Niall is a Mechanical Engineer and long-time motorist. He has been driving an electric vehicle for the past 2 years and has a 60km daily commute to and from work.
-
1.
What vehicle are you currently driving and what are you thoughts on it?
Hyundai Kona Electric. It is an excellent vehicle. It is ideally suited to my commute which is approx. 320 km per week. The battery gives me 470km on average winter and summer so I have over 100km left to go somewhere different. Also the 5 year vehicle warranty and 8 year battery warranty is excellent.
-
2.
What do you consider to be the benefits of driving an Electric Vehicle?
Simplicity of power source – very few moving parts compared to an internal combustion engine vehicle. No tail pipe emissions. Regenerative braking is brilliant. Overnight charging at home is fantastic. I will add solar panels and batteries to help with charging too. EVs are simple to drive and very safe – they bring the pleasure of driving back in to the every day commute.
-
3.
Have you calculated any cost savings?
I am saving €20 per week over the cost of petrol and probably €250 per year on maintenance costs. Savings on emissions, priceless.
-
4.
Are there challenges to EV ownership?
Range anxiety is decreasing but more fast chargers are needed nationally.
-
5.
What advice would you offer to someone considering their first EV?
Test drive several makes and models – I have been delighted with the service from my Hyundai dealer – very helpful.
