Concerns about charging are contributing to a global slowdown in the demand for EVs. 

That’s according to data from the EY Global Mobility Consumer Index report which surveyed 19,000 people across 28 countries. 

In Ireland, only 14% of new cars licensed this year are EVs - down from 16% in 2023. 

27% of motorists cite charging facilities as their biggest concern, while many also listed battery replacement and range anxiety as things they worry about. 

Cars and heavy articulated trucks on Bachelor's Walk Quay in Dublin city, 12-2-24. Image: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie

Despite this, EY spokesperson Julie Ann Corkery said there is still demand out there for EVs. 

“Obviously, the concerns around charging infrastructure are being addressed,” she said. 

“There’s a national charging infrastructure plan that’s been announced and a scheme launched to provide funding to providers of EV charging infrastructure across the country. 

“Which will effectively result in rapid infrastructure every 60 km on our major roads. 

“So, I think that the issue around charging infrastructure will start to reduce.” 

Despite people’s concerns, prices for EVs are reportedly falling; a recent survey by Done Deal found that the average EV price has fallen by 15% in a year and an electric car is on average 8% cheaper than an equivalent petrol or diesel model.

The fall in prices has been attributed to greater competition from the Chinese market and motoring expert Geraldine Herbert said there “really hasn’t been a better time to [buy] an EV” than now.

Main image: An EV plugged in at charging point station. Picture by: Alamy.com 

Reporting by James Wilson and Lynsey Dolan.