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Ford has released details from a recent survey of Irish motorists that show a high proportion of drivers, in the context of the current cost of living crisis, are seeking to save money on their motoring in a number of ways. One in three motorists are either delaying or totally skipping their car’s annual service in an effort to save money. In the same vein, some 57 percent of drivers (nearly two thirds) have cut back on the mileage they do in their cars in order to save money, with women drivers (at 62 percent) more likely to curtail their mileage versus men (52 percent). John Manning, Market Lead for Henry Ford & Son Ltd., commented: “Like many manufacturers, Ford is well advanced in our journey towards an electric motoring future, one benefit of which will be an overall lower cost of motoring for car owners. But for a number of years yet, internal combustion engines will be the most common form of engine on our roads and that comes with specific costs”. “Our survey has shown that many motorists are doing their best to ease that cost burden in the current tough economic climate. While we can understand drivers looking to reduce their mileage with the aim of saving on fuel expenditure, given the volatile nature of fuel costs over the past year, we would ask the 30 percent of car owners who said they would either skip or delay a service action to think again. By skipping or delaying a service, a motorist may well be saving money in the short term but they could be storing up longer term problems that will cost even more money in the long run”. “During a normal service, your Ford Dealer will always change the oil which is a critical part of maintaining the proper functioning of your car’s engine. Missing an oil change can cause sludge to build up in the engine. This sludge can lead to increased engine wear, reduced engine performance and consequently, reduced fuel economy. In extreme cases, sludge build up can negatively impact on your car’s emissions which could lead to a car failing the NCT. In addition to causing increased emissions and reduced fuel economy, sludge can cause long-term damage to an engine that could be very costly to put right”. “According to our survey, some 38 percent of Irish motorists do not realise that not adhering to a correct service schedule could also void the manufacturer’s warranty on the car. Manufacturers recommend an annual service as it can help to flag up issues with the car before they become serious – it is for that reason that some manufacturers consider a car’s warranty to be null and void if a car has missed more than one service action.” In addition to fuel and servicing costs, motorists are also seeking to save money by not renewing their car as often as they would want. 20 percent of drivers said they will ‘make do’ with their current car because it is too costly to buy a new car. Instead of buying a new car, 22 percent said they have renewed their car by opting for a second-hand car within the past year. Manning concluded: “Above all, motorists must not allow their desire to save money impact on safety. Following the correct service schedule for a vehicle will ensure your car is in the best condition to protect you and your family. In addition to changing the oil, a reputable technician will also carry out a check on critical items such as: · Corrosion and paintwork · Lights and alignment · Brakes / brake fluid moisture content · Tyres and tread depth · Pollen and cabin filter All of which will keep a car running at its most fuel efficient and will ensure that safety is also at optimum levels”.

It was a big decision but you have finally made the purchase of an electric car for your day-to-day commute. You done the homework and understand exactly what mileage you cover weekly and where you are most likely to charge the vehicle. All is going perfectly well but holiday season is approaching and the possibility of taken your newly acquired EV overseas might be a little daunting! Should you be put off, or will it be a plain sailing? Lets find out… Can you travel through Europe with an electric car? You can indeed travel throughout Europe with your electric car it just requires a little planning and understanding of the particular route or adventure you wish to undertake. Can you charge an Irish electric car in Europe? Yes, unlike charging your phone abroad where the standard three-pin socket needs a European converter to two pin, car chargers are pretty much harmonised across Europe. Standard charging comes via a Type 2 connecter and if your car can take a fast charge option then you will find most stations are also equipped with CCS Type 2 charge units. Is it possible to charge on the ferry? Yes it is possible to take a charge on the ferry crossing but you will have to get in touch and possibly make book the charging port with the provider. Do not assume there will be power as chargers are limited and only found on more modern vessels. If possible it is in your best interest to always have plenty of charge before embarking on any ferry crossing. Where can you charge your car in Europe? As with most modern EV’s they are fitted with European map navigation that can pick up on charge points nearest to you. Some help plan your journey and calculate exactly how often you will need to stop and for how long. If your car is not equipped with this technology then there are many apps for your phone that can do the exact same thing. Take Plugshare.com for example, which features over 300,000 chargers across Europe and helps you to plan your trip. Pricing will vary depending on the country you visit but there should be no astronomical surprises with similar prices to Ireland and cheaper regularly found. The other good news is that most ferry crossings are now offering a charging overnight option, which could leave you with a full battery and ready to leave for you destination on disembarking the vessel. Will my Irish EV Charge Station cards work abroad? Most likely not, unless it came from the vehicle manufacturer with European recognition. Thankfully, there are companies who can provide an RFID card that works on several different networks, reducing the number of cards or apps you need to obtain. Logging onto websites like www.chargemap.com/map will again help in this regard. You can obtain a Chargemap Pass RFID card, in France, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic. Many are now also pay as you go meaning you can simply use your credit/debit card. Are long journeys really possible in an electric car? Yes you can undertake long journeys once again with a little planning or foresight. The more understanding you have of the journey you want to take, the less likely you are to feel any range anxiety. There are certain things to consider though. Naturally you will be carrying more weight on holidays with bags etc. Some even choose to fill a roof box or small trailer but all these items have to be factored into your predicted range. The electric car will be harder on its battery with more drag, weight or the Air Conditioning on full blast each day! Factor these things in and be clever with your battery usage and always err on the side of caution. Can you take a leased car abroad? Yes you can take a lease car abroad. Naturally there are time constraints with have foreign registered vehicles in other countries but for a two week or even a months holidays there shouldn’t be a problem. What are the legal requirements for driving abroad? Your full license is most certainly required and in some cases an International Driving Permit. If you buy a motor insurance policy from an EU-based insurance company you will have the minimum compulsory level of insurance required to drive in any EU country. However, you should always tell your insurance company if you plan to take your vehicle abroad and check with them what exactly is covered on your policy. You can usually take your car for up to 31 days to another EU member state for no extra charge. Your existing cover can be extended for stays of up to 60 or 90 days duration but you may have to pay an additional fee for this cover. Other additional types of cover while driving abroad can be added such as break down assistance. It is worth having a copy of your lease agreement with you also as the authorities have been known to ask for proof of ownership or lease contract.

News just in from Japanese giants Honda as they have revealed their second fully electric vehicle, the e:Ny1, at its European Media Event in Offenbach, Germany. It is the brand’s second pure EV to arrive in the region, following on from the widely acclaimed Honda e city car, and is designed to meet the growing customer demand for all-electric B-segment SUVs. Offering a fresh, distinctive design and the latest advanced technology, the e:Ny1 follows Honda’s human-centred development philosophy, making the most of the model’s fully electric powertrain to deliver an SUV with fun-to-drive dynamics, a smooth and refined ride, and intuitive versatility. The super-cool but yet sophisticated exterior look has been created by a short front overhang, large wheels, and a wide track. The e:Ny1 also debuts an all-new electric identity for Honda, with white ‘H’ badges featuring around the vehicle, including the nose badge, wheel centre caps and steering wheel. In addition, a new typeface spells out ‘Honda’ on the tailgate for a premium look that will feature on the brand’s future EVs. Clever packaging of the electric drivetrain components ensures e:Ny1 offers remarkable interior space and comfort. An all-new centre console features a simple layout of easily accessible buttons, multiple storage options and wireless charging, while an uncluttered dashboard topped by a large 15.1-inch touchscreen provides access to a comprehensive suite of infotainment and driving options. The e:Ny1 is built on Honda’s newly developed e:N Architecture F, a front-motor-driven platform focused on three fundamental attributes: A dedicated high rigidity body structure, a low centre of gravity, and carefully managed under-floor aerodynamics to ensure the SUV delivers a fun and confidence-inspiring drive. In addition, the platform incorporates a high-performance, lightweight three-in-one integrated power drive unit, electric motor, and gearbox. This generates a maximum output of 150 kW, 310 Nm of torque and is engineered to provide smooth and comfortable acceleration and deceleration. Under the floor sits a high-capacity lithium-ion battery that delivers up to 412 km (WLTP) of range and DC fast-charging capability that can go from 10 to 80% in just 45 minutes. This is an exciting time for the Honda brand and we look forward to the Irish arrival of the all new e:Ny1. As always we will do our best to bring you a full review as soon as it arrives.

It feels like yesterday but three weeks ago, Volkswagen presented the new ID.7 as an all-electric limousine for the upper mid-size class. The most dynamic model variant will now follow in late summer with the world premiere of the ID.7 GTX. Equipped with the latest drive generation of the ID. models, the dual-motor all-wheel drive system and a host of sporty design elements, the long-distance limousine is a high-performance model. The launch of the new GTX model is planned for the IAA Mobility in Munich this coming September. In the interior, details such as the red GTX contrast stitching on the seats, dash panel and doors emphasise the sportiness of the model. The exterior design, on the other hand, is characterised by black gloss elements. Together with the standard black roof paint finish and the darkened windows, these features ensure that the upcoming ID.7 GTX will also enjoy a powerful and distinctive appearance. Like on the previous GTX models ID.4 and ID.5, the vehicle dynamics manager is responsible for intelligent control of the dual-motor all-wheel drive system in the ID.7 GTX. This software, developed in-house by Volkswagen, always aims to achieve the optimum combination of efficiency, dynamics and driving stability. The vehicle dynamics manager controls not only the powertrain, but also all braking, steering and chassis control systems, depending on the selected driving profile. The limousine’s running gear and steering have been fundamentally enhanced on the basis of the modular electric drive (MEB) platform and offer a large bandwidth between comfort and sportiness thanks to the possibility of driving profile selection. This underlines the ID.7 GTX’s status as the flagship model in the ID. family. The sporty GTX brand with its all-electric performance models has been part of Volkswagen’s portfolio for two years now. These vehicles combine electric mobility, sustainability and intelligent sportiness. Their sporty design also emphasises the special character and recognition value of the high- quality GTX models.

The National Launch 2023 took place at the Butterfield Estate as the Tullamore Show were delighted to welcome Avril and William R Gubbins back to Co. Offaly. The Gubbins Family are no strangers to the showing ring at Tullamore Show, they are very loyal competitors having competed at the Show for many years. Their Herd consists of Commercial and Pedigree Stock under the name of the Cush Herd, and they are in Co. Limerick. The Gubbins Family have had many success stories at Tullamore Show from Supreme Champion in 1992 on their first visit to the event and again in 2002 and 2012. The National Launch was attended by Show personal and representatives of FBD as both parties strive to continue their strong and successful alliance. John Cahalan, Chief Commercial Officer, FBD Insurance stated: “FBD Insurance is proud to partner with FBD Trust to support the Tullamore Show for 2023. At FBD, we’re extremely proud to be the sponsor of the FBD National Livestock Show at the Tullamore Show and we are delighted to be working with the Tullamore Show committee in the lead up to this year’s show. On behalf of FBD, I wish everybody involved in organising the Tullamore Show, as well as the competitors, exhibitors, and attendees all the very best from the team at FBD Insurance. We look forward to seeing you all in Tullamore in August.” The Show will take place on Sunday 13th August 2023 at the Butterfield Estate and will feature over 1,000 classes with a massive prize fund of €175,000 along with a range of highly sought-after Gold and Silver Medals for the Livestock competitors. The Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show will showcase classes in Dairy, Pedigree, Commercial and Sheep. The Pedigree section is delighted to host the National Show for Simmental, Charolais, Limousin and Hereford. There are over 12 breeds of Pedigree Cattle competing for the ever sough after Gold and Silver Medals. The Commercial Cattle section is delighted to host the Commercial Blonde d’Aquitaine Sired Calf extravaganza for its first year, with a prize fund of €2000. The Sheep programme will be expanding this year with introduction of the Lanark Sheep Breed All Ireland Classes. Online Entries will be opening very soon, visit www.tullamoreshow.com for more information.

The Automobile Association has issued guidance on the use of the new E10 petrol blend, which is now on sale across the country and which is set to replace E5 fuel by July 1st. What is E5 and E10? The number refers to the percentage of ethanol in the fuel blend, in this case, petrol. E5 is made up of up to 5% renewable ethanol, and E10 is made up of up to 10%. Bioethanol is a type of alcohol that can be manufactured from plant waste such as sugar beet and wheat. The increase in bioethanol in petrol to E10 is one of several measures taken by the Government towards achievement of 51% reduction in transport carbon emissions by 2030, as set out in their climate action plan. So why should we care? Well, for the most part, we don’t need to. The vast majority of cars in Ireland will run on this fuel with no discernible difference. Drivers may experience a small reduction in fuel economy, but not by much. But otherwise, for most people with cars 20 years old or younger, there is no cause for concern. Some owners will need to pay closer attention "Some owners do need to pay attention," says AA Ireland Head of Communictions, Paddy Comyn. "But it isn’t the doomsday scenario painted in some quarters. Over on the AA Website, you will find a list of cars that are potentially not perfectly compatible with an E10 fuel blend. These include a handful of FSI engines from the Volkswagen Group, some older Renault models, and some old Alfa Romeos and Fiats but beyond that, not much to worry about and even when we contacted these manufacturers, they told us that the cars will run fine on E10, but you might need to keep a closer eye on some components during the regular service." Classic car owners do have legitimate concerns for a few reasons. The higher the ethanol blend, the less old cars like it. Ethanol is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs water from the atmosphere. And that water, in turn, can find its way into your car. It can lead to condensation in fuel tanks, fuel lines and carburettors and cause corrosion in brass, copper, lead, tin and zinc components. Ethanol is also a solvent, and can eat through rubber, plastic and fibreglass, so hoses and seals are likely to perish more quickly because of the higher concentration of ethanol in E10. For now, classic car owners are advised to potentially look at replacing fuel lines and other components that might suffer through prolonged use of E10. Users of older motorbikes should also be cautious. The same is true of many older petrol lawnmowers. "There are additives on the market – such as Wynn’s E10 Protector, The AA isn't sure yet if these work, but they are sold in many motor factors for around €15, and this will get you around five tanks worth.They promise to counteract any negative effects E10 might have on older vehicles. Even brands like Ferrari told us that they have no huge concerns over E10 once the owners are aware that there might be some more attention to be paid during service intervals," adds Comyn. Is there a major cause for concern? So is there a major cause for concern? "We would say no. If you service your car regularly and don’t leave it sitting idle for long periods of time, even cars which haven’t been homologated for E10 should be fine. If you have a classic car or motorbike that you intend to leave idle for longer spells, draining the fuel tanks could be advisable before storing," says Paddy Comyn. Initially, the blends of E10 on sale are likely to be quite low in ethanol, as legislation dictates that E10 fuel must consist of at least 5.5% ethanol to qualify as E10. If you have a concern, speak to your dealer or technician, who will advise, and you can check out www.theaa.ie/E10

This week PEUGEOT revealed the new 2008, with a more modern SUV design, enhanced technology and new electrified powertrains with up to 406 km of range. This new Peugeot 2008 SUV boasts a modern, assertive design that features a new PEUGEOT front and rear light signature and a redesigned front end with the new PEUGEOT shield. Like sopme of its siblings the new PEUGEOT 2008 is produced at the Vigo plant in Spain. It will go on sale in later this year with a range based on three versions, including ACTIVE, ALLURE, and GT, with a choice of engines, including a new 115kW/156bhp all-electric engine that has a range of up to 406 km (WLTP combined cycle). The 2008 also comes with new colour options, innovative wheel designs, updated PEUGEOT badges, and new refined fabrics. Additionally, the car features an updated PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with a new design for the digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch central touchscreen for all models. The PEUGEOT i-Connect system offers full connectivity through wireless mirroring (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) and enables easy access to all infotainment functions via the “OK PEUGEOT” voice command. A Hybrid option will follow in 2024 with the new 48V HYBRID powertrain, which consists of a new-generation 136 bhp 1.2 litre PureTech petrol engine, coupled with a new 6-speed dual-clutch electrified gearbox that includes an electric motor. When the first press car arrives in Ireland we will bring you a full detailed review.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry recently hosted hosted its 8th annual Women@SIMI event in conjunction with its sponsor Bank of Ireland, in the Conrad Hotel Dublin 2. The event was attended by over 170 professional women from a variety of different sectors within the Motor Industry in Ireland. Delivering an impressive panel of guest speakers, Mary Kennedy, Master of Ceremonies welcomed Louise Grubb CEO of Trivium Vet, a serial life science entrepreneur, with a track record in founding successful businesses. Along with Norah Casey, award winning TV and broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, and human rights campaigner. Antonia Hendron President of SIMI addressing attendees “It’s wonderful to see so many successful women here from different sectors of our Industry. Our Industry is an area where female employee have been historically under-represented, and I am pleased to say this is changing. The SIMI’s Management board has changed in composition with a representation of six female leaders now sitting at the boardroom table and I am honoured to stand before you today as your President.” Ms. Hendron remarked that events like Women@SIMI are important to create a space where professional women can have the opportunity to network and learn from each other as well as hearing from other successful people of different backgrounds and industries. Reflecting on her own experience Antonia commented “By being forced out of my comfort zone, it has led me to meet and make some incredible connections and friends from across the Motor Industry.” She also encouraged attendees to make a difference and help shape the industry’s direction by getting involved with the Society. Guest Speaker Louise Grubb, remarked on the importance of innovation, thinking outside of the box to create new opportunities, encouraging your team to express themselves, while been prepared to pivot when the road ahead changes, but above all don’t be afraid to take that opportunity to start in the first place. Guest Speaker Norah Casey, "It's not what I did in my life that changed me, it’s what life did to me. Negativity can propel you, but look inside yourself and you will find the resilience to move forward. Don’t be afraid to create something new and different. There is a women’s agenda around cars that needs to be articulated, there needs to be a strategy about it, because it is incredibly important to us. There is no public transport that replaces the safety that cars give to women." Derek McDermott Managing Director of Bank of Ireland Finance commented “We are making good strides for women in both the Motor and Banking industries. Bank of Ireland was the first Irish bank to publish a Gender Pay Gap Report in 2020 which highlights the percentage difference between what men and women are paid on average. This year, the Bank introduced a menopause support policy that includes paid leave. This will help us continue to build a work environment in which everyone is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. These are really important initiatives, but I would argue that there is still a long way to go in the whole area of gender diversity and in ensuring that there are strong opportunities for women across both industries. ‘Women@SIMI’ represents an important event for women in the Motor Industry and one we are very proud to sponsor.”

Alywn Young of WC Young & Sons Ltd, well-known contractors based in Castlederg, Co. Tyrone can’t stress enough how getting through tough times and even tougher conditions makes the quality and reliability of your mower crucial. “Our mowers of choice would tend to be Kverneland, the reason being we’d have challenging conditions, we did try a few other makes but we always seem to ended up back at Kverneland” Running sets of Kverneland 53100MT BX butterfly mowers, Alywn finds one the main benefits is the weight of the mowers, particularly on heavy ground. “These mowers definitely now are a lot lighter and whenever the mowers are lifted and he’s turning, he’s not leaving the same imprints or the same damage to the ground”. While the wider cutting width of 10.2 metres means less travel over challenging ground. “These mowers really float, you can watch them, they really do” he says of the ground following ability of the patented “Racecar” QuattroLink four arm suspension of this flagship model. For Alywn as a busy contractor being able to rely on the service and commitment of his local Kverneland Dealers is key. “You couldn’t fault them” he comments. On his brand of mowers, he is firm “We’ve always used Kverneland and Kverneland with us has got a proven track record”. With the continued growth of the triple mower market Kverneland have expanded their product offering to include the 5387 MT and the 5387 MT with belts featuring patented QuattroLink suspension. The range starts from the entry-level model, the 5087 MN, 8.7M nylon conditioner triple mower, an efficient yet uncomplicated mower purpose built to lower costs in terms of power and fuel consumption. John Doyle, product manager Kverneland group Ireland sees the 5387 MT as geared towards the self sufficient farmer or entry-level contractor who may be looking to upgrade from a front and rear mower combination. “We believe this mower is as robust and uncomplicated a triple mower as is in the market today, while offered at a very competitive price. This model is particularly suitable for a medium sized tractor which helps with lower fuel consumption” We see this mower as bridging the gap between the entry level 5087MN and our flagship 53100 MT, 10M triple mower”. Kverneland see this latest product offering as completing the range of butterfly mowers on offer in the Irish market. Both the 5387 and the 53100MT are available with swath Belts. “For the customer who wants to go straight to harvesting, this is an extremely efficient operation” John comments. “Uniquely we offer a quick coupling solution for the 53100MT, which allows you to remove the swath Belts within minutes. The upshot means the contractor or farmer can adapt quickly to whatever customer requirements are, not only saving time but more importantly weight and fuel consumption”. The 53100 MT, top of the range, offers an impressive 10.2M working width, with ISOBUS controls, and Vario suspension arms allowing an overlap of 400mm on each mower, which is adjustable on the go. The two rear 3.6M mowers is Kverneland’s most powerful triple mower made for high level uptime and productivity. 50 series – Plain Disc Butterfly - from 87m to 90m, nylon or steel tines. 53 series – Mower Conditioner - New 5387. 53100 series - Mower Conditioner – Vario width. Contact Kverneland: John Doyle: Product Manager Harvest – 00353 87 101 3053 Greg Tennyson: Area South - 00353 87 700 9689 Allan Hetherington: Area North – 0044 7826 544 630 Click for information on butterfly range : Kverneland Mower Conditioners Click to find your local Kverneland Dealer: Contact your local Kverneland Dealer Website: www.kverneland.ie Kverneland Group is a leading international company developing, producing and distributing agricultural machinery and services. Strong focus on innovation allows us to provide a unique and broad product range with high quality. Kverneland Group offers an extensive package aimed at the professional farming community, covering the areas of soil preparation, seeding, forage and bale equipment, spreading, spraying and electronic solutions for agricultural tractors and machinery.

Exciting times for the commercial vehicle sector as International Motors Limited (IML), which is a segment of the larger IM Group, has signed a cooperation agreement with the all-electric commercial vehicle maker and electrification solutions provider B–ON. Under the new agreement, IML will import and distribute B–ON’s four-vehicle product lineup to Ireland, commencing later this year. As part of the agreement, International Motors will support distribution of B–ON’s product within Ireland, including sales and aftersales functionality. Focusing on the sales optimisation, new dealer representation will be developed to provide coverage across Ireland, with city areas being the likely initial focus due to the product’s urban application as a sustainable electric delivery unit. IML will also handle warranty execution and parts distribution for aftersales. B–ON has been producing and deploying electric fleets globally since 2017, with over 20,000 vehicles already on the road. The company’s innovative business model brings together all the elements of the electrification process including charging, telematics, service and maintenance, financing, and more through one single point of contact for the customer. Stefan Krause, Founder, Chairman and CEO of B–ON, said: “Announcing this strategic relationship with International Motors Limited marks an exciting milestone for B–ON in our journey towards widespread electrification of commercial fleets. With IM’s well-established network on our side, particularly in cities where electrification is quickly becoming a top priority, we can be the first to offer a low-cost, zero-emission commercial fleet solution for customers.” Pat Ryan Managing Director of B-ON in Ireland commented: “Introducing B–ON to IM Groups automotive brands will further diversify the company, helping us to take the necessary steps required towards a more sustainable future. The addition of B–ON will appeal to a wide range of businesses and expand our potential fleet clientele”.

Positive news for EV owners as Circle K have announced it is launching a new range of own brand electric vehicle (EV) chargers across its network over the next two years. Circle K will invest a total of €7 million to install EV chargers at over 30 Circle K forecourts across Ireland by 2025. This investment enhances Circle K’s existing network of EV chargers, which is already the most extensive across the Irish forecourt and convenience retail industry, through its strategic partnerships with ESB, IONITY and Tesla, with chargers located at 42 service stations. Circle K’s first two own brand EV charge points have opened at Circle K Junction 5, M9, Rathcrogue, Co. Carlow, and Circle K Junction 14, M8, Gortore, Fermoy, Co. Cork. These first two locations will offer charging speeds of up to 300kW, with future chargers to offer 150kW, giving EV drivers the ability to easily charge their vehicles quick and conveniently. With EVs at the heart of the Irish Government’s plans to decarbonise the transport sector, as outlined in the Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2022 – 2025, Circle K is committed to supporting this strategy through the enhancement of its own EV charging network and growing the EV charging infrastructure nationwide. Commenting on the launch, Gordon Lawlor, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be launching our new network of Circle K EV chargers, which will add to our existing EV charging offering provided through our partnerships with the ESB, IONITY and Tesla. This announcement builds on our existing EV offering and confirms our ambition to support Irish motorists in their transition to electric vehicles, helping support the Government’s EV targets. We are excited to introduce our new high-speed, reliable, strategically placed charging points and look forward to welcoming customers to our locations.” “EV is something we have been extremely focussed on for a number of years. Being part of the Circle K global network means we have access to the very latest thinking and key developments on EV charging, especially from our colleagues in Norway who are leading the way in terms of electrification. This, coupled with our expertise locally, puts us in a very strong position to support our customers. We intend to use this expertise in the years ahead to continue adding chargers to our network.” Jonathan Diver, Senior Director Fuels at Circle K Ireland, commented: “We understand the Government’s goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and we’re committed to developing our business to support this, with EV playing a key role in achieving this target. We believe we have an important role to play in ensuring a smooth transition to EV usage in this country and plan to roll out a strategic network of EV chargers over the next seven years across Ireland.” Speaking at the launch of Circle K’s new own brand EV chargers, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD said: “It is great to be here at the launch of Circle K’s new network of EV chargers. Ensuring motorists have easy access to charging facilities across the country will play a key role in our transition away from internal combustion engine vehicles. This announcement will support the Government’s goal of rapidly increasing the number of publicly accessible chargers across Ireland and will help to give even more motorists the confidence to make the switch to an electric vehicle.” Open 7 days a week and with some facilities open 24 hours, Circle K is a safe and convenient place to charge, offering motorists a large and varied offer of fresh food, beverages and snacks to enjoy while charging their car, as well as toilet facilities and free WiFi.

Spending some time with the 2023 World Car Of The Year winner! The much-anticipated all-new Hyundai IONIQ 6 was unveiled to the Irish press recently and already a number of units are on our roads. This four-door electrified streamliner with a targeted estimated driving range of 600 km is equipped with sophisticated technology and best-in-class ultra-fast charging so that you can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. This is the second Hyundai model to ride on Hyundai's exclusive Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that allows for dual motors, more interior space and far better performance. The IONIQ 6 is part of Hyundai Motor Company's plan to introduce 17 BEV models and sell more than 1.8 million BEV units worldwide by 2030 and so far they are well on their way to achieving this number with strong sales worldwide. Features Aside from the dramatic styling the Hyundai IONIQ 6's interior serves as both a comfortable personal space with practical features and sustainable materials designed to give buyers a mindful, eco-friendly mobility experience. The designers were able to stretch the interior front and rear to create more legroom and spaciousness that lets passengers stay comfortable. The platform also allows for a completely flat floor, giving you a greater feeling of space on that long journey. The modular touchscreen dashboard integrates a 12.3-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12.3-inch digital cluster under one piece of glass. This tech features a new navigation function that generates connected routes that include EV charging stations when it is difficult to reach the destination on the current level of charge. If the charging station is out of order or in use, the system will automatically search for other EV charging stations and provide updates. Below this a bridge-type center console provides convenient and generous in-car storage. Also noticeable is the dual-color ambient lighting, which provides overall illumination for IONIQ 6's interior. You can actually choose from a spectrum of 64 colors and six-dual color themes developed by color experts to help drivers and passengers feel relaxed. The four-dot Interactive Pixel Lights on the steering wheel light up when the voice recognition is activated and indicate charging status. These lights also use different colors and motions for other vehicle functions like a smart speaker does. The removal of buttons from the front doors provides more storage. Depending on the trim level, the materials include eco-process leather (seats), recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) fabric (seats), bio Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) skin (dashboard), bio PET fabric (headliner), bio-paint derived from vegetable oils (doors), and a Hyundai-first: recycled fishing net (carpet). The exterior includes recycled pigment paint from end-of-life tires on the side cladding and bamboo charcoal pigment paint with the Digital Green Pearl color on the body. This really is taking sustainability to the next level. Power Hyundai IONIQ 6 is available with a range of drive motors to fit the needs of every customer. Entry kicks off with a single motor 151 horsepower 53kWh battery or you can opt for the 77.4 kWh battery pack with single or dual motor layouts. The top-of-the-line dual motor setup is an all-wheel drive (AWD) option producing a combined power output of 325 horsepower. This setup propels the IONIQ 6 from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds. The single-rear-motor layout delivers 225 horsepower. When equipped with a single-rear-motor (2WD) and the 77.4 kWh battery, IONIQ 6's maximum driving range on a single charge is a Hyundai estimated 614 kilometres. The maximum range of the dual motor AWD models is a Hyundai-estimated 560 kilometres. The IONIQ 6's can also support both 400-V and 800-V charging infrastructures. The platform offers 800-V charging capability as standard, and it can accommodate 400-V charging without the need for additional components or adapters. The multi-charging system is a world's first patented technology that operates the motor and inverter to boost 400-V to 800-V for stable charging compatibility. With a 350-kW charger, IONIQ 6's charge can go from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. Safety The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is equipped with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems ensuring the highest levels of safety and convenience on the road. With a plethora or airbags and a 5-star safety rating you are in safe hands. Costs The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is available from €48,295 for the 53kWh rear wheel drive option with the all wheel drive starting at €54,315. Three trim levels are available to include Signature, Elegance and Finesse and buyers will have a choice of seven exterior colours, including Gravity Gold Matte, Onyx Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Curated Silver Metallic, Transmission Blue Pearl, Ultimate Red Metallic, and Digital Green Pearl. The interior has three colour options Black, Grey, and Dark Green/Grey. The top of the range Finesse model is priced at €69,995 Summary The IONIQ 6 is a staggering piece of machinery and its not hard to see why it won ‘World Car of the Year’, ‘World Electric Vehicle’ and ‘World Car Design of the Year for 2023. Aside from looking fantastic it offers an incredibly smooth drive on some of our more challenging Irish roads. Battery power is managed extremely well and the claimed range driving from Dublin to Ballinasloe on a weekend round trip left us with zero anxiety and kilometres to spare. Luggage space is plentiful also offering 401 litres with seats that can go flat or split 60/40 depending on your cargo. Charging cables are also neatly stored in a frunk up front which is super handy! It’s likely that if you do opt to purchase the IONIQ6, it will actually get better during the course of your ownership! How is that even possible we hear you ask? Believe it or not, the overall vehicle performance and functions can be sent Over-The-Air updates at any time to improve certain elements of the vehicle. Yes those pesky recalls can be done remotely and whilst on the move meaning you won’t see the inside of the dealership so often. The future looks bright for Hyundai and if the IONIQ6 isn’t the model for you right now, fear not! The all-new KONA has just arrived and we are about to spend a week in the driver seat. For now do check out our YouTube video review by clicking the link below. For Styling Space Drive Against Not a lot really To watch our full YouTube video review please click here. To see the many Hyundai IONIQ models for sale, please click here. DoneDeal hosts the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with 78,000 on sale today. The vast majority of those, over 60,000, are from over 1,000 trusted local dealerships that offer certainty in your purchase through warranties History checks. One car ad is placed every minute on DoneDeal, with about 600,000 cars advertised a year. DoneDeal is Ireland's No.1 Motor Website with over 70 million car searches taking place annually. To check out DoneDeal’s range of cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships, see here. #Motors