94% of Irish EV Drivers Vow Never to Return to Petrol or Diesel

Why It Matters

High satisfaction and proven reliability signal a maturing Irish EV market, while persistent cost and knowledge gaps highlight where policymakers and manufacturers must focus to accelerate adoption.

Key Takeaways

• 94% of Irish EV owners would buy another EV today
• 97% say EVs are as reliable or more reliable than combustion cars
• 70% of non‑EV drivers plan to purchase an EV within two years
• Initial cost, depreciation, and tech upgrades remain top barriers
• 92% interested in using EVs to power homes via V2H technology

Pulse Analysis

Ireland’s electric‑vehicle landscape is reaching a tipping point, as Nevo’s latest consumer sentiment survey reveals that 94% of current EV drivers would choose an electric car again. Reliability is a key driver, with 97% of owners reporting their EV matches or exceeds the dependability of their former combustion vehicles. The data also dispels the lingering myth of range anxiety: virtually all owners say daily range is sufficient, and a notable 50% have completed trips of 400 km or more, with a small but growing cohort pushing beyond 700 km.

Economic incentives are accelerating the shift. Recent spikes in fuel prices have nudged one‑third of non‑EV owners toward considering an electric alternative, and nine out of ten EV owners report lower maintenance costs compared with their previous petrol or diesel models. These savings, combined with the prospect of reduced operating expenses, are compelling drivers for the 60% of non‑owners who intend to purchase an EV within the next 24 months. The emerging pre‑owned market also offers a pathway, as 34% of respondents are eyeing used EVs while 44% prefer new purchases.

Despite strong satisfaction, barriers persist. High upfront purchase price, concerns over future depreciation, and anticipation of newer technology rank as the top three obstacles for the 28.5% still on the fence. Meanwhile, interest in vehicle‑to‑home (V2H) technology is soaring, with 92% of owners eager to explore using their EVs as power sources for their homes. Addressing cost transparency, expanding V2H infrastructure, and educating consumers on real‑world range could unlock the remaining segment, cementing Ireland’s transition toward a fully electrified transport future.