The need for Government to introduce additional incentives to encourage people to purchase electric cars is being highlighted, after a recent survey showed that diesel-powered cars remain the most popular option for those looking at purchasing a new vehicle in 2020.
In response to an AA survey of over 8,000 Irish motorists, those who indicated they were likely to purchase a new car in 2020 were asked to indicate which vehicle types they would include in their search for a new car. The survey results say that 38.42 percent of respondents indicated that they would include diesel powered cars in their search, with a further 23.22 percent planning to look at petrol powered vehicles.
However, the results also claim that just 7.41 percent of those surveyed stated they would include fully electric vehicles in their car search, with 27.61 percent planning to look at petrol/electric hybrid cars.
“While some assistance is available to those looking to purchase an EV, the last two budgets have failed to deliver anything substantive which would make a would-be purchaser more likely to opt for an electric vehicle than a petrol or diesel-powered car. The openness to hybrid vehicles does show that consumers are aware and concerned about the impact of their transport on CO2 emissions, but we then see a noticeable drop off in those who say they are willing to consider a fully electric car.
“Effective range between charges and cost have always been highlighted by motorists as their main concern when electric vehicles are concerned, and not enough is being done by government to help offset the upfront expense of an electric vehicle.
“While improvements in technology have largely addressed the concerns about mileage range, many are still put off by the high costs of a new electric vehicle. Whether it is additional grants or scrappage schemes, we need to start thinking of methods of making these vehicles more affordable or consumers will continue to purchase fossil fuel-powered cars into the future,” Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs, stated.
