Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The All-Electric VW ID.7 Saloon
Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.
With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position to become the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles. The automotive company currently has a number of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on sale, to include:
- The all-electric VW ID.3
- The all-electric VW ID.4
- The all-electric VW ID.4 GTX
- The all-electric VW ID.5
- The all-electric VW ID.7
- The all-electric VW ID.Buzz
- The all-electric VW e-up!
- VW Touareg Plug-In Hybrid
- VW Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid
- VW Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Estate
- VW Golf 8 Plug-In Hybrid
- VW Tiguan eHybrid
There is no doubt, in that, the race for leadership in the all-electric SUV segment has been intense over the past 36 months. However, the all-electric saloon segment is also proving to be just as fierce, as global automotive manufactures (OEMs) vie for a share of the burgeoning executive/ family e-saloon class.
The all-electric ID.7 is aiming to do just that. The electric vehicle (EV) had its world premier simultaneously in Berlin and the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023. The EV will replace the VW Passat (D-segment) and the VW Arteon, as the flagship executive car for the premium German brand. The electric car will be manufactured in both Germany (Volkswagen Emden plant) and China. The ID.7 EV is the sixth model in the ID. Family.
The electric Volkswagen ID.7 may not have an easy battle ahead, given the competition from OEMs like Tesla (Model 3), Hyundai (IONIQ 6), BYD (SEAL), Genesis (G80), Mercedes (EQE) and BMW (i4), but the VW ID.7 does have much to offer, for both families and company-car drivers seeking to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission saloon electric cars.
Despite the late entry, the ID.7 benefits from the cumulative learnings of previous VW ID.Family electric cars. It is not far-fetched to suggest that the ID.7 has the potential to be at the top of the class for the executive e-car segment.
The five-door VW ID.7 e-saloon offers more than adequate real-world practicality. In fact, the 5-seater EV is very spacious (wheelbase: 2.9m/ length: 4.9m)! But this should not come as a surprise as the ID.7 also uses the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform.
Among the many advantages of using an EV only platform is the ability to design and create a larger interior space, compared to a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) platform. The EV battery is placed on the floor of the vehicle, further enhancing the available interior space. The all-electric VW ID.4 also uses the MEB platform!
The ID.7 fastback design has also enabled a larger aperture opening for the boot. The large opening gives easy access to the generous 532 L boot (1,586 L with rear seats folded down). Moreover, there is also a small storage compartment below the boot floor, perfect for storing an EV cable.
In terms of headroom and legroom, despite the sweeping silhouette, there is ample headroom for taller adults seated in the rear. The only real criticism in terms of practicality is the lack of physical controls in the EV and the absence of a frunk (front storage compartment). Also worth noting is that the fastback stying does impact the rear visibility.
Volkswagen has been able to achieve a difficult balance between a futuristic, yet familiar looking electric vehicle (EV). The ID.7 exterior fastback styling is able to do just that, broadening the appeal to a wider audience, keen to embrace the future, without having to divorce the past.
Another advantage of the sloping roof is the improved aerodynamics and efficiency of the EV. The ID.7 has a drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd. According to VW, it is the best drag coefficient of the entire Volkswagen ID. family. By way of comparison, the highly efficient all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 6 saloon has a 0.21 Cd drag coefficient.
In general, the lower the drag coefficient, the better for the efficiency of the EV in terms of electric range. Another way to improve the efficiency of the EV is to incorporate a heat pump.
The ID.7 EV will be available in two EV battery sizes, however for the launch edition, it is only available in the smaller EV battery size. Even though it is ‘smaller’, it is by no means small in terms of electric range. The entry-level 77 kWh high-voltage (350V) onboard EV battery can deliver up to 620 km (WLTP) on a full EV battery charge.
Even adjusting for real-world driving condition, the EV should be able to deliver over 525 km on a full charge. More than adequate from most day-to-day travel needs and also longer distance motorway driving.
The electric vehicle (EV) can be DC rapid charged up to 175 kW DC. The EV can achieve a 10%-80% charge in 28 minutes. Interestingly, some of the latest electric saloons from Chinese automotive manufacturers offer ultra-rapid DC charging capability up to 350 kW DC. The all-electric Genesis G80 saloon is a case in point. Having said that, 175 kWD DC is more than adequate for the ID.7!
The e-saloon incorporates as standard, a 11 kW (3-phase) AC onboard charger, which can fully charge (0%-100%) the EV in 8 hours. However, given that most homes in Ireland are restricted to single-phase (7 kW) power supply, taking advantage of three phase EV home charging will not be possible. Of course, for those with access to 3 phase AC charging at home or the workplace, it would be a good fit! Single-phase charging will take longer compared to 3-phase EV charging.
We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way EV charging times are shorter and also better for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. VW offers a 8 years or 160,000 km EV battery warranty, similar to what most EV manufacturers offer. We also recommend using green energy for charging an electric car.
In terms of performance, the entry-level real-wheel drive (RWD) ID.7 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds (max power: 286 PS/ 545 Nm torque). The top speed of the EV is 180 km/h. By way of comparison, the RWD all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 6 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and the RWD BMW i5 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds.
In due course, Volkswagen will also make available a higher performance all-wheel drive (AWD) ID.7 GTX variant. It is worth noting that despite the length of the ID.7, the EV has an excellent turning circle (10.9m).
The EV offers a host of technology, features and driving aids (as standard and optional). Some of these include: augmented reality head-up display, 15-inch navigation infotainment display, wireless smartphone charger, intelligent air vents, park assist plus, travel assist, adaptive lane guidance, predictive cruise control, cornering assistance, emergency assist, standard hazard alert, over-the-air updates, voice assistant, ErgoPremium seat with massage programmes, electrically dimmable panoramic roof, Interior Ambient lighting with 30 colour options and more!
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Good zero-emission pure electric range | Lack of physical controls |
Aerodynamic and attractive fastback exterior styling | DC charging limited to 175 kW DC |
Practical, spacious and comfortable | No frunk |
The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.7 Saloon (credit: VW)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Saloon (Fastback) |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (1 Option) |
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Volkswagen ID.7 Pro (from € 69,100) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 77 kWh |
Charging: | 175 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 28 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1536 |
Width (mm): | 1862 |
Length (mm): | 4961 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2971 |
Turning Circle (m): | 10.9 |
Boot Space (L): | 532 |
ID.7 Pro | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 77 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 620 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 14.3 |
Charging: | 175 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 28 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 180 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 6.5 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Max Power (kW): | 210 |
Max Power (PS): | 286 |
Torque (Nm): | 545 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,172 |
Trailer load limit – Braked 12% incline (KG) | 1,000 |
Colours: | 5 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Used Electric Cars: Top Tips
The growth in electric driving in Ireland has been unabated, but not surprising. Like other international markets, consumers in Ireland (individuals, families and businesses) are seeking environmentally-friendly and cleaner forms of road transportation. Electric driving fits perfectly in the narrative they seek!
We have also witnessed growth in the used electric car market. Five years ago it was challenging to find a reasonable choice of used electric vehicles (EVs), with only a handful of used models available. In 2023, the narrative could not be more different.
Today the choice for consumers seeking second-hand electric cars is vast, to include, leading global automotive brands, body types, budgets etc. Of course, the used EV market will only continue to grow, as consumers continue to become more confident with purchasing new and used electric cars. But of course, as is the case in buying any used product, it is always helpful to have a few helpful tips to avoid costly mistakes!
Top Tips For Buying A Second-Hand Electric Car |
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Check the EV real-world range: electric car range is impacted by a number of factors, to include: weather, temperature, road conditions, payload, driving profile and more!. Always take the EV for a test drive, preferably, testing the EV range under as many real-world conditions as possible. |
Check EV battery performance/ charging/ degradation: in general, an EV battery will degrade 2.3% of maximum capacity a year. |
Check EV battery warranty: in general, most BEVs have an EV battery warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles. However, PHEVs have a shorter battery warranty profile. Moreover, some of the earlier generation of electric cars offered shorter battery warranty, usually up to 5 years. Also worth checking if the EV battery can be extended, albeit, with an additional payment. |
Check service/ maintenance history and costs: this applies to all types of cars, to include petrol, diesel and electric cars. If a car does not have a well documented service history, best to avoid it. |
Buy a used EV with as large a battery as possible, for the given budget: the larger the onboard EV battery, potentially, the longer the electric range. In particular, for those considering buying a used plug-in hybrid car. Only buy a PHEV with a real-world practical range, so that, the benefits of electric driving can be leveraged. |
Where possible, look for EVs with DC charging capability: in general, most PHEVs do not offer DC charging, while most of the latest BEVs do. It can be the case, that some of the first-generation of electric cars do not offer DC charging capability. So for those keen on buying a used pure electric car, better to identify one with DC charging capability, and preferably 50 kW DC +. |
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