Carlover NI

Although none of the following electric vehicles are the UK’s top 3 in the electric vehicle sales, they are certainly not something to turn the nose up at, with excellent mileage on some models and well as recycled material making up some interiors.

They are the future of the market and make for the more affordable options that our previous electric vehicle car watch.

1. Audi E-Tron

Audi are known across the world for their luxury status and their unique yet flawless design that add a touch of class in everything that you do.

This car is not only an electric delight, but the aesthetic appeal really does stand out from the crowd, it is capable of doing 150 miles per charge, which is not the highest range in the SUV line of electric vehicles that are currently available on the market.

As far as SUV’s go they are a luxury in their class alongside the likes of Tesla, Jaguar and Mercedes. They are certainly not the sportiest, or practical, but if you are looking for luxury then you are certain to get it from this show stopping electric SUV.

2. Mini

This is the perfect electric car for you if you are looking for something small and compact to get your foot onto the electric car ladder and start your zero emissions journey this year.

This electric car perfectly suits city life for a couple with its iconic quick power steering and zippy nature but small boot space and somewhat cramped back seats. On a single charge for the electric mini, you can expect to get in the range of 140 miles and with it being the cheapest small electric car on the market at the moment, expect to see a lot of these on the roads over the years for those first time buyers as they hit the used car market.

Mini’s have long been classically retro and while they move to electric and the future, there is still a very retro feel from this car.

3. Renault Zoe

As with the Mini, this is very much a city car and also one of the first mass produced small electric vehicles that came to the market. Since the Zoe model first came to the market there have been significant improvements, launching in 2013 with a driving range of 130 – 150 miles on a single charge, the Zoe has come on leaps and bounds and now offers a very impressive 245 miles per single charge as well as a very spacious interior.

As with all models of cars, there are options and different choices in spec, battery and in electric car’s case, there are options on battery size across the basic, mid-range and high spec GT line. If you are looking to head in the ultimate eco direction then the Zoe model is for you, not only is this vehicle electric, the interior seats are made with recycled materials. With a high end look and a unique high setting where the battery is situated under the front seats, this car really is a great option in the small electric car market. 

This car is easy to drive and with all the comfort and design that you would expect from the Renault manufacturers. They really are one to watch as the used car market evolves.

4. Vauxhall Corsa-e

Vauxhall have taken a slightly different approach than all of the other manufacturers that have gone for a real futuristic feel, really emphasising their electric capabilities. With only slight changes in the look of the vehicle, it is over 300kg heavier, but handles much the same, just without the emissions. 

On a single charge the Corsa-02 can go just slightly more than 200 miles depending on the driving mode selected, not a problem on long haul driving as the battery can be back to over 80% charge in just 45 minutes.

Corsa’s have traditionally been fairly basic on the inside and while they boast a 7 or 10 inch screen in their interior, this is not the best electric car on the market for the price. 

Electric Vehicles Market

There are many electric vehicles available on the market and we will continue to explore them as they are released and as the models continue to evolve. We will be back with some other electric vehicles that are to be watched this year.

In our opinion though, it is the Renault Zoe that is the standout with its 245 mile range, spacious interior and recycled yet high end interior elements. If you want to read more about electric cars to watch 2022 then check our these car reviews.

Used car prices are still on the rise due to a high demand and a shortage of cars on the market. As car manufacturing has slowly improved, it is clear to see that car sales won’t return to normal in the months to come. Drivers are paying more than average for used cars NI and the main question on our mind is ‘why do the prices just keep on rising?’ 

Although 2021 was a ground breaking year in car prices, it is likely that these prices will remain the same throughout the first months of 2022. The main driving factors behind this increase is the covid-19 pandemic and the semiconductor shortage. Many car dealers believe they will see improvements this summer, however we won’t see real changes until 2021.

Summer is on the way and as the temperatures increase drivers will roll their windows down to feel the warm breeze. You may also see drivers with convertibles, driving with their roofs down and feeling the sun on their faces. The UK has the highest number of convertible owners across Europe, despite our ever changing weather.

Although convertibles can be pricey, these cars come in different shapes, sizes and price ranges to suit different types of lifestyles. The main question crossing most drivers’ minds is ‘Should you buy a convertible?’ The team at Carlover have created a list that you should consider before purchasing a convertible car.

The used car shortage has continued into the new year leaving those who are interested in updating their vehicle confused.  While buying a brand new car may be tempting in the current climate, it is important to note that there are great savings to be made on used cars.

Another good reason why you should be buying a used car Belfast is depreciation, as used cars have already experienced a hit in value compared to their original list price. At Carlover, we understand that buying a car is a big deal. We have created a list of five perfect cars to buy during the used car shortage to help you on your journey towards a new car.

With the government’s plans to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by the year 2035, the electric car market is gaining momentum across Northern Ireland. Europe is  motoring ahead as per usual, with electric sales breaking records in many countries across the continent.

There is the option within the market to buy either a pure electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid and it seems to be appealing to the masses in the millions across Europe, the future is looking green.

In Northern Ireland there are more than 4,000 electric cars on the roads according to NI Direct’s latest figures. With over 11% of registered cars in the UK recorded as electric cars in 2021, this is a figure Northern Ireland can expect to rise quite dramatically.

Electric cars accounted for 11.6% of all new car registrations in 2021 in the UK, petrol cars holding a 46% share and then diesel, already seemingly on it’s way out with the majority of the cars that make up the market.

With the electric car market heating up and sales rising, there has never been a better time to start your research into the market to see if it is the right time for you to go electric, and if not, the specs and performance of these electric cars is seriously impressive. With models suitable for all levels, lets take a look at 4 cars to watch this year.

1. Tesla Model 3 

Tesla being Tesla state that they are going to alter the auto landscape completely with their electric vehicles coming to market. While they may talk themselves up, it seems that the people agree, Tesla was the most popular electric vehicle in the UK last year and they are definitely one to watch as 2022 unfolds. 

Boasting an excellent driving experience as well as excellent visibility, the Tesla 3 is definitely the most popular electric option in the UK, especially with the ‘charging club’ Tesla’s can go such a long distance on a full charge and with access to what Tesla call their ‘Supercharger network’, it has the best reliability and the fastest charging capabilities of all the electric charging networks that are available

2. Kia Niro 

With 280 miles for journeys on a full charge, the KIA Niro is a car that is the best suited to family life, not only does it have a long battery life, but the warranty on KIA’s is the best on the market, sitting at an impressive 7 years – they really are sure on their quality.  This car can be charged on your run of the mill 7kW home charger, so no fuss with the charging at home aspect. 

There are some excellent features across the range, large display screens, heated seats with cooling capabilities, reversing camera, battery included and it’s silent presence, even when cruising along the motorway with auto braking when you lift your foot off the accelerator. KIA in my opinion are not known for their stylish looks, but if you are hoping to go electric in 2022, then this is a great starter electric vehicle that has a fully transferable warranty if you decide to sell. 

3. VW ID.3 

This cheap to run ‘all rounder’ electric car from Volkswagen is a great starter into the electric world, described by Volkswagen as the ‘most important car of a generation’. The ID badge that you have more than likely started seeing around more than usual is the first of many from the manufacturing giant.

With over 250 miles on a single charge and the ability to gain 180 miles in just half an hour, the ‘distance problem’ that a lot of people associate with electric cars certainly is not a problem here as driving that many miles on a  regular basis is not a concern to most people. Coming on the market at around £36,000 – and that is after the governments electric car grant.

4. Nissan Leaf 

This vehicle from Nissan was one of the first on the scene, breaking into action back in 2011. With 168 miles on a full charge, this car is a great electric family car that will most certainly perform to the demands of everyday family life and as with all electrics, will save you money on the weekly fuel bill – just a fraction of the price. 

There is also a Nissan + model available on the market, with just a little more electric under the hood, with a full charge getting you around 240 miles. The acceleration on the Nissan range is surprisingly powerful – you will be shocked. This particular electric car beats out competitors on price, is easy to handle and very specious. All round this car is a great start for a family looking to move to the electric feels.

These manufacturers are certainly adapting to the market changes with no problems at all and 2035 is well within grasp as the government moves towards the banning of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. We keep an eye on electric vehicles news, carry out reviews of electric cars as well as stocking a range of used electric cars Northern Ireland wide.

As with any industry, when an asset, in this case a car is bought, the decline in price happens immediately – what could not be expected is that used car prices would begin to rise in value.

We are left in a situation now where the world is wondering when the price of used cars will drop? And when is the right time to buy a used car?

When Will The Price Of Used Cars Drop?

There are conflicting views on the answer to this question among those that are considered to be experts in the field, which is leading to a lot of confusion from consumers on when it will happen and when the best time to buy is. 

The year 2021 will be remembered forever as the year that car production halted due to a chip shortage and used car prices were on the rise with the entire used car market becoming unpredictable. The used car market as a result descended into chaos, with contrasting prices that soared and made headlines the world over. 

A Visual Look: Used Car Prices

Month by month last year there were predictions on what was going to happen and each month, even the experts were surprised by the market.

The UK government has set a deadline to ban all conventional fuel powered vehicles from sale by 3030. The end of petrol and diesel cars aims to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions entering the environment.

A report carried out by the American government showed that over 74% of human-caused greenhouse gases were a result of burning fossil fuels. By switching to electric vehicles, the UK will be able to achieve Paris’ Climate Agreement’s target of a global temperature rise of only 1.5°C by 2050.

If you are considering changing your petrol or diesel vehicle to an electric model, there are a range of used cars NI on the market. Traditionally electric vehicles seemed expensive and they weren’t within the price range of many drivers.

Shelbourne Motors is one of Northern Ireland’s most established car dealerships. Based in Portadown and Newry, their award winning dealership, the team at Shelbourne Motors specialise in a number of services, including new and used car sales, car rental, motability, fleet and body shop, and also servicing and maintenance.

The team at Shelbourne Motors have a fantastic knowledge of cars and other vehicles. With one of the largest ranges of used cars NI, they have something to suit everyone’s needs.

At Shelbourne Motors you will be spoiled for choice. They are proud to be representatives of the top major car brands around the world. These include Toyota, Kia, Nissan, Renault and many more!

Their range of vehicles within their dealerships offer a broad range of vans and cars that are suitable for families, daily commutes and for longer journeys.

View Our Range Of Used Cars