audi e-tron SUV was unveiled as a concept car in 2015, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The e-tron battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is the first mass-market zero-emission pure electric vehicle from the German automotive manufacturer. The Sportback version of the electric SUV made its debut in LA (USA) in 2019, at the AutoMobility show.
The key difference between the e-tron SUV and the e-tron Sportback, is the sloping roof at the rear of the electric vehicle (EV). The length and width are the same between the two EVs, however, the e-tron Sportback has a slightly lower height.
The all-electric e-tron Sportback is more suitable for consumers seeking a more sporty exterior styling, while the e-tron SUV is more appropriate for consumers keen on interior space and practicality. The rear headroom in the e-tron Sportback is less than the Audi e-tron SUV.
The coupé-SUV pure electric SUV is available in one EV battery size: 95 kWh, with a claimed zero-emission e-range up to 361 km. Though the EV range is decent and suitable for most needs, it is not as impressive as some of the more recent BEV’s, that offer an electric range closer to 500 km.
Also, do keep in mind, that the real-world EV range will be lower than the quoted EV range, impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, weather conditions, road surface, tyre size and more. A real-world emission-free electric range will be closer to 300 km.
It is worth stressing that if the battery is ‘topped up’ on a regular basis, there will always be ample electric range available and charging times will be shorter. Also, a topping up strategy is better for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. Audi offers a warranty up to 8 years or 160,000 km.
The EV offers DC charging up to 150 kW and can be charged from 5% to 80% in 30 minutes. The EV also offers an 11 kW AC onboard charger. Of course, most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase and therefore we cannot take advantage of the three-phase onboard charger.
Charging the EV at 7.4 kW will take up to 14 hours. For those that have access to 3-phase charging at home or workplace, the EV can be fully charged in 7 hours for the smaller battery and 9 hours 25 minutes for the larger EV battery.
The EV is available in one drivetrain options, the e-tron 55 quattro. Despite the weight of the four-wheel drive electric SUV (2,620 kg), given the onboard EV battery, the performance is impressive. The e-tron 55 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds (maximum power: 808 Nm) and a 210 km/h top speed.
In terms of interior quality, equipment and technology, it reflects the premium price tag. As standard, the EV includes, the Audi intelligent MMI Navigation plus high-resolution touch displays and Audi virtual cockpit. There are also a host of driver assistance technologies as standard: 360-degree parking parking sensor, rear-view camera and lane departure warning.
In terms of practicality, given the placement of the EV battery on the floor, the boot space on offer is good (615 L), however, smaller than the SUV. For passengers, the cabin is spacious, though, the headroom is impacted in the rear due to the sloping roofline. Also, impacted is the rear-view visibility.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| DC charging up to 150 kW | Cheaper pure electric alternatives available |
| All-wheel drive as standard | Options increase purchase price significantly |
| Good looks (sporty styling) | Limited headroom for rear seats |
Gallery
The All-Electric Audi e-tron Sportback (credit: Audi)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | Hatchback |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Audi e-tron Sport (from € 85,110) |
| Audi e-tron S line (from € 89,070) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 95 kWh |
| Charging: | Up to 150 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 9 hrs 25 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| 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) | |
|---|---|
| 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 | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1616 |
| Width (mm): | 1935 |
| Length (mm): | 4901 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2928 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 12.2 |
| Boot Space (L): | 615 |
| e-tron Sportback 55 quattro | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 95 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 344 – 361 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 28.4 – 27.0 |
| Charging: | 150 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 9 hrs 25 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 210 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 300 |
| Max Power (PS): | 407 |
| Torque (Nm): | 808 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,620 |
| Colours: | 8 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Ireland: EV Market Overview
As is the case in a number of global markets, to include the European Union and the United Kingdom, the sale of electric cars in Ireland is also fast gaining momentum. In fact, in January 2022, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), accounted for 21% of all new cars licensed in Ireland. Put another way, more than a fifth of the cars bought in Ireland were either pure electric or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
It is also worth nothing the continued decline in the sale of diesel vehicles in Ireland, as families and businesses migrate to lower tailpipe emission electric vehicles (EVs). Diesel market share has declined from 34.2% in early 2021 to 19.7% in early 2022. We can expect this trend to continue for the forseeable future.
The government has set a target of 936,000 electric vehicles by 2030, with 845,000 to be private passenger cars. This will be approximately a third of the vehicles on roads in Ireland (currently there are 2.8 million vehicles on the road). Like many other governments, Ireland is committed to ending the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2030.
The government is committed to the rapid adoption of electric cars in the country. The Department of Transport has committed €100 million for EV subsidies in 2022 (almost double the commitment in 2021). The grant for private electric vehicles is up to €5,000 on qualifying battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), do not qualify for the electric vehicle grant.
Ireland: Top Electric Cars
| Top Electric Cars | Type Of EV |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Nissan Leaf | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Renault Zoe | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Kia e-Niro | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Kia EV6 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
Featured Articles
The All-Electric Audi e-tron SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.4 SUV: The Complete Guide for Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The Peugeot 508 Fastback Plug-In Hybrid: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Tesla Model 3 Saloon: The Complete Guide for Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric MG ZS EV SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Porsche Taycan Saloon: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreFeatured Products
-
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W Trina Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.0 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: €3,155.95.€3,075.95Current price is: €3,075.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowTrinaSolarCategory:Solar -
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W Trina Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Battery Storage 6.4 kWh + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.0 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: €6,115.95.€5,999.95Current price is: €5,999.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowTrinaSolarCategory:Solar -
Bundle Offer: Sungrow Home Battery Storage (6.4 kWh) + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter (5 KW/ Single-Phase): price includes product only – Free delivery
Original price was: €4,549.95.€4,050.95Current price is: €4,050.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowCategory:Battery Storage -
Untethered Ohme Home EV Charger (7kW): price includes product only – free delivery
Original price was: €780.95.€685.95Current price is: €685.95. (Including VAT)Brand:OhmeCategory:EV Charging PointsCable:Untethered -
Custom-Made 1-Phase EV Charging Cable Type 2 to Type 2 (2m to 45m, 7.4 kW) – Made In Europe – Free Delivery
€219.95 – €645.95 (Including VAT)Category:EV Charging CablesType:Type 2Length (m):5 m10 m6 m15 m20 m2 m25 m30 m35 m40 m45 m3 m7 m8 m12 m18 m22 mCurrent (amp):32 ampPhase:Single Phase (7.4kW)This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
