PROS AND CONS OF ELECTRIC CARS

ADVANTAGES

For company car drivers, electric cars are subject to much lower benefit-in-kind tax.

EVs pass vehicle tests more readily than other cars and are generally cheaper to service.

E-cars are on the lowest band of tax at €120 per year.

Self-employed people can write off 100% of the capital cost of a vehicle in year one.

Grants to the tune of €600 towards total costs of installing a home charger.

DISADVANTAGES

Electric cars are much dearer than an equivalent petrol or diesel model. Experts have claimed there will be price parity by 2026, though this seems unlikely.

E-cars are in incredibly short supply due to scarcity of components caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Electricity costs are rising fast – more so than petrol and diesel – due to the boycott of Russian gas.