When considering a new vehicle, running costs are a key factor for Irish drivers searching on DoneDeal. To help provide a clearer picture, we’ve compared five popular vehicle types: a diesel SUV, a petrol hatchback, a mild hybrid, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and a fully electric vehicle (EV). We’ll break down the costs for driving 1,000 km based on fuel consumption, annual motor tax, and main dealer servicing costs. Please note, these figures are accurate at the time of writing and may vary slightly.

1. Diesel SUV: Hyundai Tucson Diesel

The Hyundai Tucson Diesel is a popular choice in Ireland for those seeking a family-friendly SUV with ample space and versatility.

• Fuel Consumption: 5.5L/100km. At €1.70 per litre for diesel, driving 1,000 km costs approximately €93.50.

• Annual Motor Tax: €280, based on CO2 emissions.

• Servicing Costs: Annual servicing costs around €300 for a diesel engine.

Total Running Cost per 1,000 km:

• Fuel: €93.50

• Monthly Motor Tax: €23.33

• Monthly Servicing: €25

• Total: €141.83

2. Petrol Hatchback: Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost

The Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost is a compact hatchback known for its excellent handling and fuel efficiency.

• Fuel Consumption: 6.0L/100km. With petrol priced at €1.65 per litre, 1,000 km will cost €99.

• Annual Motor Tax: €190, due to lower emissions.

• Servicing Costs: Servicing for a petrol model averages around €250 annually.

Total Running Cost per 1,000 km:

• Fuel: €99

• Monthly Motor Tax: €15.83

• Monthly Servicing: €20.83

• Total: €135.66

3. Mild Hybrid: Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Mild hybrids, such as the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, offer a balance of petrol efficiency with electric assistance for improved fuel economy.

• Fuel Consumption: 4.5L/100km. With petrol priced at €1.65 per litre, driving 1,000 km costs €74.25.

• Annual Motor Tax: €180, owing to reduced CO2 emissions.

• Servicing Costs: Slightly higher maintenance costs for hybrids, averaging around €300 annually.

Total Running Cost per 1,000 km:

• Fuel: €74.25

• Monthly Motor Tax: €15

• Monthly Servicing: €25

• Total: €114.25

4. PHEV: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV combines electric driving for short trips and petrol power for longer journeys.

• Fuel Consumption: 2.0L/100km for electric driving; 7.5L/100km on petrol. With a 50/50 electric-petrol split, 1,000 km costs €50 for electricity and €61.88 for petrol, totaling €111.88.

• Annual Motor Tax: €140, based on emissions.

• Servicing Costs: €350 annually for PHEVs.

Total Running Cost per 1,000 km:

• Fuel/Electricity: €111.88

• Monthly Motor Tax: €11.67

• Monthly Servicing: €29.17

• Total: €152.72

5. Electric Vehicle: Hyundai Kona Electric

The award-winning Hyundai Kona Electric is a compact, zero-emission SUV popular among Irish drivers, including taxi services.

• Electricity Consumption: 15 kWh/100 km. At €0.25 per kWh, driving 1,000 km costs €37.50.

• Annual Motor Tax: €120, as an EV.

• Servicing Costs: Around €150 annually, thanks to fewer components requiring maintenance.

Total Running Cost per 1,000 km:

• Electricity: €37.50

• Monthly Motor Tax: €10

• Monthly Servicing: €12.50

• Total: €60

DoneDeal Thoughts

When it comes to running costs, electric vehicles clearly lead the pack with significantly lower fuel and maintenance expenses. However, PHEVs offer a compelling middle ground for those who aren’t ready to go fully electric, providing the flexibility of both petrol and electric driving. Mild hybrids offer efficient fuel consumption with lower servicing costs. Meanwhile, diesel and petrol vehicles still have advantages for long-distance driving and towing, but the cost gap is closing rapidly as electricity rates remain lower than fuel prices in Ireland.