AA Ireland's latest customer survey sheds light on the current state of electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid car usage in the country.
So far this year, 10,739 new EVs have been registered, marking a 31.6 per cent drop compared to the 15,702 registrations in the same period last year. Registrations for hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have also decreased by 6.8 per cent.
The survey reveals mixed experiences with the public charging network. Over 30 per cent of EV and hybrid drivers reported not using public charging at all. Among those who do use them, 30.19 per cent found the experience very unsatisfactory, while only 4.40 per cent rated it as very satisfactory.
Home charging preferred
Home charging appears to be the preferred method, with 56.54 per cent of respondents having a dedicated car charger installed at home. However, only 6 per cent are planning to install one in the future. Among those who charge at home, 63 per cent find the process easy, with many opting to charge overnight to benefit from off-peak rates.
Charging habits vary, with 30 per cent of respondents charging only when necessary, regardless of time or location, and 8.33 per cent taking advantage of charging facilities at work.
Unclear picture over EV running costs
When comparing the overall cost of EV ownership to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, 40 per cent of respondents believe EVs are much cheaper, while 13.33 per cent see them as more expensive. Opinions on electricity prices for charging are also divided, with 18.28 per cent finding them very reasonable and 8.6 per cent considering them very expensive.
Jennifer Kilduff, Head of Marketing & PR for AA Ireland, highlighted the motivations behind choosing EVs: “The survey reveals that positive environmental factors and a smoother, quieter driving experience are the primary motivators for choosing to drive an EV.”
The survey underscores a general preference for home charging and points to a clear demand for improved public charging infrastructure and better cost management. Respondents specifically called for more widespread and reliable public charging stations.
Kilduff added: "Addressing these concerns could significantly enhance customer satisfaction and promote further adoption of electric vehicles in Ireland. It's evident that while many drivers appreciate the benefits of electric vehicles, the current infrastructure and cost perceptions are barriers that need to be addressed to make EVs a more carefully considered option for everyone."