XC60 Hybrid
Why Go Electric Electric and Hybrid vehicle technology is rapidly advancing. Here you can learn everything you need to know about joining the electric revolution.

Why Choose Volvo Hybrid & Electric Vehicles

The Scandinavian penchant for minimalist design has never meant that Volvo cars are short on features. In fact, quite the opposite. This is one of the world’s premier manufacturers, developing some of the most prestigious and chic models on roads today. It’s also a marque that embraces the very best in hybrid and electric vehicle technology, providing a host of solutions that we’re delighted to be able to showcase at Spirit Volvo today.

Offering mild and plug-in hybrid vehicles, plus a selection of pure electric models, the Volvo lineup is able to provide quality motoring that is economical and clean and which benefits from all the premium styles for which the marque is known. All of our Volvo models are now available as Plug-In Hybrid or Fully Electric. You can explore our hybrid models XC90, XC60, XC40, and now, our fully electric models XC40 Recharge and C40.

At Spirit Volvo, we’ll be delighted to accompany you on a test drive of any model we have in stock, as well as answer any questions you may have about performance, range, running costs and more. Plus, we can advise you on the government grants of up to €5,000 that are available on selected models, and the €600 grant for home charging solutions.

To learn more, simply get in touch with a member of the team at our dealership in Dublin today. We can be contacted over the phone, via online enquiry form, or by using our live chat functionality. We’ll be happy to hear from you and will be able to arrange for a test drive at a time that is convenient.

S90 Charging On Street
XC60 Hybrid
XC40 hybrid
Volvo SUV Range
Volvo Charging Map

Connectivity

​​The futuristic nature of electric and hybrid vehicles means that they usually feature upcoming technologies before traditionally powered vehicles. These features often mean that they are better integrated into your life and better connected to the wider world.

Performance

Contrary to popular belief, electric and hybrid cars can offer performance benefits as well as all the economical ones. Unlike traditionally powered vehicles, electric and hybrid vehicles are capable of delivering high levels of torque instantly.

Running Costs

Due to electric and hybrid cars relying on electric motors, fuel stops are needed less frequently and running costs can be kept to a minimum.

Environment

Due to some – if not all – power coming from an electric motor, electric and hybrid cars are capable of releasing far fewer emissions into the atmosphere than fossil fuel-powered cars. This makes them one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport.

Why Choose Volvo Hybrid & Electric

Performance

Contrary to popular belief, electric and hybrid cars can offer performance benefits as well as all the economical ones. Unlike traditionally powered vehicles, electric and hybrid vehicles are capable of delivering high levels of torque instantly.

Running Costs

Due to electric and hybrid cars relying on electric motors, fuel stops are needed less frequently and running costs can be kept to a minimum.

Connectivity

The futuristic nature of electric and hybrid vehicles means that they usually feature upcoming technologies before traditionally powered vehicles. These features often mean that they are better integrated into your life and better connected to the wider world.

Environment

Due to some – if not all – power coming from an electric motor, electric and hybrid cars are capable of releasing far fewer emissions into the atmosphere than fossil fuel-powered cars. This makes them one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport.

S90 Charging On Street

Electric Vehicle FAQ

Electric cars are greener than internal combustion engine vehicles by a number of key measures, with the exception of the carbon intensity of the manufacturing process.

1. There are so many different types of hybrid and electric cars. What are the differences?

At first this can definitely get a bit confusing, but there are three main types to consider when looking at hybrid and electric cars:

Traditional Hybrids – these hybrids twin a traditional fossil fuel powered engine with an electric battery and motors. Traditional hybrids charge their battery solely through the use of the car’s brakes and engine.

Plug-In Hybrids – these work the same as traditional hybrids but offer the additional benefit of the ability to charge the car by plugging it into a charging station.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) – unlike the hybrid choices, BEVs are fully electric and are powered solely by an electric batter y and motor. They can re -use energy from the brakes but require plugging-in to charge. Thanks to the total removal of the fossil fuel engine, they offer zero emission driving.

2. Do electric cars have a long enough range? Will I run out of charge quickly?

Advances in technology mean that modern day electric cars are now capable of offering 150 – 200 kilometres of range on a single charge (some even more). Whilst it may not sound like a lot compared to some petrol/diesel cars, it’s plenty for most journeys and it’ll cost you a lot less in fuel costs.

For longer journeys, you can simply give your electric car a little extra charge by plugging it in whilst you stop for a coffee or snack at one of the Irelands’ many service stations. There are now over 1,100 ESB charging points across the island of Ireland that allow you to charge your electric car.

Battery technology is rapidly evolving so expect the available ranges to continue to grow significantly over the next year.

3. What happens if I run out of charge?

Just like a fossil fuel powered vehicle, electric and hybrid cars do need to be refuelled or recharged.

Charging an electric car has never been easier, with all of them offering multiple options when it comes to charging. If you’re on the move, the ESB owns, operates and maintains approximately 1,100 public charge points across the island of Ireland. Otherwise, you can simply charge your car at home overnight – just like you would your phone.

Plug-in hybrids and traditional hybrids benefit from the ability to simply pop into a traditional fuel station to fill the tank with normal fuel for the conventional engine. Plug-in hybrids can be charged as above as well as filled with normal fuel.

For a full list of charging locations please visit here:Charge Point Map (esb.ie)

4. Are electric cars slow and boring to drive?

The experience when driving an electric or hybrid car is quite the opposite! Unlike traditionally powered vehicles, electric and hybrid vehicles are capable of delivering high levels of torque instantly.

The removal of any hesitation means that electric and hybrid cars accelerate faster and are more exciting to drive at real world speeds.

As well as the power benefits, many also offer increased handling ability thanks to clever ways of using electric motors. One such method is to individually power and brake each wheel by using a dedicated electric motor on each; the result is improved levels of traction and cornering ability.

5. How long do electric batteries last and are they recyclable?

These days, you can expect an electric battery to last well into the 100,000’s of kilometres before you need to think about getting it changed!

In terms of recyclability, the electric batteries used in cars are now widely recyclable, with around 90% of the battery being reused. 

Helping this even more, there are currently schemes being tested that’ll use recycled car batteries in residential and commercial settings; batteries removed from electric cars typically have 70-80% power remaining, more than enough for other uses.

6. Are hybrid cars worth it?

Hybrid cars are powered by a mixture of a standard combustion engine and an electric motor which uses batteries that self-charge through regenerative braking technology. It is fact that hybrids deliver much better fuel economy. They are also more reliable, better for the environment and can also offer a number of tax benefits. Both hybrid and fully electric vehicles require motor tax but far less than diesel and petrol vehicles.

  • Annual motor tax for Battery Operated Vehicles (BEVs) costs €120 per annum (minimum rate).
  • Annual motor tax for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) costs €170 per annum (should have CO2 emissions circa 60 g/km or lower, NEDC-2).

7. Can hybrid cars tow?

Absolutely. It is just a case of making sure you pick the right model for the job. There are several electric cars or hybrid cars that can tow as much as equivalent petrol or diesel cars and the abundant torque generated by electric motors makes them adept in the tow car role. For specific guidance, contact Spirit Motor Group today.

8. Do electric cars need servicing?

As with any car, regular servicing will ensure that your vehicle performs well and that it is safe on the road. Our team of electric vehicle experts have the skills, knowledge and know-how to ensure your vehicle is back on the road with the minimum of downtime.

XC60 T8 Charging
Other Electric Services Got a question or need help with an electric vehicle? If you're looking for your next vehicle, we will be happy to assist to help meet and exceed your requirements. Click on the link below to get in contact with us.