The latest survey of Irish motoring attitudes by the Carzone website shows that, potentially, 70 per cent of us want to buy an electric or hybrid car.
Many unaware of plans to phase out petrol and diesel cars
58 per cent of those who responded to the survey say that they still own a diesel-engined car, 39 per cent drive a petrol, while just two per cent currently have an electric car or a hybrid. Those who say they fancy one, though, haven't committed to immediate ownership, merely saying that they intend to buy one 'in the near future." The Nissan Leaf and Lexus IS 300h being the most searched electric and hybrid vehicles on Carzone so far this year.
There's a small age gap in the desire for electric or hybrid vehicles though - of those aged between 18-24 years, 77 per cent say they want to go for battery power, while only 53 per cent of those aged over 45 say they want to. Cheaper running costs (57 per cent), better for the environment (20 per cent) and tax incentives (10 per cent) were the top reasons why people would buy an electric or hybrid vehicle. 36 per cent of people were unaware of the Government's goal to reach 100 per cent of all new cars and vans being EVs by 2030, and only 16 per cent feel that it is achievable.
Confusion over car finance offers
Many of those looking to buy a new say they are unsure about potential finance choices, though. 24 per cent of respondents say that they feel they don't have a good understanding of the various finance options available, Over half (55 per cent) of drivers are concerned about getting into debt, 44 per cent are sceptical about the lump sum required at the end of a PCP agreement and 40 per cent don't like the idea of not owning the car outright when buying via PCP and hire purchase.
Using personal savings is the first option considered by car buyers when looking at financing a car (48 per cent) followed by a bank loan (41 per cent), Credit Union loan (34 per cent), hire purchase (16 per cent) and PCP (14 per cent). Browsing online (90 per cent) is the most popular way of researching car finance, followed by enquiring with a dealer (45 per cent) and getting recommendations from friends and family (25 per cent).
While most cars are still purchased in dealerships or private sale, motorists have become more open to buying a car online with 1 in 10 (ten per cent) saying they would buy a car online without seeing it first. 77 per cent say they would pay up to a €1,000 deposit online for a car while 17 per cent would be open to paying for a car in full online.
Insurance the top financial concern
The research found that insurance remains the top financial concern for 64 per cent of Irish car owners. Almost 1 in 5 (17 per cent) cite the cost of fuel as their main worry, while 10 per cent say general maintenance of their car is a financial concern.
Almost half (47 per cent) of motorists claim their insurance premium has increased in the last year with nearly a third (30 per cent) opting to switch insurance provider in the last 12 months. 40 per cent have remained with their insurance provider for over three years.
6 in 10 (58 per cent) motorists would consider buying a car from the UK with perceived better value (82 per cent) being the main reason. However, the research also finds that consumers are still cautious about purchasing a car from the UK with two thirds (63 per cent) saying that buying a car in the UK is too much hassle. Other doubts include that it would be high risk (35 per cent) and worries about Vehicle Registration Tax (35 per cent).
The Volkswagen Golf is the most popular car model searched on Carzone in 2019, followed by the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Volkswagen is also the most popular make, followed by BMW and Audi.
Commenting on the latest report, Karl Connolly, Audience Manager Carzone said: "Our latest Carzone Motoring Report is our eleventh edition where we examine trends and changing behaviours of Irish motorists. In our latest edition, we've put a significant focus on car finance options, alternative fuel engines and the introduction of the e-Scooter as a commuting option. Insurance premiums have been a top concern for several years and are still the key issue impacting motorists, with half of the respondents seeing their premiums increase in the year. The report has also highlighted the uncertainty among drivers when it comes to car finance options with 1 in 4 saying they don't have a good understanding of car finance available to them.
"Awareness about the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles is on the rise among drivers with the announcement of the government's Climate Action Plan. The plan aims to see nearly a million EVs on Irish roads by 2030, but not all motorists are confident this will be possible according to this year's report. Our research found that 70% of drivers would consider purchasing an electric or hybrid car in the near future which is a step in the right direction."