94% of Irish EV drivers would choose electric again, with strong reliability and cost benefits, as Nevo survey highlights rising demand and key adoption barriers.
Irish motorists who have switched to electric vehicles (EVs) are overwhelmingly committed to the technology, according to new research from EV platform Nevo, with 94% saying they would choose an electric car again.
The findings, drawn from Nevo’s Q2 2026 EV Consumer Sentiment Survey of more than 1,000 respondents across Ireland, point to sustained confidence among existing EV drivers and steady momentum in future demand.
“Once Irish drivers make the switch, they don’t look back”
Reliability remains a central factor underpinning confidence. Some 97% of EV owners surveyed said their vehicle performs as well as or better than their previous petrol or diesel model.
Day-to-day usability also appears to be broadly in line with expectations, with almost all respondents indicating that their vehicle meets their driving needs most of the time.
Reliability and usability
Derek Reilly of Nevo said the data reflects a clear pattern of long-term satisfaction. “This data proves that once Irish drivers make the switch, they don’t look back.
“The challenge now is addressing the price and education barriers for the 60% of non-EV owners who plan to purchase an EV within the next 24 months. By providing transparency such as real-world range, we can accelerate the transition for the remaining sceptical drivers,” he said.
Irish EV drivers are also reporting regular use on longer journeys. Half of those surveyed said they have completed trips exceeding 400 kilometres in a single journey, while a smaller segment, representing 7%, reported journeys beyond 700 kilometres.
These usage patterns suggest that drivers are incorporating EVs into a wide range of travel needs, including longer distance travel.
Economic factors are playing an increasing role in shaping attitudes among those yet to switch.
The survey found that one-third of non-EV owners cited recent increases in fuel prices as a meaningful factor influencing their consideration of electric vehicles.
Among existing EV drivers, operating costs are seen as a benefit, with nine in ten respondents reporting lower maintenance expenses compared with their previous vehicles.
Despite growing interest, barriers to adoption remain evident. Among the 28.5% of respondents who do not currently own an EV, the primary concerns relate to the initial purchase price, uncertainty about future depreciation, and a preference to wait for further technological development.
The composition of future demand points to a mixed market. Around 34% of respondents indicated they are likely to purchase a used EV, suggesting increasing importance for the second-hand segment. A further 44% said they expect to buy a new electric vehicle when making their next purchase decision, while 23% remain undecided.
The survey also highlights a developing interest in the role of vehicles within the broader energy system.
A total of 92% of EV drivers said they are either interested in using vehicle-to-home technology or would like to learn more about it. This technology enables electric cars to supply power back to the home, offering additional flexibility in energy use. Only 10% of respondents expressed concerns around safety.
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