Most Irish motorists think 2030 EV targets won’t be met

The majority of motorists in Ireland do not believe that the Government will reach their target of having 945,000 electric vehicles on Irish roads by 2030, a new survey suggests.

According to a survey of 5,000 motorists by mobility services expert Easytrip, 83 per cent of drivers feel this target won’t be met, with purchase price currently perceived as the number one barrier to owning an EV.

This cohort also believes that the current public charging network is not up to scratch, and that EV driving range, charging times, and an increase in electricity costs also stand in the way of this target.

SIMI figures show that a total of 15,678 new electric cars were registered in 2022.

The Government’s updated Climate Action Plan aims to have 845,000 private EVs on Irish roads by the end of the decade, with 95,000 commercial EVs, 3,500 electric HGVs, and 1,500 electric buses also targeted for 2030.

Hybrid on the mind
Easytrip also carried out research on new car purchases for the 231-registration period, with 34 per cent of motorists considering the purchase of a new vehicle this year.

Hybrids were the main choice at 39 per cent, followed by fully-electric at 27 per cent, diesel at 23 per cent and petrol at nine per cent.

One in six respondents to the Easytrip survey also highlighted that recent climate change reports are influencing their vehicle purchasing and selling decisions.