Carzone’s 2025 Motoring Report has revealed some interesting insights into regional differences in electric vehicle (EV) adoption across Ireland.
The report highlights significant variations nationwide, with Ulster leading the way in EV ownership at 8% (national average is 2%) – survey respondents from Ulster frequently cited government incentives and lower running costs as key reasons behind their decision to switch to electric vehicles.
Conversely, Munster motorists expressed greater hesitation (ownership a lowly 1%), with 41% identifying cost as a major barrier preventing them from choosing an EV.
The findings suggest that infrastructure and incentives significantly influence regional EV uptake. Currently, Ulster has the highest proportion of EV owners at least partly due to these favourable factors, while Munster and Connacht lag considerably behind, influenced by concerns around affordability and charging infrastructure.
Some interesting other findings show that only 27% of Munster respondents are likely to choose an electric vehicle, plug-in or hybrid as their next vehicle, compared to 40% in Leinster. And Leinster has the highest proportion of hybrid car drivers in the country, with 10% of respondents driving one – compared to no more than 5% in other provinces.
