Dublin: Ireland’s appetite for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to strengthen, with 40% of drivers planning to purchase an electric vehicle within the next two years, according to EY’s latest Mobility Consumer Index (MCI) research.
The findings come as Ireland’s private car market undergoes significant transformation. More than 500 respondents from Ireland took part in a global EY survey conducted across 32 countries, highlighting a clear shift in consumer preferences.
Environmental concerns remain the primary driver of interest in EVs, cited by 37% of respondents. This is followed by lower operating costs (31%), improved driving range (30%) and rising fuel prices (27%).
However, barriers to adoption persist. More than a third of respondents (36%) pointed to uncertainty around charging and running costs, while 31% cited inadequate local infrastructure, particularly access to charging facilities.
Central Statistics Office (CSO) data for 2025 shows that electric and hybrid vehicles now account for 57% of new vehicle registrations, representing an 11% increase compared with 2024. Despite this progress, 51% of consumers still plan to purchase petrol or diesel vehicles, largely due to concerns over charging availability and operating costs.
Commenting on the findings, Julia Ann Corkery, EY Ireland Transport Leader, said demand for electric vehicles in Ireland is steadily increasing, supported by the arrival of more affordable EV models across Europe. She added that continued investment by public, private and local government sectors is helping to build consumer confidence, and that adoption is expected to accelerate as infrastructure and technology improve.
The research also explored attitudes towards autonomous driving. While 70% of Irish respondents prefer minimal automation, such as basic driver-assistance systems, 17% said they would be comfortable with more advanced self-driving capabilities.
Key concerns around autonomous vehicles include the risk of accidents (42%), technical failures (30%) and data security issues (23%), indicating that trust and safety remain central to public acceptance.
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