Only 6% of respondents have electric cars and a current snapshot of Irish attitudes towards electric vehicles (EVs) reveals a complex situation.
Nearly one-third (32%) have no intention of switching to an electric car or van within the next five years.
The reluctance to switch is largely down to cost (50%). Other contributing factors are a lack of charging points (7%), concerns about new technologies (6%) and uncertainty about potential savings (4%).
The research findings indicate a glimmer of hope for the electric vehicle market, as 1 in 5 respondents express a keen interest in switching to an electric car or van within the next five years.
Age plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes towards electric vehicles, with nearly a quarter (24%) of respondents under 45 expressing a strong inclination towards switching to electric cars or vans in the next five years. In contrast, the resistance is more pronounced among the over-45 demographic, where nearly 4 in 10 (37%) will definitely not purchase electric vehicles in the next five years. Understanding and addressing the distinct concerns of these age groups are crucial for devising effective strategies to promote EV adoption.
As outlined in the KPMG’s Net Zero Readiness Report 2023, transport is one of the challenges facing Ireland in halving emissions by 2030. Philip Connolly, Sustainable Futures at KPMG, says, “Transport emissions rising by 6% in 2022 shows that even with increased sales of electric vehicles more needs to be done to offer people safe and sustainable alternatives to private cars. Cost alone is unlikely to change behaviour given that 2022 saw increased demand for petrol and diesel increasing despite high prices.”
While Ireland has seen a sharp rise in the number of new electric cars registered recently, the target of c. 1 million electric vehicles on Irish roads by 2030 remains ambitious. EV adoption in Ireland will become even more challenging due to the reduction in the maximum grant for an electric car from €5,000 to €3,500 in July 2023.
The cost of purchasing an electric vehicle was highlighted as a key barrier to adoption by 50% of people, new entrants to the Irish market, continued advances in battery technology, and costs reducing in the production of EVs will see cost parity with fossil-fuelled cars in a few years. The cost of running an EV compared to a conventional petrol or diesel car also must be highlighted, with a reduction in running costs of c. 75% experienced by EV drivers.
Looking to the future, the road to widespread electric vehicle adoption in Ireland is fraught with challenges, primarily focussed on cost, charging infrastructure, and uncertainties about cost savings.
Considering these challenges, Emma O’Driscoll, Audit Partner at KPMG, says, “Irish citizens will be crucial to our energy transition. Essential to this journey is educating and engaging communities to secure their support for achieving energy independence.”
To drive change, stakeholders must engage in targeted efforts to dispel misconceptions, bolster charging infrastructure, and educate people about the many benefits of EVs. By addressing these barriers head-on, Ireland has the potential to accelerate the transition to a greener and more sustainable future on its roads.
Our Powering Tomorrow report shows that there is real support for the right large-scale energy projects in Ireland.
If you have any queries about how your business could seize this opportunity, please contact Colm O'Neill of our Energy, Utilities and Telecoms practice. We'd be delighted to hear from you.
