Car Explainer

Further information

Below is further information relating to the content on our website. We endeavor to ensure all information is accurate at the time of publishing.

  1. Volkswagen has been Ireland’s No.1 car brand in terms of new car sales in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Source: SIMI Motorstats, stats.beepbeep.ie
  2. Plug-in Hybrid models have less emissions compared to petrol, diesels and hybrids.
    CO2 Emissions (WLTP, Combined Driving Profile)
    Passat GTE 1.4 TSI PHEV 218HP: 29g/km
    Passat 2.0 TDI Diesel 150HP: 134 – 122g/km
    Passat 1.5 TSI Petrol  150HP: 147 – 133g/km
    Toyota Camry 2.5 e-CVT HEV 218HP: 126 – 120g/km
    Toyota Corolla saloon 1.8 e-CVT HEV 121HP: 112 – 102g/km
  3. Passat GTE Electric Range 59km. The specific range values are the official figures obtained from tests under standardised EU test conditions in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).
  4. Plug-in Hybrid Grants available to private retail customers are €7,500. Discover more information at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/electric-vehicle-grant-scheme/
  5. e-Golf  Range 232km. The specific range values are the official figures obtained from tests under standardised EU test conditions in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).
  6. ID.3 Range of up to 550km. This car is not yet on sale yet but the anticipated range  of the 77kWh battery will be 550km.
  7. Electric Vehicle Grants available to private retail customers €10,000. Discover more information at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/electric-vehicle-grant-scheme/
  8. 0% BIK available on Electric Vehicles with a Original Market Value less than €50,000. More information available at https://www.revenue.ie/en/employing-people/benefit-in-kind-for-employers/private-use-of-company-cars/exemptions.aspx
  9. Reduced Tolling available on Electric Vehicles. More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a5ba7e-reduced-toll-fares-for-electric-vehicles/?referrer=/press-releases/2018/reduced-toll-fares-electric-vehicles/
  10. Diesel vehicles emit less CO2 than comparable petrol vehicles.
    Passat 2.0 TDI 150HP Diesel: CO2 134 – 122g/km (WLTP, Combined Profile)
    Passat 1.5 TSI 150HP Petrol:  CO2 147 – 133g/km (WLTP, Combined Profile)
  11. Diesel vehicles accounted for almost 47% of all in car sales in Ireland (2019). Source: SIMI Motorstats, stats.beepbeep.ie
  12. Diesel vehicles offer better fuel economy than comparable petrol vehicles.
    Passat 2.0 TDI 150HP Diesel: Fuel Consumption 5.1 – 4.7l/100km (WLTP, Combined Profile)
    Passat 1.5 TSI 150HP Petrol:  Fuel Consumption 6.5 – 5.9l/100km (WLTP, Combined Profile)
  13. Petrol vehicles accounted for almost 42% of all in car sales in Ireland (2019). Source: SIMI Motorstats, stats.beepbeep.ie

The remaining statistics (14 - 26) listed below originate from a market research study conducted from 24th February - 27th February. A sample size of 550 Irish drivers were interviewed in Republic of Ireland.

14. 67% of Irish drivers incorrectly believe that a diesel car emits more CO2 than an equivalent petrol one.

15. 33% of Irish drivers incorrectly believe that full Hybrid cars have zero CO2 emissions.

16. Nearly half (44%) of Irish drivers incorrectly believe Electric Cars produce some emissions while they are driving.

17. Over 70% of Irish drivers incorrectly think they are less than 500 charge points in Ireland.

18. Over half (56%) of Irish drivers think a Plug-in Hybrid cannot complete a typical journey with zero CO2 emissions.

19. 68% of Irish Drivers would like a website that explains the different engine/fuel types available in Ireland.

20. 29% of Irish drivers incorrectly believe that diesel and petrol cars have the same CO2 emissions now as they did 5 years ago.

21. 81% of Irish drivers believe electric cars are significantly more expensive than equivalent petrol, diesel or hybrid cars

22. 37% of Irish drivers incorrectly believe that electric cars need to be charged before every journey

23. 33% of Irish drivers incorrectly believe Electric cars need more annual servicing than equivalent petrol diesel or hybrid cars

24. 43% of Irish drivers say they don't fully understand the different characteristics of petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric cars, while a remaining 5% are unsure whether they do

25. 44% of Irish drivers are confused about which engine/fuel type is best for the environment