Technology Archives

Electric Cars – The Future of Irish Motoring?

March 24, 2020 by Andrew Mrozinski Leave a Comment

Electric cars have dominated the headlines of late, but are they really the future of Irish motoring?

Whether it’s down to saving money, reducing maintenance or saving the environment, there has been a surge in the purchase of electric cars recently. Some swear they’ll never go back to petrol or diesel while others tell a horror story of missing the All-Ireland final because of a dead-as-a-dodo battery. That’s at the heart of most people’s questions about electric cars: will my car’s battery let me down when I need it most? Do we have enough charging points to meet the growing demand? Are they distributed evenly across the country? What if charging outside the home isn’t an option?

An Post Insurance look at the different types of electric cars available, where to find the nearest public charging points and the benefits of electric cars to both the population and the environment.

Types of Electric Cars

Hybrid Electric Cars (HEVs)

The hybrid electric car (HEV) combines the conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor which uses energy stored in batteries. The car’s braking system is what’s used to recharge the battery, a process known as regenerative braking. An internal computer ensures that the HEV starts off by using the electric supply from the battery and moves over to the petrol/diesel engine as speed rises.

Examples of HEV cars on the market today are the Toyota Prius and the Hyundai Ioniq (also available as a battery electric vehicle, more on which below).

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Cars (PHEVs)

The main difference between the HEV and a plug-in electric car (a PHEV) is that the PHEV can also be plugged into an external electrical charging outlet to charge the battery and not just through regenerative braking.

Examples of PHEVs include the BMW i3 and the Volkswagen Golf GTE.

Battery Electric Cars (BEVs)

Battery electric cars (BEVs) are fully electric cars that have no fuel tank or exhaust pipe and run only by charging at external electrical charging outlets. BEVs also recharge their batteries through regenerative braking.

Examples of BEVs include the Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Kona Electric (Hyundai’s bestselling electric car in 2019).

Powering Electric Cars

There are several power options available to e-car owners in Ireland: drivers can charge at home, work or at public charging outlets.

Charging at Home

Drivers can choose to install home charge points on an external wall of their house, which uses the domestic electricity supply. Some electric providers offer a reduced rate at night, which helps to keep charging costs low. To fully charge an electric car, drivers should expect it to take between 6 and 8 hours and will cost as little as €3 if using the discounted night rate according to the ESB (9th March 2020).

Charging in Public

Public charge points are connected to a local three-phase electricity supply and can take anything from one to six hours to fully charge a vehicle, depending on the car and battery type.

ESB have confirmed that there are currently over 1100 public charging points installed by ESB around the island of Ireland. A fast-charge station at a motorway takes approximately 30 minutes to power a car to 80% capacity. (these figures are correct as at 9^th March 2020).

The owner must register for their charge point card, which can be done through the Apple app store or Google Play store or through the ESB Website. The App also includes a useful Charge Point map which shows all the places the owner can charge their car.

The ESB provide a handy video to show exactly how to go about charging your electric car.

Governments Climate Action Plan and Grants for Home Charging Units

It’s a little complicated, but the powers-that-be are trying to incentivise us to move away from diesel and petrol cars and have introduced grants and more charging points for those ready to take the leap into electric. Last year the government published its Climate Action Plan, aiming to have one million electric cars on the road by 2030. According to an article in thejournal in June 2019, the Taoiseach said that there may be a scrappage scheme in the future to encourage drivers to switch to electric cars or hybrids.

To date electric car drivers have not been charged at public charging points, however the government announced they will be increasing the number of charging points across the country, but a fee will be attached in order to incentivise a business to install them.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers a grant of €600 towards the purchase and installation of home charging units. Drivers can click here to check eligibility criteria.

There are a few terms and conditions attached to the grant, mostly concerning the car type and its use. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to sit down and go through them (perhaps with a strong cup of tea or coffee) before you sign on the dotted line for your new e-car.

The current full list of eligible cars can be found here.

Benefits of Changing to an Electric Car

Cheaper running costs

Charging an electric car costs approximately a third of the cost of petrol per km. Overnight charging could cost as little as €3. Electric cars are also the cheapest for car tax in Ireland, costing as little as €120 per annum according to the ESB as at 29th January 2020. Tolls in Ireland are also reduced by as much as 75% during off peak travelling times.

Cheaper to maintain

Electric cars don’t need to visit the mechanics as often as petrol or diesel versions, partly because they don’t require oil, change of filters, fuel injection systems or radiators. Drivers will have to maintain the brakes, tyres and suspension, of course, but maintenance costs are certainly lower for electric cars. The only downside is that the battery doesn’t last forever: it’ll usually need to be replaced every eight years or so.

Less Pollution

As there are no exhaust emissions from electric cars this means they produce less harmful air pollution.

Greenhouse gas emissions can further be reduced if a driver charges their electric car using renewable energy, such as from a solar PV system.

Some electric cars are even manufactured from renewable materials: for example, the Nissan Leaf’s interior and bodywork are partly made from recycled materials such as water bottles, plastic bags and old car parts.

Health Benefits

As mentioned, there are zero exhaust emissions from fully electric cars, making them better for the overall health of the nation. It should also be noted that electric cars are quieter than other vehicles, meaning a reduction in noise pollution too. The horns still make quite a bit of noise when needed, though!

Insuring your Electric Car

Insuring electric cars can take a little more research: some insurance companies offer specific discounts for electric cars and others have these discounts built into their rating. It’s important to shop around to ensure the best possible cover for your car. Cheapest is not always best – that super-low price could mean paying a higher excess or getting a reduced level of cover. It’s natural to search by price when comparing insurance quotes, but it’s very important to compare ‘like for like’ quotes, to make sure the policy is value for money, your new car is well-protected and your insurance company will be there for you when you need them most.
If you want to insure your electric car, or find car insurance that goes the extra mile, get a car insurance quote from An Post Insurance now.

Modern day exotics that are true supercars

March 31, 2017 by Andrew Mrozinski Leave a Comment

McLaren P1 — McLaren’s hyper exotic, the P1.

Today’s exotics are so much more, especially when you consider the hypercars being built today by the likes of Ferrari, Porsche and McLaren.

All three brands are known for their exotic cars, although Porsche less so than Ferrari and McLaren. And even though McLaren’s original creation, the F1, is understood to be one of the greatest exotics of all time, the brand only returned to manufacturing cars for enthusiasts in 2009 when the MP4-12C was unveiled. And as you will see below, manufactured one of the most incredible cars ever to drive on public roads, the P1.

Ferrari is known the world over as the Italian car maker building exotics many of us dream about and a select few add to their collections. Ferrari in recent years has been building cars the well healed drivers among us can afford and the rest of us drool over at our local Cars & Coffee events. But like McLaren, Ferrari realized creating the ultimate exotic was within reach by combining the magnificent gasoline combustion engines they are known for with today’s electric technology. And they have created the LaFerrari, a car they simply named after themselves.

As mentioned above, Porsche is new to the exotic car game. Not only are they highly regarded by enthusiasts for the performance of their sports cars but they are at least regarded by the same crowd as ‘affordable’. Buying a used Porsche is easily within reach of the average aficionado although the classics are increasing in value at a torrid pace. Following the same model as McLaren and Ferrari, Porsche mixed a little electric horsepower with that of a gasoline engine to create a truly super exotic, the 918 Spyder.

Here’s a brief synopsis of each manufacturer’s hyper exotic cars.

McLaren P1
On the traditional gasoline side, the McLaren P1 is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with a maximum output of 727 bhp and 531 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. On the electric side there’s a 177 bhp motor providing an additional 192 lb-ft of torque.

When working in tandem, both motors provide a total of 904 bhp and 723 lb-ft of torque. When left in its automatic setting, the electric motor can fill in the gaps as the V8’s turbos spool up.

The P1 reaches 62 mph (100 kph) in 2.8 seconds and continues on to 124 mph (200 kph) in 6.8 seconds and 186 mph (299kph) in 16.5 seconds. The McLaren’s top speed is limited to 218 mph (351 kph) but with it removed, the P1 can reach 249 mph (401 kph). Amazing yes, but not surprising from a car company involved in auto racing for decades.

Ferrari LaFerrari
Ferrari’s ultimate hyper exotic is the LaFerrari. And yes, we know, that’s a very strange name. But as any Ferrari enthusiast can tell you, the LaFerrari is the Italian brand’s stamp on what makes an incredible car today…the mix of a high performance gasoline engine with the extra boot from an electric motor.

The LaFerrari packs a 6.3 liter V12 producing 789 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 520 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm. Additionally, the car has a 161 bhp electric motor similar to what is seen in today’s Formula 1 cars and is commonly referred to as a KERS or kinetic recovery system.

Both motors together produce 950 bhp and 664 lb-ft of torque delivering a top speed of 217 mph (349 kph). As far as the other speed stats, the LaFerrari will hit 62 mph (100kph) in less than 3 seconds, 124 mph (200 kph) in under seven seconds and 186 mph (300 kph) in about 15 seconds. Ferrari has said the LaFerrari has lapped the Fiorano Test Circuit in 1:19.70, making it the fastest car Ferrari has made for normal street use.

Porsche 918 Spyder
And last but not least is Porsche and their 918 Spyder. It, like the others, starts with a gasoline powered engine mated to electric motors for that extra kick.

The 918 features a 4.6 liter V8 delivering 608 hp but goes a step further by having two electric motors developing an additional 279 hp. All told, the Porsche packs 887 hp and a top speed of 210 mph (340 kph).

One 154 hp electric motor drives the rear wheels in parallel with the V8. The second electric motor has 125 hp and drives the front wheels. It includes an electric clutch to disconnect the motor when it’s not in use.

The other important stats is an acceleration time of 2.5 seconds to 62 mph (100 kph), 7.2 seconds to 120 mph (200 kph) and 19.9 seconds to reach 190 mph (300 kph).

The downside to cars like these is there’s far fewer made when compared to other makes and models. And, of course, the cost. These cars are incredibly expensive. But there is an upside and that’s learning a few exotic car hacks towards buying, owning and selling exotic cars. With a little extra inside info, you never know what may end up in your garage. If you manage to find an exotic car that is within your budget, you’ll be wanting to look into an exotic car shipping company that can relocate your new-found treasure to your driveway or garage.

Porsche introduces the new mid-engine 911 RSR

November 17, 2016 by Andrew Mrozinski Leave a Comment

Porsche Motorsports developed the car from the ground up for the 2017 racing season

In the minds of Porsche enthusiasts, this is groundbreaking. This is not an evolutionary move but a revolutionary move on the part of the German car manufacturer.

The 911 has always been a rear engine car, with the majority of the engine mass behind the rear axle. With this new RSR, Porsche has reengineered the car, moving their signature flat six-cylinder engine towards the front of the car, in front of the rear axle.

Porsche’s Head of Motorsports, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, said “While retaining the typical 911 design, this is the biggest evolution in the history of our top GT model.” And that’s putting it lightly.

And a ground up redesign means just that: suspension, body structure, aerodynamics, engine and transmission are all new. In addition, with the change in engine placement, Porsche designers were able to install a larger rear diffuser. With the top-mounted rear wing from Porsche’s LMP1 race car, the 919 Hybrid, the RSR’s downforce and aerodynamics have been improve significantly.

For the 2017 season, two factory 911 RSR’s will be busy. Porsche will compete in 19 outings, including the FIA World Endurance Championship which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The team will also take part in the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, where it will debut in Daytona in January.

“We’re very well prepared for this,” says Marco Ujhasi, Head of GT Works Sport. “Since its first rollout in Weissach in March this year, we’ve covered more than 21,000 test miles (35,000 kilometers) on racetracks in Europe and North America – that’s more than in the development of any other previous Porsche GT racer.”

That’s some serious testing. My guess is Porsche is in it to win with their most advanced GT car to date.

Although not all Porsche 911’s are quite as tuned for racing as the RSR, all are among the best sports cars money can buy. Porsche’s precision and performance demands high quality OEM parts for the Porsche 911, more so than any other model.