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70% of consumers considering buying an electric vehicle
70% of consumers in Ireland are considering an electric vehicle as their next car purchase, a new survey by DoneDeal shows.
The figures show that demand on the website for new and used electric vehicles grew by 33% last year, while demand for diesel cars fell 39% during the same period.
For the first time ever, an electric car was the most in-demand new car on DoneDeal last year – the Volkswagen ID.4.
With the supply constraints on new electric vehicles, used EVs will have to account for a large percentage of EV targets over the next decade.
According to the findings of today’s survey, the upfront purchase cost is the top consideration for buyers when it comes to buying a second-hand EV, followed by the range of the vehicle.
Fergus Sharkey, Head of Business Supports and Transport at the SEAI, said the used EV market is growing.
“If you’re thinking about buying electric, the SEAI have advice and information available on our website along with “Compare and Calculate” online tools to help check potential cost savings,” he said.
“With the number of EVs in Ireland doubling year on year, there has never been a better time to save money and to help change Ireland’s energy use for the better,” he added.
Today’s report shows that the psychological phenomenon of “range anxiety” remains a persistent hurdle for Irish consumers.
There are currently only 1,350 EV charging points on the island of Ireland, operated and maintained by the ESB, the report states.
In contrast, Norway currently has 17,000 charging stations across the country to accommodate their population of just over 5.5 million.
However, the report states that the Government’s plan to roll-out a pool of high-powered chargers every 60km on the motorway network will help remove some of the anxiety around range.
The latest DoneDeal survey reveals that the Volkswagen ID.4 was the top new electric car on DoneDeal by demand last year, followed by the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6, the Audi E-Tron and the Nissan Leaf.
Article Source: 70% of consumers considering buying an electric vehicle – Gill Stedman – RTE
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