Car 6

An over-the-air software upgrade for the Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV will see owners getting an extra 20kms of range, writes Brian Byrne . The software optimises battery management and vehicle cooling systems and the AWD system. The company says it developed the improvements through experience in the I-Pace eTrophy racing series launched last year.

Mazda has revealed full details of its first electric car, the MX-30, in the format of a compact SUV coupe for five people, writes Brian Byrne . The designers are emphasising exterior simplicity as a feature, as also is the interior with materials chosen to minimise environmental impact. The car has a 33.5kWh battery which gives it a range of around 200km. Mazda says this far exceeds the average daily drive of 48km by European commuters. Arrival in dealerships is expected for late 2020 in Europe, early 2021 in Ireland and UK.

A new electric bus may be going into service in Ireland soon, following a presentation to potential buyers by importers Harris Group, writes Brian Byrne . The China-made Steed, an acronym for Sustainable Transport Electric Energy Delivered, is built by the Higer company and has a passenger capacity of 48 and a claimed operational range of over 200kms. Its own CCS2 DC fast-charging infrastructure provides a full charge in less than two hours. The bus is also fully wheelchair accessible.

BMW is set to introduce an electric car aimed directly at the Tesla Model 3, recently launched in Ireland, writes Brian Byrne . The i4 will, according to reports, have a 600kms range, with a fifth-generation design battery, powering a 523hp electric motor system that will offer a 0-100km/h in under four seconds. The car will be fast-chargeable to 80pc of capacity in 35 minutes. The new battery is less than half the size of the previous generation unit. The car is based on the i Vision Dynamics concept shown at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (pictured).

MC for the event Eimear Ní Bhraonáin of KCLR with guest speakers Paul O’Sullivan, Ford Ireland Sales Director and Ronan Flood, MD of Kia Ireland. A panel of motoring experts at an event in Dooley Motors Ford and Kia in Carlow agreed that the recent Government target of having a million electric vehicles on Ireland's roads by 2030 was 'overly ambitious', writes Brian Byrne . Tom Cullen of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry said the target is 'wildly' ambitious. But he also said that Ireland is in a 'leading position' for the development of autonomous driving technologies. Sales Director of Ford Ireland Paul O'Sullivan noted that Ford is investing millions in exploring autonomous and electric vehicle technologies. Ronan Flood, MD of Kia Ireland, said the future of motoring was about giving choices to consumers 'so they have the options to meet their personal driving needs'. David Swaine, Product Sales Specialist from Tokheim Serv...

Many of the 400-plus Irish motorists who have put down €1,000 booking fees for the new Volkswagen ID 3 electric car are getting their first 'see, touch, and sit in' the car today and tomorrow, writes Brian Byrne . At a presentation in a hangar at Weston Aerodrome in Celbridge, the prototype of the car is on display for the 'pre-bookers', with four workshop modules where they are getting details of the charging systems, the car itself, finance options, and a timeline for when they may get their car. The pre-bookers will have an 8-week 'window' in March-April to confirm their purchase and take up a finance option that suits them. Those who change their mind, or don't confirm, will get their €1,000 back. According to Mark McGrath of Volkswagen Group Ireland, the more than four hundred pre-bookers here, in proportion to population, is 'massive' in comparison with many other markets. Some 36,000 overall have pre-booked to get the limited edition ...

Ford is expecting that the development of its first dedicated all-electric car will counter falling sales of the Mustang and similar sport coupes in the US, writes Brian Byrne . The Mustang Mach-E is a crossover coupe due to go on sale next year, with a 480kms range and an optional AWD version. An extended range version will travel up to 600kms between charges, US sport car buyers are drifting towards light trucks (pickups). The car will be available in 332hp and 459hp versions, offering three drive modes. It will be sold in global markets, like the current Mustang pony car. The Mustang Mach-E is part of an $11bn investment which will result in 40 electrified vehicles coming from the carmaker in the next three years.

Yet another electric car made it to my house a couple of weeks ago, causing me to wonder if I need to put in a wallbox charger of my own? writes Brian Byrne . The Kia e-Soul is the latest generation of the boxy but charming compact from the Korean carmaker. It is only being sold as a battery electric car in Europe, which means that the brand now offers two fully electric and one plug-in hybrid here. The style includes bright and cheerful dual colour combinations, so apart from its very identifiable shape you’re going to see it coming anyhow. But it’s also very practical, the upright driving position offering good visibility, and room in the back which rivals cars two segments above. I appreciated the tallness. It is one of the few cars I've driven lately where I didn’t have to scrape my head through while entering. The dashboard and instruments layout is cheerful and generally quite simple. Battery level and range is easily visible both on the centre screen and the mai...

Corsa electric rally car. Opel is to produce a limited edition electric rally car based on the electric version of the new generation Corsa, the Corsa-e, writes Brian Byrne . Only 15 units of the rally car will be built, with similar power output to the production Corsa-e of 136hp and FWD. The rally version will compete in a special one-make series, ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, due to start in 2020. The series replaces the current ADAC Opel Rallye Cup, with cars based on Opel's Adam. Corsa-e.

While the first of a range of electric cars from Mercedes-Benz is now available to order in Ireland, buyers will in reality have to wait until 2020 for delivery, writes Brian Byrne . Those who do acquire an EQC will also number no more than 60 next year as that's all that the Irish distributor expects to be allocated. But the car is here, and for those prospective customers, demonstration drives will be available over the remaining months of 2019. Such a drive will likely enhance their wish to have one. The Irish media launch today offered motor journalists like myself a relatively short opportunity to drive the EQC, a crossover that offers almost supercar acceleration in a much more refined manner. The car is based on the GLC crossover, but looks and feels larger. The stylists appear to have consciously avoided making the car seem significanly different to the current crop of 'normal' Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Though the EQC badging tells the electric tale. Insid...

Ford Ireland MD Ciaran McMahon. Ford is going to provide lower-tariff electricity to customers of its electrified vehicles in Ireland and the UK, through a partnership with the international energy services provider Centrica, writes Brian Byrne . In the Irish context, Centrica home- and Ford-dealer charging systems will work with Bord Gáis Energy in the scheme. More details closer to launch. Every new Ford passenger vehicle nameplate in Europe will include an electrified option – mild hybrid, full hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full battery electric.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Dublin City Council (DCC) have launched a Mobility Hub pilot as part of the Smart Dublin initiative, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Programme. Under the project, Enterprise Rent-A-Car will provide a shared electric car and e-bike service at the council’s Wood Quay offices, helping to reduce congestion, free up parking spaces and encourage Council employees to adopt healthier ways to commute. The dedicated vehicles – three Nissan Leaf electric cars and five e-bikes – are available to employees during the workday. DCC team members can reserve vehicles through a smartphone app, their laptop or PC, and can view real time information on vehicle availability. Access is provided through a PIN that is generated each time a user books a car or bike. Pictured are Gary Killeen, Business Rental Sales Director, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Ireland; Owen Keegan, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council; and George O’Conno...

Nissan Ireland has added a new longer range option to its Leaf electric car range, writes Brian Byrne . The 62kWh variant offers up to 385 kms on a single charge. The rated power output is 217hp. It is priced from €37,840 and is available to order in two grades. The wide range of Nissan connectivity technologies come as standard, along with a new NissanConnect Services app that can send navigation routes from their smartphone to the car. A number of new style options include seven two-tone body and roof colour combinations.