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Electric Cars – what you need to know

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Electric vehicles are fast becoming the preferred choice for new car buyers.

There are many types of EVs on the market today from battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs).
A BEV is a vehicle that uses a battery as the sole means of energy storage for the propulsion of the vehicle. A BEV does not have a fossil fuel engine or generator.

A plug in hybrid vehicle has both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric battery can be charged by the combustion engine or via plug in from an electricity source. The battery’s energy is recharged by the engine, wheel motion or by plugging into a charge point.

An additional type of plug in hybrid is called a range extender electric vehicle. This type of EV has a small petrol powered generator to recharge the battery and allow extended range when the battery level is low.

There are many benefits if you choose an electric vehicle.

Better for the environment

This is one of the biggest advantages, pure electric vehicles have no tailpipe so they produce less harmful emissions than an internal combustion engine.

Lower running costs. It is estimated that fuelling an EV can cost 80% less that fuelling a comparable petrol vehicle.

Lower maintenance costs. Did you know there is less brake pad wear on an electric vehicle because the motor slows the vehicle before friction braking is needed. The energy goes back to the battery, instead of wearing out your brake pads. In addition many EV drivers experience less tyre wear.

Driving distance

Hybrids do not have any issue for overall driving range. However pure battery electric vehicles come with a variety of driving ranges. Typical EV ranges go from 100kms up to 500kms. According to the sustainable energy authority 80% of car journeys in Ireland cover distances of 20km on under.

There are grants available of up to €5,000 if you as a private buyer purchase a new BEV or plug in hybrid.
There are over 41,000 electric vehicles and plug in hybrids on Irish roads today. From an insurance perspective EVs are quoted by all the major insurance markets.

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Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

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O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.

O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June


A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.


Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.

Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”



The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.

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