More than eight in ten Irish motorists don’t believe the national target of 945,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030 will be achieved, writes Brian Byrne. In a poll of 5,000 motorists carried out on behalf smart mobility services specialist Easytrip, the main barriers to them buying an EV are the high purchase price, the status of the public charging network, and the driving range. The recent increases in the cost of electricity has also emerged as a factor, although low running costs remain the top reason to buy an EV, according to the survey. Some 34pc of respondents said they are considering the purchase of a new car during this 231 registration period. Almost four in ten of these are looking to hybrids, 27pc are considering EVs, and 23pc diesel. Just 9pc are looking at straight petrol cars.