Back in 2022, global automaker conglomerate Stellantis begun its pivot to electrification for all 14 of its brands, and confirmed that Alfa Romeo will be the first of them to ditch the internal combustion engine. The launch of the new 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in hybrid was the first electrified model in what will be a 100% electric lineup by 2027.
So, when one of the world’s most famous brands decides that electric is the way forward, there is no turning back.
Here at home, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien last week announced plans for 53 new high-power recharging hubs to service the expanding electric vehicle market across our national road network. An allocation of almost €8 million will be provided to support grants for recharging infrastructure at the selected sites, with chargers set to be in place by the end of this year.
These new sites will deliver 175 new fast and ultra-fast recharging points, at 53 locations along the national road network. The plan is to build a reliable recharging network across the country, with the distance between recharging hubs to be 60km or less.
So, while there has much criticism about the lack of public charging points, it looks like something concrete is now going to happen.
Minister O’Brien said: “We are taking real, practical steps to make electric vehicles work for everyone. With more chargers, more choice, and more support, we hope more people will feel confident making the switch to electric.”
Last week I drove a fully electric version of the Alfa Junior. Not only is it the brand’s first electric car, but it is also the first Alfa Romeo to feature a centrally mounted front registration plate in order to satisfy new pedestrian safety regulations. In the past you would always know an Alfa Romeo car as the number plate was located on the front left bumper.
My test car was Elettrice Special version, with a range of approximately 400km. It came in a very attractive shade of Brera Red with a Tortona Black roof. It was gorgeous and I got many complimentary remarks when parking in various shopping centre car parks and from neighbours also.
At first glance you might think it was a two-door as the handles for the back doors are very discreet. The famous Alfa logo has been moved away from the grille and has now been relocated to the bonnet of the car.
Inside, the small infotainment screen is tilted slightly towards the driver and unlike many new brands there are various buttons and slave controls; you don’t have to use the infotainment screen for all the controls. Overall, the interior is dark, but a full-length sunroof does lift the décor.
Space is a bit tight in the back seat and it would be suitable for three children or maybe two adults.
The Junior Elettrica and Elettrica Speciale are priced from €34,995 and €38,950 respectively. The 280 Veloce version is not yet available in Ireland.
Apparently, Alfa wanted to call this car the Milano, but the Italian Government wouldn’t allow that to happen as the car is made in Poland. Still, it’s a classy looking motor that is competing in a very competitive sector, but at a reasonable price.
A few years back Alfa were struggling, but Stellantis has saved the brand and this is the smallest car they have built so far. In the past Alfa were not big sellers in Ireland and if you are not a fan of EV cars, a 1.2 petrol version is coming soon.
