Environmental concerns, lower running costs and high fuel prices are among the primary motives behind buying an EV, the survey found. Photograph: David Paul Morris / BloombergTwo in five Irish consumers are planning to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) in the next two years, new research from EY has found. The findings, which are based on more than 500 Irish respondents in the global survey of 32 countries, show environmental concerns (37 per cent), lower running costs (31 per cent), increased range (30 per cent) and high fuel prices (27 per cent) are the primary motives. However, barriers still persist, with more than one third citing uncertainty around charging and running costs as a deterrent, while 31 per cent point to a lack of charging infrastructure in their area. “Taken together, the findings suggest that while Irish consumers are steadily moving toward electrified mobility, the transition remains nuanced, with motivations and practical considerations shaping the pace of change.”

Source: The Irish Times February 05, 2026 12:01 UTC