As momentum starts to build in advance of the first national, multi-brand motor show in over 20 years – the Irish Times Motor Show 2011 (RDS 25-27th Feb) – the public is being invited to learn more about the phenomenon of the electric car with sales already well underway in Ireland. ESB ecars, is sponsoring the Electric Avenue feature at the show which has been designed to answer questions, promote awareness as well as ignite the interest of the curious at the show.
ESB ecars is rolling out a nationwide network of charge points: at home, in public areas and in service stations, so that drivers are never far from a charge point. Targets for end of 2011 will include 1500 public charge points, 40 fast charge points in services stations as well as 2000 conveniently located home charge points, for those who purchase electric cars.
Electric cars are a real alternative to the petrol or diesel equivalents offering motorists up to 80% savings on the running costs. Indeed tests have shown that driving an ecar costs 2-3 cent per km compared to 12-14 cent per km for a conventional car. In the next 2 years, a wide range of 100% electric cars and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will be available to the worldwide market.
Paul Mulvaney, MD of ESB ecars said, "The Electric Avenue is an excellent opportunity for the general public to see the range of electric cars available and view demos of how they are charged at home, on-street and in service stations. At the show we hope to encourage motorists to consider the electric car as an alternative option and benefit from the cost savings, the fun driving experience as well as supporting this exciting development in sustainable transport".
John Hick of Event Organisers Expo Events said, "We are proud to be able to facilitate further profiling of the incredible electric car revolution. Leading manufacturers such as Renault and Nissan, who will introduce a range of stylish electric models to the market this year will be exhibiting at the show and demonstrating their ecar models as well as answering any questions".
"At a time of such uncertainty in our country it is fantastic that Ireland can hold its head high as a fore-runner in the development of electric cars and one of the first countries in Europe to implement a nationwide rollout. The bonus of carbon footprint efficiency of these cars with zero exhaust tailpipe emissions is simply the icing on the cake of a smashing development in motoring." he added.
A must-do for motoring enthusiasts and families alike, The Irish Times Motor Show 2011 will be Ireland’s first national motor show in over 20 years and will have features for every motoring taste including exclusive reveals of latest models, high-end supercars, fun, interactive zones and one or two surprises! An added bonus is that ticket prices start from a mere E12 for adults, from E8 for concession and kids go free.
There is something for everyone at The Irish Times Motorshow, from practical family cars to super-stylish models for the image conscious, indulgent motors for those who deserve a treat and outright fantasy sports cars for the ambitious dreamers among us.
At The Irish Times Motorshow, you can see all the big brands under one roof with all their exciting new models and special offers for 2011. With 85% of the motoring market present – some of the bands showing at include Alfa Romeo Audi, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Lexus, Opel, Peugeot, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Toyota, Volvo, Saab, Chevrolet and Volkswagen.