Hybrids are now the top choice

34% of motorists are considering a new car purchase according to the latest Easytrip survey, with hybrid topping preferred engine type.

Easytrip, Ireland’s smart mobility services specialist, carried out research last month on new car purchases for the 231-registration period. The results reveal that 34% of motorists are considering the purchase of a new vehicle this year with hybrids being the main choice at 39%, followed by electric (EV) at 27%, diesel at 23% and petrol at just 9%.

EV PURCHASE BARRIERS AND BENEFITS:

Of the 5,000 respondents to the survey, 83% stated that they don’t believe that Ireland will reach the target of 945,000 electric vehicles by 2030 and highlighted what they perceived to be the top five barriers to driving an electric vehicle (EV) as:

1. Purchase price

2. Public charging network

3. Driving range of vehicles

4. Length of charging time

5. Increase in cost of electricity

When asked about the main benefits of driving EVs the following were revealed as the top five reasons to purchase one:

1. Low running costs

2. Better for the environment

3. Cost savings over time (fuel, maintenance, motor tax)

4. Government purchase grants for EVs

5. Public charging network

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

Colin Delaney, CEO of Easytrip, said: “January continues to be a popular month for car sales and while our research shows motorists hesitancy with the move to electric vehicles, we do know that EV sales are up 81.3% in 2022 compared to 2021 from the latest SIMI statistics. The perceived barriers and benefits of EVs and motoring’s impact on the environment is an important discussion as new legislation and local commitments are introduced, so it’s important for anyone buying to do their research. Motorists who drive an EV are eligible for discounts of up to 75% on toll roads as part of the low emissions vehicle toll incentive.” www.easytrip.ie

Doyles Garage, Courtown wins Co. Wexford ZEVI Electric Vehicle Dealership of the Year Award

Zero Vehicles Emissions Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated office within the Department of Transport, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), last month announced the winners of ZEVI’s EV Dealership of the Year Awards which is now in its second year. These awards recognise and reward excellence in the promotion and sales of electric vehicles (EV) in Ireland.

In total, 124 car dealerships from 24 counties participated in the 2023 ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Awards, representing a 6% increase in entries from 2022. Car dealerships are a vital part of the transition to clean and efficient transport. Funded by ZEVI, these SEAI-administered awards recognise the dealerships who are working to increase consumers’ understanding and experience of EVs and their uptake on Irish roads.

The Co. Wexford winner was Doyles Garage, Courtown.

More details on www.seai.ie