Ireland has been regarded for a long time as a great country to implement electric vehicles widely. It is a tiny island with partial ownership of the national electric supply. Ireland's climate is pleasant even if it is a bit damp. There's no alpine spine that runs across the centre of the nation over which Irish people have to climb. It all suits the electric car quite well.
Why Electric Cars are Popular in Ireland
The people of Ireland are known for their love of nature and their concern for the environment. Ireland is a small country with a big heart. So it's no surprise that electric cars are popular in Ireland. Here are five reasons why:
- Electric cars in Ireland produce zero emissions which are great for the environment.
All over the world, automakers and governments are encouraging electric automobiles as an essential technology to cut down on oil consumption, and tackle climate change. With the worsening climate crisis, this is more important than ever.The primary advantage of electric vehicles is they contribute to improving the air quality in cities and towns. Without a tailpipe, pure electric vehicles emit zero carbon dioxide emissions while driving. This significantly reduces air pollution.
- Electric cars in Ireland are cheaper to operate than petrol or diesel cars.
The cost of charging an electric car is much cheaper than buying gasoline. In addition, electric cars require less maintenance than petrol or diesel cars. The cost of oil changes, tune-ups, and other maintenance is eliminated with electric cars. With the increasing cost of gasoline, electric cars in Ireland are becoming more and more attractive. This is one of the benefits of electric cars.
- Electric cars are very quiet, which makes for a more relaxing driving experience.
Electric vehicles are quieter than gasoline-powered cars since they don't have internal combustion motors. In traditional vehicles, the engine produces the sound of combustion when the pressure in the cylinder fluctuates. The only sound produced by EVs is due to their tires and resistance to wind while driving.This makes for a more relaxing and enjoyable driving experience. In addition, electric cars in Ireland often have features that make them more comfortable to drive, such as heated seats and steering wheels. If you live in a city, you know how important it is to have a quiet car.
- Electric cars in Ireland have quick acceleration, which is fun and exciting.
Electric cars have instant torque, which means they can accelerate very quickly. This is great for city driving and for passing other cars on the highway. Electric vehicles are a lot enjoyable and some like Tesla's Model S have a 0-60 time of a cool three minutes or less. If you like to have a little fun when you're behind the wheel, an electric car is definitely the way to go!
- Electric cars are becoming increasingly available, with many different models to choose from.
As electric cars in Ireland become more popular, more and more models are becoming available. There are now many different electric cars to choose from, so you can find one that suits your needs and budget. This is one of the benefits of electric cars.Based on new vehicle sales up to May 2022, the five most popular new Electric Vehicles in Ireland are VW ID 4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model 3.Nowadays, people can already experience the benefits of electric cars. With all these great points, these are amazing reasons why electric cars are popular in Ireland.
Important Facts about EV cars in Ireland
Here are interesting facts to support why electric cars are popular in Ireland:
- Ireland has the second-highest number of electric cars per capita in Europe.
- In 2020, sales of EVs in Ireland increased by 71% compared to 2019.
- The Irish government offers a grant of up to €5000 for the purchase of an electric car.
- There are over 4000 public charging points available in Ireland.
According to SEAI, at the close of May 2022, the SEAI reported there were over 4,11,000 electrical vehicles including plug-in hybrids on the roads in Ireland.According to the figures of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 8,646 electric cars in Ireland that were brand new are registered in 2021 compared to 4,013 cars in 2020 and 3,444 in the year 2019. It means that just 8.24% of the vehicles that were sold within Ireland at the time of 2021 were completely electric.The increase in electric car (EV) market share continues, and they accounted for 20.85% of the market for new cars to date in the year 2022 (May). Ireland is aiming for 936,000 electric vehicles by 2030 and this supports why electric cars are popular in Ireland. The country has signed several concrete commitments to achieve climate neutrality before 2050.
Average Cost of Electric Cars in Ireland
The cost of electric cars in Ireland is quite high when compared to other countries. The base price of a Tesla Model S, for example, starts at €79,990. The government offers a grant of up to €5000 for the purchase of an electric car which reduces the cost to some extent. However, the running costs are much cheaper than petrol or diesel cars. The cost of charging an electric car is much cheaper than buying gasoline.Electric cars in Ireland are typically thought to be more expensive than regular automobiles. Comparatively to conventionally powered cars, the cost of an electric vehicle can range between 15% and 50% more. However, with the grant from the government, the prices are comparable easily. The lowest electric vehicles cost about €27,000 (after the allowance). This is one of the reasons why electric cars are popular in Ireland.
How The Government Is Making Electric Cars More Affordable
The Irish government’s incentives for EV chargers are one of the reasons why electric cars are popular in Ireland. Aside from all the benefits of electric cars, the strong support from the government makes it easier for the Irish people to switch to EV cars.
Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA)
The ACA Electric Vehicle Business Grant is an incentive that helps companies invest in energy reduction technologies. ACA is based on the current Capital Allowance for plant and machinery and is only applicable to energy-efficient devices, for instance, electric car chargers.ACA is based on the time-tested "Wear and Tear Allowance" for capital plant and machinery investment where capital depreciation can be refunded by reducing the tax burden of the organization. The grant provides businesses the ability to reduce the price of Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions by subtracting their earnings when they purchase these solutions. It means that the tax cut offered through the federal government during the year amounts to 12.5% of the current amount of the capital expense.With the increasing number of electric and hybrid vehicle sales, It's an opportunity for businesses to profit from this tax deduction and invest money in charging stations. With this grant, Irish people are motivated to understand why electric cars are popular in Ireland.
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
The SEAI Home Charger Grant is a government-funded scheme that permits homeowners to set up electric car charging devices within their homes. The program grants an amount of €600 for the purchase and installation of the home charger with local EV installers like EcoPlex. The applicant must own a qualifying newly purchased or previously used electric car (EV).
Other grants available are:
Electric Vehicle Public Charge Point GrantIt is a national initiative to help promote Electric Vehicle Public Charge Points. Local authorities can request charging points to be placed on streets that are public or public car parks that allow residents to park overnight.Better Energy Communities 2021The grant requires collaboration from organizations that fall within the categories listed below like commercial domestic community, and non-profit.These grants from the Irish government make it easier for people to switch to EV cars and are great reasons why electric cars are popular in Ireland. If you're looking to set up EV chargers in Ireland, EcoPlex gives you a free estimate and high-quality assistance in securing the installation of an EV charging system for your company. Our experts are available to talk with you!
