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Independent report finds Electrifying Ireland’s vehicle fleet a ‘huge challenge’

Independent report finds Electrifying Ireland’s vehicle fleet a ‘huge challenge’

A new independent report released by Arup and economist Jim Power highlighted the huge challenge faced in order to reduce light fleet carbon emissions to achieve Government targets.

A key environmental policy to have almost a million electric vehicles (EVs) on the road by 2030 will be a huge challenge unless the Government incentivises and supports dealing with the oldest polluting cars, while exponentially increasing the charging infrastructure nationwide. 

The independent report which was commissioned for The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) finds the ambition to sell nearly a million electric vehicles by 2030 is extremely challenging. Supply disruptions wrought by Covid-19, Brexit and the global chip supply shortage, combined with potential rare mineral shortages keeping battery prices high, has further delayed the availability of electric vehicles. 

Economist Jim Power who co-authored said “To sell 945,000 electric and low emitting vehicles by 2030, in line with Government policy is an extremely ambitious target. Ireland is a relatively small right-hand-drive economy and has a slower and smaller supply chain with around 120,000 new car sales per annum (pre-Covid-19) and an average car fleet age of 9 years (2021). The Industry faces numerous challenges global supply chain issues, used car supply scarcity, Brexit disruptions, rising motoring costs. For Ireland to achieve close to the 2030 target both economic and financial fundamentals need to be present. Government support is essential in creating this business environment, through EV grant subsidies, incentives and supporting infrastructure investment which will encourage consumers to take action and expedite sales.”

To download the report and read the full press release please click here.

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