ELECTRIC SWITCH IS ON THE WAY

WHILE for many people hybrids and electric cars are aspirational, diesel-powered vehicles remain the most popular engine type to drive in Ireland, according to a new survey of the country’s motoring preferences.

The Carzone survey says 58 per cent of those surveyed drove diesels, more than a third (39 per cent) own a petrol-fuelled car only two per cent drive a hybrid or electric car.

However, motorists would consider a switch to electric and hybrid cars, with 70 per cent saying they plan to buy an electric or hybrid car in the future with the Nissan Leaf and Lexus IS300h being the most searched electric and hybrid vehicles on Carzone so far this year.

Younger drivers (18-24 year olds) are more environmentally conscious with 77 per cent saying they were likely to purchase an electric or hybrid car in the future compared to those over 45 years old at 63 per cent.

Cheaper running costs, better for the environment and tax incentives were the top reasons why people would buy an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Only 36 per cent of people were unaware of the Government’s goal to reach 100 per cent of all new cars and vans being EVs by 2030, and only 16 per cent feel that it is achievable.

The Carzone Motoring Report is compiled by analysing data from the 80 million+ car views carried out on Carzone in 2019, as well as an in-depth survey of over 1,500 Irish drivers.

According to the Report, 39 per cent of respondents intend to buy a car in the next year and nearly a third change their car every two to three years. The main reasons for purchasing a car is simply wanting a newer car, the need for a more reliable car or they require a larger car for a growing family.

The Report says it is clear from the data that Irish drivers are unsure when it comes to car finance, and the research highlights the perceived barriers to using car finance for motorists.

Over half (55 per cent) of drivers are concerned about getting into debt, 44 per cent are sceptical about the lump sum required at the end of a PCP agreement and 40 per cent don’t like the idea of not owning the car outright when buying via PCP and hire purchase.

Using personal savings is the first option considered by car buyers when looking at financing a car (48 per cent ) followed by a bank loan (41 per cent), Credit Union loan (34 per cent), hire purchase (16 per cent ) and PCP (14 per cent).

Browsing online (90 per cent) is the most popular way of researching car finance, followed by enquiring with a dealer (45 per cent) and getting recommendations from friends and family (25 per cent).

While most cars are still purchased in dealerships or private sale, motorists have become more open to buying a car online with 1 in 10 saying they would buy a car online without seeing it first. 77 per cent say they would pay up to a €1,000 deposit online for a car while 17 per cent would be open to paying for a car in full online.

The research found that insurance remains the top financial concern for 64 per cent of Irish car owners. Almost 1 in 5 cite the cost of fuel as their main worry, while 10 per cent say general maintenance of their car is a financial concern.

Almost half of motorists claim their insurance premium has increased in the last year with nearly a third opting to switch insurance provider in the last 12 months; 40 per cent have remained with their insurance provider for over three years.

Six in 10 (58%) motorists would consider buying a car from the UK with perceived better value being the main reason. However, the research also finds that consumers are still cautious about purchasing a car from the UK with two thirds saying that buying a car across the water is too much hassle. Other doubts include that it would be high risk (35 per cent) and worries about Vehicle Registration Tax (35 per cent).

Nearly three quarters of respondents drive to work every day and 51 per cent feel that Monday morning is the busiest day for traffic. The research also found that while high numbers of motorists drive to work, only six per cent of commuters’ carpool with colleagues.

The e-Scooter has become a popular way to commute in towns and cities across the country over the past year. One fifth of respondents say they would consider using an e-Scooter for their daily commute.

The Volkswagen Golf is the most popular car model searched on Carzone in 2019, followed by the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E- Class. Volkswagen is also the most popular make, followed by BMW and Audi.