As we look toward the future of transportation in Ireland, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming increasingly inevitable. However, as worldwide EV sales increased in 2024, some countries, including Ireland, reported lower EV purchases compared to 2023.
In 2025, there are more EV options available than ever to the people of Mullingar. But is switching to an EV the right decision for you? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide.
PROS
1. Lower operating costs
Electric cars are significantly cheaper to run compared to traditional hybrid, petrol or diesel vehicles. Charging an EV at home costs far less than refuelling with petrol, and this is especially beneficial for those that frequently drive short distances. With the rise in home charging infrastructure, local drivers can benefit from lower electricity prices, and the number of public charging stations is steadily increasing around the country as well as their charging speed. If you have solar panels on your house, this will decrease the cost of running your car even further.
Maintenance costs are also lower because electric motors have fewer moving parts and don’t require services like oil changes, exhaust/DPF issues and timing belts. As a result, long-term savings are significant.
2. Environmental benefits
One of the most compelling reasons to make the switch to an EV is the environmental impact. Electric vehicles emit zero tailpipe emissions, helping reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. By switching to an electric car, you can contribute to cleaner air and a reduction in harmful greenhouse gases. Other positives are lower noise and a complete reduction in noxious fumes.
3. Government incentives and grants
2025 brings a slew of government-backed incentives to encourage the adoption of electric cars. The Irish government continues to offer grants for home chargers and the purchase of new EVs. Buyers of new electric vehicles are eligible for a SEAI grant of up to €3,500. This is more attractive now that the price gap between a petrol / diesel car and an EV has already narrowed significantly.
A common concern for potential EV owners is the range of the vehicle. However, advancements in battery technology mean that even mid-range EVs are now capable of driving 300-400 km on a single charge. This is more than enough for daily commuting in the midlands, and for longer journeys, there is an expanding network of fast chargers. Mullingar has several fast charging points and more are planned for 2025 around the country.
5. Convenience
For those that can charge at home, the convenience of being able to fuel your vehicle whenever you want without having to drive to a petrol station is understated. If you opt for nightly charging, your vehicle will be full every morning ready for the day’s work, and cheaper again if you have night-rate electricity.
Many EVs now have the ability to provide power to external devices using Vehicle-To-Load technology (V2L). This is fantastic for family outings like camping, doing remote work with power tools and more importantly providing a backup when there is a power outage and you need to power the critical appliances in your house.
CONS
1. Higher initial purchase price
While there are attractive government incentives and discounts available from dealers in Mullingar, the upfront cost of an electric vehicle is generally higher than that of a comparable petrol or diesel car. While prices are dropping as technology advances, a new EV can still be up to €5,000-€10,000 more expensive than a similar non-electric model. However, even with the up front extra cost, the long term cost savings still deliver a lower total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Resale values of EVs have been under pressure lately mostly due to the lowering price of new EVs and fears from those that usually purchase second hand.
However, that means it’s possible to find some excellent value in the second hand market. EV warranties which include battery performance are amongst the best in the market, for example, Kia has a 7 year warranty and the Toyota BZ4X offers 10 years or 1 million kilometres (with T&C).
While the charging network is improving, there are still instances where charging stations may be scarce in rural or less-developed areas. This would only be an issue for those that cannot charge at home or at work.
Though home charging is a great option for many, not everyone has the ability to install a charger, particularly renters or those without off-road parking. In these cases, relying on public chargers may become cumbersome, especially if the stations are frequently occupied or not working.
SEAI offer a grant of €300 towards the cost of purchasing and installing an EV home charging unit, with some car dealers offering it for free. For those that may be provided an EV for work, a Benefit-in-Kind exemption will apply from 1 January 2025 for the provision of electric vehicle chargers at home.
3. Long charging times
EVs still face a disadvantage in charging time compared to the quicker refuel times of petrol and diesel cars. Even with fast-charging stations, it can take 30 to 40 minutes to get an 80% charge from empty, which may not be convenient during long trips or on busy days. For drivers who are accustomed to filling up their tanks in just a few minutes, this could be a hassle.
However, experience suggests that most usage of route based fast chargers involves charging just enough to get home which can be a mere few minutes. With longer range vehicles becoming the norm, origin and destination based fast-charging will become more prevalent. One of the furthest destinations from Mullingar is Mizen Head, a distance of 362km. Most new EVs can make this on a single charge before leaving home.
4. Limited model variety
While the EV market has expanded significantly, there are still fewer options available when compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars. Though this is changing rapidly, car buyers might find the selection to be somewhat limited in certain categories like larger SUVs. As more manufacturers enter the EV market, the variety of available models will increase.
Conclusion
Switching to an electric vehicle offers numerous benefits, from environmental sustainability to long-term savings on fuel and maintenance. With 2025 bringing attractive offers from local car dealerships, including discounts, grants, and financing options, the shift to electric cars is becoming an increasingly viable choice. However, the higher initial costs, limited charging infrastructure (for now), and long charging times remain hurdles for a few. Ultimately, the decision to switch to an EV depends on your specific driving habits, access to charging, and willingness to embrace the future of motoring.
With continued advancements in technology and infrastructure, the future for electric vehicles in Mullingar looks promising.