The new Porsche Taycan - yes you would!
The new Porsche Taycan – yes you would!

In this guide we are going to take a closer look at electric cars on sale in Ireland in 2021! Manufacturers are bringing more and more new electric vehicles (EVs) to market every year, which is good news for buyers ready to go electric. You can now choose from small compact electric city cars, trendy electric SUVs and crossovers, and large luxury EVs.

In the last few years, advances in battery technology have brought more long range EVs to market at more affordable pricing. There are also numerous Government incentives to switch to electric including electric vehicle grants, VRT relief, reduced tolls, taxes and parking fees.

While most owners will charge their car at home, the public infrastructure offers charging in towns and at major motorway service stations around Ireland. There are over 1,350 charging points in Ireland, however more investment is promised with the roll out of more rapid charging stations on motorway routes, including IONITY rapid chargers.

There are plenty of reasons to go electric now for your next car. Our list below contains many exciting new models across different segments, from smalls EVs to electric SUVs. The range quoted is measured to WLTP industry standards. In real life driving, factors such as temperature and driving style will affect the range you can get from your EV, so bear this in mind as guidance.

There are over 1,100 charge points in Ireland with more rapid charging hubs planned
There are over 1,300 charge points in Ireland with more rapid charging hubs planned

Renault ZOE

Range up to 395 km (WLTP)

Renault first launched the ZOE back in 2012 as the brand’s first compact electric vehicle. A new model arrived in 2020 in Ireland in 2020. Range has been improved once again with a new 52 kWh battery standard across the range. The innovative Chameleon 22 kW charger remains, with the option of a rapid 50 kW CCS charger for the first time for ZOE. Elsewhere, quality and digital technology has been improved to keep this a compelling choice in the growing compact EV segment.

Opel Corsa-e

Range up to 337 km (WLTP)

Opel joins the fray with the first ever electric Corsa! The new Corsa-e has a clever design that means that no space inside the vehicle or the boot has been compromised by the electric powertrain. Powered by a 50 kWh battery, the new Corsa-e can be charged at home or using the public charging network. Rapid 100 kW charging is available using the standard CCS adaptor.

Peugeot e-208

Range up to 340 km (WLTP)

The new Peugeot e-208 supermini is the brand’s first electric vehicle to market in Ireland. 2020 saw a new generation of the 208 reach Ireland, with the all electric version offering buyers now even more choice. The 208 has long been a trendsetter in the compact segment and the e-208 retains all the Gallic charm with an attention grabbing interior and exterior design. Like the Opel, 100 kW rapid charging is also available using the standard CCS adaptor.

The new Peugeot e-208!
The new Peugeot e-208!

MINI Electric

Range up to 232 km (WLTP)

The new MINI Electric is a new chapter for the iconic 3-door hatchback. There’s a 32.6 kWh battery giving a range of 233 km, while 50 kW fast charging gives MINI Electric 80% charge in 36 minutes. New suspension technology designed for this model helps retain and enhance the MINI’s famed go-kart driving dynamics.

Honda e

Range up to 222 km (WLTP)

Cute as a button with some amazingly cool technology on board. The new Honda e uses a 35.5 kWh battery putting out 136 hp, providing a range of 222 km. Fast charging is available through a CCS charging adapter with the opportunity to add 80% of charge in just 30 minutes.

Nissan LEAF 

Range up to 270 km (40kWh)/ up to 385 km (62 kWh)

The LEAF is arguably the world’s most recognised electric car. It used to have a nice monopoly as a mid-size electric hatchback but now faces competition from a raft of new electric crossovers. Nissan has responded with an exciting new generation of the car arriving in Ireland back in 2018. As well as sporting a more modern design, the new LEAF is available with 40 kWh and 62 kWh batteries to keep it competitive.

Hyundai IONIQ

Range up to 312 km (WLTP)

The IONIQ debuted in Ireland back in 2016 but has been revamped for 2020. The hatchback style EV has a new 38.3 kWh battery that has extended the range over 300 km. There’s also a more powerful motor. Inside the interior has been revamped with the latest Hyundai infotainment system.

Kia EV6

Coming soon – details to follow

The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 on test for Changing Lanes!
The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 on test for Changing Lanes!

Hyundai IONIQ 5

Range up to 384 km (58 kWh)/ up to 481 km (73 kWh) (WLTP)

Hyundai’s new flagship EV is built on a dedicated EV platform. The car looks stunning in the metal and is available with a 58 kWh battery with up to 384 km of range and a 73 kWh battery with up to 481 km of range. With striking good looks, revolutionary Hyundai interior, long range and fast charging, the IONIQ 5 makes a dramatic debut in Ireland in 2021.

BMW i3

Range up to 260 km (WLTP)

BMW was one of the first of the premium brands to delve into EV technology. The result was the quirky little BMW i3 in 2013. Since then it hasn’t changed much looks wise but battery power has been improved. Small, expensive but high quality and beautifully designed interior.

Opel Mokka-e

Range up to 324 km (WLTP)

A fantastic all-electric debut for the new generation Opel Mokka. Fresh for 2021, the Opel Mokka-e uses a 50 kWh battery with a system output of 136 hp. The car looks great and has a new interior.

Peugeot e-2008

Range up to 310 km (WLTP)

Peugeot brings upmarket design and quality finish to the compact electric SUV market. Peugeot has chosen a 50 kWh battery to power the e-2008. That gives 136 hp and a WLTP range of 310 km.

Mercedes-Benz EQB

Coming soon – details to follow

The new Kia e-Soul
The new Kia e-Soul whizzed home as Irish Car of the Year 2020!

DS3 Crossback E-TENSE

Range up to 320km (WLTP)

The electric DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE uses a 50 kWh battery to give a range of up to 320 km (WLTP). The car is stylish and quirky, something different for the compact crossover market.

MG ZS

Range up to 263 km (WLTP)

MG makes an electrified debut to Ireland in 2021. The ZS is an all-electric SUV that’s practical, well-priced, and powered by a 44.5 kWh battery, giving a range of 263 km (WLTP).

MG5

Range up to 344 km (WLTP)

The MG5 is an all-electric estate car new to the Irish market in 2021. It has an impressive range and the practicality of an estate car. It’s comfortable and well-priced.

Kia e-Soul

Range up to 452 km (WLTP)

The e-Soul blasted onto the EV scene in 2019 and quickly established itself as one of the best new electric vehicles on sale right now. Funky, colourful looks and a fantastic digital cabin helped it to whizz home as the Continental Tyres Irish Car of the Year 2020!

Citroen e-C4

Range up to 350 km (WLTP)

Citroen bounces back in the Irish market with an all-new electric crossover style hatchback – the e-C4. It’s bright and colourful, with a smooth and responsive EV platform. Competitively priced.

Lexus UX 300e

Range up to 315 km (WLTP)

The Lexus brand’s first foray into the all-electric market debuts in this – the electric UX 300e crossover.

The new Mercedes-Benz EQA on sale in Ireland now!
The new Mercedes-Benz EQA on sale in Ireland now!

Hyundai Kona Electric

Range up to 449 km (WLTP)

When the Hyundai Kona Electric first arrived on the market at the end of 2018, it was one of the first of the new long range EVs from mainstream manufacturers. It impressed us for its long range 64 kWh battery that sees over 400 km on electric power alone. With trendy crossover looks, the Kona Electric quickly established itself on the Irish market to become one of the most visible EVs on Irish roads today.

Kia e-Niro

Range up to 455 km (WLTP)

The Kia Niro family was joined by the all electric e-Niro in 2019. Crossover styling and a long range 64 kWh battery make this one of the game changers on the EV scene in Ireland today.

Mercedes-Benz EQA

Range up to 426 km (WLTP)

The baby Merc SUV gets electrified with up to 426 km in electric range and a high quality new generation interior from the German premium car brand.

Volkswagen ID 3

Range up to 424 km (WLTP)

Volkswagen’s new family of ID models starts with ID 3, which arrived in Ireland in late 2020.

Tesla Model 3

Range up to 415 – 560 km (WLTP) depending on model

The much anticipated Model 3 finally arrived in Ireland in 2019 and is the smallest and most affordable model in the Tesla range. Three models are available. The Standard Range Plus model has an estimated range of 415 km range, while the range for the Model 3 Performance is rated at 530 km and 560 km for the Long Range AWD. Inside there is a minimalist cabin with nearly all the car’s functions controlled by the large tablet style touchscreen in the centre of the dash.

The Tesla Model 3 on test for Changing Lanes!
The Tesla Model 3 on test for Changing Lanes!

Audi e-tron

Range up to 336 km e-tron 50/ 436 km e-tron 55 (WLTP)

Audi’s all-electric, four wheel drive SUV arrived in Ireland in 2019 as the flagship e-tron 55 with a headline grabbing range up to 436 km. The e-tron has an exquisite cabin with lots of digital technology at your fingertips. A more affordable e-tron 50 has joined the range with a smaller capacity battery and WLTP range of 336 km.

Audi e-tron Sportback

Range up to 446 km (WLTP)

The saucier coupé-style SUV version of the e-tron!

Volkswagen ID 4

Range up to 500 km (WLTP)

Volkswagen’s first all electric SUV is now on sale in Ireland with two different battery sizes.

Skoda Enyaq

Range 412 – 535 km (WLTP)

Skoda’s debut all-electric SUV. New for 2021, it’s on sale from launch in two flavours – Enyaq iV 60 and Enyaq iV 80 – with two different battery capacities and WLTP range.

BMW iX3

Range 450 km (WLTP)

The all-electric version of BMW’s popular midsize SUV is now on sale in Ireland.

The new BMW iX3
The new BMW iX3

Volvo XC40 Recharge

Range 400 km (WLTP)

The XC40 debuts an all-electric powertrain for the first time in Ireland in 2021. Already one of the best SUVs on the market sporting great design. Now with a 78 kWh battery and plenty of power.

Ford Mustang Mach-e

Coming soon – details to follow

Audi Q4 e-tron

Range up to 335 km Q4 e-tron 30/ 511 km Q4 e-tron 40 (WLTP)

The new Audi Q4 e-tron comes to market in Ireland with two battery capacities offering varying levels of power and range – the Audi Q4 e-tron 35 (55 kWh) and the Audi Q4 e-tron 40 (82 kWh).

Mercedes-Benz EQC

Range up to 417 km (WLTP)

The EQC is Mercedes-Benz first all-electric model and arrived in Ireland in 2019. Based on the GLC mid-size SUV platform, the EQC has an 80 kWh battery with two electric motors mounted at each axle, front and rear. Together they generate 408 hp and 765 Nm of torque! The EQC is luxurious inside with futuristic styling on the outside. Expect more EQ models to follow in the Mercedes range.

Tesla Model S

Range up to 593 – 610 km (WLTP) depending on model

The car that put Tesla on the map. The Model S was the original all-electric saloon. It was the first long range EV, albeit at an exclusive price. Two models are available in Ireland – the Long Range and Performance. All cars have all wheel drive and adaptive air suspension. The Performance model can hit 100km/h in just 2.5 seconds.

The very stylish all electric Opel Mokka-e
The very stylish all electric Opel Mokka-e

Jaguar i-PACE

Range up to 470 km (WLTP)

Another first, this time for Jaguar. The i-PACE is the brand’s first electric car and crossover. It’s powered by a 90 kWh battery and admired for its engaging drive and performance. It was chosen as the World Car of the Year by a jury of motoring journalists in 2019. Top cat.

BMW i4

Range 459 – 567 km (WLTP)

BMW continues a new generation of electric models with the i4 all-electric four door coupé.

BMW iX

Range 396 – 612 km (WLTP)

BMW’s new flagship all-electric SUV has divisive styling but a mighty range!

Tesla Model X

Range up to 487 – 507 km (WLTP) depending on model

One of the few electric 7 seater SUVs on the market, the Tesla Model X stole the show with its falcon-wing doors. Available as Long Range or Performance, with the latter reaching 100km/h in just 2.8 seconds.

Porsche Taycan 4S

Range up to 407 km (79 kWh)/ up to 463 km (93 kWh)

Clearly when Porsche start making EVs, they are going to be some of the most desirable models on the market. The Taycan is the brand’s first electric car and comes in 3 flavours – 4S, Turbo and Turbo S. The Taycan is available with a 79 or 93 kWh battery and can avail of up to 270 kW rapid charging! In both variants, the Taycan 4S accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds.

Audi e-tron GT

Range up to 479 km (WLTP)

Audi’s flagship electric sports car is packed full of technology, fun to drive, with phenomenal power and quattro all wheel drive.

The new Audi e-tron GT on test for Changing Lanes!
The new Audi e-tron GT on test for Changing Lanes!

Caroline Kidd