Matthew Sealy
Chairperson, Irish Electric Vehicle Association
When we look at the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and transition, sustainability is a key aspect that needs to continuously improve and come in many facets. So, what does part of this look like?
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption in 2025 has recovered from a poor 2024 and is on a 38% increase in BEV sales. We can account for part of this shift in 2025 to be an upward trajectory in choice, all while affordability and price parity are starting to make their impact on the initial up-front costs. Used EV vehicle prices are stabilising, as per Donedeal Motors’ H1 2025 Price Index. Infrastructure has been steadily increasing; our figures show a 30% increase in charge points since the start of the year.
Choose a vehicle that suits your needs
‘The customer is always right in matters of taste’ only works when BEV choice and availability are there — crucial for mass-adoption beyond sustainability or price concerns. Buying a vehicle you want that suits your actual needs and not the closest fit due to limited vehicle choice or Infrastructure concerns led to over-buying on battery size of more expensive vehicles in the past — something we are starting to move past.
Right-sizing for the right fit leads to less waste.
Choice means that our cities can now have small city cars or BEV buses; those in rural areas or travelling for work are now getting choice in range and performance at affordable prices. Right-sizing for the right fit leads to less waste.
More accessible community charging
Beyond the vehicles, charging gullies are now being installed in Northern Ireland, allowing cables to be safely placed in channels in a footpath and providing accessible charging close to home. This is something we want and expect to follow in the Republic of Ireland.
The Shared Charging scheme will allow for charge point sharing within a community, reducing the time when commercial EV charge points would be idle, making these units commercially viable while providing the required needs of the community, increasing community awareness and adoption rates. Both allow local charging to become easy, acceptable and sustainable as electrification continues to work as the best option for mass mobility.
