Nevo has released the results of its Q2 2026 EV Consumer Sentiment Survey, revealing a significant gap between the concerns of drivers considering electric vehicles and the real world experiences of current EV owners in Ireland. The survey gathered responses from more than 1,000 people across every county in Ireland and paints an overwhelmingly positive picture of EV ownership. According to the findings, 94 per cent of current EV owners say they would choose an electric vehicle again if buying a car today, while 97 per cent report that their EV has proven to be as reliable or more reliable than their previous petrol or diesel vehicle.
Speaking about the results, Derek Reilly said the data highlights how attitudes often change once drivers experience EV ownership first hand.
“The findings show that once Irish motorists make the switch to electric, they rarely want to go back,” he said. “The challenge now is helping consumers overcome concerns around price, depreciation, and understanding the technology. Better education and more transparency around real world EV ownership can help accelerate adoption.”
One of the biggest misconceptions addressed by the survey is range anxiety. While concerns around charging and range continue to dominate public debate, almost every EV owner surveyed said their car comfortably meets their day to day driving requirements. Irish EV drivers are also travelling further than many people expect, with half of respondents having completed journeys of more than 400 kilometres in a single trip. Seven per cent said they had travelled more than 700 kilometres in one journey.
Financial considerations continue to play a major role in EV adoption. Around one third of non EV owners said recent increases in fuel prices had significantly influenced their interest in switching to electric. Existing owners also reported strong savings once making the transition, with nine out of ten saying maintenance costs were lower than with their previous combustion engine vehicle.
Despite the high levels of satisfaction among current owners, several barriers continue to slow adoption among drivers who have yet to switch. The survey found the three biggest concerns were the upfront purchase price of EVs, uncertainty around future depreciation, and the desire to wait for newer technology before committing. The used EV market also appears to be gaining traction. More than a third of respondents said they would consider buying a second hand electric vehicle, while 44 per cent intend to purchase a new EV when the time comes to change car. The remaining respondents said they are still undecided.
The survey also points towards growing interest in Vehicle to Home technology, commonly known as V2H, which allows an electric car to supply power back to a home. According to the findings, 92 per cent of EV drivers are either interested in using this technology or want to learn more about it, with very few expressing safety concerns. The results suggest that while scepticism around EVs still exists among some consumers, the experience of existing owners in Ireland is overwhelmingly positive, particularly in relation to reliability, running costs, and everyday usability.
