Survey reveals more NI drivers likely to purchase an electric vehicle than ever before

Results published from a recent survey carried out on behalf of the FASTER Project has revealed that 55% of motorists living in Northern Ireland are likely to choose a battery electric vehicle when purchasing their next car.

Almost 900 drivers took part in this survey which demonstrates intentions to move away from petrol and diesel fuelled vehicles.

Drivers and transport users from across Scotland, NI and ROI were invited to participate in the survey conducted by Glasgow based, Transport Research Partners with the aims to uncover any changes in attitudes to zero emission vehicle use over the past 12 months.

Further statistics reveal 94% of battery electric vehicle owners are likely to purchase another zero emissions vehicle in the future. Additionally, the survey revealed 88% of existing electric vehicle owners have access to charging facilities at home and 90% of owners charge their vehicle at home just once each week.

Having launched one year ago, the FASTER project is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles. Match-funding for the project has also been provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department for Transport in Ireland as well as Transport Scotland.

The key aim of the project is to deliver an interoperable 73 rapid charging stations across Western Scotland, NI and the RoI border region before the end of October 2023.

Cllr Michelle Hall, chair of East Border Region who are leading the project, stated: “We are delighted in East Border Region to be at the forefront of this exciting and much needed project. The results from the survey illustrate that the 73 rapid chargers the FASTER project will bring to the three project jurisdictions of NI, the border region of RoI and Western Scotland are vital to developing our EV infrastructure and will be well utilised. We look forward to reporting on project progress as we proceed with procurement in each jurisdiction.”

Donal Monaghan, behavioural change project officer at South West College, added: “This past 12 months has been one of the most challenging periods for motorists and transport users with fuel shortages, price increases and the rising cost of living. Not only does the survey reveal that across the project areas 54% of all motorists are strongly considering the switch to electric vehicles, over 1300 of those surveyed reflected that their awareness of electric vehicles had improved this past year with 59% of all respondents confirming that they had taken a test drive in a vehicle not powered by traditional fuels.

“South West College is leading an educational programme to promote the recognised benefits of electric vehicles and to dispel any persisting myths or inaccuracies. We have developed a series of monthly webinars led by respected automotive industry professionals which are designed to answer key questions around electric vehicle use and ownership and we engage with a range of industry organisations and user groups to determine new methods to promote the technology.”

Over the coming months South West College will work alongside councils in NI and the RoI to assist them with the development of their own fleet and electric vehicle infrastructure strategies.