'Not enjoyable, batteries a fire risk, not enough charging points': Cork motorists on EVs
Range anxiety and a shortage of charging points across the country are some of the concerns cited by motorists in Cork when asked about electric vehicles (EVs).
Following news of a sharp decline in electric car sales — overall purchases of new electric cars fell by 14.4% in the first three months of this year in contrast to 2023 — the decided to get a snapshot of the public mood.
Jacinta Bransfield from White’s Cross said she was worried about the battery.
“There are a lot of stories about the batteries going on fire and knowing where to recycle them could be an issue. My husband does a lot of long-distance driving and getting to the power points takes a long time when you are on a long journey. There isn’t a lot of information available on them and the expense is also a big factor.”
Simon Lee from Ballincollig might consider a hybrid model.
“I was working as a mechanic for about 15 years. It’s a possibility that if I am moving on I will go for a hybrid for economical reasons. It’s self-charge as well as plug in. In my opinion, that’s the way to go because people get mileage anxiety. I know someone who got a fully electric Jag and he is after trading that in against a hybrid C90 Volvo. He feels way better about it. There is more peace of mind. It’s difficult when the battery runs out.
Anthony O’Byrne from Blackpool thinks a lack of charging points are a worry.
“I don’t like them one bit. I do a fair bit of driving. On a long journey you have to stop and charge. At some stage you’d probably need to take a generator in the back, especially in the kind of places I go which are in the middle of nowhere. I go to Kerry an awful lot and there are barely any charging points down there. It would be a big worry for me because if I was stuck in the likes of Caherdaniel there is nowhere to charge up your car. I’ve had no bother with the petrol car I have. We might consider a hybrid but that would be pushing it.”
Louise Keenan from Knocknaheeny in Cork City is fearful of running out of power. “I have six children. My three youngest are all autistic. If your battery runs out and you are trying to explain to neurodiverse children, it’s too much for them to handle. This is guaranteed to lead to meltdowns.
Christina Cambridge from Cork City believes driving an EV would not be as "enjoyable".
“Electric cars are powerful but there is no enjoyment in driving them. They are automatic. They are literally doing everything for you. I know the whole idea of a car is getting from a to b but getting from a to b should be enjoyable.”
Tony Sheehan sees the benefits of EVs.
“I drive a Skova Octavia. There are benefits to electric cars with the cost of petrol and diesel, but I’ve heard of problems with batteries going on fire in them. I’d have to be sure that the safety is up to date in them. They are also very expensive so it’s something I would have to think about. I’ve heard of people travelling from Cork to Dublin who didn’t have enough charging points on the motorway.”
Despite being too young to drive, Tony’s son’s Daniel (9) added: “I don’t know what car I’m going to get when I grow up but I think that all cars in the future are going to be electric. Electric cars are better for the environment and you don’t have to spend money trying to buy diesel and petrol.”