Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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 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
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 MoreSign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV
Mercedes-Benz, simply known as Mercedes, is a leading global luxury automative manufacturer based in Germany. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart and is famed for its high quality passenger vehicles, to include the Mercedes-Maybach. However, the company is also a leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles, to include the Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the Mercedes eVito electric van.
Mercedes-Benz EQ is the sub-brand used by the company for its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The pure electric cars are branded as EQ, while the PHEVs are branded as EQ Power. The mild hybrid vehicles are branded as EQ Boost. The BEV portfolio includes:
- The all-electric EQC SUV
- The all-electric EQV MPV
- The all-electric EQA SUV
- The all-electric EQE SUV
- The all-electric EQS saloon
- The all-electric EQB SUV
- The all-electric EQE saloon
- The all-electric EQS SUV
The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV is part of the Mercedes-Benz EQ electric mobility family. The EQB is unique, in that, it is a zero-emission electric SUV with up to 7 seats. So far, the options for a seven-seat pure electric SUV have been limited, in particular, in the premium SUV category.
Moreover, the Mercedes EQB is priced at a more affordable price point compared to alternate premium electric SUVs, like the Tesla Model X.
The EV is available in one EV battery size option (66.5 kWh), with a WLTP emission-free electric range up to 410 km. The onboard EV battery is neither small nor large. It is really a mid-range battery size, appropriate for city and motorway use.
Though a 410 km zero-emission range will meet most needs, we have now come to expect electric vehicles with an e-range closer to 500 km, if not higher. Expect the real-world range to be closer to 350 km, depending on the driving style, road conditions, weather, passenger load, regenerative braking profile etc. In any case, a 350 km EV range is practical for most day-to-day city and motorway driving needs.
The electric EQB offers DC charging up to 100 kW DC. Not the fastest DC charging speed, nor the slowest. Again, a mid-range charging speed, appropriate, given the size of the onboard EV battery, The pure electric SUV can be charged up to 80% in 32 minutes. Perfect amount of time for a coffee and a brief motorway break!
The manufacturer also offers a 3-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. However, as most homes in Ireland are limited to single-phase power supply, taking advantage of the 11 kW charging speed will only be for those with access to 3-phase EV charging at home, workplace or a public charging station.
Using a dedicated three-phase (11 kW) EV charger, the EQB electric car can be fully charged in 5 hours and 45 minutes. Single-phase charging will take longer (9 hours and 15 minutes). We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight at home, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper. We discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging an electric car.
The pure electric SUV is available as a front-wheel drive (EQB 250) and an all-wheel drive (AWD), to include the EQB 300 4MATIC and the EQB 350 4MATIC variants. The EQB 3004MATIC can achieve 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds (max power: 228 hp/ torque: 370 Nm). The EQB 350 4MATIC can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (max power: 292 hp/ torque: 370 Nm). The top speed of the e-SUV is 160 km/h.
As is the case of the other Mercedes electric vehicles, the EQB is built using a sustainable production process. The pure electric SUV is being built in Kecskemet, Hungary. The EQB is equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which can be controlled via voice, touch or gesture.
The infotainment system can overtime predict personal habits using artificial intelligence (AI). The electric car is also equipped (like the case with other EQ models) with an external acoustic warning to alert pedestrians or cyclists at speeds under 30 km/h.
The EQB is well equipped to include: active lane keeping assist, active speed limit assist, Mercedes-Benz sound system with one centre speaker, two Frontbass speakers, two tweeters, four mid-range speakers and 225 W amplifier output, ambient lighting – 64-colours and Smartphone integration including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Up to seven-seats family e-SUV | Cheaper electric SUV alternatives available |
| All-wheel drive as standard | Only available in one EV battery size |
| 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | DC charging limited to 100 kW |
Gallery
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV (credit: Mercedes-Benz)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (3 Options) |
|---|
| Mercedes EQB 250 (from € 67,705) |
| Mercedes EQB 300 4MATIC (from € 70,745) |
| Mercedes EQB 350 4MATIC (from € 73,720) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 66.5 kWh |
| Charging: | 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs 45 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| 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): | 1667 |
| Width (mm): | 2020 |
| Length (mm): | 4687 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2829 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.4 |
| Boot Space (L): | 340 |
| EQB 3004MATIC | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 66.5 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 410 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 184 – 187 |
| Charging: | 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs 45 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Max Power (hp): | 228 |
| Torque (Nm): | 370 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | Up to 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,105 |
| Colours: | 10 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| EQB 350 4MATIC | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 66.5 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 410 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 189 – 191 |
| Charging: | 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs 45 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6.0 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Max Power (hp): | 292 |
| Torque (Nm): | 370 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | Up to 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,105 |
| Colours: | 10 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
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 2022, a total of 23,356 new electric cars were registered in Ireland. BEVs commanded the highest market share (67.13%), between the different types of electric cars, with PHEVs commanding just over 30% market share. The majority of the plug-in hybrids registered were petrol plug-in hybrids, with only very few diesel plug-in hybrids registered.
We can expect this trend to continue, given the significant increase in electric range, affordability and choice of pure electric cars in Ireland. Top EV brands in Ireland in 2022: Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, BMW and Volvo. Other popular electric car brands include: Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot and Audi.
In January 2023, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), accounted for over 20% of all new cars registered in Ireland. A total of 3,674 BEVs and 1,900 PHEVs were registered. The all-electric IONIQ 5 was the best-selling EV in Ireland in January 2023.
The government has set a target of 936,000 electric vehicles (EVs) 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.
| Top 5 Electric Cars (2022) | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 12.77% |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | 4.99% |
| Tesla Model 3 | 4.47% |
| Kia EV6 | 4.09% |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | 3.96% |
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 Polestar 2 Hatchback: 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 Ford Mustang Mach-E 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 Volvo V90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid Estate: 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 Citroën C5 X Plug-In Hybrid 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 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid 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 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
