Making a seamless switch to an EV
Hear from one Wicklow man who was inspired to get an EV after attending a climate change event.
Over two years ago, Noel Griffin attended an event where the speakers outlined the effects of increasing CO2 emissions on the planet. Noel describes it as “a lightning bolt went down my spinal cord as it dawned on me, we’re in serious trouble.”
He realised that by switching to an electric car, he could reduce his own personal CO2 emissions, so he immediately set about finding the right model.
“I wanted it to just be a car and be driven like a car so we could go where we want, when we want, without having to pre plan every journey,” he said.
He researched driving ranges, vehicle prices and the various features you can expect with an EV. He went for a test drive in a Hyundai Kona and decided this was the car for him.
“If we all do our bit, you know, if we get a couple of hundred thousand EVs on Irish roads, the dent that will make in our nation’s CO2 emissions will be colossal.”
Charging
Noel remarked how the home charger was easy to install and set up. “I learned so much in the first three weeks.”
He calculated his charging costs would be approximately €8 a week instead of the former €85 for diesel. “I learned so much in the first three weeks.” This is based on his electricity provider’s night rate and the fact he mostly charges it at night.
“It’s kind of a no brainer,” he said.
“99% of all our charging is done at home. It's really convenient not having to go to a filling station, get out in the rain (even though it's only five minutes) and hold a nozzle with fumes going up your nose.”
Because Noel has a home charger, he hasn’t availed of the public charging network much. He says it’s nice to know it’s there when he and his family have made longer journeys.
Driving experience
Noel describes the switch to electric as “painless and seamless”. He says he was never a “petrol head” and he values a comfortable car, especially for long trips.
The quietness of the car surprised him as well as its regenerative braking. This is a modern form of braking where you lift your foot off the accelerator, and it feels as if you’re pressing on the brake.
The reduction in carbon emissions, the cost savings, and the driving experience are the biggest advantages. “It's very relaxing to drive very, very relaxing and yet nippy”.
He installed Solar PV since getting the EV. “It's nice to know that during the summer, while the grid is still using some fossil fuels, the car is getting its charge exclusively from the sun,” he said.
“If we all do our bit, you know, if we get a couple of hundred thousand EVs on Irish roads, the dent that will make in our nation’s CO2 emissions will be colossal.”
Find out more about driving electric