Electric vehicle (EV) adoption among Northern Irish drivers lagging, according to a recent survey

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption among Northern Irish drivers lagging, according to a recent survey

The transition towards zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) is gathering pace in the United Kingdom, with significant steps being taken to increase the adoption of electric and other emission-free vehicles.

The Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, a government initiative, sets out the percentage of new ZEVs manufacturers across the UK will be required to produce each year, up to 2030. The target for ZEV production was 22% in 2024, and it has now been raised to 28% in the current year. By 2030, 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in the UK will need to be ZEVs, with the figure reaching 100% by 2035.

In Northern Ireland (NI), the Stormont assembly passed legislation in October 2024, setting sales quotas for car manufacturers to meet for ZEVs from January 2025. However, there is no specific record indicating which car manufacturers in NI have set electric vehicle sales quotas to comply with this legislation. The UK government’s overall ZEV mandate for 2025 requires 28% of new cars and 16% of new vans sold to be electric, implying that manufacturers across the UK, including NI, are expected to meet these targets.

A recent survey in NI revealed that 88% of people in the country are not ready for electric vehicles, while almost 80% believe the planned 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars is too soon. However, 65% of respondents also believe the government should provide grants and tax benefits to encourage motorists to switch to electric vehicles.

The fourth annual CiTTi Awards, recognising achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure, will take place on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. For more information about the CiTTi Awards, visit www.cittiawards.co.uk.

The survey did not provide any new information about the timeline for phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK and NI, nor did it specify the number of people surveyed outside of Northern Ireland. Furthermore, it did not provide any new information about the sales quotas for car manufacturers set by the Stormont assembly or the current status or progress of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.

Despite the challenges and concerns, the move towards ZEVs in the UK and NI is undeniably gaining traction. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how manufacturers adapt to the increasing demand for emission-free vehicles and how the public's readiness for electric vehicles evolves over time.

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