Mr. Dave McCabe:

My name is Dave McCabe and I represent the Irish Electric Vehicle Owners Association. I wish to address this to the Departments involved. As has been stressed by Deputies Ryan and Dooley, there is a key factor missing in the development of EVs in Ireland, which is the role of the State in setting a coherent and ambitious strategy. The relevant authorities need to bring in the stakeholders and say, "This is what we're going to do, chaps." That is what is missing. We have had efforts by individual bodies, the CER, the ESB, with its engineering prowess, and other interested entities, to try to get this project off the ground. It is happening, but at a snail's pace.

We can forget about the past. The adoption of EVs is really only beginning now because consumers this year are being presented with realistic choices in cars. The Tesla model 3 to be introduced next year will set a price point that will really challenge manufacturers and keep prices down for EVs. Tesla will act as a price cap for manufacturers such as Nissan and Hyundai which will have to stay below that price point. The market will begin to sort the price point issue. We need to ensure running costs are kept very low so that users can see a distinct advantage. Money talks. However, the State must take a role.

Ireland is unique in Europe. It is small; one only has to drive 300 km before ending up in the sea. Therefore, a huge battery is not needed. Range anxiety in this country will not be an issue within the next two years. Electric vehicles can meet 90% of people's requirements for private motoring. The debate is over. The VHS versus Betamax cassette tape debate is finished. It is battery electric vehicles. The technology is rapidly ramping up. We will see 50 kW batteries within the next year and a range of 400 km.

I make the plea that the State, through its Departments, must actively promote this process. Only through this process will we see a dramatic change in this situation.