Sustainability is at the forefront of consumers’ minds with 93% of those recently surveyed saying they have made changes to be more sustainable, these include recycling (92%) and shopping locally (72%).
Whilst 89% admit that they would like to do more to reduce their carbon footprint.
Making the switch to green driving seems like the likely next step for many of these consumers, and half (56%) of those surveyed have considered purchasing an EV, according to new research from Carzone.
The main concern cited by 69% of motorists in Ireland when thinking about switching to electric is the initial purchase cost. Availability and ease of charging points as well as range anxiety were also highlighted as key concerns for 66% and 60% of motorists surveyed respectively.
Whilst the upfront cost for an electric vehicle is a barrier for many motorists, more than half (54%) say they would be more likely to consider an EV in the future as they become more affordable.
However, cost is also a motivating factor for purchasing an EV with half (53%) of motorists saying cheaper running costs is the main attraction to purchase an EV, that’s closely followed by the environmental impact (30%) of driving an EV.
The interest in EV’s is certainly on the rise, despite the perceived high cost. 1 in 5 new cars viewed on Carzone in the first half of 2022 were electric compared with 1 in 10 new cars in the latter half of 2021.
Hybrid vehicles have also grown in popularity in the Irish market and are another option for those who would like to lower their carbon footprint but may have some range anxiety. Two thirds of motorists (67%) feel that purchasing a hybrid vehicle is a steppingstone in the journey to getting a fully electric car.
'ELECTRIC SPOTLIGHT'
Carzone has recently launched its new ‘Electric Spotlight' series hosted by sustainability advocate Jo Linehan to shed some light on what it’s really like to drive an Electric or hybrid vehicle. Jo will be chatting to some of Ireland’s famous faces including Dave Moore from Today FM and singer Erica Cody to find out why they love their electric or hybrid car.
The first episode of the series with Dave Moore and his all-electric BMW iX is available to watch now on Carzone.ie.
