- Nissan LEAF Electric Vehicle - bisgovuk
The Irish Government, in partnership with the state’s electricity distributer ESB and two international automobile companies, has announced details of a plan to create a network of charging points for electric vehicles. Nissan and Renault will supply the cars and the government will provide a €5,000 subsidy per vehicle purchased. In addition there will be zero vehicle registration tax payable on such vehicles. (Irish Government Press Release, April 12th 2010)
The first car to be made available under the scheme is the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle. This vehicle is also being made available under similar schemes in the USA and Japan. Renault will make its Fluence available in an electric version from 2012. Both models are capable of covering 150km on a single charge.
Price of LEAF in Ireland Announced
For European markets the LEAF and its battery is to be manufactured in Sunderland, UK. (Nissan UK announcement on their website, 18th March 2010, accessed 18th April, 2010). Renault will also be supplying an electric version of the Kangoo commercial vehicle.
Nissan announced the selling price for LEAF in Ireland in mid-May 2010. At €29,995 afrter allowing for government incentives it is a little more than might have been anticipated. However, the earlier suggestion that batteries would not be included has proven to be mistaken. So there will be no battery leasing charge to include in running costs. ( Nissan Ireland website, accessed 24 May 2010)
Low Operating Cost Means High Savings are Possible
With running costs as little as 3 cents/mile compared to 15c/mile for petrol/diesel it is possible to break even at 12,000km per year or just 30km/day. With the average vehicle in Ireland covering 17,000km per year at present according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the potential savings are considerable. (Drivers of electric vehicles must pay €1,200 annual fee for battery rental, Paul Melia, Irish Independent, Saturday March 27 2010)
Ireland is seen as ideal for electric vehicle use with most of the population centred around the urban areas of Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Galway. It is these centres which will get the majority of the 3,500 charging points being rolled out by ESB by the end of 2011. All the vehicles use the latest lithium-ion battery technology produced by Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), a joint venture between Nissan, NEC and NEC Tonkin.
Philippe Klein, of Renault SAS, said: “[Our] commitment to the global mass marketing of electric vehicles requires the close cooperation of many partners around the world. .... the necessary conditions ... are being put in place in [Ireland] to allow for the successful adoption of electric vehicles in the near future." (Irish Government Press Release, April 12th 2010)
Commercial Electric Vehicles on Show
The Energy Show, mounted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and held on 14th and 15th April 2010 featured several electric vehicle suppliers. Included were the Tullamore based Electric Vehicles Ireland, part of the Avia Group, which supplies Smith commercial electric vehicles based on Ford Transit and Avia chassis.
Like the cars mentioned above, these vehicles have a range of 150km on a single charge and save up to 80% on running costs. They also qualify for a 100% right-off of the purchase cost against tax in the first year. Their easy driving and low maintenance costs make them ideal delivery vehicles especially in urban environments.
Ireland’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and ensuring long term fuel security, as demonstrated by these events, should ensure the country remains at the forefront of the green revolution.
Edited 24 May 2010 to add details about price announcement and remove reference to battery leasing.
Frank Parker - Frank writes regularly on a diverse range of subjects which he researches thoroughly.
