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Misinformation and myths are slowing down the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ireland. The disconnect between perception and reality poses a real challenge for the EV market.
Only fully licensed drivers can drive on a motorway in this country. You must not enter a motorway if: you are a learner driver or do not hold a full licence for the category of vehicle you are driving; your vehicle cannot travel or maintain a speed of at least 50kmh; your vehicle has an engine capacity of 50cc or less; your vehicle does not use inflated tyres; you are walking, cycling or moving animals; or you drive a motorised wheelchair.
In the annals of automotive history, few scandals have reverberated as profoundly as Dieselgate. In September 2015, the German carmaker Volkswagen admitted using software to cheat on emissions tests. The fallout was swift and severe, tarnishing Volkswagen’s reputation, triggering massive recalls, and resulting in billions of euros in fines and settlements.
Uncertainty in the car market continues as Chinese disruptors enter the market at a rapid pace while European carmakers struggle to compete. Earlier this year, the company that created the first car, Mercedes, rolled back on plans to sell only electric vehicles “where market conditions allow” by 2030, instead pledging “to cater to different customer needs, whether it’s an all-electric drivetrain or an electrified combustion engine, until well into the 2030s”. The carmaker now expects EVs to make up just 50pc of total sales by 2030. Meanwhile, electric car sales have slowed in Ireland...
Our motoring editor answers your questions on buying trends and EVs