IrishEVs

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IrishEVs
IrishEVs Logo-square.png
Type of site
News
Available inEnglish
EditorTom Spencer
URL irishevs.com
CommercialNo
Current statusOnline

IrishEVs is a consumer advice website focusing on electric vehicles, renewable energy and the climate crisis in Ireland. The site was founded by journalist Tom Spencer, [1] [2] who previously wrote for Fully Charged, [3] [4] [5] and has covered a wide range of topics around the role of cars and transport in the context of climate change – with the transport sector accounting for 20% of Ireland's total greenhouse gas emissions. [6] [7] [8] [9]

Contents

IrishEVs has also covered a wide range of renewable energy topics, including solar power, wind power, energy policy, cycling infrastructure, just transition, environmental policy, air pollution and climate anxiety. [10] [11] [12] [13]

IrishEvs publishes stories on a wide range of topics that are cited by mainstream media such as The Irish Times , [14] [15] Irish Examiner , [16] CleanTechnica, [17] Gizmodo , [18] Jalopnik [19] and RTÉ. [20] The publication has also contributed to the Oireachtas committee on Climate Action, providing expert input on transport emissions, and led a campaign to introduce engine idling laws in Ireland. [21] [22]

Just climate transition

The publication has gained particular renown for promoting a just transition in the face of the climate crisis - both at home and abroad. [23] [24] In particularly, IrishEVs has repeatedly called on the Irish government to support lower income families and individuals in adopting electric vehicles. [25] [26]

IrishEVs has highlighted the considerable cost gap between the average income and the cost of new electric cars in Ireland, and urged the Irish government to increase incentives while also doing more to import second-hand electric vehicles from the UK to meet demand for affordable EVs - the UK being the only local source of right-hand drive vehicles, and a more mature market in terms of EV adoption. [27] [28]

As of November 2021, the average annual salary in Ireland is €49,000, while the average new battery electric vehicle costs €47,300, even after the deduction of up to €10,000 in incentives from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. [29]

IrishEVs has led on coverage relating to electric vehicle conversion as part of a just climate transition, where existing internal combustion engine vehicles can be converted to run as pure battery electric vehicles in order to reduce waste which also tackling emissions and providing a supply of affordable second-hand EVs. [30] [15] [31]

Greenwashing reporting

While IrishEVs initially tackled the common myths and misconceptions around electric cars in order to educate the public about their benefits compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, [32] [33] [34] the site has since gained a reputation for tackling greenwashing in the automotive and fuel industries. [35] [36]

The site was the first to break the Applegreen greenwashing controversy, where the fuel brand had claimed to offset the emissions of its premium fuels, but neglected to inform the public that this did not include the emissions from extraction or refinement – which typically account for up to 40% of the total greenhouse gas emissions from petrol and diesel. [37] [38] Nor did Applegreen's marketing acknowledge that the trees being planted to carbon offset the emissions could take upwards of 30 years to capture the emissions that they claimed. [39]

IrishEVs has also been a leading voice in the Irish media about the ecological and climate harm caused by hybrid vehicles, and how manufacturers – Toyota in particular – are using greenwashing campaigns to aid their public image without lowering the emissions of their vehicles. [40] A 2020 report found that carbon emissions from plug-in hybrid vehicles, on average, two-and-a-half times higher than official tests indicate, mirroring the Volkswagen emissions scandal. [41]

IrishEVs also played a key role in the reporting of the Astongate greenwashing scandal in 2020, which involved a number of well-known brands spreading misinformation about electric vehicles in the wake of the UK's declaration to end the sale of combustion engine vehicles from 2030. [42] [43]

In February 2022, IrishEVs launched the Irish Greenwashing Awards to raise awareness of how commonplace greenwashing had become amongst corporations operating in Ireland, and amongst the Irish press itself, and to call for urgent legislation to protect Irish citizens from brands seeking to profit from the Climate Crisis. [44] [45] [46]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hybrid vehicle</span> Vehicle using two or more power sources

A hybrid vehicle is one that uses two or more distinct types of power, such as submarines that use diesel when surfaced and batteries when submerged. Other means to store energy include pressurized fluid in hydraulic hybrids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric vehicle</span> Vehicle propelled by one or more electric motors

An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that uses one or more electric motors for propulsion. The vehicle can be powered by a collector system, with electricity from extravehicular sources, or can be powered autonomously by a battery or by converting fuel to electricity using a generator or fuel cells. EVs include road and rail vehicles, electric boats and underwater vessels, electric aircraft and electric spacecraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zero-emissions vehicle</span> Class of motor vehicle

A zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) is a vehicle that does not emit exhaust gas or other pollutants from the onboard source of power. The California definition also adds that this includes under any and all possible operational modes and conditions. This is because under cold-start conditions for example, internal combustion engines tend to produce the maximum amount of pollutants. In a number of countries and states, transport is cited as the main source of greenhouse gases (GHG) and other pollutants. The desire to reduce this is thus politically strong.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in hybrid</span> Hybrid vehicle whose battery may be externally charged

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or simply plug-in hybrid is a type of hybrid electric vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery pack that can be directly replenished via a charging cable plugged into an external electric power source, in addition to charging internally by its on-board internal combustion engine-powered generator. While PHEVs are predominantly passenger cars, there are also plug-in hybrid variants of sports cars, commercial vehicles, vans, utility trucks, buses, trains, motorcycles, mopeds, military vehicles and boats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric vehicle conversion</span> Process of converting a vehicle to use electric propulsion

In automobile engineering, electric vehicle conversion is the replacement of a car's combustion engine and connected components with an electric motor and batteries, to create a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric truck</span> Battery propelled freight motor vehicle

An electric truck is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) designed to transport cargo, carry specialized payloads, or perform other utilitarian work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric vehicle battery</span> Battery used to power the electric motors of a battery electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle

An electric vehicle battery is a rechargeable battery used to power the electric motors of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric car</span> Car propelled by an electric motor using energy stored in batteries

An electric car or electric vehicle (EV) is a passenger automobile that is propelled by an electric traction motor, using electrical energy as the primary source of propulsion. The term normally refers to a plug-in electric vehicle, typically a battery electric vehicle (BEV), which only uses energy stored in on-board battery packs, but broadly may also include plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), which can convert electric power from other fuels via a generator or a fuel cell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battery electric vehicle</span> Type of electric vehicle

A battery electric vehicle (BEV), pure electric vehicle, only-electric vehicle, fully electric vehicle or all-electric vehicle is a type of electric vehicle (EV) that exclusively uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs, with no secondary source of propulsion. BEVs use electric motors and motor controllers instead of internal combustion engines (ICEs) for propulsion. They derive all power from battery packs and thus have no internal combustion engine, fuel cell, or fuel tank. BEVs include – but are not limited to – motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, railcars, watercraft, forklifts, buses, trucks, and cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicle</span> Type of vehicle

A plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) is any road vehicle that can utilize an external source of electricity to store electrical energy within its onboard rechargeable battery packs, to power an electric motor and help propelling the wheels. PEV is a subset of electric vehicles, and includes all-electric/battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Sales of the first series production plug-in electric vehicles began in December 2008 with the introduction of the plug-in hybrid BYD F3DM, and then with the all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV in July 2009, but global retail sales only gained traction after the introduction of the mass production all-electric Nissan Leaf and the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt in December 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Applegreen</span> Service station chain operating in Ireland, the UK and the USA

Applegreen Limited is an Irish company founded in 1992 that operates 620 petrol stations in Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States. It is a major petrol retailer in Ireland, and operates convenience stores and motorway service areas. Applegreen's headquarters are based in Park West Business Park in Dublin, Ireland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicles in the United States</span> Overview of plug-in electric vehicles in the US

The adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States is supported by the American federal government, and several states and local governments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric car use by country</span>

Electric car use by country varies worldwide, as the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles is affected by consumer demand, market prices, availability of charging infrastructure, and government policies, such as purchase incentives and long term regulatory signals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles</span>

Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles have been established around the world to support policy-driven adoption of plug-in electric vehicles. These incentives mainly take the form of purchase rebates, tax exemptions and tax credits, and additional perks that range from access to bus lanes to waivers on fees. The amount of the financial incentives may depend on vehicle battery size or all-electric range. Often hybrid electric vehicles are included. Some countries extend the benefits to fuel cell vehicles, and electric vehicle conversions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicles in Japan</span> Overview of plug-in electric vehicles in Japan

The fleet of light-duty plug-in electric vehicles in Japan totaled just over 300,000 highway legal plug-in electric vehicles in circulation at the end of 2020, consisting of 156,381 all-electric passenger cars, 136,700 plug-in hybrids, and 9,904 light-commercial vehicles.

The electric vehicle industry in India is slowly growing. The central and state governments have implemented schemes and incentives to promote electric mobility, and have introduced regulations and standards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicles in Hong Kong</span> Overview of electric vehicles in Hong Kong

The adoption of electric vehicles in Hong Kong is actively supported by the Hong Kong government, which recognizes battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and conventional hybrid electric vehicles to be environmentally friendly and eligible for financial incentives. As of 31 October 2017, there were 11,039 electric vehicles in Hong Kong, up from less than 100 in 2010. At present, 73 EV models from eight countries have been approved by the Transport Department to be eligible for the incentives. These include 51 models for private cars and motorcycles and 22 models for public transport and commercial vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicles in Australia</span> Overview of plug-in electric vehicles in Australia

The adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in Australia is driven mostly by state-based electric vehicle targets and monetary incentives to support the adoption and deployment of low- or zero-emission vehicles. The monetary incentives include electric vehicle subsidies, interest-free loans, registration exemptions, stamp duty exemptions, the luxury car tax exemption and discounted parking for both private and commercial purchases. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation, energy providers, car loan providers and car insurance providers also offer their own financial incentives for electric vehicle purchases including Macquarie Bank offering the lowest electric car loan of 2.99%.

Electric vehicle policies in Australia include incentives such as electric vehicle subsidies, interest-free loans, registration exemptions, stamp duty exemptions, the luxury car tax exemption and discounted parking for both private and commercial purchases. The adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in Australia is driven mostly by state-based electric vehicle targets and monetary incentives to support the adoption and deployment of low- or zero-emission vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug-in electric vehicles in Iceland</span>

The adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in Iceland is the second highest in the world after Norway, and fully supported by the government. As of 2022, the market share of electric vehicles in Iceland is around 60%, the second-highest in the world behind Norway. Around 14% of the country's passenger car fleet is electrified as of 2022.

References

  1. ↑ "Tom Spencer of IrishEVs on the benefits of electric vehicles". Irish Tech News. 24 July 2020.
  2. ↑ "A day in the life of Tom Spencer, Editor of IrishEVs, an independent consumer advice website that seeks to improve awareness and fight common myths about electric cars". Go Wild Magazine. 13 May 2021. Archived from the original on 28 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  3. ↑ "Why EV battery recycling is set to take off". Fully Charged. 9 April 2020.
  4. ↑ "Why EVs are cheaper to run". Fully Charged. 13 November 2019.
  5. ↑ "How can EVs support energy independence?". Fully Charged. 19 February 2020.
  6. ↑ "The EPA's Role in addressing climate change". Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
  7. ↑ "Lack of second-hand electric cars a 'real barrier' to affordability". Irish Examiner. 27 September 2023.
  8. ↑ "Government target of 950,000 EVs by 2030 branded 'nonsensical'". Irish Examiner. 4 July 2023.
  9. ↑ "Abolition of toll discounts latest blow to electric vehicle users". The Irish Times. 16 November 2023.
  10. ↑ "Can I still import a used car?". Irish Independent . 24 January 2021.
  11. ↑ "'The maths doesn't stack up': EV owner says budget offers no incentive to switch". Irish Examiner. 10 October 2023.
  12. ↑ "'If everyone lived like we do in Ireland, today the world would have used up its 2023 resources". Irish Mirror. 21 April 2023.
  13. ↑ "Climate anxiety can feel like 'there's no safe harbour'". Bloomberg. 16 February 2024.
  14. ↑ "Time's up for idling car engines". The Irish Times . 10 January 2021.
  15. 1 2 "Recycle your car by electrifying your engine". The Irish Times. 14 March 2021.
  16. ↑ "Irish Examiner View: Clean air campaign – Time to stop engine idling". Irish Examiner . 3 June 2020.
  17. ↑ "How PR agencies are greenwashing the climate crisis via disinformation campaigns". CleanTechnica. 7 December 2020.
  18. ↑ "Renault suggests hydrogen might be the future of Formula One". Gizmodo . 12 October 2020.
  19. ↑ "Renault suggests hydrogen might be the future of Formula One". Jalopnik . 11 October 2020.
  20. ↑ "Budget makes efficient cars more attractive – provided you can afford to chang". RTÉ. 14 October 2020.
  21. ↑ "Bonkers video shows mile-long queue forming as McDonad's in Nutgrove, Dublin reopens". Irish Mirror . 20 May 2020.
  22. ↑ "Campaign for Irish government to introduce engine idling laws to fight climate crisis". Irish Tech News. 2 June 2020.
  23. ↑ "Irish are among the planet's top polluters and causing a strain on the world's resources". Buzz.ie. 20 April 2023.
  24. ↑ "'If everyone lived like we do in Ireland, today the world would have used up its 2023 resources'". Irish Mirror. 20 April 2023.
  25. ↑ "Ford's electric pickup highlights an unjust climate transition". IrishEVs. 20 May 2021.
  26. ↑ "Low income and isolated households need help to access electric car market". Irish Examiner. 28 October 2021.
  27. ↑ "Can I still import a used car?". Irish Independent. 24 January 2021.
  28. ↑ "Removing tax relief could add €4,000 to cost of an electric car". Irish Examiner. 29 September 2021.
  29. ↑ "EV experts call for greater incentives in next Budget". Irish Tech News. 1 October 2021.
  30. ↑ "Una Mullally: target of a million electric vehicles on our roads lacks cop-on". The Irish Times. 15 November 2021.
  31. ↑ "Why converting your car to electric could be the future". RTE. 28 July 2022.
  32. ↑ "Ireland fourth most expensive country to charge an electric car". RTE. 15 April 2021.
  33. ↑ "Range anxiety is a myth – why?". Irish Tech News. 10 August 2020.
  34. ↑ "Why electric vehicles are supporting energy independence". Irish Tech News. 29 July 2020.
  35. ↑ "Hybrid vehicles – the self-charging myth". Irish Tech News. 10 August 2020.
  36. ↑ "Irish Examiner view: Verification has huge role in climate wars". Irish Examiner. 29 May 2021.
  37. ↑ "Applegreen-washing: separating action from marketing ploys". IrishEVs. 19 September 2020.
  38. ↑ "The problem with PR- How PR agencies are greenwashing the climate crisis through disinformation campaigns". IrishEVs. 23 November 2020.
  39. ↑ "The rise of greenwashing. Misinformation, profits & passing the buck". IrishEVs. 22 November 2020.
  40. ↑ "Claims about environmental benefits of hybrid vehicles 'greenwashing'". Irish Examiner. 29 May 2021.
  41. ↑ "Plug-in hybrid emissions 2.5 times higher than official tests indicate – environmental groups claim". The Irish Times. 16 September 2020.
  42. ↑ "Understanding 'Astongate' – Another brand embroiled in disinformation campaign". IrishEVs. 30 November 2020.
  43. ↑ "Aston Martin in row over 'sock puppet PR firm' pushing anti-electric vehicle study". The Guardian . 2 December 2020.
  44. ↑ "Irish Greenwashing Awards call out misinformation". CleanTechnica. 21 February 2022.
  45. ↑ "Greenwashing Awards' worthy winners". The Phoenix. 24 February 2022.
  46. ↑ "Fossil fuel companies accused of greenashing". RTE. 22 February 2022.
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