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

Findings of its comprehensive Q2 2026 EV Consumer Sentiment Survey. With over 1,000 respondents across every county in Ireland, the data highlights a massive “reality gap” between the lived experience of EV owners and the hesitations of those yet to make the switch.

The headline finding reveals a staggering 94% satisfaction rate among current electric vehicle drivers, who state they would choose an EV again if they had to buy a car today. This satisfaction is underpinned by reliability, with 97% of owners reporting that their EV is as reliable or more reliable than their previous combustion-engine vehicle.

Irish EV Drivers Vow Never to Return to Petrol or Diesel

“This data proves that once Irish drivers make the switch, they don’t look back,” says Derek Reilly with Nevo. “The challenge now is addressing the price and education barriers for the 60% of non-EV owners who plan to purchase an EV within the next 24 months. By providing transparency such as real-world range, we can accelerate the transition for the remaining sceptical drivers.”

Debunking the Myth of Range Anxiety

While public perception often focuses on range limitations, the survey results tell a different story. Nearly 100% of EV owners agree that their vehicle’s range meets their daily needs most of the time. Furthermore, Irish drivers are pushing boundaries; half of those surveyed have driven 400km or more in a single journey, with 7% of drivers surpassing the 700km mark.

The Economic Push

Financial pressure remains a primary driver for transition. One-third of non-EV owners cited recent fuel price spikes as a considerable influence on their consideration of electric. This transition appears to pay off, as 9 out of 10 owners report that maintenance costs are cheaper than their previous petrol or diesel cars.

Barriers to Entry

Despite the high satisfaction among owners, barriers remain for the 28.5% of respondents who do not yet own an EV. The top three concerns holding them back are:

1. Initial Purchase Price
2. Future Vehicle Depreciation
3. Waiting for Newer Technology

The pre-owned EV market shows promise, with 34% surveyed planning on a used electric vehicle with another 44% saying they will purchase a new car when they do decide to buy. The remaining 23% are yet to decide.

A Glimpse into the Future: The Car as a Power Plant

The survey also highlights an emerging interest in Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology. 92% of Irish EV drivers are either interested in using their vehicle to power their home or want to find out more, with only 10% citing safety concerns.

About Nevo

Nevo is an impartial website where consumers can educate themselves all about electric vehicles. From our comparison tool to journey planner, visitors can research all Electric Vehicles from every automotive brand available in Ireland. Users can enquire and book test drives with franchise retail dealers across Ireland, all in one site. Nevo also hosts Ireland’s largest motor show in November, in partnership with Bank of Ireland, which last year attracted over 30,000 attendees

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