Mr. Brian Cooke:

We will see an increase in EV sales next year. The economic outlook is good and suggests that it could support a new car market of close to 130,000 vehicles. It will probably be less than 120,000 because of the supply issues, however. The share of EVs will increase. Regarding pure EVs, we might expect that segment of the market to account for between 13% and 15% of the market, which suggests that 15,000 EVs will be sold next year. The semiconductor issue, however, may mean that we will have strong sales of cars with 222 number plates from July to December 2022.

Regarding the question of the second-hand market, if we succeed, and next year will be a challenge, then 2023, 2024 and 2025 will probably determine when we have an active second-hand market for EVs. If we can do well in those years, then we can bring forward the date for the advent of an active second-hand market by several years. I assume the other part of the Deputy’s question referred to people in rural areas who have to travel longer distances, and whose major issue is range anxiety. In that regard, newer EVs clearly have improved range. Again, however, the other facet of range anxiety is the ability to charge. In the context of charging in Ireland, though, I point out that not every country has the home charger grant support. It is to the credit of the Government and the SEAI that we have that measure in place. It is vital that support remains in place. Regarding our sales figures, just under 50% this year have been in Dublin and the rest were around the country. We have, though, sold EVs in every county this year.