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Previously answered questions

Are PHEVs and EVs safe from water?

Hi,

I was mulling over buying a PHEV. In these cars the battery is underneath the car. These batteries don't appear to be sealed as they have air vents. I'm worried about possible water damage (rust, wiring, etc) to the battery from going through deep puddles, minor floods, etc. This must be an issue for EVs as well. The thought is inclined to put me off so I would welcome your thoughts.

Thanks

Philip

Philip Donegan (Ballina)

Apr 2024 Filed under: hybrid

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Should I change to a hybrid car?

Hello there,

I currently commute 50km each way (total 100km per day), five days per week, with half motorway driving and half dual carriageway driving. I am considering a hybrid, but would like some advice if people think this would be a good option as I currently drive a diesel car.

Thanks

Brendan

Brendan Lacey (Kildare)

Jan 2024 Filed under: hybrid

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Can extension lead be used to charge a hybrid?

Hi,

Is it true that you can't recharge a plug-in hybrid using an extension lead? I read that somewhere, but surely if they can be charged from a domestic three-pin socket, why can't an extension lead be used for longer distances?

Thanking you

Philip

Philip Donegan (Ballina)

Oct 2021 Filed under: hybrid

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Will there be a hybrid Tiguan in Ireland?

Will there be a VW Tiguan PHEV in Ireland?

Bob Butler (Lucan)

Mar 2021 Filed under: hybrid

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Looking at buying a 2017 BMW 330e...

Hi,

I am looking at a 2017 BMW 330e Sport. At the moment I travel 30km per day on average so expect the battery-only power to cover most of my driving outside of the weekend. Can you let me know of any issues I should be looking for with a plug-in hybrid of this year? Do you know if there are any battery life issues starting to crop up? My budget is around the €20K mark and the car is for a family of four; are there any other plug-in hybrids (saloon or SUV) I should be looking at for this budget?

Thanks, Joe

Joe Harbourne (Dublin)

Mar 2021 Filed under: hybrid

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Can the BMW X1 hybrid charge its battery?

Reading your review of the BMW X1 plug-in hybrid, can you advise if the engine can charge the drive battery as that battery is the only source of power for the four-wheel drive?

Barry Matthews (Wicklow)

Sep 2020 Filed under: hybrid

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Best hybrid SUV for three teens in back?

Need to replace a very reliable 12-year-old Toyota Corolla Verso that was bought to accommodate three child seats. Mostly city driving, only 100k on said Verso. Now looking at a hybrid SUV, which would need to fit three teens. Any tips on best SUVs with space in rear seats?

Fidelma O'Reilly (Dublin)

Aug 2020 Filed under: hybrid

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Electric range of the BMW 330e?

Hi,

Do you know what the zero emission mileage would be for a BMW 3 Series 330e M Sport four-door saloon petrol/electric automatic?

Many thanks if you can find this information

Mark Porter (Nottingham)

Jul 2020 Filed under: hybrid

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Issue with hybrid 'cats' being stolen?

Just reading an article about the ongoing theft of catalytic converters in hybrid cars. The article didn't specify the type of hybrid cars involved. Are there similar catalytic converters robbable in plug-in hybrid cars?

Thanks

Philip

Philip Donegan (Ballina)

May 2020 Filed under: hybrid

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BMW 320d or 330e?

Hi lads,

I'm trying to decide between a 2016 BMW 320d or a 330e... I do about 40,000km a year, my work commute is three days local (about a 50km round trip) and two days to Dublin (350km round trip). I live in the countryside as well, so not an urban driver as such. I'd like to move away from diesel, but I'm concerned that I won't at least match my current mpg on my existing diesel Audi A5.

Any thoughts would be most welcome!

Thanks, Brian

Brian Duignan (Kilkenny)

Jan 2020 Filed under: hybrid

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4,972 Irish motoring queries answered to date

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