The Future of Electric Vehicles in Ireland

Guest post by Maebh Reynolds, co-founder and CEO of EV startup GoPlugable reflects on recent research which highlights barriers to entry and potential pitfalls for EV ownership and how GoPlugable is working to address these issues and democratise EV ownership.

The Future of Electric Vehicles in Ireland

Like many countries, Ireland faces obstacles to mass EV adoption despite widespread acknowledgement that EVs carry a potential to combat climate change, decrease pollution, and contribute to a sustainable future. A recent survey by our team of EV owners, non-EV users, and prospective EV users across the Island of Ireland and some further afield has revealed that, whilst 69% of potential users contemplate switching to EVs, many must be aware of available support measures or face infrastructural challenges, primarily a known lack of charging points and associated anxiety that comes with not knowing where their next charge up will be.

Specifically, 63% of the potential users we surveyed have yet to hear of the government grants available for home charger installation, and 34% lack the provisions to install a home charger due to their living conditions e.g., being a renter or living in a home with no driveway or reliable parking options.

A statement by Minister Eamon Ryan resonates with our findings. He recently pointed out that while EVs promise substantial benefits for rural Ireland, urban dwellers face the “frustration” of being unable to charge their EVs at home due to the lack of a driveway. He emphasised that rural areas, with standalone houses and personal driveways, are less likely to encounter such challenges, leading to higher EV deployment levels.

Our mission at GoPlugable is to ensure that every EV driver, regardless of their location or living conditions, has access to reliable, affordable charging solutions. We aim to bridge this urban-rural divide and make EVs an accessible and sustainable choice for everyone by tapping into the already collaborative EV owners community across the Island of Ireland to encourage sharing and mutual support and open the door to more potential drivers.

Our survey indicates that cost concerns also come into play. Notably, 51% of EV buyers switched to electric vehicles considering fuel savings and are concerned about increasing electricity prices. When the fuel cost is €1.55/litre, and the electricity cost rises to €0.44 per kWh, operating a gasoline car becomes as expensive as running an EV.

Surprisingly, 80% of current EV users utilise public chargers fewer than four times monthly due to steep charging prices. This avoidance of public charge points has led to an alarming 31% of users contemplating switching back to traditional vehicles – a huge potential setback as the movement toward electric vehicles pushes forward.

By enabling EV charger owners to monetise their chargers and share them with others, we offer a mutually beneficial solution – those with limited access to chargers will gain access to a network of available charge points across Ireland, whilst EV charger owners can monetise their unused chargers when they aren’t using them. GoPlugable will offer a win-win situation that promotes sustainability and cost-effectiveness whilst reducing charger anxiety.

Government incentives and policies are crucial for lifting EV adoption from its plateau, but additionally, change must come from businesses, communities, and individuals. By embracing a shared responsibility, we can transform challenges into opportunities and make EV adoption a reality for all.

Community-driven networks democratise EV charging infrastructure, making it accessible to anyone with an EV, regardless of their living circumstances. They can also address infrastructural gaps in rural Ireland, ensuring every potential EV owner is included. 

The future of EVs in Ireland isn’t just about technology or infrastructure; it’s about people and communities coming together to lead the change. Together, we can guide Ireland towards a sustainable future, marking the country’s place as a leader in the global EV revolution. 

For more information about GoPlugable’s role in the journey to increased EV use across Ireland, visit www.goplugable.com.

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