More than 40% of car buyers say they will purchase EVs

More than 40 per cent of consumers looking to buy a car in the next 12 months say they will buy an electric vehicle (EV), according to a survey by global consultancy firm EY, which forecasts a boom in EV sales.

The survey of more than 9,000 consumers across 13 countries found that four in 10 of those intending to buy a car said they would opt to go electric, which is significantly up on previous surveys.

In addition, nearly 80 per cent of those who already own an EV said their next car purchase will also be an EV.

The top reason given was environmental concern, while two-thirds of respondents said they would be willing to pay a premium to switch to green motoring.

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A majority also stated that the Covid-19 pandemic had heightened their awareness about environmental issues.

While the EV market is set to accelerate, uncertainty around charging infrastructure remains, and it featured as a concern among those either looking or not looking to buy an EV.

Nearly of 50 per cent those surveyed said they believed there are not enough charging points available for them to comfortably invest in an EV.

For EV owners, charging locations (84 per cent ) and speed (78 per cent) were cited as key concerns.

"The findings of our global mobility report highlight growing consumer preference for electric transport at an international level – this is reassuring to see with sustainable transport infrastructures being one of many crucial contributors to more sustainable societies across the world," said Julia Ann Corkery, director of strategy, transactions, government and infrastructure at EY Ireland.

Measures

"In terms of private cars purchased in 2021, while Ireland has seen some great growth in the adoption of alternative fuel types, other countries across Europe appear to be moving quicker," she said.

One of the frontrunners in terms of EV adoption is Norway, where at least one in every two vehicles purchased is a battery EV.

To accelerate EV adoption in Ireland, she said there were a number of measures to be undertaken, not least “improving our charging infrastructure strategy” and the introduction of new and alternative financial incentives and trade-in schemes to encourage consumers to switch.