Irish Fuel Crisis Boosts EV Interest to 57%; BYD Most Considered Brand

The spring fuel crisis significantly increased Irish drivers' interest in electric vehicles (EVs). A DoneDeal Cars survey revealed that interest in switching to electric rose from 38% before the crisis to 57% afterwards, a 19-point increase. Currently, 9.5% of respondents drive a full electric car, but 26% plan to buy a fully electric car next, nearly tripling current ownership. Another 40% intend to buy hybrids or plug-in hybrids, while only 10% plan for diesel and 7% for petrol.

Key barriers to EV adoption are price and public charging. 33% cited lower purchase prices and higher government grants as motivators, and 23% desired better public charging near home or work. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien acknowledged Ireland is behind on charging infrastructure and promised a solution for on-street parking by 2026. Battery anxiety is also a major concern, with 83% of those considering used EVs prioritizing battery health and remaining capacity. A battery state of health report scored 91.7 out of 100 in importance, with most buyers expecting a minimum one-year warranty.

The used EV market is accessible, with over 6,400 listed on DoneDeal Cars, and half of prospective buyers open to used vehicles. However, concerns about battery health and warranty beyond the typical 8-year/160,000km limit for higher-mileage EVs remain. The survey also found that 75% of Irish drivers were unaware that PCP finance guarantees future residual value, despite 68% being concerned about EV depreciation. This highlights a significant consumer education gap.

Among those actively considering an EV, BYD is now the most considered brand in Ireland at 46%, surpassing Volkswagen at 44%. This indicates a rapid rise in the Chinese newcomer's presence in the Irish market. The overall sentiment among Irish drivers shows a genuine shift towards EVs, with specific, addressable barriers.