At the beginning of 2024, SEAI recorded over 110,000 electric vehicles (EVs) – including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)—on Ireland’s roads.
With the growth of electric vehicles in Ireland, it was perceived that individuals are worried about the increasing purchase cost and the cost of charging the battery. However, the support of the Irish government in providing grants and adding to the charging facilities has kept the Electric Vehicle market thriving.
Since cost is one of the factors hindering many automobile users from trading their gasoline or diesel cars for an electric car, we have researched some of the cheapest electric cars in Ireland that you can buy in 2024.
So follow us as we compare some of the cheapest EV cars on the Irish market, discussing their prices and what to expect from them, including the distance they can travel.
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Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids: What’s the Difference?
Before discussing affordable electric cars in Ireland, let’s differentiate between electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars, and hybrid cars.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are vehicles powered by batteries that are charged by electricity, in contrast to gas-powered cars that run on an internal combustion engine. There are around 1,900 charging stations in Ireland, and you can also charge an electric car at home.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) combine the capabilities of both a gas-powered car and a car powered by a charged battery. PHEVs are fully electric with larger batteries and the added support of a combustion engine. They also need a charging station.
Hybrid vehicles self-charge with a small battery and an electric motor. Though they are still capable of one to two kilometers of electric range, they are considered fully powered by a petrol or diesel engine.
If you’re buying a used electric or hybrid car in Ireland, be careful to look up the vehicle history by performing a VIN check in Ireland. Uncover hidden records like accidents, mileage, and safety issues, and verify the vehicle title, accidents, theft status, and more to make a smart buying decision.
5 Cheapest Electric Cars in Ireland in 2024
Developing countries are seeing more electric vehicles take over the automotive industry due to their extreme benefits, such as being cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and providing a seamless driving experience.
Now let’s take a look at the five most affordable cars in Ireland:
1. Nissan Leaf – € 28,145
The Nissan Leaf is still Europe’s best-selling electric car and the cheapest electric car in Ireland. However, its price shows in its driving range of 270 km due to the small battery, which has a capacity of 40kWh.
2. Fiat 500e – € 29,995
The sleek-designed Fiat 500e is a small city car that is very easy to control. However, it’s very light on the road, gets slightly bouncy, and is usually affected by noise. The small electric car promises a range of up to 320 km, which can be extended up to 445 km during urban driving.
3. Renault Zoe E-tech – € 30,295
In just one charge, the new Renault Zoe E-Tech 52kWh battery capacity allows you to drive up to 395 km. In just 30 minutes, the Zoe E-Tech electric Chameleon can add up to 145 km range.
4. Peugeot e-208 – €30, 545
The beautiful electric car that won the 2021 Carwow Best Small Electric Car can deliver a 362 km theoretical range in just one charge. It’s a popular electric car because of its three-claw LED light designs, graven bonnet, and prominent rear piano black trim, which gives it a great look.
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5. Opel Corsa-e – €33,507
We are in a generation where things must happen fast to be acceptable to many. The new Corsa-e battery matches up by charging up to 80% in 30 minutes. The car can reach 100km/h in 8.1 seconds without selecting the correct gear. It can also boost a 337 km range in just one charge.
EV Charging Solutions: How to Charge an Electric Car in Ireland
Electric cars are powered by electric-powered batteries, which require electricity to charge them. Unlike fuel-powered vehicles, if you’re considering an electric car in Ireland, you need to know the different charging methods and the costs associated with powering an electric car.
Related: How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car in Ireland
The four methods of charging an electric car are discussed below:
Charging at Home
This involves using a three-pin plug socket known as a trickle charger. This has been identified as the easiest and slowest method of charging an electric car.
If you don’t mind the charge time, you can get a cable that plugs directly from a standard three-pin plug to your car. However, this method is not encouraged as it can take longer hours for standard sockets to charge and at a relatively slow level of power.
Charging with a Wall Box
If you decide to charge your car at home, you can consider installing a wall box. Although this method is another cheap option, it’s slower.
Turn to a Public Charger
With around 800 sites for EV charging in Ireland, it’s no longer a worry as there are several providers of public chargers that you can access to charge your car.
Energy for Generations (ESB) in Ireland operates 1,350 of the 1900 public chargers, offering two charging plans: Pay-as-you-go and monthly subscription. The latter offers a cheaper charging rate. Using public chargers is faster, and you can easily locate a station in the garage.
Charging at the workplace
Many employers are beginning to install charging facilities at the workplace to encourage their employees.
The amount you will spend on charging depends on some factors, which include:
- Battery size
- The car range
- The unit rate of electricity.
For instance, to charge a 40kW battery, a 7kW charging station (at home) will charge from 0 – 100% in 3 – 5 hours. A 60kW will take around 6 – 8 hours. If you’re using a trickle charger, prepare to charge for at least 18 hours for a full charge from zero.
Overall, charging at home is cheaper and slower than using a public charging infrastructure, which is faster but quite expensive.
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Conclusion
The most budget-friendly electric cars in Ireland provide a great opportunity for traditional car users to switch to an environmentally friendly and more cost-effective means of transportation. Other cheap EVs, like the MG4 Long Range, VW e UP, and BYD Dolphin, are also budget-friendly and suitable for every need.
With more charging stations coming on Irish soil, the time is right for you to switch to an electric car with many affordable electric vehicle options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric cars more expensive to maintain than petrol or diesel cars?
Generally, EVs are largely cheaper to maintain than their fuel counterparts. This is due to the fewer EV parts in operation when compared to petrol and diesel cars. Besides, they are more spacious than an internal combustion engine car.
Additionally, an electric car can last for around 10 – 20 years, depending on the model. So you don’t need to worry about replacing the battery before your next car purchase.
What are the most affordable electric cars in Ireland at under €30k in 2024?
They include the following:
Renault 5 EV. Range: 400km.
BYD Dolphin. Range: 420km
Citroen eC3. Range: 320km
Dacia Spring. Range: 240km
GWM Ora 03. Range: 310-420 km
Kia EV3. Range: 450km
What are the available grants for electric vehicles in Ireland?
The allowable grant for a battery-powered EV is €3,500, and it only applies to new electric cars with a full price between €14,000 and €60,000.
What is the cheapest electric car in Ireland in 2023?
The Nissan Leaf is the cheapest electric car in Ireland in 2023 due to its small capacity battery.
How much is the 2024 Hyundai Kona electric?
The new electric car, 99kW KONA, costs $54,000. The larger 150kW motor and extended range battery cost about $58,000 for the entry model and $68,000 for the Kona Electric Premium.
