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  2. Travel, transport and roads
  3. Active travel and sustainable transport
  4. Greener driving

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.

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:

  • Charge point map 

The public charge points help extend a vehicle's range by providing the chance to charge it when driving long distances.

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.

More useful links

  • Carbon dioxide and vehicle tax tools
  • ESB
  • Office for Zero Emission Vehicles
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Greener driving

  • Car sharing
  • Electric vehicles
  • Greener cars and fuel
  • Park and Share or Park and Ride

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