Dublin GAA Stars go electric
Earlier this year, Dublin GAA players were supplied with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) as part of a new partnership with Mitsubishi Motors Ireland. We caught up with some of the GAA stars to see what they think of their switch to #drivingelectric so far.
For these five players, it was their first time to drive an EV and all noted the smoothness of the driving experience.
David Treacy, a right-wing forward on the senior hurling team, agrees, says "I really like how smooth it feels to drive them and they are so quiet."
The fuel savings are an obvious win, according to defender Jonny Cooper: "I have noticed I do not need to fill up on fuel as much. Given now I am able to charge from my home, it has been a great money saver."
A flexible driving experience
The convenience of home charging is another big bonus with some already applying for SEAI's EV home charger grant. Senior hurling goalkeeper Alan Nolan says "as it stands, I don't have an outdoor charge point but have been approved by SEAI. I currently charge it with the lead provided by passing it through the front window."
Given the players are balancing their work, studying, family and training demands every week, they were pleasantly surprised at the flexibility and range of the PHEV.
"The majority of my journeys have recently been short distance, travelling to club training, college and in the local area where the journey is done on EV power. The longer journeys to county training, for example via the motorway (approx. 80km round trip), is done on a mixture of EV power and petrol," says Dublin forward Con O'Callaghan.
Environmental sustainability and addressing the climate crisis is important to everyone. By driving less and driving a sustainable electric vehicle, it is helping to reduce C02 emissions and our impact on climate change.
Sustainable living
Driving PHEVs is giving the players an opportunity to consider how they can act sustainably in their day to day lives, something which is important to them. Cian O'Sullivan believes driving electric is just one of many actions we can take, saying "there's loads of small changes we can make to be more sustainable and this is one."
Con O'Callaghan thinks "environmental sustainability and addressing the climate crisis is important to everyone. By driving less and driving a sustainable electric vehicle, it is helping to reduce C02 emissions and our impact on climate change".
Key benefits experienced
The players are more than happy to recommend EVs based on their experiences so far. Con O'Callaghan particularly likes "the fact that I can charge it at home using the three-pin plug and that it will last me a few days without putting petrol in the car".
"I would 100% recommend a plug-in hybrid vehicle to others - you get the best of both worlds - the practicality of having the petrol if travelling long distances and the efficiency of the EV for shorter journeys. They are a great drive." says David Treacy.
Thinking of driving electric?
SEAI's electric vehicle grants make it more affordable to switch to an EV. Choose your make and model today and book a test drive.
You can choose from plugin hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV). Check out the variety of grant eligible electric cars on the Irish market today or book a test drive with your local dealer.
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