Today there is more and more focus on using cleaner technologies to help protect our environment. But, when it comes to buying a car, we know that sheer amount of information and discussion around the topic can make it harder for people to make the right choice for their needs and the environment too.

In fact, 70% of Irish drivers say they would like a website that explains the different engine/fuel types available in Ireland.¹

At Volkswagen, Ireland’s No.1 car brand², we are committed to helping consumers make an informed choice. Different drivers have different needs, which is why we offer a full suite of options, from modern petrol and diesel engines to full-electric or hybrid alternatives.

The first step toward making the best choice for your needs is understanding the characteristics of each type of car available. Below, we've summarised some key information about each car type available.

Electric vehicles, or Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), are powered exclusively by a lithium-ion battery. This means they produce no emissions while driving.

You can charge them at home or at work using special wall-boxes or standard 3-pin sockets. You can also charge them away from home or work at the growing number of public charging points nationwide.

Driving ranges vary by model. For example, the all-new Volkswagen ID.4 has ranges of up to 500km³ on a single charge.

A Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) car generates its driving power in two ways: a large battery-powered electric motor alongside an internal combustion engine which, in most cases, uses petrol. 

You can charge them at home or at work using special wall-boxes or standard 3-pin sockets. You can also charge them away from home or work at the growing number of public charging points nationwide. 

When you drive using only the electric motor you get genuine, emissions-free driving, like a fully electric car, and the large battery offers journey ranges that suit most everyday trips. 

 

You can also drive using only the petrol internal combustion engine, or a combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor which offers extended journey ranges and significantly lower emission levels compared to a regular petrol, diesel or mild hybrid model⁶. 

Driving ranges vary by model. For example, the Passat GTE Plug-in Hybrid has an electric-only range of up to 59km⁷ on a single charge.

A hybrid car uses an electrical motor or generator to assist an internal combustion engine (usually petrol) in generating driving power. 

Hybrid cars have been available almost worldwide since the 1990s and come in two forms: Conventional Hybrid (HEV) and Mild Hybrid (MHEV). Conventional Hybrids (HEV) typically have a larger electrical motor/generator compared to Mild Hybrids (MHEV), thus allowing increased assistance to the combustion engine. 

Hybrid cars are not charged by plugging them into a power source. Instead the power for the electric motor or generator comes from the internal combustion engine and from regenerative braking which captures energy used in braking and delivers it to the electric motor. 

Depending on driving habits, Hybrid cars can deliver improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. However, unlike fully electric (BEV) or Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) cars, they are still reliant on their internal combustion engine on typical journeys.  
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Driving ranges vary by model. For example, the Golf 1.5 TSI Mild Hybrid has an electric-only range of up to 59km⁹ on a single charge. They are controlled using an automatic gearbox, regardless of whether you are driving electric-only, internal combustion engine, or a combination of both.

Intelligent software automatically manages the balance of electric and internal combustion engine power to deliver the most efficient driving experience when you are using both power sources.

A diesel vehicle uses a diesel-fuelled engine exclusively for its propulsion. Generally speaking, diesel engines offer better fuel economy than their petrol equivalents as they use less fuel, especially over longer distance motorway driving. Similarly, they may emit less CO2 than comparable petrol vehicles¹⁰. Some diesel vehicles may emit more NOx than petrol vehicles but advanced engineering has significantly reduced these particles as they must conform to stringent EU emission regulations. In Ireland, diesel vehicles have accounted for almost 36% of all new car sales so far this year (as of July 8th 2021).¹¹

A petrol car uses a petrol (gasoline)-fuelled internal combustion engine to generate driving power.

Generally speaking, a petrol car is less expensive to buy than their hybrid, diesel, plug-in hybrid or electric equivalents. Whilst they are overall less fuel-efficient and emit more CO2 than diesel vehicles, their NOx emissions are typically lower. However, new technologies have helped reduce their emissions and ensure they conform with strict EU emissions regulations. Because a petrol engine revs quicker than a diesel engine the drive is typically more responsive and lively. 

In Ireland, petrol engines accounted for almost 31% of all new car sales in so far this year (as of July 8th 2021)¹¹.

1. Survey sample size: 500. Date: February 2021
2. Based on annual new car registrations in Ireland from each year from 2017 - 2020
3.  ID.4 LIFE 77kWh2, Range KM WLTP Combined (517), Power ConsumptionWLTP, kWh/100km: 17.4, Combined CO2 (WLTP): 0. Predicted range for going through cycles in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) on chassis dynamometer (no series status). WLTP range values for standard vehicles may vary depending on equipment. In practice, the actual range varies depending on driving style, speed, use of convenience/auxiliary equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/additional load, and topography.  
4. This information is correct at time of publishing and every effort is made to maintain this. Please contact your local retailer to confirm up to date information about grants available. 
5. ID.3 Tour Battery Size (kWh2): 77 | Rang KM (WTP Combined) 547. Predicted range for going through cycles in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) on chassis dynamometer (no series status). WLTP range values for standard vehicles may vary depending on equipment. In practice, the actual range varies depending on driving style, speed, use of convenience/auxiliary equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/additional load, and topography.  6. Passat GTE DSG Saloon 1.4 TSI PHEV Combined C02 WLTP: 24 Combined 1/100KM WLTP: 1.0 
6. Passat Saloon GTE 1.4 TSI 218HP PHEV 61 - 64 KM Electric Range. Combined, kWh/100km 11.5 - 15.2. WLTP CO2 emission, g/km (min-max) 24 - 27. The specified fuel consumption and emission values are the official figures obtained from tests under standardised EU test conditions in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). The above values reflect the standard vehicle excluding additional equipment such as optional extras and accessories which may have an effect on the fuel consumption (l/100km) and CO₂ emissions produced. WLTP range values for standard vehicles may vary depending on equipment. In practice, the actual range varies depending on driving style, speed, use of convenience/auxiliary equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/additional load, and topography. 
7. Predicted range for going through cycles in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) on chassis dynamometer (no series status). WLTP range values for standard vehicles may vary depending on equipment. In practice, the actual range varies depending on driving style, speed, use of convenience/auxiliary equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/additional load, and topography.   
8. Gold Mild Hybrid 1.0TSI 110HP 7 Speed Auto DSG. WLTP Combined Speed Consumption: 5.4 - 5.8. WLTP Emissions Combined 122 - 132 
9. Tiguan 2.0 TDI 122HP. Combined WLTP: 132 | Combined L/100km WLTP: 5.0. For more information about WLTP visit Volkswagen.ie/WLTP 
10. Source: SIMI motor industry passenger car sales statistics, July 2021