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Thinking Electric? 10 Smart Tips for Buying a Used EV

Jan27

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Thinking Electric? 10 Smart Tips for Buying a Used EV

Posted by Geraldine Herbert on Jan 27, 2026

Thinking Electric? 10 Smart Tips for Buying a Used EV

The used electric vehicle market is growing fast, offering plenty of choice — and some real gems — if you know what to look for. Here’s what to keep in mind before you plug in and drive off. 1. Don’t Trust the Brochure — Do Your Range HomeworkOfficial range figures are often, shall we say… optimistic. Real-world conditions like weather, driving style, and terrain can all eat into that number. Check out owner reviews, online forums, and independent tests to get a truer picture of what you’ll get on a full charge. 2. Battery Health is EverythingThink of the battery as the beating heart of your EV — and the most expensive part to replace. Always ask for a battery health report. Many modern EVs will allow a diagnostic check, either through the infotainment system or via a plug-in tool. If in doubt, get a professional to inspect it. 3. Trust Matters — Buy from Someone ReputableWhether it’s a dealer, an independent garage, or a private seller, make sure they know the car inside out. A good seller should be upfront about the vehicle’s history, charging habits, and any previous issues. 4. Check the Paper TrailMost EVs come with a generous battery warranty (typically 8 years or around 160,000km). Make sure it’s still valid — and equally important, check for a full and verifiable service history. Regular software updates and maintenance count for a lot in an EV. 5. Know Your Charging SetupHome charging is a game-changer, not to mention a money-saver. You can apply for a €300 SEAI grant towards installing a home charger. If you don’t have off-street parking check out where public chargers are available near your home or work, especially fast-chargers. 6. Plan Ahead for Road TripsIreland’s charging network is improving, but it’s not perfect. If you do frequent long journeys, use apps like PlugShare or Zap-Map to locate charging points before setting off. It’ll help avoid those nerve-wracking, battery-on-1% moments. Geraldine...

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Renault 5 Review: Charm, Character and Electric Confidence

May20

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Renault 5 Review: Charm, Character and Electric Confidence

Posted by Geraldine Herbert on May 20, 2025

Renault 5 Review: Charm, Character and Electric Confidence

The all-new Renault 5 returns as a head-turning electric supermini, blending retro-inspired design with modern comfort, smart tech, and everyday drivability writes Geraldine Herbert What is it? The Renault 5 is back — and not just in name. Reimagined as a fully electric supermini, this new version blends nostalgic styling with modern tech and everyday usability. Once the go-to car for students, first-time drivers, and families on a budget, the Renault 5 now aims to be a style-forward, practical EV for a new generation. It’s compact, clever, and carries more personality than most cars at double the price. Styling? Retro done right. The new Renault 5 is a masterclass in how to update an icon without losing its soul. At just under four metres long, it strikes the perfect balance between playful and premium. Eye-catching colours like Pop Yellow and Pop Green turn heads, while playful touches — such as the digital ‘5’ charge indicator and those cheeky, blinking headlights — give it genuine character. This isn’t just a badge revival. Where others might borrow the name and ditch the charm (hello, Ford Capri), Renault has remained true to what made the original 5 so beloved — and made it even better. Under the Bonnet? The Renault 5 Techno trim comes with a 52kWh battery and a 150hp (110kW) electric motor, delivering front-wheel drive performance and a WLTP-rated range of up to 410km. There’s also a 40kWh option offering around 300km. It’s not a performance EV, but it’s zippy, composed, and responsive — with enough punch for spirited city driving and confident motorway cruising. What About Inside? The cabin is as clever as the exterior is cool. A 10.1-inch touchscreen with Google’s OpenR Link infotainment system dominates the dash, complemented by a vivid digital instrument cluster. The gear selector is mounted by the steering wheel to free up space, though it’s a touch too close to other controls. Materials are solid, with nice touches like a padded roof liner adding unexpected comfort in this segment. Space is decent up front; the back seats feel tighter — teenagers may grumble — but for most daily uses, it’s more than adequate. And Safety? Awarded four stars by Euro NCAP in 2024, the Renault 5 covers the safety essentials well. It performed strongly in side-impact and whiplash protection, though it lost points...

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Home » Electric cars

BMW i3 (94 Ah)

Oct12

BMW i3 (94 Ah)

Electric cars are considered by many to be too pricey, too impractical and too likely to run out of charge but is the new BMW i3 about to change that perception asks Geraldine Herbert What is it? The i3 was launched as part of BMW’s ‘Project i’ or electric range of cars and is available as an electric only version or with a supplementary petrol engine that extends the range. When it launched two and a half years...

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Volkswagen e-Golf

Jun01

Volkswagen e-Golf

What’s life actually like with an electric car? Ginny Weeks tries a week with the e-Golf. What is it? The zero emissions e-Golf has all the looks, size and practicality of the original Golf, but it’s powered purely by electricity. With a range of 190kms in between charges, this car is best suited to shorter trips rather than long commutes. First impressions of the e-Golf? The solid, sophisticated look and feel is very much the same as...

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