Ireland’s EV Adoption Settles Into a Cautious but Steady Phase, Carzone 2026 Motoring Report Finds

Irish drivers continue to show interest in electric (EV) and hybrid vehicles, while carefully weighing cost, charging confidence and real-world ownership considerations, according to new findings from the Carzone 2026 Motoring Report.

The latest national survey shows that a third (32%) of drivers plan to purchase a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle next. Hybrids remain the most popular alternative fuel choice, with a fifth (19%) planning to buy a hybrid, while 10% intend to buy a fully electric vehicle, indicating a gradual shift away from petrol and diesel rather than a complete behaviour change.

Cost remains the most influential factor in decisions around electric vehicles. Four in ten drivers (40%) cite upfront price as a factor preventing them from making the switch, followed by concerns around reliability (31%) and electricity costs (28%).

Alongside cost, confidence around EV ownership is being shaped by widespread misinformation and uncertainty. While the EV market has evolved rapidly, perceptions have been slower to catch up. Seven in ten drivers (69%) believe electric vehicles are more expensive to buy than petrol or diesel alternatives, despite increasing price parity and a growing number of more affordable models entering the market.

Concerns around depreciation also persist, with six in ten (59%) believing EVs lose value faster. Nearly half of drivers (47%) think electric vehicles cost more to run, although more than one in five (22%) actively disagree, highlighting a clear gap between perception and real-world ownership experience.

Charging infrastructure is also front of mind. Seven in ten drivers (71%) say there are not enough public charging points in Ireland, while 62% believe charging an electric vehicle takes too long. More than half (58%) say electric vehicles do not offer sufficient range for everyday driving.

For those who have already made the move, experience differs from perception. Among current EV owners, 86% cite lower running costs as a key benefit, while 65% say they primarily charge their vehicle at home.

Commenting on the findings, Conor Faughnan, Carzone’s Independent Motoring Expert, said:

“Irish drivers are taking a thoughtful approach to electric vehicles. Interestingly, the survey shows that while 18% of those planning to buy new are considering an electric vehicle, that figure drops to just 4% among used car buyers. This demonstrates what motorists are weighing up, from cost and charging to reliability. The findings also show that for those who already own an EV, the experience around running costs can differ from expectations. Having access to clear, independent information and advice is key as drivers consider making the EV switch.”

The Carzone 2026 Motoring Report is based on a nationally representative survey of 1,000 Irish drivers conducted in November 2025. The report forms part of a wider examination of how motorists are navigating changing fuel choices, ownership costs and vehicle technology.

To explore the full findings of the Carzone 2026 Motoring Report, visit https://motoringreport.carzone.ie/.