Thinking of going electric

allinthehead

Hi all. I am considering buying my first Ev and was thinking something around 45k ie the new Megane or Kia Niro, just stumbled across the Model 3 thread and see the price decrease. I have a 142 Lexus Is 300h to go against whatever I go for. Most of the time our journeys are short, we live in East Cork and do the odd trip to the city, holidays in West Kerry, no commute as I have a work vehicle, but we have a child with complex medical needs and have about 3/4 trips a year to Crumlin/Temple street, sometimes we have extended stays if he needs admission.

Range anxiety is a big issue for my partner for those Dublin trips and has put her off going electric until now. We usually stop on the way up and the way back for 30 minutes. I would love to get some advice based on the above from Ev owners. I see the long range Model 3 is coming in at 53k, quite a bit more than we wanted to spend but has me thinking about those trips to Dublin.

the_amazing_raisin

I would say the main advantage of a Tesla is the supercharger network. There's a supercharger site in Dublin, so if an SR will cover the distance from Cork then you could use it as a destination charger

Otherwise the route from Cork to Dublin is reasonably well served with high powered chargers at Cashel, Mayfield and Kill

So I would say you'll probably be fine with any of the cars you listed, although the Model 3 charges fastest of all of them I think

eagerv

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106330#Comment_120106330

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058279578/thinking-of-going-electric

You have the most convenient charging at Ballacolla Tesla Supercharging plus Sandyford. I would be perfectly happy with medium length journies in Ireland with a RWD and pocket the difference with the LR.

allinthehead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106330#Comment_120106330

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106335#Comment_120106335

Thanks, appreciate the input. The Tesla Rwd seems like the best option so for the Dublin trips with the supercharger network and faster charging. I suppose the next thing to do is test drive all three and go from there. If I were to go with the Tesla will I need to travel to Dublin to collect?

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106418#Comment_120106418

It depends. Tesla have a cork office. They sometimes offer deliveries there.

What is your budget?

No point testing the €66k P if your budget is mid 40’s. Test the RWD and see if that can suit your needs.

The only issue is your Crumlin trip but your route is well served for charging.

grange girl

A number of years ago I started on the electric car journey with caring commitments too. To be honest, much as I love driving electric, be careful. If you need to get to Dublin in any medical emergency, you can't be stuck waiting for a charger. Therefore I think that Tesla is the only real option given the supercharger network. Any other option will have you tearing your hair out. We went with PHEV and were very thankful on the few occasions that we had to jump into the car and run that there was no waiting or uncertainty. When circumstances changed we were so happy to go full electric and got used to planning trips with the flexibility in case we can't get a charger for a while.

zg3409

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058279578/thinking-of-going-electric

Normally fuel savings are a big reason to go EV. If you won't use the EV on weekdays then fuel savings will be minimal and justifying spending 46k on a car is a hard argument. The main downside of EV ownership is having to public charge on longer trips. If you have a Tesla AND are passing a Tesla only supercharger then you are ok, but for longer trips where there is no Tesla charger on the way you are relying on the esb charging network and there is only around 1/3 enough chargers. Personally if there is no cost savings going EV I would keep old car, or buy a cheaper used petrol or diesel car. The hassle on trips to say northern Ireland, is not worth it in my opinion if you have a company van for commute.

Re your work car, have you received your first salary post new BIK rules? It’s going to make a lot of people question the viability.

I think everyone will at least need to consider EV when changing cars. It’s certainly part of the equation as range improves.

allinthehead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106454#Comment_120106454

Thanks, budget is 45k mark.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106455#Comment_120106455

Thanks. We're lucky I suppose that we will have the company vehicle in case of emergency. Also have family living 100 meters up the road so loads of options. Any time we had emergencies it was an ambulance straight to Crumlin anyway and I would follow behind, so In that event I would take the other vehicle. Glad your Ev is working out for you.

allinthehead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106614#Comment_120106614

For me anyway I wouldn't be buying for fuel savings, just thinking of buying new and feel electric is the way to go. We have PV installed too so lots of free mileage in the summer. I think we do about 15k km a year so you're correct savings wouldn't justify buying it, but I feel we should get a decent amount for the lexus at the moment and with grants available now might be the right time to change.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106637#Comment_120106637

I haven't been paid yet but yes should be interesting.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106881#Comment_120106881

If that’s the case then RWD will be more than enough.

There’s loads of options alright, Kia eNiro, Ioniq 5, MG5, MG ZS etc

Advice would be to drive as many as possible.

The Tesla will be the most tech advanced and the fastest and the most efficient but some people don’t like Tesla, the minimal interior etc so that’s were the individual choice comes in.

Exciting times getting a new car, even more so when transitioning to EV as it’s such a leap forward and I say that as a petrol head through and through.

They don’t replace ICE, they are an alternative. But they probably will replace ICE for the next generation

allinthehead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106919#Comment_120106919

Thanks, yes will be my first new car so pretty excited about it. I'm off work next Friday so the aim is to drive as many as time allows. My favorite in terms of looks is the Megane, It's a shame we only get the small screen here though. The cruise control and lane assist is supposed to be great on them too. I have heard it's quite a bit smaller than it looks however.

MojoMaker

Yup, pretty small boot if that matters to you. With kids or pets that might be a deal breaker.

Same for the MG4 - nice car but a comically small boot!

AndyBoBandy

Honestly, once you drive the Tesla Model 3, everything else will pale into insignificance.

It’ll be faster that everything else, more efficient than everything else and will charge faster (and also on its exclusive network) than most everything else remotely in the same price bracket as it.

The infotainment system is light years ahead of anything else that’s out there… YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, games etc… (Kids LOVE it… fart noises ffs!!!)).

Tesla’s are also some of the safest cars on the roads (Euro NCAP)

Regarding the trips up from Cork to Dublin, you are extremely well covered and would have so many options…. the simplest option would be stop in Ballacolla on the way up and top up to about 90-95% (8 stall Tesla Supercharger and chance of queuing would be extremely low). From there it’s a 212km round trip up to Crumlin & back, and even in the depths of winter a 2023 RWD will easily cover that with buckets of range to spare…. Then on the return to Cork, you simply top up enough again in Ballacolla to get home.

if you wanted you could also probably do the trip with 1 charging stop at Ionity Kill either northbound on the way up or southbound on the way back home.. (or even to J14/Mayfield a little further down the M7), the only issue with these sites is they are open to all, and Ionity only have 4 stalls per side of the N7… so queuing would be likely…

Either way I wouldn’t even consider looking for a charge in Dublin (unless the Applegreen in Ballymount/M50 gets its 6 units returned and turned on) as it’s just too much of a sh1tshow..

The beauty about charging in a Tesla though is you have the excellent infotainment system to keep you occupied though in fairness you have little time to watch stuff as they charge so fast anyway!!

since the price drop on Friday it shouldn’t even be up for debate!!! The only issue now is how long before you can collect as I’d imagine orders have been nuts the last 3 days!!!

...Ghost...

I would echo what Andy says, but to throw a spanner in he works, the Model Y is only 2k extra. It is a hatch, taller and roomier than the Model 3. Range is about 10% less, but that wouldn't make much difference at all. Could be a better option for your situation, as I find the leg room for anyone sitting behind me in the M3 is not great.

Alkers

I have off street parking with untethered type 2 charging 2min walk from Crumlin hospital, which is unoccupied during working hours. If anyone is visiting the hospital in crumlin, they are welcome to use the parking free of charge and use the charger if they cover electricity costs.

Pm for details

kippy

Buy a 5 year old Diesel or Peteol. Save 25 or 30k, book a nice holiday for the family for the next 5 years.

unkel

With a budget of €44k, you are not far off a Tesla Model Y at €46,500 on the road. It's a more practical car than the Model 3 as it is considerably bigger and has a hatchback, so more practical. Because of its more popular form factor, it will likely have less depreciation than a Model 3 and thus a lower total cost of ownership.

I echo what the others said, if you are stopping on your trip from Cork to Dublin anyway on both legs, you might as well get the shorter range Tesla. Tesla because of the supercharger network which really will save a lot of stress in your situation, and of course because since the big price drop 2 days ago, they are now really far better value than any of the competition. Also the short range Teslas have LiFePO4 batteries too, which you know last a long time and are safe. Also the Tesla Model Y was the safest car ever tested by Euro NCAP last year. And short range is relative, the Model Y RWD has a WLTP range of 440km

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120113575#Comment_120113575

I'll try your sales pitch with the wife and see how it goes, the conversation this weekend has been something epic 😂

Saturday

Wife: Okay, I'm going to save up and buy a new EV in a few years

Me: Cool

Wife: I reckon I should have around 30k to spend

Me: That might buy much if today's prices hold

Wife: The Zoe is nice

Me: Yeah but it's a bit old and charges slowly

Sunday morning

Wife: I'm going to buy a Tesla

Me: Cool

Wife: Loads of people in work have Teslas and they look successful, so I should be able to get one too

Me: Makes sense

Sunday afternoon

Wife: What's the Tesla you see everywhere

Me: Model 3

Wife: Is there a smaller one, that one is too big, I won't be able to park it

Me: No, they're supposed to be making a hatchback but nobody knows when it'll come out

Wife: Ugh, why is the front of it (Model 3) so long? It's wasted space

Me: There's a boot under there, it's called the frunk

Wife: Why?

Me: It's handy for storing the charging cables

Wife: That's dumb why don't they just give you a bigger boot?

Me: It's for aerodynamics

Wife: Yeah well I won't be able to park it

I'm seriously wondering what she's going to come up with next, she'll probably decide to get a Twizy before the end of the week 🤣

Abel Magwitch

Before going with any car the most important thing is to make sure you have it before the 1st July

The €5k grant is being reduced then. Nobody knows by how much. What you do know is the greens don’t think most houses need to own a car and they will put pressure to bring it to €0. Whether it only comes down €1k, €2.5k or €5k (or not at all) can have a serious impact on your decision

Salesmen will tell you what will sell the car but dyor.

Ireland is rhd cars and there are not many countries with that. Any manufacturer that has a surplus will have the majority in lhd cars

Something to consider

Edit: This is what pushed me to pull the trigger myself

unkel

@the_amazing_raisin - a Tesla Model 3 is too big to park? It's tiny 😂

Don't let her get a Zoe. Euro NCAP score just 1 which is pathetic.

coolbeans

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120114073#Comment_120114073

OP said they wanted a new car not a clapped out five year old oil burner with all the potential problems around the corner like flywheels, injectors, DPF, AdBlue pumps not including standard maintenance.

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120114752#Comment_120114752

Yeah she struggles to park the Leaf, I'm terrified to see what she'd do with a Model 3 🤣

Hopefully Elon will have sorted out the auto parking by the time she's saved for one

I think I've managed to shoot down the Zoe but I'll definitely mention the NCAP score, that should be the final nail in the coffin

unkel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120114860#Comment_120114860

And EGR? If it's a BMW, it will go on fire 😂 If you're unlucky, that will happen just after you've paid several grand for the timing chain to be fixed 🤣

kippy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120114860#Comment_120114860

5 year old Petrol Toyota Corolla works out around 18-19K.

Not many major issues in a car of that age, depending on mileage, is more environmentally friendly than buying a brand new electric and would (based on what I can see) manage perfectly well for all trips and requirements the OP has.

Apologies OP, your heart seems set on a brand new electric. I just think we are nowhere near having the required infrastructure for reliable electric car charging, nor do we have the expertise required to fix these cars when things go wrong in them (granted with a new car at least there is a level of warranty) and they are, in general overprices (like most cars in this country).

unkel

@kippy - "5 year old Petrol Toyota Corolla works out around 18-19K."

That's insanely expensive. You can buy a second hand Leaf 40kWh or Ioniq 28kWh fully electric, younger and for less money. And save yourself thousands per year on total cost of ownership

The depreciation alone on that Corolla will be at least double that of these two EVs over the next few years

kippy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120115213#Comment_120115213

So a couple of things.

I didn't put in a 2018 electric there as you wouldn't get a 2018 electric that would fulfil the OP's important trips to Dublin in one go and I've not seen a huge amount of Ioniqs (if any for sale in that price bracket). Cheapest Leaf I can see in that year is about 19500 and thats with 175K KM (The corolla for reference had about 70K KM)

unkel

Yes agreed that Ioniq 28kWh or Leaf 40kWh are unsuitable for the OP, just mentioned them as a car like that 5 year old Corolla for €19k is way overpriced for what it is. It could well be that it would have higher total cost of ownership than a brand new €46k Tesla Model Y, if there is no financing involved. And presuming the grant will go per 1st July, making for a very low depreciation car.

kirving

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120115768#Comment_120115768

As a note to agree on this, I did the maths with my brother who bought a €33k Nissan Leaf SVE, and over three years, the total cost of ownership will be the same as an already overpriced €22k second-hand petrol - and that was against Nissan's poor GMFV. It should hopefully turn out better than that in fact. Fuel, Tax, NCT, Insurance, Maintenance add up quickly over three years.

I'm no Tesla fan (primarily because of their cavalier attitude towards testing and marketing of ADAS features, and their blinding headlights), but for the OP a 3 or Y would seem like a good choice.

allinthehead

Thanks to everyone for the responses here, I've booked a test drive in the model Y in Cork for Friday and will call to Renault, Hyundai and Kia on the way home. Unfortunately I couldn't book the Model 3 in Cork for some reason. Maybe they have one there and I'll at least get a look at it.

MightyMunster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120117495#Comment_120117495

I see you talked about parking, the next crop of Tesla's won't have ultrasonic sensors on them so if you wanted them you'd be better off getting a second hand one. Would have to be a Model 3 though as the SR Model Y isn't out yet. There are plenty on Donedeal in your price bracket and some quite new. One good thing with the older cars is they all have the same User interface as a new one which is different from other manufacturers and means they don't seem out of date if you know what I mean.

allinthehead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120117560#Comment_120117560

Don't think I mentioned parking, not really an issue for me. Lived without parking sensors for years.

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120117560#Comment_120117560

That was me, the missus has some trouble with parking cars 😂

In her defence, she's usually grand, she just tends to be ultra conservative and gets herself in a knot trying to figure out how to park the car

eagerv

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120117495#Comment_120117495

As of last week Cork only had the Long Range Model Y, which may well not have the comfort suspension. The Tesla fella there, Cian, said he would give me a call when a Y RWD arrives in.

allinthehead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120117816#Comment_120117816

Feck it anyway, I've never even looked inside a model 3, certainly won't be buying one without driving one first.

eagerv

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120118076#Comment_120118076

They may well have a model 3 at cork, had no interest in one, as already have one☺️.

Best thing to do is drop them an email at sales_cork@tesla.com

unkel

@allinthehead - if they don't have a RWD Model Y in Cork, they do have 3 of them available for test drives in Dublin. Maybe you can combine it with your weekly visit to Dublin. Book test drive online, takes just a couple of minutes, you can book it even for the same day.

allinthehead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120118188#Comment_120118188

No weekly visit to Dublin. About 3/4 times a year and not due up until April. Might check independent garages.

eagerv

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120119197#Comment_120119197

Are there any friendly owners in your area, are you in the FB Tesla group? (need to have an order number or VIN).

If you are near the South East any time you are welcome to see my Model 3.

unkel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120119197#Comment_120119197

There are no RWD Model Y in Ireland on Irish reg plates. The only 3 I know of are on UK reg plates and they are in Tesla Sandyford, all available for test drives. If I were you, I'd make a call to Tesla to see is there one in Cork too or can they get one over there for you to test drive

And don't drive an AWD LR Tesla Model Y thinking it will be pretty much the same. It isn't the same. The suspension has been hugely improved.

bipedalhumanoid

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106455#Comment_120106455

The last time someone used the medical emergency argument against EVs on me, it was someone who doesn't own a car at all and doesn't drive.

He said "so if a car isn't charged and you have a medical emergency you're fucked?"

I asked what he does in a medical emergency. "Oh, I'd just call an ambulance".

I know the OPs situation is different, it just made me think of this exchange.

the_amazing_raisin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120119281#Comment_120119281

It's a slightly tricky one for many people. Obviously if there's a serious emergency you'd be calling an ambulance

But in the case of the OP they might need to urgently see a consultant in Dublin. You could probably afford a short stop on the way, but you certainly don't want to be queuing for a measly ESB charger

In my case I don't let the battery drop too low as I want enough to get to the hospital

Getting home from the hospital I don't really care about stopping to charge

unkel

Well said, @the_amazing_raisin. Making mental note to myself to plug the car in when it drops below 50% or so, rather than wait until it's near empty

kanuseeme

Would charging with a granny cable not be faster than waiting on an Ambulance?

josip

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120119984#Comment_120119984

In Ireland yes.

allinthehead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120119211#Comment_120119211

That's very nice of you to offer thanks. Don't know anyone locally unfortunately. Looks like Zucar have one, I'll try there.

allinthehead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120119212#Comment_120119212

Noted, thanks. Still worth going for a burn I reckon.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120119682#Comment_120119682

That's the way to do it and what I plan to do too. It will be plugged in most days anyway to soak up the excess solar and a quick top up from the grid during off peak if needed. In my case, I do have the diesel work vehicle for back up.

allinthehead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120120086#Comment_120120086

🤣 It's not funny really, although to be fair it does depend on various factors. I needed an ambulance in August of last year and it was there in about 20 minutes.

Jackben75

Tesla definitely the way to go with the price cut. more will follow though, if you can wait up to 2 months or so. They have too...

josip

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120121582#Comment_120121582

Agreed, I needed an ambulance for a boy with a broken arm last year and was waiting an hour and 25 minutes for one. He wasn't in any immediate danger so I can understand him not being high priority, but he was in distress.

crisco10

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120121691#Comment_120121691

They must really triage, I was unfortunate to have had a brain haemorrhage while out running at parkrun, and I think the ambulance was there within about 15-20 mins. (Not that I was timing, but I can piece it together from the strava and Google maps timeline) and that included the slow bit of driving thru a public park.