Electric vehicles
There are three main types of electric vehicles: pure electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid. Collectively these vehicles are known as Ultra Low Emission Vehicles or ULEVs. There are currently more than 4,000 of these vehicles on the roads in Northern Ireland.
Types of electric vehicle
Pure-electric vehicles use energy stored in rechargeable battery packs to drive the vehicle.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles mix an internal combustion engine with battery technology, which usually provides pure-electric capability of around 30 miles.
Hybrid vehicles use an internal combustion engine to power a generator, which in turn charges the battery internally without plug-in capability.
Charging an electric vehicle
While most electric vehicle drivers charge their car at home, there is a network of 337 public charge points across Northern Ireland. These are owned and operated by the Electricity Supply Board.
You can find real-time information for this network of charge points at the following link:
The public charge points help extend a vehicle's range by providing the chance to charge it when driving long distances.
Advice about electric vehicles
If you want advice and guidance about the benefits of driving ULEVs and what incentives there are in place to do so, you should contact the Department for Infrastructure ecar (electric vehicles) team.
Electric bikes
Electric bikes, known as electrically-assisted pedal cycles (EPACs), have a small motor as well as ‘pedal power’.
You can find more information about them on the Electric bikes page.