The EV way to drive costs down
More drivers saying electric vehicles save them money
MORE drivers than ever before are now claiming that electrical vehicles generate the cheapest running costs.
As many as 90% said they have made savings – an increase from 85% last year.
Among the key findings of the latest study into the EV is the high repurchase rate with 70% of drivers intending to stay electric for their next purchase.
However, 30% of users remain concerned about how far they can travel before charging.
A spokesperson for Donedeal, which carried out the study said: ““The survey found 90% of electric car drivers in Ireland have noted their running costs are cheaper than petrol/diesel cars.
“Amidst the backdrop of a cost of living crisis, this highlights the potential economic benefits associated with owning an electric vehicle.
“Our latest consumer survey also reveals 70% of new EV drivers in Ireland plan to buy another EV as their next car purchase.
“This finding highlights a growing commitment to electric mobility in Ireland, aligning with the country’s national climate action goals.
“Donedeal’s latest insights show that the majority of new EV drivers don’t plan to revert back to traditional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles.
“Once a person drives a new EV, the majority are converted and don’t look back.
“Of those surveyed that drive an electric vehicle, 30% noted that their biggest concern since purchasing an EV has been range
anxiety.
“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.
“Some 20% of EV drivers noted that the depreciation in value of electric vehicles is their biggest concern whilst 18% of respondents ranked the lack of charging infrastructure in Ireland as their primary worry.
DEMAND
“Last month, Donedeal found that demand for brand new electric vehicles is up 62% year-onyear compared to the same period last year.
“Demand for nearly new EVS, that is one to four year old models, increased by 70% year-on-year.
“The Volkswagen ID.4 retained its position as the most popular new car on Donedeal so far this year, continuing the dominance seen in 2023. So the VW ID.4 remains the most popular new EV, while the BYD Seal’s inclusion in the Top 10 reflects the growing diversity of EV offerings.
“However, with Volkswagen recently launching the ID.7 as its new flagship EV in Ireland, only time will tell whether it will usurp the ID.4 from the top spot.
“Charging infrastructure and depreciation concerns are also important to drivers.
“Some 18% and 20% of respondents, respectively, expressed concerns about charging infrastructure and depreciation.
“Growing EV demand is also a consideration. Demand, which is derived from ad views on-site, for both new and nearly new EVS ( from one to four years old) has increased significantly compared to the previous year.
“This is 62% and 70% year-onyear, respectively. Clearly there is a shifting market landscape.”
Donedeal surveyed a total of 1,269 car buyers on electric vehicles in a poll that was conducted earlier this month.