85% of EV Drivers Experience Cheaper Running Costs Since Switching to Electric

• DoneDeal, Ireland’s largest car website, has found that 85% of electric car drivers in Ireland have noted that running costs are cheaper than their previous traditional petrol/diesel cars. (Source: Survey of 937 car buyers in November 2023).
• 62% of Irish electric vehicle drivers plan to buy another EV as their next car purchase.
• Of those surveyed that drive an EV, 55% noted that they have experienced “range anxiety” since switching from a traditional petrol/diesel car.
• DoneDeal’s latest survey found that for car buyers that do not plan to buy an EV as their next car, 33% said this was due to a preference for traditional petrol/diesel cars. 
• 27% of car buyers flagged high prices for EVs as the main deterrent for them. 
• For the first time, the BYD Atto 3 (a recent Chinese entrant to the Irish market) has ranked in the top 20 most in demand new EVs on DoneDeal, ranking 8th for the last month. Further Chinese manufacturer representation in the top 20 most in demand new EVs is evident through the MG4, which placed 11th last month.
• DoneDeal’s survey also reveals that high prices and consumers being averse to change are the main deterrents for car buyers moving to electric. However, new entrants to the EV market in Ireland at various price points should provide more affordable options for prospective EV buyers in the months and years ahead.
• Consumers also noted the lack of a charging infrastructure in Ireland (13%), inability to charge an EV at home (10%), doubts over residual value (10%), and range anxiety (7%) as barriers to buying electric.
• In October, DoneDeal found that demand for new electric vehicles is up 73% YoY compared to the same period last year and an electric vehicle (the Volkswagen ID.4) remains the most popular new car across all fuel types.
• DoneDeal’s latest insights also show that demand for premium nearly-new EVs, that is 1-4 year old models worth over €50,000, increased by 55% YoY in October 2023.

DoneDeal, Ireland’s largest car website, surveyed 937 Irish car buyers and found 85% of electric car drivers in Ireland have noted that running costs are cheaper than their previous traditional petrol/diesel cars. This underscores the economic benefits associated with owning an electric vehicle.

62% of Irish electric vehicle drivers plan to buy another EV as their next car purchase. (Source: Survey of 937 car buyers in November 2023). DoneDeal’s latest insights show that the majority of Irish EV owners are satisfied with electric mobility and don’t intend to return to traditional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles.

DoneDeal’s survey also found that driving an EV in Ireland can also be a double-edged sword. Of those surveyed that drive an EV, 55% noted that they have experienced “range anxiety” since switching from a traditional petrol/diesel car. Range anxiety is defined as “worry on the part of a person driving an electric car that the battery will run out of power before the destination or a suitable charging point is reached.”.

For car buyers that do not plan to buy an EV as their next car, 33% said the reasoning was due to a preference for traditional petrol/diesel cars. Despite growing interest in EVs, they continue to be more expensive than their traditional counterparts in Ireland. Therefore it is no surprise that 27% of car buyers flagged high prices for EVs as the main deterrent for them.

For the first time, the BYD Atto 3 (a recent Chinese entrant to the Irish market) has ranked in the top 20 most in demand new EVs on DoneDeal, ranking 8th for last month. Further Chinese manufacturer representation in the top 20 most in demand new EVs is evident through the MG4, which placed 11th last month.

DoneDeal’s survey reveals that high prices and consumers being adverse to change from traditional models are the main deterrents for car buyers, but new entrants to the EV market in Ireland at various price points should provide more affordable options for prospective EV buyers in the months and years ahead.

DoneDeal’s survey also identified various barriers to widespread EV adoption in Ireland. Consumers noted the lack of a charging infrastructure in Ireland (13%), inability to charge an EV at home (10%), doubts over residual value (10%), and range anxiety (7%) as barriers to buying electric.

In October, DoneDeal found that demand for new electric vehicles is up 73% YoY compared to the same period last year and an electric vehicle (the Volkswagen ID.4) remains the most popular new car across all fuel types. DoneDeal’s latest insights also show that demand for premium nearly new EVs, that is 1-4 year old models worth over €50,000, increased by 55% YoY in October 2023.