Attitudes on the island to electric vehicles explored in new study
People who have made the switch to electric vehicles have been reporting both positive and negative experiences.
That is according to a new survey.
Go Plugable carried out the research across the island of Ireland.
The company's chief Maebh Reynolds says there are some reasons why people may be nervous about making the switch to electric vehicles.
"I think a lot comes down to range anxiety and where to charge the vehicle. The majority of those who changed over did it for 'green' reasons.
"We've identified the main issue is where someone doesn't have access to home charging - that means you have to fully rely on public infrastructure."
She has added that there is a common way many owners are getting around the lack of public charging points.
"A lot of current EV drivers do have home charging - we found the majority of those drivers don't rely on public infrastructure.
"It can cost around £1,000 to install that."
In response to issues highlighted in the survey, including charge point anxiety caused by poor public charging infrastructure, nearly 28% of EV owners surveyed are considering switching back to fossil fuelled cars.
"A lot of our drivers really love the experience - knowing they're taking the greener step," said Maebh.
"Unfortunately for that 28%, they have considered it, they've had a negative experience.
"There are some issues for those - two years ago, largely public charging was free - but those prices have been rising."
She says whilst hybrid vehicles are the future for us in some form, there is still work to do.
"EVs are getting more efficient - the manufacturing is becoming more sustainable.
"But there's still a lot to do in terms of public education and misinformation about EVs."
"Charging ability at the workplace is going to be something that will help the charging experience - and we are seeing plenty of workplaces providing that."